Don't own nothing, yada yada crap.

The snow fell, landing softly on the end of his nose, his ear twitched in response.

He opened his eyes, when had it started snowing? He looked up from his perch in the branches of the Sacred Tree, when had night fallen?
He closed his eye again, breathing in the cool brisk air, it cooled his lungs and calmed him.

Things had been calm for some time now in the village, since the destruction of the sacred jewel...
He found himself unable to keep busy, and seemed to spend more and more time looming around the bone eaters well and Tree of Ages.
Each day felt longer and harder to get through, was this how he was meant to spend the remainder of his life? Was that really a life worth living...

He shook his head, don't start thinking that way, that can't lead anywhere good.

Standing up, he jumped, his feet touching softly to the ground as he landed. The snow was soft and cold between his toes.

"Kagome!"

Her name echoed though the night sky.

Her eyes searched the darkness for the source of the outburst that broke her silent thoughts. Emerging from the shadows was a tall slender figure, Hoja?

Kagome smiled, "Hoja!" She stood and waved at her old friend.

"Hey Kagome" He smiled sweetly at her,
"How have you been? How has University been treating you?"

"It's okay" She replied, shrugging at him,
"It's more studying and more school"

He laughed, "Yeah, no kidding"

"Did you want to go get a hot chocolate or something?"

"You look like you could use one" He noted by the dampness of her appearance.

Her cheeks were red, clothing was damp, and her long black hair was plastered against her head, outlining her face. It was as though she had been sitting out in the snow for hours. And a hint of sadness hidden in the corner of her small pink lips.

"Sure, why not" She grinned, I could use the distraction.

The two walked down the Shrines frozen stairway, to the small coffee shop down the street.

"So how was China?" She asked, brushing the snow off her pants, "Were the schools that much different?"

"It was good, I learned a lot," He sat himself at a small table near the window. " But its definitely good to be home."
He turned his gaze outside the window, to the cities lights. "It's always good to come home." He smiled softly.

They sat in silence as they sipped their hot beverages, just enjoying each others company. Hoja thumbed his mugs handle nervously, glancing at Kagome.

That hint of sadness still lingered on the crevice of her soft lips. He frowned slightly, Whatever happened to that cheery-upbeat girl he had once dated in high school?

Kagome noticed Hoja's sympathetic glances, and raised an eye brow.

"What is it?" She asked, puzzled.

Hoja shook his head, "Oh, just lost in thought" He beamed at her.

She didn't believe him. I must be obvious, if even Hoja can see it on my face.
She sighed in defeat, Some poker face I've got..

After they finished their drinks, Hoja proceeded to walk her home. It was very late now, Kagome yawned lightly and rubbed her eyes as they walked. Hoja smiled,

"So Kagome.." He stopped in front of the shrine's stairs, turning to face her.

"Hmmm?" She responded.

"I was wondering.. if you'd be willing to give me another chance?" His eyes were full of emotion.

"What do you mean?" She asked.

"I know I was kind of immature back in high school.." He trailed off.

"... But would you be willing to go out with me again?" His face was flustered.

"Oh.." Kagome was shocked.

"You don't have to answer right now or anything," He chuckled nervously,
"The last thing I want is for you to feel any pressure or anything."

"Just think about it alright?" He smiled at her as he waved goodbye.

Leaving her alone, once more, with her thoughts...

Reviews and suggestions, always welcome.