A/N: Thank you so much for the reviews. Since I received so many in just a few day, I did something special and wrote the next chapter. Please don't hate me when you see the outcome of this chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own anything regarding to Inuyasha. The only thing I own is the idea for the plot.Warning: This fanfiction is Rated R for Lemons, Limes, Language, and Blood.

Choices
Chapter Ten

Kagome and Inuyasha returned the next morning to the other side of the well. Neither one spoke with the other. Both kept silent through the rest of the evening. Kagome couldn't bare to look at him. She felt like a fool on how she over reacted. Inuyasha felt like a complete idiot. He knew she was not his. He knew that she could see anyone. It made sense to him. Why would anyone stay with a filthy half-breed? However, it happen that the promise that he made Kikyou kept coming back to him. He promised to take Kagome as his mate. That was his main reason for being so mad at her. He didn't mean to scare her. He didn't mean to push her away. He just wanted to let her know that soon she would be with him.

As soon as Kagome was able to escape the spare bedroom, Kagome made sure not to look at Inuyasha. Something about him, just made her feel different. She seen him react. She seen him what he could do if he gets mad. She didn't want to see it anymore. Yes, she had to admit it. There were times that he scared her, but not on purpose. Kagome could tell, though, that he was upset on all this. She knew he was as confused as her. However, what was she suppose to say? There wasn't much. He told her how he felt. It wasn't love, but it was close enough. Close enough, she couldn't have that. Either he loved her or he didn't. It couldn't be either way.

Inuyasha carried Kagome's bag back to the hut. She trailed behind him, but not too far. He could still see her from the corner of his eye. Shippo came running out of the hut as soon as he started to smell Kagome. He ran around Inuyasha and quickly jumped on Kagome's shoulder. She returned a small smile to him before placing him on the ground. Inuyasha released a small sigh as he saw the reactions she was giving off. He knew it was his fault.

He walked inside the hut with Kagome following. She walked to her corner and sat down. He dropped her bag beside her before turning out the door. Kagome held it up as much as she could. With him gone, she buried herself into her bag and cried. Sango was quickly at her side rubbing her back. She tried whispering calming words, but nothing seemed to work. Miroku looked at the girl and then disappeared out of the hut. He had to find out what happen.

"Inuyasha, Kagome is crying. Did something happen?" asked Miroku. He glanced up into one of the trees and noticed the hanyou sitting against the trunk. His sword was resting against his shoulder and his arms were crossed in his haori.

"Feh." It was his only respond. It didn't matter what happen in Kagome's time. No one needed to know. What happen between him and the girl was the only needed to be know between him and her.

Inside the hut, Kagome continued to cry. She didn't know what the reason was. She should be happy that the event did not get worse. However, in her heart, it felt as if it had gotten worse. There seemed to be no way of repairing the broken wounds that happen over the day. "Kagome, are you okay? What happen?" Sango's voice was soft. It was gentle.

Kagome didn't respond. She just cried. She wanted to cry the pain away. However, she knew it wouldn't leave her. "Kagome, please, I want to help. What happen?" Sango's voice seem sad. It seemed like she was about to cry.

Kagome couldn't let her cry over herself. She didn't need to feel sorry for, at least, not for the reason she crying for. "It was...it was Inuyasha." She sobbed it out while trying to wipe the tears away.

"What did he do? We notice him leave yesterday afternoon. It was driving him crazy waiting for you."

"I went...out on a date...with..."

"A boy from your time. I see." Sango finished the sentence for her understanding what was going on.

Kagome only nodded. She knew Sango knew how angry Inuyasha got whe Kouga came around. She knew she would realize it would be the same on her time. "He didn't...well, you know."

"I see. He has a reason for all of this."

Kagome looked at the door. The wind blew the door open and Kagome could see Inuyasha sitting in the tree. Miroku was leaning against the base of the tree. He was talking with the hanyou. Occasionally, Kagome would see Miroku's lips move then the hanyou's lips. What they were talking about was unknown to Kagome. "He said it wasn't even that far. He only cares about me because of the jewel. Nothing else."

"You are wrong, Kagome. Deep down, he cares for you for something else, something stronger."

