InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I'm Goin' To Miami ❯ Love Hurts pt. 3 ( Chapter 6 )

Okay, so nobody's started a riot yet because of my three-parter here. Good. So let's get on with it!

Inuyasha's Takahashi Rumiko's property, LuClipse85 is just borrowing her characters, yadda yadda yadda and so on.

Have fun!

Inuyasha, stop looking at me all crazy because I gave a normal disclaimer for once! I wanna hurry up and finish this!

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I'm Goin' To Miami

Chapter 6

Love Hurts, Love Scars

Love Heals, Love Will Save the Day

Part 3

Inuyasha stood over the sink, washing his hands. He had excused himself to the men's bathroom and became lost in his memories. His pensive and somber expression remained on his face. Inuyasha dried his hands, sighed heavily, then exited the men's room.

Inuyasha stepped outside and stood to the side of the door, his closed eyes downcast at the floor, his heart heavy.

"It's been quite a while, hasn't it?"

Inuyasha's ears twitched as a soft voice interrupted his thoughts. Inuyasha instantly recognized it and sent his somber eyes to his left.

On his left side, standing between the doors of the men's and women's bathrooms with a smile, was Miko Kikyo.

"Yes. A very long while."

Inuyasha stared in surprise, wondering what she was doing here in Miami.

"How have you been, Inuyasha?" Kikyo asked sweetly, walking over to him.

"Alright, I guess." Inuyasha answered indifferently, turning his eyes away.

He's still the same way he was before. Inuyasha's still carrying a torch for me. Kikyo thought with a smile.

"I came to realize something a few years ago, Inuyasha. I had made such a foolish mistake; I left behind a good love. I left behind a good love for a fake one." She said.

"Funny, I could've sworn the love you got on your back was a good one." Inuyasha replied bitterly.

"That's not what I mean, Inuyasha." Kikyo stated calmly, not expecting Inuyasha to say such a thing to her. "I reflected on that year we spent together and how blissful it was. Then I kicked myself for throwing your love away for something fake."

Kikyo gazed deep into Inuyasha's golden eyes longingly. "I made such a mistake when I let you go, baby. I've missed you so much; I want to feel your embrace again, Inuyasha."

She used that gentle, alluring voice Inuyasha loved as her hand reached up to touch his face. Kikyo's eyes widened in shock when she felt Inuyasha slap her hand away.

Inuyasha's eyes looked down at her angrily. He was angry that she was trying to play him again with that voice. She was acting before and she was STILL acting! Inuyasha couldn't believe he couldn't tell in the past!

"Cut the crap, Kikyo. It ain't flattering at all." He growled quietly. "If you really felt that way, why is it I haven't heard so much as a phone call in the last two years?"

He got her there. Kikyo looked hurt that he would ask such a malicious question.

"I know how busy you are with your modeling career and it would just be a burden if I bothered you with my trivial calls." Kikyo answered humbly.

Inuyasha threw his head back and laughed heartily. Kikyo stared wide-eyed.

He's scaring me again....!

Inuyasha brought his head back, still laughing. "HAHAHA! My enemies could come up with a better lame-ass excuse!"

Kikyo was stunned by Inuyasha's reaction. He's not buying it! How's this possible?! He was so easy back then!

Inuyasha opened his eyes and saw Kikyo's shocked face, wishing he had a camera to capture that priceless look. He calmed down and continued, "Alright, since you obviously can't say it, I'll say it for you:

"You and Miyakaze broke up a while back. He decided to come out the closet and join Club Homo, carrying his hairy-legged boyfriend away into the sunset! You didn't give a damn about straight Inuyasha! You had to fall for a guy gayer than Boy George! Then he remembered the soulless model he wasted his life with and calls to tell her," Inuyasha used a VERY gay tone and, mockingly, placed his hand on his hip and used his other one to emphasize his words in the same way, "'What was once two, is now one! Sayonara, you unfaithful BITCH!'" He resumed his regular pose standing up straight with his arms folded and a smug smile on his face and his normal tone. "Am I right more or less?"

Kikyo could only gawk with her mouth agape, flabbergasted. Inuyasha SO wished he had a camera so he could show Miroku!

"H-How did you know that?!" Kikyo stuttered in complete shock.

That smug smile remained, "I have my sources; Miroku being the best one."

In fact, what Inuyasha had just told Kikyo was actually a quoted summary from Miroku. It was from when he saw Miyakaze and the guy he ran off with at an actors' convention he went to in Nagasaki a couple of years ago.

Inuyasha put all humor aside and continued with a serious tone, "And now you come running back to me because you knew I truly loved you."

"Well yes. You still carry a torch for me, Inuyasha." Kikyo spoke hopefully.

"Yeah, a torch was being carried. However I discarded it long ago when the flame finally went out, Kikyo." Inuyasha said solemnly.

Inuyasha walked past Kikyo and headed toward the stairs to the karaoke bar. Kikyo turned around staring at him in shock. Everything's falling apart! He was supposed to want me back, not get over me!

"I love you, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha was just in front of the staircase when he stopped. Kikyo loudly said the four words Inuyasha had wanted to hear four years ago.

The words entered Inuyasha's head, but were quickly expelled along with his temporary anger. He got angry that Kikyo would say "I love you" and not mean it. Inuyasha didn't turn around.

"'I love you' came too late, Kikyo."

Inuyasha continued on his way, refusing to look back at his past.

"I love you, Inuyasha!" Kikyo repeated, emphasizing her declaration.

"I heard you the first time! Stop saying that when you don't mean it!" Inuyasha said coldly.

"Inuyasha, you're breaking my heart."

"You gotta have a heart before it can be broken."

Kikyo was now on the verge of tears. "Inuyasha, how can you be so cruel?"

Inuyasha stopped in the middle of the stairs. He could smell the salt of the tears forming in her eyes.

"Your acting improved; just as you planned." Inuyasha said indifferently.

Kikyo was starting to get angry. "How did you get so skilled at breaking hearts?"

"I learned from the best; I learned from Japan's Lowest Actress."

Inuyasha never once turned around to look at Kikyo. He had wanted to let her go for so long.

He wasn't about to look back at her now that he finally could.

Kikyo watched as Inuyasha walked upstairs and out of her life. Her eyes narrowed as she fumed in spite. Maybe he had let her go, but she wouldn't let go of him as easily!

"I was your first love; you declared your undying love to me. It is our destiny to die together, Inuyasha. I will take you with me to hell!" She hissed.

Kikyo glanced behind her and found an black woman staring at her. The woman walked over to her, reaching into her purse for something.

"He's the perfect man for you to see." The woman smiled as she handed Kikyo a folded slip of paper and quickly walked off with her friend.

Kikyo unfolded the paper and cocked a confused eyebrow as she found a man's name and his phone number underneath.

"Who the hell is Dr. Phil?"

After what seemed like an eternity, Inuyasha emerged from downstairs. Miroku waved at him to show him where their table was.

"Welcome back." Miroku joked, like Inuyasha had been gone for several decades.

Miroku was smiling ear to ear with a crimson red handprint on his left cheek. Sango was sitting on that side with several red veins on her head.

Inuyasha rolled up his eyes and sighed as went to the table near the entrance where Kagome was looking the book of karaoke songs.

"Pervert...!" Inuyasha muttered under his breath.

Kagome was looking through the book, writing down the two songs she had finally decided on.

"Hey." Inuyasha said quietly.

Kagome glanced up. "Well, nice to see you haven't fallen in!" She said half-bitterly.

Inuyasha teardropped. Well, it's better than her upgraded version of 'sit'. Plus she's not as angry as she was before.

"Look, thanks for helpin' me and Miroku out earlier. Ya didn't have to, but thanks." Inuyasha's tone was more casual than humble. It was casual, but very sincere. There was no way he was actually going to say "I'm sorry, Kagome." That would be against HIS religion!

Inuyasha had his face turned away as he stood by the table. When he heard nothing from Kagome, he turned to say it louder. He found Kagome's face up in his with a cheery smile. Inuyasha didn't specifically say he was sorry, but he apologized inbetween the lines nonetheless.

"You're forgiven!" Kagome beamed.

Inuyasha keh-ed with a light smirk, happy to see Kagome was smiling again.

