Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha…Rumiko Takahashi does

A/N: Here's the next chapter. Sorry for the very late update, but if you look at my home page, it explains why.

Oh, and to clear up a few things for those who have been asking, Inuyasha and Miroku have angel-like wings. And no, this story isn't ending yet…so don't worry. I estimated it to have maybe like, twenty-something chapters before it ends. So anyways, enjoy!!

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Chapter Ten: Can't Remember…Can't Forget

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His stomach churned, his chest had trouble breathing right…he had trouble feeling right. The sun was shining now, completely opposite to the rain on that fateful night. The light spilled in through the windows, into the room, and reached his eyes. Inuyasha groaned, squinting to try and block some of it out. The room didn't look as solemn as it usually did.

It's been five days. Inuyasha thought back to what happened.

--Flashback—

Lightning and thunder stormed and clashed. He couldn't feel any worst than he did now. How could he have been so stupid?! If only he hadn't let her stomp off, if only he'd been there sooner, if only he hadn't let her on, she'd still be safe and…she'd still remember him.

He was now staring out into the darkness of the window, watching the rain fall as lightning lit up the sky.

Another earsplitting thunder shook the earth as Inuyasha suddenly felt another presence behind him, and it wasn't Miroku. "So…what is it this time?" Inuyasha asked.

"Inuyasha…so you knew I would come for you."

"Of course. I'm not stupid."

"Yes indeed. Not stupid…but definitely foolish."

He sighed. "Just get on with it. I don't have all century, you know."

The other presence smirked. "Be thankful to God and his angels that this time…we're letting you go."

His eyes widened a bit and he turned around. Working his mouth for a second, he found the words to say. "What? Why?"

"When we held the meeting to see what we would do to you, we were this close to being able to having our way. You were basically on the tight end of the rope. But the problem was, Heaven wouldn't let us do anything because of one little thing: You didn't break any rules for your own selfish reasons. You broke the rules…to save a mortal…a whole bunch of useless mortals in fact. Stupid and foolish."

Inuyasha couldn't help but smirk. "So I'm off the hook?"

"For now. So don't get cocky." The other presence turned to leave. Before he vanished though, he said one last thing. "Next time, you won't be so lucky, so watch out…little brother."

--End of Flashback--

Inuyasha sat up and slouched. He wasn't planning on doing anything today, so he decided to stay exactly where he was.

"Good morning, Inuyasha!" Miroku piped from the doorway. There was no response from the hybrid as he continued staring straight ahead with a blank expression on his face. "You want some breakfast?" Miroku continued, already used to Inuyasha's moods.

Inuyasha stayed quiet. He wanted to be left alone, so he figured Miroku would go away if he didn't say anything.

Once again, Miroku was greeted with nothing but silence. But he wasn't going to let that faze him. He wasn't going to give up today.

After about a minute when Inuyasha didn't hear anything, he turned his head slightly to look at the doorway, expecting it to be empty, only to find Miroku still standing there with a lop-sided grin.

"…No." Inuyasha finally said.

"You sure? I made eggs and bacon! Everything a man…or a devil…needs for breakfast."

Inuyasha silently sighed. "We don't need that crap. Only humans do."

"Yes, but it sure is tasty! Damn, you gotta admit, humans have exquisite and delectable taste." Miroku tempted. "C'mon. You haven't done anything but sulk and mope for the past five days…come and eat with your best buddy, man."

Inuyasha sighed again. He seemed to be doing that a lot these days. He gave in anyways. He stood up and walked pass Miroku to the kitchen where he could smell that usually mouth-watering smell. But ever since that night, his senses just didn't kick in like they used to. Usually, he would've been devouring Miroku's breakfast mercilessly, but now, he just didn't find the heart.

They both sat down at the huge, stretched-out table in the chandelier dining room. Miroku ate while watching Inuyasha play around with his food first before taking in small amounts, barely chewing.

Inuyasha's depression must have been contagious, because even Miroku felt a little down. Miroku stopped eating to watch Inuyasha. They both stayed like that for a few more minutes. No one had uttered a word since they began eating.

You know what…fuck being depressed. Miroku had the urge to rip his hair out. If Inuyasha stayed like this any longer, Miroku swore he was going to explode. "Inuyasha, we need to have a little heart-to-heart right now."

