Here's a longer chapter to make up for the shorter one. I say we're about halfway through this, about nine or ten chapters to go.

Here's a thank you to all of last chapter's reviewers:

Grim Reaper Daughter - I'm just fine! Catching up on all my old fics, you know? Thanks for saying hello!

DiscipleofAnime - Awe, that's sweet of you to say! I hope this longer chapter will do!

manga-animelove - Yes, Rin is older. She's 19, same age as InuYasha. I know I'm mean(when it come to short chapters...) But this is a longer one! Enjoy!

LovesDepp - *Evil laugh here* Sorry about that! Fear not, for I have updated again! LOL!

Rose-Aki - Arigatou so much! I'm glad you're enjoying it! Read on and hope you enjoy!

alba angelo - LOL! Don't you just LOVE those cliffhangers...? Not! Anyway, I hope this makes up for it!

Disclaimer: InuYasha, Kagome and co. all belong to Rumiko Takahashi. I only own my ideas and my O.C's(original characters)

Chapter 10

It not so peaceful in the Higurashi home three days before Thanksgiving.

"You spend every Thanksgiving at that…boy's house. I think it's time to spend one with yur family, sweetheart." Masako tried calming her daughter down. Her hands trembled, making her tea up rattle. This converstaton called for sitting down and forcing down some tea in order to try and talk to her eldest about the holiday coming up.

Frustrated coffee colored eyes looked at her mother. "That's because I know you won't let InuYasha come over to have it with us! I'm all he's got. I'd rather have him be with someone than alone, like he has been for a long time now!" She furiously paced the living room carpet, avoiding contact with the four members present for this. "If you two would stop being so goddamn blind and controlling then you would see how wonderful he is!"

Rin, who sat next to the smaller Souta on the couch opposite the frantic mother, never witnessed such a blow out. She couldn't understand why they wouldn't let Kagome's boyfriend spend the holiday celebrating with her family. She was aware of his life proir to meeting Kagome to some extent. A lone thirteen year old forced to live alone. Kagome didn't say much else, but wasn't there enough reason to put the hate and judgment aside for one day? Her Oba refused to look up at Kagome, but she looked like she was listening. But her second Oji…

"You will watch your language in this house!" He stopped her. He left his spot from the wall to stride over to his wife by the couch. "I don't want you influencing your brother to use such foul words. Ever since you started dating that boy, you brought nothing but bad habits to this household!"

"Oh really?" She clenched her fists. The fifteen year old stared her step-father down. "I haven't done anything wrong! I haven't broken a law, or gotten arrested, or gone to jail-nothing like that! So tell me what I have done so wrong that my hanging around my boyfriend has caused me to do!"

"Your tone of voice and your choice of language has terribly altered. He is a bad influence-"

"I don't give a fuck what you say about him! You don't know him!"

"Kagome!" The mother stood up in apparent shock. "Please refrain from using that word please."

"Well, I wouldn't have to use it if you and Yoshiro would stop blocking me out and start listening to me!"

The room grew silent. In the middle stood a fuming Kagome, her eyes welling with angery tears, her face flushed from the heated argument. She looked from her mother to the man she hated with a passion. She couldn't hate anyone. But her step-father gave her many reasons to. He never listened to her when it came to the subject of InuYasha. Didn't respect her decisions, never showed her any type of affection, always had a chill in his voice and his eyes that was such a deep brown that they're nearly black, were always distant and stubborn.

And her mother…she was never this timid or blind when her biological father was still alive. She could go to her for anything, tell her anything. Always made the pain disappear, mental or physical. Always lent her shoulder for her to cry on. Her voice was always so gentle and loving. She was hardly ever mad at her. Her eyes shed happiness and joy for others, love and tenderness for her loved ones.

Where was that mother now? Why was she hidden beneath this woman that she barely recognized now?

Souta said nothing as the tension thickened. He was always behind his sister. Always gave her his support. He just wished he could be braver, stand up and say what he wanted to say even if it got him in trouble.

Luckily, he didn't have to. His cousin came to the rescue. "Obasan, Ojisan. I know this is strictly between the three of you, but can I have a say in this?"

Masako and Yohsiro looked to the teenager, then to the deadly quiet Kagome beside her. They stood silent and nodded.

