Author's Note: Well I'm back with another one, and I'm sorry for the delay. Usually I paste one every other day and I do it in the morning, because of the time difference. But now, I don't think that I can keep up since school is coming back. But, no force on Earth or Heaven, will stop me from writing the chapters and pasting it up ASAP! I promise. Now read on because this is a good too.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha


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Chapter 12: Lovers Confusion

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'I guess it could have been worse,' Kagome thought.

Kagome was currently walking outside, towards the Goshinboku. She just explained to her mother what happened while she was taking a walk and then what Inuyasha had done. Her mother, to put it simple, was frightened and angry at the same time, if it's even possible to show those two emotions at the same time. Mrs. Higurashi was so frightened when she heard that Kagome almost got raped, by a boy from the spot nonetheless, and then she was angry, mostly at herself, that she let Kagome go out so late, alone. Everything was her fault, but she had grounded Kagome, out of her anger and foolishness. Kagome thought that it was unfair, she didn't deserve to be grounded, she didn't do anything wrong. But her mother assured her that the reason why she was being grounded is because her mother didn't want her leaving the house.

'She could have just told me that.' Kagome half smiled to herself because she knew that she would probably just leave the house anyways.

The sky was still midnight black, stars vibrantly twinkling in the vast sky. Kagome looked up to the sky and saw Inuyasha's face smiling down at her. Something about him made Kagome feel so peaceful, and happy most of all. He made her feel like she was such an important person and he cared for her. She thought that he felt obligated to take her home and protect her because she was his girlfriend's sister. 'Well that makes sense. Wouldn't want Kikyo to get mad at him, now would we?' Kagome finally stopped at the fence surrounding the Goshinboku. She looked up into its dark branches and stood that way for a couple of minutes, her mind wandering in the dark. Then, Kagome sat down and began to meditate as her body began to still and her breathing became slow. Her body was in a peaceful slumber as Kagome took her mind into the unknown; into the Maboroshi Kokudo.

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Inuyasha was currently lying on his bed. Once he got home, he walked in his room, threw his keys on his dresser, and flopped down on his bed. He's been lying on the same spot, staring at the same place on the ceiling, for about half an hour. All the while, he was thinking about Kagome. His concern for her sparked a new thought; why in the world is he so worried about her? 'I can't stop thinking about her. What the hell is going on with me?'

Inuyasha turned onto his stomach and lied his head on his left side so he could look out his balcony window. It was still dark outside but, according to the clock, dawn should be approaching in a couple hours. Inuyasha just couldn't shut his mind off and he got even more frustrated. He pushed his body off of the bed and stood up, then he walked towards his balcony and opened the French doors. The cool night breeze hit him like a refreshing breath and his frustration slowly started to melt away, floating away with the wind. Inuyasha walked to the edge of the balcony and rested his hands on the balustrade. He took a deep sigh as his eyes roamed his father's land. Everything was quiet and calm.

Inuyasha looked up to the sky and saw so many stars. Unlike the city, since they lived in a remotely desolate place, the stars shone much brighter due to no lights in the area and less pollution. Inuyasha loved it. It brought peace to his mind and he could just sit and watch the stars for hours without a care in the world. That was heaven for him; just plain nature. But as he looked up to the sky, Inuyasha saw someone who has been stuck in his mind for hours. Kagome, smiling down at him, with her raven hair outlining her face perfectly, and her smile that always made his heart skip a beat. Inuyasha sighed. 'What am I going to do?' he thought as he gazed back at the sleeping land, letting his mind wander.

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Mist. Surrounding everything. Kagome walked casually through the mist, taking time to notice all the nicely bloomed flowers on the ground, or those that she could make out. She kept walking, intended on going to the waterfall, where her mother awaits. Kagome looked around, and as far as the eye could see, there were no trees in sight. That's how it was in the Maboroshi Kokudo. Just plain, flat land with flourishing grass and flowers, with an occasional tree, or two, next to the waterfall. 'So peaceful in this place,' Kagome thought with happiness.

She finally came into view of the waterfall. She could hear the sound of the water crashing down on more water, and it was like music to her ears. No cars, no sirens; no one. Kagome could see a lot more clearly now as the mist went away to show the small waterfall and the river that flowed through the Maboroshi. She then saw her mother, sitting at the water's edge, gazing at the water's calmness.

Midoriko looked up to see her daughter walking towards her. She smiled and stood up, leaving an imitation of her tall figure on the water's face. Kagome smiled as she neared the other side of the pond.

"Hi, mother," Kagome said.

Midoriko smiled tenderly at her beloved daughter. "Hi sweetheart. How have you been dear?" she asked, moving around the pond to get to the other side.

Kagome watched as she came towards her. "Oh, I'm doing okay. Although, I didn't have a very good night, tonight."

She watched as her mother looked worried. "What happen?"

Midoriko crossed over the river and came next to her daughter. Kagome sighed as she sat down with her mother following.

"Well, I got into a little drama with this boy I just met the other night. But, Inuyasha had helped me." Kagome ended it there, not really wanting to get into any details.

