InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Choices, Choices... ❯ Confrontations ( Chapter 12 )

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A/N: (***) = dream/flashback plzkthanx. Sorry about the lax music collection. Because I suck at this sort of thing, I am basing Kagome's likes and dislikes loosely off of myself, so whatever I put in her music collection is in my own.

This chapter is for a real-life friend of mine - the song dedication is actually a joke between us, and I thought it was rather fitting for this chapter, therefore I just couldn't help myself by putting it into the last quarter of the chapter. Happy reading! : )

 

“So how…do you expect me…

to live alone with just me?

Causemy world revolves around you,

it's so hard for me to breathe…

Tell me how I'm supposed tobreathe with no air?
Can't live, can't breathe with no air
It's how I feel whenever you ain't there
There'sno air, no air…”

- Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown, `No Air'

 

 

Choices, Choices…

Chapter 12: Confrontations

 

 

 

 

Inuyasha woke with a start. What had he been dreaming about that had him so riled up? The disappearing tendrils of the nightmare were slipping away, and even though he knew it was still there, the fogginess of waking up did not allow him to grasp at the dream.

 

Shaking his head, Inuyasha sat up on the sofa. It was then he realized it was not his own. Then he remembered last night; he had brought Sango, Miroku, and Kohaku over to meet Kagome. They had liked her - Miroku didn't count - and that made him happy. As a side note, however, he wondered if there was anyone that didn't like Kagome. It seemed she was so pleasant that everyone enjoyed her company.

 

Instantly, he reached for the remote, turning the TV on and finding it still on the same channel they had watched last night. Rubbing the back of his head, Inuyasha stood, stretching and yawning as he gazed around. The microwave clock told him it was just after noontime, which meant Kagome wouldn't be home for a few more hours.

 

Looking down at his clothes, Inuyasha realized he couldn't take Kagome where he planned wearing the same thing. And he wouldn't dare bring Kagome to his house… The thought of Sesshoumaru's smug face as he boasted sent a growl spilling from Inuyasha's throat, but there was no one around to hear it, so he quelled it.

 

His stomach growled then, and Inuyasha turned his attention back to the kitchen. Kagome had better food, hands down. He went into a cupboard where he knew he had seen some ramen, and took a cup, preparing it. As he waited for the noodles to soak, he sat on one of the bar stools, thinking. He had extra contacts, and extra hats and bandanas in his car, but no clothes. This posed a problem.

 

I need to start making overnight bags, he thought as he lifted the polo shirt over his head. He tossed the shirt to the side, allowing it to fall on the arm of the couch. Making his way back to the kitchen, he heard the sound of a key turning in the lock. Panicking and confused, Inuyasha reached for his hat, making sure his ears were not showing. He watched the door open, and wondered if Kagome still wanted him here…

 

But it wasn't Kagome. There was a short, blonde, American girl there, looking just as shocked as he was. Of course, Inuyasha was only surprised that it was not Kagome. Nikki, on the other hand, was stunned. She looked at the young man, half-naked, in Kagome's apartment. She noticed the TV was on, and something was cooking in the kitchen.

 

“Is Kagome here?” she asked suspiciously.

 

“No, she's in class,” Inuyasha replied, just as warily.

 

They watched each other for a moment, each distrusting the other's intentions. Then Nikki broke the silence.

 

“Are you Kagome's new roommate?”

 

Inuyasha was taken aback. “New roommate? Why would she need a new roo… Wait, aren't you her roommate?” he asked, recognizing the girl's scent.

 

“I was…” Nikki told him doubtfully. “But I moved out a couple of weeks ago. Who are you?” Her eyes narrowed in suspicion, but then she attempted to answer her own question, not allowing him to reply. “Wait, aren't you…” She seemed to think for a moment, her brow furrowed in thought. “No, not the one with the dark hair. Two with blonde hair. Sess… Shess… Sesshi… Sessho…”

 

Inuyasha scowled darkly at her. “Sesshoumaru? No. I'm Inuyasha…”

 

Nikki paused when he had said the name of the other - did her boyfriends know about each other? - but gasped when he introduced himself. “Omigod! It's… It's really you! Omigod! Kagome described you but she didn't say it was you,” she squealed, making Inuyasha cringe.

 

“She didn't tell you we were seeing each other?”

 

“No... she never said your name, but she told me about the other two…” Nikki said, her mind drifting off.

 

Inuyasha scowled at the mention of the rival youkai, but wanted to figure out how to get rid of this girl as well. He was about to kick her out when she began again.

 

“So, did you move in together? She's not seeing the other guys? Oh, but the lawyer guy sounded hot. But you… You're… well, you've got your own band…”

 

Inuyasha didn't like how her voice had suddenly become husky and smooth, and she eyed him predatorily. But he answered her anyways, taking a step backwards as she stepped forward. “No, we didn't move in together. Why would she need a new roommate? She's doing okay…”

 

Nikki took a few more paces towards him and licked her lips. “Poor Kagome is far from okay, especially financially. And poor Mrs. Higurashi…” She hadn't meant it to come out so cold, but she had only one thing on her mind at the time, and she was eyeing the man's chest, reaching out to it.

 

Inuyasha frowned with the intake of this new information - why hadn't Kagome told him she was in trouble? Did she think he wasn't dependable enough to help her? And how could she be in that much trouble? And what did her mother have to do with it? With so much on his mind, Inuyasha hadn't noticed that Nikki was now only a hands' breath away.

 

The tiny blonde quickly pushed into him, grinding in what she thought was a seductive manner and pressed her lips against his. Inuyasha reacted quickly, but felt it hadn't been fast enough - he had been so distracted… - he pushed the girl away, careful not to harm her.

 

“What are you doing?” he asked angrily.

 

“ C'mon,” she said silkily, “you're a rock star. Everyone knows that you guys…”

 

“NOT. ME.” He motioned to the door, and she threw the key at him, stomping to the doorway.

