InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Long Lost.... ❯ Again ( Chapter 5 )

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

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, for if I did I would not be writing or reading fanfics about him. He'd be with me and we'd have... FUN. LoL. ^_^

A.N.: Hi everyone!!!! I know, I know, this update is uber late. But I had exams and projects and papers. But I don't have school now, and it summer!!! So, I'll try to update way more. Guardian Angel, you really really don't need to review everyday just cus you said so. I don't mind. I like the reviews, but you don't have to. Sorry for the super late update, forgive me? LoL. Anyhoo, so that's the reason behind my update, plus I was really lazy too. The songs I'll be using in this chapter are called "Broken" by Seether and Amy Lee--Yes I know a lot of people know it--and "Again" by the band Tapping the Vein. Like I always say, listening to it as you read is so much better for your reading experience. Okay, that's all I got to say. Read and review after!!!! ;-)


Kagome squinted as the sun's soft rays hit her through the high office building. Sango had called her this morning, telling her that the big guys at the record label wanted to have meeting this afternoon. So her she was waiting with Sango in a large meeting room at her record label's office in town. She had dressed casually with a black long sleeved shirt with a hoodie. And a pair of faded jeans and a pair of converse. Sango, on the other-hand was wearing something a bit more formal. She had on a magenta dress skirt, with a dark teel lace blouse. Kagome sighed. They'd been waiting in that room for almost 15 minutes now, and the big guys had yet to arrive. While Sango chatted on the phone with Miroku, Kagome started to drift off into her own mind. Sango had been talking to Miroku for quite a bit since the whole club incident. She claimed to detest the pervert, but you couldn't really trust her words when her actions were saying otherwise. Kagome smiled, twirling a pen in her finger, her chair facing the windows and the magnificent view of Tokyo below her. Sango liked him. It was only a matter of time before she admitted it.

Kagome sighed again, bored with waiting. When were they gonna get here? They said 12 PM sharp, didn't they? Kagome looked at her watch and it read 12:20. Lately her mind seemed to drift off a lot. Always going back to certain hanyou. His kiss... Kagome sighed again. Why couldn't she get him out of her head. He was a friend, nothing more. But do friends fantasize about each other though? No, Kagome thought glumly. To say that Kouga bombarded her questions as soon as they got to her house that night was an understatement. But she calmly replied that she and Inuyasha would remain friends only, and that they were paired up to work together on their albums. She could tell Kouga wanted to say more on the matter, but he momentarily forgot about it when she asked him about his trip. His eyes instantly sparkled as he began telling her about how he won an award at his business con, and how much he missed her. Kagome sort of tuned him out when he began talking about how the hosts of the con were talking about wise investments, etc. She cared about Kouga, and he was there for her when she really needed someone, but sometimes he could just drone on and on forever. Not his fault. He just likes to talk a lot. Kagome turned her chair to face the door and continued to think of something that held her mind everytime she closed her eyes or drifted off.

Inuyasha never talked a lot, but when he did, it was so interesting. On those rare days as children when they'd spend a whole day sky-watching, they'd talk about everything and nothing, non-stop. And Kagome remembered never getting bored. Even when they were merely lying there in silence. His very presence brought her comfort, and put her mind at ease. Inuyasha, her mind whispered. It had been yet a nother week since the club incident. She saw him around, but they've never really talked since then. Sure, they greeted each other and said hi, but it was as if he couldn't wait to be out of her presence quick enough. The thought made her heart hurt a bit. And as if her thoughts conjured the very man himself, Inuyasha opened the door and entered with Miroku on his trail. Miroku had his cell phone pressed to his ear, and as soon as he saw Sango he smiled and shut it closed. Sango gave a small smile back and closed her phone too. The smile was quickly wiped off her face as soon as Miroku stalked towards her and proceeded to feel up her rear. Sango gave a little scream and slapped him, turning her chair away from him and the door.

Inuyasha still stood in the entrance of the room at the door as if unsure of whether or not to come in. Kagome examined his appearance and had to mentally stop herself for wanting to reach out to him for how good he looked. He was wearing a navy blue band-tee and a pair of black pants with a pair of vans. His hair was left loose and it slightly shined under the fluorescent lighting in the room.

Inuyasha's heart stopped for just a moment. He had been thinking about Kagome all week. He saw her a few times at the label office but they had always been short greetings. Inuyasha had decided that he didn't want to have anything to do with her, other than was necessary. And here she was, sitting in an office chair looking so beautiful in her casual clothes that it took him a second to able to think straight. She looked at him with imploring eyes, as if she expected, no, wanted something from him. But what? Inuyasha thought. It couldn't hurt to just talk to her, I mean, they were gonna work together, so that was inevitable. Inuyasha felt slightly guilty for making their meetings as short as possible whenever he saw her, as he looked at her eyes and sat down on the chair across from her.

"Hey Kags, what's up? Haven't been able to chat with ya for a while, huh?" Inuyasha casually said. He looked at her with what he hoped, were pleasant eyes.

Kagome regarded him skeptically. She knew he had made any and all of their meetings short on purpose. But here he was, looking like he was pleased to see her here? "I've been good Inuyasha. Nothing too hectic, just focusing on my album still. You?"

Inuyasha smiled. "You know me, I've been around the city, just getting to know all the other artists on the label, working on my music, the usual."

Kagome stared and his smile and had to admit that the guy had charm. He seemed much more social and open than when they were children. "So I guess the label called you and Miroku here too then, for the meeting?" Kagome asked.

"Yup. I suppose they wanna talk about us starting to write music together and stuff." Inuyasha said, looking around the room trying to distract himself from her alluring scent. She still smelled that beautiful smell she did as kids. It would forever be her scent to him. He remembered when they used to spend the whole day together, just lying next to each other. He'd come home with her scent all over him. And he loved it.

