Where My Heart Lies

Sango awoke late the next day. The night previous, she and Miroku had frantically searched the nearby woods for Kagome after Shippo had returned and told them of what happened when he went to speak with InuYasha. She recalled the relief that flooded through her when InuYasha had come and told them that Kagome was safe and with him. He had muttered something about how they needed some time to themselves, and then cursed at Miroku for the knowing look the monk had given him.

Sango was glad that things were going so well for her two friends. It had been obvious to her, Shippo and Miroku what the other two felt for each other, and she was happy that things were finally coming together for her friends. But still, something lingered in her mind. She was afraid for Kagome, not only for the powers that she now knew the girl wielded thanks to Kaede, who had returned that morning and told them about Kagome, but also for the trust that she knew the younger girl put in the hanyou. Sango knew that InuYasha loved Kagome, but Kikyou was a fixed image in the half demons heart. Was he finally able to let her go, and let the love he felt for Kagome in? Sango wasn't sure.

The exterminator rose and stretched. Quickly dressing herself in her robes, she started to tidy up her sleeping place when Shippo burst in.

"InuYasha brought Kagome back!! They're in the village now!"

Sango rushed out with Shippo, eager to see her friend once again in good spirits. She wasn't disappointed. Kagome jogged over to Sango with her infectious smile spreading across her face. Wrapping their arms around each other, they stood in the middle of the path in a sisterly embrace.

"Kagome, we were so worried about you. Are you ok now?"

Kagome nodded.

"Yes, forgive me." She pulled away to face her dearest friend. "I was having a hard time, I should have talked with someone... but..." She trailed off. Sango nodded, now knowing what Kagome had been dealing with. She gave her quick squeeze again, then held her at arms length.

"I know, Kaede told us. We're here for you Kagome. Always."

Kagome dipped her head. "Thank you"

She was nearly toppled over when Shippo flung himself into her arms. The kitsune was ecstatic that he could no longer sense the depression that had held his Kagome for so long. InuYasha might be a bully, but he made Kagome happy.

"Kagome! I'm so glad you're ok! We searched and searched for you, but we couldn't find you. But InuYasha came back and said he found you. Are you ok?" Shippo's eyes searched her face.

Kagome hugged Shippo to her. Standing, she set him down again and beamed a genuine smile at the little demon.

"Yup, I'm much better!"

Shippo fairly jumped with glee and grasped Kagome's hand. He dragged her down the path, telling her of new things he had learned while she had been 'ill'. It was his way of referring to her behavior over the past week. Kagome's laugh rang through the air. Along their way to whatever destination Shippo had in mind, they passed Miroku. Kagome beamed at her friend, and waved. Unfortunately, Shippo would not allow any longer of a delay. Kagome mouthed a heartfelt 'Thank you' to the monk as the little fox tugged her away. Her best friend was Sango, doubtlessly, but she also had a special friendship with the houshi. In times she was frustrated with the miko powers or sometimes with the idea of living up to being Kikyou's reincarnation, she had found Miroku unexpectedly comforting. He sat, listened, and then just talked her through the issue. Lecherous he might be, but he was definitely a true friend.

Miroku headed on a walked towards Sango and InuYasha, who were still standing by the hut.

"So, she's much better now. She told you then InuYasha?"

The hanyou gave a small nod in affirmation.

"She told me about the bloodline last night. I heard about the Master and that this morning. He's still after her."

Sango glanced at Miroku. InuYasha hadn't said anything about the well. That meant Kagome hadn't told him yet. The exterminator sighed mentally. The longer her friend put this off, the worse it would be, she was sure. But now, with what Kagome was currently dealing with, Sango didn't want to say anything. Instead, she listened intently as InuYasha told the two what Kagome had relayed to him about the dreams that had tormented her for the past week.

The three concluded that they would have to keep a special watch on their young friend, as well as keep a sharp eye out for any sign of this Master that was so enthralled with Kagome.

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Kagome met Kaede that night in the now snow-covered clearing where they trained. Kaede eyed the girl with some concern.

"Kagome, are ye truly all right? I understand ye... had troubles while I was gone."

Kagome smiled at her sensei, and inclined her head respectively.