"Being rude to a woman! When are you gonna grow up, mutt?"

Inuyasha's head fell over to the side as his eyes bugged out. ANOTHER voice he recognized but he hated THIS one even more. Upon hearing it again, Inuyasha recognized the words but the voice sounded different. He lifted his head and looked behind him.

"Where-"

Inuyasha didn't see anyone in front of him; his eyes were drawn downward when the person's fingers snapped. His eyes bugged out while Kagome's lit up.

It was a child just over four years old staring up at Inuyasha with her hands on her hips and smiling proudly.

It wasn't so much that a kid said that to him, Inuyasha stared at how the kid LOOKED!

The little girl wore a gray tank top and a tan colored skirt with matching sandals. Her long jet-black hair was tied up in a ponytail, she had tanned skin, piercing blue eyes, and a proud smirk with tiny fangs pointing out. Judging by her dark brown tail and pointy ears, she was a wolf youkai.

"Kiba! You apologize to him right now! Where are your manners?" The little girl's mother came up behind her and pulled on her tail.

"I'm sorry, mommy! Sorry, Inukkoro-san!" The girl said politely to make amends.

"Oh my! She's so adorable! Ayame, you have such a beautiful little girl!"

"AYAME?! MISHIROI AYAME?!" Inuyasha gawked, exclaiming loudly.

The girl's mother was a red haired, green eyed wolf-youkai who was also a Takahashi model. She dug her finger in her ear to regain her hearing and waved at Inuyasha.

"Hi! Long time no see, Inuyasha!" She greeted.

"Kiba! It's not Inukkoro-san! It's just Inukkoro!" A deep voice sounded.

A young male wolf youkai who looked exactly like the little girl came up toward the group. Then stopped when he saw Ayame glare at him.

"What? What'd I do?" He asked.

"How many times I gotta tell you not to say 'Inukkoro' in front of Kiba! You know I don't like that name!" Ayame growled.

Kagome smiled and waved at the young wolf-youkai, "Hey! It's good to see you again, Koga!"

"Same here, Kagome. Kiba, this is Higurashi Kagome. She's one of my friends."

"What about him, daddy?" Kiba asked, pointing to Inuyasha, whose mouth was still agape.

"DADDY?!?!" Inuyasha hollered dumbfounded.

"At the risk of getting clawed by your mother again, that's Hanyou Inuyasha. He's one of Kagome's friends." Koga said with an unenthusiastic, flat tone of voice, acting like it was going to kill him to say Inuyasha's real name.

Koga stared at Inuyasha's dumbfounded expression, then snickered. I didn't think it was possible, but Inuyasha looks more of an idiot like that! Ha ha!

Inuyasha's bugged out eyes stared at Kiba, then at Koga, then at Kiba, and then Koga again.......then back to Kiba and then back to Koga. Two and two got put together a few seconds later and....

"GOOD BUDDHA! HE BREEDED!" Inuyasha shouted in disgust.

From their table, Miroku, Sango and Shippo cracked up laughing at Inuyasha. Kiba couldn't help it herself. She didn't know what 'breeded' meant, but it was funny the way Inuyasha hollered it.

"I like him, daddy! He's funny!" Kiba laughed.

Ayame tried to stifle a snicker, "No wonder you're Mama Takahashi's favorite, Inuyasha!"

Koga broke out laughing at Inuyasha's shock, grabbing his sides. Kagome walked over to Inuyasha's side, trying to calm him down. She explained Koga and Ayame had gotten married four years ago and said he should be happy for them.

"HAPPY?! HOW THE HELL CAN I BE HAPPY?! THAT WOLF IS MARRIED TO AYAME AND HE SPAWNED A KID!!!" Inuyasha hollered, blowing Kagome's hair back.

"Two." Ayame corrected.

Inuyasha and Kagome drew their wide-eyes to Ayame. Kagome looked around the wolf family but only saw Kiba, who was still drawn up by her tail by her mother.

"Two? But I don't see any more-" Kagome stopped and looked at Ayame's protruding stomach, gasping as her face lit up.

Ayame was three months pregnant with another wolf cub!

Ayame gave Koga a sly, hinting lopsided grin, exposed one of her fangs. She nudged him gently with her elbow. Good job, Koga.

Koga seemed to have understood her body language and cleared his throat. He turned his head away to hide his face which was slightly red with embarrassment.

"AHH!" Inuyasha exclaimed in disgust, drawing away.

"Hey, you're lucky you don't live with them! You know how many times they do that at home?" Kiba stated, equally disgusted.

"Don't give me any more ideas, kid! I'm already scarred for life!" Inuyasha said, wishing Ayame hadn't nudged Koga.

Koga glanced back and saw Kagome grinning at him slyly.

"Koga, you dog!" Kagome said playfully.

"NOW DON'T YOU START!!" Inuyasha hollered, blowing Kagome's hair back again.

"Oh calm down, Inuyasha! You're gonna rupture yourself at this rate!" Ayame said, trying to ease the tension.

Just then the host of the bar stepped on stage and told those in the audience participating in the karaoke contest to submit their two selected songs.

After doing so, Koga and his family took their seats. Kagome went back to her table as Inuyasha skimmed through looking for two songs in particular. He joined Kagome and the others once he did. Shippo groaned while rolling his eyes up toward the ceiling.

"Brain damage. That's all it is, brain damage." Shippo muttered under his breath, embarrassed.

Kagome questioned, "What're you talking about, Shippo?"

"The usual." He responded.

"What do you-"

SLAP! "YOU PERVERT MONK!"

"You misunderstand my intentions-"

"I DON'T CARE!! KEEP YOUR HANDS OFFA MY BUTT!!"

Kagome's eyes rolled up. She didn't even have to turn around to understand what Shippo was complaining about.

Inuyasha just looked up at the stage impatiently, teardropping and quietly growling. One of these days Sango's gonna snap and laid the smackdown on his perverted ass.

The lights finally dimmed and the host announced that the karaoke contest was about to begin. The announcer hopped enthusiastically onto the stage and took a bow.

The first contestant walked onto the stage. Miroku's eyes widened in surprise while Inuyasha kept his calm but aggravated composure.

"Anyone you recognize, Miroku?" He asked with a hint of disgust in his voice.

"Kikyo?!" Miroku exclaimed, "What's she doing here?!"

Kikyo took the microphone and told she would be singing "Someday" by Mariah Carey. She received a loud 'boo' from Miroku. Kikyo cut her narrowed eyes at her heckler then ignored him. She never did like him anyway.

Shippo whispered across the table to Miroku, "Miroku, I never saw you do that to a woman! I'm surprised you didn't ask her to bear your kid!"

Shippo flinched when Miroku narrowed his glaring eyes at him. Miroku eased up when he remembered that the kit didn't know about Kikyo and Inuyasha.

"I'll die a virgin before I even think about asking that soulless woman." He hissed coldly.

Kikyo grit her teeth upon hearing that. She was the one woman that horny actor DIDN'T want to have his children. That didn't say a hell of a lot about her.

Nonetheless, she regained her composure for the song and sung with a skilled and sweet voice:

You look in my eyes

And I get emotional inside
I know it's crazy but you still can touch my heart

And after all this time, you think that I wouldn't feel the same

Nothing's changed

I still believe

Someday you and me will find ourselves in love again

I had a dream

Someday you and me will find ourselves in love again

Kikyo kept facing Inuyasha the whole time she sung, singing a message to him.

Miroku rolled up his eyes and groaned in disbelief that Kikyo was trying to lure him back to her! Inuyasha was dozing off. Kagome and Sango listened and guessed that woman was Inuyasha's ex-girlfriend. Kikyo's song ended and she received a loud applause as she walked off stage. That was the only song she had wanted to sing, and she felt it conveyed her message to Inuyasha perfectly.

The announcer called the next singer to the stage. Kagome nudged Inuyasha and told him he was next.

Kikyo sat up straight in her seat, all smiles as she watched him step onto the stage, thinking he was going to return her message.

Inuyasha's look at her was sly however. He took the mic and with full intention of responding to Kikyo's hidden message, singing his song while looking at her all throughout the chorus:

SHOT THROUGH THE HEART!

AND YOU'RE TO BLAME

Darlin' you give love A BAD NAME!

