InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Trust ❯ The Magic of the Fourth ( Chapter 19 )

Trust
Chapter 19: The Magic of the FourthAnubis_Himura



~*~*~ Inu's POV ~**~

It was summer in Maine once again. Colleges were already sending out packets upon packets of information about their schools. I was looking more toward something in New York. I didn't want to stay in Maine. Though, now I had another thing to worry about: Kagome. I didn't want to go to a school that wasn't at least close to hers. I didn't want to make her go to my school, and vice versa though. It was going to be a stressful year I could tell.

When I wasn't working, as always, I would be with Kagome, Miroku, Sango and the others. We spent the summer the same as we spent every other summer; working and playing. Goofing off and being ourselves.

Kagome was anxious because on Fourth of July, instead of going up to Kikyou's camp like we would have normally - not that Kagome knew this because she had missed the fourth last time -, Kagome had company. Her father, brother, Kaydee, and Hayleigh were all coming up for the fourth. I agreed to stay home with her, well she didn't ask me too so I guess I offered to stay home with her. My dad was off visiting . . . some relative I cared nothing for. She had talked me in to getting Sesshomaru to come up however. But he wasn’t coming up until the fourth exactly. Therefore, I offered that Kagome could stay at my place while her family stayed at hers. Or, that was the theory in my head. In actuality I would probably wind up spending the whole weekend by myself.

I went to Kagome's at eight o'clock on the morning of the second of July. We were supposed to meet Jai and the other's at ten o'clock at Logan airport . . . In Mass. We were going to be late.

"Kagome!" I called again, knocking a little harder.

"Morning." she said as she opened the door.

"You do know it's eight . . . " I consulted my watch. "O seven."

"Shut up." she said through a yawn. "I'm ready aren't I?"

"Well, I've been knocking for like four and half minutes." I said stepping back to allow her to come out.

"I was upstairs. Mr. Know-it-all. It's fricken crack of dawn for cryin' out loud." I could tell she wasn't really angry, and I smiled.

"Well, A) It's your family. B) Dawn was at five twenty this morning, it's just cloudy today." she hit me playfully on the arm and we got into the Durango.

"I still can't believe Miroku actually let us borrow his car. He loves this thing." Kagome said, yawning again.

"Yeah. Now I practically owe him my soul though."

"Eh, that's not such a bad price to pay."

"Nice." I shook my head. "So, how do we get there?" I asked, starting the car.

"I don't know. Just go to Mass. There's got to be signs." she shrugged.

"Good plan. We'll just drive till we see the signs." I semi-rolled my eyes as we pulled out of the driveway.

"You want me to kill you, don't you?"

~*~

We did end up finding a sign that led us straight into the airport pick up area. We parked the car and went into the terminal.

"Kagome!" I looked around at the sound and saw Kagome running to her father.

"Daddy!"

"Kagome!" Souta hugged his sister and then looked up and saw me.

"Hey runt." I said.

"He remembered my name." Souta said, his eyes widening.

"That's not your name. Yash, you know that's not his name." I smiled at her.

"Sup Souta? Been practicing those tricks I taught you." he nodded his head vigorously.

"Good." I ruffled his hair. "Hello Mr. Haru." I extended my hand to him. "It's great to see you again."

"You as well Yash. You as well. Please, call me Jai. Glad to see you have no more injuries from those infernal boards of yours." he said, releasing his grip on my hand.

"Ahh, the season is still young Sir." I laughed. "Hello Kaydee, Hayleigh, lovely to see you again."

"Hello Inuyasha, Kagome." Kaydee smiled, putting Hayleigh on the ground. "Say 'hi' Hayleigh."

"Hi." Hayleigh said softly.

"Well, I've been thinking Kagome, how are we all going to fit in that Pontiac?" Jai asked as we went to pick up their luggage.

"Ah, see we thought of that too." Kagome replied.

"So," I jumped in. "We borrowed our friend-"

"Miroku's" Kagome chimed in.

"Car." I finished.

"Ah. What kind is it?" Jai asked, picking up one of the bags and handing it to Kaydee.

"A Durango." I answered.

"Good. How old is your friend?"

"Don't worry dad, it's not an older boys car. He's our age." Kagome explained.

"Right."

"Mom got a part time job working at Feds. So that's why she's not here. She'll be back about seven tonight. So, we get to show you around." Kagome explained, leading the way to the car.

The rest of the walk to the car was silent. We loaded the back up with the luggage then squeezed everyone into the car. It was quite roomy actually.

"This is a nice car." Jai commented offhandedly.

"It's Miroku's pride and joy." Kagome responded back.

"Yeah, I owe Miroku my soul now." I joked.

"I bet. A teenager with such a nice car. And it's a newer model too. I've been telling Kaydee we should get one. I mean, we have Souta and Hayleigh of course, so why not get a nice SUV?"

"Jai, do you really have to talk about this now?" Kaydee asked, rolling her eyes.

