InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Through the Eyes of Another ❯ The Beginning of Love ( Chapter 4 )

Through the Eyes of Another

By: TLA

Disclaimer: I do NOT in any way own Inuyasha. If you want to sue me, go for it. But I have to warn you, I'm a college student with no money. So I don't think you would be satisfied in any way if you sue me.

*To all my Reviewers*: This is where I'll reply to what you have said in your reviews. How I order your name is alphabetical. Questions, comments, and ideas are also here to be answered. Thanks to all the people who put me on their favourites list!

caley - Thanks for saying that! I'm glad that you are enjoying this story.. So, tell me, what do you like about this story? Have any theories on what's going to happen?

UmiMegami - Thanks, Kid! As for metaphors, you know that I don't use them much!! LOL

Chapter Four:: The Beginning Of Love

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birds sang out to greet the new day. Sunflowers turns to warship the new sun. In the house, Aiko wakes up to the smell of breakfast, the sight of the beaming sunshine, and the knowledge that today she had a date with Kano. Sitting up, she ran her hands through her hair. {I didn't say that we had a date. I said that I'll see him today.} She looks out her window. Seeing the happy birds near her window, she got out of bed. Wearing only the black tank top and purple panties, she opens her window. Aiko leans out, resting her head on her hands."Oh, who am I kidding?" Two blue birds glide around each other. Aiko smiles at how one of them tried to seduce the other to his nest. "A bit early to go wooing the ladies, don't you think?" Hearing the sweet voice, the two birds rest on a nearby branch. "So, my small friends, do you think I'm crazy? Seeing him last night, so handsome and manly, I lost my breath." Her eyes went to the fountain where they met last night. "I don't get it. When he's here, I just want to spend time with him, tell him everything that had happened in my life. And when he's gone, I miss him." She turns away, and went over to her bed. Laying on her back, she kept talking. "But.. I just like him like a brother.. right?" The bird couple jumps from their branch to the window sill, chirping disapprovingly. "Ok, ok, I admit, he's really handsome, and maybe I do find him attractive. But so does every other girl in school. Besides, I'm not as pretty, or intelligent, or even talented like some of the girls I've seen him with. What makes me so special?" An incident is then brought back to her mind..

*Begin FlashBack*

A hand clapped her. Instinct made her bring her hand to her stinging check.

"You are nothing. You should be happy that I noticed you at that dance." He grabbed her hair. She cried out in deep pain. "Now, you will go to that party with me, or do you want another demonstration of my power over you?"

"I..I'll go. Please, don't hurt me any more."

*End FlashBack*

At that moment, someone knocks on her door. "Aiko, you up?" Kenji's voice sounds through the door. Kano told him his intentions towards Aiko, and Kenji could not have a better guy hooked up with Aiko. The only problem is that Aiko has such a low self-esteem when it comes to relationships that it will be hard to convince her that Kano really does like her. {Her self-esteem would not be this low if not for that stupid jackass..} He sighs. {Now, I hope Kano can help her.. But he knows her problems better than anyone. He was there.}

Aiko glances at her clock. {9:00} She looks at the birds. "Sorry, I have to go. I'll talk to you guys again! Have fun with your babies." The bird couple gave her a goodbye chirp, then took off. "Yes, Kenji. I'm up. Just let me dress and I'll be down for breakfast," she yelled, while trying to find clean clothes. Searching through her drawers, she found cut off short jeans, and a tight black t-shirt with a red dragon on it. After putting on her rose necklace, she ran out the door and to breakfast.

"Morning, Family!" Aiko cheerfully said, giving a hug to her parents.

Everyone had a smile on their face. Anyone looking in their world would notice how this little girl was their treasure. Aiko brought out the best of themselves, and when she steps into a room, a light always shines with every step she takes. "Morning, little bug. Finally came down, didcha?" teased Kenji. Being surrounded by females, he always had an understanding of women better than most. Of course, that doesn't excuse him from teasing his little sister when the mood hits.

"Oh, Kenji. Lay off. Besides, I hear she has a date with Kano today." Yuriko said, while everyone was gently laughing.

"Hey! Who said that I'm meeting that arrogant male? I just said that I'll see him. There's a difference." Aiko declares as she sits down.

A voice behind her said, "Arrogant, am I? I'm wounded."

Aiko almost fell down on the floor; she was so surprised. The only thing that saving her from embarrassment was her tail. It reaches out and gripes the back of the chair and then slide it to where she stands. Aiko turns and marches right up to Kano. "How dare you surprise me like that! I could have had a heart attack!" Each word following a poke on his chest.

