Hello and welcome back to Dangerous Dancing! WHEE! An early update! n.n; A present to you all, even though it's a little early for Christmas. But the only reason why it's so early is because I've been home sick for three days and I've been able to work on it nonstop for hours on end. So, I'm stuck in bed, not allowed to friggen do anything and I have nothing better to do than work on my fics. Interesting, ne?

So don't expect all of my updates to be this early. Sorry if I got your hopes up and got you thinkin' that I've actually decided to update a lot sooner. But I've been really tired lately. My best friend is having family problems as of late and she's been staying the night here for like three days every week. And every night, she stays in my room talking on the damn phone till like two in the effin' morning, keeping me up all night…and quite frankly, it's getting really annoying. I'm starting to believe she's taking advantage of this! I mean, yeah sure, she's lied to me before, but this is just low. I talked to my mom about it, but she says, "She's been having problems honey, I can't let her stay at her house where her sister (who is a slut, I might add) calls her horrible names and getting into fights with her (scary) step-dad." I mean, ARHHHGG! It's aggravating. -.-; But anyway, enough about my complex life.

Kouga: -Skids into the room.- Where is that damn square!

Keiko: -Feebly points in a random direction from her spot on the couch.- That way.

Kouga: -Speeds off in that direction.-

Shippo: …Idiot.

Inuyasha: -Lying on the couch next to Keiko, twitching occasionally, but otherwise asleep.-

Miroku: -Glaring at the aforementioned hanyou, holding his empty chocolate covered pretzel bag.-

Sango: -Sipping a steaming cup of French vanilla cappuccino.-

Ashley: -Sitting next to a still unconscious Sesshomaru, looking guilty…while petting his fluff.- It's so soft… -Giggles.-

Sesshomaru: -Twitches.-

Kagome: Hey…I wanna touch it. –Crawls over to the twosome and pets Sesshomaru's fluff.- Hey, it is soft!

Everyone else – save Keiko and Inuyasha: -Inches closer to Sesshomaru, Ashley and Kagome and pets Sesshomaru's fluff.-

Keiko: …I hope he wakes up and bites all your heads off when he sees you petting his fluff. Well, except Ash. He'd just gloat that she had pet his fluff. –Rolls her eyes.-

Ashley: I know! I'm so special! –Continues petting.-

Everyone else: -Pauses petting, looks at each other, shrugs, then continues petting.-

Keiko: -Shakes her heads.- Stupid fools.

Last chapter's Trivia: What is the original purpose of Naraku's poisonous insects and what is the name? Spelling counts. Saimyosho; the purpose is to prevent Miroku from using his Wind Tunnel (Kazaana).

Congratulations for all of you who got it right! And those of you who added the two "u"s, you still get it right. n.n; It's just a letter, not really changing anything. It's still the same word.

This chapter's Trivia: Which sister is older: Kanna or Kagura?

I guess I would label this question as easy, but for some of you, it may not be. Heh. Good luck!

Chapter twenty-one! Squee!

Dangerous Dancing
Chapter twenty-one – The Best Proof


It was a busy day in the Takahashi mansion for it was the day before the party. Everybody was getting ready for the gala, running around the mansion, doing errands, shopping, etcetera. Sango had ordered the maids and butlers to make the manor spotless while she herself went around inspecting everything and giving more orders. None of the employees complained, of course. They were getting paid a hefty sum to do this, after all.

Ayame had agreed to stay at the mansion with Kouga and the others when Kouga himself had asked if she would, accompanied with a soft kiss to the lips. (Is it just me, or does Kouga seem to have a fetish with kissing?)

Mystique had stopped by at Naraku's request and she finally got to meet the rest of the gang, including Kagome and Ayame. She'd stayed for a while, chatting with everyone, minus Inuyasha. He had left after he'd been introduced to her, going God knows where.

Sesshomaru had left sometime around noon, insisting that he had to find Rin and talk to her about something. But everyone knew that that was a lie. He probably made up that excuse to just see the woman. Clearly he had feelings for the girl judging by how he was always found staring out the window with a blank expression in his study or how he would sometimes look for the world like he didn't have a clue about anything, and that alone stated that he had gone off in his own little world, no doubt consisting of Rin, Rin, and more Rin. It was quite entertaining to see him in that state, actually.