"What's the harm in letting your daughter's boyfriend join for a holiday meal, especially when he has no family to celebrate it with? Surely you can set aside the differences for one day." Her hand went to hold her upset cousin's for support. "I mean, how bad could it be? No matter where he came from or if he has demon blood or if he's older. I clearly don't have anything against him. And neither does Souta from what I heard."

"She's right." The ten year old jumped and went for his sister's other side. "Inu-oniisan is always there to watch me at my soccer matches, he takes killer pictures, has given me awesome presents for my birthday every year! He's a great person, demon or not! He makes Kagome happy! It wouldn't be fair to not invite him to have dinner! He deserves not to feel like an outsider because he's four years older than neechan!"

The two adults were surprised at Souta's words. He's never spoken so boldly before. Masako had a feeling he was always holding back. Now he sounded so serious and so honest.

"He's right, Obasan. I strongly agree." Rin nodded, inwardly proud of the youngster.

While she remained where she stood with her supporting family beside her, Kagome too felt amazed for Souta. Her otouto was only ten years old but he sounded so grown right then and there. While knowing he always had an older brother relationship with InuYasha, and looked up to him as his role model, he's never spoken out loud about how he really felt before.

She grabbed his smaller hand and grasped it in appreciation.

The three youngest stood tall together, waiting for what the two stunned adults had to say to that. Kagome never looked away from them, daring them to say something more hurtful or ridiculous. But she doubted that. As long as Rin and her otouto were there, them saying their piece, what could they do now?

Masako took in every word her neice and only son said. She looked deep into her daughter's eyes and saw the determination, the hope, the desperation. Was she really that ignorant of her daughter's feelings? Was she set on making sure that Kagome was moving in the supposedly right direction that she failed to notice that her musume was already walking down it? With a boy that she told them over and over that she loved dearly no matter what they said?

She turned to her second husband, clearly having some heavy thoughts of his own. Looking to the trio once more, she sighed and set her tea down. "You are a hell of a bunch." She said with love. It was true. They were truly something else. "Yoshiro, I do belive we've been wrong. So wrong."

"Wrong? How?" His voice wasn't one of defeat and understanding but still filled with the characteristic stubborness and defiance.

"I mean what's the harm. Really?" Masako raised her eyebrows in challenge. "Think about it. We really haven't given the boy a true chance, have we? No. So why don't we let him come over, make him comfortable and like a part of the family?" Before the man could open his mouth, she held up her hand for silence. " And I don't want you picking a fight with him either. What has he done to you? Nothing! He's done nothing but make my daughter smile and let her shine! I mean it Yoshiro, please don't say anything to aggravate him or Kagome! It's a holiday for Kami's sake!"

The man stood silent but didn't say anything to disagree with his wife. He'd try and keep his cool, but he didn't know for how long. He'd never admit she was right. His pride always made him think rashly and always did something at the worst times.

Seeing that he wasn't going to argue with her, the woman turned to looked directly at her daughter, who eyes was wide with her mouth slightly open. Her eyes were glimmering with tears. She spoke so softly. "Kaasan…?"

With a single nod, Masako gave the girl a smile. "Hai. He can come."

The girl let out a sob and ran up to embrace her mother in Kami knows how long. Masako hugged her child, stroking her head. She was glad to see her daughter crying for joy this time.

The woman was also glad to have the shades finally lifted from her eyes. After all this time, this mother was going to try and reconnect with her daughter.

And this was something she couldn't and wouldn't regret. It felt right. And that was all that mattered.

That night, once everyone was in bed asleep, the overjoyed teen speed-dialed her boyfriend to give him the wonderful news. She hugged a plush inu to her chest as she rocked back and forth on her bed, her rapid heartbeat not slowing as the rings continued.

"What's up babe?" He answered immediately. "Is something wrong?"

Just hearing his rough yet worried voice brought her an even bigger smile. His voice has always been so sexy in her ears, so melting, so smooth, so affectionate. He could send her heart flying just by his voice alone.

"No no, everything's fine. I actually have good news!"

