Inuyasha was finally a teenager. Thirteen was a big age. He'd began to notice it awhile ago, but now that he was older, it was impossible to ignore. Emiko was changing. Her body was beginning to get curvy and look womanly. Her face thinned out a bit, and she acted much more mature. Boys around the village stared at her. Inuyasha did too sometimes. He'd always thought of Emiko as a friend. He'd loved her for a long time like a sister. But now a new mix of feelings arouse in him. He wasn't sure what to make of the new emotions he felt when he was around her. He was too afraid to bring them up.
Emiko wasn't ignorant though. She could see the conflict in him when ever she was around. On one hand he'd light up with excitement, on the other, he'd seem like he was trying to shy away. She also noticed how his hands clentched into fists ever time she mentioned one of the village boys flirting with her. She was curious, for she felt some conflicting emotion around him as well.
One night she met him in their favorite clearing to star gaze. "Why are you acting so, you know weird?" She asked him after they had gotten settled.
"What do you mean?" He asked defensively.
"I don't know," She looked away from him, "You seem, different. That's all."
"Oh." He replied, "Your different too." He added.
" How am I different?" She asked.
"Well, your taller for one. And your hair's longer." He said.
Emiko smacked Inuyasha's arm playfully. "Obviously. Everyone's hair gets and body gets taller when they grow." Her face turned serious. "Tell me what's really different."
Inuyasha took a deep breath then began, "Your eyes are a lighter brown than they used to be." He blurted. Emiko cocked her head, but kept listening. "They sparkle in the light. And your hair glows in the moon light." Emiko's breath caught and Inuyasha felt his cheeks heat up. "You act more mature now. Flirting with guys from the village." He paused on that part, took another breath then continued, "Your body's changed too. You look like a woman." His face got very hot then. She was blushing as well.
"Oh I see." She ran a figure through the soft grass. "Do you like me?" She asked.
Inuyasha seemed stunned "Of course I like you. Your my best friend."
"I know." Emiko replied. "But do you like me, as more than a friend?" She stared directly into his amber eyes.
"I-I don't kno- I mean, I'm not sure." He stammered.
"Do you want to find out?" She moved so their faces where just inches apart.
"I guess so." He replied. As soon as the words left his mouth she was kissing him. It only lasted for a second, but it was enough to leave the half demon dazed.
"Did you like that?" She asked.
He looked right into her genuinely curious eyes and said, "Yes."
She smiled, "Good." She crawled closer again, "I did too."