Kagome simply sodded her head and she turned to look out the ceiling to floor window, giving Inuyasha a perfect view of her profile. She still had the same facial features, the same little nose, and heart-shaped face. She'd just matured a lot is all. Her eyes stared unseeing at the people below. Inuyasha wondered what she cold possibly be thinking about that had her looking so dazed. Was she thinking of Kouga? Inuyasha's blood started to boil at the mere thought of that wolf-breath. He still couldn't believe that his Kagome was engaged to that stupid bastard. He'd been thinking about that night at the club all week. The kiss, Kouga... Inuyasha was quickly brought out of his thoughts as the record label's CEO and talent scout walked through the door.

"Inuyasha, Kagome! So good to see you both here." The CEO's booming voice said. He was a big man of build with brown hair, and had a bright smile in place. The talent scout on the other-hand was a slip of a woman with long curly black hair that reached her lower back. She had on an equally bright smile, and sat down at the head of the meeting table next to the CEO. "Sorry we're late, their was a bit of problems in the PR department. You know how those things go."

"It was no problem Mr. Tachi." Kagome said smiling at the man.

"Please Kagome, call me Myouga. Everyone else does." The CEO said laughing.

Kagome gave a light chuckle and nodded her head.

"So, where's Miroku-sama?" Myouga asked, looking around.

Inuyasha pointed a finger to the floor and Myouga followed his finger. "Ahh... I see he must have over-stepped his bounds again with one of the ladies, most likely the temperamental Sango."

"He deserved it." Sango shortly said from her seat next to Sango.

"That he probably did. Miyuki, could you pass me my notes for this meeting?" Myouga said to his talent scout and assistant.

"Here you go Myouga." Miyuki said, handing him a folder. Myouga took the offered folder and opened it, rummaging around it, taking a paper out and setting it on the table.

"The reason why I called this meeting today was talk to you both about your performances. Kagome, your ratings have been going up and up since you gave your first live performance. And Inuyasha your fans are loving the fact that you debuted not one, but two songs from your album. Now, I know you both will be working together soon, but I was thinking that since the fans love all your live performances, even before the album releases, that you each do a live performance of a song off your album each week. Until the actual release date of your albums in 3-4 months time. What do you both think?" Myouga asked, loving his own idea.

"That sounds like a pretty good idea. I think it'll give us some major practice before we go out on tour after our albums are released." Kagome said.

"Yeah, I agree with Kagome. I think all our own songs are pretty much recorded and done except for the songs we're supposed to do together. " Inuyasha said.

"Good, good. I'm glad you both feel that way. We're gonna make it so that all the new upcoming artists like yourselves are doing the same thing. Since Miroku is passed out, I guess his opinion is out right now. Sango? What are your thoughts? You are a manager after all." Myouga said, looking at Sango now.

"I think that's a wise idea also Myouga. Like Kagome said, it'll give them some experience. For most of these artists, it will be their first tours, and the more experience before that time comes the better." Sango said.

"Wonderful. So it's settled. One song, one performance, each week. Hmm... I think I'd like the performances to be on a Friday or Saturday. You know, the weekends. I'll have a club scedhule written out for both of you. Who knows, we may be able to have a few performances with your new songs to come together. Tell Miroku the plan when he wakes up." Myouga said smiling. He proceeded to stand up, leaving Miyuki to gather the folders and papers on the table. With a smile in both their directions, they left.

"Well... That went well. Too bad the lecher--" Sango started, but was cut off as her cell phone started ringing. '"Hello? Yes, this is Sango Taijya speaking... What?! That was today? Alright, I'll be right there, thanks." Sango finished off, getting up and walking to the door.

"Who was that Sango? Is everything okay?" Kagome asked her friend worriedly.

"Huh? Oh yeah, everything's fine, I just forgot something I had to do today. I'll call you tonight okay? Tell the lecher I said... Oh nevermind." Sango said dashing out of the door.

"Hmm... I wonder what all that was about." Kagome said softly, staring off after her best friend.

"Yeah." Inuyasha said. Kagome turned to look at him and they stared at each other for what seemed like forever.

"So I guess we should start on that song-writing together, huh?" Inuyasha finally said, never taking his gaze off Kagome.

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea." Kagome said, lost in his amber eyes shining with something she couldn't read.

"Where do you wanna go? We could just work here in the office..." Inuyasha suggested.

Kagome hesitated. She never could get her creative juices flowing being confined in an office. But she wasn't sure if she should tell Inuyasha, and go somewhere else, or just stay in this office where everything was safe. Lucky for her, Inuyasha made the decision for both of them.

"Personally, I can't work in confined spaces. Why don't we go to the park or something." Inuyasha casually suggested.

"Sure, which park did you have in mind?" Kagome asked, standing up.


(++++++++++++++++++SCENE-CHANGE++++++++++++++++++)

Inuyasha had picked Hajuri central park. It was right smack down in the middle of Tokyo, and it was really big with old oak trees spaced out everywhere. It was his favorite park and he came there whenever he wanted to think or relax. Why he brought Kagome there, he wasn't sure. They had walked to the park since it wasn't that far from the office, brining Inuyasha's acoustic guitar along. Kagome brought her messenger bag along with her that had all the music paper, a notebook, and pen. They passed the main park area and ventured closer towards the back where all the shaded trees were. Inuyasha looked over as his shoulder at Kagome walking a few feet behind him. Ever since leaving the office, and gathering their belongings, neither had said a word.

Inuyasha wondered about Kagome was thinking about. She either kept her head down, or she looked around at her surrounding with her eyes in a daze. Was she thinking of him? Did she ever?

"That looks like a good spot, over there." Kagome said, breaking him of his thoughts. he looked at where she was pointing and saw a grassy, shaded grove, under a big canopy tree. It looked like a good place to unwind, and maybe get to know more about how her life's been since childhood. Perhaps re-getting to know her wouldn't hurt. I mean if they were to write good songs together, they had to really know each well and connect right? Inuyasha resolved himself to that explanation for wanting to talk to Kagome, instead of avoiding her like he said he would. He sat down near the base of the tree, gently taking his guitar out of it's leather case.

