Okay, look. I know I've got a lot of stuff already up, and by that I mean 3 works, but hey.. look.. listen... y'all haven't seen my WIPs folder xD

I hope y'all enjoy. I have no idea when I'll be updating this. I have some ideas but.. yeah, lol

Kagome sat at the table, mixing herbs into a small ceramic bowl and then slowly grinding them up with a wooden pestle. The crunching and grinding of leaves and berries calmed her in an odd way, it left her mind open to drift and wander. And wander it did. It drifted off to several odds and ends, mainly tasks she had to complete for the day. Finish making this medicine for a sick child, pray at the shrine, attend an expecting mother, make a pot of healing ointment for Inuyasha–

Her mind stuttered and her movements stilled as the hanyou soon invaded and took over her train of thought.

Inuyasha...

Her shoulders slumped and she looked down at the ceramic bowl in front of her, but she wasn't seeing it. Instead, her eyes were glazed over, her mind vacating and getting wrapped up and tangled in the hanyou. To this day she remembered, in vivid, excruciating detail, the day she met him. She hadn't been the same since.

It was about three years ago, probably nearing four now.. She had been watching over the Sacred Jewel for Kikyō, as she had been called away to a nearby village to help with a supposed youkai possession. She had been attending to the small shrine the jewel resided in, weeding the small garden that rested outside and sweeping the brick pathway, when she heard screams in the distance. She remembered dropping her broom and reaching for her bow and grabbing an arrow from her quiver, sensing approaching danger. The aura of youki wasn't strong, but it wasn't weak either, but it seemed... off somehow.

Suddenly, there was a break in the trees and in the blink of an eye, she was face to face with a youkai – no, a hanyou. She brought up her bow, holding the arrow at her side as she pushed him back with a blast of reiki, aided by her bow carved out of cherry birch wood by her own hand, which acted as a conductor of sorts. He cried out in pain and as soon as he was pushed away, she had her arrow knocked and drawn before he had even hit the ground. She held her stance and waited for him to stand.

"State your purpose, hanyou."

She watched as his eyes narrowed, a look of confusion on his face. But as quickly as it had come, it was gone, replaced with indifference. "Keh, what does it matter to you, miko?" he sneered.

"Remember, hanyou, all it will take is one arrow."

"Is that a threat?"

"It's a promise."

She watched as his eyebrows shot up into his hairline and she had to bite back a smirk. He, however, didn't seem to think the same. A smirk quickly graced his features, flashing a fang at her in the process. She felt her heart stutter. She stomped this odd, new feeling down and narrowed her eyes, her brows furrowing as a result.

"State your purpose."

"Isn't it obvious? I'm here for the jewel. I thought the miko protecting it was gone, but I guess I was wrong."

"Well, we can't allow it to fall into the wrong hands, can we?"

"And who says mine are wrong?"

"Are you pure of heart? Will you use the jewel for good?"

His jaw set, and this time she couldn't hold back her triumphant smirk. This seemed to only heighten his anger. He took a step forward, but she was quick to draw her bow tighter, slowly letting her reiki trickle into the arrow. A snarl ripped out of the hanyou's throat and soon, they could both hear the sounds of angry villagers approaching.

"I'll be back, just you wait."

"One arrow."

There was a small pause, and as she gauged his reaction, she took notice of his golden eyes. She couldn't help but be entranced by them; the way they shone like honey in the sunlight was hypnotizing.

"Keh."

She was snapped out of her trance and with a blink, he was gone. She was left there, alone, confused, and trying to pinpoint what these strange new feelings welling within her chest were.

Kagome continued to see the hanyou several days after, sometimes even multiple times in a day. She soon grew less wary of him, opting to tease him instead. She could tell he wasn't going to take the jewel while someone was guarding it, he wasn't stupid, so they had fun. She had even managed to get his name out of him: Inuyasha. Kagome was absolutely enchanted with him. Soon, they were spending time together casually; he would drop by when she was out in the fields picking herbs, pop up near her hut and watch her brew remedies. It was nice.

