A/N: Here's another chapter! I'm positive that I might have Chapter 4 up by the end of this week if everything goes well. I tried not to put any of the characters OOC or anything; especially Inuyasha. I hope you are enjoying this story so far! And thank you for the reviews! As always please R & R!!!

Disclaimer: I unfortunately don't own Inuyasha or any characters belonging to Rumiko Takahashi or the song mentioned in this chapter.

Chapter 3: Inner Feelings

The next morning gave way to partly cloudy skies as Kagome first opened her eyes. She briefly glanced over at her I Home which read: 6:20 and was playing her alarm song "Untouched" by The Veronicas. She stretched her arms and her tired back muscles before slowly pulling the covers back and placing her feet on her carpet. Kagome knew that she had to get up because of one thing: Inuyasha was coming to walk her to school. Thoughts about yesterday's study session invaded her thoughts and on came a light blush. The tired teen yawned and rubbed her sleep-filled eyes and got up to go to her private bathroom and do her business.

After washing her face, brushing her tangled black tresses and relieving herself, she was heading downstairs to get some food. Her mom at least knocked on her door on school mornings to get her up but there wasn't a single knock today. She shrugged her shoulders and opened her door to get some nourishment. She wasn't expecting Inuyasha to stop by until later but if she was more awake, she would have heard the familiar voice that haunted her dreams.

The delicious scent of bacon flooded her nose and made a beeline for the kitchen. Somehow she managed not to kill herself on the stairs and not trip over the family cat, Buyo; who was sleeping on his back in front of the wooden steps. She cursed silently at the overweight feline before making her way to the kitchen. Not realizing what or who exactly might be in there, she yawned yet again as she entered.

"Ah good morning dear, you sleep well?" Her mother's voice asked.

She grumbled before opening her eyes. "As well as I can on a- "Her voice stopped and her eyes widened as she finally noticed the figure sitting at the kitchen counter.

There, sitting with blue baggy jeans, a hot red T-shirt and a red backpack beside him was her one and only crush. Inuyasha looked her way as soon as he heard her voice and couldn't help but notice her night attire. The only things she had on were blue pajama pants and a white tank top for sleeping. If he thought she looked pretty in regular clothes, she was even cuter now.

She couldn't say a thing. She noticed his lingering gaze and she looked down to realize that she hasn't changed yet. That famous blush of hers returned ten-fold. She covered herself the best she could and felt more embarrassed than ever before. This was starting off really, really well for her this morning.

"Mom…-what is-why is-?"

"Oh, well, your friend stopped by a little early and I invited him in for some breakfast. He mentioned that you and he are walking to school together so I thought he might like something to eat while he waits." Masako turned around to face her rapidly blushing daughter. "Now go get dressed, young lady. You have 15 minutes before you leave."

She could not believe this was happening! Sure they planned to walk to school together but she didn't expect him to be so early….and he's seen her in her pajamas! Yeah this was turning out to be really embarrassing and the day hasn't even started yet.

"Yeah but- "She tried to ask but at that moment; her little 7 year old brother Souta; decided to come in the kitchen and embarrass her further. And Grandpa came in a few seconds after that.

The more questions she and Inuyasha were asked, the deeper her blush got. She couldn't escape when she really wanted to. Oh, she was going to kill her mother when she got the chance! Inuyasha just looked helplessly at her and she only shook her head.

She backed out slowly and zoomed back to her room; closing the door and locking it. Her hand went to her heart to get it stop pounding and her breathing was in long pants. Kagome could not believe that just happened. Inuyasha was in her house and as an added bonus; he got to see her in nothing but her tank top and p.j. pants. She didn't think that her feelings could more clearer than it was down there. In all she displayed shock; embarrassment; nervousness; and at last but not least; anger at her mother.

She got her outfit of dark blue jeans and simple blue T-shirt out and went to get dressed; thinking along the way.

'I can't believe he actually saw me! I wonder what he was thinking…but I couldn't help but think that he looks so hot no matter what he wears…oh my god, did I just think that?! Oh yeah, I got it bad for him. But still, every time I see him wear anything red…Three Words: Hot and Sexy!'

