InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Darkness Before Dawn ❯ Sorrow ( Chapter 17 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

The group loaded the last of the equipment into the van, each of them more than a little relieved the chore was finally complete.  They had spent four more hours rehearsing the playlist for the party, which now included Lithium as the fifth song in the lineup.  After the initial run through that had caused Kagome and Inuyasha such turmoil, it had gotten easier to perform.  Kagome slammed the cargo door of the van closed with a satisfied smile.  She was actually looking forward to their performance tomorrow.

"Uh, Kagome," Sango whispered in her ear, "come to the bathroom with me?"

"Why?  Is something wrong, Sango?"  she asked, concern both on her face and in her tone.

"Not with me," was the cryptic reply as the woman grabbed Kagome's elbow.  "There's something I need to show you."

"Alright," Kagome agreed even though she was still a bit apprehensive over Sango's bizarre actions.

When the two women entered the restroom, Sango turned Kagome so that her back was facing the mirror.  "You're lucky Miroku didn't see that!" she chuckled, pointing to the reflection of her back.

Kagome twisted to get a better view of her black skirt and was appalled to see a smudge of grey across the curve of her ass cheek, broken by four black lines that looked suspiciously like the tracks of Inuyasha's fingers.  "Holy shit," she moaned as her face flamed.  "I'm going to kill him!"  She swiped awkwardly at the incriminating evidence with a frown.  "Thank you, Sango.  I think that while the boys go meet Koga Sunday morning we are going to start cleaning this place from top to bottom!"  She began twisting to get a better view in the mirror.  "Did I get it all?"

"I think so."  Sango giggled at the woman's consternation.  "I agree with your plan.  Kami only knows when the last time this place was scrubbed down!  Probably shortly after we got it, I think.  The painters had fits because of all the dust and cobwebs they had to remove before they could even start working."

Satisfied that all the dust had been removed, Kagome leaned against the counter and asked, "Hey, Sango?"

"Hm?"  The woman had leaned forward to wipe away a smear of mascara from the corner of her eye.

"Inuyasha wants to go on a date," she murmured shyly.

Sensing the singer's unease, Sango smiled and quipped, "I'm flattered, but I think Miroku might get a bit upset."
"What?" Kagome asked a bit bewildered by the comment.  "Why would Miroku....."  The realization of what Sango implied finally hit her.  "Oh, har har."  She gave the woman a gentle shove.  "I meant with me, baka."

"Well, no shit, Kagome."  Sango rolled her eyes. "Personally I think it's great.  Inuyasha hates going out in large crowds!  He's more of a stay in date kinda guy."

Kagome thought that statement a bit odd, considering his chosen career path.  "Really?"

"Oh, yeah," she said, like it was the most obvious thing in the world.  "I mean, it's one thing when we're on stage at a busy club because he's separated from the teeming masses.  But to get him out in the crowd…?  You'd have an easier time pulling teeth from a rabid walrus!"

Kagome frowned in confusion.  "I don't get it.  Why would he insist on taking me out then?"

"That's a no brainer, Kagome," she replied smoothly.  "He wants to show you off!"  Seeing the woman's eyes flare in panic Sango quickly amended, "Not show off that he's dating 'Higurashi Kagome the pop star' but more like, 'check her out! She's gorgeous and she's all MINE! kinda thing."

The singer contemplated this revelation for a moment, still uncertain if that was the truth.  "You really think so, Sango?"

Taking pity on her friend, Sango threw a comforting arm around Kagome's shoulders.  "In all the years I've known Inuyasha, he's always shied away from taking any of his girlfriends anywhere more crowded than a restaurant with a drive-thru window or a movie theater. They all had to drag him out kicking and screaming if they wanted him to go anywhere else.  He never hung out in the clubs or bars after our performances because of the way the girls would hang all over him to show off that he was with them.  Trust me, Kagome, you are the first woman I've seen him show this kind of attention to."

Kagome felt warmth flow through her at Sango's assurances.  Feeling infinitely better about the upcoming event, she shyly said, "There's one more thing..."

"Fire away!"

"Inuyasha suggested that maybe you two wouldn't mind going with us," Kagome muttered quickly and cast hopeful eyes on her friend.

"You're shitting me!"  Sango declared in astonishment.  "Oh, this is priceless!  If there's one thing he hates more than public dating, it's public group dating!"  She was truly impressed with the concessions the man was making to assure Kagome how much he cared for her.  "Of course we'll go," she chuckled.  "When is this miraculous event supposed to take place?"

