Chapter 10 Family

"Shippo? Where are you?" A familiar voice called out, causing the little Kitsue's head to pop out of the brush to listen. "Shippo-chan?"

"I'm right here." He called out in response, dropping the bundle of sticks he had been dragging. Spotting a flash of purple through the trees, he scampered through the snow dusted forest floor and vaulting into the young slayers arms.

Sango caught the boy easily. "Shippo, there you are. Your soaked. I told you to say out of the snow. Its too cold to be playing out here."

Shippo snuggled into the young woman's kimono, welcoming the warmth in opposition to the chilly wetness that he had been wading in for the past two hours. " I wasn't playing, Sango. I was looking for something. It took me awhile to find the perfect ones, but I think I have."

"Perfect ones? Perfect what?"

"I'll show you." Shippo said excitedly, jumping down from Sango's arms and darting back into the underbrush. Emerging moments later, he presented his find with a cocky air reminiscent of a certain silver haired teen who was currently absent.

Raising an amused eyebrow at the youth, Sango reached out and took the items from Shippo. "Sticks? I don't understand Shippo. We had plenty of those just outside the hut."

Shippo rolled his eyes. "I know that. I looked at those, but they were not the kind I needed. Look." Shippo said, taking the four stubby sticks from the girl and holding them up so the ends matched. "See?"

"Their even." Sango said flatly. Now why in the world. . . Oh, I suppose it doesn't matter as long as it keeps him happy. I have enough trouble dealing with Miroku. Giving the child her best tolerant smile, she asked. "So you found all you were looking for then?" The child nodded. "O. k then, let's go back to the village then. Its too cold for you to linger out here." Opening her arms in a sign of invitation, she took Shippo and his load of sticks up and bundled him against her for warmth before heading towards the village.

"Sango?"

"Yes, Shippo."

"What do you think Kagome is doing right now?" the kitsue asked, his voice already taking on the fuzzy quality of sleep.

"Hard to tell." Sango replied absentmindedly, but one look at the child's face told the woman that this was not the answer the child wanted to hear. Smiling, she quickly added, " But whatever she is doing, I am sure she is thinking of you, little one."

The kitsue smiled, very pleased. Cuddling closer, he continued. "What about Inuyasha? Do you think he's thinking about me too?"

Sango paused on the trail, momentarily taken back. Well, that is a first. "Maybe, Shippo. Why do you ask?" She queried. When she received no response, she glanced down at the boy, and what she saw made her smile. The kitsue was already sleeping soundly, clutching the twigs like they were jewels he was attempting to protect. Shaking her head, she continued down the path to the village.

"There you two are," the age worn voice of Kagome's grandfather called out above the low roar of voices in the tent. Kagome glanced up from where she was helping Inuysha remove his trench coat to see her grandfather picking his way towards her, a horde of elderly friends trailing in his wake. "Oh no, it's the marriage brigade." She groaned, causing the hanyou to look up from the sea of buttons and fabric to stare.

"Who are they?"

Kagome sighed. "Just let me do all the . . .Well, hello Mrs. Yuri. How are you doing today?" The teen broke off as the group reached them. A small round-faced women of about eighty flashed her a crooked smile. Kagome scanned the rest of the group. "Oh , Mrs. and Mr. Kato and Mrs. Sato, How are you fairing? Are your children here? You know, I go to school with your grandson and . . ." As Kagome talked, Inuyasha noticed her inching to the right, placing herself between him and the small gathering, blocking him from view. Usually, this would annoy the easily irked hanyou, but in this instance, Inuyasha was too busy staring with unguarded curiosity at the group to care.

The group was staring back with equal interest. An awkwardness crept between the group as Kagome continued to chatter nervously. "And then the math teacher agreed to give me an extension so . . ."

"Kagome," Interrupted the elderly women Kagome had addressed as Miss Sato. "Are you going to introduce us to your young friend."

Kagome hesitated. Dealing with Peony's constant criticism was bad enough, but her grandfather's friends were a different problem all together. Unlike Peony, they had a great deal of influence not only on their own families, but in the community as a whole. The opinion the group established about Inuyasha would form the foundations of the opinions of everyone else present in the tent, and while all the elders were easygoing on their own, the group was known as being inscrutably critical. It doesn't help that Inuyasha can be about as charming as a wet cat when meeting new people.

"Kagome, are you listening to me?" Mrs. Sato's voice shattered Kagome's train of thought.