Midoriko could tell that she was hiding something. When ever Kagome came, they would usually talk about Kagome's troubles or the events that were occurring in the world. And every time, Midoriko would listen with interested ears at her daughter's soothing voice. Kagome told her everything; from her memories with Inuyasha, to her days at school. Midoriko watched as daughter grew quiet and spaced into the pond.

"I can feel your emotions running around. Are you sure that's all that happened?" she asked, lifting her hand to turn her daughter's head towards her so they could lock eyes.

Kagome gazed at her mother's deep chocolate eyes and realized that she could probably tell her a little more. But there was just something nagging inside of her, telling her not to. Yet, she trusted her mother, a lot, so she let everything go.

Kagome sighed but smiled at her mother. "I guess, I have a confession to make." Kagome freed her head from Midoriko's hand and looked out into the field of flowers, the mist had slowly evaporated with Kagome's arrival.

"Mother, I know you might not approve, but I can't stop the feeling from happening. I…well… I like Inuyasha," she blurted out, turning a slight pinkish at having to verbally tell this to someone. "I think that he's just a wonderful guy and he's also handsome, but most of all, he treats me with so much love that it makes me feel…"

"Don't." Midoriko stood up and turned her head so Kagome couldn't see. But Kagome knew why her mother was upset with her. She remained sitting on the ground, her head bowed. Midoriko knew this was happening because she could feel it in Kagome's heart. Kagome and Midoriko is connected, in a way, as she can feel the emotions running through Kagome's heart, and this feeling was one she did not recognize, and also did not like. Midoriko took two steps closer to the water's edge.

"Inuyasha is a wonderful boy, I know. From all those times when you two were young and the way he used to play with you, he truly was a caring boy, and probably still is. Now, it's no fun and games Kagome. The both of you are not just playing around anymore. This is when it becomes serious and people's lives are put into play."

Midoriko looked down at her daughter's head. Kagome was currently looking into the pond, feeling miserable. She knew that her mother wouldn't approve of this, yet why couldn't she let it sly for once, or at least, the only time.

Midoriko sighed. "I'm not saying that you can't be friends with Inuyasha anymore. What I'm saying is that I don't want you to get any closer than you already are. You like him, Kagome. Do you know what 'like' can lead to?"

Kagome nodded slowly but looked up at her mother with sad eyes. Midoriko had to look away for she knew that she could not stay strong by looking into those heartbreaking eyes. "I don't want you getting closer to him. Stay friends. Just be glad that you can have that much."

Midoriko started to walk back around the pond, her beautiful figure gracefully gliding on the land. Kagome slowly stood up and turned to see the water falling.

"I don't know if I can stop my emotions from forming, mother. But, I can't deny them. Believe me, I've tried. Things like this happen," Kagome said, trying to reason with Midoriko.

Her mother kept walking to the other side but Kagome could see her head shake. "No, these things don't happen to you. You just have to accept that, and don't deny it."

Kagome frowned at her mother's retreating figure. She didn't want to be here anymore. Kagome sighed and turned around so her mother couldn't see her face. She was so mad. She knew that her mother wouldn't approve, so why try. It was a futile attempt and now Kagome felt even worse for even trying. Something inside of her just gave up hope and her light dimmed. Midoriko got to the other side and stared at her daughter's back. She knew that she hurt her but what else was she supposed to do? 'I can't tell her it's alright to love. Because it's not. I can't tell her that she should accept her feelings for Inuyasha. Because she can't.' Midoriko watched as Kagome's figure started to fade until only her outline appeared, and then, nothing. Midoriko looked down into the peaceful pond and wished that everything was as simple as people imagined in their dreams.

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The sun started to awaken from its slumber as it slowly made its appearance across the vast sky. The stars slowly began to fade away, afraid of the burning light. The midnight sky began to grow an orange-pinkish color. Inuyasha was still outside on his balcony, in the same spot, with the same problem, for the past hours. He watched as the land began to awake as well. Everything seemed to come to life once light had touched it, giving it the strength of the heavens. Inuyasha stood up and finally came to a conclusion. 'I have to see her. I have to see if she's alright.' Inuyasha walked back into his room, grabbed his phone and wallet, and then walked out. He entered the living room and heard glass hitting each other. He smelt his brother's and mother's scent and knew that they must be up making coffee while his father was probably getting ready for work. Everyone was a morning person, or sort of, sometimes. Inuyasha made it into the garage unnoticed, got two helmets, jumped on his favorite bike and left his home with a twist of the wrist.

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It was seven in the morning and the streets of Tokyo was beginning a new day of traffic and eager drivers. A bike had made its way easily through the crowded streets and it made its way to the Higurashi shrine stairs. Inuyasha parked his bike at the bottom and took off his helmet, letting his hair free to flow down his back as he put the helmet onto his steering wheel. Inuyasha's phone was beeping and he glared at it, wanting it to stop. He unclipped it from his waist and opened it to see who the caller was. His brother. 'What the hell does he want?' Inuyasha got off of his bike and started to walk up the stairs. He pushed on the button with his thumb to speak to his brother.