"Sunday night," Kagome informed her.  "He thought we could all use a break after all the non-stop rehearsals this past month."

"I think I'm going to faint!" Sango placed the back of her hand dramatically against her forehead, causing Kagome to burst out laughing.  "The slave driver is putting away his whip for an entire day?  Whatever shall I do?"

Kagome held her sides and doubled over at the woman's antics.  After a few moments, they both settled enough to push away from the counter.  Kagome moved to the door, saying, "Come on, we'd better get going.  I still have to practice Lithium a bit more before I can hit my bed tonight!"


"I think you've got it, Angel," Inuyasha declared after an hour and a half of helping her practice.  

"I still keep stumbling over this one part," Kagome protested as she positioned her fingers over the keys of her piano.

Inuyasha took her hands in his and pulled them away from the ivories.  "You're stumbling over it because you are exhausted," he told her.  "It's almost one a.m. and you look like you're about to fall off this damn bench!"

Kagome relented with a sigh.  "My body's tired, but my mind's going a mile-a-minute!  How about some tea before you go?"

"Sounds good to me," he agreed.  He heard the unspoken request for some quiet 'cuddle time' in her voice and was loathe to pass up the opportunity.  Following her to the small kitchen, he leaned against the door frame and watched her precise and efficient movements as she prepared the relaxing brew.  "You know, Angel, I'm really proud of the way you handled the situation with Yuka today.

Kagome didn't turn to face him, afraid he would misinterpret the moisture that appeared in her eyes as regret instead of appreciation.  "I've known her since I was eight years old," she said with a shrug.  "If there's anyone from my past I can trust with my secrets, it's Yuka."

Inuyasha moved to stand behind her and wrapped his arms loosely around her slender waist.  "Still, I know it took a lot for you to tell her," he whispered into her hair.

Kagome closed her eyes and absorbed the comforting warmth of his presence for a moment before responding.  "The truth is, Inuyasha, I didn't do it for me."

"I don't understand," he murmered in confusion.

She sighed heavily, handed him a steaming mug and moved back to the living room.  When they were settled on the couch, Kagome snuggled against his side and rested her head on his shoulder.  Inuyasha's fingers drew lazy patterns on her arm and breathed in the intoxicating scent that was exclusively hers.  They sipped their tea in silence, content for a moment with just being together.

Kagome lowered her mug to her lap before taking a deep breath.  "I realized you were right, Inuyasha," she stated, finally continuing the conversation he had started in the kitchen.  "Not just you, but Koga and Nagani-san as well."  She took another sip of the tea while gathering her thoughts.  "I've hidden myself for so long, I don't even know who I really am anymore."

"I was out of line when I said that-"

"No," she protested sharply, "you were right on target!  I've never been strong, Inuyasha.  Even as a child I avoided seeing life as it really is.  I deluded myself into believing I lived in a world full of wonder and happiness.  I thought every family was like mine; loving, caring and always there for each other.  I had great friends, was a good student and everything was wonderful.  Then I met Shiro and Koga, I fell in love and was on my way to becoming a star.  It was perfect, yet I still hid from reality.  I let Shiro deal with the press and finances, Koga dealt with the label executives and promotional aspects.  All I had to do was sing and be happy."  Her voice caught on the lump forming in her throat.

"When my perfect world came crashing down around me, I locked myself up in this apartment, away from all the prying eyes and false understanding.  I buried my pain in my music, writing song after song that no one would ever hear."  Kagome lifted the mug to her lips once again and let the tears slip silently down her cheeks.

Inuyasha listened to every word she said in silence, unwilling to disturb this outpouring of her soul.  This was the first time since that terrible fight that she had opened up and really talked to him about her life.  All the time they had spent alone at his apartment this past week had been either working on her music or making out on his couch.  He continued to run his fingers slowly across her flesh in a comforting motion while she continued speaking.

"Well," she chuckled wryly, "at least that's what I thought."  Kagome lifter her gaze to meet his.  "I know this can't be easy for you, Inuyasha.  I wouldn't blame you if you decide that it's not worth the trouble."