After making sure that she didn't look flushed and messy, she grabbed her shoes and black shoulder bag and went downstairs again. She was relieved to see that her little pest of a brother and her grandfather were absent. Inuyasha was nearly done with his plate as he looked her way again. Just those eyes; the way he stares at her….it was enough to make her speechless.

"Oh, Kagome I packed you a bento when you were upstairs. And it's just about time you guys left. Grab something to eat on the way out and be careful. It was nice meeting you, Inuyasha."

"Likewise, Ms. Higurashi." He thanked her for the breakfast and got up.

Kagome grabbed her bento, stole some strips of bacon; quickly munching them down and kissed her mother goodbye.

"Mom…please warn me next time before I go humiliating myself again." She pleadingly whispered.

Masako only laughed at her daughter's facial expression. "Will do…oh by the way, he's such a sweet and handsome young man….bring him by more often." Her knowing smile made its way to her face.

Kagome only chuckled nervously while only a light blush appeared. "Sure mom."

The two silently made their way out of the house and into the warm September air. Kagome picked a great day to carry all her books; including the required Biology and Algebra. Once in a while they had to bring in the books for inspection and/or tests and projects. Just carrying the heavyweight shoulder bag on her shoulder was causing both arm and shoulder to really become sore.

As they passed the corner to get to school, Kagome was switching from shoulder to shoulder to lessen the pain. She tried to look as if it wasn't that much of a struggle, but inwardly she was groaning.

"Hey, if you're having trouble with your bag, I could carry it for you." The Higurashi girl turned to her companion in slight surprise. She smiled slightly before shaking her head.

"Thanks but…really it's not too big a deal, the books in here weigh a ton but I can handle it." Her cover was shattered as her left shoulder was put through enough and she hissed in pain. She glanced over at him; nothing but concern and eagerness in his soft yet tough amber eyes.

He reached out his hand; as if asking for the bag. If she was having trouble with the unbearable weight, what about him? His bag looked heavy already on his back and adding to it…she didn't want to burden him with her own problem.

"Are you sure?" They stopped momentarily. "I don't want to trouble you with more weight and your backpack looks heavy enough."

"Don't worry about it. If you're having trouble with so much stuff then I figured you needed some help. Besides, you keep rubbing your shoulders." His hand was still outstretched as he saw her rubbing her sore right shoulder. "Come on, 10 more minutes of this I don't think you'll be able to carry it. It's no big, Kagome."

The insistence and eagerness of his voice is what made her decide. He didn't sound like he would be troubled if he took her bag; it was more like he wanted to. A grateful yet shy smile reached out to him as she took the weight off and it was taken by him.

"Feel better?" He asked, slinging the black shoulder bag onto his already occupied shoulder.

"Yes…Thank you, Inuyasha." That smile never wavered as he only nodded in response. He had a smile too but Kagome couldn't decipher it.

Kagome worked out the kinks in her shoulders as they continued to walk in companionable silence. It was pure relief to have her aching shoulders free. She thought about what caused Inuyasha to ask her in the first place. Obviously his reputation of a tough bad boy wasn't what she saw. It was like he was changing but for what? Was it for her benefit? Did he really like her?

After asking so many questions in her head, and deciding that the incident in her kitchen was going to remain a secret, the school's flagpole caught her eye and both walked to the white building. In just a short time, her shoulder muscles were almost pain free. She was thankful to Inuyasha for helping her and she wondered what else was in store for her.

The talking of other people and greetings from Sango and Miroku brought her back to reality. They noticed right away that Inuyasha was carrying her bag; which caused him to lift it up off his shoulder and hand it back to her. The other two noticed the small exchange between them and saw at how comfortable they were with each other now. Sango and Kagome bid farewell to the boys as they walked into the school. Miroku immediately began the questioning. Inuyasha rolled his eyes; shook his head and prepared for another interrogation.