Kagome blushed. "What? Oh yes. Everyone, this is Inuasha. He's a friend of mine." Kagome stated, emphasizing the word friend before stepping aside and giving Inuyasha a push forward. Please, just act presentably. Just this once. She willed silently.

The hanyou resisted her push at first, perfectly happy to stand behind her, out of sight. However, when Kagome refused to relent, Inuyasha stepped forward and stood stock still in front of the sea of wrinkled faces. What am I suppose to do now? He wondered "Um, hello," he muttered.

The group continued to stare back at him. An uncomfortable silence fell over the group as Inuyasha felt a swift panic begin to clutch at his chest. Damn it, I cant let Kagome down. Unsure of what else to say, he blurted out the first thing that came to his mind. "It is an honor to meet a friend of Kagome's family." He stated, bowing with an clumsiness that betrayed his lack of practice.

Kagome's jaw dropped. He's . . . He's being polite. Not only polite, but extremely polite for this ages standards. Who knew he had it in him.

Mr. Suki was immediately charmed. "Well, its nice to meet you too, Inuyasha." She exclaimed, resting a frail, almost translucent, hand on the boys shoulders. "My, I can't even begin to tell you how refreshing it is to meet a young boy with such good manners. These days young people are so disorderly. I am so glad there is a few good youngsters left who know how to properly respect their elders." Kagome's grandfather snorted at this, causing Kagome's elbow to 'accidentally' jab into his rib. Luckily, his grunt was drowned out by the soft mummers of agreement from the rest of the crowd.

Meanwhile, the group of elders closed ranks around the young hanyou. The question started pouring out all at once:

"How old are you, darling?"

"Do you two go to the same school?"

"You wouldn't happen to be dating Kagome, would you?"

"Oh look, the poor child's blushing. How sweet."

Kagome watched as the poor hanyou's expression slowly transformed from an awkwardly polite smile to a fearful, wide-eyed stare, before finally settling on his characteristic guarded scow. Oh no, please Inuyasha, don't lose you temper now. She silently pleaded as she watched the group gradually back the dog demon into a corner. I have to get him out of here before they make him snap. "Excuse m. . ."

"Don't interrupt dear, we are trying to talk to your friend here. Now, lnuyasha..." One elderly lady began, reaching out to grab the hanyou's arm. Inuyasha flinched backwards, a sound closely resembling a growl involuntarily ripping from his throat. Instantly, a silence came over the group, cloaking in like a shadow. The boy blushed bright red, a mixture of guilt and fear crossing his face.

"I'm so sorry." he whispered.

Kagome immediately stepped forward, struggling to find something to say to smooth the situation over.

"Kagome?" Kagome looked up at the sound of her name, gratefully searching for the familiar face of her mother. Spotting her sitting at one of the tiny tables clustered around the tent, Kagome turned back to the crowd and smiled. "I'm sorry everyone. I really hate to interrupt. I mean really hate to, but my mother is calling us so . . . excuse us please." Grabbing the hanyou's arm, she scurried towards her mother's beckoning voice, ignoring the protests from the grey hairs. Reaching the table, she flopped down in a chair beside her mother, finally releasing her hold on the bewildered hanyou. "Thanks mom, your a life saver."

Mrs. Higarashi smiled, folding her hands neatly in front of her and setting her chin on her hands. "Well, it looked like you could use some help, dear. Poor Inuyasha looked like a rabbit caught in a wolf pack."

Beside her,. Souta snickered. "Inuyasha's afraid of old people. That's so funny."

"I am not." The hanyou protested, suddenly coming out of his stunned state. Glaring back at the crowd who had closed ranks on Kagome's grandfather, presumably to glean whatever information possible, Inuyasha added, "Nosy old people."

" Yes, you are. Scaredy cat. Scaredy cat. Woah." Souta almost fell backwards in his seat when the Hanyou lunged suddenly forward, gripping his leg firmly in one hand. Souta yelped with a mixture of fear and surprise as Inuyasha yanked him up out of his seat until he was dangling in front of the half demon by his right leg.

Kagome almost leaped from her chair, half afraid that the hanyou had lost his temper and unintentionally hurt the boy, but a barely audible chuckle caused her to pause. Oblivious to the boys weight, Inuyasha bounced Souta slightly, causing the boy to cry out in protest. "Seems like your the one who is a 'fraidy cat'." He teased, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Let's see just who scared shall we."