Miroku whipped out his camera and captured Kikyo's dropped-jaw expression! It was totally priceless! He would show it to Inuyasha when he was finished.

An angel's smile is what you sell

You promised me heaven then put me through hell

Chains of love got a hold on me

When passion's a prison you can't break free

OHHH! You're a loaded gun!

OHHH! There's no where to run

No one can save me the damage is done

SHOT THROUGH THE HEART

AND YOU'RE TO BLAME

YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME!

I PLAY MY PART AND YOU PLAY YOUR GAME

YOU GIVE LOVE A BAD NAME!

The audience joined in at the refrain and sang along with Inuyasha. As he sang, Inuyasha gave Kikyo frequent glaring glances.

Kagome marveled at how awesome his singing was! He was great, and he looked so hot up there performing like a rocker! All of the women there thought so too! In fact the only reason Inuyasha didn't get mobbed was because they all remembered their agreement with Kagome earlier. Inuyasha's song faded out and he received a massive applause as he started to hang up his mic. He saw Kagome smiling and cheering him on and he picked the mic back up, remembering he still had another song to sing. For this one, his attention was focused on Kagome with a bright smile; a definite message conveyed in the song:

I WANT TO CHANGE THE WORLD

Kaze wo kakenukete

Nani mo osorezu ni

Ima yuuki to egao no kakera daite

CHANGE MY MIND

Jounetsu taiya sazu ni

Takanaru mirai e

Te wo nobaseba

Kagayakeru hazu sa

IT'S WONDERLAND

The women were really trying to contain themselves now! Inuyasha sang the theme song to his anime with the same skill as V6!

Sango leaned over and teased Kagome, who blushed and tried to hide her face, smiling uncontrollably. But like everyone else there, she couldn't keep her eyes off him! Inuyasha got a little upset as he hit the last refrain of "Change the World" but continued singing, having the time of his life singing to Kagome. The applause was fierce as Inuyasha's time on the stage ended!

"That was for a Ms. Higurashi. Thank you, you've been a wonderful audience!" Inuyasha said smoothly, looking at Kagome the whole time.

Her face just lit up as she giggled!

Miroku hopped up on stage as Inuyasha stepped down. Shippo stared at him with an impressed face; he had been with him when he submitted his song and thought he had a lotta guts to sing this next one.

It had long been one of Miroku's favorites and he decided to go with the theme of message-conveying tonight. Except with his own special method.

Drums sounded and then a soft R&B opening and Miroku sang in his hot, velvety, sexy voice!

Girl close your eyes

Let that rhythm get into you

Don't try to fight it

There ain't nothing that you can do

Relax your mind

Lay back and groove with mine

You gotta feel that heat!

And we can ride the boogie

Share that beat of love

I wanna rock with you

ALL NIIIIIGHT

Dance you into the sunliiight

I wanna rock with you

ALL NIIIIIGHT

Gonna rock the night away!

Sango stared at Miroku, amazed.

The man could sing! And pretty damn well at that!

She watched Miroku while the rest of the bar started grooving and swaying to the beat. Inuyasha and Kagome brought it to her attention that she was blushing like mad. Sango tried to hide it, but she wasn't doing too well. Plus Miroku had gotten off the stage, approached Sango and added his own line in the music break,

"For my beautiful Lady Sango with the sparkling smile, let's rock together always!" Miroku purred smoothly with a kind (and sexy) smile!

He quickly got back on stage as the next chorus came and continued singing the rest of the song while everyone drew their attention to Sango. She was SO embarrassed! She held her burning face in her hands and glanced up at Miroku with a broad smile! Sango briefly glared into space upon hearing several women beg to bare his child.

Once again there was deafening applause for Miroku. He looked at Sango's expression and put on a smile as he got ready for his next song, deciding to provide her with entertainment and maybe get a few laughs out of her.

For this one, he danced like Michael Jackson on the stage!

Keep on!

When the force starts

Don't stop 'til ya get enough

Keep on!

When the force starts

Don't stop 'til ya get enough

Keep on!

When the force starts

Don't stop 'til ya get enough

Keep on!

When the force starts

Don't stop 'til ya get enough!

"Man, where's a video camera when ya need one?!" Inuyasha exclaimed, impressed with Miroku's act!

Sango didn't know how to act! She applauded Miroku as he danced like Michael Jackson and laughed as he danced in a humorous style! Specifically, Chris Tucker; Rush Hour 2 style! One thing was certain, Sango was indeed entertained! She greatly enjoyed Miroku's act! Kagome laughed a bit while Inuyasha shook his head, smiling in amusement.

They watched as Miroku continued and then winked suavely at Sango, who blushed several shades of pink!

"Whoo-hoo!" Inuyasha teased Sango, then ducked the paper umbrella she bashfully threw at him to shut him up.

Another deafening applause and standing ovation greeted Miroku as his song ended. Sweating and breathing heavily, Miroku took a humble bow.

"Thank you! I'm here 'til Thursday!"

Miroku walked off the stage and took his seat beside Sango, who was still smiling and giggling uncontrollably, hiding her face from his. Miroku was grinning from ear to ear that his plan had worked very well.

"I take it you liked it?" He inquired curiously, referring to his comic act and his added lines.

Sango titled her head so that Miroku could see her face as he leaned closer towards her, enthusiastically waiting for an answer.

She giggled more before answering, "Yes I liked it! Idiot!" Sango quietly and playfully said 'idiot' under her breath to herself.

It didn't escape his ears. Miroku smiled warmly and leaned in a little closer, and whispered gently in her ear, "If it sustains that beautiful smile, you can call me 'idiot' to your heart's content."

Sango turned and looked into Miroku's indigo eyes, admiring how they shone with utmost sincerity. Then her hand struck his face as she caught his hand going for her butt again. Luckily, Miroku had put her in a good mood as a smirk remained and she didn't strike him as hard as before.

Miroku lightly rubbed his face and simply grinned in good humor. "Or if it makes you happy, you can slap me senseless to your heart's content!"

Everyone listened as the next singer performed. He had a pretty good voice and he obviously knew the song well, but he gave off the impression that he was a Ricky Martin wannabe; he had the entire getup as he energetically sang, "Livin' La Vida Loca" in Spanish. The Inu-tachi didn't understand of a word of it but they found it catchy nonetheless. Inuyasha was too lost to even care.

Next up, Kagome! As her song started it became obvious that she was nervous as she missed a few notes in the opening. Inuyasha cheered her on to ease her nervousness; the rest of his table and a few others followed his example. That helped a lot as the melody began to flow from her lips

Hontou ni taisetsu na mono igai subete sutete

Shimaetara ii no ni ne

Genjitsu wa tada zankoku de

Sonna toki itsu datte me o tojireba

Waratteru kimi ga iru

Itsuka eien no nemuri ni tsuku hi made

Dou ka sono egao ga

Taema naku aru you ni

Inuyasha gazed at Kagome, listening intently to her singing. He thought she sounded so much better that Hamasaki Ayumi. The song hadn't even faded out completely but Kagome received a very warm applause from her audience, Inuyasha being the loudest one in there!

Four others performed and in the groups' opinion, only one of them sounded tolerable! Everyone either didn't know anything aside from the chorus or they were completely off-key! Many tried to be polite and at least let them finish, but Inuyasha's sensitive ears could only take so much torture! He booed them off the stage!

Koga went next after two more people. He chose to sing a romantic song for his beloved Ayame, "Think About You" by Luther Vandross, which just made her night and made a couple of women sigh. The wolf youkai gave Ayame a wink to tell the others she was his one and only for life. For his second song, "We Will Rock You", directed toward Inuyasha just to aggravate him. It worked of course, but Kagome held him back.

Ayame sang "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" with her daughter singing backup. Everyone smiled, thinking it was cute. For her second song, "Watashi no Aozora", getting a '20s nightclub atmosphere in the karaoke bar.

For Shippo, he went with his favorite T.M. Revolution songs, "Heart of Sword" and "Invoke". Kagome kept taking pictures of the kitsune trying to be like his idol singer

About five other people sang their songs, and then finally it was Sango's turn! She had been trying hard to be patient for her turn!

Sango had just gotten out of her seat when Miroku started applauded and cheering her on, he KNEW she could sing so he figured he'd give her encouragement.