Kagome placed her messenger bag on the ground as she sat across from Inuyasha under the canopy tree. She was still a bit tense, not quite sure how to act around Inuyasha. He seemed regular, like he wasn't avoiding her, but he never said a word on the walk here either. Then again, so had she. Deciding to just let the chips with her and Inuyasha fall where they may, she sighed, sitting crossed-legged. She looked around taking in the park surroundings. The air here seemed so much cleaner than in the hustle and bustle of the town streets. She absently stroked the soft grass underneath her finger tips, as she drifted off into her own mind once again.

As Inuyasha watched Kagome stroke the grass absently, memories floated back to him of when she used to do the exact same thing whenever they were lying or sitting in the grass at their spot. Inuyasha watched, fascinated by the way the wind blew her hair just enough to lift it from her head, blowing it around her shoulders and back softly. The sight she made was almost enough for Inuyasha to declare himself to her, taking her into his arms, and forgetting the rest of the world. Almost. Reality was still there, and there was no way of escaping it. His day dreams were nothing more than an idle fantasy he so wished to do.

"You always did like staying outdoors..." Inuyasha softly said, starting to lightly strum random chords on his guitar.

Kagome slowly turned to him as if time were not an option. Her eyes and body were relaxed, as if being outside had that much of an effect on her. She regarded Inuyasha with calm eyes and stared at him for a minute. His eyes were were down on his hands lightly strumming, and his loose hair was blowing in the wind. The tune he was playing was unfamiliar to her, but it sounded so nice. Like something she could fall asleep to, followed along by peaceful dreams.

"So did you..." She finally replied, her mind reminding her why exactly they were there. She took the music paper, her notebook, and a pencil out of her bag.

Inuyasha lightly chuckled and nodded his head. "So where do you want to start? I sort of have a tune I think we may be able to use, but we don't have to use it if you don't like it."

"Is it that tune your playing now? If it is, I like it. Let me hear it a bit more clearly." Kagome said proceeding to lie on her stomache, pencil at the ready on her notebook, with the music sheets right under.

Inuyasha looked up and glanced at her, smiling slightly. He then started to play the tune that had been in his mind ever since he found out that Kagome was engaged to Kouga. It had haunted him, urging him to write it down on paper. He didn't want to, not wanting to make the reality of it even more true, but now seemed like a good time to let it grow. He just wouldn't tell her how he came up with the tune.

The soft tune drifted into Kagome ears as she stared up at Inuyasha's face. To her surprise, he seemed to already have the first few words to this tune. Inuyasha softly sang the words with his head still down.

I wanted you to know, That I love the way you laugh.I wanna hold you high and steal your pain away.I keep your photograph,And I know it serves me well.
I wanna hold you high and steal your pain.

Hearing him sing on the radio and a club was cool. But listening to him sing softly to raw material seemed so intimate to her. She sat up again, crossing her legs. She wrote the notes and lyrics he sang on the music paper and notebook. His next words floating to her.

Because I'm broken when I'm lonesome.And I don't feel right when you're gone away.
You've gone awayYou don't feel me here anymore

After writing those lyrics and notes down, Kagome started to get the tone and feel of the song he was starting. Her own sudden inspiration for the following lyrics surprising her. She sang the words clearly, yet softly. Loud enough so Inuyasha could hear her.

The worst is over now, And we can breathe again.I wanna hold you high and steal my pain away. There's so much left to learn,And no one left to fight.I wanna hold you high and steal your pain.

Inuyasha was surprised himself, that Kagome had continued his words shortly after him. The sound of her voice relaxing him even more. The lyrics to what he deemed would be the chorus came to him just then, so he sang them out loud for her to write. The words, he realized with a start, were how he felt about the woman sitting before him. It was true, but she didn't have to know that.

Cause I'm broken when I'm open, And I don't feel like I am strong enough.Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome,And I don't feel right when you're gone away.

Inuyasha's words resonated in her ears, and she quickly caught on that it was to be the chorus. So she sang the words with him the second time he started singing them. Still managing to write it all down on paper. The tempo though, she noticed had started to pick up pace a bit with this second chorus.

Cause Im broken when I'm open,And I don't feel like I am strong enough.Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome,And I don't feel right when you're gone away.
Kagome knew the end of the song was nearing and sang what she thought would be the next two lines with him.
Cause I'm broken when I'm lonesome,And I don't feel right when you're gone.

Inuyasha finished off the song staring at Kagome while she finished writing all the notes and lyrics down. He was still surprised at how he and Kagome managed to write a song together on their first try. Good chemistry, I guess, he thought. Good history more like it. Did she know that the lyrics he had started off were inspired by her also? Probably not...

You're gone away, You don't feel me here anymore.

When Kagome finally finished writing everything she looked up at Inuyasha with excited eyes, voicing some his thoughts just then.

"I can't believe we finished our first song on our first try. I didn't even really know what you were trying to portray with the tune, but I just followed the mood and continued it. I've never done that before. Well, at least not with anyone else. Wow, I wonder why that is..." Kagome trailed off, looking at Inuyasha, still slightly smiling.

Inuyasha smiled back, giving Kagome a slight view of his hidden dimples. Kagome smiled a bit more at him.

"This is our first visit to the park together since we were children, of course the park we went to was in Kyoto, but you know what I mean." Kagome rambled on.

Inuyasha chuckled and replied "Yeah it is. It's nice."

Kagome smiled and was about to reply when the sound of her tummy grumbling interrupted her.

Inuyasha laughed and said "I guess your hungry. We should have made a picnic out of this. Too bad I didn't think of it before. But lucky for you though I have my wallet. I still remember how you could eat and how big your appetite was, but please, go easy on me, I only got a twenty right now." He dodged out of the way thinking Kagome would retaliate. She actually just narrowed her eyes on him and hmmphed, turning her head.

As soon as Inuyasha's laughter died down he sidled up to sit next to Kagome, placing his guitar back in it's case. "Aww come on Kags, I was only kidding. You know I love your appetite. I like women with meat on their bones." Inuyasha said snickering lightly. What he got, was not what he expected just then. The next thing he knew his back was to the grass, with the air knocked out of him. Kagome was on top of him, sitting astride with a smirk on her lovely face. She had gotten quicker since they were kids.