Dangling with his fingers still inches away from anything that could assist him, Souta glared up at the hanyou. "Put me down." The teen ignored his request. Instead, he gave Souta another good bounce, adding fuel to the boys rage. "Mom tell him to put me down."

Torn between amusement and worry for her sons safety, Mrs. Higarashi hesitated, "Inuyasha, he is pretty high up. Maybe you should. . ."

"Don't worry. I got him." Inuyasha stated, waving Mrs. Higarashi's words away. "I do this all the time with Shippo."

"PUT ME DOWN!" Souta repeated, this time his voice raised so high it almost resembled his sister's. Several people from surrounding tables turned to look their way.

" Oh dear," Mrs Higarashi muttered as she glanced at Kagome, obviously at a loss at what to do.

Kagome signed, her hands making a hollow thunk on the table as she pulled herself out of her seat. "Inuyasha, I think you better let him go now." she warned, her tone screaming 'I'm going to sit you'.

The Hanyou, recognizing the tone, immediately froze. "But Kagome. . . " He protested.

Souta took this opportunity to enact revenge. Aiming as well as one could while hanging upside down, he gave the Hanyou a solid kick to the ribs, causing Inuyasha to cry out. "You heard her. Let me go."

Inuyasha, more surprised by the blow then hurt, pulled the boy upwards until he was almost at eye level to one another. "Or what?" he asked slyly.

"Inuyasha." Kagome warned.

"Or I'll sic my stupid sister on you,that's what." Souta interrupted, his face sporting a twisted smile of satisfaction.

"Souta," Mrs. Higarashi cried out in dismay. You apologize to your sister." she begun, but stopped when she saw her son's eyes suddenly widen to the size of saucers. In confusion, she were glanced behind her. Kagome stood in front of the table as if ready to face the hanyou head on, but something in her demeanor had changed. Her eyes hardened and her eyes locked on Souta, causing the boy to freeze in terror. "Stupid huh?" she began, her voice sweet as congealed syrup. Taking a step towards the two, she bent down to look into the boy's eyes. "Inuyasha, be a dear and hold him tighter."

Souta blanched as the hanyou peered down at him, smiling gleefully. "Gladly." He responded, his finger digging deeper into Souta's ankles.

Souta began to panic. "Mom!" He yelped helplessly as Kagome lunged forward. Souta squealed as her hands made contact. Frantically, he kicked at Inuyasha with his free leg as he attempted to squirm away from his sisters dancing fingers. " Mom, please. Make them stop." he whined.

"Please Inuyasha." Mrs. Higarashi attempted again, glancing about nervously. The occupants of the surrounding tables were staring at them. "Kagome, stop it. Your drawing a crowd."

But the children ignored her. Souta's shrieks continued to grow louder until finally he cried out. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry, uncle." he pleaded, drawing giggles from the surrounding tables. Kagome wasn't satisfied.

"Say that I'm the smartest, prettiest sister a brother can even ask for." she demanded, pausing in her torture so that she could hear the words clearly.

Souta's mouth fell open in horror. Glancing around at their audience, he turned scarlet. "Never."

Kagome shook her head and gave him an almost sympathetic look. "That's too bad, Souta." she stated in a soft voice before launching into a second round of attacks aimed at Souta's most sensitive weaknesses.

"Ok," Souta screeched, causing the surrounding tables to burst into laughter. "Ok. You are the most beautiful, smart, and lovely sister in the world now please stop. ." the last word came out closer to a sob then a laugh. Kagome stopped immediately. Souta sighed, blushing when another half sob popped from his lips, this one from relief. He felt a tug on his leg as the hanyou lifted him to eye level, giving him a questioning gaze. Souta managed to smile and the hanyou nodded. Inuyasha lowered Souta to the ground.

Kagome's mother sighed. "Finally." Lowering her voice, she stated. "Would you three please try and behave?"

The two youths hung their head. "Sorry mom." Kagome replied guiltily. "I didnt realize. . ."

"Kagome?"

Inuyasha glanced towards the sound of the voice. He could faintly make out a short ebony haired women picking her way through the room.

Kagome smiled broadly as she shot up a hand to wave the woman over. " Norika, how are you?" she cried out, forgetting her mother's lecture.