Once in a lifetime you find someone to show you the way

Someone to make your decisions

But I let you lead me astray

Who did you think you were fooling

Say you were missing me, lies

But the truth is I knew you were lying

You were using me time after time

When the heartache is over

I know I won't be missing you (missing you)

Won't look over my shoulder 'cuz I know that I live without you

Live without you

Kagome applauded Sango loudly. She knew she was singing about Naraku and she was glad she finally got the courage to actually say it, that and sing a Tina Turner song. As she listened to her audience cheer her on, Sango looked at Miroku. She got an idea as her eyes narrowed slyly. Sango asked the DJ if she could change her second song for another and gave him the code number for it. As everyone looked puzzled, Sango purred to Miroku, "This is for the hot actor up front named Miroku."

I don't know what it is that you've done to me

But it's got me to act in such a crazy way

Whatever it is that you do when you do what you do to me

It's a feeling that I don't understand

'Cuz my heart starts beating triple times

With thoughts of lovin' you on my mind

I can't figure out just what to do when the problem here

Is you

I get so weak in the knees

I can hardly speak

I lose all control

Then something takes over me

In the day you look so amazing

It's not a phase, I want you to stay with me

By my side, I swallow my pride

Your love is so sweet

It knocks me right off of my feet

Can't explain why your lovin' makes me weak

Now it was Miroku's turn for attention! People from the audience whistled and made playful remarks about Sango's singing to him. Inuyasha made a few just to embarrass him further but quickly stopped.

Miroku heard nothing other than Sango's lovely voice. He was lost in Sango's slow jam and that flirtatious look on her face. Kagome sang quietly with her friend seeing as this was one of her jams too. The song faded out and Sango received a standing ovation and loud applause from her public!

"Thank you! Thank you very much! I'm here 'til Friday!" Sango imitated Miroku, feeling very comfortable on the stage and laughing at the whining "you-stole-my-line" look he gave her.

The contest was over and the announcer appeared again on stage to announce the winners.

For "Worst Singer", which was only a joke since he didn't believe in bad singers (they just needed more lessons), he called Inuyasha......which resulted in a plate getting thrown at him which he evaded. The announcer started to gloat that the woman had missed him; he should have paid more attention to the chair that was thrown into his head.

"Ha ha....Kidding! I was just kidding!" He apologized.

"Damn right you were! Don't make me throw another one, fart!" Inuyasha roared.

For "Most Entertaining": Houshi Miroku!

Deafening applause and whistles.

For "Loudest and Still On-Key": Hanyou Inuyasha!

Fierce applause!

And finally, for "Best Singer": Taijiya Sango!

The announcer went to her table and awarded her prizes and his congratulations, noticing himself that she was quite a looker. He opened his mouth to hit on Sango when his eyes looked in the back of the audience and found his wife glaring at him.

Needless to say he shut his mouth and bid everyone good as the bar was now closed.

Before someone reminded her of the deal, Kagome had Inuyasha and Miroku sit at the table near the door and laid down the rules: no pushing, no shoving, no pulling another woman's weave to get ahead and definitely no mobbing the celebrities or else they were out of there!

The crowd of women seemed to have understood perfectly as they did just as Kagome ordered. They were very excited but kept themselves in check.

Since they were all well behaved, Miroku decided to be extra nice and read the women's palms, saying they had a long life and many children to look forward to. He was very grateful to Kagome as he was finally able to do this without having to run at the same time. Too bad he couldn't run away from Sango's fist as it slammed into his crown. He was pretty sure since she and Kagome were busy with their public they wouldn't even hear him. It cracked Inuyasha up everytime he saw Sango put the pervert actor in check.

After about an hour, the Inu-tachi were free to go. On the way to the car, the group laughed and talked about what an interesting night that had been. Shippo had noticed the message-conveying theme of almost everyone's singing and Inuyasha was starting to wonder who else he would run into in Miami besides Koga and Kikyo.

Miroku, Sango and Shippo walked on to Inuyasha's car while he talked with Kagome in private, complementing her on her singing.

She smiled as a hint of blush crept on her face, "Thanks, Inuyasha. I'm happy to see you had a great time up there."

"Why's it you always say that when go out somewhere? 'I'm happy you had a good time, Inuyasha.' I ain't complainin' or nothin', I was just wondering." Inuyasha asked, a little annoyed.

"Because I rarely see you with a smile. I mean a real smile. That little playboy grin of yours is only for modeling. Plus, a lot of damage was done to you when Kikyo broke your heart, physical and psychological damage. It broke my heart to see you so depressed like that. So I wanted to make sure you would have fun whether you could. Besides, it makes me happy to see you having fun." Kagome sincerely responded with a sincere smile.

Inuyasha found his eyes fixed on Kagome's smile. He had gotten a tad irritated that she asked him that again, but upon hearing her answer and seeing her gentle visage, Inuyasha's face softened and a small smile unconsciously crept on his lips.

"How do you do that, Kagome?"

"Do what?" Kagome asked.

"How's it you can just smile like that no matter what goes on? That was something else I always wondered about?" Inuyasha asked her, leaning against the wall of the karaoke bar building and looking into Kagome's eyes with a soft smile.

That hint of blush was starting to grow a little when she answered, "Nobody's ever asked me that before. I don't know how to answer that. It just seems natural for me to smile at anything. I guess it makes problems seem a little less of a big deal when I do."

Inuyasha chuckled. "That's what I thought back at the hospital. Your smile's like magic the way it lightens people's problems."

Kagome smiled more, thinking how pleasant Inuyasha was when he was being nice. "Thank you."

Kagome turned her head to the side, trying to hide the deepening blush that she knew was on her face.

Inuyasha had already seen it. Kami, even when she's blushing Kagome's beautiful.

He got up from his leaning position on the wall and closed the small distance between him and Kagome. She looked up and him with her reddened face.

"Kagome..." Inuyasha started.

"Yes, Inuyasha?" Kagome said, looking into his soft golden eyes.

Inuyasha tried to come up with something to say, but couldn't find the right words. He tried again, but still nothing. Deciding he wasn't one for lame speeches, he kept his smile and handed Kagome a red rose. One of his fans from the autograph signing gave it to him and he immediately thought of Kagome when he looked at it. Inuyasha's smile broadened when he saw her face light up as she took the rose. As she inhaled its sweet scent deeply, Kagome felt deeply touched that Inuyasha cared so much about her and tears started forming at the rims of her eyes.

He saw a small one escape and started freaking out, "Kagome, what's wrong?! Aw crap! I could've sworn that damn rose didn't have any thorns on it!"

"Inuyasha, calm down! I'm okay! I'm just really touched is all." Kagome said gently.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes up to the heavens and groaned, though he was relieved she hadn't pricked her hand. "Well, does that mean you gotta cry, woman?! Here I am thinking a thorn went through your hand and you're gettin' like Whitney Houston bein' so frickin' emotional!"

Kagome glared at him, resenting Inuyasha going back to being a jerk. "Well excuse me for being so frickin' sentimental!"

Kagome huffed and stormed away to the car. Inuyasha closed his eyes, mentally berating himself, turned toward the wall, and started beating his head against it, calling himself "baka" each time he hit the wall.

Miroku and the others had seen the entire thing and were rooting for Inuyasha until he screwed it up.

"Such an idiot." Sango muttered.

"I heard that." Miroku muttered back in agreement.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

<<Flashback>>

Inuyasha's eyes feebly rolled up and stared up at the ceiling. He wanted to die, but the gods denied him his wish.

"Dammit, I'm still alive. Why won't I just die already?" Inuyasha weakly voiced his thoughts.

"Your friends would be very sad if you did, Inuyasha." Came a soft and gentle voice.

Inuyasha's ears moved as an unfamiliar voice was heard. His narrowed eyes moved to his side and fixed on the figure sitting beside him.

His heart jumped. It was Kikyo! His beloved Kikyo had come back to him! The gods didn't hate him after all! But when he noticed something different, Inuyasha narrowed his eyes more to adjust his blurry vision, and felt a wave of disappointment go through him.

It was a young woman with raven black hair and brown eyes and she had more color to her skin, instead of it being pale. She looked very similar to Kikyo, but it was a different woman!