 

She whirled, obviously ready to say something, but he didn't give her the chance. “You're supposed to be her friend,” he said condescendingly, and she seemed remorseful as he shut the door forcefully.

 

Inuyasha had many questions racing through his mind and he took it out on the carpet, stomping around. She hadn't told him that her roommate had moved out. Of course, that meant she only had her own income now, and that meant that with her medical tuition, she could be in financial trouble. And if her mother was helping her… Was her mother in financial trouble as well? Did her mother know about her roommate moving out?

 

It was now that Inuyasha realized how little he knew about Kagome. She hadn't opened up about her problems, just about her life in general. Then again, she wasn't his girlfriend, so of course she would be wary of telling him her problems. And if anyone was hiding anything, it was him…

 

Irritated at himself and with Kagome's problems, he thought about his own lack of openness. He hadn't told her about his being hanyou because Kikyou hadn't accepted him the way he was - she had wanted him to be human. And of course, he hadn't told Kagome about Kikyou, either, because the pain of her death and speaking of it was still too great, even after all these years.

 

So why should he blame Kagome for not talking about her monetary problems? As he struggled with his thoughts, he unconsciously fingered the key still in his hand. When he realized what he was doing, he looked down onto it. It made sense now - the ex-roommate had come to leave her key. But why had she come in the middle of the day? Glancing at the clock, Inuyasha saw that it was closer to two, and he only had a few hours before Kagome would be home.

 

And suddenly, a light bulb went off in his head. He had a key to her apartment.

 

Inuyasha scarfed down the ramen, left the bowl in the sink, and ran down to his car. He sped home, knowing that neither Sesshoumaru nor Rin was home. Jaken grumbled a `welcome home' to his young master, but did not ask if he needed anything. Which was fine by Inuyasha - he never asked the imp for anything, and the small youkai never bothered him. He didn't like all the groveling his brother put up with, either.

 

Leaping up to the second floor in one jump, Inuyasha landed in front of his door, rushing around. He packed several kinds of clothes - from shirts to socks, as well as a few pairs of shoes - in a duffel bag and a few other necessities. With that done, he jumped into the shower. Ten minutes later, he was toweling off.

 

He grabbed a black dress shirt and a pair of loose-fitting, pin-striped black slacks, and put them in a garment bag. Throwing on a grey tank top and a pair of black basketball shorts, Inuyasha was about to leave when something caught his eye - his pin-stripe fedora. He held it as he ran down the stairs, avoiding Jaken, who was in his master's office.

 

He had been lucky; he wasn't racing back to Kagome's, he just didn't want his brother's little spy knowing what he was doing. If Sesshoumaru knew he was intending to spend the night at Kagome's, he would probably try to sabotage their date.

 

Inuyasha quickly stuffed the items into his back seat and, reaching into his trunk, found his favorite black Yankees hat, turning it backwards. Once he was on the road again, he felt at ease. Back at the dorm, he shouldered the bag and brought the things up to Kagome's apartment. After he was inside again, he felt his shoulders relax and his pulse slow. It was almost like being here calmed him.

 

Shaking it off, Inuyasha went into Kagome's bedroom to put his bag in an inconspicuous corner. There was a small table in the upper-right corner, and it had a long skirt. He lifted the skirt and found it roomy, and placed his bag within. Standing once more, Inuyasha took a better look around the room: the last time he had been in here, he hadn't really had the mind to look around.

 

He noted the many books - some of them novels she'd read for fun - and pictures. Kagome had pictures everywhere. There were framed ones, others taped to mirrors, and photo albums. He skimmed through an album, finding photos of the woman when she was just a toddler, and others in school. Most of them had family or friends. A few included a pudgy calico cat, and it seemed they were already in America. Others, of when she was quite young, showed Kagome with a smiling man and a huge, white-and-brown dog that Inuyasha knew was an Akita, a Japanese breed, and he also recognized the area in the background as being in Japan.

 

Kagome never spoke of a father, and he was left wondering if this had been him. Closing the book, he flipped through some loose photos that were strewn about on a desk. They were recent, which probably accounted for the mess. He saw the blonde girl from earlier in them, and she and Kagome looked very happy together. Torn, Inuyasha made the decision not to tell Kagome about what had happened.

 

There were also some with another Japanese girl, but Inuyasha didn't know who she was. There was an American boy who, Inuyasha noticed, was often caught looking at Kagome, although he usually had his arm around the blonde. There was a Japanese guy as well, who was often holding Kagome's hand, but whenever he was in a picture, Kagome didn't seem as bright as she usually was. He remembered that when he first met Kagome, she had said she was in an unhappy relationship… was this the guy?

 

Then there were some a little further behind that were not too old, but not too recent. Kagome in a bikini with her friends, and a little further, with her family. Obviously, her family had come to see her during the last summer break. He noticed the old man - perhaps a grandfather? - and an older-looking Kagome. He thought instantly that this must be Kagome's mother. She was attractive, and Inuyasha felt that she probably had the same huge heart her daughter had. They had the same genuine smile as well.

 

Then there was a strong young man, confidant and tall, smiling with his arm around Kagome, sometimes lifting her up, sometimes acting out some other silly game. Inuyasha felt a stab of jealously, and wondered who he was. He looked athletic, but he seemed kind. He also had that same authentic smile and Kagome's striking blue eyes… could he be a cousin? Or perhaps a brother?

 

Inuyasha tried to recall if she had ever mentioned a brother, but couldn't remember exactly. It sounded plausible, however, so he pushed it from his mind. When he had finally put the pictures back, he moved to her CD's. He noticed that she was very rounded; from rock to pop, from the eighties to current, from classical and jazz to hip-hop. There was a little of everything, although most of it was rock, which made him smile. He was surprised when he found some hardcore stuff - music he hadn't thought she would listen to, like Slipknot and Marilyn Manson. But most of it were either hard-rockin' bands like Bon Jovi, Metallica, and Guns `N Roses, or catchy bands like Fall Out Boy, Green Day, and Daughtry.