But it was the thick tension in the dwelling that had everyone glum and wary.

The main couple in the house had been ignoring each other for some unknown reason for two sleepless days now and the tension between them had been building since the little conversation in Kagome's bedroom. The other couples of the manor had to tread lightly on the topic of the other personage when talking to one of them otherwise they would get the silent treatment or a scowl an insult.

Kagome had stayed silent and locked herself in her room for the better part of the two days and Sango and Ayame had several times tried to talk to her and make her confess what had transpired between the two of them. But she just would not talk. She would just simply smile, pass it off as "nothing", and then disappear for the rest of the day, only to be found later in the library or gardens.

As for Inuyasha, it seemed he had a permanent scowl plastered on his face as he walked around the mansion and had a tendency to snap at everyone who even bothered to talk to him. He still had not come up with a way to make Kagome believe him and it was pissing him off even more than he already was. Miroku had tried to persuade him into talking but that plan wasn't exactly successful. Details will be left unsaid for…safety purposes.

So know, still pissed as ever that he had yet to think up of something, Inuyasha blew off steam in his gym, punching the newly acquired punching they had gotten yesterday. No doubt this one would end up as a pile of shredded leather and sand by the end of his punching session.

Miroku sat in the corner, along with Kouga and Sango, watching silently as the popstar continued to punch and kick the already beat-looking punching bag repeatedly, occasionally catching a few cures words.

The silence between the four continued on for another half hour before Kouga decided that he couldn't take it anymore. With a low growl of slight annoyance, the wolf stood up and stalked over to the aggressive hanyou, standing next to him then crossing his tan arms over his chest, a deep scowl written on his face.

"Okay mutt, this has gone on far enough. Now you wanna tell us just what the fuck crawled up your ass and died?" he asked, one heavy brow arching into the thick fringe of his black bangs.

Miroku and Sango sucked in their breath as they awaited the hanyou's response.

Inuyasha seemingly ignored him; the only sign of him having heard the wolf was his scowl growing darker and his punches becoming harsher.

Rolling his ice blue orbs at the singer's antics, Kouga's hand shot out and grabbed hold of the hanyou's wrist before it could come in contact with the punching bag. Inuyasha growled in warning and tried to yank his hand out of his grasp but Kouga held firm.

"Stop being so damn childish, Inukoro. You and I both know that this has gone on longer than it should have and bluntly, you're not the only one getting pissed. So I suggest you start talking before I go to brute force. And you know I will." He squeezed his wrist hard in emphasis and Inuyasha's ears flattened against his head, a feral growl sounding from his throat.

He still remained silent but this time he had successfully wrenched his wrist out of the wolf demon's hold and spun around to glare at him, his golden eyes flashing with fury. "And why the hell should I tell you, you bastard?" he said lowly, lip pulling back in a snarl.

Miroku took the liberty of answering. "Because, Inuyasha, we are all getting worried. You've been sulking around for two days now and if you don't tell us, we can do nothing to help you with your problem that you have. So maybe if you confess what's on your mind, we can help you find a way to fix it," the drummer concluded, standing up and taking a step forward.

"And," Sango added. "we might also be able to help Kagome if you tell us what's wrong. She looks so depressed and sad and I can't stand to see her that way anymore. She's one of my closest friends and I want to do anything I can to hear her laugh again," she stated, the softest of smiles gracing her lips.

"But Sango!" Miroku protested, a hand over his heart. "I thought I was your closest friend!"

Sango threw a glare at him. "Shut it, houshi. It you'd listen closer, you would've heard me say 'one' of my closest friend, not 'my closest friend'." She stated matter-of-factly.

Miroku blinked then grinned. "Ah. Alright then, Sango dear."

She rolled her eyes.

It was Kouga who spoke next. "Well, there ya have it, mutt. All the proof you need as to why you should tell us." A sudden grin formed on his lips. "So fess up."