Kagome only shook her head before burying herself once again in her bag crying. She didn't want to believe it. She didn't want to thinkthat the kiss, the events that happen were something more. She thought about it all night. It couldn't be what she was thinking. There was no way. He was only watching over her because of the jewel. That's all that matter to him.

"I see. Have you told her the truth?" asked Miroku. Inuyasha explained everything that happen in Kagome's time. Somehow, Miroku got the idea what had happen and Inuyasha had to tell him the rest. Miroku seemed to be helping which was a first. He made sense in some of his conversations. Inuyasha only guessed it because he was soon to be wed.

"I only told her that it wasn't that far yet, but far enough."

"You told her you cared about her, but didn't love her. I can see how it has affected her. She is crying because of it."

"It's not my fault."

Miroku shifted in his standing position. He moved his staff to his other arm as he glanced up at the hanyou and then back at the hut. "Actually, it is." That was all Miroku said before walking off. He disappeared in the hut leaving the hanyou confused. Inuyasha watched as Miroku disappeared. Was there a chance not telling her the truth messed everything up? He hoped that was not the answer.

Kai was standing outside letting the cool air blow against his skin. He was suprised by everything how it turned out. He wasn't expecting the hanyou to return just on time to save the miko. He thought his mate told the hanyou enough information to get him away. He guessed wrong. Last night when he punished his mate, she told him of what her friends intentions were. It made his blood boil that her friend told her about the crow demon. He knew too much about his kind. He would send the hanyou straight towards the seer. It happen to be that everything was correct. The hanyou arrived just in time and knew about the purest of heart. Now it would be even harder for him to get the jewel and kill the girl.

Turning inside, he walked back to the bedroom. His mate was sleeping all tangled up in the blanket. He released a sigh as he shook his head. It might have been punishment, but it was certainly enjoyable. Climbing on the bed, he lifted her head onto his lap. He stroke her hair whispering her name in her ear. She moved trying to ignore it, but finally open her eyes. "Time to get up, dear. We have a lot of planning to do. With the current events, everything has been change." Saeko just nodded her head before turning away.

Kai slid of the bed and walked back out the room. Saeko pulled on her kimono and followed her mate. He was leaning against the door glancing out at the garden. "What do you have plan?"

"I am not sure quite yet, but I am sure it will something to make up for the mistakes that have happen."

"I am so sorry about that. I didn't expect Atsuko to tell him about the crow demon. She only mentioned that she had to tell some truth to make him leave. I guess even with her knowledge she only knew the right place to go."

Kai turned towards his mate. He noticed how the windo whipped around her legs moving her kimono just partly open at the stomach. He released a small inside smile before staring into her eyes. "Don't worry about it. Next time, we will be prepared." Saeko just returned a smile to him as he turned back towards the view of the garden.

Kagome calmed down only moments later when Miroku appeared inside. He walked up to her and embraced her in a hug. It was a shocking suprise to both Kagome and Sango. It was the first time he didn't do anything perverted. He was giving her a hug like a friend would do. He knew she was hurt. He knew the reason. He was just trying to help the best he could. As soon as Kagome's sobbings calmed down, he backed away and suggested that the girls go swimming. It was a warm day and the cool water would help them both. Both girls nodded and quickly disappeared.

Kagome and Sango stayed in the water a few moments. Inuyasha was occasionally checking on them before he would head back to the one of the trees to wait. He hated see Kagome upset, but could he actually let her know the truth. Yes, it was that far. He did love her, but he didn't want to go that far in the relationship. To prevent it, he only told her that it was far, but not far enough. He winced at the memories on how she reacted. As Miroku talked with him, he could smell the tears that Kagome was giving off. He knew he was the blame, but what else could he do.

"Ah, Master Inuyasha. I am glad that I have found you." said an annoying little demon. Inuyasha used his hand to come crashing down against his neck. The flea demon floated into his hand before returning to his normal size.

"And what do you want, Myouga?"

"How is everything coming on with the jewel? I noticed that Kagome is still around."

"Feh."

"Ah. I see it now. You love the girl."

Inuyasha turned towards the flea demon releasing a low growl. "What?"

Myouga crossed his arms and sat back. "It's understandable, Master. For so long you travelled with the girl. I can see it in your eyes. You are afraid of hurting her, losing her, but still you love her."

"It doesn't matter. Nothing will change."