 

A glance at her Jazz collection told him that she was a serious enthusiast: Al Greene, Dizzy Gillespie, and some new artists that covered older Jazz songs with a new, funkier beat like Michael Bublé. She had a few silver generation songs as well: Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin… She didn't have many CD's when it came to hip-hop and pop, but she did have some older stuff like `NSYNC and Britney Spears, which made him snicker.

 

Finally deciding he had enough, Inuyasha turned to leave, but a small flash of red caught his eye, and he paused to look at it. On her nightstand - bare except for a lamp and the charging cord for a cell phone - there was a little patch of crimson. He sat on her bed, noting that it was much more firm than he had expected. He picked up the item, turning it from all sides, and even though he had already known what it was, he just realized the significance. It was guitar pic, and it was his.

 

Wondering where she had gotten it, he twirled it in his hand for a few moments before replacing it and leaving the room. For such a small object, however, it weighed heavily on his mind. Why had she kept it? Was she unsure of whom it belonged? Did she think he would be mad that she had it? Or perhaps she had planned on keeping it…

 

Finding himself in the living room once more, Inuyasha switched the TV on, turning to the news. He didn't listen, however. He made his way to the kitchen, where he washed the bowl and fork he had used and put them back in their resting place. He found himself staring blankly at the microwave clock and shook his head, attempting to place his thoughts in order. He had learned so much about the girl in such a short period of time, and now he was afraid he would either forget or mix up the facts.

 

When he was able to think clearly again, Inuyasha realized that even though he had been staring at the clock, he hadn't found out what time it was. It was just after four, and it wouldn't be long before Kagome was home. Flipping open his Sidekick, Inuyasha called the restaurant he had reservations at and confirmed. Everything was going well. And then, there was a knock at the door.

 

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed as he eyed the door suspiciously. It was too early to be Kagome, and why would she knock on her own door? Cautious, he walked towards the front door. He was only a few feet away when he realized a youkai was on the other side of the door. And it wasn't his brother.

 

With a growl, Inuyasha swung the door open. The ookami on the other side was scowling, obviously knowing a half-demon was on the other side. They said nothing for a few moments; really, it was a test of wills. They were sizing each other up, noting the strengths and weaknesses of the other. Unfortunately, they both had enormous egos, and therefore each honestly thought they were stronger than the other.

 

“What the hell are you doing here, flea-bag?” Inuyasha snarled.

 

“I should ask you the same, mutt…” Kouga replied.

 

Inuyasha allowed his concealment spell to vanish, and made a show of lengthening his claws and fangs. Kouga followed suit, although the only noticeable change were the shape of his ears. Inuyasha, on the other hand, had to change the color of his hair.

 

“I been here since last night,” Inuyasha gloated. He noticed how shocked Kouga seemed.

 

“That's impossible - Kagome's my woman,” the wolf-demon informed the man in front of him.

 

This hit a nerve with the hanyou, and his eye twitched in anger. “Kagome is no one's woman,” he growled. But suddenly, a wave of light washed over him as he remembered something.

 

Hadn't his brother said nearly the same thing yesterday? Was that what he had meant? No, it wasn't the same. Inuyasha was sure he felt… something more with Kagome than the other two idiots. She just hadn't realized it yet…

 

His thoughts were interrupted when he heard the short, gruff laugh Kouga made. “So, you haven't claimed her, eh? I guess I was just her type, because when I had her, she was great. She…”

 

Inuyasha's head was swimming with rage, and didn't hear the rest. What was it with everyone? Did they all only care about sex? Sure, sex with Kagome would be great, but it wasn't about that. It was… Well, what was it about? Wasn't it just a week ago that he was telling himself he wouldn't get over Kikyou? And now, he was trying to rid himself of this suitor because he wanted to be the one that got to be with her? Well, if that's not progress, what is? And his brother said he needed to see a shrink… Ha!

 

He turned his attention back to Kouga, who was just finishing his tirade and stopped him with a shove. “Kagome ain't here, so beat it, wolf-boy.”

 

Kouga, insulted by the push, would not be dissuaded so easily. “Listen here, you dirty half-breed, Kagome needs a real man, not half of one, so why don't you go find a bone to bury or something and leave us alone…” he sneered.

 

Enraged, Inuyasha threw a punch at him, but Kouga was fast - perhaps too fast - and caught his hand and rocketed his own fist towards Inuyasha's face, connecting. Inuyasha stumbled back, falling onto the carpet. He brought a hand up to his face as Kouga chuckled his amusement.

 

“Did you really think a hanyou's powers would be enough to beat me?” Kouga asked darkly.

 

Inuyasha wiped the blood that trickled from the corner of his mouth and laughed. “My human mother would be enough to beat you,” he said in a low voice before launching himself at the wolf-demon, sending them both sprawling in the hallway. Inuyasha and Kouga both knew the danger of being discovered, and fought their way into Kagome's apartment, each hoping to lock the other out. But Inuyasha had a key, so he wasn't worried. Kouga, on the other hand, scrambled inside as Inuyasha struggled to grasp his ankles to pull him out.

 

“You got no right to barge in here,” Inuyasha told the other man. “Kagome's not here, an' she ain't gonna be happy to find out you just let yourself in.”

 

“What about you?” Kouga snarled, kicking away from Inuyasha and getting to his feet.

 

Inuyasha flattened his ears against his head. “I told you already. I've been here since last night, an' I got a key.” He glared at the wolf, challenging him, although he would never show the key, for fear of losing it to the other.