Inuyasha looked from person to person, scowl still in play on his face. Sango's words had triggered something inside him. He too wanted to hear her melodious laugh; see her radiant smile, and so much more. He missed her touch, her kisses, her hugs.

He missed her.

His scowl vanished and he sighed deeply, racking a hand through his hoary mass. A frustrated growl escaped passed his lips and he leaned against the wall, sinking down to sit on the floor with his knees bent. "I don't know. I just…fuck, I don't know." Another irate growl thundered within him and he exhaled.

"Well, for starters, you could tell us what actually happened between you two." Kouga suggested with a low chuckle.

Glaring up at the wolf, Inuyasha snarled. "Shut it, fleabag, if you had a little patience, you'd know I was gettin' there," he growled, amber orbs flashing dangerously. "But, since you're so damned eager to know, I guess I'll get right to the point." Leaning back against the wall, he closed his eyes and explained what had happened between him and Kagome two days ago.

They all listened intently; nodding occasionally to signal they were listening.

When he finished, the room was once again hushed, save for the soft grumbles coming from the hanyou situated on the floor. The three band members looked at him with a mixed expression of pity and something that said, "Are you stupid?"

The pregnant pause continued on until Kouga couldn't take it. "Well, that was damned stupid of you."

Inuyasha growled. "I know."

Miroku did a double take and his mouth dropped. "You mean you actually admit that you did something stupid?"

An icy stare was thrown his way not only from Inuyasha, but also from the female occupant of the room.

The drummer shrunk back and laughed nervously.

Rolling his eyes, Inuyasha sighed and dropped his head in his hands. "So now I still have no idea what the fuck I'm gonna do. Any suggestions?" He lifted his head back up and gazed at his band members with an insipid look.

All three shared a brief glace before the two males decided to leave it to the female and walked out as fast as they could without looking to obvious.

Inuyasha watched them leave with a quirked brow then turned his attention back to Sango – and suddenly felt like crawling under a rock and staying there.

Sango was fuming; her face red with anger as she glared as hard as she could at the doorway, her hands clenched so tightly, her knuckles were white. "Damn…jerks…"

After his short-lived fear of his manager, Inuyasha quickly covered his mouth to muffle the snicker and looked away.

Snapping her attention back to the popstar, Sango narrowed her eyes and huffed, crossing her arms over her chest then cocking a fine brow. "Well, Inuyasha, I hate to say this to you, but you're going to have to do this kind of problem on your own. We all wish we could help somehow, but…you're the one who broke it; now you have to fix it." With those words of wisdom, her expression softened and she smiled at him. "I'm Sorry, Inuyasha. But don't worry. You'll think of something." The popstar's manager winked at him with a grin then sauntered out of the gym, closing the door gently behind her.

Inuyasha was left there on the floor, his head in his hands once more and muttering curses under his breath. His orange shirt filled his vision as he stared down, the words, "Paintball ruined my life…but it was worth it" just visible at the top of his tee.

Orange…orange…

Suddenly, his head snapped up, his golden eyes wide with realization.

"Wait…maybe I can…?"

Although he hated the idea, it just might be the thing for him to prove how much he loved his Dangerous Dancer.

Eyes widening even more, Inuyasha shot up from his spot on the floor and dashed for the door, yanking it open then tearing down the hallway.

She made it through the day without any mishaps and strangely without her boss pestering her about bedding with him. Her shift was finally over and a fellow employee had taken her place.

Shutting the door behind her, Rin sighed and turned around, taking in the fresh, crisp air. She looked around the gas station and cocked her head to the side, not spotting her persistent supervisor anywhere. He wasn't inside when she'd checked, so he had to be outside somewhere.

The party was tomorrow, and she had yet to ask Mr. Shynoko if she could have the day off tomorrow. She was not anticipating this. No doubt he'd only tell her yes if she agreed to go to bed with him, which she'd rather die before doing. And who knew what he might do if she refused him? He might finally decide to fire her, or worse, try and…

She swallowed the nervous lump in her throat and took a deep, cleansing breath. No, he wouldn't do that. He had more honor than that, right?