"Yes, it will. Telling her will let her know. It might even make the choice easier. Anyways, I only came to drop by and check one everything. Better get going." With that the flea demon was gone. Inuyasha just released a sigh. The choices were hardly their problem at the moment. The Koimaryoku demons were what the main problem was. The purest of heart was the only person or demon that could destroy them. The seer had mentioned that the person or demon was around. Could she been talking about Kagome? Inuyasha glanced down when he noticed Kagome and Sango walking back. He released a light smile as he noticed the young girl.

Her hair was flying in the breeze. Her skin was shining brightly by the water that was not whipped off. She was only wearing a pair of shorts over her swimsuit. Her top was covered in a bra-type shirt. He could clearly see that she had been tanning. A giggle escaped her lips as Sango told her something. He loved to hear her laugh. It was music to his ears. He released another sigh. At least she was happy. When the girls entered the surrounding area of the village, he jumped down only to appear right in front of them. Sango jumped, but only came crashing against Miroku. A light blush escaped her cheeks. Kagome, however, came crashing down the ground. With Inuyasha quick moves, he was able to grab her. A light blush followed by a frown escaped her face. He bit back his inner lip knowing that she was still recovering over what happen in her time.

She pushed away from him and soon followed Miroku and Sango into the hut. Inuyasha just released another sigh before sitting against the hut wall. He would wait till he entered. Causing another fight was just something that he didn't want to do.

Jiro and Haro were leaning against a wall as Kai explained everything that his mate told him. Both looked at each other before glancing their way towards Saeko. They both wanted to kill her. They were almost killed by the hanyou if it wasn't for Kai and his sword. Kai prevented them by telling them about how this all worked out. He mentioned that now the hanyou knows about the purest of heart. It will only be time till when he leads them to the demon or person. Both demons nodded on the idea. "We agree then?" asked Kai.

"Yes, but there has to be something we can do?" asked Haro.

"Oh, there is. We are to keep the hanyou and miko busy. If he finds time to forget about the purest of heart, it will take that much longer to steal the jewel from the miko."

"And what do you suggest we do?" asked Jiro.

Kai glanced over his shoulder at his mate. His mate only smiled and nodded. "We are to watch what happens. At the current moment, the hanyou and miko have been fighting. It will only be a moment in time that the miko leaves the protection of the hanyou. If that happens, I will take the chance on killing the miko. If not, we will still have our other plan to use." Haro and Jiro nodded before leaving the castle.

Kai turned away from the section the demons were standing. He walked towards the window and looked out over the hills. His plan was perfect. The hanyou would lead him to the purest of heart. He would then kill the purest of heart. If the hanyou did not lead him, he would lure the miko away. Their arguements seem to continue and it seemed that the miko was getting hurt by it all. It would only be days before she finally left. A smile danced across his face. Yes, soon the jewel would be his and the miko would be dead.

Kagome seemed to return back to her normal self almost a couple of hours later. She seemed happy as she listen to Shippo's jokes and learned more about the wedding that Miroku and Sango were planning. During that time, Sango asked Kagome if she wanted to walk with her. She agreed saying that it was too warm inside the hut. When she appeared outside, Inuyasha was leaning against the hut. He glanced up at her with a slight frown on his face, but she said nothing against it. She just turned down a path with Sango.

Sango and her were walking towards a small meadow. Sango hated to see Inuyasha and Kagome fight. It was strange on what the reason was too. Yes, what Kagome said was true. Inuyasha does over react sometimes, but it couldn't hurt him just once to calm it down. "Did I tell you he kissed me?" asked Kagome. She interrupted the silence that was surrounding the area.

"No."

"It happen the morning I left the hospital. He came running in saying everything was going to be okay and kissed me. He did it almost three times after that. First it was the holding of hands and then little kisses here and there."

"I never expected him to take it that far."

Kagome looked over at Sango. "Me either. However, with everything that happen, I am not sure what to say."

Sango walked over to where Kagome was standing. She leaning over a tree branch with her arms crossed. She stared out at the horizon with the meadow below. "Just follow your heart."

Kagome released a small sigh. "It's hard to anymore. There are times when he cares about me and then there are times that he scares me."

"Have you ever thought that maybe he is just putting on a strong face? You got to remember that he is not one to show emotions."