Everyone around the table was laughing at the show she was putting on. Having enough with the poking, he gently clasps her wrist to his chest, which causes her to move in closer to him. Being this close to him, she couldn't resist on smelling his unique scent. She closes her eyes, better to catch his scent. {Pine and oak. Such a masculine and powerful scent. Why haven't I smelled this on him before? Is it because I've dream of him last night?} With each thought, the closer she got until she was fitting her body with his.

"Ahem."

Aiko jumps in surprise. Her eyes quickly open, and she notices where she was. Or what is more important, who she was with. Aiko immediately steps out of his hands. "I.. I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me," she quietly said, looking down on the floor. Feeling that everyone's gaze was on her, she quickly remembers her manners. "I'm sorry, Kano. Please, have a sit." She turns around and while ignoring her family's amused expression, she offers him a chair at the table. "Please."

Kano gives her a gentle smile. Knowing that she is very confuse at her actions, he quietly said,"Thanks."

Aiko went back to her sit. Not wanting to think about her actions, she ran her eyes around the table. "So, what are your plans for today?" She cheerfully said.

"I don't know about anyone else here, but you and I are going to spend the day together." Kano calmly said, as he butters his bread.

"What!?"Akio cried, thrown out of spin in a matter of moments. "When did I agree to do anything with you?"she said rudely. Everyone knows that she was only this rude to anyone was when she's surprised.

Smirking now, he said, "Last night. Besides, do you have plans today anyway?" He asked her, knowing that she didn't.

"Ok, fine. So I don't have any plans today. Just don't surprise me again. You know I hate surprises."

"Of course, my Lady." By now, he had a big grin, and because she never could hold her temper long, so did she.

The rest of her family look around at each other, all with satisfied smiles on their face.

~*~*~*~*

The sun rests upon the mountains later that day. All around, people, both youkai and human, and their pets were enjoying the setting sun. Together, they head to a little hill that overlook the city. With the sun shining just right, the world looks like a magical place. Leaning against the big tree, she grabs his arm. Looking at him with happy eyes, she said, "Thanks for today." She tenderly looks at the little bear he won for her at the arcade.

"You're welcome. I wanted to spend a day with you before school starts again, and I'm happy that I got my wish."

"Well, in that case, why didn't you tell me last night? You really confused me this morning!" Aiko concentrates on her shoes. "I'm sorry for being so rude to you this morning."

He reaches down, and tips her chin up until he can see her eyes again. "It's ok. I understand."

With a smile both on her face and in her eyes, she threw her arms around his neck. ::You are a best friend that anyone can have::

::Back at you:: {Though I want to be more than your friend.}

Leaning back, she stares into his emerald eyes. ::Remember that day when you wanted to hear about Kagome and Sesshoumaru? When they first confessed to each other that they loved each other?::

::Yes. I remember. Why do you ask? ::

::Remember that diary that I mentioned last night? :: He nods. ::Well, I brought it along with me. Do you want to look into her world in her eyes? ::

Kano had an eager expression on his face. He nods very enthusiastically.

Letting go of him, Aiko reaches behind her to grab her book bag. Opening it, she went in and pulled the book out.

Placing the book on the grass in front of them, she opens just the cover. Aiko informs Kano more about Kagome's diary. "I think there's a spell or something on this diary. For some reason, it wants me to read certain entries. I noticed that the last two times I read this book." She notices that the diary was moving her pages. "Here, look."

His eyes follow where her gaze was. What he saw amazes him to no end. The pages flip around, like an invisible hand was turning them. Finally, it ends, with a small pressed flower between the two pages. He looks up at Aiko. "Is there usually pressed flowers in here?"

She shook her head. "No. This is the first time I've seen one in here."

Together, they bend towards the book.

October 11

Today was the most amazing day of my life. Ok, maybe not the most amazing, but it was more pleasant than when I went over the well and almost got killed by that centipede. I saw him again, and he didn't act cold, cruel, or any of those emotions that he usually lets people see. Actually, he was very worried about his daughter, Rin. We even talked about her a bit.

People around them disappear, leaving more trees behind..

