Vacation

At the well Inuyasha tossed up two backpacks then with Kagome on his back, jumped out. Kagome was going to be his side of the well for a while. She had some kind of school vacation and didn't have to go back for a few days. In fact, they were all going to have a vacation from searching for the Shikon Jewel.

Inuyasha let Kagome slip off his back then picked up the bags. "Hmph, I'm surprised the others aren't here waiting for you." No sooner had the words left his mouth that their friends appeared walking up the hill.

"Hey everyone! I brought some goodies for you – all your favorites and I made sure that Inuyasha didn't touch them." Kagome laughed with delight as Shippo raced across the green grass then jumped into her arms.

"Gee Kagome, I'm sure going to miss you! Do I have to go with Sango and Miroku?" The little fox demon pouted up at her.

Kagome's eyes twinkled. "Now Shippo you know Sango will need you to protect her from Miroku's wandering hands and you'll be able to play with Kirara any time you want! Think of all the exploring you'll get to do at the Demon Slayer's village – it will be an adventure. I know Sango's really counting on you." The girl touched her forehead to the fox's with a gentle smile.

Shippo sighed. "Yeah okay." The young demon turned to look at Miroku with a tired expression. "Miroku I wish you could control yourself better!" Shippo hopped out of Kagome's arms and jumped over to the monk's shoulder then bopped him on the head.

Miroku looked affronted. "You guys, I'm not that bad!" At their stern looks he blinked and looked away. Thinking to change the subject he went to stand by Inuyasha. "So which one of these is for us?" Miroku grunted as he took the heavy bag that Inuyasha held so easily.

Sango just rolled her eyes and went to her friend. "Thanks for suggesting this Kagome. I've wanted to go home for a while now and put things in order but we never seem to have time. But now with your vacation and things being so quiet around here – we can all relax!" The older girl was so happy to be going home that she was practically dancing.

"We all need this! I'm just glad things are working in our favor for a change." Kagome sat down on the edge of the well. "I just hope I can get some studying done since we won't be hunting Naraku. I'm also looking forward to seeing Jinenji. It's been a long time since we were there and I want to be sure the villagers are treating him and his mother well. Of course I'll be raiding his garden as well, getting some herbs for Kaede. Jinenji's green thumb is to be envied!" Kagome laughed and looked up at the clear blue sky. "The weather's beautiful, flowers are blooming – it will be nice to simply enjoy being here for a change." The teenage girl from the future looked over at Inuyasha who was talking to Miroku. "It's been forever since it was just the two of us alone. Inuyasha's always so tense and worried about what Naraku's up to. I'm hoping this time away from it all will get him to relax and enjoy life for a change." The wind blew her hair in her face and she quickly scooped it back to watch Inuyasha.

Sango looked from Inuyasha who was moving his arms wildly trying to explain something to Shippo and Miroku and back to Kagome who couldn't seem to keep her eyes of the demon boy. "If anybody can, it's you Kagome. Look, here comes Kaede." Both girls watched the woman move slowly their way.

The old priestess was just coming up the hill. She was bringing a list of herbs for Kagome to get. Jinenji's farm had herbs that she didn't have access to and Kagome had volunteered to get them for her.

Kaede folded her arms behind her back looking over the group of young people. "Well I assume you are all ready to go. Sango I hope you find things well at your village and you Inuyasha, look after Kagome, hear?" She ordered gently.

"Yeah, yeah don't I always? Interfering old woman." He grumbled as he walked away to get Kagome's bike. Inuyasha secured the backpack. Behind him he could hear Miroku approaching.

"So Inuyasha, I just thought you should know, Kagome is really looking forward to this break, so try not to ruin it for her." Miroku was also aware that Inuyasha needed a breather so it was best to try and get the guy to understand that.

Inuyasha spun around hands on his hips angry. "Why is everybody on my case dammit? Did you hear me say anything against Kagome's plan? I didn't oppose it! Anybody ever think I might want a break too?" He stared at Miroku daring him to contradict him.

Miroku crossed his arms and tilted his head to one side. "You didn't did you? It's just that you're usually so hot to catch Naraku that stopping and taking some to time rest, well we just didn't think you'd do it. Okay, good. We should all be able to enjoy ourselves then. And I can finally get some quality time with Sango." Miroku stroked his chin and wiggled his eyebrows.

Inuyasha folded his hands within his sleeves and shook his head. "Huh! Some quality time stroking her butt you mean!"

Miroku grinned and shrugged. "I can't help it. Every time I turn around it seems to be there just waiting for me to touch it." The monk flexed his fingers.

Inuyasha and Shippo shared a look that said 'hopeless'. "Pervert." He turned away. "Hey Kagome, when are we leaving? I thought you wanted to get an early start?" Inuyasha put the bike over his shoulder.

"Coming!" Kagome hugged Kaede, Sango, Shippo and Kirara too. "So we'll meet back here in a week?" She asked and everyone agreed then as Sango, Miroku and Shippo got on Kirara, Kagome joined Inuyasha and waved. "Have fun!" The demon cat roared then flew off.

"We should be home on time Kaede. Take care." Kagome hugged the old woman before going to Inuyasha and had him put the bike down. She was going to ride for a while.

"Farewell." Kaede said watching them with a smile.

"See ya." Inuyasha tossed back at her then with the wind blowing his hair, followed Kagome.

The two were quiet as they left the village but it was a companionable quiet. They traveled all morning then stopped for lunch. Afterwards, Inuyasha rode on the back of Kagome's bicycle and the couple talked. Mostly it was about ordinary things, Kagome's family and she tried to tell him about school but Inuyasha just couldn't seem to get what was so important about it but still they had fun just talking. The day came to a close with the two of them friendly and in good spirits. Remarkably enough they'd managed not to have one single argument the whole day.