Amber eyes turned molten with his sudden anger.  "I don't ever want to hear you say that again, Kagome," he said between clenched teeth.  When he saw the slightly frightened look in her eyes, Inuyasha took a calming breath before continuing in a softer tone.  "I knew what I was getting into, Kagome.  I'm not going to bail at the first little bump in the road, got it?"

Kagome nodded her head and smiled weakly at him.  "Thank you, Inuyasha," she whispered before placing a chaste kiss on his cheek.  

He took both of their empty cups, placed them on the coffee table and gathered her close to him again.  The peaceful silence enveloped them like a soft blanket and the steady rhythm of his heartbeat lulled her to sleep within moments.  Inuyasha brushed his lips across the top of her head, once again thanking the fates for delivering her to him.  Sighing in contentment he picked her up and carried her to the bedroom where he laid her on the bed.  Inuyasha tucked the comforter around her and pushed a stray tendril of hair behind her ear.  Leaning close he whispered, "Good night, Kagome.  Sweet dreams."

Kagome's hand snaked out from under the blanket to grab his shirt.  "Stay," was her sleepy plea.

"I'm not going anywhere," he told her, placing a kiss on the shell of her ear.  Kagome sighed and smiled dreamily.  Inuyasha brushed her bangs back with his fingers and watched her until her breathing evened out.  Assured she was finally asleep, he leaned forward again to breathe in her ear, "I promise that I'll stay by you always, Kagome.  I love you."  He stood, debating on whether or not he should crawl in bed next to her when his eyes caught the picture of Shiro on the opposite nightstand.  Sighing with resignation, he told the man's image, "Fine, you win this battle."  With a last look at the serene woman, he turned and left the room.

Moving around the apartment to extinguish the lights, Inuyasha wondered if there would ever come a time that he would feel comfortable in that room.  Casting a dejected look at the cozy sofa, he muttered, "Well, it's a good thing you make a comfy bed."  He pulled a plush throw pillow from the chair and stretched out.  "I just hope this doesn't become a regular occurrence."


Inuyasha opened his eyes slowly, trying to figure out what that damn annoying jingling sound was.  Just as his vision began to focus, the front door opened and Kagome stepped into his view.  

Seeing his amber eyes blink a few times, she called, "Finally awake, I see."

"What time is it?" he questioned as he sat up.

"About ten-thirty, sleepy head," she chuckled.  "Come on, you can help with breakfast."  At his groan she said in a crooning voice, "I'll put on some coffee first."

"You know how to get me to do anything you want in the morning," he teased with a smirk.  "Where did you run off to so early?"

"To the market.  I needed fresh ingredients to make my special omelets," she informed him with pride.

"Did you say omelets?" he drooled.  

"Ah ha," she teased setting the paper bags down on the table.  "I have just discovered another weakness!"

Inuyasha grabbed Kagome around the waist and hauled her against him.  "No fair," he growled playfully.  "I only know one of yours!"

"Oh, I think you know one or two others," she told him with a sly wink.

Inuyasha pretended to think before flashing her a wicked grin.  "You mean this?" he asked nuzzling her neck just below her ear.  Kagome gasped at the erotic nips on her tender flesh.  "Or maybe this?"  His tongue dipped into the hollow of her ear, causing the woman to moan softly.  "And of course there's this....." he whispered against her lips.

"That's the one," she murmured before his tongue invaded her mouth.  She wrapped her arms around his neck and tilted her head to give him better access.  Inuyasha lifted her against him, leaving her curling toes dangling just above the tiled floor.  When he broke away she looked into the smoldering depths of his exotic golden pools and shivered with an excited thrill.  Is it possible to build a relationship on lust? she wondered.  

"Whadda ya say we skip breakfast and move on to dessert?" he asked, never taking his eyes from hers.  He felt that delicious little shiver run through her a second time and moaned at the throbbing pressure in his loins.

Kagome drew the lobe of his ear in between her teeth and whispered, "As tempting as that sounds...."

Inuyasha sighed as he lowered her back down.  "Fine, but I think I'll leave you to fix breakfast."  He placed a lingering kiss on her irresistible lips before moving away.  "Just remember, Angel, a man can only take so many cold showers before he goes insane!"  Kagome's giggle followed him out of the kitchen.  Scooping up the back pack he'd brought with him, the guitarist headed to the master bathroom.  He paused when the rumpled blankets on one side of the bed caught his eye.  Glaring at the picture of Shiro he growled, "Someday I'm gonna help mess up the whole damn bed!"


