First of all I have to thank you all for the lovely reviews for the last chapter- most reviewed chapter yet! Thank you so much- it made me so happy to read all your comments! Therefore there is a reward for you all in this chapter :D

And my iPod's throwing a strop with me again this week. Stupid thing will only play one song before going back to the main screen. How annoying! Especially when I'm trying to listen to Inuyasha music to get into the vibe for writing this! Grrr….

This week has been so incredibly busy- lots of biology and chemistry coursework- but somehow I managed to rewrite this chapter twice. Because I didn't like it. At all. Then I had a Chinese take-away and everything seemed so much better! Hopefully now you will like it too.

Disclaimer: I'm so bad at remembering this…but there is no way that I own any of these characters in the slightest. *sigh*

Enjoy!


Chapter 7- Long Overdue Talk

(Present Day Tokyo)

Inuyasha blinked, Kagome's words permeating into his consciousness. "I care for you…I care for you…I care for you…" Humbled and caught off-guard his head bowed, his silver hair hanging down across his eyes, hiding them.

"Kagome…you…but..." he began, tongue twisted, unable to say anything intelligible. A Hanyou. She cared for someone as pitiful as he was…

"Yes Inuyasha," Kagome smiled slightly, brushing her tears away with the back of her hand. "I do care for you. Of course I do! I lo- really like you. You're my friend and you're important to me," she said a little nervously, only at the last minute covering her slip. Who am I kidding? Inuyasha loves Kikyo right? I'm just not part of that.

"Keh- don't say such things, just stop it," Inuyasha grumbled, turning his head away, his heart sinking painfully. His emotions were in turmoil, as were his thoughts. A friend? That's all I am to her? A friend? Miroku is a friend to her! Am I just grouped with that lecherous monk?! A friend?

Kagome watched with concern as Inuyasha looked away from her and bit her lip. She paused. It all seemed slightly surreal. If anyone had said two years ago that this was coming up she would have laughed at them. Now, here she was in her time, in her bedroom, trying to tell a half demon from 500 years in her past that she loved him. Or trying not to- more to the point. How complicated had her life really become?

Then the past few days came flooding back as Kagome remembered why they were in her time, in her bedroom at all, in this situation. Their arguing. It needed to be sorted out. Had Inuyasha really meant such things? Could the last few days really just be forgotten so easily? "Inuyasha…" she began heavily.

At the sound of his name, spoken so seriously, Inuyasha blinked, pulled out of his reverie. What was she going to say? That she didn't like him? She'd changed her mind? That she didn't want to come back with him to the Feudal Era? He was about to speak, protest, aw hell apologise, when Kagome stopped him.

"Inuyasha we need to talk," she said gravely looking straight at him. There was no beating around the bush here.

Inuyasha winced slightly, preparing himself for the worst. He could handle anything, huge terrifying demons, monsters of his time, but what frightened him the most was this teenage girl standing right in front of him. Her words captivated him entirely.

"After I've looked at your side," Kagome said flatly.

*

Inuyasha staggered slightly in surprise. He could have fallen to the ground without that cursed 'sit' word. "What? But I'm fine?" he protested, holding his hands out. "It's really nothing." And there I thought she was about to go all serious talk on me…he scratched the back of his head nervously. He knew it was coming and he probably had some things to say too.

Over the last few days he guessed he had been a bit of a jerk. If only a tiny one. And anyway- it was in her best interests that he'd done half the things he had. Maybe in the heat of the moment- but nothing else had been wrong. He wanted to protect her and if here was the safest place for Kagome, then here she would stay. However, after the incidence with the truck…he wasn't thinking it was as safe any more…

Kagome sighed. "Inuyasha, si- I mean, if you kneel here I can look at your side," she offered, biting her tongue just in time to stop the word from escaping her lips. That would have ruined the mood perfectly- something that she definitely didn't need.

Without his usual protests, Inuyasha sat down cross-legged on her floor as Kagome left the room briefly to fetch a First Aid kit that was kept downstairs in the kitchen. Upon returning she found a dejected Inuyasha, elbow resting on one knee, head resting on his palm, gazing out of her window. Her heart stirred painfully at the sight. Where was her tough, brazen Inuyasha?

"Inuyasha? I've got the kit. Can I…take a look?" she asked uncertainly. Why am I nervous? This is purely for medical purposes! She mentally scolded herself. Nothing else. All that mattered was making sure Inuyasha was better.

Inuyasha nodded mutely and removed his haori, letting it pile on the floor beside him. He then pulled his white shirt off, readjusting his long silver hair over his back, looking totally uninterested.

Kagome blinked. I am not staring, I am not staring…I'm staring! She realised as her eyes took in Inuyasha's muscle toned torso. A blush highlighted her cheeks as she dropped down beside him, the box on her lap.