Until Kikyō returned.

The miko returned late at night, almost two weeks later. She had looked exhausted when she entered the hut, and Kagome set about making her something to help her with the fatigue. As she moved around the small hut, she babbled on about how things were going, catching her friend and fellow miko up on all she had missed. As she sat down and started to grind the herbs, a grin spread across her face as she began to speak about Inuyasha.

The joy she felt, however, was short-lived. As soon as she brought up the hanyou's name, Kikyō's whole demeanor changed. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly, the dark, black depths of her eyes turning to ice as her lips thinned into a straight line and her shoulders tensed. The changes were subtle, subtle enough that anyone who didn't know Kikyo wouldn't have ever been able to spot them. But Kagome had spent the better part of four years with her now, so she took note immediately. She faltered slightly, stuttering for a moment before she carried on, ending the conversation as quickly as possible.

She hurriedly finished the mixture and handed it to Kikyō, who took it wordlessly. From there, no more words were spoken between the two and they quickly went off to bed. Kagome was confused, hurt, and worried. Had she done something wrong? Why was Kikyo acting like this? It took every ounce of strength she had to not cry as she fell asleep that night. Instead, she filled herself with determination, ready to find the cause of this sudden change in attitude from her friend/sister figure.

So, when Kikyō woke up that morning and left to go pick medicinal herbs and flowers, Kagome followed her in secret. She made sure to keep a good distance between them so Kikyō wouldn't discover her, making sure to dampen her reiki on top of taking a masking potion she had made a couple days previously for a slayer. She had made an extra, just in case, and she was glad she had done so.

Once they reached the field, Kagome decided to hang back within the trees in order to reduce her risk of being spotted. She poked her head around the trunk, palms pressed flat against the rough bark. She watched Kikyō for a while, and just as she was about to give up and head back to the village – a flash of red.

Inuyasha...

She watched as the hanyou ran over to her, and even from the distance between them, she could see the huge grin on his face. She felt a twinge of pain in her chest. She watched as Kikyō rose from her spot on the ground, dusting off her hakama. Their mouths began to move, but Kagome couldn't make out what they were saying, too far away to hear anything. However, Kagome had always been good at reading a situation and a person's body language.

Kikyō appeared to be upset, and she was showing it, unreserved. It was... odd. In all her years of knowing and being with the miko, Kagome had never seen her lay her heart out, bare and unhidden. She was always so reserved and Kagome had gotten used to the subtle changes. But seeing her lash out, physically and, she assumed verbally, was definitely odd.

Inuyasha flinched, ears pressed flat against his head. They argued for several moments, and soon Kikyō was turning to leave. Inuyasha reached for her, desperate.

"Kikyō!"

It was the one sound she could hear from them and it ripped her heart in two. His voice was desperate, pleading, broken. Her heart only broke more as she watched the hanyou pull Kikyō close and bury his nose in her hair, in the crook of her neck, his arms wrapped around her tight.

Her fingers moved to clench into fists, but her fingers scraped against the bark, one fingertip slicing open in the process. Tears welled in her eyes, but she couldn't look away, her heart still holding onto some shred of hope that maybe, just maybe, she was misreading the situation. But when Kikyō hugged him back, and when they eventually broke to gaze into each other's eyes, hands placed on cheeks, she had to rip herself away.

It was intimate, it was private.

It hurt her so much..

She ran as quickly as she could back to the village and promptly buried herself in work. She worked herself to the bone that day, doing anything and everything to try and take her mind off of what she had witnessed and stomp down the emotional storm that was brewing inside of her. That night, the atmosphere in the hut was tense, and while she tried to keep her emotions in check, it wasn't long before she broke down.