"Oh, quit grumbling, Miroku!" Sango chastised plucking a stray thread from the now sleeveless t-shirt.  "It looks a damn site better than yesterday!"

"It's still PINK!" he cried in outrage.

The bassist rolled her eyes.  "But it's so shredded it looks cool!"  She eyed the sliced up front of his shirt where it looked like claws had been scraped across his stomach, revealing his black tank top.  Slipping her arms through the long split down the side seams she purred, "It looks so cool it's hot!"

Miroku's mouth swooped down to claim hers in a passionate kiss.  Deft hands slipped up under her cropped shirt to teasingly trace the curve of her breasts.  By the time he broke away they were both panting with want.  "Dammit, woman!"  he growled, grinding his erection into her abdomen.  "Is it too late to drag you home for another 'lesson'?"

"I think there's an empty reception room down the hall," she tempted while nipping her teeth on his chin.

"Oh, get a room you two," Inuyasha grumbled as he and Kagome approached the couple.  Sango was effectively pinned by his muscular body against the side of the van.  He cuffed the drummer on the side of the head.

"We were just working on that!"  Miroku grinned wickedly at the pair before removing his hands from under her shirt.  "We got bored waiting for you two and decided to play 'Doctor'.  What took you so long?"

"There was an accident on the expressway just before the exit," Kagome explained while following Sango around the back of the van.  "It would have taken even longer if we had been in the car.  Inuyasha got impatient and rode the motorcycle along the shoulder to the exit."

"Yeah," he chuckled while hefting an amplifier out of the van.  "The cops weren't too happy about it, but they let us pass."

"Well, we'd better get our asses in gear," Miroku grunted as he hauled the bass drum forward.  "We have to be ready to play in two hours and we still need to do a sound check!"


The twenty year old girl for whom the bash was being held for was ecstatic over her surprise gift.  "I can't believe it, Mama!" she cried after personally greeting the quartet.  "You're the BEST!"

Kagome smiled fondly at the pair as they left the stage.  Nobody noticed the brief glimmer of sadness behind the dark sunglasses that covered her eyes.  Inuyasha questioned why she wasn't using the mask, to which she shrugged and said, "It didn't go with the outfit."  Each member had mutilated the hot pink shirts to their own tastes.  The singer opted for fringing the sleeves and cutting a deep V out of the bodice to reveal a lacey black camisole top.  Today, her hair would be her wings.  Kagome had endured half an hour of Inuyasha muttering about all the crap she was putting in her hair and how long it was taking to get the look she desired.  Finally her mane cooperated and the sides were pulled up and away from her face until they fanned out like wings. The rest of her tresses flowed freely down her back in subtle waves.  

When Inuyasha saw the final result his jaw hit the floor.  "Kami's, Babe!  You look good enough to eat!"  At her brilliant smile he was half afraid to burst her bubble.  "How do you plan to get a helmet on over that?"  Needless to say, after the sound check, Kagome and Sango had to do an emergency fix to her 'do.  Sango had even managed to find a shade of super high-gloss lipstick that matched their shirts.  They had to warn the boys they weren't allowed to kiss them until after the performance because it might wear off on them!  

Looking back at her fellow musicians, she saw that they were waiting for her cue to begin.  Kagome cleared her throat delicately into the miniscule microphone at the corner of her mouth.  "Good afternoon, everyone!" she called out.  "We," she swept her arms out to indicate the other members of the band, "are Hell's Redemption!"  The younger occupants of the room all cheered loudly, while the older, more conservative people groused and grumbled about the name she had yelled.  "It's our great pleasure to wish Youkou-chan a Happy Birthday!"  The singer paused long enough for the congratulatory applause to cease.  "Now, for all the old schoolers out there," the younger ones laughed at her bold statement, "we aren't your run of the mill pop act.  We like our music just the way our world is; Dark, hard and heavy!"  The kids all crowded the dance floor, cheering the singer on.  "Let's get this party rockin'!" she screamed.

Recognizing the agreed upon cue line, Miroku tapped out the beat as she shouted it and they dove into the grinding rhythm full force.  Inuyasha furiously moved his pick over the guitar strings while Miroku pounded out the driving tempo.  Sango dipped her head low and moved her hips in time to her thrumming bass line.  When the frantic drumming ceased and only Inuyasha's last chord resonated through the speakers Kagome stepped up to the front of the stage to sing her tale.  Miroku lightly tapped his sticks against the cymbals while her voice wafted through the room.