"Oh I know. Don't worry, no offense taken, I mean just as long as you use every single dollar on lunch, your forgiven." Kagome said with a triumphant smile in place. "Man your reflex skills are still the same. Your a hanyou and I can still tackle you unknowingly? Geez, you are a wuss." Kagome finished off, jumping off him, and quickly gathering her belongings before what she said sunk into Inuyasha's head.

"What did you call me Higurashi?!" Inuyasha playfully bellowed, jumping up from his lying position on the ground and wrapped his guitar case strap around his neck. When he looked up at where Kagome had been, he saw her a good few yards away facing him with her hands on her hips. She stuck her tongue at him, turned around, and started running towards the nearest cafe as if the hounds of Hell were on her trail. Inuyasha laughed a sound so bright and carefree then proceeded chase. His last drifting thoughts were that hounds from Hell, did not seem far off from the truth...


(++++++++++++++++++SCENE-CHANGE++++++++++++++++++)

"What?! No way, that's crazy." Kagome said incredulously as Inuyasha continued to tell her about how he had met Miroku in college and the sticky situation he had first found himself in. He told her how he thought Miroku seemed like a nice, but perverted guy and how Miroku had gotten him to go to a strip club, thinking it was a strip club with females. But it turned out to be a strip club with guys. And it just so happened that the guys that worked there, found both Miroku and Inuyasha hot and wanted them to stay longer for a "good" time. There was this one guy in particular named Jakotsu who kept on trying to touch and smell Inuyasha's hair, trying to convince him that males have more fun "together." Inuyasha had gotten the heck out of there with murder for his new friend Miroku in his eyes.

"Ahahahahahaha!" Kagome laughed so hard she thought the juice she was drinking would come out of her nose. The mere thought of the big bad Inuyasha at a strip club with guys too funny to comprehend. Inuyasha simply glared at her from his seat across the table at the cafe they were eating lunch at.

"Are you done?" Inuyasha flatly asked, his eyes still narrowed. "It's not funny." He declared. When he had caught up with Kagome she was already ordering food. So he decided to let her off the hook. For now anyway.

When the last of Kagome's laughter subsided she wiped away any stray tears that may have escaped. Still chucking lightly, she replied "Yeah, just about. But Yash, that is really funny, you got to admit."

"No, it wasn't." He replied in dead-pan voice. He was irritated that she had laughed at him like their was no tomorrow bacause of his embarrasing incident, but he secretly reveled in the sound her laughter made. Albeit, it was a bit wild due to her laughing so hard, but it was still... Lovely.

"Yeah, it is. " Kagome said, smiling softly. She finished her last bit of the hamburger she had ordered and picked up her fruit punch. They had been talking and catching up as soon as they finished ordering their food. Kagome had ordered a double deluxe hamburger with fries and the works. Inuyasha had ordered the same. Kagome looked at the time on her cell phone and her eyes widened a bit.

"Wow, we've been having lunch for two hours now. We got here at like 2:30, and now it's a quarter till five." Kagome said, looking up at Inuyasha's face.

"I think we need to just run through the song once more before we record it. It sounded good, but it was still just our first try. We should sing it though again and see if we should change anything before we present it to our managers and the label." Inuyasha said. He finished off his drink and raised his hand for the check.

"Your right. It's getting a bit dark to run though it in the park again, so why don't we go to my apartment? It's just a few blocks away. We could walk off our late lunch." Kagome suggested smiling.

"Sure." Inuyasha said, smiling back. He hadn't been to her apartment since that incident 2 weeks ago when he got drunk and Kagome picked him up from the bar. They got up and paid for the bill, walking out of the cafe right after.

Kagome looked up at the sky from the curb just outside the cafe. The sky had darkened to an ugly grey, and it looked like it was about to rain. Kagome's thoughts came true as she felt the first pellets of rain fall on her face. The rain quickly picked up and the slight drizzle turned into an all out pouring. Kagome smiled to herself and opened her mouth to catch some drops. Inuyasha caught himself staring at her yet again. Her beauty and innocence striking him once more. He quickly shook himself out of his thoughts and grabbed Kagome's hand. She closed her mouth and turned to look at him smiling.

"I love the rain." She said wistfully.

"I know." Inuyasha replied. "What's your apartment number again? I remembered the building but I'm not sure of the number."

"1205B." Kagome replied, still smiling. Inuyasha started running towards the general direction of her apartment building, pulling her along by the hand. He could hear Kagome laughing from behind him and couldn't help but join her in the carefree scene of being caught in the rain. By the time they reached her apartment door, they were soaked, yet still laughing with abandon. Kagome quieted down a bit when they reached her door and took her keys from her bag to open her apartment.

Kagome turned the lock and opened the door, letting Inuyasha follow her in. He closed the door behind him, and locked it. He toed his soaked shoes off and placed his guitar case on her kitchen table, then did nothing more but stand on her tiled floor. Kagome stared at him, uncomprehendingly at first but then realization dawned on her. They were both soaking wet, standing in her kitchen. Towels! They needed towels. Kagome rushed off into the hallway closet without a word to retrieve her and Inuyasha some dry towels, leaving him smirking.

When she came back, she handed Inuyasha a bug fluffy red towel that smelled slightly of her intoxicating scent and the detergent she used. He wiped his face and arms and was contemplating whether or not to take off his soaking wet shirt.

"Kagome... Do you have a dryer?" Inuyasha finally asked.

"Huh? Yeah, why? Oh your clothes, right. I think I have a big t-shirt you could use, while I dry your clothes. Wouldn't want ya to get sick, right?" Kagome said. She knew she was rambling but didnt' know why. Why was she suddenly nervous. Fifteen minutes ago she was laughing in the rain with the guy. What was up now? Was it the fact that Inuyasha was gonna take his shirt off? No, that couldn't be it, he's just her friend. A friend. Friends don't get nervous around each other, right? Right?

"Um, I'll go get those extra clothes for you. Then you could change." Kagome nervously said. She turned to look at Inuyasha who was still standing in her kitchen looking around at all the stuff in her little home.

