Shoesarecool: Hmmm... who knows... haha

Chapter Nine

The book

As soon as Kagome's figure disappeared at the top of the steps, Inuyasha snorted and looked around in confusion.

What the hell had that human done to him?

He needed to talk to Sesshomaru as soon as possible.

After turning around, he walked in the direction of the forest, which was only ten minutes away. When he arrived, he stood by the fence for a moment, making sure there were no curious humans peering out of the windows of the nearby buildings. When Inuyasha was absolutely sure that no one was watching him, he climbed over the metal fence and jumped over to the other side, hiding behind the trees.

Inuyasha clenched his fists, shaking his head in frustration. He could still feel her lips on his. He raised an arm and ran the sleeve of his shirt over them, trying to make the sensation go away.

After a grunt, he used his arms to climb up to the highest branch of one of the trees near the fence. Luckily he didn't lose his muscles when he became human, otherwise it would have been impossible. He sat on it and sighed.

He couldn't go back into the forest until the sun came up.

He had to wait.

Kagome practically ran up the stone stairs, until she closed the door of her house behind her. She tiptoed down the hallway and climbed the stairs silently, entering her room.

Once inside, she leaned her back against the wooden door and let her body slide until she was sitting on the floor. She stretched out her legs and looked at her hands, which were still a little shaky. She sighed and covered her face with them, closing her eyes.

She had done it! She had kissed Inuyasha, but she still couldn't believe it.

Kagome had been thinking about it ever since she saw him waiting at the bottom of the stone steps. She wanted her first kiss to be with Inuyasha, he was the one. That boy made her feel things that seemed impossible and, by the time they were finishing dinner, she had made up her mind. If he tried to kiss her, she would let it happen.

But Inuyasha walked her home and there was nothing to indicate that he was going to try. So, Kagome decided to be brave and did it herself. She was about to give him the kiss on the cheek, but she thought that wasn't enough and kissed the lips she had been trying all night not to look at.

Kagome couldn't look him in the face after that, she was too embarrassed. She had gone up the stone stairs without looking back, and now she was thinking that she shouldn't have run away like that.

He hadn't reacted, hadn't said a word. Inuyasha had stood completely still, as if frozen.

Maybe he wanted to be the one to take that step, or maybe he hadn't liked her being so bold. What if she had misunderstood everything and Inuyasha was just interested in being her friend?

Kagome shook her head, gritting her teeth. No, Inuyasha had told her more than once that she had caught his attention since he first saw her. And that night had been a date, her first real date with a boy.

Kagome pressed her knees to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, letting her head fall back.

She needed to think about something else, to relax and sleep. Setting her phone down on the table, she checked to make sure she didn't have any new messages. Looking out her window, the only place in the house where she could see the temple steps, she saw that Inuyasha had left.

She sighed, heading to the bathroom to brush her teeth. The next morning, she would continue to think about how she was going to avoid blushing when she saw him again after that kiss. But now, she needed to sleep.

Inuyasha let out a sigh of relief when he felt that tingling under his skin, standing up and holding onto the tree trunk with one arm. The sun was finally out and his body was changing.

No demons had passed nearby, though he hadn't been worried. He would have crossed to the other side of the fence if he had felt in any danger, where no yōkai could reach him. But he hadn't needed to.

He jumped to the ground, bending his knees as he fell, and ran to his meadow. He changed clothes inside his cave, returning to his red kimono and tying his father's sword around his waist.

Inuyasha closed his eyes and sighed heavily, clenching his fists in frustration. He needed Sesshomaru, surely he would know the meaning of what had happened. His brother was one of the most wise demons in the entire forest and had knowledge on all subjects, including humans.

Inuyasha started to run at full speed again heading north into the trees, towards the Taisho Palace.

As soon as he saw the high stone wall, he slowed his steps and stopped just inside the entrance, nodding to the guards. They did the same and stepped aside, allowing him to pass through.

Inuyasha crossed the palace grounds at a brisk pace, sniffing to discover where his brother was. His scent came not from inside the building, but from the back.

He frowned, crossing his arms and hiding his sharp nails inside the sleeves of his kimono. He clicked his tongue as he reached the training area, where the younger yōkai learned the art of war as soon as they were able to hold a sword.

There were four moon yōkai surrounding a smaller one, of whom he could only see his red hair. Those demons increased their powers with the full moon, becoming almost invincible that night. Inuyasha recognised the scent of his little friend and snorted, wondering whether or not to intervene.

Suddenly, a ball of bluish fire appeared in the centre, causing the four yōkai to step back, watching the fire with fearful eyes. Inuyasha grinned as the foxfire disappeared and a very smiling Shippo pointed his index finger at the demons.