::~~~::~~~::~~~::

The setting light shows Kagome climbing out of the well. Peeking out, she looked for Inu Yasha. Noting seeing him, she slowly made her way out. Tossing her old backpack over her shoulder, she headed to Kaede's village. Humming a little tune, she walked with a care-free freedom. Halfway, she met a sight she never thought to see. {Sesshoumaru? Here? Why?} Trying to be quiet, Kagome tried to see what he was doing in the forest at a time like this. {It looks like he's searching for a plant or something. Is he hurt?} Suddenly, his voice rang out with warning.

"What do you think you are doing, woman?" He didn't even glance up when he asked. For a while now, he knew that she was there, but he had other problems that needed to be seen to that he didn't even care she was there.

"Well, if you must know, I'm heading back to Kaede's village." He growled at her disrespecting tone, but kept looking for his plant. Catching his warning, she quickly apologized. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to act so rude. You just caught me in surprise." Noticing that he almost didn't hear what she just said, Kagome cautiously walked closer to him. Knowing that he knew that she was close to him, she touched his arm. "Can I help you look for that plant?"

He looked at her. "Why would you help someone who has killed you time and time again?"

In his eyes, Kagome could see the worry and sadness. {He didn't even try to mask his feelings this time. This must be bad.} "Please, let me help."

His bond to Rin told him that he doesn't have much time left. "Fine. I'm looking for a blue flower with red thorns, and a moss that only grows on the lowest part of pine trees." Sesshoumaru went back to look, not caring if she was actually looking or not. Actually, he didn't expect her to search. {Why should she? I've tried to kill.. well, at least maim Inu Yasha to get the sword, I wouldn't be surprise if she just left.}

Kagome, on the other hand, was thinking about something else. {I thought I saw those flowers back near the well. Maybe the moss is there, as well.} After looking at Sesshoumaru, she ran towards the well.

He looked up to see her run away. {Why am I not surprised? Humans. None of them are any good. Only Rin.. Whom I'm going to lose if I can't find those two things.} Not wanting to waste more time on the thoughts of worthless humans, he went back to his task. So into his task that when Kagome came back with both the flower and the moss, he lost his control and yelped in surprise.

Kagome quickly backed off. "I'm sorry for scaring you. I thought you knew I was coming." She looked at the items in her hand. Looking up again, she handed them to him. "Here you go." After thrusting them onto his chest, she ran back to her yellow bag and started to leave.

"Wait."

One word, and she stopped in her tracks. Turning around, she looked at him in puzzlement. "Hai, Sesshoumaru-sama? Did you need any other service?"

"Why didn't you ask me what these are for?" His silent feet lead him to her. Closer, and closer they came to her. Both looked into the other's eyes, forgetting that they are enemies.

Kagome gently smiled. "I know these plants, and they are used for healing. It's none of my business who it's for." After a quick bow, she started to turn and leave again. A clawed hand gently gripped her arm.

"It's Rin. She's really sick," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

{Oh, no. Why her?} "What are you standing here for? Come on, I can help you heal her." She snatched his wrist and tried to drag him. It didn't work. She looked over her shoulder. "Well?"

With a thankful expression, he calmly said, "It's faster on my cloud." He chanted and wisps of smoke formed a cloud big enough for two. Lifting her, he placed her in front of him, curled in his left arm. They took off, flying with the clouds and birds.

Kagome looked at the arm that was on her waist. {I thought Inu Yasha cut off his left arm. How..} "When did your arm grow back?"

"Last month," was all he said.

{Maybe that's why we didn't see him at all. He must have used his powers to grow back his arm.} Unconsciously, she leaned in closer to his warmth. Since she was still wearing her uniform, and they were so high up, she was getting a bit cold. Thinking that she might be afraid of falling, he tightened his arm around her. Kagome turned her head to where his heart was. {His present is so comforting.. A subtle aura of power, but his unique scent is much stronger..} She quietly took a deep breath. {Pine and oak. It suits him, I think.}

While she was being comforted by his scent, he was thinking about her scent. {This human.. She doesn't have that disgusting smell most humans have. She smells like spring lilacs and warm sunshine.} He leans in her hair. {That smell.. I feel like I've smelled this scent before..} Feeling her shiver, he moved his tail to blanket her.

{Is that.. Is that his tail? Man, for someone who's suppose to be a killer, he sure has a fluffy tail..} One of her hands couldn't resist and went to stroke it. {Soft, like a cloud, and smooth, like a feather..My only question.. How does he keep it this clean?}

Feeling her hands on his tail, he froze. {No one has touched my tail like that..} A pleasant feeling ran up his spine. {It feels nice.}

Too soon, his castle appeared in the horizon. His house looked more like the way ancient Chinese people made their houses. Huge front doors, and a small space before going to the main room. From there, she saw that though the outside might look like Chinese style houses, on the inside it was all Japanese.