She then looked at the area affected. From just above his hips extending upwards to his chest on his right side was heavily bruised, already a livid mess of acrid yellow and dark blue discoloration. She winced. This looked painful. And he hadn't told her?! "Inuyasha, does it hurt?" she asked tentatively.

Inuyasha glanced at her. "Keh. No. I'm made of stronger stuff," he rolled his eyes. "It'll be gone by tomorrow."

Kagome frowned, tempted to prod his side and see if he really meant it but restrained herself. "I don't really know what to do. None of your ribs are broken are they?" she asked anxiously. It was her fault. She had escaped without a scratch and here he was with a nasty set of bruising and probably some damaged ribs. The tears were beginning to build again.

"My ribs are fine," Inuyasha lied slightly to alleviate her fears. It was a low ache in his side but he could handle it. He'd been through worse. "You're not crying again are you?" he asked gingerly, voice softening and ears twitching. Why do I keep doing this? I'm the one making her cry! Kami I am flipping useless!

"I'm just so sorry," Kagome whispered, hands twisting a bandage she had fished out of the box. "It's all my fault that you're like this. I'm sure it doeshurt but you're just saying that to make me stop worrying!"

Inuyasha's eyes widened a fraction. "Kagome it was not your fault," he protested as a single tear slid down the young woman's face, sending a spike of regret and desolation through the Hanyou's heart. So he did what his instincts were nagging him to do.

He turned on the floor and pulled her towards him, into a position similar to the one they had been in a few hours ago by the roadside. Wrapping his arms around her back he pulled her close to his bare chest as if he couldn't get her any closer.

Kagome felt a gasp of air slip from her lips as Inuyasha pulled her into a tight hug, similar to the one earlier. Two hugs in one day…I should really be counting my blessings…Kagome thought wryly, before abandoning thought and leaning into the Inu-Hanyou's warm arms.

Then she blinked. Warm bare arms. Warm bare chest. Bare chest! With a squeak, Kagome pushed herself away from Inuyasha, falling backwards onto the floor, her face flooding crimson. "I-I-I," she stuttered, unable to string a sentence together. "Sorry!"

Inuyasha frowned at her apology. "What are you sorry for?" he asked gruffly, folding his arms. Did she not want such close contact? Did I go too far?

"I could have hurt you," Kagome protested, waving her hands frantically as her face cooled. "You should lie down or something, so you can heal more quickly! Do you want anything? Food? Ramen? Anything?" she asked, rising to her feet unsteadily, arms out to try and steady herself.

"Hey! Watch out!" Inuyasha nearly yelped as Kagome toppled sideways, unbalanced as she stood up. With reflexes only a demon- or Hanyou in this case- could have, Inuyasha was up in flash, catching her around the waist before she landed on the floor.


Kagome gulped. Not only was she exceedingly embarrassed, but she had now put herself into an even more awkward position. Upon standing, her feet had not supported the rest of her body and resulted in her falling sideways. Just before she had hit her bedroom floor, one hand caught hers as another arm wrapped itself around her waist, preventing her from falling.

Now she was leaning backwards sharply, with Inuyasha slightly bent over, one leg bent forwards, supporting her easily, as though he was dipping her in a dance routine. Their faces were close and Kagome's hand tightened around Inuyasha's hand whilst her other had somehow come to rest on Inuyasha's strong left forearm. For a moment, the two stared at each other, neither moving.

That was close…Inuyasha breathed out. Another second and she would have been on the floor.

Kami what am I doing?! Kagome berated herself. Clumsy foolish me! Talk about out of the fire and into the frying pan! He's so close! What do I do? Act calm Kagome, act calm…calm?!

"Are you…ok?" Inuyasha asked, breaking the silence. She's not hurt is she?

"I'm…er…fine!" Kagome said quickly, not knowing where to put her eyes. If she looked straight ahead, Inuyasha's bare chest was right in front of her. Looking up and Inuyasha's amber eyes were gazing down at her. Do I really mind…? She wondered.

"You don't look it," Inuyasha smirked suddenly, leaning closer. He could see the surprise registering in her brown eyes as he moved and her blush increased. His inner demon smiled satisfactorily. Only he had this affect on her. He was so close their bodies were nearly together. Should I? Would she mind? Really?

What is he doing? He looks like he's going to…he's not…he is!! Kagome's mind shrieked as Inuyasha inclined his head towards her. She blinked nervously as she followed his lead, leaning upwards towards-

"Sis? Is everything okay? I thought I heard a bump?" Souta's voice was outside the bedroom door and the young Higurashi knocked on the door.

Kagome and Inuyasha's eyes locked onto each others' and widened as they shared the same thought: Crap…

"Sis?"