Kagome never thought about that. Ya, he might have kisses her about three times. He might have embraced her in a hug a couple of times or even held her hand, but that could mean anything. He is one to hid all of his emotions and one to show his rude side. "I never thought about that." Sango just gave her a smile before turning back down the path. Kagome returned the smile and soon followed.

Everyone was sitting outside enjoying the evening air. The sun could be seen setting in the surrounding forest. Miroku was holding Sango while she slept. Shippo was playing with his toys while Kirara watched him with curiosity. Kaeda laughed a couple of times when Kirara prounced the spinning top. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

Kagome was leaning against one side of the hut. She was making sure to sit a certain distance away from the hut. She might have left Inuyasha alone all day, but she wasn't sure if he had calm down in the whole time. Occasionally, she would look at him and noticed his calm structure. He would be sitting against the hut holding Tetsusaiga once again. His arm would be resting over a bent knee and he would just be staring at the horizon. It reminded her of the times when he sat in her window. A smile crept across her face. She loved how he looked. The sun's light would make his body show more. It just brought out more of what she liked.

The place grew silent for a few minutes before Inuyasha quickly sat up on one of his knees gripping Tetsusaiga tightly. He released a low growl as he flexed his claws. Sango opened her eyes while Miroku looked around. Kagome glanced from the hanyou towards the direction. She soon realize why Inuyasha was upset. Three Ookami demons were heading there way. One jumped out landing right in front of Kagome. "Hey Kagome. How has mutt-face been treating you?" asked Kouga, leader of the Wolf Demons.

"Everything is fine. How's going for you?" She replied it with ease never noticing that Inuyasha was not happy about the current events.

"Just fine. I came to see if you decided on my option."

Kagome only shook her head. "I am sorry, but I still have to decline." Kagome knew what offer he was asking. Kouga wanted Kagome to become his mate. She remembered the day that he asked her and how Kagome learned about demon mating. It was roughly a week after they arrived at Kaeda's place after defeating Naraku.

Kagome was only outside for a few minutes. She was once again enjoying the setting sun. For some reason, the setting sun always took her breath away. It made her wonder about what would happen if something happen like this instead of happening the way it did. She walked over to the common place she sat, the cliff looking over the ocean. That's when Kouga showed up. He sat by her and she thanked him for helping them with the battle against Naraku. He only smiled at her. He finally bent down upon one knee. Kagome blushed as she thought he was going to ask her to marry him. That is when he said the word she was unfamiliar with. He had asked her to be his mate. Kagome blinked hard on the question and then stood up and ran.

She was lucky where she ran. Sango was walking towards the direction of Kagome and Kagome ran into her. Sango asked what made her run and that is when she told about Kouga and him asking her to be his mate. Sango noticed it right away that Kagome didn't know what it meant to be someone's mate. She sat down on a tree log and explained. She told Kagome that there are certain demon kinds that mate for life. She told that Wolf and Dog Demons were one of those kinds. When those demons ask for a mate, they want someone to stay by their side forever. One that will bear their young and be strong with them. Kagome nodded her head agreeing on everything. She found Kouga leaning against a tree looking out at the horizon. He was happy to see her arrive, but was sad when she said she would have to think about it. However, as he left, he seemed happy for he thought their was a chance.

"Is it because of mutt-face?" Kagome was snapped out of her memories when Kouga asked the question.

Kagome released a small sigh. She didn't know why she kept turning Kouga down. He was loyal. He already proclaimed that he loved her. His pack already loved her enough. It seemed like the right idea. However, Kagome knew why she turned him down. She still had feelings for Inuyasha. Even if Inuyasha was a little protective or possesive, she still loved him. He was always there for her, even when she was in the hospital. "I can not say. Sometimes it is because of him and others is because of me. Please, Kouga, give me time to think."

Kouga just released a smile. "I will wait forever for you, Kagome. I already told you that I love you. With that, I will wait even if it takes the rest of my life." Kouga leaned down and placed a kiss upon Kagome's cheek. That threw Inuyasha off. He charged at Kouga missing him greatly.

"Keep your filthy lips off Kagome, you mangy wolf." Inuyasha growled it out in a low hiss.

"Inuyasha, he was only being nice." Kagome tried to calm him down only to be thrown to the ground when she stepped in his way.