"Yes Kaede. I was upset before and I didn't deal very well. Even now, I'm still having trouble processing it, and accepting it, I guess. But now I don't feel alone. I have my friends."

Kaede saw the truth in the young woman's words and smiled. The child was strong enough to bear the gift, and the burden, of her blood, as well as be honest about it. That was good.

Kaede knew that Kagome had not trained since the priestess had left the week previously. Kaede was unsure of how much of her students powers had been restrained by the amulet she now wore, but they would soon find out. Kaede crossed the center of the circle and cleared away an area of snow to kneel across from Kagome.

"All right, child. Let's start with the meditation."

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Later that night, InuYasha found Kagome along the path to the God tree. As he walked up behind her, he could here her cursing and swearing, could smell the frustration off her. What the hell...? Kagome rarely swore, and now she was doing enough of it to make the rowdiest sailor blush. He placed a hand on her shoulder and gave her a questioning look when she turned to face him.

Kagome knew it was InuYasha. Becoming so attune to his presence, she had sensed him before he reached out to her. She was frustrated with herself, as well as with the amulet that she wore. InuYasha looked worried, so she gave him a small smile that ended up looking more like grimace.

"What the hell is your problem? You plannin' on tryin' to make me look tame or somethin'?" The question was good natured.

Kagome looked at him strangely for a moment, then laughed when she realized what he had been talking about.

"No, I'm just aggravated! Because of this thing," She indicated to her new necklace," my powers are pretty much cut in half. I can still levitate some things, but not of the same weight I did before. And not to mention those energy orbs I made, now I can't make them as powerful, or as large." She looked up to him, discouraged.

"They're about the size of Shippo, maybe a little bigger. So if we get attacked by something, I can take out a toe. Yay." The end of her statement dripped with sarcasm.

They started to walk again, Kagome with her hands in the pockets of her dark jeans, InuYasha with his hands crossed into his haori.

"Well, it's no big deal really. I can still protect you." Kagome noted the slightly injured tone in his voice.

"It's not that, it's just I feel so... useless without them now. You know what it's like to have the Tetseiga, and your powers. Imagine what it's like to have them taken away from you."

"I don't have to imagine it. It's called the night of the first full moon." InuYasha's sarcasm matched Kagome's earlier tone.

She chuckled. It was easy for her to forget that InuYasha even had a weak moment. Even when he was without his powers, he was brave and strong. She linked his arm into his, laying her head on his shoulder.

"Sorry..."

"Yeah well, you can be a bit of an idiot, so I won't hold it against you." he teased, trying to sound gruff.

Kagome pulled away, laughing at him. She pushed him, light heartedly.

"You jerk!"

This sent them into the light banter that they now enjoyed. It was like some strange version of flirting. It ended as they reached the God tree. Unknown to the other, both hearts warmed upon seeing it, encased in their own special memories.

InuYasha grasped Kagome's hand as an idea struck him.

"I could teach you how to use a sword."

Kagome shot him an incredulous look. "A sword? Me? You'd let me into hand to hand combat?"

The hanyou huffed. "I didn't say that. But at least you'd be able to protect yourself... just in case. Cause the gods know you sure as hell don't listen to me if I tell you to stay back."

Kagome smiled at the idea, considering it for a moment. She wouldn't have to depend on her restrained powers, and using a sword would come in handy.

Kagome nodded and linked her arm with his once again.

"I think it's a good idea. Thank you."

InuYasha looked at her and gave small smile before returning his gaze to the tree. He wasn't sure about this idea. He didn't want Kagome to put herself in danger, which she was almost guaranteed to do with a blade in her hands. But he didn't want her defenseless either. A sword could help her if her powers weren't up to par, and anything should happen to himself.

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The days past swiftly, turning into weeks and soon it was the 'Christmas Time' that Kagome had told them about the first year she arrived. Knowing, although for two different reasons, that the girl couldn't return to her home as she normally would, her comrades plotted of a way to bring this 'christmas' thing to her. InuYasha and Miroku went to find a 'christmas tree', although they were not quite sure what one looked like. They brought back a tree that was still green, knowing that it matched Kagome's description of the tree that still had leaves. On the night of 'christmas eve', while Kagome was training with Kaede, they put it up in the hut they shared, decorating it with some of the coloring paper that Kagome had brought back for Shippo that he hadn't used, as well as trinkets and ornaments they had gathered during their travels.