It was a long, long night and she and Kikyō had a long, long conversation, most of which Kagome didn't fully remember, or really want to remember. But she remembered coming out of the conversation with a better understanding of the situation and with a heavier heart.

Kagome let out a sigh, rolled her shoulders, and then went back to work grinding up the mixture. She needed to focus back on her tasks. Thinking about the past wasn't going to help, and it certainly wouldn't make things easier for her.

Before too long, she finished making the medicine and was gathering what she would need for Inuyasha's healing ointment. She frowned as she looked around, not seeing everything she needed for it. Well... she'd have to go out and pick up more ingredients then... He could wait, his injury wasn't but so bad; he really just needed it to prevent getting an infection, his body could heal by itself.

With that, she gathered her things; strapping a quiver and her bow on her back, grabbing a basket and the medicine for the child. At the very least she could complete the rest of her tasks along the way to the fields. So that's what she did.

Kagome left the hut and made her way to the hut belonging to the mother and sick child. She gave them the medicine, said a small prayer and told them to contact her later if needed. She then carried on her way to the expecting mother. She sat with her for a while, prayed for her and her family, made her some tea to calm her nerves, then left for the shrine. There, she gave a quick, generalized prayer, asking the gods to look over the village and its inhabitants, including Inuyasha. Then, she made her way to the fields.

She wasn't sure why Inuyasha had asked her to make the ointment for him and not Kikyō. Maybe it was because she had just stopped talking to him after the... incident. She wasn't sure if Kikyō had told him about it or not. Maybe this was his way to try and get her to talk to him again, be friends at the very least. Maybe this was a way for him to apologize in some weird way. She wasn't sure, but she supposed she would find out, wouldn't she?

She shifted the basket on her arm and adjusted the bow and quiver strapped to her back. She would think about these things later, she had to focus on collecting herbs. With a huff, she soon broke through the trees and took pause to look out over the open fields. A gentle breeze blew past her and she closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. Out here, it was easy to forget one's troubles; it was so calm and relaxing...

A soft smile graced her features and she opened her eyes and began to walk out, inspecting the ground as she walked. Of course, she knew exactly where the herbs she needed were, but it never hurt to look and see if there was anything new around, or if they had decided to plant roots somewhat closer to the edge of the forest. However, as far as she could tell, everything remained the same.

It wasn't long before she was plopping down on the ground and began to pick what she needed. She took her time with it, however, deciding to take some time to relax and stock up on other things they were starting to run low on. She wasn't sure how long she had been sitting out there, taking her time picking, but she had been about halfway done when she felt something coming.

Her movements stilled as she tried to focus on the approaching aura, however it was moving fast and hard to detect and pinpoint. Then, she heard a break in the trees along with a high pitched squealing sound. Her head whipped around and her eyes widened, lips parting open as a silent gasp escaped her. A boar was flying through the air, covered in claw marks and bleeding. The aura drew closer, and Kagome was finally able to pinpoint it.

Youkai.

Sure enough, moving in a blur was a youkai, gaining quickly on the boar. Suddenly, they shot up into the air, and as the youkai stilled, almost like they were in slow motion, she was able to get a decent look at them. Tan skin, long dark hair, fur and armor. She watched as the youkai's lips drew up into a smirk and, with unimaginable speed, brought his leg up and kicked the boar, sending it flying into the ground below. The boar met the ground with a loud thud and Kagome's breath caught in her throat as she watched a small crater form around the body.

The youkai landed near his kill, and Kagome watched as he approached it. Just as he was at its side, she watched him still. Kagome slowly and gently set her basket on the ground, never taking her eyes off the youkai as she then reached for her bow and an arrow. As soon as they were in hand, the youkai looked up at her and that's when she drew them. She was quickly on her feet, arrow knocked and drawn and aimed at the youkai. He smirked up at her.

"Well well, didn't expect to see a miko out here." His voice was deep and had a slight rumble to it. He looked amused, and Kagome felt a little ticked off by it.

"I could say the same to you, youkai."