 

“Liar,” Kouga said, hoping to goad his rival into showing him the key. If he saw it, he might be able to…

 

“I ain't a fuckin' liar,” Inuyasha said. “If you want, you can ask Kagome. But for now, get the hell outta here!” Inuyasha swiped his claws at the demon, but he was too fast, and Inuyasha was met with a sneaker to the chest, sending him flying into the sofa.

 

Kouga laughed again. “You're not good enough to beat me, kid. And you're not good enough for Kagome. Why don't you just go and-”

 

“Enough.”

 

Neither of the young men had felt the presence, since they had been so worked up. But now they looked sheepishly towards the door, where the commanding form of the woman they fought over was standing, hands on her hips.

 

Kagome had heard the last bit - Inuyasha asking Kouga to leave and Kouga's claiming statement - and had had, as she had said, enough. She took in the scene. Inuyasha was sprawled against her couch, and Kouga looked like some sort of wrestler, in a sort of crouching-pose. She glared at Kouga's back - he had turned back to Inuyasha in order to make sure the hanyou didn't attack - and he felt the weight of her gaze. Gulping, he realized he was still in his true form, and quickly willed his youki to calm, letting his canines and nails shorten.

 

Watching, Inuyasha realized that he, too, was vulnerable. For once, he was glad Kagome's attention was on Kouga as he let his hair turn back to the yellowed shade he kept it at. Unfortunately, as a hanyou, he couldn't control his fangs and claws. He made a show of huffing and stomped off to Kagome's room. Once inside, he looked through his bag to find the nail clippers and file.

 

Kagome knew Inuyasha had been hurt, so she didn't pay much attention to what he was doing. She assumed he was attending to any wounds he might have.

 

“Kouga, what the hell are you doing?” Kagome asked, her voice dangerously high in her anger.

 

“I'm sorry,” he said, having the decency to look ashamed. He ran a hand through his long, dark hair. “I just… I came over to see how you were, and this asshole-” a glare from her made him choose his words more carefully “- this guy opens the door and acts like he lives here, and I wasn't gonna take that, `cause you're my woman, and…”

 

Kagome wanted to scream. “Kouga! I am NOT your woman. I'm not anyone's woman. Yes, Inuyasha slept on my couch last night and I didn't want to wake him, so he stayed here today. Is that what you want to hear? Even though it's none of your damn business…” She stomped a few times as she spoke, attempting to pound the information into the guy's head.

 

“Kagome, I only wanted to-”

 

She knew he would never leave if she didn't change her tactics. “Kouga,” she said sweetly, so that he instantly silenced, “I appreciate that you were looking out for me. Thank you.” She beamed at him, and he was so dumbstruck, he only nodded.

 

By this time, Inuyasha was done and had put the instruments away. But his hanyou ears heard everything, and by now, he was pissed.

 

He poked his head out, watching as Kouga took Kagome's hands in his own. He raced to her side, pushing the wolf's hands away. Kagome gave him an annoyed look, but said nothing.

 

“It was my pleasure, Kagome,” Kouga said before he turned to walk out the door. He smiled at her one last time before he waved, and then he was gone.

 

Kagome reached to close the door, and Inuyasha exploded.

 

“What the fuck was that?”

 

Kagome was taken aback. “Excuse me?”

 

Inuyasha glared at her. “A little flattery and you melt?”

 

“I was just trying to get rid of him, Inuyasha…” she said in a dangerously low voice as she attempted to keep calm.

 

“By thanking him?” Inuyasha squeaked.

 

Now Kagome did scream - out of frustration. “Don't you even DARE patronize me. You're the one that can't get over whatever you went through - that's right, I can tell you've been hurt - and are too scared to try to move on. I'm in this position because I thought that if I could try different things I could be happy, and every day I have to make these choices. But you are too scared to make one.”

 

She stomped off to her bedroom, and Inuyasha stood, staring at her doorframe. His ears, inside the hat, were drooping against his head. As the words sunk in, he realized that not only was she correct, but that he had been wrong. The stupid wolf probably wouldn't have left otherwise. And he was scared. Of so many things: telling her about his past, telling her what he was, her rejection… He couldn't bare for another woman to ask him to become something he wasn't.

 

He knocked on her doorway, seeing her at her desk. She looked at him with tearful eyes, and he walked to her.

 

“Why are you crying?” he asked as he wiped the tears from her face.

 

“I-I'm sorry,” she sniffled.

 

Inuyasha shook her lightly to scold her. “Don't do that,” he commanded, string so hard at her face it forced her to look into his eyes.

 

She looked questioningly at him, the last of her tears flowing from her eyes.

 

He sighed, pulling her to him. “You don't have to apologize, I mean. I needed to hear that. I'm the one that should be apologizing. I should be able to talk to you. It's just that I'm not ready…”

 

Kagome pulled back, alarmed. “No, no! I'm not trying to force you-”

 

He scowled, pulling her against him once more. “I know. I want to tell you. I'm just… not ready. But I think I might be soon. And when I am, maybe you'll understand.”

 

She tried to understand, but they were in a good place and she didn't want to ruin it, so she just let him hold her. Eventually, he pulled away.

 

“Are we okay?” he asked.

 

She nodded eagerly.

 

“Great,” he said, smiling. “Cause I'm starving, and we have reservations.”

 

Kagome perked up at the mention of the dinner plans. She was about to ask, when he interrupted her.

 

“Listen, I just want you to know that your old roommate Nikki dropped off a key, and I used it to lock up and I went home to take a shower and get some clothes. They're right over there, in that bag,” he said, pointing to her table. She looked on, baffled. “I just didn't want you to think I planned this beforehand or anything…”

 

He blushed lightly, and she knew what he meant. She smiled, again, ready to ask questions, but he interrupted again.

 

“Shit! My clothes for tonight!”

 

He ran out quickly, and Kagome heard the front door shut. And then it all came crashing in.