They sat by the small fire and appreciated their work. Soon Kagome would enter.

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Kagome walked back from her training disheartened. She hadn't wanted to go for a walk that night. It was Christmas Eve, and she wasn't able to spend it with her family. Her eyes filled up a little at the image of her mother, Sota, and her Grandpa sitting around the Christmas tree. She sighed and rubbed her eyes with one hand as she placed the other on the door of the hut. Pulling it away, she entered the single large room.

Kagome's eyes widened with shock. Before her stood, of all things, a Christmas tree. The firelight danced and twinkled in the reflection of the delicate ornaments, the colored paper seem to come alive. She cast her bright gaze to her friends who stood just to the side, beaming at her.

"Oh, guys....!" Her eyes started to well up with happy, unexpected tears. "Thank you!"

She ran and hugged each of them. Shippo starting telling her of how they had come up with the idea, and how they had pulled it off. Kagome's eyes remained bright as he told his story. She looked at the grinning group.

"You guys, this is amazing!" She held out her hands, "But I don't have anything to give you in return..."

Sango, Miroku and Shippo shook their heads and smiled. "You don't have to give us anything Kagome. You have given us a lot already." Miroku spoke for the group.

Shippo looked slyly at her for a moment before announcing that Kaede had asked him to go over some herbs with her, and that she also wanted Miroku and Sango to go as well. This was part of their plan to strengthen the ties between Kagome and InuYasha. Miroku shot InuYasha a 'look' that the hanyou ignored. The hanyou knew what the trio was up to. He didn't believe Shippo for a minute.

Kagome was absolutely overcome by the heartfelt gesture of her friends and therefore didn't notice. Sitting down by the fire, she gazed at the tree. She knew she was incredibly lucky to call these people her friends, and adopted family. A few tears of joy escaped and made their way down her face.

InuYasha unceremoniously flopped next her.

"Why are you crying now? We thought this would make you happy."

"I am happy, baka." she answered, flippantly.

"Then why the tears? You're weird. And might I add, I did want a gift this year. You forgot about me." InuYasha made a sorrowful attempt to sound grave. Kagome swatted him.

"Oh, shut up. You know better." She gave him a mischievous glance. She picked off a twig that had grown up through the floorboards, and still had snowberries.

"What's that for?" InuYasha was wary. The last time she looked like that, he had ended up looking like a drowned rat.

"Improvised mistletoe..." She shot back at him, before gently grabbing his osuwari beads and pulling him to kiss her. Taken back, InuYasha was hesitant at first. Then, as her lips melded to his, he softened and encircled her with his arms. They held each other gently, but as his mouth moved against hers, they both felt a pleasant tautness deep in their bellies. The kiss only lasted a moment, but the warmth and tingling it left lasted much longer.

The sensation gave Kagome delicate shivers, and made her a little nervous. When she pulled away, the impish look still hadn't left her. Before she released her hold on the beads, she gave them a little tug.

"Merry Christmas. Now shut up before I make better use of these."

InuYasha snapped a glare in her direction before she curled into him. They gazed at the fire, his cheek resting against her head.

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Miroku waited until Shippo had disappeared into Kaede's hut. Before Sango could follow the kitsune, he grabbed hold of her wrist. She turned to him with a cagey look glowing in her eyes.

"What...?"

Miroku pulled his hand away, slightly offended. Did he really grope her that much that everything he did made her suspicious?

"Follow me for a moment... I want to show you something." He took her hand again and started to walk towards a secluded area, encircled with small trees, behind the huts. Sango put up a mild resistance.

"Monk, don't think for a moment that just because Kagome says at 'christmas' everyone loves each other that you can get away with your lecherous ways with me."

Miroku dropped her hand again and frowned at her. For a moment, Sango thought that he had actually been hurt by her comment. If he wasn't such a lecher, she would have been sure of it.