Biting her lower lip, Rin took headed for her car at a suspiciously slow pace. She'd just put her things in her car first, and then go find Kinso. Yes, first she'd do that first. Unlocking her car door, she opened it and deposited her things in the backseat before shutting then turning around – only to become face to face with her boss.

She gasped and instinctively leaned back against her car. "M-Mr. Shynoko! I was just about to look for you," Rin said with a forced smile as she stared into his coal-black eyes.

Kinso grinned at her, showing his yellow teeth. Rin tried not to cringe at his awful breath when he spoke. "Rin. Your shift over already?" he asked, placing a hand on her car to her left, leaning his weight on his arm.

Rin leaned to the right. "Uh, yeah, it is." She sucked in a breath. "Um, Mr. Shynoko—"

"Kinso, Rin."

"—I have a question that I'd like to ask…"

Kinso raised a heavy brow and his brows knitted together. "Wazat?"

Swallowing, she plastered on the sweetest smile she could muster. "Mister--…Kinso,"

Mr. Shynoko beamed.

"…Do you think I can have the day off tomorrow? You see, there's this party that I got invited to and—" Rin hastened to explain, her hands moving wildly about her.

"Sure thing, sweetheart."

"—so it's a once in a lifetime thing and—" She stopped abruptly and blinked, her jaw slack. "Did…did you just say, 'yes'?"

Kinso nodded, picking at his teeth with a fingernail. (…Ew…)

Cinnamon eyes widened and a smile broke out on her face. "Really? You'll let me have it off?" He nodded again. "Oh, Mr. Shynoko, thank you so much! I really appreciate this. You won't regret it, I promise!" Before she had time to register her actions, she leaned up and kissed his cheek, doing a small little victory dance afterward then opening the door to her car. Just as she was about to climb in, three words made her freeze and her face drained of color.

"On one condition."

Oh no… Please don't say that I think you're going to say… Sucking in her lips, she slowly turned around and looked up at her manager once again, a small, slightly nervous smile on her lips. "Yes, Mr. Shynoko?"

Kinso stared down at her for a long moment before trapping her between him and her car with his arms, his face leaning down to get close to hers. She squeaked and leaned back as far as possible, holding her breath.

"Sleep with me." His voice was husky with an undertone of lust.

Her stomach felt like it had just dropped right out from beneath her and five shades of red painted her face as she gazed at him. "B-but Mr. Shynoko, you know I can't do that—"

"Then you don't get the day off tomorrow. Simple as that." he stated with a shrug, but didn't pull away.

Fear gripped her heart and she fought to control her breath. "Surely there must be something else you can think of—"

"Nothing."

Oh boy…now what? I really, really want to go to this party…but I can't get the day off tomorrow. She worried her bottom lip and looked away, desperately trying to come up with something. But the only option that kept popping in her mind was the most unpleasant one and she really didn't want to go through with it. But…it was for the best, she supposed. If she did this, she no longer had to deal with his constant bribes and seduction. Moreover, she didn't have to suffer through his smoking, either. Plus, she could say goodbye to the unwanted sexual contact.

So, renewed confidence tucked safely in her heart, Rin straightened up and looked him straight in the eye, not faltering once as she said her next words.

"Kinso Shynoko, I quit."

The words hit him like a kick in the gut and Kinso's black orbs widened before his face contorted into a fierce scowl, his brows furrowing dangerously low. "You can't quit. Where else would you work? You need the money I give you Rin, and I'd give you even more than your monthly pay if you'd just agree to my terms." He concluded tightly, his hands balling into fists. He would not let the object of his desires flee from him.

Rin remained defiant, her chin rising in the air bravely. "I'll find another job. A job with better pay and a job with a boss who doesn't lust after their employees. Goodbye, My. Shynoko." And with that, she turned around and started climbing into her car once more but a hand grasped her wrist and prevented her from going anywhere.

"You bitch, you can't just quit!" He ignored her startled gasp and gripped her wrist tighter but before he could do any really damage, a strong hand lifted him up by his shirt collar, causing him to release Rin's wrist with a gasp of his own then he was thrown backwards with relative ease, slamming into the side of the gas station with a painful grunt.

