~ Chapter Two ~

The rest of the day went smoothly, and Kagome spent her time planning with her mother on things for the trip. Her friends were going to head out the next morning, so she would have to bring all the cash she could as well as lots of clothes and supplies. Sota seemed a little disappointed that he wouldn't see her for a little over a month, but he soon cheered up when she informed him that Inuyasha would visit the house.

"Now, Sota," She said seriously while preparing supplies, "You can't tell Inuyasha about where I am going. Don't tell him anything. I mean it."

"But…but why?"

"Because if Inuyasha knew where I am going, he would end up dragging me down the well with him. I don't want him to know anything, understand?"

She couldn't have been happier when Sota promised on it.

That night she quietly headed up to her room, finishing her packing as swiftly as she could.


The night was pleasant, with the stars twinkling in the black sky and fireflies filling Kagome's front yard.

Inuyasha spent many nights sitting out here without her knowledge of it. At the moment he was sitting against the Ancient Tree, his golden eyes fixed on her window. He could hear her moving around in her room, the sound of materials – clothes? – being folded and unfolded. He wasn't quite sure what she was doing, but he did know that she was going somewhere tonight. She had chattered about it excitedly to her cat about half an hour ago.

He crossed his arms over his chest, determination setting in.

She can be so stupid sometimes. Hasn't she realized by now that I'll go wherever she goes? It's my job to take care of her.

Her warm chocolate eyes and bright smile appeared in his mind's eye.

I won't let you go anywhere by yourself, Kagome.

And hour or two passed before anything changed. He didn't move, but instead listened to her cheerful humming. A few minutes later he heard her footsteps on the stairs.

Inuyasha stood up and prepared himself. She emerged out of the door quietly, holding a large square thing that bulged and a bag in her other hand. She was wearing a green dress that went to her knees. It was late out, so he couldn't understand where on earth she would be going at such a time.

As Kagome tip-toed across the yard, she looked over her shoulder several times. She wasn't exactly sure herself why she did it, after all, her mother knew where she was going. But somehow she just had a feeling that Inuyasha would appear at any moment. His presence felt so close.

She made her way to storage shed and pulled out her bike, setting her suitcase and bag firmly on the metal basket on the back. As she was about to climb on the bike, strong arms wrapped around her waist and pulled her off.

Kagome let out a screech and kicked, trying to squirm out of the stranger's grip. Her brain ran over all of the self-defense movements her mother had showed her.

"Stop squirming, it's just me."

Oddly, the voice that was so finely tinted with sarcasm and irritation made her body relax. Kagome leaned against him instead of pulling away.

"What on earth are you doing here?"

"That's my line."

Suddenly understanding seeped back into her and she felt uneasiness tone every muscle in her body. Why was he at her house so early, or more accurately, so late?

"Inuyasha, I was just…"

"Going for a ride?"

He sounded strongly aggravated. Kagome swallowed and nodded. They stood in the same position, her bike awkwardly leaning against his hip. She felt her heart pounding in her chest, and she absent-mindedly wondered if it was from adrenaline or him.

"Kagome, I want you to tell me where you are going."

She inhaled slowly and carefully, trying to think.

"Uh…I'm going to a f-friend's house."

She heard his familiar grunt.

"I'm not stupid. You could have waited till tomorrow. Why do you have so many…bag-things?"

Kagome bit her lip, "I'm going…on a trip."

It was too late to take it back, now. She had to just let it out, just like ripping the band-aid off briskly.

"Where might this trip take you?" He sounded…restrained. Like there was something underneath that controlled voice, something fierce.

"I'm going on a trip with my friends to go exploring Japan."

It wasn't lying, and if she told him the complete story, he wouldn't understand it anyway. He didn't even know what a 'band' was.

"No, you are not. What about me?"

"Indeed, what about you?"

He paused, and she took the chance to add something in.

"Inuyasha, I'll be back as soon as I possibly can. I won't be gone that long." Lie.

She felt the guilt welling-up now.

"No."

What? He was already rejecting her plan? She had at least expected some ranting first.

"I'm not going to let you go by yourself."

Kagome back-peddled mentally. Hold on, hold on, and hold on. By herself? By herself…by herself? What?

"Inuyasha, what do you mean 'not by myself'?"

His hands fell from her waist and flew up to grab her shoulders. She only blinked as he spun her around to look at her.

"I'm not letting you go anywhere by yourself. There might not be anymore demons in this world, 'technically' as you say, but this place is still dangerous. If you are going anywhere, I am going, too."

Kagome just stared back at him. Did that mean he was letting her go? Wait, no, 'letting' was too strong of a word. It was more like he was giving her conditions that he had to be a bodyguard to her. But that was still a yes, right? Her thoughts scrolled uncontrollably over the pros and cons to the situation if she agreed with him on this. It would be very terrible if the girls found out that he was a half-demon, but they hadn't noticed or asked any questions up till now, so that was a good sign.

Kagome pursed her lips, and after a moment of thinking, she finally gave in.

"Fine! But you also will be conditioned."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow, "What sort of conditions?"

"You have to wear a hat at all times. No yelling, no sniffing, and most definitely no unsheathing Tetsusaiga…at all!"

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes, but as he was about to speak, she pressed her finger against his mouth.

"Rule number one, Inuyasha, is no acting suspicious in any way. You must act human on this trip or else everyone will find out what you are and I will be in big trouble."

He stared at her for a moment before finally nodding. She was shocked at how quickly he had agreed. And so, it was decided that Inuyasha would go on the trip.

Ayumi was pleasantly surprised when Kagome called her and informed her that staying the night wouldn't be necessary since Inuyasha was coming anyway. After all, she didn't have to hide from him until morning, so there was no reason that she couldn't stay at her own house.

Inuyasha, as normal, sat on her floor that night when it was time for bed. He watched her silently from across the room as she slept.


Hello, my lovely readers! Yes, I am back, and yes, this story (I promise) is going to be a lot longer than my first one. I meant to put this under Adventure/Romance/Humor, but *sniffle* you can only put down two. So, yes, there IS romance in here! (God help any writer who writes a story with Inuyasha and Kagome and doesn't acknowledge the way they feel towards each other). Yes, I will write little notes at the bottom of a chapter every once in a while. I think it helps me keep connected with all of you in a weird, but personal way. So, please keep reading while I keep updating. I ABSOLUTELY ADORE REVIEWS!!! I literally am fueled by them, so please, please, please let me know what you think. Thanks, again, and ttyl!

~ Yet again, my undying gratitude to Rumiko Takahashi. You are a splendid and brilliant writer and artist. If you never read this, I won't mind. It's the thought that counts ;)