"I already told you, I don't swing that way Miroku." Inuyasha simply replied, not bothering to even look up at him.

"Urgh!! I'm serious, Inuyasha."

"I'm serious too."

Miroku took a deep breath before continuing. "Alright…this is about Kagome."

Inuyasha stopped chewing and put his fork down. He straightened and turned his head to give Miroku a sharp stare. "What about that wench?" he gruffly asked.

"I'm gonna be straight up and forward about this because I need some answers. On second thought, I think we BOTH need some answers. You've only known her for about a week, yet you're acting like you've lost the love of your life."

Inuyasha's stare only became harder as he narrowed his eyes.

"I mean, I just don't get it. You've never been like this…not even what happened after…" Miroku paused, wondering if it'd be safe to continue. Still unsure, he took the chance and continued anyways. "…Kikyo."

Inuyasha abruptly stood up, his bangs hiding his eyes. Right about now, he wanted to strangle Miroku. "SHUT UP. You don't know shit about anything so I suggest you shut your trap before I do it for you." And with that, he began walking away.

Miroku was now angry. "Inuyasha, don't you fucking turn your back on me. Stop right there!"

Inuyasha pay him no heed and continued on his way out the door.

"If you're being man about this, then face your problems instead of run from them and at least listen to what I have to say." Miroku tried again. Inuyasha stopped walking, but didn't turn to face him. He didn't even spare one backward glance. The only acknowledgement of him listening to Miroku was stopping in his tracks.

"First question: why are you so sulky about this?"

"Ain't it fucking obvious?"

"No."

"Because that bitch got me into a lot of trouble."

Miroku didn't believe a word he said, but continued anyways. "Then why'd you save her the way you did?"

"Argh. We've already been through this…I would've done just about the same had it been anyone else."

"…You wanna know what I think?" Miroku asked.

"What?"

"I think…you actually care about her."

Inuyasha tensed. "Oh?"

"Yeah, I think you do. Otherwise you wouldn't be reduced to a sulking, emotionless, sad excuse." Miroku pointed out. "Or is caring for her not even it? Do you like her?"

Inuyasha growled and turned to face Miroku. "Shut the FUCK up!!! I do not, have not, and will NEVER ever care for that wench, let alone like her! One of these days Miroku, I swear, your habit of putting your head into things that don't concern you will be the cause of your demise." Inuyasha turned around and stomped out of the room, making the chandelier shake.

Miroku sighed. He really hit a nerve there. At least now they both know the answer, if not, one of them. Main point is:

Inuyasha…is in love with her.

xOxO

Inuyasha had flown away from his mansion, aimlessly flying in the air. He'd been flying for who knows how long and his wings were getting tired. Deciding to take a short break before heading back, he landed on top one of the many buildings of Tokyo.

That short flying spree had calmed him down and cleared his mind about some things. He used to do this all the time he was a little kid, especially after his parents left him. Thinking back, he used to bruise and abuse his wings from all the flights he took on. Inuyasha smiled despite his current state.

Somehow, he ended up in the last place he wanted to be…on top of Kagome's apartment building. Sighing in irritation, Inuyasha flew off the building, glancing back at the balcony of her apartment.

He landed on a bench in a park next to the building. Making his wings disappear just in case he wasn't the only one around, he settled more comfortably and closed his eyes.

He sat there in complete peace for a few minutes. If only life could be more like this. His ears then picked up the sound of shuffling feet. His eyes shot open and he looked up. A woman was walking straight towards where he was sitting. Getting up as fast as he could, he spread his wings and flew off in the blink of an eye.

That was close.

xOxO

Kagome was out and about early, walking through the park. She was wearing sweats and a hoodie with her hands shoved in them. The birds were chirping, the sun was still lazily coming up, and there wasn't a cloud in the sky.

Taking in a deep breath of fresh air, Kagome smiled. No one but her was in the park at this hour. But that was alright. She liked it like that.

This little piece of heaven was conveniently located right across her apartment building.

She found an area of the park that had more trees than the rest. And it was formed like it encircled something. Following the path towards the trees, Kagome let her curiosity lead her.

Just then, she heard the flutter of wings. It made her jump, but only for a second. Through the trees that hid what laid ahead, Kagome swore she saw something silver. 'I didn't know there are silver-winged birds.' She thought.