Beep Beep. "What do ya want Sesshomaru?" he asked, rather sternly.

"Where are you?" his brother said through the speaker of his phone. Inuyasha rolled his eyes at his brother's curiosity and forwardness.

"What's it to you? I'm going for a ride. I'll be back tonight." Inuyasha decided to end it there as he put his phone back on its clip at his waist and he looked up to see that he was halfway up the stairs. He kept going, thinking about what he was going to come up with for visiting so early in the morning. But, his brother obviously wasn't finished as his phone beeped at his side.

"Father said you have to be back by six because we have a meeting tonight." Inuyasha waited for another couple seconds and then realized that his brother was finally going to shut up. For that he was relieved because he didn't have to worry about talking to him and he could focus on the task at hand.

Inuyasha got to the top and realized the morning sunshine was currently sending its glow onto the shrine, giving it a peaceful setting. He kept walking towards the home and caught a scent in the breeze. Inuyasha stopped and found the scent rather intoxicating, but also familiar. It was Kagome, and she was outside. Inuyasha was confused on why Kagome was outside so late after what happened last night but he followed her scent until he came into the sight of the Goshinboku. Kagome was currently sitting on the ground, her legs outstretched together and her hands were behind her, letting her body put its weight on them. Inuyasha quietly walked towards Kagome and saw that she was wearing a black skirt and she had a white top on. She didn't have no shoes on but he had no problem with that.

Kagome was too busy spacing at the Goshinboku to realize Inuyasha coming towards her. She had emotions running through her mind, all from the visitation she had with her mother. Kagome sighed and closed her eyes. 'I don't know what to do…'

"Hey," Inuyasha said, behind her. Kagome was startled and quickly turned around to see Inuyasha standing in a black pants and red tank top, looking down at her. Her heart was still beating fast as her mind registered what happened.

"Don't scare me like that!" she said putting her right hand to her chest to feel if she still had a beating heart. Inuyasha cocked his eyebrow at Kagome's alertness and went to sit down next to her. He crossed his legs and rested his body on his hands, currently behind him. He looked up at the Goshinboku as Kagome looked at him.

"So, what are you doing out here anyways?" he asked, still looking up at the ancient tree.

Kagome let her hand down from her chest as she took in his figure. "I was just thinking."

Inuyasha turned his head to look at her. "Thinking? At this time?" Kagome looked up to him and nodded, though she didn't really want to talk about it. She sighed and turned her head away from him.

"I didn't get much sleep last night," she confessed.

Inuyasha looked at Kagome's tresses and nodded, even though she couldn't see. But Kagome was now wondering what he was doing here so early in the morning. She faced him, again, and arched an eyebrow when his eyes locked with hers.

"What are you doing here so early anyways?" she asked, turning a slight pink from the stare they were giving each other.

"Well…I…" he started but didn't want to tell her the truth. His eyes started to roam around and Kagome knew that he was hiding something.

"You what?" she asked, edging a bit closer so she could get it out of him. Inuyasha realized that Kagome was coming closer and he just couldn't hold it in anymore. He turned his head away.

"I couldn't sleep either," he confessed. Kagome seemed a bit shocked as her eyes widened but deep down, she sort of knew that he wouldn't have gotten too much sleep. Kagome smiled and relaxed back on her hands.

"Well, then that makes two of us." Inuyasha turned to look back at Kagome and thought of something new. He smiled as a new plan formed in his head.

"Hey, Kagome," he called, to get her attention. When Kagome looked at him, he continued. "Why don't we go somewhere today. I want to show you something," he said with a hint of anticipation. Kagome heard his tone of voice and knew that he really wanted to take her somewhere, but the thing was, she was sort of grounded at the moment. She felt sad because she couldn't go with him, and oh how badly she wanted to go and spend some time with him. Inuyasha could sense that she was getting sad, which wasn't the reaction that he was expecting.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

Kagome shook her head. "Nothing. I want to go with you, Inuyasha, but the thing is, I can't. Mama had grounded me last night because she said that she didn't want me to leave the house."

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. "That's the reason?"

He heard Kagome giggle and smiled that he made her laugh. "I know. That's what I thought, but she is my mother." Kagome thought about it for a moment. "Hey, why don't I ask her. I'm quite sure she'll let me, or at least, I really hope so."

Kagome had a glint in her eyes as she turned to look at him. She stood up and dusted herself off as she told Inuyasha to get up. They both walked to the house and Kagome opened the hikido and walked in with Inuyasha following.

"Mama," Kagome called, walking into the kitchen and saw her mother stirring some eggs. Mrs. Higurashi turned around when she heard her daughter call her and she also saw Inuyasha next to her. She wondered why he was here so early but smiled at his presence.

"Good morning, Inuyasha. Good morning, sweetheart," she said to the two of them as she continued stirring her eggs.

Kagome smiled. "Good morning mama. Inuyasha came to see how I was doing and he wanted to take me out today."