Had Rin been staring at that fuming Kinso at the moment instead of her savior in shock and awe, she would have noticed the deadly look implanted on her ex bosses face as he struggled to stand up.

Staring with large eyes up at her rescuer, Rin's heart leapt as her savior's honey eyes locked with her own. "It's…you…"

A trimmed brow rose slightly at her statement. "I thought we had already established that at our last meeting, Rin."

Blushing, Rin shook her head and smiled up at the guitarist. "Um, thank you. Had you been a little later…" She trailed off and glanced over his shoulder then instantly paled. "Sess—"

Before she had finished, Sesshomaru spun around speedily and shot out an arm, latching onto Kinso's throat and squeezing.

Kinso choked and sputtered, eyes nailed shut as his hands pulled at the clawed one around his neck, gasping for air. "You…fucking…bastard…" he rasped out, black orbs opening in slits of coal.

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes and added more pressure to his neck, intent on breaking his windpipe if need be. "Human, you are in no place, nor predicament to call me such vile things. I could easy break your scrawny mortal neck with the slightest squeeze of my hand." The taiyoukai explained portentously, adding pressure to prove his point.

Rin's former boss sputtered and tried with all his strength to yank his hand from his throat but to no avail. His red face was quickly draining of its color and his attempts to free himself were growing weaker.

The dog-youkai gazed impassively at the human dangling from his hand pitifully. "Truly pathetic." He gave his neck one last squeeze before releasing it all together, watching as he dropped to the concrete ground with a thud.

Kinso gasped for air, one hand rubbing his red and aching neck while his other supported his weight on the ground.

Rin gazed at him with no sympathy, her loathing for the man intensifying ten fold. "I hope I never have to see you again, Kinso. And one of these days, I will file you for sexual harassment, not only on me, but on your other employees as well." She suddenly smirked. "But I won't today because I'm feeling nice. And, that deep down inside you, you're nothing but a weak little child, lost and scared, going to other people to solve your problems. You're just a pathetic sight to behold, Kinso Shynoko." She scowled at him. "Rot in hell, bastard." And with that, she stuck up her nose and marched away proudly, feeling like a heavy burden had just been lifted from her shoulders. When indeed, there had been. She just didn't know it until now.

Sesshomaru gave him a frosty stare before following after Rin then grabbing her arm gently to halt her.

She stopped and let lose a breath she didn't know she'd been holding and slumped against a nearby car, holding her head in her hands.

Perplexed at the girl's display of actions, Sesshomaru laid a hand on her shoulder, concerned. "Are you alright, Rin?"

Taking a deep breath, Rin released it slowly then gazed up into the concerned gaze of her crush. She flushed a pretty pink and cleared her throat. "I'm fine. It's just…I've never had the guts to talk to Mr. Shynoko like that before and it feels…" She paused, biting her cheek in thought. "It feels…good." Rin finished with a light giggle, her cinnamon orbs shining brightly with confidence and pride.

Feeling the beginnings of a small smile pull at the corners of his lips, Sesshomaru nodded then quickly gave her a once-over. "You are not injured, yes?"

Rin smiled and shook her head. "No, I'm not. You came just in time before he could do any real damage to me." She dared a peek at the spot where they had left the pitiful man and something tugged at her heart when she found no man sitting on the concrete ground.

Sesshomaru followed her gaze and he frowned. Where had the human gone?

"Sesshomaru," Rin's soft voice drew his attention back to her. "I don't want to stay here. Let's leave. Kinso could be anywhere and I don't want to stick around to find out where he went."

Following her logic, the youkai nodded then trailed after her when she turned around and headed back to her car. He sniffed about tentatively to pick up the scent of the evil man and find out where he went as Rin poked her head in the car to see if Kinso had hidden in there. His scent veered off to behind the gas station and a sense of foreboding tugged at his heart. What is he up to?

"Sesshomaru, come on. Let's get outta here."

Pushing the thoughts of the man's location to the back of his head, Sesshomaru let the tiniest of sighs pass his lips before he sauntered to her car and climbed in the passengers seat. Rin revved up the engine and they were off. To where, only Kami knew.