"I don't mean to be rude Sir, but I promised Miroku that only Kagome or I would drive it, so . . . "

"No problems at all Yash, I understand. Kaydee, Hayleigh, Souta and I are just more than happy you came all this way for us." Jai smiled heartily.

"It was no trouble at all." I smiled back. "Of course, you know Kagome, always running late. I was afraid we wouldn't make it."

"Shut up Yash. I'm not always late." Kagome hit me on the arm.

"She's still as punctual as ever then?" Jai asked.

I laughed. "Yeah. She's the poster-child for punctuality."

"I'm picking up your sarcasm." Kagome said from beside me. Her eye twitching slightly as she gritted her teeth in anger.

"I would hope so, cause I'm laying it on pretty thick." I smiled back to her.

"I hate you." she said pinching my arm.

"Ow." I muttered, still smiling at her.

"You two . . . " Jai shook his head, smiling. Kaydee was smiling too, but I wasn't sure if it was for the same reason.

-0-0-

"Welcome to our humble abode." Kagome said, jumping out of the car and opening the back door.

"Oh thank you dear." Kaydee said.

"That is Inuyasha's house." she pointed up to my house (appropriately). "And that is our cottage in the woods." she smiled. "See where the siding is a different color there? A tree went right through Inuyasha's bedroom."

"No kidding." Jai said, looking where Kagome was pointing.

"No joke. It sucked too, almost his entire room was flooded."

"No need to exaggerate." I butted in, helping Kaydee with the luggage.

"I'm not exaggerating." Kagome said hurriedly. "Anyway, you'll be staying with us in the cottage. I hope that's all right. It's small but I think we can all manage." Kagome took one of the suitcases and motioned for everyone to walk toward the house.

"You know," I whispered to her, "I'm still willing to let you stay at my house."

"Oh yeah, that'd go over like a lead balloon." she rolled her eyes. "We'll be fine."

We walked into the house and Kagome led them to her room. She put the suitcase on the floor by her desk and smiled approvingly. "There. Well, this is my room, but you're going to use it for your stay. I'll be in the living room. We have a hideaway bed for Souta. We were hoping Hayleigh would fit on the bed with you two?" she seemed to be worried about the cramped conditions.

"That's no problem dear." Jai smiled.

"Great!" Kagome smiled. "Come on, I'll show you guys the rest. It won't take long." she bounced out of the room and showed them the house. I went back to the car to make sure there was no more luggage, and to make sure it was all locked up. I dialed Miroku on my cell.

"- Hello -" he said.

"Hey Miroku, I have your car for ya. I can bring it by in a few hours. I just don't want to leave the Haru's right now I'd feel weird." I said.

"- Awesome. Oh don't worry about it. I'll come get it, me and Song are just getting ready for Kik's anyway. Oh, by the way, I think your car needs a front end alignment. -"

"Dude, that car needs a push off the quarry." I laughed. "Aight, come by in a few."

"- Cool, see ya. -"

"Later."

"And that is that!" Kagome concluded as they trotted back down stairs. "So, any questions?" she asked, still quite bouncy.

"Where's the skate park?" Souta asked.

"Uptown. We can go a little later, or tomorrow 'kay?" Kagome said, ruffling her brothers hair.

"Sure."

"Can I get you guys something to drink? We have Gatorade, and I think Sierra Mist, and probably OJ."

"I'd love some Gatorade." Souta said.

"Umm, Kaggamie?" Hayleigh said, looking up at Kagome with the biggest roundest eyes.

"Yes Hayleigh." she smiled back.

"Do you hawve appwle juice?"

"I think we do." she smiled going to the refrigerator. "Yep. Look at that, a special juice box just for you." she smiled, unwrapping the straw for the toddler. "Here you go," she said, poking the straw through the cardboard.

"Thank you." Hayleigh smiled.

"You're welcome." Kagome stood back up and poured a glass of Gatorade for her brother. "Here ya go Souta. Want a straw?"

"Nah."

"Hello?" I heard a knocking on the door and realized it must of been Miroku.

"Well that didn't take long." I announced, walking over to the door. "Hey Ku." I said inviting him in. "Hey Song."

"Oh my god! Hey guys!" Kagome waved. "Dad, Kaydee, these are two of my best friends. That's Sango Taijiya and Miroku Houshi. They go to my school and they rock!" she smiled, "Guys this is my dad, and his wife Kaydee, and their daughter Hayleigh, and that's my little brother Souta."

"It's nice to meet you guys." Sango said. "Kagome talks about you all the time." Not quite a lie, but not quite the truth.

"It's an honour." Miroku bowed slightly to Jai and Kaydee.

"Dear, you boys are all so proper." Jai said in a flustered manner. "It is lovely to meet more friends of Kagome and Inuyasha's."

"Please," Miroku began, "We are but humble teenagers who-" I hit him over the head. He was staring with awe at Mrs. Haru and I figured I'd save him the trouble of delving into another 'Miroku speech'.