She then looked down at her clothes to find them practically molded to her skin and was thankful to not have Inuyasha notice. If he looked at her with anything short of longing in his eyes, she's melt. Literally.

Kagome walked to her room down the hall and opened her door. She went straight to dresser, looking for her big over-sized sleeping shirt. She found it at the bottom of the drawer and took it out. It had a cute little grey puppy on it, and the connection between Inuyasha and it, did not go un-missed by her. She giggled and as soon as she heard herself, she stopped. Since when did she giggle? Never with Kouga. She shook the thoughts from her head to analyze later and pulled out a second shirt for her to wear. put on a plain green spaghetti strap tank top and a pair of loose grey sweats that hugged her hips. She then took out a pair of over-sized boxers she had to give to Inuyasha. The thought of him in just boxers and shirt made her tummy flip. She shook her head and proceeded to give Inuyasha the clothes. When she reached the kitchen she found him sitting crossed-legged on the floor. He looked up at her as she approached.

"Here you go. I hope they fit." Kagome said, kneeling in front of him so that he wouldn't have to stand. She tried to hide her smile as she saw Inuyasha begin to examine the shirt she gave him.

Inuyasha looked at the over-sized shirt Kagome had given him with the little puppy on it. He looked up at her with his eye brows raised, and knew by the smile she was trying to hide that she'd chosen it on purpose. He chuckled and stood with so gracefully Kagome thought she was imagining it. He looked down at Kagome still kneeling on the floor with her eyes on him and smirked. Her gaze started from his toes and she worked her up to his face slowly as if in a trance. As her eyes strayed to his chest and the wet shirt plastered on her eyes landed on his hands that were now raising the hem of his shirt. When she finally realized what he was doing she stood up so quickly she almost fell over.

When she looked at Inuyasha's face with startled eyes, Inuyasha suddenly laughed. "Like what you see, Kags? Is my beauty that staggering for you?"

Kagome quickly sobered up at his arrogant words and narrowed her eyes to slits.

"Careful, that's like the second time you've narrowed your eyes at me. Wouldn't want them to stay like that would you? Then again, I think it's kind a hot, if ya know what I mean." Inuyasha said chuckling. He had already discarded his wet shirt and had started putting on the shirt Kagome gave him. But Kagome was too irritated to notice anymore.

"Inuyasha Takeishi. Shut up. Before I burn your clothes to a crisp, and you have to walk out of my apartment with that cute little shirt you have on now." Kagome said with anger.

Inuyasha instantly stopped laughing as her words hit him. He did want to walk out of here with this shirt on. Was Kagome always this feisty? Looking at the set of her eyes and stance, the answer came to him. Yes, yes she was. The thought brought his eyes over from her face down to her long legs. The tank top she was wearing hugged her chest well, and the loose sweats couldn't take away from her curves underneath.

Kagome cleared her throat when she noticed Inuyasha checking her out. He instantly looked up at her with something akin to...Longing? No, he couldn't be. "So are you gonna shut up and finally change into those boxers so I could dry our clothes?"

Inuyasha laughed again and said "Wow, that eager to get me out of my pants? Why Kagome, why didn't you ever tell me when we were younger?" He quickly dodged the tissue box Kagome threw in the direction of his head. He chuckled and looked down at the boxers Kagome had given him. Were they Kouga's? If they were, he'd rather walk around with his cold, soaked pants.

"Whose are these?" Inuyasha directly asked Kagome. She turned to look at his face with her arms crossed.

"They're mine. Who else's would they be baka?" Kagome said irritated.

Inuyasha smirked and said "Just checking. Alright, turn around or get out so I could change into them. That is unless... You'd like to watch me?" He caught the bottle Kagome threw at him and set it down on the kitchen table.

"Oh yes, yes Inuyasha. My dream has always been to oogle my best friend from childhood. Now just cut it out and hurry, will you?" Kagome replied sarcastically. She walked out of the kitchen and into the living room to sit on the couch and wait for him.

Kagome's irritation quickly faded as soon as she saw Inuyasha walk out in the cute little puppy shirt and boxers she had given him. Geez, even in a puppy shirt the guy looked hot. Hot? Wait, what? Kagome turned her head and turned the television on. She felt the movement on the couch as Inuyasha sat down on his end of the couch. She turned to see that he had brought his guitar with him, and that he had placed his soaking clothes on the coffee table. She got up to put their clothes in the dryer without a word. Then she went to her room to get the notebook, and music sheets that they'd used this afternoon. When she came back, Inuyasha had turned off the television and was softly strumming a tune on his guitar. When he looked up and gave her a smile so soft, her tummy did another flip. She smiled back in what she hoped was a natural smile and sat down at her previous seat on the couch. She placed the notebook and papers on the coffee table as well as a pen she had retrieved for anything they decided to revise.

"Let's run through the whole thing at least twice or something before we call it a day. And by then our clothes will be done drying, so..." Kagome trailed off, still looking at the notebook in front of her.

"Okay, that sounds like a good idea. Wanna start from the top now? We can work on putting on the heavier riffs and sounds once we get into the studio, so we don't have to worry about that right now." Inuyasha said, still strumming his guitar, and looking down at his fingers.

"Alright." Kagome said. She put the pen in her hand down and turned her entire body so that she was facing Inuyasha.

Inuyasha looked up from his fingers just as Kagome pushed a stray lock of damp hair behind her ear. He started playing the first notes of the song while he continued to stare at her face.

Kagome could feel and see his gaze on her and refused to turn away. Throughout both run throughs of the song, he stared into her eyes, only occasionally glancing down at his hands. And Kagome was helpless but to do the same. When she sang this song with him, it was as if they were speaking directly to each other about how they felt. Could it be possible? Feeling her heart tighten as his eyes were staring so intently on her, she thought it was indeed, very possible.

When they were done singing it through the second time, his eyes were still on her. Then suddenly he smiled. She wasn't sure what to quite say yet, so she did the same. The silence that followed was soon broken by the sound of Kagome's cell phone ringing. She jumped and turned to look for it finding it on top of the television. She must have put it there when she went to get the towels, she thought. She looked at the caller ID and saw that it was Sango. She flipped her phone open. "Hey Sango, what's up?" Kagome sat on the arm of the love seat next to the couch Inuyasha was on, and waited for her friend to reply.