She reached the end of the path, only to find an empty, unoccupied bench. There were no birds and no signs of any other life. Sighing, she sat down on the bench. She was expecting it to be cold with the temperature of the morning atmosphere, but was surprised when she found that it was warm.

Brushing off the thought completely, she stretched her body over the entire bench and closed her eyes. 'Maybe the sun warmed it.' What a beautiful day. Nothing could bring her down now.

She laid there for a while, and soon, she fell asleep.

She saw that familiar silver color, only…it was hair, and it belonged to the figure standing in front of her. It flowed around him and his wings. They were the same color as his hair. What the hell?

They were in some type of void. The only thing she could see was him. There was shadow over his face though, so she couldn't see his face. But she wasn't scared. This presence…was comforting, familiar, and…she felt safe.

"Who…who are you?" she asked hesitantly.

He was silent for a while before he answered. "I promised you…and I swear I'll never break it."

Kagome was now confused. "What? What are you talking about? What did you promise me?"

He only chuckled, something that made her heart flutter. "Don't worry about it. Just know that I'll always keep it."

"Please…" she begged. "…I need to know."

He stepped closer to her, closing the space between them. They were merely inches apart before he started to vanish. "No, wait please." Kagome reached out, but just as her hand almost touched him, he had dispersed completely.

Her knees gave in and she fell into a heap. She felt like crying, although she didn't know why. A tear slid down her cheek.

"Don't worry." The voice came again. "I promise…I will never forget you…"

Kagome jolted up awake, breathing heavily. The sun was beating on her now and she could hear the distant, happy cheers of children playing in the park. How long had she been asleep?

She felt an odd warmth on her cheek, like someone had brushed it…or at least touched it.

Getting up to walk back to her apartment, Kagome looked around, feeling a warm, familiar presence…but…no one was there. Nothing within her little area even moved, save the birds that were chirping and the children playing beyond the secluded spot.

"What a dream." She said out loud while sighing. "No more chocolate before I go to sleep at night." she grumbled and stomped off towards her apartment.

Inuyasha had been silently sitting there for over an hour. He originally planned to leave completely, but had settled for settling in a tree…after all, she might end up seeing him. It is bright and early in the morning. Who wouldn't miss a huge flying thing in the sky?

He watched as she sat down on the bench and was amused to see her face light up in surprise. She then closed her eyes, breathing in deeply with the look of contentment on her face.

'I wish I was that content.' Inuyasha thought. He was in the exact same position she was in just a few minutes ago, and now he was wishing he could steal his seat back. Kagome finally reclined on her back and stretched out on the bench.

'Oh great…don't tell me she's going to fall asleep like a bum with no place to go.' He thought. Too late. She fell sound asleep.'Damn…how do I always manage to jinx myself?'

After about half an hour, Inuyasha got bored and jumped down from his tree. 'I should leave now…now while she doesn't suspect anything…but…should I just leave her?' He had an internal battle, wondering whether or not he should stay. Looking back at the sleeping form, Inuyasha felt his chest tighten. He came up with an excuse of why he shouldn't go and went back up to perch on his tree. Who knows? A man could come up and rape her if anything.

Another 30 minutes…or so it seemed, passed by. Inuyasha sighed in boredom.'Damn…this girl sleeps like a log.' Jumping back down, he walked over to her. She was still in her happy land, not stirring one bit except for her breathing. Her face looked somewhat contorted though, as if in confusion, or as if she was in a nightmare. Inuyasha bent down to poke her face. "Hey. When are you waking up?"

As if on cue, Kagome started to stir in her sleep. Inuyasha panicked and his eyes went wide. 'Shit shit shit shit shit shit!! I didn't mean that literally!!!' Getting away as fast as he could, he went back to his tree in record time before she jolted awake. She was sitting upright and breathing heavily. Inuyasha was confused for a fraction of a second. 'Must've have been a bad dream.'

Kagome put her hand up to her face, to the cheek that he had currently poked.

'Oops.'

She got up and murmured something about not eating anymore chocolate before going to sleep. Inuyasha smiled at this. Waiting until she was out of earshot, Inuyasha fell back down to the solid earth and began walking out of the park. Maybe he should just take the cab home.