That's what caught Mrs. Higurashi's attention as she stopped stirring the eggs, put the whisk down, and turned around to give the two her full attention. Her eyes averted to the hanyou.

"Where exactly were you thinking about taking her?" she asked in a strict tone.

Inuyasha cleared his throat but answered, nonetheless. "I wanted to show her something near the mountains." he said, keeping it short and not giving too much away.

Mrs. Higurashi eyed him suspiciously for a few minutes as her mind were grasping at new thoughts. She really didn't want to let Kagome go with Inuyasha, especially since the two would be alone. But she also trusted her daughter, yet there was still that nagging feeling that told her not to let Kagome go. Mrs. Higurashi was in a dilemma now as she didn't know what to say.

"I don't know Kagome. I don't want you leaving the house," she said, looking at her daughter with a firm look. But Kagome gave her a sad expression at her mother's words.

"Please mama. Can I just leave today and I'll stay for the rest?" Kagome tried to reason although it didn't even make sense to her, she hoped it made sense to her mother. But knowing her mother, Mrs. Higurashi wasn't stupid as she arched an eyebrow at Kagome's plea.

"Kagome, I already told you, I don't want you leaving the house," she said, crossing her arms and staring down the two teenagers. Inuyasha decided to intervene because he really wanted to take Kagome out.

"Listen, Mrs. Higurashi, Kagome will be with me so she'll be alright" he tried to reason.

Mrs. Higurashi shook her head and still didn't give up the fight. "I don't know that Inuyasha. I trust you, but…"

"I promise, I won't let anything happen to her." he said, looking into Mrs. Higurashi's eyes and she could tell that he was dead serious. Of course, Mrs. Higurashi trusted Inuyasha but she just didn't want anything else to happen to Kagome. Maybe this is one reason why her Brothers kept her in the shrine.

But, a mother does things for her children to make them happy because their children's happiness is the source of their happiness. Mrs. Higurashi sighed and looked to her daughter. "Okay."

"Thank you mama," Kagome said with a huge smile and excitement all around her. Inuyasha nodded as he smiled and the two of them headed for the door.

"But," she called after them, again turning their attention back to her, "you have to be back by sundown."

Inuyasha nodded. "We'll be back by then." Kagome gave her mother a sweet smile. "Thank you so much, mama." The two of them left the house and went down to Inuyasha's bike. Mrs. Higurashi sighed and shook her head. 'I hope I did the right thing.' She just didn't want to be the reason why Kagome is so miserable, she thought that Kagome at least deserved to have fun with her childhood friend, or maybe, have fun at all after what she's been through. Mrs. Higurashi went back to stirring the eggs and cooking breakfast for her other kids.

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The two were walking down the stairs and Kagome took sight of Inuyasha's bike. She stopped on the third to the last step as Inuyasha kept walking. He turned around when he didn't hear her following him, "Aren't you coming?"

Kagome crossed her arms, "You didn't tell me that you brought your bike."

Inuyasha shrugged, "I didn't think that you were actually going to be able to leave." He smirked at her and Kagome let her hands down to smile. She sighed and then walked the last remaining stairs down. Inuyasha threw his right leg over the bike and sat down.

"So, you didn't think that I was going to be able to come but you brought an extra helmet?" she asked, taking notice of the helmet from the back. She decided to make a bun so it'll be easier to put her hair in the helmet.

Inuyasha started to twist his hair, too, and laid it on the top of his head, "Just in case. If worse came to worse, I probably would have just took you anyways." He put his helmet on and secured it.

Kagome could tell that he was dead serious and she slapped him on the shoulder for that one. He had his helmet on, which both of them had dark shields so you couldn't see their faces, and cocked his head to tell her to get on the bike. Kagome obliged as she snapped the fasteners on the helmet and then threw her leg over the bike, holding onto Inuyasha's waist and trying not to show too much since she was wearing a skirt. They both shifted a little to balance the bike with its added weight, and then Inuyasha turned it on. Kagome scooted closer to Inuyasha as she propped her legs up and rested them on the bars. Inuyasha revved his bike and Kagome put her hands on either side of his waist and then laid her head on his back. Inuyasha turned his head to look at her and then smiled. He kicked the stand up and gassed his bike, leaving the Higurashi shrine and headed towards a far away place.

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Inuyasha and Kagome were making their way through fields of grass or sometimes, rice fields. All the while, it was a relaxing drive. However, it was quite long. Kagome started to wonder where Inuyasha was actually taking her. It was about an hour, or so, now and they still were going over 70, sometimes swerving on the side of slow cars. That's the good thing about having bikes. They're easy to maneuver and, if a cop catches you, they won't chase you if you are going over 100 because they will never be able to keep up. Bikes, in this case, were easy to avoid cops since they can weave in and out of traffic and their speeds are tremendous.