"Your home is beautiful." She was awed at how a youkai can have such a charming place like this. Everywhere she looked, there were art and culture all around. {This place would look good at a museum.}

Sesshoumaru grunted, but inside he was pleased that she liked his home. Going down a corridor, he said over his shoulder, "Follow me." Trying not to hurry, he lead Kagome through the twist and turns towards his family wing. Once there, he went through the first door on the right. Jaken sat silently by Rin's side. "Is she any better?"

When Kagome stepped through the doorway, the first thing she noticed was the many flowers that decorated the room. Many flower rings hanged on the walls, as well as pictures. A slight wheezing sound came from deep in the room. Hearing it, Kagome turned her head. The sight she saw almost made her sick to her stomach, and she almost cried. There, laying on the bed was Rin. But today, she wasn't jumping around like a little rabbit. Today, she didn't ask to go to the flowers behind the house. Today, she didn't smile at the sight of her Sesshoumaru-same. No, today she was on her bed, her arms and legs broken. Bloody cuts were everywhere, and colored bruises covered her body. Slowly, carefully, Kagome walked to the bed. No one spoke.

The silence was broken when Kagome quietly said to Jaken, "Bring me lots of towels, and warm water." After Sesshoumaru nodded his head, Jaken left to go get the stuff. Kagome sat at the end of the bed. Carefully, she took off all of Rin's clothes. When she felt Rin's forehead, she discovered that Rin also had a very high fever. "Are the plants for her fever?" she asked him, while running her hands down Rin's body, trying to see if there was internal injury as well.

"Yes."

Seeing that Rin had no internal injuries, Kagome turned around to face Sesshoumaru. "Ok. Go make the medicine. I'll be here, waiting for Jaken."

Looking at her, he didn't know where this trust came from. Knowing that she would not harm an innocent child, he gave a nod and went to go make the medicine. After he left, Kagome turned and looked at Rin again. {How did this happen?} Her heart wanted to cry for Rin, but Kagome knew that she had to save all the strength for her to heal Rin. {I don't have much time.} Kagome turned her whole body to face Rin. Crossing her legs, she put her hands over Rin's heart and closed her eyes. Her soul left her body and went into Rin's. Slowly she travelled, healing the cuts and bruises from the inside out. Next, she travelled to her little arms and legs, mending the bones. Finally, she travelled back up her body to her head. Kagome put an image of cool spring water into Rin's mind, and steadily, her body cooled down her temperature. Feeling that Rin's fever was going down, she made a final run through her body to make sure she didn't leave anything undone.

Her soul went to Rin's heart, and back into her own body. She opened her eyes, and being so weak from the energy she lost, she fell backwards. Thinking she was going to hit the floor, Kagome prepared her body. She didn't prepare that someone was going to catch her. She gave a quiet "umph" as her body hit his. A clawed hand went over her shoulder, past her chest, and rested on her left ribs. Seeing the two navy colored stripes, she leaned in farther into his chest and succumbed to her body's demand.

The warmth of the sun radiated on her face. Climbing out of her dark world, she cautiously opened her eyes. At first, things were a bit hazy, but soon they came into focus. Staring at the distant wall, her mind registered that this was not Rin's room. Blocking the sun in her eyes, she tried to get up from the futon. Halfway up, her body collapses again. "I would not move just yet. You did use a lot of energy healing Rin." Hearing the voice on her left, she turned her head. Setting at his table, Sesshoumaru was reading a book. She swallowed, wetting her throat. "I..Is this your room?"

Turning a page, all he said was, "Yes."

Moving her hand that covered her eyes to her forehead, she used her left to leverage herself up. Quietly, she said to herself, "Man, I feel like I drank way too much sake last night." With the pace of a snail, she sat up and swang her legs over the futon. There she sat, waiting for her body to catch up with her mind. A few minutes later, her body was much steadier. Getting up, she stumbled to Sesshoumaru. When she sat down, both her mind and body restored the lost energy. Hearing Sesshoumaru's sigh, she smiled. "Sorry, Sesshoumaru-sama. Not everyone listens to you."

"No, not everyone. Just you." He set his book down. Kagome glanced at it, trying to read the title. But her eyes were not ready to read fine print, so she gave up. "Thank you for saving Rin yesterday."