"Hey Kagome. I just called to tell you that Miyuki just faxed me your performance schedule. And that your next live performance is tomorrow night at club RAIN." Sango said over the phone.

"That soon, huh? Okay, thanks for telling me. I'll pick out a song tonight. So anyway, what was that thing you said you forgot about today?" Kagome said, lying back on the love seat, with her legs dangling over the arm.

"Oh that? Heh, I forgot that today I was supposed to go to a PTSA meeting for Kohaku's school. And the little brat was so kind enough to remind me." Sango said.

Kagome laughed and said "Wow Sango, first your the greatest manager ever, next, you'll be the head of that PTSA thing. You are one nice sister. I hated high school, and here you are helping them out. Pats on the back for you, my dedicated friend."

"I know! I am too nice for my own good. They should be grateful." Sango said, laughing along with Kagome. "So anyway, how did song writing with Inuyasha go today?"

Kagome instantly sat up and turned to look at Inuyasha from the reminder. He was still lightly strumming his guitar, staring off into space. "That reminds me Sango, he's still here. Song writing went great, but I'll call you back."

"What? He's at your apartment? Kag--" Sango started but was cut off when Kagome hastily hung up. She'd explain everything to her tomorrow.

"Sorry about that Inuyasha, it was Sango. You know how that girl can talk and talk." Kagome said, trying to laugh it off.

Inuyasha didn't look up, but Kagome caught him smirking. And instead of being irritated, the butterflies came back.

"So I'm guessing your first performance in this whole thing is tomorrow? That was quick. What are you gonna sing?" Inuyasha said, placing his guitar in it's case, and looking Kagome.

Kagome sat crossed-legged on the love seat, and placed her face into her hands, facing Inuyasha. "Hmm... I haven't decided just yet. What do you think?"

"Why don't you sing a song to me tomorrow night? You know, a little tribute thing to your best bud Inu." Inuyasha said, mimicking her seating position, while raising his eye brows at her repeatedly.

Kagome smirked and said "I don't know, a song dedicated to you? I'd have to pick one off my album to see which one matched you best."

"Surprise me." Inuyasha replied with an easy smile.

Kagome reciprocated the smile and was suddenly lost in his eyes again. And for a moment, it looked like he was lost in hers as well.

"Kags..." Inuyasha said softly, looking directly into her chocolate-brown eyes.

"Yes?" Kagome said, equally soft.

"Our..." Inuyasha trailed off.

"Our what?" Kagome replied, staring intently into his eyes.

"Our... clothes." Inuyasha finally said, a slow grin spreading across his face. He sat up, waiting for Kagome's reaction.

Kagome couldn't believe her ears. She had thought that with the moment he was going to tell her something important. Something she so desperately wanted to hear from him, yet wasn't sure what. "You Baka!!" She said, and quickly stood up to stomp off in the direction of her dryer. She could hear Inuyasha's chuckles as they followed her. When she came back with his clothes, she threw them at him. He caught them, but the look on his face said clearly that he was shocked at her very real, anger.

"God Kagome, could you throw me my hot clothes at me any harder? Geez, I was only joking." Inuyasha said. Slipping the puppy shirt off, and replacing it with his toasty navy shirt. He slipped his pants on over the boxers, thinking to just give them back to her later.

Kagome had turned her head as soon as she saw him taking his shirt off and stalked to her balcony, after opening the glass door. She put her hands on the railing and took a deep breath, followed by another one, and another. Why was she so mad? He really hadn't done anything. Your dissapointed, her mind whispered. But why? she asked herself back. But before she could answer herself, she felt Inuyasha's arms go around her shoulders. Her breathing stopped for a minute when she felt his warm arms around her, along with his warm breath on her shoulder. He rested his head on her shoulder and whispered in her left ear "I'm sorry Kags. I was only kidding. Forgive me?"

Kagome's breath slowly returned and she soon relaxed in his arms. "Sure Yash. I think I'm just a bit tired."

"You sure?" Inuyasha said, his breath ticking Kagome's neck.

When Kagome nodded, Inuyasha eased his arms off of her. He turned her around to face him and looked into her eyes. Her eyes were tired. But they also looked... Sad? Inuyasha pondered. He craddled her face in between his hands and said the first thing that came to his head. "I haven't forgotten that world I promised you. I swear. In due time, you'll get it, okay? So turn that frown upside down Higurashi, and give me one of your famous smiles."

Kagome smiled softly at him and nodded her head. He was so caring sometimes it hurt.

After seeing her soft smile, Inuyasha smiled back. He released her face, and she immediately felt it's loss.

"I better get going then. I have to give you time to choose a song for me tomorrow, don't I?" Inuyasha said, smirking. He turned and started walking towards the door, with Kagome on his heels. He picked up his guitar case and slipped on his still wet shoes. He squinted at the feel and turned around to face her with his hand on the door knob.

"I'll see you at the club tomorrow. You know, to give you support and all. And since this song will be for me, I should be there, right?" Inuyasha said with a smirk in place.

Kagome nodded her head, and gave him another smile. "Sorry about earlier."

"Don't mention it Kags. Just get some sleep though, okay? If you feel stressed, take a break. Don't let it all build inside you, got it?" Inuyasha said in what he thought was a stern voice, but the smile that peeked out deceived him.

Kagome smiled and nodded. Inuyasha gave one last fleeting smile and turned the door knob. When he was no more then two steps outside her door, he turned around to face her.

"Today was nice. Just you and me, like old times. I liked it. Thanks." Inuyasha said and then without waiting for her reply, turned around and proceeded to walk away from her apartment.

Kagome stared after his retreating figure and smiled. She closed the door when he was out of sight and turned around to lean on it for a second. Maybe being close friends with him again wouldn't hurt. Today definitely didn't. She was brought out of her thoughts by the sound of her house phone ringing in her room. She locked the door and made a dash for her room. The phone was on it's fifth ring when she jumped on her bed to stretch and answer it from the cabinet it was on.