"Thank you." He said smiling at me.

"Whatever."

"I hate to be rude," Sango interjected. "But, Kikyou's gonna be wicked mad if we keep her waiting."

"True. We better go." Miroku smiled pleasantly. "Here are your keys. It was lovely meeting you." he shook hands with Mr. Haru and kissed Mrs. Haru's hand.

"Lech.” Sango muttered. “It was nice meeting all of you.” Sango said louder. “I’ll talk to you later.” She added to Kagome.

"Good bye Kagome, buy everyone." Miroku waved and followed soon after.

"They seem like two very sweet people." Jai concluded.

"They are our best friends." Kagome and I said in unison.

"They are dating as well?" Jai asked, making polite conversation.

"Oh yeah." Kagome said. "How long have they been together Yash?"

"Pfft. I dunno, like three years."

"Oh, that's right Sango told me once. It was at Spring Formal Freshmen year." Kagome recalled.

"Right." I shrugged.

"You okay Yash?" Kagome had come up beside me and whispered the question. Kaydee, and Jai seemed to be discussing something lighthearted, while Souta examined a copy of "Beckett Anime" that was on the kitchen table.

"Yeah. Fine." I smiled at her, but I knew she wasn't buying it.

"'Kay." she said. I'm pretty sure she just didn't feel like having a row in front of her parents.

"So, are the fireworks a big 'to-do' here?" Jai asked, again making small-talk.

"I don't know." Kagome answered. "Never been here for them. Yash?"

"Uh?" I had been following the conversation, but for some reason I couldn't think. I had this horrible feeling all of a sudden. Like, doom was upon me. "Oh, yeah they're pretty good. A few cities over they have a great parade and fireworks and everything. Our town is too . . . old to do anything really cool. The fireworks aren't so bad though."

"'Too old'? How do you mean?" Jai asked, looking puzzled.

"Oh. Well, it's full of old out-of-staters who think that they can move in and run the place. So, we don't do many cool things around here." I paused and then laughed heartily. "Now the duck festival. That's a treat." I could see Kagome rolling her eyes at me.

"He's being stupid. I've been to the 'duck festival'."

"Ducks?" Souta asked.

"Yeah. Ducks. They race mallards! And they sell little key chains and necklaces. It's a sketchy event." Kagome said, speaking in a tone such as though this, "Duck Event" were run by the mob.

"I should like to see this . . . Duck Festival." Jai spoke up. "When is it?"

"August." Kagome and I answered together.

"Hmm. Sounds most intriguing."

"Oh no. The madness has spread!" Kagome sat down, for the first time since our arrival.

"Sit Yash." She said, point to the still vacant chair.

"Nah. I should go home actually and start lunch or something." I muttered the 'something'. I really just knew I had to leave. I didn't know why I knew that; but, it didn't change the fact.

"Oh. Okay. Hold on." Kagome stood up. "I'll be right back guys. Please, make yourselves at home, we have TV, snacks anything you want, I'll be right back."

"That's not necessary." But she was already pushing me out the door.

We had walked to my door in silence when she stood in front of it, successfully preventing me from entering.

"What?" I asked.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked, her tone trying to be forceful, but I think she was more concerned.

"Nothing."

"Yash, please don't lie to me." I looked into her eyes and thought hard about what to say next. How could I explain a gut feeling that I didn't even know what it was about? There was no point getting her all worked up.

"I'm not lying Kagome." I put on a trademark smile and hugged her. "Your family's waiting."

She yanked herself away from me and shoved me in the shoulder. "So that's it?!"

"What?" I asked.

"It's about my family!" she seemed relieved. "Well God Yash. Come over and hang out with us. I know Souta loves you, and dad thinks you’re great. Come on! Don't sit home all alone. You know perfectly well your dad is gone for the weekend.” I started to say ‘no’ and that I wasn’t going back with her when she interrupted again. “Yash, there’s nothing behind this door but a lonely weekend and boredom. Come home with me.” she reached out for my hand. My eyes flickered to her hand briefly before I looked back up to her eyes. She was smiling at me through her eyes, though she was worrying her bottom lip to death.

“Kags,” her hand went back to her side and she stepped away from the door.

“Can’t blame me for trying.” she smiled. “I’ll see you tomorrow. Maybe." she shrugged and started back to her house.

"Kags!" I grabbed her hand and turned her back to me. "You didn't let me finish." I smiled. "I just have this really weird feeling that my dad is going to come home tonight. I have a bad feeling Kags. I can't explain it. But I thought it best not to worry you." I paused for an effect and relaxed, "But you seemed so determined to know. Jeez."

She laughed and switched her hands as she dragged me off the porch. "Come on then. We'll worry about that if we come to it."

"I see you convinced him to stay." Jai said upon our re-entry.