Instead of answering, the woman stepped forward to place her arms around Kagome, pulling her into a hug. " Hello, little girl. I have not seen you in forever." she stated giving Kagome a motherly squeeze before stepping back and looking Kagome over from head to toe. "How are you? I have been worried."

Kagome blushed. "Oh yeah, that. I'm fine. Its good to see you." Kagome responded.

The women smiled before giving the hanyou a curious look. Inuyasha took a instinctive step backwards, giving the girl an annoyed look. The woman's smile widened . Taking a cautious step forward, she held out a hand, almost like coaxing a wild animal. "Is this the boy I have been hearing about?"

Kagome looked back at Inuyasha, seemingly surprised to see him there. "Oh yes." Reaching out, she grabbed the hanyou, pulling him into view. "This is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is an old family friend, Norika." Leaning closer to Inuyasha, she added in a whisper. "She's pretty much a second mother to me."

The girl stepped forward, her eyes scanning the half-demon from tip to toe. "Hello, Inuyasha. Forgive me for being forward, but Kagome has told me so about you. I almost feel like I know you."

Inuyasha eyes flinted to Kagome, a mixture of hurt and fear dancing in the honey orbs. The girl looked guilty. "All good things." she added.

Norika smiled and nodded in agreement. "Mostly. Anyway it doesn't matter what she told me because I'll be able to judge for myself. Although, I see Kagome was right about one thing. You are cute."

Inuyasha's head snot up so quickly one would have thought that he would of snapped his neck. He stared at the now scarlet Kagome. "You think I'm cute?" He asked.

"I don't think those were her exact words. I think she said something closer to 'that boy would be cute if he was not so pig-headed and hot tempered. Something along those lines." the girl said with a smile. " I think I can see that too. But then again, all boys are at your age."

"Yeah, well Inuyasha is an expert at it." Souta commented. Now it was Inuyasha's turn to blush, partly out of anger and partly out of embarrassment. What exactly did Kagome tell this woman about me? He wondered. And why hasn't Kagome ever mentioned her.

After Norika snide comments, she and Kagome fell into discussion of her schooling, her friends, and her various tutorial sessions. Sometime Kagome would make a random sort of comment and the two would laugh at some shared joke, leaving Inuyasha feeling confused and left out. At first, Inuyasha attempted to keep up with the conversation, but in the end, he just gave up. Inuyasha did notice one thing. During the discussion, the topic of Kagome's 'illnesses' failed to come up at all. Usually with others outside of Kagome's immediate family, this topic seemed standard. However, Norika seemed disinterested. How much did this women know? Certainly more then most.

Inuyasha found himself torn. One one hand, he felt jealous of this woman. After all, he was the one who was suppose to know Kagome best. But this women was close to Kagome. Yet one the other hand, this women knew the answer to questions that Inuyasha had been asking himself since he stumbled across that photo album under Kagome's bed. Perhaps, if he worked hard enough, he could earn this women's trust and assistance. However, something told Inuyasha that that trust would not come easily. She had already called him pigheaded, jokingly of course, but this means that she was bound to have heard at least some things about the rockiness of their relationship.

Inuysha sighed. For the first time on this vacation, he found himself wishing that the others were here. Particularly Miroku. After all, thought the man was far from tactful, when it came to his relationship with the opposite sex, he did posses a certain charm that enabled him to say all the wrong things, but suffer no consequence. Inuyasha on the other hand was lucky if he could make it through the day without being sat to oblivion.

Perhaps a gift? Inuyasha considered. But that seemed a bit presumptuous. The last thing Inuyasha wanted was Kagome to think he was trying to bribe her friend into liking her. I probably don't have enough money anyways. That morning he and Souta had got up early to shovel walks and had earned 30 dollars each, mostly due to their clients shock at Inuyasha's speed then their skill. Inuyasha knew enough about modern day money to know that the sum was very good for the hours worked; However, he also knew that, as good as the money was, it wouldn't be enough to cover the Christmas gifts for Kagome's family, let alone anyone extra. But what else can I do. . .?

"Inuyasha." Kagome's voice broke into his train of thought. Inuyasha looked up to find five pairs of eyes fixed on him. Obviously, this wasn't the first time the young woman had called his name. Inuyasha fought the urge to groan. Well, this is a great start.

To Kagome, he responded. " I'm sorry. I was thinking. What?"

Kagome held out a mug of tea and a few cookies. "I asked if you wanted a snack. What were you thinking about that got you so distracted."