"It's nothing like that. I promise. Please? Just trust me." Miroku held out his hand again, this time a look of sincerity graced his features. She placed her hand in his, feeling a little guilty for her words, and followed him as he led her to the nearest tiny clearing.

Once they stopped, the monk turned to face her. Holding both of Sango's hands in his, Miroku took a deep breath.

" Sango... you are a dear friend. I admire you, and am... " He dropped his gaze for a moment, unsure of himself, " quite fond of you. I... I have something for you."

He raised his eyes to hers again before reaching into the folds of his robe. When he withdrew his fist he cupped her hand and dropped the small gift into her palm. When she opened her hand, she saw a small circular stone that was colored with swirls of purple and white. There was a small inscription on either of its two sides. One said 'strength', the other 'beauty'. There was a tiny hole drilled in through the top of the smooth surface, the stone would hang from a length of woven black silk.

"Miroku..." In her disbelief, his name was carried only on her breath.

"I know that you don't wear jewelry. It's probably not something you would really consider. But when I saw it, I immediately thought of you. I had to get it for you."

"No, it's beautiful. Thank you, but I don't deserve such gifts..." Sango blushed, and although she already adored the simple necklace, she went to give it back to him. Taking the strand from her hand, Miroku surprised her by reaching his hands around her shoulders and tying the strands together around her neck. The pendant fell just below the folds for her robes.

"You do, and you should not feel otherwise."

Sango looked up into his adoring amethyst eyes. Her blush deepened when she realized that he had yet to take his hands from around her shoulders. An impulsive thought shot through her mind. Without a second thought, she seized it and followed where it led. Gently taking hold of an edge of the monks robes, Sango stood up on tiptoe and pressed her mouth to his. Miroku paused for a moment, unsure of what he should do. Nervousness settled in Sangos mind for only a fleeting moment, then parted again when his arms shifted to encircle her waist. The embers of a hesitant feeling that she did not yet dare call love started to smolder. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she deepened the kiss. Several moments passed as they stood entwined. When the kiss finally broke, both were graced with slightly flushed cheeks and a shortness of breath.

Miroku was ecstatic. He had cared deeply for Sango for a very long time, yet she never seemed to fully return his affections. With, of course, the exception of causing him some form of bodily damage if he happened to make advances on a pretty girl. But he had always figured that was just to keep him in line. Now he knew it was otherwise.

As much as his body wanted to take the beloved woman and show her everything he felt, his heart realized that it was not yet time. He knew that she still had obstacles to overcome, and that she was not yet ready for any proud declarations of love. Gently, as though she were the most delicate flower, for to him she was, he took her hand and led her from their little haven. Their walk back to the hut that Kagome and InuYasha were still in was slow and wordless. Sango was shocked at her own behavior, but was reassured by Miroku's actions. Her hand tightened in a now shy show of affection. Miroku squeezed back and smiled. This was right.

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As the two couples reveled in each other, each in their own blissful worlds, the small cat demon strode unseen out of Kaede's hut. She had followed Shippo and had fallen asleep. Now, something had tickled her nose and disturbed her sleep. Reaching the end of the village, the tiny cat stood and sniffed at the air. She did not transform, but the fur on the back of her neck bristled and she released a small growl. There was a familiar scent carried on the wind. Kirara knew that the source was too far away to be of concern, or even to think that it would come the way of her human companion and her friends. Her feline mind decided to leave it for the moment. She sensed that all was good in the village for now, and there was no real threat. Turning, she saw her human and her friend enter the hut they normally resided in. Trotting, her tiny feet shortened the distance and she entered the dwelling where the humans took their rest. Curling into a small ball next to Sango's neck, Kirara let peaceful sleep overtake her.

If there had been a reason to be concerned, she would have certainly let her human know. For the little feline knew that the presence of the source of the scent would only cause trouble.


A/N: Sorry about the delay in posting. I've been in school and have had little time to write or post. I'm not even sure if the people that were originally interested in this are still watching for updates. I'm also having really bad writer's block. I know where I want to go with this, but I think I might have written myself into a bit of a corner.... Well, I'll do the best I can. Enjoy, Comments and critiques are appreciated and welcomed. TTFN Silverstar