"Naturally." she smiled and walked over to the cupboards. "I think we're going to go out for lunch."

~*~*~

We walked down to the port, where Jai and Kaydee acted in true 'tourist' fashion. Souta looked bored as we walked into clothing stores and antique shops. There were very few 'kid-friendly' stores in the port.

"Hey, wanna go to the Candy Man?" Kagome suggested, mainly for Souta's benefit I'm sure.

"That sounds lovely." Kaydee said.

"TOYS!" Hayleigh pointed across the river at a toy shop called "Toys in the Attic."™

"Good eyes Hayleigh." Jai smiled. "We can go there after." he said smiling at Hayleigh, who nodded in agreement.

"We could split up if you want Jai." Kagome wasn't paying attention at this point, she was trying to stop Souta from running off. I noticed Kaydee give Jai a look and nodded pointedly at Kagome.

"Oh," he said softly. "Right. Good idea. I'll go with Inuyasha and Hayleigh to this toy shop, and you can stay with Kagome and Souta."

"Great!" she kissed Jai on the cheek. "Lets meet at that toy store in a little bit. I'm sure Souta would like to see it too."

"Okay."

I watched as Kaydee ran to catch up with Kagome and Souta, apparently revealing the plan.

"What was that about Sir?" I asked innocently.

"Oh, that? I think Kaydee just wants to talk to Kagome. Never you mind." he smiled a fatherly smile and I dropped the subject.

~*~*~ Kaggie's POV ~*~*~

I listened to Kaydee tell me that Yash and Dad were going off with Hayleigh and that we were to catch up. Souta was rummaging through all the candy in the store.

"Mommy! Can I get some?"

"Sure Souta."

I thought about it, and it didn't bother me that Souta called Kaydee 'Mommy'. For some reason, I felt it really should bother me, but it didn't. Kaydee seemed to notice my confusion.

"Kagome, I want to apologize." I looked back at her, thoroughly confused.

"Umm, okay?"

"Well, let’s not play games Kagome. I know you know who I am." I realized then that she had guilt. I nodded slowly. "I was insensitive, and heartless. Kagome, you are a sweet young lady, and I'm sure your mother is the greatest. I didn't mean to break apart your family."

"Kaydee, it's cool. Whatever. Life happens."

"Please Kagome. For some reason I feel horrible when you're nice to me." she smiled apologetically. "Can't you hate me?"

"You want me to hate you?"

"No. I don't want you too. I just know you should."

"Kaydee, I don't really know you. Why should I hate someone I don't know? I mean, I know why I should hate you. But I don't. I can't. You're wicked nice and Souta seems to be completely fond of you. Plus, you have Hayleigh. I'm sure she's my dad's too. You have a great family, and I'm not going to be the annoying step-daughter who hates you." I laughed airily.

"That should be your mother's family." she said resentfully. I felt a tinge of guilt.

"For years I had wanted to meet the woman who tore our family apart and ruined my life.
"Then, as I grew, and I met Yash and the others, I had no desire anymore to feel hatred. I just wanted Dad to be happy. And I knew that he was. That Souta was happy. That life moved on, no matter what happened. The world doesn't cater to my whims, and I don't expect anyone else to. I don't expect you to break up with my dad and have my mom and dad magically reunite. It's stupid to be so ignorant. Nope. I'm happy now, and I refuse to hate you Kaydee." I crossed my arms over my chest and smiled at her. "So, that is your punishment for loving my daddy. I refuse to hate you."

"Jai always spoke of your amazing forgiveness." she dabbed at her eyes with her sleeve. "I can't believe how much more forgiving you are then he let on."

"It's not forgiveness. Don't go flattering me. It's pure stubborn." I laughed and took her arm in mine, "So Souta, what's the damage?"

He held up a bag of candy that would have put a dentist in an early grave.

"Souta, you can't get all that." Kaydee shook her head.

"I have to. It's already all together and contaminated."

"Fine."

As we walked out of the shop Kaydee fumed. "Nine dollars and eighty two cents! I cannot believe you got over one and a half pounds of candy!"

"Iwasgonnashare." he muttered, biting off the head of a gummy bear.

We met up with Yash, Dad and Hayleigh at the toy store. Yash was playing with a marionette and Hayleigh was clapping enthusiastically for him. Yash looked up and smiled dazzlingly toward us.

"He really is quite a cutie." Kaydee whispered to me.

"Pedophile." I joked.

"Just making an observation." she smiled. "So have you two," she winked.

"Kaydee!" I hit her on the arm and walked away, blushing my head off and pretending to be outraged.

I was looking at a box of cards, with sketchy phrases on them that reminded me way too much of Miroku, when Inuyasha came up behind me.

"I finally have you all to myself." he whispered.

"Yeah, for like ten seconds." I turned around and kissed him. "That should tide you over." I winked at him and my dad came over a fraction of a second after. "Don't you think Miroku would like this?" I asked, making small talk, so Dad wouldn't get suspicious.