It was dark outside until Inuyasha finally had the courage to actually confront Kagome, having spent most of the day thinking up how and what to say to her. He'd never been good at this sort of thing and he doubted that he'd be any good this time, either. He'd refrained from asking the others for help. Sango had already made it clear enough when she'd said he had to do this on his own. So he would do it on his own, goddamn it. He didn't need anyone to hold his hand throughout his problem.

So now the hanyou stood outside Kagome's bedroom, one hand ready to knock on her door but something kept holding him back from doing so. What if she still ignored him? What if she didn't believe him? Or…what if she told him she didn't love him anymore and she never wanted to see him again? After all…he was just a hanyou; a lowly half-breed, the scum of the earth, lower than dirt. Or so he'd been told back in his younger days. Now no one dared to talk like that about him anymore since he was now a famous popstar. He could have someone fired if he so desired it. So who could ever love him? It still baffled him to this day how Kagome had ever admitted that she loved him back. She deserved better than him, someone who didn't compare her to his ex-girlfriend. Kagome was the exact definition of pure; she deserved someone just as pure and loyal.

So…maybe he should just forget about it and leave while he still had the chance. He was anything but pure, having demon and human blood flowing through his veins. He shouldn't be worthy of the mansion at which he lived in; the friends who cared about him, the respect people gave him.

The love and trust of a beautiful woman.

Sighing deeply and letting his hand drop back down to his side, Inuyasha shook his head, his doubts overpowering all the courage within him. Thrusting a clawed hand through his white tresses, Inuyasha was just about to turn away when the doors before him opened, reveling ™the woman occupying his thoughts standing in the threshold with a surprised expression planted on her face.

"Inuyasha…"

"K-Kagome…"

Amber clashed with chocolate and both hanyou and woman stood there, unable to tear their gaze away from the other. The tension between them seemed to swirl amid them rapidly and mixed emotions rushed to the surface.

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she stared into her boyfriend's golden pools, confusion and mild hurt evident in her own coffee depths. What was he doing here? Was he just conveniently passing by? Or…maybe he had finally come up with a way to prove his love to her.

A sliver of hope crawled itself into her heart at the latter. She looked up at him almost wistfully, hoping against hope that that was why he was here, standing before her. Kagome could tell he was fighting an inner battle; his eyes were windows to his soul. Several times his mouth opened, but no speech ever came forth. Her hope falling, Kagome sighed softly and bowed her head, wrapping her arms around her middle. She brushed past him, heading down the hallway with her head still bowed when Inuyasha's soft voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Kagome…wait."

He didn't look back, his gaze focused on the carpeted floor beneath him instead. His hands curled into fists, his claws digging into his flesh but he didn't care. All that mattered right now was getting the damned words from his mind converted into speech. And goddamn it, he'd do it, no matter how hard it proved to be.

Kagome stood there, her feet nailed to the ground. She wanted to move, to get out of there as fast as she could but it was like her feet had a mind of their own and would not oblige to her wishes. Those words, those two words were said with such longing that she found herself turning around to gaze at her boyfriend.

Inuyasha had turned around and was now facing her, his expression serious, his tawny eyes finding and holding her rich brown ones. He had to tell her. It wasn't an alternative anymore. Even if Kagome didn't want to be with him anymore…she had to know that he still loved her with ever fiber if his being.

So, gathering up his courage – it was amazing how just one simple human girl could make him this edgy - and taking a deep breath, Inuyasha strode up to his beloved with confident strides, his jaw set. He stopped before her and tentatively grasped her hand on his own, adoring the way his hand dwarfed her own. He carefully linked their fingers together and was secretly satisfied by the way her cheeks tinted a nice shade of pink. Hope swelled in his heart at the notion that he could still affect her this way.

A small half-smile played at the corners of his lips as he lightly stroked her hand with the pad of this thumb, mindful of his claw. "Kagome…please listen to me. I know…I was a total ass and it was stupid of me to ever compare you to Kikyou."

Kagome's breath hitched in her throat when that name past his lips.