"Who......wh....." Inuyasha tried to ask the young woman who she was, but he felt all his strength left him quickly and he fell back into a deep sleep.

Inuyasha? Inuyasha? Please wake up.....please wake up, Inuyasha......

The voice of a young woman floating through the darkness of Inuyasha's head. He strained weakly in his sleep.

"Ki- Kikyo.....my Kikyo....." Inuyasha whispered in his sleep, thinking it was her voice.

Inuyasha.....Inuyasha, wake up please...... "Please wake up, Inuyasha."

The voice floated through the darkness in whispers when it suddenly got a bit louder and the words clearer. Inuyasha's ears moved again and his eyes opened again narrowly.

"Inuyasha!" The soft voice exclaimed quietly with a hopeful smile.

Inuyasha remembered this. He had once again thought it was Kikyo's voice he heard but it belonged to that young woman. His narrowed eyes moved to his right again and there she was.

Inuyasha weakly took a whiff of her scent and confirmed it wasn't Kikyo, much to his disappointment. He had really hoped she had come back to him. He turned his eyes away from the woman and just stared before him, still depressed.

He seems angry. He seems angry that he came out of his coma. Why? At the modeling shows Inuyasha always appeared to be so strong, like he could fight all of his enemies at once and still beat them. But.....something must've happened to put him in this condition. Something really serious. What happened to you, Inuyasha?

Inuyasha turned his eyes back at her and just stared up at her. "Who're you?"

"My name's Kagome. Higurashi Kagome. I-I just came to visit you." She answered in a soft voice.

"Have you been sitting there for the last few minutes?"

"Well, for today, yes."

"What do you mean 'for today'?"

"It may've seemed like a few minutes to you, but a week had gone by since you last opened your eyes, Inuyasha. Then, you had finally come out of your coma."

He gave her a questioning look.

"How long have I been in a coma before then? You know?"

"Three and a half weeks." Kagome answered.

Inuyasha looked away. Kagome saw the sorrowful look on his face and seriously wondered what had happened to him. The half-demon looked back up at her and saw her smiling at him.

Why the hell is she smiling? There's nothing to smile about. I'm on my deathbed and here she is smiling like an idiot. Hey, was my heart beating like this earlier? It felt like it was beating kinda slowly; it got a little stronger since I looked at her just now.....and my body doesn't feel so cold.

Inuyasha's golden eyes met Kagome's brown eyes and remained there, staring in curiosity. She looked like Kikyo, but she was very different. Kikyo's smile never made his heart beat that strongly. It was strange, Inuyasha didn't understand it, but it was like her smile was commanding his heart to continue beating against his wish for it to stop.

For the remainder of Kagome's visiting time, she talked to Inuyasha in an attempt to cheer him up even just a little. It didn't seem to have much effect as he didn't respond to her much, and when he did his tone was quite bitter. Of course it upset Kagome, but she tried to remain patient. Inuyasha had underwent a serious trauma in his life that landed him here, so she had understand that and not get angry that he was clamming up.

A nurse came by and told Kagome her time was up. ICU patients were allowed visitors but only for a limited amount of time. Inuyasha mumbled under his breath in happiness, but inside he wanted her to stay. Kagome stared at him while his head was facing the door.....and lightly touched his dog-ears!

The nurse cracked up as she saw Inuyasha's eyes widen and his left leg twitch. His head snapped toward Kagome, who let go of the ear and stared at him in surprise.

"What's with the touching, woman?" Inuyasha demanded in irritation.

"I'm sorry! I couldn't resist, Inuyasha. Y-you're ears looked so cute I couldn't resist!" Kagome answered with a nervous smile. Seeing he was quite peeved that she touched him without permission, Kagome apologized again and bowed.

"Keh." Inuyasha said as he turned his face away.

"Well, I'll be going now. I'll come visit tomorrow. I hope you get well very soon."

She walked toward the door. Kagome didn't want to make Inuyasha think she was in a hurry to leave him. That smile never left her face as she left, she was elated that he had finally woken up from his coma.

The nurse smiled pleasantly as she watched Kagome walk down the hall.

"Such a sweet young lady. Is there anything I can get for you, Hanyou-sama?" She asked sweetly.

"No."

Given that, the nurse bowed and left to tell the other nurses about what had just happened with Inuyasha's ears.

Inuyasha lay in his bed with a frown. Then it softened. He lay still for a while, then reached his hand up and softly rubbed his right ear when Kagome had touched it. For some reason, Inuyasha couldn't help but put on a little smile. As a kid, he had been called a freak because of his ears. Kagome was the only one, next to his mother, who thought they were cute.

I'll come visit tomorrow! I hope you get well very soon!

Kagome's wish to him repeated in his head; his smile widened a bit more.

He didn't even know Kagome, and yet.....he thought her smile was cuter than Kikyo's.

Kagome came to visit the next day at the same time as she had promised and brought Miroku and Yura along with her. They had came to visit Inuyasha everyday for the past month but at different times. Miroku found his bitter resentment to Kagome a bit disturbing, but then he took a good look at her and exclaimed that she looked almost identical to Kikyo. He figured that had something to do with it.

"If only I got paid everytime I heard that. I don't get how I can look so much like someone I'm not even related to. But I know I'm not her so I go about my business." Kagome stated, a little irritated at hearing that for literally the thousandth time.

"Forgive me, Ms. Kagome. I didn't mean to get you upset. It's just kinda obvious." Miroku apologized.

"It's alright. I mean one just tends to get a little aggravated after hearing the same time all the time."

Inuyasha still didn't say much to Kagome. In fact, for most of her visiting time he acted like she wasn't even there. Now she was starting to show she was getting upset. Kagome just came for the last week to visit him and keep him from being lonely and he was acting like....well, a jerk!

Miroku and Yura glanced at each other, silently asking the other what was going on between them.

Despite Inuyasha's poor attitude, Kagome continued to come visit him for the next week. Miroku and Yura did also, but stayed close to the door so the two could work out whatever problem there was between them and not get caught in the middle.

The next day, only Kagome dropped by. Miroku and Yura both had other engagements and couldn't make it. For some reason, Inuyasha was more bitter towards Kagome than he previously had been.

"I didn't want you to feel lonely." Kagome told Inuyasha after being asked why she had visited him while he was in his coma.

"I was in a coma. It wouldn't have mattered if I was lonely or not because I wouldn't have known if anyone was there!" He spat bitterly.

"They say if there's someone there beside the comatose person, then they're more likely to come out of it." Kagome replied.

"Keh. Buncha quacks." Inuyasha mumbled, referring to the doctors who told Kagome that.

"I guess you've never heard about that, but it's true."

Inuyasha snapped and lashed out at Kagome, "I don't give a damn if it is! Just get the hell outta here! I don't wanna see your face anymore!"

His eyes glared at Kagome, almost as if he hated her. Inuyasha blinked then drew back at what he saw.

Kagome stared back at him in saddened shock. She drew back from his outburst and she was beginning to cry.

Inuyasha regained his senses and realized he just took his anguish wrongfully out on her. His ears drooped in shame and his regret showed on his face. He was going berzerk because Kagome would break down any minute.

Dammit, Inuyasha! She was just trying to make conversation and you go and attack her! Kagome, don't cry! Beat me into another coma if you want but for the love of Buddha, don't cry! Inuyasha thought.

As if Kagome read his mind, she calmed down and looked back into Inuyasha's eyes. He saw no anger or even resentment that she cared about him. Inuyasha saw pity as her tears started to ebb.

"Inuyasha, why do you hate me so much?" Kagome whispered, fighting the tightness of her throat.

Inuyasha looked stunned. She thinks I hate her? I don't even know her! How in the world can I hate her? Especially after she helped bring me out of my coma?

Inuyasha turned his shamed face away, feeling bad that he had made her sad. His eyes turned back and found she was still there.

"Why do you hate me?" Kagome asked again.

"I don't hate you, Kagome." Inuyasha answered softly, his face was in her direction, but his eyes were downcast.

She calmed down more, relieved. "If you don't hate me, why are you so bitter towards me? Did I do or say something to offend you?"

"No, no, of course you didn't. You just wanted me out of that coma. I can't hate you for that. It's-" Inuyasha's memories ran through his head when he thought of the reason behind his bitterness. Kagome's face reminded him of Kikyo and Kikyo reminded him of the episode she put him through.