"I dunno." he said stubbornly. I rolled my eyes.

"Look at the time!" Dad said, looking appropriately at his watch. "It's nearly seven."

"Oh, mom will be home soon. We should go."

"Mom can I get this?" Souta was holding up an action figure.

"No sweetie not today you've gotten quite enough." she looked down at his candy bag.

"But Hayleigh got something." he said, noticing dad was carrying a large package (no doubt a marionette like the one Inuyasha was entertaining her with).

"I'll buy it for ya Souta." I said, taking the toy from him. "Consider it that you owe me one." I smiled.

"Thanks Sis." He hugged me around the waist and I pretended to shudder.

"Germs."

"Shut up!" he said.

As we all walked back to the house, the conversations were light and cheerful. Even Inuyasha seemed to be enjoying himself. I felt bad, having him be with my family. I didn't want him to be alone for the fourth, but at the same time, I felt as though having him be with my family was kind of like saying 'ha! I have family and you don't'. However, on the fourth Sesshomaru, Kagura and Rin were coming up, so I knew deep down I was being mental, but just the same . . .

"Mom's home!" I said as we walked up the driveway.

This was going to be an awkward moment I had a feeling. Dad hadn't seen mom for nine years. But it was mom's idea.

*Sigh*

"You okay Kags?" Inuyasha asked me.

"Mm hmm." I smiled brightly. "Never better."

"My dad's here." Inuyasha said.

"What?" I looked and sure enough, there was a white ford sitting next to our station wagon. "Why?"

"I don't know. This can't be good." I held his hand, hoping to somehow comfort him without being too obvious.

The door opened before we even got to it. "Jai." mother stood there, looking quite splendid.

"Leslie." they actually hugged! I was in shock.

"Kagome," Inuyasha said, "My hand."

"Sorry." I released my death grip on Inuyasha's hand and followed Kaydee and Hayleigh slowly toward mom.

"Souta!"

"Hey mom." they hugged as well, which wasn't as awkward as seeing her hug dad.

"Hello Kagome." she smiled to me. "You must be Kaydee, and Hayleigh. Lovely to meet you both. Please, please come in. I expect Kagome has already shone you around. No doubt, being the polite girl she is. Oh, and you must have just gotten back from the port. Wonderful."

"I think my mother's been abducted." I whispered to Inuyasha.

"I'm not disagreeing there."

"Come in you two." she had turned back to us and waved us in. "I'm glad you are all back, I have something to say." we all waited with peaked curiosity. "I am sorry, I will not be here this weekend."

"What?" I asked. "But Mom, this weekend was to have Kaydee and Dad and everyone up so you could spend time with them too."

"I am aware of the original plan Kagome. However, certain matters must be taken into consideration."

"What are you on about?"

"I am going to Tai's sister's house with him." she declared.

"Why?" I asked, unable to stop the disgust from coming through in my voice.

"Because, I am obligated to meet his family." I was about to ask 'why' again, but she continued. "Because. Now I do apologize for changing plans on such short notice, but I am sure you will be delighted to spend the fourth with Kagome and Inuyasha. Lovely seeing you again. Lovely meeting you, I really must dash."

"But Mom!"

"Love, love Kagome!"

I stared after her, my brain swarming with a million things. I looked at Inuyasha who shrugged helplessly. The others seemed quite taken aback.

"Kagome, I'm sorry if our coming here as caused your mother to act this way-"

"Don't dad. She's being a spaz. It has nothing to do with you."

"Don't call your mother a spaz."

I turned back around to face everyone. "Won't you excuse me for a moment?"

I left to go and follow my mom. "Mom! What is the prob.?"

"Nothing Kagome." she turned at me, still smiling. "I'm sorry. Tai asked me to go, and well, I think something good might happen if I go."

"It's not about meeting Kaydee? Or seeing Dad?" I inquired.

"No. Nothing like that. I just . . . really feel like I should go with Tai."

I sighed, feeling defeated, as Tai walked out of the house. "Ready Leslie?" he asked, apparently not noticing me yet.

"Well have fun." I waved, starting to walk back to the house. "Got to go!"

"Everything cleared up?" Inuyasha asked.

"I don't know." I smiled slightly. "So, who's hungry?"

~*~*~

"Well, I'm exhausted. After flying in, and all that walking I'm sure you guys are tired too." I said, clearing the Monopoly bored.

"I could do with some sleep." Kaydee agreed. "Hayleigh's already out cold."

"I don't need sleep!" Souta complained.

"Yes you do Souta. No argument." Dad said.

"Fine."

"Well, now that we have an extra bed, if you want Souta, you can sleep on the couch, rather than the cot. What do you say?" I suggested.

"Sure."

"Great! It's a pain to get out." I smiled and began walking upstairs. "I'll go get you some blankets and pillows."

"I'll help you Kags." Yash said as he followed me up the stairs.