Kagome then explained everything that went down that afternoon. InuYasha remained silent yet genuinely surprised as his girfriend talked about how her mother finally stood up to Yoshiro and decided to truly get to know him. Rin and Souta spoke up and stood at her side the whole time and defended her and himself. She also told him her step-father wasn't at all pleased with it and to avoid being in the same room alone, to avoid any more tension and fights that will probably happen. The hanyou was glad to be able to finally join her family for supper, but also couldn't help that something might happen once he sat down at the table. He was also concerned for Kagome and her safety, particualry around Yoshiro. He was an unpredictable bastard so he would be watching him closely. Her mother, Kagome said seemed to want to work things out so he didn't worry so much about her. And being able to spend time with Rin and the runt sounded like a fun evening. Being with Kagome, it sounded too good to be true.

After exchanging long distance good-night kisses and "I love yous", Kagome hung up and turned it off for the night. Laying down, she was finally able to relax and look forward to the dinner three days from now. And she could now thing about Tokyo…

Nearly three weeks ago, she and InuYasha sat down and read the acceptance letter to compete in the R.A.O.J this coming April in Tokyo. The sample piece she sent with her application was quote: "Full of promise and potential." According to the rules, she had to paint something new and fresh for each of the three catergories. And so far, she's had nothing but dust in that attic she called a head…

And usually she had so many up there it was hard to keep up sometimes…

It was November so she had six months to get it all together. But as she thought about everything that's recently happened, combined with one of the listed categories, an image of her boyfriend, the fanged necklace she gave him, what he might look like as an actual dog and autumn leaves falling everywhere…

That image that would be her first painting was imprinted in her mind as she finally went to sleep with a smile.

The evening started when InuYasha arrived early to help prepare the dinner. He pulled up, dressed in his signature black jeans, red-button down shirt with a small area of chest exposed with the fanged necklace his girlfriend got for him around his neck. He looked decent as he came in, gave Kagome an affectionate hug and a small kiss to her nose before pulling back and, for the first time in nearly 3 years, was properly introduced to Masako Higurashi. After being polite and bowing to show the older woman respect, the hard part came when he locked eyes with the step-father. Still, he was trying to make an impression and still bowed his head, no matter how much he wanted the man to go to hell. Neither of them spoke, but when dark orbs of reluctance and hate met with the challenging ones of sun-glow yellow, both men knew the night was going to be extremely tense.

He was pulled into the kitchen, where he was met with Rin in a cute frilly apron chopping vegetables while the ten year old Souta was setting the table. Receiving a friendly hug from the girl and a huge warming welcome from the boy, the hanyou put on a smile and went to work.

InuYasha actually settled in nicely as he helped with the udon, standing next to Mrs. Higurashi while being asked questions that he answered as honestly as he could. He often looked back to see and watch as Kagome and Rin, wearing matching aprons with hair tied up kept an eye on the rice as they prepped the pickled vegetables. He paid close attention to the udon noodles because not only was he interested in learning the dish but wondering when he could cook it for the girl that held such spirit in her eyes. She was giggling along with her older cousin, something that had the boy smiling himself.

But he never lost track of the cold looks he got from the only non-participant.

He actually got to work with Kagome as he helped her with the the dessert. They kept their affection to a minimum no matter how much they hated to. There was no saying what her mother would say or do and no doubt her step-father would certainly raise hell and forbid him from ever coming near Kagome again. But they still talked and kidded around as they sliced the fresh watermelon and concluded that the green tea ice cream her mother just bought would go well with the fruit.

After the dinner was full prepared, Rin helped the elder Higurashi woman carry in the udon for each person followed by Souta with the drinks. While the two elders had cups of sake, the younger crowd went with tea or in, Rin's case, CC Lemon, a popular lemon soda that she brought with her. She gave a bottle to Kagome and Inuyasha. Souta stuck with the tea and milk he had.

After everyone gave a prayer for what they were thankful for in their lives, they all started the meal without too much tension.

Sitting at the head of the table, Masako observed the five people enjoying the delicious udon noodles she taught the young hanyou how to make. While her daughter and her boyrifend flanked her, with her neice and only son sitting beside them, Yoshiro was across from her, sipping his sake and unusually quiet today. Since it was Labor Thanksgiving Day, or Kinro kasha no hi, both he and she had the day off. And ever since her husband learned that his step-daughter's boyfriend was joining them for dinner three nights ago, he's been really moody. She knew he was only tolerating InuYasha's presence, if only barely. His shoulders were bunched and his voice was cold and stoic to the boy.