"What?" Kagome inquired before shutting herself up. "I'm sorry, I'm getting in your personal business. You don't have to tell me."

Inuyasha looked away to the side. "Look, I didn't mean to make you cry, okay Kagome? I....I've just been through a lot and I guess it really got to me."

Kagome smile returned. He was opening up to her a little. Kagome decided to get rid of the dramatic atmosphere and make conversation again in an attempt to ease his troubled mind. It worked. Inuyasha was actually talking back to her; not "keh" but actual words.

"Well it ain't like it's a big deal or nothin', Kagome! It just messes me up to see a female cry." He retorted. Kagome saw his change of attitude because of a woman's tears as a good thing. Inuyasha obviously didn't think so.

"I think in order for you to change your attitude when you see a woman cry, that says you have compassion for them." Kagome stated as she leaned on her elbows on the edge of the bed railings.

"Keh!" Inuyasha scoffed turned his face away from Kagome's. "Spare me. Just 'cuz I freak out at seeing them cry don't mean I got compassion for them, Kagome. It's just something I can't control is all."

Inuyasha glanced back at Kagome when he noticed she was quiet when he was through. Kagome was still leaning on her elbows on the bed railing; she looked up in his eyes with a bright and cheery smile and a soft visage. She saw right through his tough image.

"You're a better model than you are an actor, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha stared blankly at her. When her sentence processed in his mind, Inuyasha laughed. He leaned back onto his pillow and just laughed. He didn't know why but something about what Kagome said was funny to him.

Kagome giggled. Mission accomplished.

Inuyasha finally began to recover as Kagome's daily visits continued. That heart attack and Kikyo's dumping him or quite literally, breaking his heart had done serious damage to him in both physical and emotional aspects. However, Kagome's presence alone seemed to help heal him and undo the damage. It got to a point where Inuyasha would be glad when Miroku and Yura can by, but if Kagome didn't; it didn't matter if she was on the other side of the world, they'd have to go get her to stop his tantrums! Yura watched as Inuyasha and Kagome visited. She began to get jealous as Kagome was hogging her boss's time, but then she smiled at the scene. This time her pouting actually was from jealousy and not suspicion.

She made a comment to Miroku as she admired Kagome's hair. Yura didn't think it was as beautiful as Inuyasha's, but it was very nice nonetheless. Yura's way of saying she thought highly of a person freaked Miroku out, but he agreed with her. Kagome and Inuyasha were definitely very close. Yura then cut her eyes at him and punched Miroku in the shoulder, telling him to take his eyes off of Kagome's thighs.

A couple of days later, Miroku, Yura and Kagome came by Inuyasha's room and his bed was empty!

They began to panic, thinking the worst when there was a distant sound.

"I'M KING OF THE WORLD!!"

They looked behind them and down the hall.

Inuyasha was coming up the hall toward them riding a stretcher like it was a surfboard!

"Hey guys!" He greeted as he zoomed past them.

"Oh my! Look at him! Inuyasha-Bossman looks so awesome!" Yura marveled at her beloved employer.

"Has he gone crazy?!" Kagome hollered, mad that Inuyasha had them thinking he had died.

Miroku, unlike the two women, just stared at Inuyasha, not at all phased. "5...4....3....2.....now."

CRASH!!!

"Wipeout, we have wipeout." Miroku said with a flat tone and an amused grin.

Inuyasha was having the time of his life "surfing" the hall on that stretcher, but he turned to look back to see if Kagome was watching as his head was approaching a low part of the ceiling up ahead. Two nurses ran to his aide, the leader hollering at the other one for messing up on his dosage.

Inuyasha was placed under physical therapy as part of his recovery. Kagome stayed by his side and helped him every step of the way. The doctors intended for it to take about two weeks, but with Inuyasha, he was completely recovered in four days!

After a little over a month of being in the hospital, Inuyasha was free to go.

Yura ecstatically drove Inuyasha, Miroku and Kagome home in the limousine. Miroku had wanted to play chauffeur for Inuyasha again, just for the fun of it, but changed his mind when Yura threatened to cut of his head if she ruined this moment for her.

During the drive, Yura and Kagome got a conversation going, Miroku was busy checking out Kagome's lower features and Inuyasha was looking at the scenery outside, letting the wind from the open window blow in his face.

Inuyasha was in quite a good mood looking at the city scenery in the cloudy skies. It was such a nice day to be alive. He started to wonder why he had wanted to die while he was in the hospital.

When Yura stopped at a red light, he remembered.

It was in far distance that Inuyasha saw Kikyo walking down a street with Miyakaze's hand in hers and smiling up at him. He snuck a kiss to her lips and continued walking.

Almost immediately, Inuyasha's face darkened upon seeing them.

Yura's eyes narrowed as she saw them too. "Miroku, streetwalker at nine o'clock."

Miroku snapped at attention upon hearing his name and looked out Inuyasha's window, then frowned at the sight. Kagome got curious and looked herself before the light turned green, recognizing Kikyo.

Wow! That's Miko Kikyo! Who's that guy she's with? Her boyfriend? Nah he can't be. He looks like he's gay. Why're Miroku and Yura frowning like that? Inuyasha's got that look on his face again. That's right, he never told me about that ailment that put him in the hospital. Could Kikyo or that guy have something to do with it? Kagome thought curiously since no one in the limo was willing to talk about it.

Inuyasha sank in his seat and continued staring outside the window, his depression returning. He was over being suicidal, but upon feeling that pain in his heart again Inuyasha was starting to reconsider.

Miroku could see it in Inuyasha's face. He had gotten over his heart attack but he had yet to get over Kikyo. It was something Miroku couldn't understand. She had deliberately broken Inuyasha's heart and yet he still loved her and wanted her back.

As his best friend, Miroku couldn't allow Inuyasha to remain like this.

"Anyone for karaoke?"

Miroku had Yura drive them all to one of Inuyasha's favorite places that he often went to long before he met Kikyo that doubled as a dancing club and a karaoke joint. Kagome sat at a table drinking punch watching Yura get her groove on and Miroku being the ladies' man he was. He COULD have gotten lucky several times if he would stop rubbing their butts. Kagome cracked up when the slaps formed their own rhythm and Yura started dancing to it.

Inuyasha stood against a wall like a wallflower, watching his friends and everyone else have fun. If he hadn't seen Kikyo earlier, it would be nearly impossible to get him off the dance floor. But Inuyasha had long relapsed into his depression. He had tried to have fun but it wasn't working.

A woman huffed and stormed away from Miroku, who had several handprints on his face and a broad grin to hide his wincing.

"Seriously, I have no idea how it got down there!" Miroku pleaded innocent though he was obviously guilty. He took his eyes off of the woman and checked on Inuyasha; he found him against a wall instead dancing. The look on the half-demon's face told him everything: Inuyasha was still moping over Kikyo. He saw Inuyasha walk away to the men's room and followed after him. Yura was too busy dancing to notice the two but Kagome didn't miss anything. She saw Inuyasha leave and then Miroku going after him, looking a bit angry.

Inuyasha stood against the wall near the door inside the men's room and Miroku entered shortly after and stood before him.

"Inuyasha, what's the problem? This is one your favorite hangouts! Normally closing time would be the only thing that could get off the dance floor!" Miroku was angry, not at Inuyasha himself, but at his moping. It was going to kill him if he didn't stop.

"I saw Kikyo and that bastard Miyakaze down the street earlier." Inuyasha quietly said, his head lowered and eyes downcast at the floor. "I couldn't take seeing her with him. All those memories of the past year came back to me."

"Dammit Inuyasha! Get her out of your mind!" Miroku couldn't take it anymore and finally snapped, "She didn't love you at all! From the moment she saw you, Kikyo thought she was too good for you!"

"I know that, Miroku." Inuyasha answered, his voice a bit louder.

"Then why're you still moping over her? You've been given a second chance at life after that freak heart attack and you're wasting it!"

"One; I didn't want the first chance after Kikyo left me, and two, it wasn't a freak heart attack." Inuyasha responded somberly, that black mask covering his eyes again.