"Such a nice young man." I heard dad say.

"Thanks." I said as Inuyasha pulled the blankets off the shelf in the hall closet. "It's not easy for me to reach those."

"Not a problem." we started back downstairs. "So, you'll be in your moms room then?"

I nodded, but realizing I was walking behind him and he couldn't see me I said, "Yeah."

"Here ya go Souta." He said, tossing the blankets and pillow on the couch.

"Thanks."

"Good night dad.” I said and hugged him. “Good night Kaydee.” I hugged her as well, followed by my brother. “Sleep tight kiddos.” I smiled.

“I’m gonna head on home Kags.” Inuyasha said.

“Okay, I’ll walk ya.” I smiled.

“Good night Kagome.” My dad, Kaydee (Hayleigh in her arms), walked into my bedroom and closed the door. Souta yawned on the couch and said a muffled good night as he threw the blankets over his head.

I followed him as though he didn’t know where he lived.

"Well, thanks for walking me home. Goodness knows I couldn't have managed." he rolled his eyes.

"Do you really think I was just going to walk you home?" I asked, a devilish grin on my face.

Inuyasha faked a gasp. "Why Kagome! This is so unlike you."

I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him feverishly.

"Well, that certainly was a lovely 'good-night' kiss." he smiled at me. "Good night Kagome." he turned and opened the door.

"Now do you really think that I'm going to let you spend the night alone?" I asked, walking passed him and into the house. "Well, aren't you coming?" I smiled.

"Not yet." he chuckled.

"Perv!"

~*~*~*~

I rolled over lazily, yawning as I did so. I felt so tired, like I hadn't slept at all. I opened my eyes and saw the light shinning through the window. "Light! Light, Yash it's light outside!" I sat up and looked at the clock. "TEN! How could you let me sleep? I set the alarm!" I panicked. Surely my family was up by now, and even if they were going to let me sleep, when I came in through the front door rather than down the stairs, they would know!

"I thought you needed sleep. You looked so peaceful." Yash smiled at me, his hair askew and his eyes squinty from fatigue.

"You are too cute to be mad at!" I rolled my eyes and got out of bed. Or, at least I tried. Yash pulled me back to him. "Yash, I have to go home before they freak out!"

"Thank you." he whispered. I leaned against him and inhaled his magnificent scent.

"For what?" I asked, closing my eyes and relaxing.

"For sleeping with me." I smiled at him, trying not to laugh. I was sure he meant 'for staying with me so I wasn't alone'. However, his delivery was funny.

"Perv." I got up and stretched. "I'll be at my house. You can come over if you want."

"I'm just going to have a shower. I'll be over soon." he winked at me and I rolled my eyes again.

"I'll make something for you for breakfast when you come over." I started walking out the door. "Consider the prospect of food a bribe to come with me and Souta to the skate park."

"There's always a hidden agenda huh?" he smiled back at me.

"Oh yeah." I turned around the corner and descended the stairs. I knew my dad was going to see me leaving Yash's house and coming in through the front. I was so dead!

~*

"Morning Kagome!" Kaydee smiled at me from the kitchen.

"Morning." I returned the smile, trying not to be awkward.

"Did you go and wake Yash?" she asked pleasantly. I felt a rush of relief. Yes! If I told them I just went to wake Yash, maybe they wouldn't know!

"Yeah. I thought he might want to go with us to the skate park today." Everything was going to be okay.

"Wow. He must be hard to wake up. You've been there all night."

Doom! My face fell and I stuttered for an excuse.

“I . . . well see . . . I . . . he was . . . -”

"It's okay Kagome. Your dad is in the shower, and he doesn't know. So just go change and I won't tell." she winked at me and I smiled.

"Thanks Kay."

"You're welcome. Now go!"

I laughed as I sprinted into my room. I quickly changed into a new outfit and brushed my hair, throwing it up in a high ponytail. I officially had no problems with Kaydee; she was a lifesaver.

"Morning Kagome." My dad was in the living room by the time I had changed and brushed my hair. "Sleep well?"

"Extremely." I smiled, sitting next to him. "You?"

"Wonderfully."

"Awesome."

There was a happy silence, in which Souta flicked through the channels on the television. "Dude, it's Saturday! Where's Sponge Bob?" he asked to no one in particular.

"Yeah, but it's ten thirty. Sponge was over at ten. Fairly Oddparents is on. Channel 67." I replied. I looked at my father, who was eyeing me suspiciously. "Not that I would know." I said, smiling innocently.

"Morning!" Inuyasha called from the door, which I had neglected to close. "Dang Kagome you look gorgeous this morning." he said in a very loud voice. I shook my head smiling at him.

"Thanks." I said and then mouthed. 'I hate you'. "Would you like some breakfast?"

"Nah, actually I ate a lot last night."

"I'm sure." Kaydee muttered.

"Okay! Souta, you wanted to go to the skate park today right?" I jumped up and walked into the kitchen area.