"That's for the four of you coming after me, you cowards," the fox shouted angrily.

The moon yōkai wrinkled their noses, but backed away without a word.

"You defended yourself well, Shippo."

The fox demon let out a high-pitched cry at the sound of his voice and ran at him, leaping onto his chest. Several yōkai pouted at the sight of them and averted their eyes, turning away.

"Inuyasha, you've come to see me!"

He felt a pang of guilt. That wasn't true.

"Yes, well, not exactly. I came to talk to my brother, but I was planning on finding you later," he replied quietly, letting Shippo sit on his shoulder.

The fox narrowed his eyes.

"Sesshomaru is cruel, I don't like him," he admitted in a whisper.

Inuyasha gave him a smirk.

"He lets you live here, don't complain."

He looked up, scanning the huge open area where the children of the yōkai who guarded the palace trained. In the distance, about ten feet up, a figure hovered, watching everything with his golden eyes.

"I'll be back in a little while, Shippo. We can eat together before I leave."

The little fox nodded with a smile, hopping back down to the ground.

"I want to show you everything I've learned to do!"

Inuyasha smiled as well before he started walking towards the back of the giant courtyard to where his brother was. Sesshomaru landed softly in front of him.

"You look worried."

"I am," Inuyasha admitted, frowning.

Sesshomaru nodded.

"Let's talk in my office."

Inuyasha followed him, walking back through the place until he saw the endless stairs that led up into the palace. As they reached the top, after passing through the front door, he heard a snort. Inuyasha turned his head and caught a glimpse of a figure wrapped in a long purple gown disappearing into the far hall.

Irasue.

"Just ignore her," Sesshomaru muttered, still walking.

"Isn't that what I've always done?"

A small smile curved the demon's lips, so tiny that Inuyasha wasn't sure if he had imagined it.

Once inside the office, Sesshomaru motioned for him to take a seat with one hand.

"Did you do it tonight?" he asked, sitting down across from him.

Inuyasha grunted, shaking his head.

"She doesn't want to come with me into the forest at night... she's afraid of it and I haven't been able to convince her."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, crossing his arms.

"But I have a plan. I've thought of another way to finish her off," Inuyasha added, clenching and unclenching his fists a few times.

"What plan?"

"I'll get her to enter the forest in daylight, and then I'll kill her."

Sesshomaru nodded, relaxing his stance.

"I hope it works."

"It will work," Inuyasha growled in a deep voice.

Sesshomaru watched his brother silently, taking in his face and his hands, which were shaking slightly.

"What is wrong with you?"

Inuyasha sighed. He didn't want to, but he had to ask.

"Last night, the human... did something strange," he muttered, lowering his gaze.

Sesshomaru frowned.

"Something strange?"

"Yes, she..." Inuyasha brought a hand to his lips unconsciously, remembering the taste Kagome had left on them. "She came closer, and... I don't know what she did or why, I don't understand it," he admitted in a whisper.

Sesshomaru clicked his tongue and his frown became even more pronounced.

"Did she kiss you?"

"Kiss?" Inuyasha repeated in confusion.

"That's what they call it. Humans like to do it, pressing their mouths together with their mates. It's disgusting," Sesshomaru growled, wrinkling his nose.

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow.

"And how do you know all of this?"

"Let me remind you that our father left my mother for a human," Sesshomaru remarked, standing up and moving towards one of the bookshelves filled with books. "When there was still no border between our worlds, he was in touch with some humans and started to write a book about them. He finished it just before he left."

"Have you read it?"

Sesshomaru nodded.

"There are many things written about your mother. I think you should read it, it will do you good to know how humans act for your future dark nights."

"Why didn't you give it to me before?" Inuyasha protested, clenching his jaw to control his anger.

"Because I didn't remember this book existed until now. Besides, you never wanted to know anything about your mother or humans," Sesshomaru replied, sitting back down and placing the book on the table.

Inuyasha shot him a look of hatred, though he knew he was right. He picked up the book and stood up, ready to leave.

"One last thing, Inuyasha."

His hand was already on the doorknob, but he turned to look at his half-brother. Sesshomaru had his elbows resting on the table and was leaning forward, resting his chin on his clasped hands.

"If that human kissed you, it means she has feelings for you. You can use that to your advantage."

"She has feelings for me? What do you mean?" Inuyasha asked, furrowing his brow.

"Humans call it love. Read the book, it's all there. I'm sure you can convince her to go into the forest now," Sesshomaru added, pointing to the book in his brother's hand with his eyes.

Inuyasha closed his eyes for a moment, trying to control his breathing. He needed to calm down, but the whole kissing thing had gotten on his nerves.

"I'll read it, and I'll be done with her this week," he said, opening the door a little too forcefully and stepping out into the hallway.