Inuyasha accepted the mug, trying to look at least a little less guilty while replying. "Miroku actually."

"The perverted young man you hang out with?" Norika asked, looking to Kagome for conformation. Kaogme nodded.

Kagome's mother gave Inuyasha a sympathetic look. "Getting homesick, Inuyasha."

"No, no." Inuyasha jumped to reply, momentarily worried that they would think he was ungrateful or not enjoying himself. When all five faces responded with skeptical looks, Inuyasha relented. "Well, not really. Not so much homesick as . . . . I dont know," Inuysha finished lamely. He couldn't come out and tell them what he really missed was the one person in the world that could give him unbiased advice and help him understand the dozens of emotions that have threatened to overcome him at one time or another during this overwhelming week. As much as he trusted and yes even loved Kagome, Inuyasha could not help but feel somewhat stranded within this strange new world of hers. Not to mention foolish. Inuyasha thought in frustration.

Luckly, Souta could always be counted on to break the awkwardness. "Who cares what they are doing. You're having much more fun here, right?" Inuyasha opened his mouth to answer, but the youth plowed on. "Mom can we go back out to sled now? Gramps is here and I want to go down a few more times before it gets dark."

Kagome's mother hesitated, looking from her son back to the hanyou who shifted awkwardly in his seat. " I suppose so, if that's what you want to do?" Inuyasha practically leaped to his feet, eternally thankful for the distraction. Kagome was more reluctant as she rose to follow, nodding at Norika as she did. "We will talk more when we get back?"

Norika smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I plan on staying here for awhile. You go have fun." Turning to Inuyasha, she added. "It was nice to finally meet you, Inuyasha. Perhaps we will talk again." Inuyasha's eyes narrowed slightly as he nodded in response. Some thing about the way that the women said that made him nervous.

They stayed out for another two hours, whizzing down the hills until the sky started to darken. Twice they were run back up the hill on Jesse's four-wheeler. Kagome choose this time to ride in icy silence on the back. Jesse just laughed it off, clearly unfazed by Kagome's wrath. Instead, he focused on explaining some of the controls to Inuyasha and Souta as they rolled over the snow. Inuyasha could not understand half of the things the boy said but listened politely. By the end of the day, the three tired youths gladly drug themselves back into the tent and collapsed into one of the many folding chairs around their mothers table.

Kagome's mother smiled down at them "Something tells me that a certain few kids will be sleeping well tonight." she commented before reaching for their thermos of of the three youths bothered to deny it.

Gramps smiled too. "They're young. Give them a few hours rest and they will be up tomorrow ripping and tearing about as usual." He stated waving a casual hand in their direction before taking a long sip of his coffee.

"Well, they won't be doing much of that tomorrow. After all, the wait at the formal wear store is usually pretty long this time of year." Norika adding casually prompting a groan from Souta.

"Aw mom, why do we have to go there?" Souta grumbled putting his hand into the folded arms on the table. " I was going to go to Kyles tomorrow."

Formal wear. Inuyasha wondered, looking up from the mug of hot chocolate Kagome mother was currently pouring for him.

"You know that the Christmas party is this week and you have grown at least five inches since last year. Do you really want to go to the party looking like that?" she asked her son, teasingly.

Souta said something in response, but Inuyasha was no longer listening.

Christmas party. She had mentioned something about that before, but I wasn't paying attention. Inuyasha frowned. It sounds like its important. Maybe I should ask Souta about it later. He mused. Even the thought of the party made Inuyasha cringe. Kagome had described one or two similar events on several occasions, and Inuyasha did not find the concept very appealing. Loud music, crowds of people, and foolish games whose very description would make some of the women of his era blush did not appeal to the sensitive-eared hanyou. However, Inuyasha truly doubted that Kagome's family would take place in something so childish. Even if its for such a screwy holiday.

" I have to admit. I am kinda looking forward to seeing Inuyasha in a tux." Kagome mused bringing Inuyasha's attention back to the conversation at hand.

"A tux?" Inuyasha muttered. What the hell is a tux?

"Yes, of course. You didn't think you could come in jeans and a t-shirt did you." Norika asked giving the hanyou a teasing smile. "Though with all that silver hair, black and white should suit you beautifully." Inuyasha blushed.

" I hate tux. They are so uncomfortable." Souta grumbled. "Why cant I just wear a dress shirt or something."

"Souta, you know better then that. Your wearing a tux and that is final."