Miroku stared in shock. He knew what Inuyasha had just said, but he couldn't believe it! He calmed himself down and asked Inuyasha what he meant by that, hoping it contradicted his conception.

"Inuyasha, what do you mean it wasn't a freak heart attack?"

"I sorta wished for it to happen. The words Kikyo said when she dumped me kept playing in my head and my heart started hurting badly, it was a real sharp pain that spread all over my heart every time it beat. When it got to where Kikyo said she didn't love me-"

Inuyasha winced and strained as that same sharp pain returned with that memory, his hand immediately clutching his chest but relaxing as it left as quickly as it came.

That scared the hell out of Miroku but he eased when Inuyasha told him he was fine.

"When she said she didn't love me, the pain was like that but a million times worse. I saw the phone in the kitchen, but I didn't go near it. I just sat there and endured the pain, hoping it would kill me."

Miroku admitted it; Inuyasha was suicidal. And when he found him against the foot of his sofa with his slashed side, he concluded that Inuyasha had done that to himself.

"Then that wound on your side....you did that to yourself, Inuyasha?" Miroku verbally reiterated, thinking he wouldn't have just slashed his side if he was trying to kill himself.

"I had tried to send a butcher's knife into my gut, but something wouldn't let me and drove it into my side. How'd you know about it?" Inuyasha was curious as to how Miroku knew if he never said anything.

"I came by to see how you were doing and knew something was wrong since your door was unlocked at night. I found you on the floor and saw your side." Miroku used a soft voice, deeply disturbed by Inuyasha's confession.

Inuyasha could see Miroku uneasiness in his eyes but continued, "After Yura told me Kikyo only used me to get ahead in acting, I think my heart literally broke. That pain in my heart became so unbearable. But I don't think it was just that. I wanted Kikyo so badly. I wanted to hold her in my arms again and feel her lips on mine just one more time. I knew it would never happen, but I desperately wanted her back. Long story short, I decided a life without Kikyo wasn't worth living....I wished I would die. I nearly got my wish but then I woke up in another room and saw Kagome sitting next to me."

Inuyasha brought his eyes up and looked at Miroku. His eyes were fixed on Inuyasha, swelling with pity.

"I owe you an apology, Inuyasha. I was being inconsiderate. I had no idea how you truly felt." Miroku apologized.

Inuyasha didn't hold it against him, "To tell you the truth, Miroku. I was thinking the same thing from the moment I caught Kikyo in bed with Miyakaze; that I should forget about her. But I still loved her, I couldn't just drop her like that. Kikyo didn't love me, but I loved her. I can't let her go so easily."

Kagome bit her lip to keep herself from sobbing. Unknown to Inuyasha or Miroku, she stood beside the bathroom door and heard the entire conversation. Kagome felt so sorry for Inuyasha and hearing his point of view instantly brought tears to her eyes.

That's why Inuyasha was in that coma. He didn't want to live. He didn't want to live without his beloved Kikyo. She literally broke Inuyasha's heart. How could she do that to him? That's so sadistic! Koga and I fell out of love with each other but even I didn't think of hurting him like that! Inuyasha, I'm so sorry you had to go through such an episode.

"Inuyasha, if you don't wanna be here, we could always go home and hang out." Miroku suggested helpfully.

"Miroku, I wasn't trying to be a pain-in-the-ass. I appreciate you trying to cheer me up and all."

Miroku simply shook his head with a light smile, "Don't mention it, really. If you wanna go home, just say the word. But listen to me," Miroku's tone got serious, "I am not leaving you alone in that house by yourself until you get over Kikyo!"

Inuyasha shot Miroku a blank stare. "So what? You gonna follow me in the bathroom if I gotta take a leak?"

Miroku's eyes went to side as he thought about that. "I'll stand by the door and listen for anything suspicious."

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed in disgust. "And you wonder why you can't get any! You're too much of a freak, Miroku!"

"I am not! I'm just making sure my best friend stays alive until he can get over his ex!"

Inuyasha and Miroku exited the men's room to get Yura and Kagome. They found Yura at a table, paying close attention the stage as the first karaoke singer walked up.

They looked at the stage and found Kagome taking the mic in her hands and started singing:

Everyone falls in love sometimes

Sometimes it's wrong

And sometimes it's right

For every wind, someone must fail

But there comes a point when

We will exhale

Shoop, shoop, shoo-be-doo......

Inuyasha watched and listened as Kagome sang Whitney Houston's "Waiting to Exhale" for her karaoke song. Her eyes were locked on him the whole time she sang. Inuyasha watched her and realized she was singing the song to him. He and Miroku sat with Yura and listened. Kagome's voice was soothing to Inuyasha as he felt much at ease hearing that song.

The song ended and she received a warm round of applause, especially from Inuyasha. She then called all of them up to the stage as she had signed them up for a song. "Yamerarenai, Yamerarenai" from Tenchi in Tokyo.

They all knew this song word for word, but wouldn't admit to anyone. They feared it would ruin their reputations to sing a hillbilly song.

Miroku, Inuyasha, Kagome and Yura had the time of their lives singing one of their favorites. Miroku cracked the audience up pretending the mic stand was a banjo and tapped it with his fingers like he was playing it. Inuyasha took the mic and played air guitar at the guitar solo of the song, hopping on one leg across the stage.

Needless to say, they all received a standing ovation when they were done. The group exited the building and headed to the limo to go to hang out and Inuyasha's place.

"Thanks Kagome." Inuyasha purred with a grateful smile.

"You're welcome, Inuyasha." Kagome answered with a bright smile, "Thank you for having fun."

"Well don't I get a thank you? I mean I'm the one who suggested we come here!" Miroku whined, folding his arms and puffing his cheeks.

"Thank you, Miroku." Inuyasha, Kagome and Yura replied flatly.

"You're welcome."

What a baby.

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Inuyasha and Kagome became very close friends in the weeks that followed. They were close friends, but they fought like cats and dogs! Most of the time it was Inuyasha who'd start the arguments but on occasion, Kagome would start it. Regardless of how a fight got started, when it did it usually would last for the next two days; three and a half at max.

If they fought in public, Yura would try to calm them down and Miroku didn't know them.

A week later, Kagome was visiting Inuyasha and Shippo on one of their good days and made an announcement: she had landed her first part in a movie! They congratulated her and wished her success until Kagome gave them the bad news about it.

Her part in the movie required her to move to America for the next four years!

Inuyasha immediately mouthed his disapproval and before Shippo knew it, he was in the middle of a war zone as Kagome retaliated! Shippo had expected Inuyasha to have a cow about it, he certainly did, but he had to admit Inuyasha was acting more like an ass that usual.

Kagome hollered back at Inuyasha and really crossed the line, saying something that really hit home with him! Inuyasha retaliated and said the worst thing he could think of to her! At that moment, everything stopped and Kagome stared at him, hurt. She screamed at him loud to deafen all three of them and then ran out the door.

Shippo mentally berated Inuyasha but remained silent and decided to go home. Inuyasha went about his business like it didn't phase him but pretty soon, he started feeling miserable and kicked himself for acting the way he did.

Inuyasha and Kagome didn't speak to each other for the next four days. Even when they ran into each other on the city streets, not a word was said. By now, both of them felt very guilty about their exchanged words, but didn't do anything about it.

Inuyasha felt especially miserable. He had good relationship with Kagome but he wouldn't sacrifice his pride for her sake. Now, because of that, Inuyasha had lost a very good friend.

Or was she more than that?

Whenever he was around Kagome, he felt this strange but wonderful feeling he had never felt with Kikyo......could he be in love with Kagome?

They had only known each other for just a little over two months, how could he be? But then again, who said it takes love a long time to bloom?

Inuyasha denied it being love, but he did admit that Kagome meant a lot to him. His mind wandered and he realized today was the day of Kagome's flight to America!

Immediately, Inuyasha bolted out of his house and ran like hell to the airport!

I don't care if she hates me for acting like an ass! I have to see her one last time before she leaves! He thought as he ran, completely forgetting he had a car. It was a good thing he forgot it, there was massive traffic along the main road to the airport. As he continued to run as fast as he could, Inuyasha quickly approached a red light. Unable to wait for it, he leapt across the street to the other side. He decided to take a shortcut and hopped over houses and buildings then continued running to his destination.