"YEAH!" he turned off the TV and jumped up.

"Cool. The great thing is we have Mom's station wagon. So, we have two extra seats in the back that fold down. It'll be great." I said, sounding cheery.

"I want to ride backwards!" Souta said, sounding more excited than I tried too.

"I'll ride backwards with ya buddy." Yash suggested.

"Cool!"

"I'm just gonna run over and get my board. Meet at the car?" I nodded and he dashed off.

"I'm sorry if you don't really want to go guys. I mean, I know it's not the most fun thing in the world, but . . . "

"It's for Souta. Surely it's no problem." Kaydee smiled, picking up Hayleigh.

"Great. I thought mom was going to be here, and I could take Souta for a little bit, but, well." I shrugged. "So, lets go!"

"Yay!"

We got into the car, Kaydee riding shotgun, Dad and Hayleigh in the back, Yash and Souta in the way back and me driving. "I'd let one of you drive," I said, "But you don't really know where you're going."

"It's perfectly fine dear." Dad said.

We drove through town, which was more crowded than it had been all year (not including the last summer I spent here). "Come on!" I groaned at an out-of-state car that couldn't decide which direction to put its blinker on. I had seriously horrible road rage in the summer. I usually let Inuyasha or the other's drive. I sighed as the light turned green and I dashed through it, taking the corner a little too quickly.

"Are you in a hurry Kagome?" my dad said.

"Not really. Just glad to get above fifteen for a change." I smiled as we went down the hill. "And here you are. I'm warning you Souta it's a little . . . Miroku?"

"It's a little Miroku? What does that mean?" he asked back.

I parked the car and we all got out. "Yash, isn't that Miroku's car? Of course it is. That means they're here."

"I don't seem 'em Kags."

"I know where they are." I smiled evilly. "I'll be right back."

I walked into the woods. I knew a few feet into the woods, and just under a great pine tree would be the infamous couple. And I was going to be a bitch.

"Sup?" I asked from behind the tree. I heard Sango gasp and I could just imagine Miroku looking around confused.

"Kagome?" Sango asked. She came around the tree and smiled. "Kagome!"

"Hey," I hugged her, "What are you doing here? Aren't you suppose to be at Kik's?"

"Well, we went, but her parents showed up and threw us all out because we were being annoying I guess. I dunno. Plus it was all rainy up there." Sango explained.

"Hello Kagome," Miroku smiled to me.

"Hey Ku."

"Yash is at the skate park with my brother. You don't have to come back with me or anything, I just wanted to be annoying." I smiled.

"No, we'll come back!" Sango said in a rush.

"'Kay."

We all walked back to the skate park and hung out there. My brother thought that park was tiny compared to the one in his town. I agreed, but said it was still fun to hang about at. Yash invited Sango and Miroku over to watch the fireworks. They accepted and we all went our separate ways.

The day was still young so we went to Inuyasha's work for lunch. We had crepes! Then we went shopping a little bit. I took them up to the mall. *Kaydee was in heaven*. Then, by the time we did all that, it was about six when we finally pulled back into the house.

We noticed that a taxi was in the driveway and I smiled. “It’s Sesshomaru.” I said, turning off the car.

“Baby brother!” Sesshomaru had stepped out of the taxi upon our arrival and went over to Inuyasha.

“Hey bro.” Inuyasha said, hugging his brother. “Air supply.” He muttered.

“How are you?” Sesshomaru asked.

“Good. Yourself?”

“I am doing very well thank you.” Kagura stood next to Sesshomaru, holding Rin at her hip.

“Hello Kagome, Inuyasha,” she delicately shook each of our hands. “It is lovely to see you again.”

“You must be the Haru’s.” Sesshomaru said, shaking hands with my dad and Kaydee. “It is wonderful to meet you. I am Sesshomaru Yutas. This is my wife Kagura and our daughter Rin.”

“You don’t have to be so formal.” Inuyasha muttered.

“It is lovely to meet you.” Jai said back.

“Yes, nice to meet the brother of Inuyasha.” Kaydee agreed, shaking each hand in turn.

“Shall we go inside?” I asked, picking up a suitcase.

"I was thinking," I said as Souta pulled out another family game, "that since there are so many of us, that we could order subs from down the street for dinner. That way we don't have to cook."

"That sounds great Kagome." Dad said, helping Souta set up the game.

"Cool. What does everyone want?" I asked. Suddenly a rush of responses floated through the air.

Half hour later we were enjoying our subs and playing Monopoly (again). Souta was winning, and Inuyasha was getting annoyed that he kept having to go to jail.

"I told you to stop being such a delinquent." I smiled as he paid his fifty dollar fee to get out.

"Ha. Ha."

"Ha! I get to pass go and this card says I get two hundred and fifty dollars!" Souta said, showing us all the card.

"Cheater." I mumbled.

"Mumbler!" Inuyasha joked.