 

Nikki came by? Did she tell him about my problems? Does he know I need money? Did she realize who he was? Panicked, Kagome's head swam and she had to steady herself by sitting on her bed. There was only one way to find out. A few moments later, she heard the door open and shut once more. Inuyasha walked into her bedroom, a garment bag in his hand. He hung it on her closet door, and he smiled at her, but it left when he saw how pale she was.

 

He asked her if she was all right, and she told him she was. She made up an excuse that she was hungry, and he seemed a little relieved. She waited for him to bring up her mother, her tuition, anything to give away that her ex-roommate had told him about her situation, but he never said anything. Instead, he helped her stand, and told her to wear something nice. She tried to focus on dinner, and felt better within a few minutes. Soon, she was rooting around in her closet for a dress to wear.

 

She pulled out a royal blue chiffon dress that flowed around her knees. It was a halter top, and she picked out a pair of sparkly, silver, peep-toe heels to go with it. She hung the dress on the other door, across from Inuyasha's clothes. She excused herself to take a shower, and when she was gone, he opened his bag. The clothes were still pristine.

 

When the bathroom door opened once more, Inuyasha was wearing only his boxers. But he didn't notice; his eyes were on Kagome's damp, sweet-smelling skin. She came out of the bathroom wrapped in a teal towel - her bathroom décor was white with teal, brown, and silver squares - which showed off her impossibly long legs. She had her hair up in a bun, and she raised a hand to it now, letting the dry locks fall upon her shoulders. He gaped like a fish out of water, snapping his mouth shut only when she looked at him.

 

“Well, at least I don't feel underdressed,” she laughed, turning to a dresser and opening a drawer.

 

He stared at her still, and when she looked back at him again, an eyebrow raised in concern, he snapped out of it.

 

“It was a joke,” she said, turning back to her underwear.

 

He finally replayed what she had said in his mind. He chuckled. She turned at the sound in surprise, and he walked over to her.

 

“It was a corny one,“ he said in a husky voice, drawing her to him by her terry-clad hips.

 

She gasped in surprise, but when he pressed his lips against hers, she sighed longingly, as if she had been waiting all day for him to kiss her. Her eyes fluttered closed, and he applied more pressure, seeking entrance. She complied, and they explored each other. After a few minutes, he pulled away, to her chagrin. He saw her pout and laughed.

 

“If we don't stop, we'll be late for dinner,” he told her. Seconds later, he caught the double-meaning and blushed, which she found adorable.

 

She nodded and he walked back to his hanging bag, where he pulled out a black tank top, pulling it over his head. She slipped the white, lacy boy-shorts on beneath the towel and looked for an appropriate bra. She found a strapless one, but it was red. Shrugging, Kagome took it with her to the bathroom, and closed the door once again.

 

Inuyasha quickly pulled on his pants and shirt, tucking it in. When he was finished, he took his shoes with him and walked out, calling to Kagome that he would be watching TV. She mumbled something, and he chuckled as he flopped down on the sofa.

 

Forty minutes later, Kagome emerged, her hair a raging, ebony mass of springy spirals. Foregoing any serious makeup, she had applied some lip gloss. When she poked her head into her room, she found it empty and walked to her dress. She slipped into it, but found that she couldn't zipper it up all the way - Nikki had done it the few times before. Pouting, Kagome called to Inuyasha.

 

“What?” he asked, annoyed.

 

“Sorry, but could you help me? I can't…”

 

The frustration in her voice was enough to make him leap to his feet. He found her near her closet, her back to him and her hands tangled in her now-curly locks. Her neck, shoulders, and back were exposed, with the dress halfway closed. The muscles of her athletic back twitched in anticipation as he neared her.

 

“Sorry,” she mumbled dejectedly.

 

He grasped the zipper and pulled it slowly up - not because he had trouble doing so, but because he didn't want the moment to end. When he reached the top, his hands lingered over her skin and passed over her shoulders. He could hear her pulse quicken, her jugular rushing in her neck. She held her hair up, so her slender neck was exposed. He leaned towards it, and felt his fangs lengthen of their own accord in anticipation. He opened his mouth…

 

Kagome had not thought it erotic until he touched her, felt his light caresses on her skin. He moved slowly, and when she felt his breath on the skin of her neck, she trembled and her knees threatened to fall out from under her. She waited for his lips to descend, but it never came. When she turned, he was walking towards his bag on the other side of the bed, only the top of his fedora visible. Still shaking from her body's reaction to him, Kagome attempted to compose herself.

 

Taking a deep breath in and exhaling, Kagome smoothed the dress before slipping her shoes on. When she turned to leave her room, Inuyasha was staring at her from the other side of the bed with that look again; it was the kind of look where you knew a man wanted you. Still, he made no attempt, just drank in the sight of her. She smiled at him and left for the living room. He watched her go, her dress flowing like water after her.

 

When he had steeled himself, Inuyasha walked into the living room and tried to keep his eyes off of her as he asked if she was ready to go. She confirmed, and they left.

