I can't think of what to say

I sound like such a dummy

You make me come unravelled,

Just like I'm a mummy

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

I Love You So Much

It's Scary

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Isao groaned and groused about 'old bones' as he lowered himself into the soft armchair that he'd had for over a decade by the window. If time was a thief, aging was a mugger. It wasn't the ticking clock that bothered him but the loss in function. Less movement meant less strength, less strength inevitably meant less movement. Perhaps it was best that he was fired instead of holding out for another few years. Still, the loss of his pension was going to be hard as was the loss of income. Thank god his children would be willing to take him in. At least there was that – however much he'd hate it. In less than a day all his careful planning had been shot to hell because some young fool decided he knew better.

As soon as that thought cross his mind, the landline suddenly rang jarring him out of his thoughts. Setting his jaw, he glared at the phone and rolled his eyes. The phone never rang this early in the morning unless it was a telemarketer and he was in no mood to listen to its incessant ringing or the stupid message they'd leave on his machine. Closing his eyes, he tried to drown out the abrasive sound and sighed in relief when it went to voicemail.

"Mr. Nakamura, we need you to come into the station immediately," an unfamiliar yet authoritative voice barked, "You've been reinstated. Your superior has been….um, dismissed for his…his reckless behavior. We have promising opportunities for you. If you choose to return, you'll be promoted to his position for your…your, uh, quick thinking in an emergency. Please come back immediately. That is all."

Eyes flying open, the old man stared incredulously at the small black box for a moment before a smug grin took over his features. At least someone had sense in the parks department. Serves him right.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The newly formed relationship was a welcome change for the entirety of the group as they sat around the fire. That evening – as per the norm – Kagome had been studying from her various textbooks after supper. Only this time, she was sitting between Inuyasha's legs and using his body for support as he rested his chin on her shoulder – his arms wrapped tightly around her waist.

"Wait, wait, I'm not done reading that page," Inuyasha murmured quietly as Kagome made to turn the page of her textbook. It had surprised her to learn that he'd been reading through her textbooks at night after she fell asleep. Although he insisted that it was mainly to find out what she was learning in that school of hers, his behavior when they were reading together suggested otherwise. He seemed to revel in learning new things and asked very intelligent follow up questions for concepts that were just beyond his reach. Above all it was clear that he desperately loved to learn.

"It's just a legend. I only took this class because I thought it might be easy," Kagome giggled softly even as she lowered her hand so he could finish reading, "Honestly I can keep track of all the villains we've fought. Their attacks. Everything but I can't remember basic history."

"Well this one is about swords so maybe that'll be helpful," Inuyasha teased lightly, "Valor, Wisdom and Benevolence. Funny how they think a jewel means good will when everything the Sacred Jewel touches gets destroyed. I doubt the jewel in this book is any different."

Blinking rapidly, Kagome found herself in a bit of shock. It had been at least a year since he'd said anything about using the jewel or even becoming a full demon for that matter.

"What you thinkin' that's got you all tense?" he chuckled lightly as he squeezed her middle, "Just saying is all."

They were reading, of course, about the Three Sacred Treasures of Japan. The sword, Kusanagi no Tsurugi, was a mythical sword said to be lost in the ocean in the mid 14th century after a fierce naval battle. Well, there was some debate about that. Another account states the sword was stolen in the sixth century and later found by several Shinto priests. It represented the virtue of valor and was considered one of three Imperial Regalia of Japan. Bestowed upon the Emperor by a goddess. It controlled the wind. Lost at sea. The jewel that Inuyasha was making light of represented the virtue of benevolence. Supposedly, it had been found some time ago. Around this era supposedly. A mirror too was part of the sacred trinity and represented wisdom.

"Just never thought of it that way," Kagome bluffed as she snuggled down into her embrace before giggling once more and turning the page, "Well I won't forget these three, that's for sure."

"We're almost done with this chapter," Inuyasha commented in a disappointed tone as he glanced over at the others who were chatting casually about nothing in particular, "Maybe we can read some more before this festival tomorrow."

"Well it's not so much a festival as it is….well, it's not really anything anymore except an excuse to dress up," Kagome laughed softly as she skimmed over the last page, "People wear costumes and give out candy. Other people use it as an excuse to drink. The party we're going to is probably the latter."

"What do people tend to wear?" Inuyasha asked curiously as Kagome closed the book and began stretching her arms above her head, "I mean, what're you dressing up as?"

"To be honest, I was hoping to match you," Kagome answered sheepishly as a faint blush blossomed on her cheeks, "I bought some ears and…and a red kimono."

"I don't want to wear what I wear everyday," he whined playfully as he dipped down to nuzzle her ear and chuckled , "Maybe I should go as you if you're going as me."

"You're going to wear a skirt and a blouse?" Kagome giggled as she glanced over her shoulder with a bemused smile at his obvious attempt to kiss her ass, "You do realize how short my skirt is right?"

"Pants?" he offered as a blush blossomed on his cheeks before rolling his eyes and resting his chin atop her head, "Or I guess we could match. What's the harm in that?"

"I never thought I'd see the day where you'd want to wear anything except your robes much less a costume," Kagome teased as she closed her eyes and hummed happily, "Well, would you want to dress up like you're from my era? Your ears can be your costume and if anyone asks you're a werewolf."

"What's a werewolf?" Inuyasha asked curiously as he moved to wrap him arms around her waist and pulled her close, "I don't really wanna go as a wimpy wolf. Could never face Koga again."

"It's a human that, uh...well, that got bit by another werewolf," Kagome explained lamely before chewing the inside of her cheek and adding slowly, "They turn into a monster on the night of the full moon. Lose their minds and turn human again when the sun rises."

Inuyasha didn't reply to that aside from holding her slightly tighter and furrowing his brow. A few moments passed, that Kagome thought passed peacefully, before the hanyou finally managed to murmur dejectedly, "I don't want to be a werewolf."

"Okay, well..." Kagome replied casually - not really understanding the true reason behind his rejection of the idea until he added, "It sounds like when I'm full demon. A monster who lost their mind until they come back to themselves. I don't want to go as...as my nightmare. I want to be something else."

Blinking stupidly, Kagome tried to process what was happening and failed miserably. Inuyasha admitted he was afraid. He had been being affectionate. Open. Loving.

"No werewolf then," Kagome finally managed to murmur thickly after a moment as she leaned further into him and sighed, "I'm okay with whatever you want to be, you know."

"I know," he whispered affectionately as he sighed heavily and buried his nose in her hair, "That's why I love you."

"I'll never get tired of hearing that," Kagome sighed happily as she leaned back to press her lips against his neck and whispered against his skin, "I love you too."

She could feel him smiling against her hair as he turned to nuzzle into her hair once more. For a moment, they were merely content to hold each other before finally Inuyasha sighed shakily and chuckled lightly, "Could I just wear clothes from your era and a hat or something? You know, be a human? That's what I want to be for this Halloween thing of yours."

"So I'll be you and you'll be me? A human and a hanyou," Kagome sighed happily as she nodded once in agreement, "I like that. I like that a lot."