Sometimes life seems to quietInto paralyzing silenceLike the moonless darkMeant to make me strong

Inuyasha delicately plucked the strings to accompany her haunting words of woe.  Miroku and Sango added their solid rhythm as her tone took on a desperate, husky tone.  She floated across the stage, touching her audience with her suffering.

Familiar breath of my old liesChanged the color in my eyesSoon he will perforate the fabric of the peaceful by and by

Kagome raised a clenched fist to her heart to express the deep pain of loss.  She bent low at the waist, feeling the anguish rip through her once again and thankful for the dark shades that covered her eyes.  The truth of her agony was conveyed through the desperation in her voice as the rhythm of the drums picked up before a split second pause.  Holding her other hand to the audience she moved into the chorus.

Sorrow lasts through this nightI'll take this piece of you
Clenching her outstretched hand and bringing it to her chest, Kagome stood and raised her eyes to the heavens to recite her vow.

And hold for all eternity

Looking back down at the audience she cried out the soul deep anger at the cruelty of fate.

For just one second I felt wholeAs you flew right through me

The music calmed once more and Kagome took a step back from the edge of the stage.  She looked toward Inuyasha as the softened tone of her voice drifted through the room.  The words never failed to make him want to erase the loneliness he knew lingered in her eyes throughout the next lines.  He gazed into her eyes beyond the smoky lenses to convey the feelings of friendship and desire, hoping to lift the burden of sorrow from her heart.

Left alone with only reflections of my memoryTo face the ugly girlThat's smothering me

Unable to bear the emotional, yet silent exchange with the guitarist without breaking down, Kagome whirled back to the audience once more.  She held her arms out to them while extolling the significance of her love for the one none of them would ever know.  Unexpectedly, a tear rolled down her cheek as Shiro's caring visage flitted through her mind.

Sitting closer than my painHe knew each tear before it cameSoon he will perforate the fabric of the peaceful by and by

Kagome wrapped her arms around her middle as the tempo increased.  She closed her eyes in a vain attempt to fight the tears that were threatening to pour from them.  Get a grip, girl! her mind screamed out.  Shaking her head to dispel the memory of his face, she carried on with the song, the emotional turmoil in her heart lending a new strength to her vocals that enraptured the audience; young and old alike.

And we kiss each other one more timeAnd sing this lie that's halfway mineThe sword is slicing through the questionSo I won't be fooled by his angel light
Inuyasha glanced at Sango, only to see the same concern he felt on her face.  Kagome was falling apart before their eyes and there wasn't a damn thing they could do about it.  His heart raced in his chest as he witnessed the struggle the singer was experiencing, wishing he could just stop everything and drag her out of here before anyone saw her shatter.

Kagome's agony flowed through her veins like a raging river.  Her voice became husky as she tried to wade through the onslaught of emotion.  Why was this happening now?  For the past week she had been able to perform this song without feeling the searing loss again!  What was so different about this time that Shiro's memory would haunt her so?  She spread her arms out, begging someone -anyone- to take away this pain!  Her hands shook with the torment that enveloped her as she literally wailed the final chorus.

Sorrow lasts through this nightI'll take this piece of youAnd hold for all eternityFor just one second I felt wholeAs you flew right through meAnd up into the stars

Kagome's eyes flew open, determined to rise victorious over her internal struggle.  Her face set into a mask of stoic resolve, she screamed the war cry that rose from the pits of her very soul.

Joy will come!

The music raged around her for a moment, giving Kagome enough time to take a calming breath before the musicians slowed again.  The singer focused on restoring the quiet, haunting tone to her voice as she repeated the opening verse while the music faded away.  

Sometimes life seems too quietInto paralyzing silenceLike the moonless darkMeant to make me strong

The audience stared in breathless awe at the woman upon the stage.  When her voice ceased to echo, the entire crowd erupted into vigorous applause.  Even the old and jaded lifted their voices to the din.

Inuyasha's pride swelled.  Such is the power of the Dark Angel.  She never failed to amaze him with her stage presence, nor did she ever perform any song the same way twice.  Kagome was a true artist.  

Moving across the stage, he leaned in until his mouth pressed against her ear.  "Are you okay, or do you need a minute?"

Kagome lifted her glasses enough to wipe the last traces of her tears away.  "I'm fine, now," she whispered while her hand carefully covered the microphone.