The first two classes whizzed by for a certain teen. All Kagome thought about was Inuyasha. The things that attracted her to him were his unusual smile; which made her think about what it could possibly mean; his abnormal silver-colored hair which reminded her of a stunning full moon and his face. There was something about that face that caused her mind to go haywire.

'I don't know what it is about him. What made me attracted to him in the first place? Sure he's pretty hot for just a junior high kid but there's something else…something that I can't figure out. I know that whenever he looks at me I go weak. But other than his looks, I know he's strong and…smart and…-'

"Yoo-hoo, Earth to Kagome!" The waving of someone's hand got her out of her dreamland. Kagome turned to see Sango standing beside her; looking irritated.

"Huh? What?" Was all she could manage.

"I've been trying to get your attention for the past 5 minutes! Class is over and now it's lunch hour."

Kagome looked around the room to see that they were the only ones. She scrambled to get her stuff packed and both girls headed to the cafeteria.

"Miroku told me that he and Inuyasha have the same lunch as us so we're going to meet them outside." Sango said.

"Why outside?"

"They sit underneath the big oak tree every day when the weather's nice so we rarely see them in the lunchroom."

They pushed through many metal doors and along multiple hallways to make their way outside in the sun. There were seldom any clouds today and it was warm for September. They crossed over the still green grass and after a minute or two they caught sight of the guys. As Sango said they were standing underneath the massive oak tree.

"Good afternoon ladies and a special hello to you, Sango." Miroku said as both girls reached the tree.

"Hello to you too, Miroku." Kagome said. Sango only nodded her head and decided to act shy. Kagome only shook her head before turning her attention to the other male; who already was making himself comfortable against the hood of the tree.

"Can I sit beside you?"

He opened one eye and looked at her. "Sure."

She nodded her thanks and kneeled beside him. She got out her bento and straightened herself out. She turned to Inuyasha to see that he only had a bottle of Dr. Pepper.

"I only had enough for a drink today and I'm really not all that hungry." He answered her silent question. It was true but he didn't mention that the real reason he wasn't hungry was because those inward feelings that he felt around her were back and it was causing his stomach to twirl and knot.

She continued to look at him, contemplating on what she should do. She held her lunch in her lap and fingered with the lid. Her mother always made a little too much and she never really got to finish the huge proportions of the delicious food. Plus she was thinking of someway to pay him back for helping her this morning. Looking down at her food, she made her choice.

"Listen Inuyasha…um I wanted to say thanks again for helping me with my bag this morning. I really appreciated it and…well I was trying to find a way to pay you back and…"

"Like I said Kagome, it wasn't any trouble and you don't need to pay me back." He insisted but inside his mind he was curious as to what she was trying to say.

"Well I want to. It just doesn't seem right to not do something for someone who went out of their way to help you. And well I though about it and…if you want, you can have some of my food."

He sat up, his eyes looking down at the bento in her lap and back to her face.

She chuckled. "Don't worry, my mom always makes too much and I never finish it. I have plenty to share." She removed the lid to let him see the enormous amount of food inside.

"Well, I never expected you to pay me back but if you're sure…."

The butterflies in her stomach intensified as he looked into her eyes. "Yeah, I'm sure. Go ahead, help yourself."

The other two present just watched as their friends conversed amongst themselves while digging into the lunch. Inuyasha said he wasn't hungry but he was digging in. They continued to eat while glancing at Inuyasha and Kagome from time to time. All during the lunch hour it was like that. Sango and Miroku chatted while once in a while including the other two in conversation and Kagome and Inuyasha just talked about random things; both curious about the other.

The bell for third period rang and all separated to their classes and would meet up again for Algebra; the last class of the day. He wouldn't admit it but sharing lunch with Kagome made him feel better than before. She didn't have to offer but she did anyway. Maybe he was just acting all melancholy and fearing what kind of person she was but he saw that she was amazing in her own way. He saw the kindness in her face and saw her timid yet cute behavior throughout the period.