Yet, the couple kept going. Kagome busied herself by looking at all the beautiful sights and the nature that was known as Japan. She loved it, out of the city, especially Tokyo. While Tokyo was overcrowded and bustling with people, other places were quite small and quiet, even nice to look at as some villages were still built like the olden days of Japan. Kagome kept shifting herself on the bike, sometimes moving her hands lower or higher on Inuyasha's waist or moving her butt. Inuyasha could feel Kagome's hands on his waist and he grew accustomed to it being there, after turning red for the last half an hour. He got used to her hands, being down there, and he really didn't mind. But still, he liked it, and he didn't want the ride to end but at least he had about an hour more left of this contact.

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A little over two hours from leaving Tokyo, Inuyasha and Kagome had entered their destination. Ise City. Inuyasha started to slow down as he came to industrial places. There were ancient-style houses built in Ise. The houses were rather small, but very convenient. Kagome had looked around and felt something stir within her. 'I know this place,' she thought with confusion. They kept going, passing the Daibutsuyama Park. They marveled at it as they drove past the spacious park but kept going, obviously Inuyasha didn't want to take her there. Kagome finally knew where she was. It was so obvious, like the back of her hand. 'Ise City. Why are we here?'

Inuyasha kept going, shades of trees covering them as they kept moving. They came to a small town known as Oharai Machi. Kagome looked around, now fascinated at her childhood home. Everything was the way she left it. The houses were built fairly tall and they were old Japanese style houses with gables. There were only two main roads so Inuyasha had stopped at Sishonen Kenshu Center. Kagome released Inuyasha and took off her helmet as he turned off the bike. She freed her head from the confinement, as her raven locks spilled down her back. She looked around, taking in her surroundings from which she once knew. It was so long ago that she has been here. Inuyasha had taken off his helmet and he looked behind at Kagome's enthusiastic eyes.

He raised an eyebrow at her determination to soak in everything, and her quietness. "Are you alright, Kagome?" He put his helmet on his steering wheel and turned around to watch as she slowly nodded her head.

"Yeah. Fine." Kagome got off the bike and stood on aching muscles that have been sleeping for the past couple hours. She put her helmet on the backseat and turned around. There were people walking the stone-covered pavement, with grocery bags and little kids running around them. Small stands were along some of the streets, as were restaurants. This was a cozy, quiet little town. Inuyasha kicked his stand and got off his bike. He stood next to Kagome and looked down to see her still shocked at this town. 'What's wrong with her?'

"Kagome?"

Kagome jumped and looked up to Inuyasha. "Sorry, did you say something?"

Inuyasha shook his head. "Have you been here before?" he asked, curious as to why she was acting so strange.

Kagome nodded but looked back to the people walking the paths. "When I was little."

Inuyasha smiled. "Well that makes two of us. Come on, let's get something to eat and then I'll take you to the place that I wanted to show you."

Kagome nodded and followed him as he walked along the stone paths, avoiding interaction with the common folk as they were used to getting visitors. Kagome smiled at them as they looked at her, pleased that she could see this place, and the people, again. Kagome giggled at such a thought and continued to follow him until they got to a bento stand with some fruits and beverages.

"Hey, these look good Inuyasha. Why don't we get them?" she asked picking up a chicken bento. Inuyasha came next to her and looked at the different selections. The villager behind the stand smiled at his new guests.

"Welcome, welcome. So, how may I help you young lads?" the man asked, gazing at them with curious eyes. Obviously, he wanted to make some money.

"Can I have this, Inuyasha? I'll pay you back later, I forgot my wallet," she said, embarrassed at having to ask for money, from Inuyasha nonetheless. He picked three beef bento and turned to the man.

"I got it. Don't worry about it," he said, taking out some Zen from his wallet as Kagome hurried to get two water bottles, and the man bowed as he was handed the money.

"Arigato," the man said as Inuyasha took the three bentos and Kagome held her own and the two water bottles. Kagome bowed and followed Inuyasha.

"Are you going to eat all of that?" she asked with wide eyes, staring at the food in his hands.

Inuyasha nodded and held his head high. Kagome shook her head but giggled. 'He may be in shape, but he can eat.' When they returned to the bike, Inuyasha took his helmet from his steering wheel and got on his bike.

"Now where are we going?" Kagome asked, curious as to where they were going now.

Inuyasha shifted himself and put the bentos between his legs. "We're almost there. I just wanted to stop for food since lunch is coming soon." He put his helmet on, this time, not putting up his hair. Kagome got on the back and scooted closer to him, she put her bento and waters between his back and her legs, then she put on her helmet.

"I hope the drive won't be long," she said, praying that it wasn't.

Inuyasha shook his head as he turned on the bike. "It's close by." Kagome grabbed his waist as Inuyasha left Sishonen Kenshu Center and made his way back onto the main road. They drove for about ten minutes, making turns and waiting in traffic. Inuyasha had pulled into a park, it seemed, as there was a parking lot at the entrance and the road continued to go in, as well. Inuyasha pulled his bike to the left and decided to park it under a tree. He stopped and turned off the bike. They both took off their helmet and Kagome was careful not to let anything fall off the bike as she told Inuyasha to hold the stuff while she got off. The bento was still in tact, so was Inuyasha's, and Kagome grabbed the things in Inuyasha's hands so he could come off. Inuyasha put the stand down and got off, then he grabbed his three bento lunches and put the keys in his pocket.