"Stay out of this, bitch."

Kagome eyes went wide. It was the first time he called her that. "Inuyasha." He turned towards her as Kouga ran off. He noticed the angry look in her eyes. "SIT boy." Down he came. Tetsusaiga transforming into it's rusty self and landing on the ground beside him.

Kagome stood staring at him as he laid on the ground. After a few seconds, he sat up and sheathed his sword. "What in hell was that for?"

"You called me a name...a mean name."

"Bitch? There is nothing mean about it."

"Yes, it is. No one should call me that. It is mean."

"Oh shut up about it."

Kagome sat back bitten by his respond. She never noticed him to tell her to shut up either. Tears started to develop in her eye. He looked at her noticing the salty scent. "You jerk. You complete jerk. You never care about anyone's feelings."

"Oh, come on Kagome, it was just a conversation. Nothing more."

"Say sorry then." Tears were starting to flow down her face. She sobbed as she looked at his face.

"No. There are sometimes that I do regret you receiving your soul back from Kikyou..."

"Sit boy." Inuyasha was unable to finish the sentence. He was soon eating dirt.

Kagome looked up at him as he sat there with his face in the ground. Her face looking hurt from the pain he had said. She thought he put Kikyou behind him. She thought he was moving on. How could he bring her up? How could he? Kagome stood up. She felt the warm tears running down her face. She put her hands up to her face trying to stop them from falling. Her heart ached. Never has she been this hammered. Ya, she was hurt in the past when Inuyasha went to see Kikyou. She was even hurt when he kissed Kikyou, but now to say something after Kikyou was gone? Kagome shook her head and ran into the hut. She quickly grabbed her bag and ran out of the hut. Inuyasha watched. He knew where she was going.

After releasing a sigh, he finally stood up and started to walk towards the well. He soon arrived at the well. He quickly jumped in allowing the time stream to take over. He had to get Kagome to listen. She didn't allow him to explain. She took it all the wrong way.

Kagome had tears running down her face as she explained to her mother about everything. She explained how he over reacted during the date with Hojo over the weekend and how now he was just plain rude, that she never wanted to see him again. She was doing this as she was packing. Her mother suggested that she stay with her aunt in a town not too far from here. Her, Souta, and Kagome's grandfather would be arriving soon. Kagome agreed. It was the only thing that would allow her to escape.

Kagome closed her suitcase as her mother entered. "The cab will be here shortly. We should be down there either tomorrow or the next day. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Yes. I am tired of him hurting me like this. If I leave and he is unable to find me, maybe he will forget about me."

"Okay, but please notice one thing. Relationships are not built in one day. It takes time and many battles before the final war is done." Kagome nodded her head, but made her decission. She knew there was no relationships. She finally came to a conclusion that the kisses meant nothing. He was being possesive and protective because of the jewel.

As she waited downstairs, the honking of the cab came. Her brother and grandfather gave her hugs bidding her good-bye and wishing her a safe trip and that they would see her soon. She gave them weak smiles as her mother helped her carry her luggage out. At the cab, her mother gave her hug and kiss before helping her in. A single tear ran down Kagome's face as she waved good-bye. Soon the cab drove off into the horizon of the setting sun. Kagome only glanced back out of the window seeing her mother waving and the shrine that held all her memories of happiness and pain disappear in the distance.

Mrs. Higurashi watched as her daughter disappeared before walking up the shrine steps. She stopped at the top only to gasp. Inuyasha stood panting for air. "I am sorry, Inuyasha, but Kagome is not here."

"Where is she? I need to talk with her. We had an arguement and she took something the wrong way."

"She is gone."

"Gone? Like on a date or out with her friends."

Mrs. Higurashi just shook her head. "No. She left town. I am sorry." With that saying, she walked pass the hanyou and straight into the shrine house.

Inuyasha just stood at the top of the steps. He could smell the light scent of Kagome plus the salty water. Her mother told the truth. Kagome was no longer at the shrine. She was no longer in the village. She was gone. However, was she gone forever? Inuyasha felt his eyes burn by his tears that were starting to build up. He sat down upon the steps letting the tears run free. A two simple sentences escaped his lips in a light whisper. "I am sorry. Please, forgive me."

WARNING: Characters might be OOC. They are needed for the upcoming chapters.