"Hello?" Kagome asked, a little out of breath.

"Kagome, is that you? This is Linda Ookami. I've been trying to reach you all day. Where have you been?" An older female voice asked.

"Linda, hi, sorry. I had a meeting at the label and work right after, so I wasn't home for most of the day." Kagome answered, trying to think of a reason why Kouga's mom was trying to reach her. Did she know about Inuyasha? Had Kouga told her? Was that why she was calling? As Kagome tried to think of a polite way to ask the older woman just this, Linda said something.

"Oh... I suppose that explains it." She said, sounding unconvinced for some reason. Kagome wondered why this woman always sounded like that whenever she talked to her. She had a feeling she didn't like her, but everytime she'd bring that up with Kouga, he'd wave it off with his hand and say that she adored Kagome as much as he did. Then he's move onto another topic.

"Anyhow, the reason I'm calling is to talk about the wedding plans." Linda said.

"Wedding plans?" Kagome said, confused for a second.

"Yes, the wedding plans. You and Kouga have yet to set an exact date. And what about where your gonna have it? Personally, I think the Royal Hoyata Hotel is the best place to have it. And how many are you expecting on your side of the family to come? Because you know they'll have to reserve asap. And what color dress do you think you'll want? I know this fabulous designer that does exquisite work with white. Oh, and don't forget the setting of..." Linda rambled on.

But the words were soon lost on Kagome as realization hit. Hard. She was talking about her wedding with Kouga, Kagome thought despairingly. Why had she thought she could befriend Inuyasha again, with Kouga around? It had been a nice thought. But she was still engaged to another man. She had promised herself to Kouga, and she wouldn't take it back. But that was before Inuyasha. Before today. Why did Inuyasha have to be so sweet on the balcony? The thought of her wedding should leave her feeling elated... Not melancholy. Inuyasha... Her heart whispered. I'm sorry...


(++++++++++++++++++SCENE-CHANGE++++++++++++++++++)
It was 7:50 at night and Kagome could hear the fans cheering on the other side of the curtain. She went on in ten minutes. The news of her record label's artists giving a live performance once a week until the release date of their albums, was given this all this morning and afternoon. She had been up all night thinking of whether or not to sing the song she thought she should. She knew, he'd get it. The message she was trying to get through. He'd tried calling her the whole day, but she never once picked up his call. She'd been avoiding him, and now, she'd finally tell him something that needed to be done. Kagome had resolved herself, saying that it was the right thing and the right song. She couldn't fool herself. She couldn't be close to him again, because she had Kouga now. Kouga. It all this was true, then why was her heart screaming at her this second.

Kagome looked down at her black knee length skirt that flowed and moved when she did, and her black long sleeve, lace blouse. She had chosen to wear a pair of ankle boots to match her outfit. She looked into the little mirror that hung in front of her and checked her eyeliner, and shadow. She had decided to just emphasize her eyes tonight, and put on some lip balm too, nothing more.

She saw Sango come around the corner and waved her over. Sango had on a hesitant smile and came to Kagome's side. Kagome had told Sango the whole sad story this morning and Sango had sympathized. "You sure you wanna sing this particular song? The lyrics are pretty clear, so I'm sure he'll get it. And just so you know, he's sitting at a table towards the back with Miroku."

Kagome heaved a big sigh and replied "It's a bit late to change it now, and yes I'm sure. I think... I think this needs to be done. I know it may not seem like it, but it is."

Sango looked at her best friend and nodded. When Kagome had spilled everything to her, she was a bit taken aback. She didn't realize the extent of their friendship when Kagome gave a vague description of it before. But she did now. And what about Kouga?

The stage director spotted them and said, "Your up in 5 minutes Higurashi." Then he hurriedly turned the corner and vanished.

"This is it. Have you talked to him at all today?" Sango asked.

"No... He tried calling me a few times, but I never answered." Kagome said, looking down.

"Well, it looks like he's gonna get his answer right about now." Sango said. Kagome looked up to see Sango looking at someone behind her. Kagome turned around to see Inuyasha walking up to her with an unsure expression on his face.

"Hey Sango, do you think I could talk to Kagome for a quick minute before she goes on?" Inuyasha hesitantly asked. Kagome had been avoiding him all day. He knew it. And he wanted to know what was up. After yesterday, he thought they'd been on good terms, but today... Inuyasha sighed. She'd been on his mind all day. And when she never answered any of his calls... He sighed again, looking at Sango.

Sango looked at Inuyasha then back at Kagome, then back to Inuyasha again. "She goes on in 4." She said, then cast a last glance at Kagome and walked away. Inuyasha wondered at that. Was she trying to tell Kagome something?

"What are you doing back here?" Kagome softly asked him, with her eyes downcast.

He looked at her and how she wouldn't meet his eyes. He reached over and raised her face to look at his with his left hand under her chin. When he saw her eyes, his heart shuddered a bit. What was with that look? What happened to her smiling yesterday? What happened?

"I guess since this whole performance thing is for our label, that since I'm an artist for it, I get to have backstage passes to all shows, including yours." Inuyasha said, looking into her eyes with intent.

Kagome nodded her head with her chin still lightly held in his hand. "Kagome... Why have you been avoiding me all day? I know you were, so don't deny it." Inuyasha softly said.

"Your right. I have been." Kagome said, avoiding his eyes by looking to the side.

"Why? What did I do wrong? I thought yesterday..." Inuyasha trailed off.

"I did have fun yesterday. I haven't laughed like that in a long while." Kagome said softly, looking into his brilliant amber eyes again. She could see his confusion... And hurt. And that made looking at him even harder. No, she was doing the right thing. She had to be.

The stage director came around again and said "Your on in 2 Higurashi, get going." Then he went as quickly as he came once again.

Kagome shook her chin out of Inuyasha's grasp and looked him in the eye. "I don't have time Inuyasha. Look, all I have to say is that I'm sorry. And that I want you to listen to my words tonight when I sing. And to take them at face value."