To break the silence, the mother turned towards her son. "So Souta, how was your day at school, dear?"

After swallowing his mouthful of udon, he llit up. "Oh it was exciting. I learned that today, (3)Kinro kasha no hi was a former harvest festival, or Niinamesai. It's a ritual in which the Emporer offers to the Kami the season's freshly harvested rice and then eats it. But now, it's celebrated only by the Imperial family."

"That's right. It seems you learned quite a lot."

"We also took a short trip to the local police station to give out drawings we worked on all week to say thank you for protecting us!"

"I remember doing that in elementary school." Rin said before sipping her drink.

"I do too." Kagome piped up. "It was a lot of fun."

The mother noticed that the hanyou teen was silent and so decided to find out more about him, since she really didn't give him a chance in the first place. "Inuyasha, you are in college, right? Tell me, what do you plan to major in?"

After silently chewing on the last of his portion of udon, he swallowed, looked at his girlfriend for a brief moment and then answered. "Photography. I want to travel the world and hopefully open up a gallery one day."

Seeing the older woman smile, the boy relaxed somewhat. Sneaking a glance at his girlfirend, he could see that she was happy. Happy that he and her family were finally together. He sent her a smile, and she smiled right back.

Something that didn't go unseen by the silent, fuming step-father.

"Hey baby, you okay?"

A silver ear twitched in the direction of his girlfriend's voice and footsteps. A few seconds later he felt something warm placed upon his shoulders. He turned slightly to now see her standing beside him in a heavy shawl wrapped around her own shoulders. It was freezing out here but he didn't notice too much now that Kagome was here. Even when he didn't want it or he simply didn't think about it, Kagome was always taking care of him and his health.

It warmed him up more than the blanket. He took her hand and gave it a small peck in gratitude. "I just came out here to think."

"Was it getting too uncomfortable in there?" She moved closer, never letting his hand go. "Was it Yoshiro?" After a few moments of him not answering, she asked. "Was it my Okaa?"

Kagome heard his breath hitch. Her eyes moved to where he was staring, the backyard. The grass was turning with the autumn season as did the two trees whose leaves have now fallen and coated the ground. A pagoda stood dominantly in the far left corner, and close to it was her mother's garden where she planted in memory of her biological father, whose remembrance stone with his name stood in the lifeless bed.

"Inuyasha?"

The hanyou let out a breath, one of bitterness and mourning. "Being in there…with your family…seeing how well you get along-you and your Okaa, it just…reminded me…of what I used to have."

Her grip tightened. Her eyes sought out his. "I'm so sorry. Why didn't you decline the invitation? You had all rights to say no when I told you."

"Because I knew that seeing me in your home, with your family, I couldn't turn it down. You seemed so happy and I didn't want to take that away from you, or see your smile go." He then faced her and brought her to his side, wrapping her in his arms. "I know they don't like me dating you because I'm older and I'm not exactly a regular guy."

"I know you're not. That's what I love about you." She melted into his body, his warmth and natural scent that she called home. She closed her eyes and sighed. "It doesn't matter what they think of you. You will always matter to me. And everyone else who knows you does too."

"Your Okaa, she seems pretty nice to me. You told me she would give me a second look, a chance I was never given. After a while it felt like being with my own Okaa again. And my Otou…" He embraced her as a brief chilll passed by them. "I watched how you and Souta interact, you and Rin…It's something I want, ever since…"

"You aren't alone, InuYasha!" The female gripped his shirt to grab his attention. "You have friends who do care about you. You won't ever be alone. Not ever again…"Kagome's hand went up to cup his cold bitten cheeks. They were numb but the hanyou felt the warm tingles her fingers sent straight to his heart. "I will make sure of that."

They stood like that in silence, but only for a few moments. Inuyasha, feeling the need to shed a few tears pulled her to his lips to engulf her. She understood his need and desire for company. She was always there to comfort him, reassure him of what he had. He knew he would never let her go, because without her, he might as well be a hermit for the rest of his life.

Their kiss was slow yet passionate. Her hands went around his back as his hands cupped her face. When they pulled back, staring into each other's love ridden eyes, the taller InuYasha bent down to rest his forehead on hers. His hands went for her hips where they stayed. They didn't even notice either the shawl or blanket as they drooped and pooled around their feet.