'You can't remember…but I can't forget.'

xOxO

"Damn damn damn damn damn!! Sango, I'm gonna be late!!" Kagome complained as she grabbed her bag and started out the door. Sango just stared at her swinging doorway before watching Kagome emerge again. "Shit!! Grabbed the wrong bag…Sango, where's mine?"

Sango sighed and lowered her head, rubbing at her temples. "Kagome…chill…it's just an interview, ok? Just take a deep breath, and re-lax." Sango said while taking a sharp inhale to show an example.

Kagome tried following suit but only ended coming short to hyperventilating. Sango couldn't help but crack up and burst out laughing. Kagome glowered and looked over at her "friend". "Glad to see someone's happy."

Sango calmed down a bit and looked up at her friend. "Look. School's been tough this week and you had a hard day. Your job interview's not for another half an hour and you won't be late. Your bag's right over there on the couch and I thank you for not running off with mybag…or at least remembering it was my bag and returning here to give it back."

Kagome looked up at the clock which read 7:30. Her interview was at 8. She groaned. She was graduating soon and if she could hook this job, then she'd be able to work during the summer and onward to help pay for her college tuition. Walking over to the couch, she picked up her bag and dropped Sango's one on the seat instead. Turning around again, she headed out the door in a calm manner. "Alright. See? Happy? I'm calm."

Sango nodded in agreement.

Kagome then stopped in her tracks to look at Sango with a deadly glare. "But if I'm late for that interview and I fail it…I'll show no mercy." She threatened before continuing on her way and out the door in a forced, calm walk.

Sango only shook her head. 'That crazy chick.'

xOxO

"Ms. Higurashi?" the secretary called. Kagome looked up to indicate it was her. The secretary smiled. "Mr. Fukushima can see you for your interview now."

Sango was right. She did make it on time…only she had to threaten and beat up the cab driver to go faster for it. Walking into the room, she quickly recited her short speech in her head. She stopped and stood by a desk in the large office.

"Ms. Higurashi. Glad you could make it. Please…have a seat."

xOxO

Miroku looked up from the TV to Inuyasha, who was walking to the front door with his keys jingling in his hand. Turning the box off, Miroku stood up to jog over and catch up with him. "Hey Yash…where ya headed to?"

"None ya."

Miroku was taken aback a bit. Okay, now Inuyasha was just infuriating. "Damn, son! I just wanted to know where the fuck you were going."

Inuyasha sighed. He was going to go check on Kagome. That klutz of a girl could get herself killed with her usual tactics of being alone by herself. But Inuyasha couldn't tell Miroku that. Instead, he told him,

"Miroku…thanks."

Miroku's face showed obvious confusion. "Huh? Wait, what?"

"I said…thanks. You know…" Inuyasha turned his head back to give him a backwards glance. "…for putting up with me."

Before Miroku could even respond, Inuyasha was out the door and in his garage, revving up his car. "Crazy maniac. I will never understand." Miroku sighed and walked back to the living room.

xOxO

Kagome beamed with joy. Yes! She got the job!!!

She headed down to the first floor where her cab should've been waiting. Reaching her destination, she walked out the revolving doors only to be greeted with rain and no taxi.

'Shit whore. Where the hell is that cab?'

Dialing the taxi company, she walked down the sidewalk, to where some shade held some shelter. She waited for someone to pick up. 'Sorry. All circuits are currently busy. Please try again later.'

"Damnit!!" Kagome cursed. The damn line was busy. She was far from the entrance of the building now and there was an alley way that had more protection than the shade she was under.

The rain only became harder as she ran for the alley. Little did she know, a couple of goons spotted her and followed her. Just when Kagome thought she was safe, a new voice startled her.

"What's a pretty face like you doing out on the streets alone at this time of night, babe?" one man said.

Kagome whipped around to face the voice and found two men staring at her.

"No-nothing…just, just trying to find some place to hide under for a while." Kagome reasoned. 'Shit.'

"Well, you can always come with us." The first man said.

"Yeah, we have shelter." The other said.

"Uh…no, that's okay. I'm perfectly fine." Kagome argued.

The two men only smirked and advance towards her. Kagome stepped back. "W-what are you doing?"

Still no response. Shit.

xOxO

Inuyasha got out of his car and arrived at her apartment only to find she wasn't there. What was she doing out? Deciding to snoop around, he landed on Sango's balcony to check if she was there. No such luck.