"And…I know you have every right to be pissed at me, and you probably still are, but…please…listen to me?" Inuyasha asked, almost pleadingly, his golden gaze captivating her and she nodded before she realized what she was doing.

His eyes lit up and his smile grew, giving her hand a loving squeeze. "Kagome, I love you…so much that words couldn't even begin to explain my feelings."

At this point, the familiar sensations of unshed tears were burning in the corners her chocolate eyes.

He continued. "I hope you'll trust and believe me when I say this, koi. This…tension between us has gotten so thick that it gets hard to breath every time I near you. But, this time I know what to say, what to do. And I can only hope that you'll accept what I offer to you." He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath, bracing himself for what he was about to say next. He really didn't want to go through with this, but if it meant that Kagome would be happy once more, would smile and laugh once again, he'd do anything.

Kagome's heart skipped a beat and her mouth parted slightly as she awaited his next words. He'd finally come up with a way to prove he loved her? After two, long, tear-filled days? He opened his mouth again and Kagome inhaled sharply, her hand absently squeezing his.

Okay…here goes… "Kagome, I…give you permission…to—" Fuck, this is harder that I thought it'd be. "—to…" Just fucking say it! He sighed with slight frustration. Okay, let's try this again… "Kagome, you have my permission to go see…Kurama Unagiichi…whenever you please." Damn, I feel so outta breath all of a sudden…

Coffee orbs widened to the size of saucers and Kagome's mouth dropped open. Did…did he just say what I thought he said? A sudden giddiness overwhelmed her and she abruptly had the urge to jump up and down and squeal like a schoolgirl as if her crush had just asked her to the dance.

"D-do—do you mean it?" she whispered, the unshed tears now making themselves known as they steamed down her flushed cheeks.

Biting his cheek, Inuyasha nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. I know I'm gonna regret this…

A bright, languid smile broke out on her face and a chocked laugh bubbled up from within her and out her lips as she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his shoulder. "Oh, Inuyasha…you've made me so happy," she said in a muffled voice, her arms tightening around his neck.

Inuyasha grunted as he stumbled back a few steps, his arms automatically wrapping around her waist. Suddenly realizing what position they were in, he blinked then grinned, his arms tightening around her as he pulled her closer to him, his nose buried in her hair. "Kagome…"

She gave him a squeeze before pulling back, smiling into his amber eyes. She cupped his cheek with a hand, caressing it softly as she leaned up and pressed her lips to his, hazel eyes fluttering close.

The kiss hit him so suddenly, his gut doing a joyous flip-flop and his eyes widened before he groaned, shutting said eyes and deepening the kiss. Gods, how he'd missed this. How he'd missed her.

Kagome gave a surprised gasp and Inuyasha took that advantage to delve in her pink cavern, his tongue dueling with hers and exploring every nook and crevice. Kagome moaned softly and slide her tongue along his bottom lip, poking inside to search his moist grotto.

Then it ended as quick as it had started, much to their disappointment. Resting his forehead against hers, Inuyasha panted and stared into her chocolate eyes with his honey pools, one hand rising to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear. He suddenly grinned and Kagome blinked.

"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that," he admitted breathlessly, giving he nose a soft nip.

Kagome smiled and giggled softly, sighing as she swathed her arms around him once more and placed her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes. "I think I have pretty good idea,"

Inuyasha sighed and held her close, resting his cheek on her head. "Gods, Kagome…I've missed you so much," he whispered, tightening his arms around her.

Kagome held back just as tightly, assuring him that she was there, real in his arms. "I've missed you too, Inuyasha." She hid her face in his shoulder, clinging to him as if he'd vanish if she ever let go. Then, a thought occurred to her and she pulled back, looking up at her love. "Inuyasha…about what you said earlier…"

His ears flattened against his skull and he had to fight back the forming growl. "Yeah?"

She felt him tense and she suddenly felt guilty. "Um…you really meant it? I can go see him any time I want to? I mean, I don't have to see him…" Kagome said, her liquid eyes searching his molten depths of amber.