"You're one hell of a woman." He whispered sincerely.

Her ansering smile lit up her face.

"I wanted to ask you something. But I've always wanted to ask your Okaa's permisison first."

"What is it?"

Kissing her nose before his hands rubbed her back, inhaling her lotion of pear and vanilla he looked into her eyes, ever so serious and said, "I want you to move in with me."

Brown eyes widened as their owner gasped. She froze in her lover's arms, not believing what she just heard. "InuYasha…?"

"Not right now…but after you finish school. I don't want to take you away from your family when you're not even sixteen yet."

"I understand. Of course! Yes! Yes!" A stream of tears ran down her cheeks as they met again in a fiery kiss, one of promise and hope for their future.

This supposedly private moment was anything but. The window facing the backyard the leery step-father watched the couple kiss and embrace at the shocking news. His arms were crossed and his eyes were narrowed dangerously at the hanyou.

'So he thinks he can come in this house, dine with my family and propose to my step-daughter to move in with him? Who the hell does he think he is?' He saw so much red he didn't even remember the sentimental moments or the promise of talking to her mother first. Plus the way they were holding each other, being affectionate and all that at this house…this was all too much! For the life of him, there was something about that boy that grated his nerves to no end! Ever since he married into this family! All he saw was the need to keep him away from Kagome. She was still so young and could do so much better than that hanyou trash. Neverrmind that his wife was tyring to make nice, he for one, wasn't going to put up with it any longer!

He left the window and marched with purpose to the living room where the rest of the family were finishing the watermelon and ice cream dessert.

"What is it, dear?" Masako set down her bowl as she saw the look, the dangerous look in Yoshiro's eyes.

"Oh you'll see."

Rin and Souta, who were sitting on the opposite couch, looked to each other and knew. Whatever it was, a storm was coming and it was going to end badly.

"Yoshiro, what are you talking about?" The mother noticed his rigid posture and his clenching fists and immediately became worried. "What's going on?"

"Maybe you should ask your daughter that."

All three in the room felt a shiver down their spines at the cold rage in his voice.

The living room was silent except for the clanking of the collection of dishes to be washed later on the table. The wind was howling outside, a reminder that autumn and winter were neck in neck. The three curious and confused Higurashi members waited for the couple to return while the step-father paced back and forth until he heard the back door slam.

As soon as the hanyou and his female companion entered the now silent and tense atmosphere of the living room, all hell broke loose.

"When were you planning on telling us?" The older man spoke first. "You think you can just do whatever you want without speaking to us about it first?"

"Yoshiro?" "What are you going on about?" The mother and daughter asked simultaneously.

"Don't give me that innocent crap! Moving in with that…that…no good boyfirend of yours without running it by us first!"

The woman and two cousins sat in shock. Masako looked between her daughter and husband, knowing something like that was big. Rin and Souta were frozen to their places.

The hanyou and his girlfriend's eyes widened. "You were spying on us?" Kagome screamed in fury. "How fucking dare you!"

InuYasha too was taken back. If that bastard was watching them, how could he not have noticed it sooner? He felt his own anger boiling close to the surface. This…prick had taken it too far. And he wouldn't put up with him yelling and accusing Kagome for something he just naturally assumed she was automatically going to do!

No. No one upsets Kagome.

"Excuse me!" He stepped in front of her, willing to defend her and protect her, even from this horrid bastard. "You have no right yelling at her! If you want to blame someone, let it be me! I was the one who suggested she move in with me but only if-"

"You insolent half-blood! I will not take orders from you in my own house!" Yoshiro stepped closer to the infuriated hanyou, just mere inches away. "You come in here, acting all polite and such in front of me and then you didn't even bother to ask us if it was alright for her to even consider moving in with you in the first place!"

Maskao felt now was a good time to step in between the fuming men. "Yoshiro, calm down!"

Her plea fell on deaf ears as he continued to rage. "And then I saw you hugging, laughing and kissing all over her!"

"She didn't seem to mind!" InuYasha added with sarcasm. "And what difference does it make? I love her! So what if I want to embrace her? Kiss her? That is no damn concern of yours!" The fire burned in the hanyou's blazing suns. He was not backing down, not after what he's put Kagome through. He was finally erupting. "And spying on us! How dare you!"