"What happened?"

"I'll tell you later," she promised.  Kagome smiled when he discretely brushed his lips across her temple before moving away again.



"Well, that was fun," Miroku commented while they loaded the equipment back into Sango's van.

"You're just happy you finally got out of that shirt," Sango teased.  "I'll have to ask my boss for copies of those pictures for our album."

"I thought that poor girl was going to faint when Miroku and Inuyasha each kissed a cheek!" Kagome laughed at the memory of the brightly smiling birthday girl.  "You two are so sweet," she cooed.  "Giving her your autographed shirts and a kiss!"

Miroku grinned mischievously.  "Anything for the fans, Angel!"

Sango growled at him and punched his shoulder.  "The fact that she was drop dead gorgeous had nothing to do with it, I suppose?"

"Keh," Inuyasha scoffed while trying to hide his blush.  "It wasn't that big of a deal!"

"Maybe not to you,” Sango chided, "but for that girl it's not something she's going to forget anytime soon.  Didn't you see the stars in her eyes when you called her up on stage?"

"Yeah, well..."  Inuyasha cleared his throat loudly.  "It was Angel's idea!"

Kagome rolled her eyes at him.  "It was my idea to wish her a happy birthday; you came up with the gift idea."

"Whatever.  Are we done here?"

Miroku and Sango chuckled at Inuyasha's discomfort.  Some things never changed.  He wanted to take this band to the top, but after three years he still hated the star struck reactions from the young girls that fairly drooled over him.  "Yeah," Sango replied, "Everything's packed up and ready to go.  Are you two still coming over to my place?"

"Are you still making your famous chicken?"  Inuyasha questioned back with a smirk.

Sango ruffled his bangs as she walked past him.  "You bet!  See you in thirty?"

Inuyasha waved as he grabbed Kagome's hand and started moving to where he had parked his bike.   Handing Kagome her helmet, he told her, “Sango makes the best Teriyaki chicken in Tokyo.  Just wait till you taste it, Angel!"

"Don't forget we have to pick up the wine," Kagome reminded him as she mounted the motorcycle behind him.

"Inuyasha wasn't kidding, Sango," Kagome declared after dinner.  The two women were standing side by side at the sink, finishing up with the last of the dishes.  "That was the best Teriyaki I've ever had!"

Sango blushed lightly at the praise.  "My dad loved to cook.  I learned everything I know at his elbow."

Kagome's brow furrowed at the note of sadness in her voice.  "Sango?"

The woman gave Kagome a sad little smile.  "He died five years ago," she explained.  "I guess that's something you and I have in common.  We're both orphans."

"I'm so sorry, Sango," Kagome consoled.  "Was he your only family?"

"No, I have a little brother.  He's in boarding school in Kyoto," she said quietly, watching the water slowly spin as it drained from the sink.  "Inuyasha told me about it after Kohaku got into trouble."

Kagome could sense her friend’s hesitation and placed a warm hand on her shoulder.  "You don't have to tell me, Sango."  

Sango smiled affectionately at her.  "It's all right, Kagome.  Kohaku felt abandoned after Dad passed.  He was only twelve at the time, so he lashed out at the world.  I did the best I could, but by the time he turned sixteen he'd gotten involved with the wrong crowd and got arrested for drugs."  She heaved a tired sigh before continuing.  "The judge gave him two options; straighten up or go to jail.  That's when Inuyasha told me about this school his brother had shipped him off to.  It's a tough school, even though he said it didn't work for him.  But Kohaku was just starting down that path, so maybe they could get to him."

"How's he doing now?"  Kagome queried with genuine concern.

"His counselor calls me every week with a report on his progress, but I must have missed him today."  Sango moved to the fridge to grab four cans of soda and handed one to Kagome before grabbing a bag of chips from the cabinet.  "I think he's coming around though.  Kohaku still grumbles about being there, but his grades are improving and last week he told me he's even made a few friends this year."

Kagome followed her out of the kitchen and into the living room where the two men were playing the latest kung-fu video game.  She felt bad for the bassist, having to shoulder the burdens of her own troubles and those of her brother's at such a young age.  It was a wonder she hadn't cracked under the strain.  If only I could be half as strong as Sango.....  Brushing the thought aside, she smiled at the grown men sitting on the floor exchanging jibes and moving their fingers feverishly over the controllers.