"Alright. Come on," he said, leading the way into the park. It was fairly big, and there were not that many people here. They were present in small groups on one side but on the other side, there wasn't that many. Just here and there couples taking a stroll or sitting next to each other and enjoying the atmosphere. It was peaceful as there were clouds in the sky, sometimes blocking the sun's rays and darkening the land. The wind started to pick up as the trees began to throw their withered leaves to the ground and the flowers and grass started to dance.

Inuyasha found a nice spot, under a Ginko tree. Its leaves were still green, as November was still far away and the season hasn't changed yet. Kagome marveled at the size of the tree as she sat down at its wide base. Inuyasha sat down with his three bentos and relaxed against the tree.

"I see the cherry blossoms went out of season," Kagome said, sad that the beautiful flowers won't be blooming until next year.

Inuyasha shrugged. "The school's trees will be going out of bloom soon, too." He opened up one of his bento and grabbed the fork that came with. Inuyasha eyed his food hungrily but felt Kagome's stare. He looked up to find her giving her an annoyed look. "What!" he said, frustrated that his meal wasn't going the way he wanted it to go.

Kagome shook her head and looked down to her food, which wasn't even opened yet. "Nevermind." Kagome opened her bento and grabbed the fork. Inuyasha shrugged and started to dig in his delicious meal, while Kagome put his water bottle on the ground next to him and she started to eat as well. The two ate quietly, both relishing the beauty and peacefulness of the park. Kagome felt so comfortable being there. 'I haven't been outside the shrine, so it's not like I came to the park a lot. But still, I feel so close to my other home.' Kagome smiled and continued eating, loving Inuyasha's presence next to her. He, too, felt the same exact way about her.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

The breeze was still strong, as the Ginko's branches were swaying to and fro. The couple finished their lunch and they were currently leaning against the tree. Their hair twirling with each other as the wind blew past their figures. Inuyasha looked over at Kagome's face; she seemed so content, and he swelled to know that it was he who gave her this happiness. Kagome turned to see Inuyasha staring at her, he looked away, embarrassed, but Kagome just smiled at him.

"Walk with me," she said, getting up and dusting herself off. Inuyasha looked up at Kagome and shrugged. He got up, dusted himself off, and the two of them walked around the park. Kagome's eyes roamed aimlessly at the park's beauty and occupants. Everyone was in their own little world as they laughed and talked to each other; kids running around, forgetting about their troubles. Kagome smiled. 'It's so nice here.' Inuyasha felt at peace here; he remembered, back then, he used to come here and run around, just like those little kids were doing. It was soothing to his soul to bring Kagome here, to a place where he used to enjoy coming to.

They walked until they saw a river up ahead. Kagome marveled at the way it was arranged. Sets of rocks, nicely lined up on either side of the river, seemed like people put them there, out of boredom, or for something else. Inuyasha walked towards the water's edge and looked down into the river. He saw his reflection, and then, he saw Kagome's reflection pop up next to him. She smiled at him in the water and he chuckled. Kagome grabbed his hand and they walked along the river. The sun still had interference as clouds went in its way, and it could shine no more, until the clouds moved and it shone with all its might.

Kagome and Inuyasha had walked around the whole park and they still didn't want it to end. As they came into sight of the Ginko tree, Kagome spotted a beautiful spot to the side, where fields of grass grew tall and patches of flowers were hidden in the grass. She walked towards the field and laid down, making her figure imprint in the grass' structure. Kagome looked up to see Inuyasha standing above her, his figure glistening as the sun's rays shone down on him, she had to squint her eyes to see him better.

Inuyasha smirked. "What are you doing?" he asked, crossing his arms.

Kagome covered her eyes with her hands to see him better. "Lie with me, it's really peaceful," she said, hoping that he wouldn't think it was too corny.

Inuyasha, however, obliged and moved next to her left, and he laid down in the tall grass, now making his imprint. He put his hands above his head, and laid his head on his palms. Kagome smiled at him and looked up into the heavens, wishing this would never end.

Lovers in the long grass

Look above them

Only they can see

Where the clouds are going

Only to discover

Dust and sunlight

Ever make the sky so blue

Kagome rolled on her stomach to move closer to Inuyasha, yet she became so close, that her side was pressing against Inuyasha's side. She blushed a little, but liked the contact.

"Hey, Inuyasha" she said, propping up on her arms and playing with her fingers. He looked over at her to give her his attention.

"Thanks for brining me here. It's quite a place." Kagome smiled at him and his heart fluttered in his chest.

"Yeah." he said, plainly. Inuyasha looked back up to the sky and watched as the clouds covered the sun once again. He sighed.

"When I was young, my mother used to bring me here. I remember running around this place. I used to always look forward coming here, it was like, I felt at peace here." he said, thinking that maybe he gave out too much. Inuyasha decided to shut up as he didn't dare to look at Kagome. But Kagome nodded her head.

"This place is beautiful. I'm surprised you actually like this peaceful place," she teased, not really believing that Inuyasha, a biker boy, would like to lie in the grass and stare up at clouds.