 

~~~~~()~~@

 

He had taken her to a romantic restaurant that had a piano player and a small dance floor. While the waited for their dinner, Inuyasha asked her to dance, and she was happy to. Inuyasha walked up to the pianist and whispered in his ear, handing him a bill. The man nodded and smiled. By the time Inuyasha rejoined Kagome, the song was over, and the man announced that the song was dedicated to a special woman.

 

Kagome looked at Inuyasha in a mock-suspicious way, and he grinned, holding out his hand to her. When the first tinkling notes of the piano began, Kagome recognized it right away. Being a lover of older music, `The Way You Look Tonight' was a classic, and she fought to keep herself from blushing. He was gazing at her with an intense look of wonder, and she found it hard to look away or to keep his stare. They danced for the length of the song, and returned to their seats. He helped her sit by pulling the chair out, then pushing it in. Kagome had never been on a date with someone that acted properly, and she was almost at a loss.

 

They ate and talked over great food and better wine, but never about the things they truly wanted to talk about or ask. When they had finished their coffee, Inuyasha drove her home. When they were near the campus, Kagome asked Inuyasha if he wanted to stay. In his mind, he panicked about what her intentions were. Was she intending to sleep with him? Or did she just want to watch a movie? Being a man, however, Inuyasha didn't want to look foolish and accepted without asking.

 

Back at her apartment, Kagome threw her little black purse down onto one of the barstools as she passed, making way for her room. She grabbed a babydoll tee and a pair of short shorts, placing them on the bed. But when she reached for her zipper, she couldn't reach it. She called out for Inuyasha, who had just rid himself of his shirt and under-shirt.

 

Kagome waited for him, hoping he would come. But she hadn't expected the spectacular sight of him walking through her door, his head down and his hair in his eyes. His chest was bare, and since she hadn't turned on the light when she walked in, the backlighting of the hallway shadowed him, yet made him glow. He looked evil and angelic at the same time. As he walked toward her, his muscles moved splendidly, rippling under his smooth skin. And when he finally looked up at her, the predatory glare he sent her way sent a shiver up her spine. His trousers, loose without his belt, hung low on his hips, showing the band of his boxers and the thick, corded muscles of his abs.

 

But Inuyasha was tired. His hair was mussed from taking off his shirts, and he was moving slowly because he only wanted to sleep. He was sluggish, and didn't mean to linger when he trailed his fingers along her waist. Kagome shivered, and he looked at her with concern.

 

“Do you need me to help you take it off?” he asked drowsily.

 

Unfortunately, it came out as a sexy drawl, and Kagome was drawn into him. “Please,” she said.

 

The pleading tone in her voice and eyes confused him, but regardless, he turned her. Kagome slipped her head through the halter, holding the top of the dress up. Inuyasha lazily fumbled with the zipper until it freely followed his hand down. But his drowsiness made him forget to stop; he kept going until the zipper stopped, with no where to go. The top of her lacy panties peeked out, and Inuyasha realized finally that he had gone too far - why was he so sleepy?

 

Kagome had never felt so seduced in her life - this wasn't like the tender caresses that Kouga touched her with, or the liquid-hot magma that poured between herself and Sesshoumaru. This was a slow hum of desire. You know what water looks like right before it boils? That's how Kagome felt - there was a churning, hot bubbling inside her, and she wanted nothing more than for it to burn itself out.

 

She dropped her hands, letting the front of the dress pool at her hips loosely. Her red, strapless bra was bright, even in the darkness. Inuyasha began to turn away, ready to go to the couch to sleep. But Kagome grasped his wrist, and he looked up at her. When they locked eyes, it dawned on him - she wanted to have sex. But he was sleepy, uncoordinated, and his senses were muzzy…

 

With great effort, he pulled away, but didn't leave, her confusion evident. And then, she was right in front of him, pressing close, her lips on his. And then his hands came up to tangle in her hair and caress her face, and she was lost…

 

They moved languidly, taking their time to taste and feel each other. Inuyasha felt more awake, but he couldn't fight the feeling of fatigue. His phone rang in his pocket, an ominous, dark tune, but he ignored it. When it finished ringing, a tone sounded, alerting him to a new text message. But they paid it no mind. Kagome moaned softly, and Inuyasha's hand travelled down to her stomach, his fingers splayed across her ribs.

 

His touch kindled the fire within her, and she groaned, her breath sending hot little puffs of air against his neck. He growled, his face tilted upwards, but somewhere in the recesses of his mind, something tried to tell him that something was off. His growl didn't have quite the same tone to it. But Inuyasha was beyond caring. And in that moment, Inuyasha realized that he loved this woman.

 

With that realization, Inuyasha found a renewed strength, and he pushed her backwards until she sat on the bed, with him hovering over her, his passionate kisses making her feel like she was seventeen again - fumbling, awkward, and clueless. She lay back on the bed slowly, and he followed her until he was covering her body with his.

 

They moved every so often, and eventually Kagome lay in the spot where she always slept, and Inuyasha lay beside her to the left. They lay like that for some time, kissing, touching, wriggling; soon, Kagome realized that Inuyasha wasn't going to have sex with her. She could take the initiative… but she decided against it. She finally pulled away, each of them panting.

 

“No… Air…” she said between gasps.

 

He nodded and laughed, and stroked her cheek one last time. She nuzzled into his hand, and he closed his eyes, completely devoid of energy. She was tired as well, although it would be a little longer before her pulse slowed enough for her to be comfortable. Sexually frustrated, Kagome got up. She found herself in the kitchen and poured a glass of water.

 

When she had quenched her thirst, Kagome padded back to her room, shutting the hall light off as she passed it. Back in her room, it was very dark, but there was a dim orange glow from the campus lights that just barely made it though the curtains. She looked at the man sleeping in her bed; she thought it odd, but with the darkness of the room, his hair looked almost black.

 

She chuckled to herself - that was absurd. When she was in bed once again, she noticed faintly that his hat was falling off. Wouldn't it be uncomfortable to sleep like that? Sighing, she lifted the hat off and threw it on the floor. She wrapped her body against his, spooning him. She felt so tired now. She reached forward and found his ear - it was hard to find, in the darkness - but she found it nonetheless and whispered good night to him.

 

~~~~~()~~@

 

In the morning, Kagome rose to her cell phone alarm ringing softly next to her; it was her alarm that she had set yesterday, knowing she wanted to rise early to get some of the last of her work done. She felt Inuyasha's weight; they were facing her window now, instead of her closet, but the position was the same. His heavy arm was draped over her waist, pinning her, and his legs were intertwined with hers. She smiled, realizing that this was the only man who expected nothing from her. Every other man - including Kouga and Sesshoumaru - had wined and dined her, but in the end, she slept with them. It had always been her choice, but they were men, and they never said `no'.