"Souta!" Kagome said nervously as Souta entered, surveying the room. "We, I – I mean we heard nothing! Perhaps it was Buyo?" Inuyasha was seated on the chair normally tucked under Kagome's desk, haori looking slightly ruffled. Kagome was back in her original position, lying on the bed, dutifully resting.

Close, close, too close! Kagome thought, imagining wiping her brow as her brother accepted the story.

"Oh right. Mum said it's nearly dinner time if you feel like coming down to eat anything?" Souta explained. "How long are you staying for Inuyasha?" he turned to the Hanyou who jumped uncharacteristically caught off guard.

"As long as it takes," Inuyasha said evenly, collecting himself. His arms were folded and his face oddly serious.

"We'll be down in a second Souta," Kagome put in quickly.

Souta nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him as he went downstairs to inform Mrs Higurashi that Inuyasha would be staying longer and that could he possibly stay up a little longer that night to talk to the half demon?

Kagome flopped back against her pillows, as Inuyasha rested his chin on the back of the chair. Silence reigned in the room as neither looked at each other, too anxious to see what the other was possibly thinking.

"I think we should go down to dinner," Kagome said at last. "The food will get cold."

Inuyasha nodded. "Can you stand without falling this time?" he couldn't help but tease.

Kagome huffed, not answering. She was positive her cheeks were rosy again. This was getting old. Surely she could survive with Inuyasha without blushing every other moment. Which reminded her…they still needed to talk. Seriously.

Inuyasha seemed to pick up on her change of mood. "Kagome-"

"It's ok. Come on, aren't you hungry?"


The five were sitting at the table eating, when halfway through dinner, the doorbell unexpectedly rang.

Kagome looked up from her bowl of rice, putting down her chopsticks. "Are we expecting anyone?" she asked her mother who shook her head, equally as perplexed as to the nature of their late visitor. Deciding to see who it was, Kagome stood up and headed to the front door.

Sliding it open and allowing the evening light to filter into the hallway, none other than Hojo stood before her, a basket in one hand.

"Hojo?" Kagome said in astonishment. "What are you doing here?"

Hojo smiled sheepishly. "I was worried about you. When I saw you almost get hit by that truck today I thought something terrible might have happened. I just wanted to check up and see if you really were ok…" he trailed off. "Oh, and it's Valentines Day," he added, brightening. "So I wondered if you were free to come and see a movie with me sometime?"

Kagome's eyes widened in surprise. "It's Valentines Day?" she repeated dumbly. What with spending so much time in the Feudal Era, Kagome realised she had completely lost track of time. Was it really February 14th? She could have sworn January had not quite finished yet. And suddenly it was a holiday for couples. She needed to buy some things…I need small presents for all my friends! I just have been so busy I've forgotten! Oh no!

"Um…that's really…kind of you Hojo," she clasped her hands behind her back, awkwardly. Do they celebrate Valentines Day in the Feudal Era? Would Inuyasha even understand the meaning if I gave him something?

"Kagome who is it?" she heard her mother call from the kitchen.

In the kitchen the four still eating heard Kagome reply of "It's Hojo!". At once Inuyasha was on his feet, a growl rippling through his chest, drawing surprised looks from the three Higurashi family members still eating. He thought he had recognized that damned smell as soon as the door had opened and brought it and Kagome's scent scurrying into the kitchen on the breath of wind that had entered the house.

What? He's here again?! Did he not get my warning? He's as bad as that damn wolf! Inuyasha thought irately, slamming his chopsticks down on the table, making the rest of the cutlery shake and bounce. Shoving his chair back, he stalked to the front door, where he could see Kagome still talking to that miserable whelp. What does she see in him?! He froze. They were holding hands?!

Another growl issuing from his throat, Inuyasha wrenched Kagome backwards, away from the door and that damned nosy guy. He watched her drop something and felt her stagger slightly, tripping over her own feet as he drew her backwards towards him, one hand around her wrist, the other settling on her shoulder. He glared at Hojo, his eyes displaying the anger he felt, the warning challenge that if he did not leave immediately, things could quickly get out of hand.

"Get out," Inuyasha said his voice low. "Kagome isn't yours so get out!

Hojo blinked. "Kagome – is he…?"

"Leave!" Inuyasha repeated, his eyes flashing. He drew Kagome closer to him, his perceptive ears picking up a soft gasp from her as she fell against his body. He could feel his demon rattling inside him, ready to fight off this intruder. How dare this insolent human think he could do what he wanted? Kagome was not his! Kagome would never belong to such a weakling!

With a stuttered apology, Hojo dropped what he was holding and fled from the house, never looking back for fear of the red tinged eyes staring after him, making sure he was well and truly gone.

"Inuyasha? Inuyasha what are you doing?" Kagome was calling to him, a mixture of confusion and concern on her face as the wind from the open door teased her hair, her chocolate tresses dancing with his silver strands as her eyes locked with his.