Both boys were heading off to art class and Miroku kept glancing his way; curious as to why Inuyasha wasn't answering him. He had this thoughtful smile. Then it clicked. He knew that what happened at lunch was having a profound effect on Inuyasha.

'Usually I'm not all hung up over a girl but…I don't know but Kagome is definitely the cause of why I'm acting all nice and like a gentleman. All the other nagging wenches I come across don't have what Kagome obviously possesses. I know she has a kind heart and tries to help in anyway she can. What astounds me is that how can a pretty-no that's' too plain…a beautiful creature like that can show so much without even trying? Not just her looks but her personality. Isn't that few of the reasons I fell for her in the first place? Ughh!!! This is too much thinking!'

All through art class Inuyasha was lost in thought. Miroku had to nudge him about a dozen times to get him to pay attention. While working on the assignment of painting a picture of a thing of their choice, Inuyasha unknowingly painted what looked to be a waterfall…with surrounding mist and a red rose smack-dab in the middle of it. No one knew why he would paint such a thing and only Inuyasha would know the answer. Before the end of class the art teacher found Inuyasha's artwork so creative and unusual. Miroku thought it was really nice too…compared to his attempted work of him and Sango on a picnic blanket, Inuyasha's stood out among the rest.

The next thing they knew was they were in their last class. It was test day and everybody was studying at the last minute. Inuyasha spotted Kagome and Sango walking in a few minutes after them and he couldn't help but smile. She caught it and slightly blushed while returning his sweet smile.

The math teacher walked in as soon as the final bell rung and everyone settled. Near the windows, Inuyasha took the second seat while Miroku sat in the next row next to him. Kagome and Sango were a couple rows over; with Kagome sitting behind Sango. The test was the first big test of the year and it was to be counted towards the end of term grade, the teacher explained. A lot of the students looked nervous; including Miroku who basically sucked at math. The male teacher passed out the three paged test and the next 65 minutes for the teens were pure hell.

"Freedom!" Miroku yelled as the dismissal bell rang. He jumped up and dashed for the exit.

"Ah come on it wasn't that bad, Miroku. It was challenging but I guess the study session yesterday helped." Sango said, a little nerve-wracked herself.

"Yeah, otherwise I would have flunked. Man I thought it would never end." Inuyasha swiped his forehead that was covered in sweat as they walked out of hell's chamber.

"Yeah it seems to go on and on…And to think that's what the first test was. Imagine the next major test." Kagome imagined an even bigger, harder test. Even though she was good in math, she didn't have to like it.

The other three agreed without a doubt. "Hey, since it's the weekend, why don't we go out and have some fun?" Sango suggested as they reached the entrance.

"What kind of fun do you mean, Sango?" Miroku asked, interested at his soon-to-be girlfriend's question.

"Well usually Kagome and I go out to the bowling alley or skating rink on Saturday nights to celebrate the end of a school week."

"Yeah we have a blast. Sango whips my butt in bowling and usually the loser has to pay for the food." Kagome added. "And that's where a lot of my money goes; paying for Sango's appetite that rivals a bear."

Said girl shoved her friend playfully. "I do not! It was your idea in the first place. You shouldn't have made that bet if you knew you were going to loose your allowance."

Kagome only glared evilly at her. "How about this: Tomorrow night whosoever team looses two out of three games, pays for the winners' meals as well as their own."

"You're on, sister! How about me and Miroku vs. you and Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha and Miroku only continued to watch the girl's friendly competition until their names were mentioned. Miroku walked over to stand by his teammate; proud to be with the girl of his dreams. Inuyasha; being glad that he was paired up with Kagome, walked over to her side. Now the two pairs glared at the other; the taste of friendly competition evident.

"Bring it on!" Inuyasha challenged.

Kagome had a face of spirit and confidence; she couldn't wait to kick her friend's ass and with Inuyasha on her side, she felt like she couldn't loose. Just being with him made her shy but also pumped up. Her glare never wavered; as also with the others. The four stood confident; eyes full of determination. This was going to be a fun and whacky Saturday night.