"But mom. . ."

"Oh my, look at the time." Norika stated, suddenly standing. "I have to start home."

"Oh you cant go yet." Kagome protested, standing as well. " We have not got to talk."

"Kagome, you know Norika lives near the edge of the city. She has a long drive ahead of her." Kagome's mother chided.

Norika smiled apologetically as she shrugged on her coat. "I'm sorry, Kagome. I'll be at the party, though. We can talk then." Scooping up several bags from the floor, she then turned to smile at Inuyasha. "Inuyasha, be a dear and help me get these to the car?"

Inuyasha hesitated, looking to Kagome's mother for help. However, the women and Souta had already resumed their previous argument. "Um, I'm not sure. . ."

"He will be happy to help." Kagome suddenly spoke up, taking the heavy bags from Norika and shoving them half-haphazardly into his arms. That done, the young women turned and gave Norika a parting hug. "It was so good to see you again." she stated enthusiastic.

"You too dear. Its been too long." Leaning in close, Norika whispered. "You take good care of yourself and be safe. I love you, honey."

"I will. I love you too." Kagome whispered in return. Turning to sit back down, she paused right beside Inuyasha and hissed. "Be good."

Like I have a choice. Inuyasha thought, struggling to keep a hold on his awkwardly position burden. Norika had already turned was slipping out of the tent. Stumbling out of his chair, he spared Kagome one last glance before silently following the young women through the crowd.

Outside, the winter air was cold and clear with only a light snow falling quietly around them. Inuyasha scanned the parking lot before finally spotting Norika standing beside a red automobile in the corner of the lot. Taking a deep breath, Inuyasha carefully remolded his face into an impassive but polite mask that would make even the ice queen Seshomaru jealous. Bracing himself, he then shifted the packages and waked over.

When he reached the vehicle, the women turned and accepted the packages, shoving it into the dark recesses of the truck without comment. The girl then slammed the hood and strolled almost leisurely to lean against the front of the vehicle. Inuyasha stood patiently to the side. He wasn't certain if he was suppose to go back inside or not. The silence unnerved him, but it didn't seem like the time to speak either. The uncertainty made him feel venerable. He didn't like the situation at all. Lacking anything better to do, Inuyasha turned his gaze skyward. Being out in the country, the stars were particularly clear out here. That was comforting. Inuyasha spent much of his childhood in a state of flux, moving place to place. The only thing that seemed to remain constant was the stars above his head and the forest floor at his feet. Even now with the bright lights of the parking lot dimming their beauty, the stars remained the same, farther apart then he remembered, but basically the same.

"Beautiful, arn't they." A voice suddenly stated almost directly in the shell of his ear, causing Inuyasha to jump a foot and growl. How the hell. . .What is she part cat. Inuyasha wondered annoyed. Norika didn't seem to notice. Instead, she returned her gaze skyward. "I always love coming here. You can't see them very good in the city. But here the sky is so clear," she added turning towards Inuyasha. Their eyes met and she continued. " Although, I'm sure they arn't as clear as in your time. Are they Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha's mouth dropped open and he felt a wave of panic sweep over him. For a moment, he just stared at the woman, to stunned to speak. Then, old instinct hit him hard and he pulled himself up straight, taking on old arrogant stance. "Kagome told you about that?" He asked, his voice sounding more confident then he felt.

" And then some." Norika confirmed. "You're a very interesting boy, Inuyasha."

"Keh." Inuyasha responded. "I'm nothing special."

"Oh, but you are. Your strong, smart, and you got amazing potential. Plus, Kagome really likes which speaks more to your character then anything that she could ever tell me." Norika stated with a smile. "However, you let your weaknesses get the best of you."

Inuyasha flushed with anger. "You know your kinda mouthy for a human." he grumbled. Crossing his arms, he glared at her. "I don't have any weaknesses."

Norika laughed. "Oh, you are arrogant, aren't you. Arrogant, uncouth, and terribly selfish. But you do love Kagome don't you?"

This threw the Hanyou off. " I . . .I mean. . .What. . .What does that have to do with anything?" he questioned, flushing deeper with embarrassment.

"You are cute when your thrown off guard." Norika said musing. Waking towards the back of her truck, she popped open the tailgate and sat down. Patting the seat beside her, she beckoned. "Sit down, Inuyasha."

"I prefer to stand." Inuyasha stated automatically, inching her direction.