Furrowing his brows, Inuyasha sighed and looked away. "Yeah, I meant it. If it makes you happy, Kagome…" He looked back at her, his visage one of sincerity. "…Then I'll allow you to see him."

Kagome smiled and hugged him again, which Inuyasha returned.

"But on one condition…"

Blinking, Kagome pulled back and gazed up at him, her heart sinking in her chest. "Yes…?"

"…You can see him only if I go with you."

Her muscles relaxed and she hugged him again. "Deal."

Inuyasha relaxed as well and he pulled back, tilting her chin up and dipping his head to catch her lips in another searing kiss.

Neither of them seemed to notice the four heads poking from around the corner, four pairs of lips curved into the same grin.

Rin and Sesshomaru had somehow ended up at the Takahashi mansion at about ten o'clock after they'd aimlessly cruised around town, chatting about this and that, mostly about the party tomorrow. Kagome and Rin had a little reunion of their own and had instantly joined in a hug when they caught sight of one another, squealing happily. Ayame, having already seen Rin before hand, had just laughed and stood to the side next to Kouga, watching as her friends hugged and smiled at one another. After their little exchange, they had excused themselves and headed up to Kagome's room. But before Kagome had a chance to walk up the stairs, strong arms had seized her waist, preventing her from going anywhere.

Inuyasha and Kagome had exchanged something of their own before he finally let the blushing girl go after giving her about a dozen kisses and endearments.

The house at long last seemed to be back to normal after the tension filled days, much to everybody's relief, including the maids, butlers, and cook.

Now the only thing that everyone had to worry about was the big formal gala that was to be taking place tomorrow at the Takahashi mansion.

I literally screamed, "WHOOO!" when I finished this chapter. God, but this chapter was hard to write! Especially the part where Inuyasha proves his love to Kagome. It was so frustrating, I just wanted to scream and chuck my laptop across my room. But then I figured that wouldn't be such a good idea so I just worked on it some more… Add to the fact that I got Bronchitis; it's been living hell for me the past few days. My throat is so raw it hurts to talk, my chest feels like there's a rock sitting inside it and every time I take a breath, it damn hurts. And I've missed three days of school…but that's one thing I'm not complaining about. But I know I will be complaining soon when all my schoolwork gets delivered to me…Oi.

But in another news, the formal gala is next chapter! WHEE! Heh, I already have the chapter half written, so it'll be a little easier for me to go from where I left off.

Inuyasha: -No longer "asleep", growling at Kurama, along with Kouga.-

Kurama: -Slowly backs away from the two advancing demons then screams and darts forwards.-

Keiko: -Vein pops.- I've had just about enough of this… -Growling, she stands up and grabs the screaming Kurama's shirt collar when he passes her and throws him onto the couch. Turns to Inuyasha and points a finger at him.- Kagome, if you please.

Kagome: Sit!

Inuyasha: Oh, for fuck's sake! –Slams into the ground face first.-

Keiko: -Turns to Kouga.- And as for you… -Rabid fangirls suddenly appear out of nowhere and run for Kouga.-

Rabid Fangirls: KOUGA-KUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUN!

Kouga: -Blanches.- Oh, fucknuts. –Turns and runs.- I'll get you for this, Keiko! If it's the last thing I—EEEEEEEEE!

Keiko: -Sighs and rubs her forehead.- Finally, Some peace and—

Sesshomaru: WHY THE HELL ARE ALL OF YOU TOUCHING MY FLUFF!

Everyone: -Blinks then scrams away.-

Ashley: -Continues to pet Sesshy's fluffy, seeming oblivious to his outburst.- La la la…

Keiko: …quiet. –Sighs and falls back on the couch, hearing a grunt but not paying it any heed.-

Kurama: Mmmfph mmmhhn mnphm mmphf…

Keiko: -Blinks.- What was that? –Looks down, expression bland.- Oh, it's only you.

Kurama: -Eyes widen.- Ommphay moo?

Keiko: -Continues to sit on him.- Please review… -Sighs again and leans back on her lumpy pillow.-

Kurama: Kayou! Mmoomnnhy! 'Ive me ohm ignooty! KAYOOOOUUUU!