He chuckled a bit and she watched as he ignored the boar he just killed in favor of approaching her. She drew her bow tighter, a warning. His smirk doubled in size.

"You think you can hit me with that?"

"You willing to take that chance?"

He laughed heartily at that, his tail giving a low, slow wag as he did so. His tail was brown, unlike his hair, which was pitch black. As she took this chance to look him over, she realized he was, most likely, a wolf youkai. Odd that he was traveling alone... or maybe his pack was lying in wait? Her eyebrows furrowed together as her eyes narrowed.

"Where's the rest of your pack?" His laughter faded and he looked at her curiously, simply raising an eyebrow. Kagome let out a huff. "I assume you're a wolf youkai, correct? Where's the rest of your pack? That's how you hunt, right?" The amused grin was back on his face.

"That's correct, we do. And they're not here right now, but they'll be on their way shortly. They were just too slow." His chest puffed slightly, and she could tell that he seemed to be proud of himself and his speed. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

The wolf continued to approach her then, and Kagome did her best to feel him out, not taking her eyes off of him. She couldn't sense any ill intent... so maybe she would be able to lower her guard. She began to loosen up, lowering her bow slightly and releasing the tension she held against the string. Just as she was about to fully lower it, she felt a familiar aura approaching, and fast. Her muscles tensed and there was a sharp, twisting pain in her chest as she felt him coming.

"Kagome!"

In the blink of an eye, Inuyasha was suddenly standing in front of her protectively, and effectively blocking her view of the wolf youkai. She heard Inuyasha snarl and, peaking over his shoulder, she could see the wolf's nose wrinkle in disgust.

"You get away from her, you mangy wolf!"

"And what's it to you, mutt?" the youkai snarled.

Inuyasha bristled and Kagome could feel his youki flare. "Who are you calling a mutt, flea-bag?"

Both of their youki were flaring now, whipping against each other, and occasionally Inuyasha's would spark against her reiki. She winced slightly and tried to come up with a plan to prevent them from fighting.

"I don't know who you think you are, mutt-face, but I could end you in two seconds."

"I'd like to see you try!"

Inuyasha readied his claws, and just as he was about to move in and attack, Kagome grabbed his arm. "Inuyasha, stop."

The hanyou stilled, eyes widening slightly, then he slowly turned to look back at her. It was the first time she had spoken to him since the incident; she hadn't even said anything when he had asked her to make him the ointment. However, his surprise only lasted for so long. He recovered quickly and glared down at her.

"Let go of me Kagome, I have to teach this guy a lesson."

"What for? He's not done anything. Don't go getting yourself into unnecessary fights!" she snapped.

"He's invaded my territory!"

The wolf let out a loud laugh at that. "Your territory? Listen up, mutt, this entire area belongs to the Yōrō clan. Who are you to lay claim to any sort of land, especially since it's already been claimed?"

Inuyasha's hand twitched again, and he tried to pull his arm out of Kagome's grasp. It became a bit of a struggle, which the hanyou could've easily won if he was willing to hurt the miko. But he wasn't, so it continued. Kagome, however, was willing to hurt him. When she felt he might escape her grip, she didn't hesitate to use a small bit of her reiki. It caused him to cry out in pain, and while it hurt her, she knew she had to do it.

The wolf watched the struggle with slight amusement. It reminded him of the cubs back at the den. He was content to continue watching their struggle when he felt two familiar auras coming towards them. He resisted the urge to let out a sigh, and opted to, instead, continue to watch the miko and hanyou until his companions arrived.

Kagome could feel two new presences approaching and immediately became cautious. Her grip on Inuyasha tightened and she scanned their surroundings.

A break in the trees.

Two figures were running towards them now, and they seemed exhausted. "Kouga!" Her eyes snapped to the wolf in front of them and she watched as he let out a small huff. When the two other wolf youkai came up to him, they crumpled over themselves, placing their hands on their knees and tried to catch their breath.