"You're too tall and you make me nervous standing there. Beside, this might take awhile." When Inuyasha continued to resist, Norika smiled coyly. "Don't tell me your scared of a little human woman are you."

Inuyasha scowled at her, but reluctantly sat down. "What do you want?"

"Just to talk. I know you don't trust people easily, Inuyasha, and this might be hard for you to believe, but I want to help you."

"Help me? Help me with what?" Inuyasha asked, offering Norika a skeptical look.

"You love Kagome. I know that." Norika replied. "But you have had a hard life. A real hard life if what Kagome said was correct. And its damaged you."

"I'm fine." Inuyasha protested, defensively.

"Are you?" Norika shot back, staring Inuyasha directly in the eye. "Can you really say that all you have went through didn't change you."

Inuyasha felt that familiar pain resonating in his chest and the panic came back full force. He growled in an attempt to cover it and stood to his feet. " Who cares what I went through. I had a rough childhood, big deal. I fine, and I definitely don't need some human woman I just met criticizing me." he seethed. Turning towards the tent, he fully intended to stomp back in to the table; However, Norika reached out and grabbed Inuyasha's arm. Inuyasha flinched, immediately pulling away. "Don't touch me." he growled

"Are you happy being this way?" Norika countered. "Lashing out at everyone, causing Kagome, and the others pain. Aren't you tired of being afraid of being abandoned?"

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU WANT ME TO DO" Inuyasha roared, causing a couple of kids wandering by to jump and yelp. Inuyasha felt a wave of guilt and surprise at his own lack of control roll over him. He stared helplessly at the kids, feeling a shameful burning building behind his eyes.

Norika gave the kids a reassuring smile, before turning to lay a hand back on Inuyasha shoulder. This time the boy did not resist. " Sit back down, Inuyasha. Please."

The boy sighed, before walking back over to the truck and sitting heavily.

Norika sat down beside him, directing her gaze back to the stars in order to give the boy some privacy to compose himself. " I'm sorry. That was cruel of me. I shouldn't have been so blunt, but you got to understand my position. I love Kagome like a daughter. I just want to protect her."

"Don't you think I'm trying?" Inuyasha protested

"I know." Norika said quickly. "I know you are. And I know your doing your best, but she needs more then that Inuyasha. She needs someone to care and love. . ."

"I do love her. . .I'm just . . . I just. . ." Inuyasha faltered, before finally giving up. "I'm scared." he whispered. "I don't know what to do." He finished. His cheeks were burning with shame and he was fighting hard to keep from crying. He felt so weak and embarrassed. I'm pathetic. He thought staring hard at the heard Norika moving behind him and stiffened when she felt her arm go around his shoulder. The warm gesture caused the tears he had been fighting to spill over and trace tracks down his cheeks.

"Poor boy," Norika whispered, pulling Inuyasha into a hug. The young boy was so emotionally tired he didn't have the will to fight her off. "You expect to much of yourself. Do you really think you have to do it all yourself. Honey, you have a whole group of people who want to help you. A whole group of people who love you. Can't you see that?"

Inuyasha choked back a sob as he considered this. She's right. Sango, Miroku, Shippo. They all want to protect Kagome, too. They all want to see the jewel destroyed, but what about me. What do I want? He didn't know. He had started all this in the hopes of using the jewel to make himself into a full demon. Even before Kikyo betrayed him, this had been his goal. But now he wasn't sure. Did he really want to change? What did he really want? To make Kagome happy. Inuyasha thought. All I want to do is to make Kagome happy. The revolution should have scared him, but to his surprise, Inuyasha felt an amazing tranquility come over him. It was a calm he could not remember feeling since before his mother had died. Inuyasha raised his head and wiped his face. "Your right." Inuyasha stated. "I'm sorry I yelled at you."

Norika looked surprised. "It's ok sweet heart." She responded. Giving the boy's shoulders one last reassuring squeeze, she released him. "I guess I was a little cruel to you. Its just I really do like you. I hate to see you screw this up."

Inuyasha looked at her with surprise. "You like me?"

"Of course, sweetie." Norika said sincerely. "You might be a bit pigheaded sometimes, but you really do care. You wouldn't get so worked up if you didn't"

Inuyasha blushed. "Sorry."

"It's ok." Norika stated, waving off his apology. " Your a nice kid when you want to be and you got spunk. And Kagome truly loves you."