He did hear Sango on the phone though.

"Oh wow, you made it?!"

Silence as she listened for a response over the phone.

"OMG…Damn, Kagome! See what I told you? You'd make it. Pshh…and you didn't believe me."

Ah hah! So she was talking to Kagome. Where the hell was that girl?

"Alright. Come back soon, ok? I can't wait!! We should set up a party for a new receptionist at Nippon Industries!!"

So that's where she was. Thanks Sango. Flying back to where his car was parked in a secluded area, Inuyasha hopped in and sped off to Nippon Ind.

The rain started splattering down halfway there. Great. If Kagome was stupid enough to walk out this late at night and in this weather, Inuyasha swore to himself he'd talk some sense into that dense girl.

xOxO

Kagome's scream was muffled by the hard rain. The two goons had captured both her arms. She kicked and flailed in vain. "Ha. It's useless to even try, babe."

"You'll only hurt yourself." The other taunted.

"Get the fuck off me, you fucking sickos!!" Kagome screamed. She was full on pissed right about now, and she was scared to death. Frikk…she had no chance against these guys. 'Why couldn't I just wait inside the damned building? Stupid stupid stupid!' she berated herself while continuing to struggle.

"Calm down, sweetie. Just calm down."

"Hell no and fuck off, bastard!" Kagome yelled and bit down onto his hand. He screamed in pain and caught the attention of the other guy. Kagome used this to her advantage and bit the other while he was distracted. They released her and she ran with all her strength, like her life depended on it…and it did.

Just as she was about to reach the end of the alley and onto the street, she was tugged back harshly. "Stupid bitch! When I tell you to relax, you fucking relax, you hear me?"

She was thrown back towards the other guy, deeper in the alley. "And since you've been very disobedient, it's time we teach you obedience."

Kagome shivered. And it wasn't from the pouring rain. She cried. Here she was, lying helplessly on the ground of an alley at the mercy of the two most disgusting men she's ever encountered. She heard them snicker and laugh. Her insides churned. Kagome screwed her eyes shut as she waited in anticipation for what was about to come.

"Good…come nicely baby." He flipped her to a face up position.

"Hold up. Why put her face up? Why not down?"

"Cuz I like it that way, idiot."

"Why do you always get to go first?"

"Because, I'm the boss."

They set into this whole argument and Kagome found her second chance of escape. She tried to get up, but found her knees were still held by the man. They stopped arguing. "Oh look, she's trying to get away." They both laughed disgustingly.

"Please…someone…" Kagome silently begged.

"No one can help you now."

Just as he said that, Kagome heard punches and a scream from the other man tear through the night and the rain. "What the---?" the man holding her down turned to look at the intruder.

"Don't you guys know it's a sin to rape helpless girls?" the intruder asked, his voice dangerously laced with anger and screamed murder.

"Who the fuck are y---" But before he could finish that sentence, the man was knocked out unconscious and kicked to the opposite side of the wall, creating cracks in his wake.

Kagome looked up to her savior. The light from the streetlamps didn't do much but show his hair and the outline of his body. His face was kept under a shadow. "And you…don't you know it's unsafe for a woman of your age to be out and alone this time of night?"

Kagome's vision started to clear. She finally realized his hair was silver and his voice…it was so damn familiar. 'I know him…but…where…?'

He started to walk away.

"WAIT!!" she screamed. He stopped. "Who…who are you?" Through the pouring rain, she could still see him tense. "That's none of your business."

Kagome remained unfazed though, still focusing on the familiarity of being near him. Getting up, she slowly walked forward. "Please…I just want to…" her vision started to blur and she felt her legs become wobbly. Shit. What the hell was going on?

He turned around to face her, and his calm demeanor change to concern as he looked at her. The streetlamp could finally reach his face. He fully turned and crouched in a stance that was ready to run at her. Just before she fell completely unconscious, she saw one last thing that would haunt her mind forever.

He has golden eyes.

You can't remember…but I can't forget
A/N: I wasn't too happy about this chapter. I know it doesn't exactly satisfy some of you...so yea. But anyways, I hoped you guys enjoyed it!! If this week doesn't go so bad, I might update early, ok?

Majahh love for now

--Island Honey--