Inuyasha looked over at her and gave her a serious look. "There are things about me that you just don't know."

Kagome caught his gaze and felt sad deep down. 'I know. There are things that you don't' know about me either.' Kagome went back to playing with her hands and Inuyasha moved his body so he was leaning on one side with his head resting on his propped palm.

"You seem to know this place. When did you come here?" he asked, now interested in her behavior before.

Kagome looked at him and sighed. "When I was a little girl, I would sometimes walk the streets of Oharai Machi."

Inuyasha nodded. "So your mother used to take you here?"

Kagome nodded slowly. "Sort of" she said, hoping to drop the subject. Inuyasha could tell that she wasn't telling him something. 'I wonder why she's hiding it from me.' Inuyasha went to say something else but Kagome caught him before he could say anything.

"Inuyasha…I want to thank you again, for last night." she said, looking deep into his honey eyes. Inuyasha blushed at her intense gaze and avoided her eyes.

"Feh. I already told you, you don't have to thank me. That bastard got what he deserved," he said, now feeling that need to hunt Kiba down and hurt him even more.

Kagome realized that Inuyasha was getting tense and she didn't want to ruin this moment. She laid her arms down, one on top of each other, and laid her head on them, looking at Inuyasha. He looked back at her and saw her smile at him.

Some they know as passion

Some as freedom

Some they know as love

And the way it leaves them

Summer snowflake

For a season

When the sky above is blue

When the sky above is blue

Inuyasha couldn't help but feel drawn to Kagome. Everything about her made him want to cherish it and make sure that he wouldn't let it go. He gazed at Kagome's figure, she was so beautiful and he truly meant that. Her body just made him want her even more, yet he knew he couldn't. He was going out with Kikyo, her sister nonetheless. Yet sometimes, when he stares deep into Kikyo's eyes, he could faintly see Kagome. It wasn't obvious, the two were almost identical but he really didn't see any physical similarities in the both of them. Kikyo was Kikyo and Kagome was Kagome. His eyes certainly could tell the difference. But Inuyasha sometimes wished that Kagome could be the one he holds hands with, the one he hugs, and the one he kisses goodnight. Last night, she seemed so fragile that he wanted to scoop her in his arms and take her to a secluded area, so he could be the one to make her feel better. So he could be the one there for her.

Inuyasha sighed. 'There's just no way that it would ever happen. She probably doesn't even feel the same way about me.' Inuyasha's gaze left Kagome's figure as he looked around the park, trying to calm his mind, and heart.

Kagome had smiled at Inuyasha and closed her eyes. Last night was so terrible, it was like a nightmare and she couldn't wake up from it. That is, until Inuyasha showed up. He was her Knight in Shining Armor and he rescued her from that nightmare that wouldn't end. Kagome had wished that she could have hugged him, and held onto him, forever. She needed him last night. She wanted him to stay with her last night, but she knew that he couldn't. Why? Because of her sister. 'Inuyasha is going out with Kikyo. I can't get in between their relationship.' Kagome wanted to be the one to do all the things that he and Kikyo were doing: holding each other, touching each other, and kissing each other. She wished that it was her in her sister's place. But every time she wished that, she felt so terrible for baring such thoughts. Kikyo seemed so happy with Inuyasha and she didn't want to make her sister sad. So sometimes, she wouldn't think about it anymore, she just dreamt it.

Kagome looked to see Inuyasha gazing above her at the land. She smiled at him, he truly was handsome. His manly face and his beautiful eyes, oh, how Kagome adored his eyes. They seemed to always make her weak, body and soul, as his gaze was so intensifying. Kagome's eyes moved up to his ears. She especially loved his ears, they were just so cute. She suppressed a giggle as her eyes traveled down to his chest, wishing to see what was hiding under the clothing, and then she moved down to his legs. Taking in all of his figure. The truth was, Kagome wished that Inuyasha would like her, the way she liked him.

'"Do you know what 'like' can lead to?"'

Midoriko's words rang clear in her mind. Her mother had wanted her to suppress her emotions, as if it were that easy. Inuyasha is a wonderful guy and he makes her happy. How can she stop that? Whatever the consequences are, Kagome was ready to meet them head on if it meant that she could actually have some happiness.

Lying in the long grass

Close beside her

Giving her the name

Of the one the moon loves

This will be the day she

Will remember

When she knew his heart was

Inuyasha looked down at Kagome's chestnut eyes, gazing at his. He felt compelled to hold her in his arms and let her lie her head on his chest, while he stroked her raven tresses with his fingers. He just wanted to be closer to her, like lying next to each other was not enough. He caught Kagome's beautiful smile and his heart melted. It was like the barriers around his heart and his tough guy exterior diminished before his eyes, all from this one girl. Inuyasha felt sorrow, though. Thinking that he could never feel more than just her hand, more than just lying next to her. Kagome shifted her head on her arms.