"I love her, too." Inuyasha admitted once again. "I really do."

"I know. You just got to work on showing it." Norika stated. Glancing at her watch, Norika sighed. "Well, Inuyasha, this has been very interesting, but I think you should get back inside before Kagome starts wondering where you went off too. But if you ever need anything while you're visiting, you feel free to give me a call. Souta will know how to reach me." She stated walking toward her car door. Inuyasha jumped up to open it for her, causing her to smile.

Inuyasha smiled back. "Ok, thank you. And I'm sorry about earlier. You know, when I first met you, I was kinda jealous." Inuyasha admitted.

Norika gave him a quizzical look. "Really why?"

Inuyasha looked away, embarrassed as he explained. "Because you and Kagome seemed so close. You know things about her that she would never tell me. I felt kinda betrayed."

Norika gave out a little laugh, earning her a glare from Inuyasha. She quickly covered her mouth. "I'm sorry. . . its just, that's so silly." She stated. When Inuyasha continued to glare at her, she sighed. "Inuyasha, just because Kagome has friends outside your circle doesn't mean she likes you any less. You're strong, but you don't believe in yourself. You need to stop being so insecure. Look, Kagome has been waiting to get closer for years, but you keep rejecting her. You refuse to tell her anything about your past and you never tell you how you feel. You start talking to her and I swear to you, you guys will work out just fine. I promise." She stated, closing her door she rolled down the window and started her car. "Now, stop worrying and go back inside. Its cold out and you have a beautiful girl in that tent. Don't leave her waiting."

Inuyasha nodded and smiled. Stepping back, he watched the young women pull out of the parking space. He was just about to go inside when Norika suddenly stuck her head out the window.

"Inuyasha?"

"Yes," he called back.

"If you hurt my little girl, I'll castrate you." She shouted as she pulled out of the parking lot and speed away.

Inuyasha couldn't help but laugh. I think I can learn to like her. He thought as he turned to go inside. In the tent, Kagome and her mother appeared to gathering up their things. Inuyasha quickly rushed over to help. As he took a heavy looking bag from Kagome's mother, the women smiled up at him. "There you are, Inuyasha. We were starting to get worried."

"I was just talking to Norika." He responded guiltily.

"Oh I'm glad you two are getting along." She said with a smile. "Well, we are getting ready to go. We have a long day in front of us tomorrow and you guys are no doubt ready to go to bed."

Later, in the car, Inuyasha started out the window and thought about what Norika had said. She's right. I don't talk to her. But it wasn't his fault. Every time he tried to get close to someone, the person ended up leaving him or getting hurt. His mother and Kikyo being the most obvious examples. But Kagome is different. Inuyasha thought Kikyo wanted me to become human. She never loved me as I was, but Kagome and the others are different. They like him the way I am. No matter how screwed up that is.

Inuyasha looked over at Kagome, who was lying against the door of the car dozing. She looked so beautiful and peaceful. I am so lucky to know her. Leaning over, he kissed her on the forehead, then panicked when he realized who he was with. Quickly, his eyes flitted to the front seat. Kagome's mother was staring out at the road, not paying attention, but Inuyasha could see Kagome's grandfather watching them in the rear-view mirror. For a moment, Inuyasha thought the old man was going to chasten him, but then the old man smiled softly at him and winked. Inuyasha couldn't help but smile in return. Settling back in his own seat, he closed his eyes and sighed. Maybe it was fate that she had come through the well. Maybe it was an accident. I don't know. But I love her and want to protect her. I belong at her side and I am going to do anything I can to get there.

(A.N. Yay, I finally finished the sledging day. I am so happy because it was taking me forever and it was a lot duller then the other chapters (probably why I had trouble forcing myself to do it). However, I really needed to bring Jesse and norika into the story because they will be important in helping inuyasha later in the story. That's right later. You guys will be happy to know that the story is not dead. You will also probably be happy to know that I have finally gotten enough extra cash to get a microphone to dictate my stories, so my publishing should go a little faster from here on out (thought anything will be faster then a chapter a year). As always I am open to suggestions and feedback so hit up that review button (its also great incentive for me to write faster). The next chapter should be a fun one. Shopping with the family. Inuyasha in a tux, a awkward encounter with Santa Claus. Might be another multi-chapter, but it should be more interesting then this one though. Hope everyone enjoyed it thought. Until next time.

Chaini)