Disclaimer: I do not own the rights to these characters.

Kagome found herself staring at her open closet and debating the entire situation that she was currently in. Her mind played and replayed the conversation from yesterday, studying and watching as Kuroo set his trap and baited her into it. 'He's gotten slicker since we were kids, this will be problematic.' At this point she wasn't sure if she should be impressed or just plain irritated with that fact, so she settled on both.

Don't get her wrong, it wasn't like she was against going out with him. He did grow into a very handsome teen. His ridiculous height, which was still unfair in her opinion, and the same crazy bedhead aside; his voice was definitely a draw for her. That deeper tone that he now possesses definitely sends shivers down her spine and she could feel the heat that wanted to creep into her cheeks when she heard him speak. It was an effect that she as going to have to hide as much as possible. She just knew that once he realized that little tidbit, he would use it to his advantage every chance he could.

Pushing past his physical appeal, he still had the same warm and caring personality mixed with a brilliant strategic mind. Yet, that scheming side of his seems to been amplified tenfold during their separation. She always had to be cautious of that side of him when they were children, now he's worse and she's a bit out of practice.

'I would have thought that dealing with Miroku would've kept me prepared for Tetsu-kun's antics.' However, she really needed to be honest with herself, Miroku's schemes were directed towards others and she didn't always see the exchanges. It was his perversions that she learned to deal with, and those tactics while various, were generally straightforward.

Shaking her head to refocus on the task at hand, she peered into her closet once again for inspiration. She wasn't entirely certain as to what the plan was for the date, but she figured that there was a high possibility that volleyball would be included somehow. 'So, do I wear the sundress, or something more sport worthy?'

A small part of her wanted to be obstinate and refuse to attend this date just to spite him. It wasn't like he really asked her, and the smug grin that he'll most likely have when he arrives will drive her up the wall. "Just admit it Kagome. You're miffed that he got one up over you…again…" She could feel the beginnings of a twitch under her left eye as her annoyance grew.

Taking a deep solidifying breath, she reached in and grabbed the sky-blue sundress decorated with sakura blossoms and the short white jacket to go over it. "Revenge will come. You just need to be patient and wait for the opportune moment." Nodding to herself, she headed to the bathroom to finish getting ready.

As Kuroo finished getting ready for his date with Kagome he was struck by a sudden chill down his back. For a moment he was concerned that either he was coming down with a cold or maybe it was a warning. 'Maybe I should ease up on provoking Kago-chan?' Allowing a grin to creep across his face, he shook his head and left his room. 'Nah, where's the fun in that?'

"Tetsurou? Where are you going all dressed up?"

Kuroo paused and turned to look at his mother, then he glanced down at his attire. He was wearing a pair of black jeans with a black shirt, and over that he had a red button up shirt that he left undone and untucked. He rolled up the sleeves to just below his elbows to complete the look. It looked nice yet mostly casual to him at least. "I'm not that dressed up, Ma."

She tilted her head and scrutinized her son. "It's nicer compared to what you normally wear."

Placing a hand behind his head, Kuroo turned his eyes up to the ceiling as red crept into his cheeks. He just knew his mom would make a big deal out of the next bit of information. "I have a date."

There was a moment of silence as his mom stared at him in surprise. "My volleyball nut of a boy is finally going on a date?! I thought you said that there were no else out there for you, except for little Kagome-chan?"

Kuroo winced a bit, and released a low groan. Her shock was understandable, he did dedicate himself to volleyball and turn down any girl that confessed to him. Also, she didn't know that he found Kagome again since both his parents were out visiting family yesterday after he left, and they only returned home this morning. Looking back at her in the corner of his eye, "Yes, and that's who I'm going on a date with."

Watching as his mother's eyes widened in shock, he started to think that now would be an excellent time to get out of the house. "What? You're taking Kagome-chan out!"

"Yes Ma, I am. And wow, look at the time! I need to head out or I'll be late. Oh, Higurashi-mama says hello and to give her a call sometime. The number for the shrine that they live at is on the refrigerator. Ok, gotta go! Bye!" With that he darted down the hall towards the door before she could catch him.

Kuroo took a deep breath after reaching the top of the stairs of the Higurashi Shrine. 'Man, those stairs are no joke.' He ran a hand through his hair as he looked around the grounds. The peacefulness and stillness in the air was soothing to him, he took a moment to appreciate the calm since he knew that that was not what he would be returning home to.