"I'm gonna kick your ass!" Miroku sneered.  "One more hit and you're toast!"

"Ha!  Watch this, Asshole," Inuyasha grinned wickedly.  Kagome watched in horror as his ferocious looking demon moved with lightning speed across the screen to Miroku's overly voluptuous -and scantily clad- human woman.  The demon picked her up by the throat and delivered a vicious blow to her head.  The woman's neck snapped back with a realistic sounding CRACK! just before the demon flung her over his shoulder.  "IN YOUR FACE!"  Inuyasha shouted with victory.  "When are you going to learn you can't beat me at fighting games?"

"Maybe when you learn I will slaughter you every time we play any kind of hunt down game," Miroku retorted with a sneer.

"Now, now boys," Sango warned playfully in a motherly tone.  "Play nice or I'll take the system away."

"Yes, Mom," they said in dejected unison.

Inuyasha rose from his cushion and moved to the loveseat.  Looking up at Kagome he patted the seat next to him and smiled.  When she was settled comfortably next to him, he threw an arm casually around her shoulders.  He leaned in to kiss her temple only to jerk back when a particularly stiff strand of hair poked him in the eye.  "Ow!  Shit that hurt!"

Kagome giggled at the mishap and checked to see if there was any real damage.  "Oh, you big baby," she cooed.  "Let me see!"

Inuyasha reluctantly removed his hand from his eye.  "You're not allowed to wear your hair like that anymore," he groused as she prodded the afflicted area.

Placing a gentle kiss on his eyebrow she informed him, "But it's such an effective self-defense weapon!"  

"Keh!"

The other couple laughed at their antics from the huge recliner across the room.  "She has a point, Inuyasha," Miroku said jovially, "no pun intended."

"Oh, har har," he shot back.

When the laughter died down, Miroku looked seriously at Inuyasha and Kagome.  "Mother's been after me about you, Inuyasha.  She's called me every night for the last two weeks."

Inuyasha sighed heavily.  "I know, she's called me, too.  I've been avoiding her calls."

"Has your brain fallen out of your head?" the drummer asked incredulously.  "I'm surprised she hasn't shown up at your door with her spoon!"

"Have I missed something?" Kagome asked them in a puzzled tone.

"Mother wants to meet you," Miroku told her.  

"So?  Why would Inuyasha be avoiding her?"

"Miroku's mother is a sweet, kindhearted woman," Sango told her while frowning at the men.

"To you, maybe," Inuyasha returned petulantly.  "She adores you!"

"Because I keep the two of you in line," she shot back.

"Anyway," Miroku continued, cutting through the argument, "Mother can be a real harpy if she thinks Inuyasha and I are keeping secrets from her.  I swear that woman is clairvoyant!"

Kagome turned to Inuyasha with a frown.  "Why wouldn't you want her to meet me?"

"It's not what you think," he quickly reassured her.  "Mom is nosey and a master at interrogation."

"Inuyasha!" Sango chastised.

Miroku laid a restraining hand on her shoulder.  "He's right, my love.  You have never been on the receiving end of that spoon."  He and Inuyasha visibly shuddered at the mention of that torturous weapon.  "I think she was a samurai in a past life or something."

Sango chuckled at their fear of the sweet lady.  "Don't let them scare you, Kagome.  Mom just knows how to keep these idiots on the straight and narrow."

"Wait, you call her 'mom' too?"

"Yeah," Sango blushed slightly.  "Trust me, Kagome, once you meet her, you'll understand why."

Inuyasha glared at her.  "Mom's not going to meet her!"

"Whyever not, Inuyasha?"  Kagome asked angrily.  "Didn't you tell me she would 'eat me up'?"

"That was before you told me the way you feel about people who ask too many questions," he mumbled.  "Mom is relentless if she thinks you're hiding something."

Kagome's eyes softened at the concern he was showing her.  He was willing to risk the wrath of Miroku's mother just to protect her identity and shield her from the pain of answering unwanted questions.  She felt the wall around her heart crack a little.  "Inuyasha," she whispered softly.  "It's all right.  I have a feeling she may be someone I could talk to."

His eyes snapped to hers at the quiet statement.  "Are you sure?  I don't want you to feel like you have to do this, Angel."  She smiled sweetly at him and nodded.  Gathering the woman into his arms, he told Miroku, "Tell her we'll stop by next Friday for lunch."