"What does that mean? What's going on?" Inuyasha asked, confused even more. What was she talking about?

"60 seconds everyone!!!" Someone yelled from amidst the curtains and bustling people.

Kagome turned away from him and walked over to the center of the stage where a lone high stool sat in front of a microphone stand. Inuyasha cast one long look at her, then tuned to hurry back to his table before the performance started. He'd ask her again later.

Kagome sat on the stool waiting for the show to start. She turned her head to look off at where Inuyasha had gone. She sighed and turned back to face the curtains. Kouga said he'd be coming tonight. Lately, she'd been distant with him. But not after this, she thought to herself. Maybe. The sight of Inuyasha looking at her with lost, confused eyes was almost enough to not sing she picked out. Almost. Then Kagome heard the loud, booming voice of the DJ over the sound system, signaling that she would go on in a few moments. Last chance...

"And now, give it up for the lovely rising artist, Kagome Higurashi!!! The song she'll be singing tonight is called 'Again'. Enjoy the show!!!"

The curtains were quickly pulled apart, revealing Kagome to the audience. The spotlight hit her directly and she had to squint her eyes before opening them again. She looked out into the audience and heard their answering cheer. Looking at the fans from this point of view was still so surreal to her, and everytime she did it, she always had to take a moment. She saw Kouga sitting at a table towards the front with his cousins Ginta and Hakkaku. He smiled and waved at her. She smiled slightly back and moved her gaze. Her eyes landed next on Inuyasha sitting with Miroku at a table towards the back, just like Sango had said. He was looking at her with an expression she couldn't quite see and read. She quickly moved her gaze again to Sango who was surprisingly, sitting next to Miroku. She gave Kagome an assuring smile and a thumbs up. Kagome gave a soft smile in return then regarded the rest of her audience.

"Good evening everyone. Thanks for coming out to my first performance for this whole one week deal. I hope you like this performance tonight and the rest of mine to come. Without you guys, this wouldn't even be happening. So thanks. Like the DJ said, this song is called 'Again'." Kagome said into her microphone in it's stand, which was adjusted to meet her head in her sitting position. Then the song started to begin...

I am wearing this weight Again
It cuts like it did then
It's consuming all my thoughts
and swallowing me Again

Kagome sang the first verse as if she were in a trance with her eyes closed in the beginning. When she opened them to sing the next verse she looked around the room.

And what you see is what's left of me
but I'm here
I didn't think I'd scare very easily
but I fear this thing

She placed her right hand on the mic in it's stand, and let the beat of the song take her consuming thoughts away...

It is wearing me out and thin
Paralyzing me Again
It was vicious all the way here
I am barely alive

And what you see is what's left of me
but I'm here
I didn't think I'd scare very easily
but I fear this

Kagome's eyes landed on Inuyasha as she sang this next verse. Telling him with her eyes that she was sorry and meant it.

And I wish you love
With anyone else but me
And I wish you love with anyone

Kagome looked into the back of the club, looking at nothing in particular as she let the music have it's way with her.

And all I can do I will do for you
If I'm here
I promise you I'll remember you
While I'm here

The look on his face after hearing that last verse made her heart squeeze tight. She closed her eyes again and willed herself to sing the next verse and continue the song.

And I wish you love
With anyone else but me
And I wish you love with anyone
And I wish you love with anyone
With anyone else but me
And I wish you love with anyone

Kagome opened her eyes a final time and looked at Inuyasha again. She sang this last verse with so much feeling that she thought her emotions would spill over through her eyes...

And I wish you love Again (I am surrendering me, surrendering mine)
And I wish you love Again (I am surrendering me, surrendering mine)
I am surrendering me
Surrendering mine

When Kagome finished the song, everything was dead quiet. Then all of a sudden the audience and crowd cheered so loudly that she thought her eardrums would pop. She smiled at their enthusiasm and looked into the sea of people. Kouga was smiling so brightly at her when she met his eyes that she had to look away. Did he have any idea as to who she was talking about in the song? Probably not. But he was still there to root her on. Kagome looked for Sango and Miroku and saw them giving her big smiles paired with a thumbs-up from both of them. They proceeded to stand up with the audience to give a standing ovation and cheer along. Most everyone had stood up by then. All except one.

Kagome turned to look for him and when her eyes landed on him, her face slightly crumbled. There he was still sitting down. Had he gotten her message? The set of his face and shoulders told her that he had. He turned from looking straight ahead to look directly into her eyes. The look he gave her was one of such hurt, pain... And anger. Inuyasha stood up so abruptly that his chair skidded backward with the impact and fell over. He turned on his heel and made a dash, or rather stomp, towards the exit, not bothering to spare an explanation or glance back to his manager. Or her.

Kagome turned back to the general audience, smiled one last time and finally stood up. She gave one last thank you and glance and walked calmly past the curtains to her dressing room. Once inside with the door closed and locked behind her, she sank down to the ground in a not so graceful heap, and kept her face down, her hair sliding around the front to shield her. Inuyasha... She thought, as the tears she'd been holding back during the song finally slipped from her eyes and onto the hard, cold floor underneath her...



(++++++++++++++++++END+CHAPTER++++++++++++++++++)


A.N.: Wow...So how was that guys? I hoped you listened to the songs as you read them, but if not, oh well. LoL. That, was my longest chapter yet. I hope you liked it. I could have ended this chapter when they were about to eat lunch, but I decided to be nice since I took so long to update, and made it extra longer. And if you guys aren't busy, you should check out my friend's fanfic. It's really good, you all should check it out. It's called "Two World One Love" and it's by Fairytalechic1. Check it out!!! She's a good friend of mine and she's really cool. Anyhoo, Review!!! Tell me what you think. Reviews make me update faster, and they put a smile on my face. ;-) Plus it's summer, so I'll have way more time to update. Thanks!!! :-) And if you can't find that "Again" song, I want you to know that the band that sings it has a Music Myspace with it on it. The link is www.myspace.com/tappingthevein. Listen to it!!! It's a great song. ;-) Review!!!