 

The only other exception was Hojou, and it wasn't because he said `no', it was just that they hadn't had much passion. He thought she was beautiful and smart and kind, and wanted someone he could show off to family and friends; she felt safe with him, like he would never cheat or harm her.

 

But Inuyasha was different. His heart bore a scar that wouldn't disappear easily, and he was hesitant to be happy again. So he didn't push, although his interest was obvious. And that made Kagome all the more interested in him.

 

Slowly, she disentangled his limbs and slipped away from his arm. She grabbed a denim pencil skirt and a flowery blouse and undergarments, and went to the bathroom where she took a shower. She hadn't bothered washing the curls out of her hair - it would take too long to dry her hair - so she put it up in a messy bun.

 

When she was dressed, she emerged to find Inuyasha laying face down, almost completely covered by her comforter. His left arm hung over the side, and the other was presumably under his pillow. His light hair peeked out in sprays of platinum blonde, and she smiled as she turned and left, bringing her messenger bag with her.

 

She drove to the office quickly; the Saturday morning Miami traffic was never too bad. She received a shock when she arrived - she wasn't the only one getting some work done. A black Chrysler 300M sat in one of the employee parking spots, announcing the fact that Sesshoumaru was here. Her pulse quickened at the thought of seeing him, and she grew nervous.

 

She let herself in and walked straight to the office she shared with Sesshoumaru, not wanting to lose her nerve. He was watching the door, waiting for her.

 

“Stop that,” she grumbled.

 

He seemed amused. “I do not know what you are referring to.”

 

She scowled at his playing dumb routine. “You knew I was coming.”

 

“I did,” he admitted, “but I do not see what the problem is.” He attempted to hide a tiny smirk, but she caught it.

 

“Whatever,” she said, sitting opposite him.

 

They worked in silence for some time, Kagome typing on her laptop and Sesshoumaru worked on a PC. When it seemed she was done, she printed something out, gathering it into a pile. She began to dig around in the huge bag she normally carried and he caught the scent of something familiar. She had been with his little brother. It was barely there - perhaps the scent was on the bag, or in her hair - but it was there nonetheless. He forced himself not to glare at her. Had he finally told her? Surely, last night…

 

She found what she was looking for, handing him a stack of papers. He had been caught up in his thoughts, so his mind stumbled for a minute before catching up. He hated that she had that effect on him, as it was a weakness.

 

“This is what I was working on, and it's finally finished.” She began to stand and turned away. She was convinced that now, with her work here finished, she would never hear from him again. “It was a pleasure,” she said as she walked out the door. Her heart pounded as she walked down the hall.

 

Until she heard his commanding, booming voice.

 

Then, it nearly stopped.

 

“Wait.”

 

She stopped in her tracks, her heart forgetting to beat for a moment. She didn't turn, however. He came up behind her, his hands sliding around to her stomach. She felt - more than heard - his next words.

 

“When can I see you again?”

 

~~~~~()~~@

 

When Inuyasha finally cracked an eye, he squinted from the light. His phone, in his pocket deep under the blankets, was beeping lightly every so often. He pulled it out to check the time. It was only eight-thirty. He turned to Kagome, but she was gone. Hadn't she said there was something she had to do?

 

He sat up, stretching every hanyou fiber of his being. It's an odd thing, being able to stretch your ears. But he was capable of it, and they did; and as they swiveled, Inuyasha noticed something missing. His hand flew to his head, feeling his ears. He touched all around his head, and eventually ran to the bathroom to confirm what he already knew - his hat was gone.

 

His heart beat erratically in his chest, and he ran to the bed in comfort. He found his hat on the way there; it lay on the floor next to Kagome's bed. He might've stepped on it if he hadn't leapt off the bed. Did Kagome see his ears? Was that why she left? Panicked, he reached for his phone again. He wouldn't torture himself by waiting - he would call her and find out. But when he finally opened the screen to call, he saw that he had a missed call and a text message.

 

Thinking it could be Kagome, he opened the Missed Call Log. But it wasn't Kagome, it was Rin. When had she called? The Log told him she had called last night. He looked at the message next: also from Rin, but it told of the reason she called. He blanched as he read it.

 

`Hey. I know you're a grown hanyou and all, but just wanted to make sure you don't forget you become human tonight. You should come home. -R'

 

Had he become human last night? He couldn't remember! Now that he thought about it, his senses had been dulled at dinner, and when they had gotten back, the sun was just setting. He had been oh so very tired, and felt more emotion than usual.

 

The blood was rushing through his ears so badly, he could hardly hear as he sent a call to Kagome's phone and waited for her to answer.

 

~~~~~()~~@

 

Kagome was stunned. She hadn't thought he would want to date her still, but here he was, asking her for another one. She was about to answer him when her phone rang, and she recognized it immediately.

 

“Hello?” she answered, stepping away from Sesshoumaru.

 

Sesshoumaru smirked; she must have forgotten who - or what - he was. He had to contain himself when he heard Inuyasha's nervous voice on the other end. Kagome had no clue that Inuyasha was anxious, but he heard the quickened breathing and faster speech.

 

“H-hey… I was lookin' for you,” Sesshoumaru heard him say.

 

“Sorry… I was going to write you a note, but I figured you would be awake by the time I got back,” she said in a quiet voice.

 

He seemed to ease, hearing her voice. “Oh, so you're comin' back?”

 

“Of course, baka,” she giggled. “What kind of silly question is that?”

 

What sort of question indeed, Sesshoumaru thought.

 

“Naw… I just thought… Whatever. We have a big day, so hurry back,” he told her.

 

“Are you going to tell me where we're going?” she nearly whispered.

 

There was a pause. “Well… I was going to keep it as a surprise…”

 

Sesshoumaru's interest was piqued.

 

“Oh, please? Oh please, oh please, oh pleeeeeeease?” she whined until he laughed, giving in.