{Ye..Yesterday? ::sighs:: Oh, well.. I still need to know what happened to Rin. Staying for a bit more won't hurt me.} "What happened? How did Rin get so badly hurt?" Her voice rose, until she almost screamed at him.

"I told you that for the last month, I was healing my arm. I told Jaken to take care of the house and Rin. Yesterday was the last day of my recuperation, and when I got out of my room...

*Begin FlashBack*

Coming out of his trance, he opened his eyes. Looking down at his restored left arm, he rose. Sensing that Jaken was heading to his room, Sesshoumaru walked outside the door, waiting. Suddenly, a feeling of trouble made its way to Sesshoumaru. When Jaken saw his master, all his body language gave Sesshoumaru the proof that something was wrong.

"Sesshoumaru-sama!" Jaken cried.

Sesshoumaru smelled Rin's blood on Jaken's clothes, and he ran. Passing Jaken, Sesshoumaru picked him up. "Where's Rin?" he growled.

"At the hills, behind the house." After saying that, Sesshoumaru threw Jaken to the wall. His head hit the wall, knocking him unconscious.

When Sesshoumaru arrived at the flower hills, he saw Rin getting killed by a stupid snake youkai. Dokkasou dripped down his hands. Running at top speed, he quickly rams his poisoned hand into the youkai's heart. Taking it back out, the youkai cried in agony. Sesshoumaru didn't give another look at the youkai, and went to get Rin. Claw marks, as well as a big bite out of her neck, almost killed her. Releasing the Tenseiga, he gave back her life. Unfortunately, the Tenseiga only made sure she will live, but didn't heal her wounds. In frustration, he threw the sword down. Carefully, he picked up Rin and headed back to his castle. What he didn't know was that his tail went and picked up the Tenseiga.

Gently laying her on her bed, Sesshomaru flew to the herb's room. But the plants that he needed was not there. Going back out, he went to where Jaken still laid and woke him up. "I'm going to get the healing plants. Stay and watch Rin. And this time, if anything happens to her, I will kill you a thousand times and not bring you back!" Off Sesshoumaru went, while Jaken ran to Rin's room.

*End FlashBack*

"That girl will be the death of me. What is it with her and flowers?" He hit his head on the table.

{How very unlike Sesshoumaru. He.. He's acting more like a father right now.} "It's an old human custom to give flowers to the ones you love." She said, patting his head. What started out as a comfort turned to a caress. Her finger's wove themselves deeper into his white cloud. Taking her time, she combed her hand through his hair. Purring sounds came from the huge body.

Both were in a world of their own until Jaken knocked on the door. Both froze, and then Kagome took her hands out of his soft hair, while Sesshoumaru straightened up. "Come in," he commanded.

Kagome looked at him and she saw the stone look he always wore until she looked into his eyes. There, she saw all the emotions. Pain, for Rin, a tender look for her, and an annoyed feeling directed at Jaken for interruption them. {He does have a heart. He only hides it better than most.}

"Rin's awake, Sesshoumaru-sama." Jaken bowed, then left.

They looked at each other. "Well, let's go see her." Kagome got up, and held a hand for him. He looked at her hand, then back at her. Trust me, her eyes said. Finally, he gently grasps her hand. Together, they went to see how Rin was doing.

"Kagome-oneechan! Sesshoumaru-sama!"

Rin's happy cry brought a big smile on Kagome's face. {She's ok.. she's ok..} Kagome went over to Rin, leaned down and started to ask how she was doing. All too soon, it came the time for Kagome to leave.

"Why, Kagome-oneechan? Can't you stay with Rin?" Rin begged.

"I'm sorry, Rin. I need to get back to my friends. They must be worried about me." she soothed.

"Ok.. Will Kagome-oneechan come visit Rin again?"

"Of course, little one." Kagome kissed Rin on the forehead. Tucking her in, Kagome said, "Now, get some more rest."

With a yawn, Rin went back to sleep.

Sesshoumaru and Kagome went out of Rin's room. After closing the door, Kagome turned to Sesshourmaru. "I need to go back."

"I know. I'll take you." He started to walk.

"Y..You're not going to keep so that Inu Yasha will hand over the Tetsusaiga?" With a gasp, she covered her mouth. {Oh, now you've done it. Now that he has the idea, he'll use me.} Unknownly, Sesshoumaru peeked into her thoughts.

He stopped walking. "No, I'm not going to use you. You saved Rin, and I must act with honor towards you for that. Keeping you here, when you helped me willingly, would not be honorable."

