Somewhere in Time

Indigo... Again

"i***t," Kagome said with fondness after hearing Inuyasha's awkward apology when she returned to Kaede's village. She really couldn't hate him, much less blame him for running to Kikyo that night. The resounding laughter of their friends embarrassed him further, making his cheeks flush in deep pink.

"Kagome-sama, where's your dependable yellow backpack?" Miroku asked as he eyed the dark green burlap that she brought to carry her things.

The priestess grinned sheepishly. "Well, um... there was a tear at the bottom. Mama promised to fix it so I'm using this for now." I can't let them know what happened last night, she told herself quietly. Her mind wandered as she idly watched her friends fight over the food she brought from her time, and the face of the dog demon lord suddenly trespassed her thoughts. What was Sesshomaru doing at the Bone Eater's Well? Was he... concerned? Kagome shook her head. Impossible. The daiyoukai had no such feelings for humans.

On the other hand, he allowed the child Rin to follow him, he even protected her so many times. So was it really impossible for him to show concern?

"Rest tonight," Inuyasha told everyone as he animatedly feasted on his favorite ramen. "We will resume the shard-hunting tomorrow."

Gradually, the chatter inside Kaede's hut died down as each retired to sleep. Kagome pulled Shippo close in her sleeping bag, feeling the warmth of the kitsune embrace the gathering cold around them.

In between waking and dreaming, the ethereal indigo crescent moon lurked in her subconscious, lulling her to oblivion.