Kagome held her boyfriend's hand behind his back, trying to keep him from pummeling her blind and ignorant step-father. She held back the tears she wanted to fall, but right now she pressed against his back, hoping that this wasn't going to turn out poorly. She wanted to yell but right now she was far too upset to do anything. And InuYasha was like a volcano, finally erupting with outrage. She never thought that he and her blasted step-dad would fight like this. And it tore her apart inside that this was happening after such a fantastic evening.

As the argument escalated, both mother and daughter had to step in between them to prevent a physical confrontation, which by the accusations and hated words exchanged back and forth, it was rapidly leading up to it. Kagome held back her hanyou, trying to reason with him. InuYasha felt his girlfriend's hands on his chest, preventing him from moving in to sock the bastard. He'd never throw her aside unless it was for a very good reason. Masako, trying with all her will and might, stood back to back with her daughter as she too tried to calm her raging husband. He had a temper to rival the hanyou's. It was getting worse as time went, the two women barely preventing the men from throwing a punch.

Rin held Souta close to her, unable to tear her gaze away. She's never seen such a fight before. She could see her fifteen year old cousin trying to placate the hanyou she called her friend, and once in a while she thought she could spot a tear down the girl's flushing face. Her Oba was not having very much success either. The man that was her second Oji was like a feight train. He wouldn't stop until he saw what he wanted. He wanted InuYasha out of the hosue and out of her cousin's life. The horrible threats and screaming were increasing until she had to cover her younger cousin's ears. Cursing was not in short supply tonight. And she knew it would only end in tears and a lot of pain.

But why? All because he disagreed with Inuyasha inviting his step-daughter to come and live with him? In her mind, love was love. But her Oji didn't see that. All he saw in front of him was a half-blooded teenager was older and therefore untrustworthy.

And with a final threat that was horrible and so intense it shook the whole house, InuYasha finally decided he had enough.

"YOU KNOW WHAT? FINE! YOU WANT ME TO LEAVE, I'LL LEAVE! AND NOT BECAUSE YOU WANT ME TO, BUT BECAUSE I DON'T WANT THE WOMAN I LOVE TO HURT ANYMORE! I DON'T WANT TO CAUSE HER ANYMORE PAIN AND TROUBLE BY BEING HERE! SO YOU 'LL NEVER SEE MY FACE AGAIN!" And with that, the hanyou turned away from the red faced Yoshiro and headed towards the front door.

Rin and Souta started trying to convice him to stay, to not leave like this. The hanyou shook his head and ignored the pleas as he walked out into the November cold.

"InuYasha…" The fifteen year old whispered brokenly. She followed right after him letting her tears fall from her eyes. "InuYasha-" She caught up to him and was trying to reach for him but his next words stopped her cold.

"Stay away from me, Kagome." His head lowered to the ground but she could still see the side of his face. "I wouldn't want to hurt you. Or worse…turn my back on you. I can't do this anymore."

"Inuyasha please, don't do this." She begged, clenching her outstretched hand. "Please…"

He could smell her tears and felt horribly guilty for causing something he vowed not to do to her ever again. But what else could he do? Her family was having more problems because of him, and Kagome was suffering for it. He heard the emotional plea, heard her beg for him not to go. His heart was crumbling with every step he took and every word he spoke. It was very hard for him not to turn around and look at her face. He wanted to hold her one last time, but he couldn't.

Instead he spoke in a voice she's never heard from him before. Pure guilt, remorse, and heartbreak all in those three single words softly spoken to her. "I'm sorry, Kagome."

And under that somber gray autumn sky, two hearts were shattered. One who fell to her knees, having no strength left watched the other, the man she loved drive away in his car. Two sets of tears let loose the beginning of loss and pain that day.

"You know you're in love when you don't want to fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." - Dr. Seuss

Information used in this chapter for:

(1) Family member names in Japanese - Source: japanese . about . com

(2) A typical Japanese dinner - Sources: wiki - answers . com and teriyakichicken . net

(3) Labor Thanksgiving Day - Source: wikipedia . org

Note: CC Lemon is an actual drink in Japan. It was one of my favorite drinks growing up there.

I was actually starting to cry when I wrote the ending. Tell me what you thought about it.

Next chapter should be up sometime next week. Until then...

Sayonara!