He really couldn't help it.

Really he couldn't.

He didn't even know what had possessed him at the time.

In fact, he couldn't rationalize it at all.

Slowly, one hand still on her wrist, the other turning her shoulder and body to face him, he had tugged her closer and had unhurriedly swooped down, freeing one hand to tilt her chin upwards, claiming her soft lips with his own. Softly. Possessively. She was his. And his alone. No one else would ever have Kagome whilst he had something to say about it!

Kagome thought she was dreaming. It could be the only possible and logical explanation for it. She was still back in the Feudal Era probably and this had all been a bizarre dream. Inuyasha's lips were gentle against her own, conveying a tenderness she hadn't believed Inuyasha possessed. Inuyasha's kissing me! And I'm kissing him!



Inuyasha smiled inwardly as Kagome made no struggle against him to break the kiss and he could feel his inner demon celebrating. Kagome was his. Most definitely. It didn't matter what had happened over the last few days.

The clearing of throats startled both Hanyou and human and they leapt apart as though singed, Kagome blushing furiously. She saw her mother, grandfather and younger brother all standing in the kitchen doorway, staring at them.

"Well, don't let us interrupt!" Mrs Higurashi laughed, moving back into the kitchen, dragging her father with her who was muttering something about being too old for all this romance and mushy stuff.

Souta just ogled. "Are you-"

"No!" Inuyasha and Kagome protested at the same time.

"Souta- come and help with the washing up," Mrs Higuarshi's voice floated in from the kitchen where the sound of running water could be heard.

"Yes mum!" Souta yelled back, though he watched both Inuyasha and Kagome carefully as he headed back into the kitchen. Only once he had gone did Kagome release the breath she didn't realise she had been holding.

A breath of chilly air swept past her and she shivered suddenly, before remembering she had left the front door wide open. She turned around quickly sliding it shut and kicking something on the floor in the process. Puzzled, she bent down and picked it up, realising what it was what Hojo had dropped – some sort of herbal medicine for her.

Inuyasha noticed Kagome bend down and pick something up. Curious, he reached out and took it from her, turning it over and sniffing at it. "What's this stinky stuff?" he asked, shaking it experimentally.

"Just some stuff," Kagome said quickly, trying to snatch it back.

"That he brought, didn't he," Inuyasha grumbled. "You have no need for it then," he finished, crushing the small box easily in his palm, revealing a pulp once uncurling his fist.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome complained. "That was probably expensive!"

"Yeah, well, you don't need things from him. If you had wanted some herbal stuff why didn't you ask Kaede or even me to get something? That old hag probably knows far more than that human whelp." He folded his arms stubbornly.

Kagome sighed, looking at the ruined present. "I guess so. Anyway, I want to go bed now. I'm tired and I believe I have school in the morning." She yawned, stretching slightly.

"What? School? But we're meant to be returning home!" Inuyasha griped immediately.

"I've lots of catching up to do," Kagome interjected. "I can't believe its Valentines Day already," she mumbled, walking past the stunned Hanyou and taking the stairs slowly to her bedroom.

Inuyasha stared after the girl, looking from the ruined present to Kagome's retreating figure. "Val-en-tins day? What the hell is that?"

"It's the day where girls give the guys they like presents," came Souta's helpful voice as he found a confused Hanyou in his hallway. "The day is celebrated annually, with lots of hearts, flowers and chocolates."

"Love stuff huh?" Inuyasha asked tentatively.

Souta nodded. "I guess Kagome forgot about it, with her being in the Feudal Era so much."

"So why did that guy give Kagome something? You said girls give to guys?" Inuyasha was confused. Had he crushed a Valentines present?

"Oh no- Hojo is always giving Kagome stuff for her 'illnesses' she has when she's busy visiting you. Guys give their presents on March 14th- known as White Day," Souta explained knowledgably. "Are you getting sis anything?"

"Huh?" Inuyasha asked stunned. Get Kagome anything? For this White Day thing? What the hell would I get her?

"I wonder who Kagome will give her present to?" Souta wondered out loud as he walked past the still perplexed Hanyou whose ears were twitching wildly. "I wonder if she has a guy that she likes?"

Inuyasha stiffened. Kagome was going to give some a present? To the guy she liked? "I don't understand this time…" he muttered under his breath. Fresh air- that's what he needed. Wiping the remnants of the herbal present of his hand disdainfully, he was out the door in a flash and leaping up on to the roof of Kagome's house, settling down for a long think.


Yay! Kiss, kiss! Hope you liked it! :D Happy Valentines Day people! Hope you all had a great day! Incidentally- happy Chinese New Year too! Year of the Tiger! And then because of Fruits Basket I remembered it is Kisa's year…sorry about that ramble…

Hope you enjoyed! Please review!

AldabaranFox