Running out of the house and away from his mother was going to have consequences, like an hour-long interrogation. He could only hope that she somehow got distracted by something between now and then so he would be safe. Shaking his head, he turned to stroll towards the house in the back he crossed paths with the elder Higurashi.

"Good morning, Kuroo-san."

Kuroo gave him a grin, "Good morning, Higurashi-san."

"You're here to pick up Kagome-chan, I take it?"

"Yes, sir."

Grandpa stared into Kuroo's eyes and a nod of approval. "She was grumbling quite a bit last night. It's been a while since I've seen her that lively." He chuckled in remembrance. Shaking his head, he patted Kuroo's arm as he walked by. "You'll be good for her. She needs someone who can keep her on her toes."

Continuing to chuckle as he walked along the path, Grandpa felt the anticipation and glee building within him. 'You may be able to keep her on her toes, but she will keep you on yours as well. This will be a fun show to watch.'

Kuroo turned his head a bit to watch the man wander off, and felt his grin grow wider. "Thank you, sir."

Knocking on the door of the house, Kuroo took a calming breath to quell his nerves. He could feel his palms begin to sweat a bit, and his confidence was beginning to wane some. His hope was that this date went well today, and that the outcome would lead them to more dates in the future.

The door in front of him swung open to reveal the source of his brief bout of anxiety. There she was in a cute sundress that stopped just above her knees, and her hair pulled back into a high ponytail. Curling his lips into a soft smile he took in her delicate appearance. "Hey Kago-chan, you look pretty."

Kagome reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear and shyly looked up into his eyes. "Thank you, you look very nice too."

Grinning widely, Kuroo stepped aside to let her exit the house. "Are you ready to go?"

Smiling in return and with a light dusting of pink in her cheeks, she slipped on her white sandals. "Yes, I'm ready." With a goodbye to her mother, she closed the door behind her. Kuroo threw his arm around her shoulders, tucking her slight frame into his side as he turned and guided them across the grounds and down the stairs.

The pair wandered around and stopped at a nearby park that was currently empty, simply talking and catching up on each other's lives as they sat on the swings. Kuroo talked about meeting Kenma, playing video games with him, and dragging him outside to play. Told her about joining the volleyball team in Elementary School and Junior High, and the tournaments that he played in.

Kagome talked about being a big sister and helping out at the shrine. Telling about how she felt like she needed to step up more and help out as much as possible since their little family was still grieving. Telling the tale of how she was pulled out of her third year of Junior High to participate in a program that was a once in a lifetime opportunity. There she learned about being a miko and was trained in some martial arts, weapons, and healing. How one of her teachers was probably a demon in a previous life and had a sadistic streak to match.

Kuroo smirked at her and raised a brow in disbelief, "Come on now, Kago-chan. That's a bit extreme to call someone a demon."

She gave him a droll look and a snort, "Fine he was a demon lord. His name meant 'Destruction of Life' and he took great pride in living up to it."

"Well it's not like he would have actually killed you while training."

"He would have if you didn't duck fast enough, then he would just bring you back from the dead so you could try again." She deadpanned. Kagome then slid her eyes towards Kuroo and gave a small smirk as he released a nervous chuckle.

Kuroo stood up from the swing after looking at the time. "Well, milady. Shall we go find ourselves something for lunch?" He held his hand out to her with a wide grin.

She laughed as she rested her hand in his and allowed him to pull her up on her feet. "What if I don't want to have lunch with you? What if I'm tired of your presence?" She teased.

He tucked her against his side once more. "Lies! You could never be tired of me and my greatness."

Giggling at his dramatics, she wrapped her arm around his waist. "Greatness, huh? A little full of ourselves, are we?"

"Always! Now, where or what would you like to eat?"

Kagome brought her free hand up to her chin as she contemplated her answer. Glancing up at Kuroo she grinned, "I could go for a burger. You?"

"That's my girl."

She could feel the heat rising into her cheeks as she pinched his side with the hand that was around his waist. "Once again, who said I'm yours?"

Flinching a bit, he laughed as he lowered his head closer to hers. "Pretty sure, I just did. And you're not exactly denying it either, Kago-chan."

"You are insufferable." She scowled at his answering cackle.