Sesshomaru was still sitting, staring at the place where Inuyasha had been standing. He narrowed his golden eyes, which glittered before darkening.

"I'll make sure of it, brother."

It was already dusk by the time Inuyasha reached the edge of the forest again. He had spent some quality time with Shippo, as he had promised, and the fox had asked him all sorts of questions that he had been unwilling to answer.

Inuyasha climbed to the top of a tree, pulling out the phone he had strapped to his cloth belt. He had to get started on his new plan.

When he turned it on, he was surprised he didn't get any messages from Kagome. Maybe she was angry? Or was she regretting what she had done?

He needed to read that damn book about humans and their emotions as soon as possible. He sighed, typing on the screen.

Hello, Kagome. Are you there?

He preferred not to call her, it was better not to hear her voice if he wanted to think clearly. A few minutes passed and, just as he was about to leave for his cave, the phone vibrated in his hand.

Yes. Hello, Inuyasha

A little strange that she only said that, Kagome loved to talk. As he was about to answer, he received another message.

If what I did upset you, I'm sorry. It won't happen again

Inuyasha frowned. Was she talking about the kiss?

Why would I be upset?

You didn't say anything and I haven't heard from you in almost a day

Inuyasha growled, pounding the trunk of the tree with his right fist. Her being like that didn't help, he had to convince her.

You left me speechless, but I've been thinking about you all day

He leaned his forehead against the tree trunk, sniffling. Technically he wasn't lying, and that was the worst part of it.

Really?

I have to leave Tokyo again, I'm leaving tomorrow. But first I want us to do something

Kagome was quick to answer.

What is it?

I will go to the forest in the morning, and I want you to come with me. I'll show you that it's not dangerous, and then I'll kiss you so you won't forget about me during these days

How could I forget you?

Inuyasha smirked. He was going to succeed this time.

I'll wait for you at ten o'clock on the outskirts of the city, where the fence disappears. Don't be late

Inuyasha held his breath, waiting for her answer.

All right, I'll be there

A huge grin spread across his face. Finally! Kagome was going to enter the forest, after almost two months of trying to convince her. He leaned his back against the tree trunk, feeling all the exhaustion of the previous day take over his body. He needed to get some sleep.

See you tomorrow, Kagome

See you

Inuyasha turned his phone off again so it wouldn't drain the battery and ran back to his cave, chuckling.

He had made it. All he had to do now was wait for her to get through the first few trees and he would drag her inside, until he made sure no one could hear her screams. And then he would get rid of her for good.

After lighting the fire, he laid down on the stone floor and set all of his things on it, picking up the book Sesshomaru had given him. Inuyasha needed to read the whole thing before falling asleep, he had to know everything about human emotions so he would be able to convince Kagome if she had doubts again in the morning.

A little voice in his head told him that killing her wasn't going to be as easy as he thought, but Inuyasha didn't listen to it.

In less than a day, it would all be over.

Kagome plopped down on her bed. She knew she was grinning like an idiot, but she didn't care.

Inuyasha wanted to see her again before he left the city. And he wanted to kiss her.

She had been worrying all day, keeping an eye on her phone in case he texted her, but she hadn't received anything but a couple of messages from her friends. In a few days her final exams were starting, and Rin wanted to know if she could visit her that weekend again. Sango had promised to call her the next day, and Eri wanted to know if she was going to study at the library.

Kagome almost sent a text to Inuyasha a couple of times, though in the end she decided it wasn't a good idea. She had kissed him, now it was his turn to take the plunge.

As the hours passed, she grew more nervous. What if he was angry? What if she had ruined everything by being so brave?

Just as she closed her immunology book, cursing under her breath because she couldn't focus on it, another message came in.

She glanced sideways at the phone, suspecting it would be Eri again, but her heart skipped a beat when she saw Inuyasha's name on the screen.

After taking several deep breaths and answering him, they had been talking for almost ten minutes.

Kagome couldn't have been more relieved. He wasn't mad, nothing like that. He had enjoyed the kiss and wanted to see her again.

A little walk in the mysterious forest and then a kiss goodbye. The plan sounded great, she always felt safe when he was by her side and she knew she wouldn't be afraid of the forest.

Kagome pursed her lips as she remembered that she hadn't asked him how long it would take him to get back to Tokyo. She shrugged, thinking she could ask him the next day when she was with him, and sat up.

It was almost seven o'clock and her mother would be starting to prepare dinner. She went downstairs to help her, still smiling.

The day had started badly, but it had all come together. Inuyasha felt the same way she did and Kagome was looking forward to being with him again.

She ate dinner quickly and went to bed, wishing she could fall asleep so that time would pass and it would be ten in the morning.