"Do you like my sister?" she asked, popping a surprising question yet hoping not to make him feel cornered, but she really had to know. It was eating her alive, not being able to know if he truly loved her sister. Because if Inuyasha does, truly, love Kikyo, then she would lock away all her feelings for him and go on with her destiny. That was a promise to herself.

Inuyasha gave Kagome a quizzical look as to why she wanted to know. 'Maybe she's asking for Kikyo' he thought. But the look in her eyes was all he needed to believe that she really wanted to know, for herself. 'But why? Could she…?' While Inuyasha was thinking about his problems, Kagome started to lose hope for herself. 'So he does like Kikyo. Figures, she's everything that a guy would want,' Kagome thought with sadness. She lowered her eyes to the grass and tried to hold back the tears that were sure to fall. Inuyasha, however, could smell salt water and knew that Kagome was crying. But he didn't know from what.

"Kagome?" he asked, trying to look at her eyes, but she wouldn't let him. He wish that he could tell her how he felt, about her. But… "Do you like my sister?" Does Inuyasha like Kikyo? Well, yes, why wouldn't he if he was going out with her. But still, something always drew him to Kagome, like Kagome meant more to him than Kikyo did. She just made him feel so different than the way Kikyo made him feel. Kagome always gave him a light in him that he hasn't known he had.

Inuyasha took his head off his palm to grab Kagome's chin and turn her head towards his. Kagome looked at him with saddened eyes and he felt terrible for making her feel this way. "Kagome, I don't know if I like your sister. It's just…" Inuyasha shook his head and let her face go. He put his hand on the ground as he continued to look into her eyes. He didn't know if he could tell her that he liked her. 'What if she doesn't like me back? What if she doesn't want to be my friend anymore?' Inuyasha didn't know what to say as he sighed and laid on his back, frustrated, trying to gaze into the heavens for answers.

Loving in the long grass

Close beside her

Whispering of love

And the way it leaves them

Kagome had wished, so much, that Inuyasha was going to tell her if he liked her sister. But what came out didn't really justify the question. It was an 'if', and Kagome wanted to know a 'yes' or a 'no'. Complicating, yet she still wanted to know his feelings, for her sister, for her. Inuyasha couldn't tell Kagome, not until he sorted out his feelings for her and for Kikyo. He just didn't know which one he really liked and it killed him to feel this way towards Kagome, but going to her sister for love. Inuyasha could sense Kagome's confusion but he wouldn't let her know more when he really didn't know himself.

The sun had started to move lower, causing it to send off its last wave of heat before the land was sent into darkness. Inuyasha took his phone off its clip to check the time. The phone read 3:30, they've been in the park for over three hours. Inuyasha sighed and clipped his phone back on.

"We have to leave. It'll take us two hours to get back." he said looking next to him at Kagome. She had her eyes closed as her head was still resting on her hands. She seemed peaceful and Inuyasha didn't want to leave yet either. Kagome slowly opened her eyes, having a lazy vision after almost falling asleep, and looked at Inuyasha.

"We have to leave now?" she asked, sitting up and yawing, stretching her hands high in the air. Inuyasha sat up and nodded, then he stood up, dusting his body off. Kagome got up too to dust her body as she looked at the two imprints in the grass. Kagome giggled.

"That's a funny picture," she said.

"Feh" Inuyasha said as he walked past Kagome to get back to the Ginko and grab the rest of their stuff. Kagome took one last look at the two figures and ran after Inuyasha. It was such a wonderful day and Kagome was so happy that Inuyasha had taken her here.

-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-'-

You know, you would think that I would be breaking the rules. That I was. I didn't care about the rules of destiny, I didn't care about my mother banning me from feeling the way I felt for him. I just didn't care. But I cared about him. My heart swelled with love for him, with him, and because of him.

Naiku. Ise City contained my childhood home, the Naiku shrine. One thing that astonished me the most was that the Isuzu Park was just a couple blocks away from the Naiku shrine. He used to be so close, and yet I didn't even know it. Those times when I felt alone, and so far away from my family and the people that I once knew, I actually was a couple blocks away from the little boy who was ripped away from me at such a young age. That was the first time I had truly walked the walk of the park. The first time, I only saw a glimpse of the park from its outer gates, while I was living at the shrine.

The shrine. Memories came back to me when we came to Oharai Machi. The funny thing was, that I wanted so bad to leave that place, leave the prison of my younger youth, and go back to Tokyo to be with my family and regular people with regular lives. But when I came back, I wanted so much to go back into the shrine and see my Brothers again, sit down with them and pray with the incense burning to help our minds be in peace.

Lying in the long grass, next to him, was the first time it felt so right to be next to him. The first time I wanted to show my love for him, to make him happy. I realized that my feelings for him couldn't be stopped, no matter what my mother or the prophecy had said. I wanted him, to fulfill the emptiness in my soul, and because of that, I had let him in. I had let him overcome my senses and my duties. I had let him overcome me, and therefore, I had loved him.

Life goes on with promising futures…


So wasn't that a good chapter! I thought so...Well onto the next chapter...I really need to get going because the next one should shock you...BOO! Hehe...well hope you liked it!

-Kaleialohalani