 

“Okay, okay,” he said, at ease once more. “We're going to the Seaquarium,” he told her.

 

She gasped, then wriggled in her excitement. Sesshoumaru was stunned. His brother had outclassed him! He had found out her interests, and was taking her somewhere where she would be knowledgeable… Very clever, Inuyasha, he thought maliciously.

 

“Okay, I'll be home in a jiffy,” she said, excited.

 

He laughed. “Who says `jiffy' anymore? They used that back in like, the fifties…”

 

She pouted into the phone. “I do.”

 

“All right, I'll see you soon,” he said before ending the call.

 

“Mm-hmm,” was all she said, forgetting her ire.

 

She snapped her phone shut and realized she had walked nearly to the front door, with Sesshoumaru over fifteen feet away. She turned to smile at him.

 

“Sorry, but I've gotta go,” she told him apologetically. She reached for the door, but turned over her shoulder, “Call me. Maybe we can see each other soon.”

 

And then she was gone.

 

Then my little brother has not won yet, he thought to himself, a smirk playing on his lips.

 

~~~~~()~~@

 

Kagome had raced home, and changed into a pair of tiny denim shorts, a white `Duran Duran' tee shirt, and a little string bikini under it all. She slipped into a pair of thong sandals and grabbed her small black purse. Inuyasha had obviously planned this, because he had on a pair of camouflage board shorts and an off-white tank top. He had worn sandals too, and of course, no outfit would be complete without some type of head covering. He wore a camouflage bandana.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes at the sight of him, relishing the memory of last night and earlier this morning, when he hadn't had his hat on. They left, Kagome allowing Inuyasha to drive the convertible before she had to give it back. She told him about how close she had grown to the car, and he agreed that it seemed to fit her. She was sad to let it go.

 

A girl after my own heart, he thought, happy she found joy in the car she had instead of treating it like some machine, like everyone else. Even his brother seemed to go through a car every year, growing bored with them or finding he didn't like them, since he didn't research or ask his brothers' opinion.

 

They arrived, and decided on which exhibits to see first. The dolphin show was soon, and they headed for the stadium. After that there was a sea lion show, and a beluga whale performance. He allowed Kagome to tell him about the animals, although she didn't speak excessively about them - she told him interesting facts.

 

They ate lunch, then looked through some of the exhibits, including manatees, sharks, and coral reef displays. Her compassion for the plight of the reefs and saltwater wish intrigued him: he really only had passion for cars and electronics.

 

Her favorite was the polar bear - she had told him that they reminded her of a dog she used to have, and he pretended it was the first he heard of it - and he bought her a stuffed one that reached her knees in height. She had insisted it wasn't necessary, but he told her that proceeds went to an organization that helped wild polar bears and she agreed.

 

Later, they took pictures in a photo booth, separating them so that they each had two. When they were tired, sun-beaten, and dirty, they began to make way for the exit. On the way, they passed an indentation in the ground where the park had set up sprinklers for children. It spurted water every so often, and a few kids were giggling and running around, their parents close by. Inuyasha didn't miss the way she watched them longingly.

 

Suddenly, she threw down her purse and ran through the spray, the water splashing across her body. He watched, stunned temporarily. But then he smiled and joined her, jogging to catch up to her on the other side.

 

After a few turns, they were laughing madly and leaning on each other to catch their breaths.

 

“It's a good thing I wore my bathing suit,” he said.

 

Kagome looked at herself, her own bikini evident through the wet, white shirt.

 

“Yeah, me too…” She grabbed the hem of the tee shirt, pulling it over her head.

 

Inuyasha admired her as she stretched, the shirt making a sucking sound as it came off. She threw it down near her purse and ran through the sprinkling water a few more times before she decided to leave it to the kids. They grabbed their things and left, Inuyasha wringing out his long ponytail and Kagome shaking her legs like a cat. They were almost dry by the time they reached the car, and Kagome took off her shorts as well, so as not to wet the leather. Inuyasha followed suit, removing his tank top. He was limited though, since he wasn't able to take off the bathing suit.

 

They were back at Kagome's half an hour later and she ordered pizza - after a long day, she wasn't up for dressing up or cooking. She showered in her bathroom and told Inuyasha to use Nikki's bathroom. Because of his run-in with her, he was uncomfortable doing so and told her he would wait for her to finish. She didn't ask about it, but left to clean herself.

 

Inuyasha was paying the delivery boy as she walked out in a green pajama set, her hair wet and in a bun at the nape of her neck.

 

“Aww… See? That's why you should've taken a shower in the other room…” She plopped down on the sofa next to him, and he smirked.

 

“You mean you won't wait for me?”

 

“Hey, I'm hungry, dude,” she told him.

 

“I'll be less than five minutes,” he replied, jogging to her room.

 

Sure enough, before the fifth minute came, Inuyasha walked out in a pair of low-slung denim shorts - and nothing else, except, of course, a bandana. Kagome smiled to herself. It wasn't that she preferred him this way, but he was definitely something to look at. They watched `Crank' as they ate, finishing off the pizza. Kagome reminded him that he could stay, but she had a date with Sango tomorrow. He asked if she wanted him to leave, and she said no.

 

So they spent the night watching movies, and at some point, popcorn was made. Inuyasha joked that he was going to have to buy her popcorn in the bulk, and she laughed, telling him that he should, since she was down to one more bag. When the popcorn was gone, they found themselves falling asleep. Kagome, exhausted, was the first to drift away. When Inuyasha found himself fighting to stay awake, he picked Kagome up and placed her in bed.

 

At first, he was intent on sleeping on the sofa - after last nights' spectacle with his hat, he didn't want it to happen again. But he had made sure to wear a bandana this time, and hopped into the bed alongside Kagome after taking the shorts off. He snuggled up to her and kissed her bare shoulder, falling easily into sleep.