That trip took him 25 minutes and he had been running very fast to make sure he had time to spare. Inuyasha got inside, panting and sweating, searching for the gate for planes going to America. He found it and through the huge window in the waiting area, saw it take off into the skies.

"Dammit! I'm too late! Kagome...." Inuyasha lamented.

"Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha turned around and found Kagome standing behind him. She was wearing a black short-sleeved t-shirt with horizontal lines going across her chest, tight blue jeans and white sandals, carrying a white duffel bag.

Inuyasha stared, thinking she looked hot. Kagome saw him sweating like mad and walked up to him, asking what happened. Inuyasha answered that he had ran all the way there to catch her before she left.

Kagome was surprised. Inuyasha RAN all the way there to see her off?

Unable to take it, Inuyasha apologized for being so rude to her back at his house. He explained to Kagome that he had seriously freaked out when she said she'd be gone for four years. They had only known each other for a couple of months, but he had already grown very attached to her, and Inuyasha feared that he may never see her again.

Kagome smiled, deeply touched that he cared so very much about her. She closed the short distance between them and hugged Inuyasha, resting her head on his chest. She apologized for her being rude to him and thanked him to coming to see her.

At first Inuyasha was completely caught off guard, but then he eased up and hugged her back. Kagome rose her head up and their eyes met.

They stared for a while, then Kagome and Inuyasha's lips began to draw nearer and nearer....

"Flight 97 to Hollywood, California in the United States of America is now boarding!"

Inuyasha and Kagome cut their glaring eyes at the flight attendant who announced the flight boarding.

"Well, that's my flight." Kagome said with a sad smile.

"Yeah."

Kagome noticed Inuyasha's drooping ears. "Inuyasha, don't look so sad. I'll only be gone for four years at max."

"Yeah, only four years!" Inuyasha scoffed, but then smiling. "I'm glad I met you, Higurashi Kagome."

Kagome smiled back, "And I'm glad I met you, Hanyou Inuyasha."

Kagome gathered her things and walked toward her gate, waving back at Inuyasha. "Catch ya later, Inuyasha!"

"See ya, Kagome!" Inuyasha said, waving back.

"Take care of yourself, okay?!"

"Yeah! And you better kick ass on that movie, or else I'm comin' over there to kick yours!"

Kagome just laughed at Inuyasha's "encouragement" and promised she would. After taking another look into his eyes and his playful smile, she disappeared into the gate.

Inuyasha stood there in the waiting area, sad she was gone, but happy by what she said to him. "Thanks Kagome. I'm sure as hell glad you stayed by me."

"That was so beautiful! Somebody get me a tissue!"

Inuyasha's eyes rolled up as he heard Miroku snickering behind him. Miroku had brought Yura and Shippo to see Kagome off as well, but then decided to watch as Inuyasha and Kagome got "intimate".

Inuyasha growled, embarrassed.

Shippo made cracks about her being his dear girlfriend.

Inuyasha snarled, loudly.

Yura, with good intentions, said that Kagome was perfect for him. Their children would have the most beautiful hair.

Inuyasha snapped and chased the two of them all throughout the airport, roaring and snarling!

Two days later, Inuyasha, Shippo and Miroku were hanging out on Inuyasha's front porch when his mail came. Miroku got for him, going through it.

"Fan letter, fan letter, fan letter, bill, fan letter times four, a letter from Kagome-"

Inuyasha couldn't snatch it from Miroku fast enough! He tore the envelope open and read the letter aloud for all of them to hear.

Hi Inuyasha, Shippo, Miroku and Yura! I made it to America safely, but I warn you. Next time you get on a plane, live off the peanuts! They taste better than the airline food! Ick! Anyway, the people at the hotel I'm staying in treat me like royalty. My father had been pretty famous in America as well as Japan, so I guess they treat me the same since I'm his daughter. I miss you all already! I can't wait until I can go back this Christmas on vacation! Then I get my revenge for my violated rear!

Inuyasha and Shippo glared at Miroku, who once again pleaded innocent to the charge of repeated womanizing. Inuyasha slammed his fist into his head and continued reading the letter.

If you're reading this outloud to everyone, Inuyasha, I'd like you stop here because this from me to you.

Inuyasha did as Kagome asked and stopped reading outloud.

I found out about the real reason for your hospitalization at your hangout a while back. I saw Miroku go into the men's bathroom after you did and he looked pretty mad about something. I secretly followed him and stood by the door when I heard him yell at you and then you explained about how you felt about Kikyo even she broke your heart. I can sympathize with you, Inuyasha. Nobody's ever used me like that, but I know what it's like to break up with someone you thought you'd spend forever with.

But Inuyasha, Kikyo's not worth your tears. I know it'll take you some time to completely heal from this, but when you do eventually, you should let Kikyo go. Then you can meet someone who truly loves you for who and what you are. Besides, she must be insane to have dumped Japan's Hottest Model! Every woman in Japan would kill to have her luck!

Okay, you can go back to reading this outloud. I miss everyone there, but I miss you the most. I have nobody to fight with over here! Kidding! But I really do miss you a lot, Inuyasha. I'll be sure to come visit on Christmas. You know they give you a week's vacation over here? Weird. Cool, but weird. Well, I gotta go. Take good care of yourself, okay? I'll see you soon!

Higurashi Kagome.

P.S. Hurry up and go back to work! I wanna go back to drooling over your hot bare chest in the next swimsuit edition of Sports Illustrated!

Miroku and Shippo cracked up and Inuyasha gawked with his mouth agape! Two months and a deep friendship and Kagome was already flirting with him! It made him turn a darker shade of red when he looked closely and found dried drool stains on the letter!

"Boy, Inuyasha! It'd be very cruel of you to leave her in heat like that!" Miroku teased with a perverted grin.

"SHUT UP!!" Inuyasha shrieked, turning redder.

Shippo whispered something in Miroku's ear and they both laughed loudly. Obviously they were still teasing him relentlessly as they imitated Inuyasha and Kagome acting like a couple.

Inuyasha keh-ed and ignored them, turning to the sunny blue sky with a softened visage. He saw Kagome in the clouds and smiled.

I promise, I'll take care of myself, Kagome. Hurry and come back. I'm waiting for you.

<End Flashback>

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Inuyasha drove down the road back to the hotel in a very good mood. That was one memory he didn't mind remembering. He had had a lot of fun that night.

Obviously everyone else had as well.

Sango was the only one who was still awake. Kagome laid back in the passenger's seat, sleeping peacefully and Miroku sat in the back in a deep sleep. He had passed out the second he got in the car.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome and reminisced of when he counted the days until December 25th the year she left for America and how the only thing that sustained him were her phone calls, letters and postcards. Also how she surprised him and came back for his 22nd birthday.

Kagome meant so much to him. She had collected the shards of his broken heart, pieced them together and helped him get over Kikyo. He couldn't imagine what his life would be without her. If Inuyasha had never met Kagome, he would've died of a broken heart.

Inuyasha released a sigh as he drove and seriously wondered if he was falling in love with Kagome?

Or had he already and was just now acknowledging it?

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(Author's Note): Alright, "Love Hurts" is finished! Man, those flashbacks were killing me!

I had fun with Inuyasha and Kagome, but this is a Miroku and Sango fic so I gotta keep it that way!

For the previous chapter, I don't own any of the song references I put in there, "I Learned From the Best" belongs to Whitney Houston and Dr. Phil belongs to Oprah. Hey, that's how the guy got popular anyway!

To make the disclaimers short, the ONLY thing I own is the concept of Takahashi Rumiko-sama's characters (and a couple other characters from other animes) going on vacation in a romantic comedy fashion. Other than that, I don't own it!

Finally I can get to my favorite chapter of this story! Literally, the middle of "I'm Goin' To Miami". I warned you guys "Love Hurts" had drama. Well for the next chapter, prepare for fluff! Lots and lots of fluff!

You'll see it soon enough. Right now I gotta take a break to recuperate from these last three chapters! I hope you all enjoyed it! Especially my fellow Kikyo-haters! At the risk of losing a review from Aamalie-san, I won't go any further with the Kikyo badmouthing -_- ;

Okay then, thank you for checking out ch. 6 of "I'm Goin' To Miami"! Look for more some time in the future!