"Shut up!" I threw the pillow I had been sitting on at him.

"How convenient." he said smugly. I stuck my tongue out at him.

I looked down at my watch and noted that it was getting late. The fireworks were at nine thirty and it was already eight forty-five. "We should get going." I said, still look at my watch.

"Oh yeah." Yash looked at the clock behind my head. "It's weird that we do the fireworks on the night before."

"Well tomorrow is Sunday. People need their beauty rest for work the next day." I said in a very 'motherly like' manner.

"True." I'm sure he agreed simply to humour me.

"Well, should we start walking?" I asked, standing up.

"Walk?!" Souta complained. "But we've walked all day!"

"Oh no we haven't you baby!" I said as I pulled him up from the floor. "Come on."

"Wait, we have to wait for Song and Ku." Yash said.

"Oh yeah. Well, they're late." As soon as the words left my mouth I heard Franz Ferdinand "Take Me Out" blaring from a Durango coming up the driveway. "Never mind." I smiled.

"Hello!" Sango said as she knocked on the door.

"Hey guys, come on in. We're almost ready." I said back.

Sango and Miroku walked in and waved to us. "Hello!"

"Hello." Kaydee and Dad called back cheerily.

Souta didn't seem like he could speak. He acted that way most of the time we were at the skate park too.

“This is my brother Sesshomaru, his wife Kagura and their daughter Rin.” Inuyasha said. “Guys these are our friends Sango and Miroku.”

“It is wonderful to meet you.” Sango said pleasantly.

“Such an honour to meet Inuyasha’s brother.” Miroku added.

“Well, any friend to Inuyasha is a friend to us.” Sesshomaru agreed.

We cleaned up the game in a hurry and we started down to the fireworks. They were held at the beach, as always, and it wasn't a long walk. Souta didn't even complain as we walked over the bridge. Miroku had said something lecherous that I had missed; but, Sango was walking feet away from him, her arms crossed over her chest, muttering something about 'perverts'. I smiled to myself. I had been here nearly a year and everything was actually going well. There seemed to be no sign of me moving any time soon, and I actually had friends. Real friends, that I could depend on.

"What's up?" Yash asked.

"Nothing." I smiled.

"You sure? You look awfully thoughtful for such a lighthearted night."

I turned to look at him. The boy I liked most of all. Our hands interlocked as we walked to the Fourth of July fireworks; my family around me and my best friends ahead of me. I smiled with pure joy that I had rarely felt until this past year. "I'm great." I said.

"'Kay." he smiled, bring my hand up to his mouth and kissing it.

We found a spot on the beach, next to Brittany and Sam (who's dad was the fire marshal and let us sit next to their small bonfire to keep the bugs away). Souta still seemed to be in a daze, and I wondered if he was sick.

"You okay Souta? You look kinda out of it." I said.

"I'm fine." he muttered quickly.

I looked at Yash, who was smiling and nodded to Sango, who was sitting to the right of Souta. My mouth dropped open. 'No way!' I mouthed. Yash nodded. What he was implying was that Souta had taken a liking to Sango. I debated getting Sango's attention to tell her, but thought better of it. My brother could decide for himself if he wanted to tell her.

Sango, who was now ignoring Miroku full force, started talking to Souta. "So what school do you go to?" she asked sweetly.

"CheveilleMiddle." he said just as quickly as he had responded to me.

"CheveilleMiddle?" she asked. "Oh Middle School. Cool, cool. You like it?"

"Mm hmm."

"That's great." Sango looked at me questioningly and I shrugged. "I'm in your sister's grade." she continued. "You're pretty good on a skateboard. I'm not real fond of it myself, I mainly just like to do it to hang out with my friends." she said, still desperately grasping for conversation. "My brother is about your age. His name is Kohaku. He hangs out with us sometimes. I should have brought him. Actually he might be here with Shippo, that's one of his friends. I bet you'd like him."

"Maybe." he muttered.

"Well. Yeah." Sango didn't seem to know what else to say because she stopped talking.

Hayleigh was nearly asleep in Kaydee's lap, and Kaydee was talking to Inuyasha about school. Dad was talking to Miroku about the importance of SUV's, in a loud manner which I'm sure he wanted Kaydee to hear. I looked up at what sounded like a small bomb going off. I saw the fireworks a millisecond later. The conversations seemed to stop as everyone gazed up at the sky.

The dazzling colors were great. And the shapes were much better than I had seen in L.A. Of course, I could only watch from our apartment window there. It was cooling off a lot and I started to shiver. Yash wrapped his arms around me and I felt like nothing could possibly go wrong at this moment.

I obviously didn't know, that somewhere in the mountains, in a small cabin, fate was playing it's ugly role. The universe was aligning against me. And that my life would not be so sublime in twenty four hours.

~*~*

Disclaimer: Dude, by now everyone knows! I DON'T OWN 'EM!!!! 'Kay? O_o