"Jeeze Kouga, can't you slow down?" That came from the youkai with the mohawk.

"I don't see what the point in that would be." He looked at Kagome with a smirk, but she kept her face neutral. What was this youkai playing at? "Well, I guess this is my cue to leave then." His two companions looked up then, examining both her and Inuyasha.

"Hey! You're not leaving yet, not until I'm done with you!" Inuyasha snarled. His struggles resumed then and Kagome grit her teeth. He wasn't playing around this time...

The youkai simply turned on his heel and walked over to the boar he had killed. He picked it up with ease, slinging it over his shoulder. He turned back around to look at them, or more specifically look at her. Their eyes locked and Kagome wasn't sure what feelings were coursing through her under his gaze. His eyes were an intense shade of blue, and she had to admit they were rather captivating.

"I hope to see you again, miko."

She simply blinked, her grip loosening on the hanyou next to her as her full attention was put on the wolf in front of her. Inuyasha took advantage of her lapse in concentration and broke free. However, just as he had started to charge at the wolf, he was gone. His companions groaned and chased after him.

Kagome blinked again, her mind trying to process everything that just happened. What... was all that?

As she tried to wrap her head around the situation, Inuyasha turned towards her, a growl rumbling through his chest. "What the hell Kagome? Why did you stop me from kicking that guy's ass?"

It took Kagome a couple moments to recollect herself, and once she did she turned to the hanyou with a glare. "Because, you can't always be so reckless Inuyasha! You're still injured! And there was no reason for you to fight him in the first place!"

"He invaded my territory!"

Kagome simply rolled her eyes. She turned around, ready to ignore him and carry on with collecting the herbs she needed. Inuyasha bristled, anger coursing through him.

"Hey, don't ignore me! Kagome!" He stomped over to her, but she was determined to pay him no mind. Inuyasha did not like that. "Why did you let your guard down anyway, huh? What if he had hurt you?"

She picked the herbs faster, and more furiously. She practically ripped the roots up with one of the plants. Inuyasha bared his fangs and sucked in a breath. He grabbed her by the shoulder, roughly turning her around and forcing her to look at him. He tried to not dig his claws into her skin, but it was difficult.

"Hey!"

"What if he had attacked you? What if he was tricking you? What would you have done if I wasn't here to protect you?"

Kagome's jaw set. "Well he didn't, now did he?"

She smacked his hand away and off her shoulder. She picked up her basket and stood up, dusting off her hakama and pushed past him. She wasn't going to have this conversation with him right now, no way in hell.

"Hey! You can't ignore me!"

Watch me. She adjusted her quiver and bow, getting them all settled as she walked away from the hanyou.

He snarled in response. "We're friends, aren't we?"

She stopped dead in her tracks. Friends... Right.. she supposed that's all they were. Tears stung the back of her eyes and she bit the inside of her cheek.

It wasn't fair...

It wasn't fair how they could argue like this, like they were a couple and only ever be friends. It wasn't fair how concerned he was about her, but she knew deep down that his concern only went so far... She slowly turned to look back at him, over her shoulder. Her heart clenched in her chest. It wasn't fair how his golden eyes held such sadness and hurt directed at her.

"Yes.. I suppose we are.." She wasn't sure how she managed it every time, but she kept her face and voice neutral, determined not to give herself away. She knew she could never hide her scent from him, but he wasn't intuitive enough to put the pieces together. She had learned that the hard way, and it was a lesson she was continuously forced to learn, to have drilled and beaten into her.

Inuyasha was confused by her change in scent. She had been so angry, and now there was sadness. Where did it come from? Why did she always feel sad whenever he mentioned being friends? They were friends, weren't they? Did she not want to be, or was something else going on?

He reached a clawed hand out for her. "Kagome..."

She turned back around. "I need to make the ointment you asked for. Excuse me."

And with that, she walked away.