Kagome walked to where Sesshoumaru was. "Thank you. I misjudged you. For that, I'm sorry." She reached out and caught his hand.

Looking down at their joined hands, the only thought in his mind was, {She said thank you. No one has ever said that to me before.} With a sigh, he squeezed her hand. With a tag on his hands, she took him outside his house. Figuring that the quickest way back was in his dog form, he transformed. Laying on his stomach, mentally he said, ::Climb on:: With two shakes of his tail, they went off.

::So, why is your house the structure of the Chinese houses?:: she asked him, wanting to surprise him.

The only sign she got that he was surprised was a little movement on his ears. ::The ancient youkai that moved here used to be Chinese. When they left, they took some of the Chinese traditions, like housing::

::Oh, I see. Now, why did they move here?::

::To many humans::

She laughed at his dry tone. Which made him laugh. So they laughed together, forgetting everything that was between them.

~*~*~*~*

"Inu Yasha, we need to go search for her. She was to come back yesterday." Sango said, the hundredth time.

Sadly, Inu Yasha was really angry this time, and he didn't want to go search for her. "When she's ready, she'll come." {And when she gets here, I'm going to give her the worst tongue lashing she has ever got from me}

~*~*~*~*

::Here's a good place. I don't want trouble for you::

He leaned over, and she slides off his shoulder. Turning, she caught his ending of his transformation. "Thanks, again. Sesshoumaru-sama." She gave a low bow of respect.

Sesshoumaru grabbed her two hands. "Please. I don't have any friends, and today you showed me that I can trust people. I consider you a friend and ally. Call me Sesshoumaru."

"All right.. Sesshoumaru." Both stared into each other's eyes.

"KAGOME!!!!"

Sesshoumaru blinked. The next moment, his stone mask was back on. "Do you want me to stay?" he calmly asked.

"Thank you, but no. I think if he saw us together he would have a bigger cow."

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow. "Cow?"

Slightly laughing, she waved his question away. "Never mind. I'll tell you about that sometime." She gave a little peck on his check. "Thank you, again. Now, you should go."

He nodded. A little spell later, he was off.

"KAGOME!!"

:Sighs: {Here we go.}

Kagome turned and walked into the thin lining of trees that protects the village. Red suddenly covered her vision.

"You little--"

"SIT!"

"Umph." {Bitch.}

Kagome walked past him, and met with Shippou and the others. "I know, I know. I'm late. But when I got here, someone was in trouble, so I had to go help them. I'm sorry."

Sango walked up to Kagome and hugged her. "It's ok. We're glad you're safe."

"Right. Well, lets go back to the village. I promise, first thing tomorrow morning, we'll go looking." She turned to Inu Yasha. "That ok with you?"

"Fine."

Kagome smiled. Walking up to him, she gave him a big hug. "Thanks for worrying about me." she said sweetly.

"Feh."

~~~~****~~~~

The first signs of night appeared as they went back to reality. Opening her eyes, she gave a big smile and went over to close the book. As she was putting it back in her backpack, she asked Kano, "So, what do you think?"

Kano didn't say anything for a while. He sat there, letting the information sink into him. Finally, he said, "So, that's how they first became friends."

Laughing out loud, she gabbed his arm and pulled him up from the ground. Heading home, she asks him, "So, would you like to do it again?"

"Hmm, I would have to say yes. Folklore is nothing compared to the truth, don't you think? Their story, passed down from people to people, soon turned into myth and legend. It's good to know what the truth was." He smiled down at her.

"Yes. I never thought of it that way. I just kept thinking that the story here was just between Kagome and Sesshoumaru, how they came together for love. But, it was more than that, wasn't it?"

"Oh, yes. But this discussion will have to wait for another day. It's getting late, and I smell your mother's cooking. Mind if I stay over for a bit more?" he teased.

She whacked his arm. "Yes! Geez, one fall out and you tease me to death about it."

Kano laughs. "Well, is that not what friends are for?"

She immaturely stuck out her tongue and ran. Following her playful mood, he gives chase. Ah, can life get any better?

A/N: Well, everyone. What did you think of this chapter? Did I rush things a bit? Please, give me some feedback. Now, there are a few things I need to point out in this chapter. First of all, the plants that I used here I don't think exists. If they do, I don't know it. Secondly, the Chinese houses are just part of my imagination. I don't think there were Chinese house styles back then. Ok? Do don't go flaming me. Catch ya laters!