Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of its characters, but the characters that I made up belong entirely to me.

Author's Note: I didn't get any reviews! I'm so disappointed… L Well, anyway, here's chapter 2! I know the plot is slow but it will become better developed later on…

The Course of True Love Ne'er Did Run Smooth…

Chapter 2

Kagome slowly walked back to Kaede's hut, wondering at the look she had just seen on Inuyasha's face. After 'sitting' him, the stubborn dog-demon was usually withdrawn and/or angry. But if it wasn't for rude words he had just uttered before he leapt off into the dense thicket of trees, Kagome could have sworn the look on his face as he glanced at her had meant something else. It was a mixture of expressions, some of which even Kagome, who was a good judge of character, could not fathom. But, the young girl reflected, as she trod slowly back without looking up, there had been pain, sorrow, concern, and something else on the young hanyou's face. As she stepped inside a dark, musty hut, she had one final thought; was it – love…?

Kaede, the old village priestess, stepped out from the dark corner of the hut to greet Kagome, "Hello, Kagome-sama. What are you doing up so bright and early in the morning? I trust that you slept well?"

Kagome smiled warmly at the wise, ancient woman, and replied, "Good-morning, Kaede-babaa. I just got up because Inuyasha and Shippou got into another argument and I had to use the necklace to stop Inuyasha from hurting Shippou." She stopped, and laughed self-consciously, "Well, actually, I guess 'argument' is a bit of an understatement. The two were running around in circles and making enough of a racket to wake the entire village."

Kaede smiled at the picture she described and asked, "Oh really? And where is that Inuyasha now? Sulking in a tree, I suppose?"

"Well, yes, but that's not what worries me," Kagome answered with a dismal sigh, "I feel guilty because I always make Inuyasha slam into the ground whenever I'm angry with him, and I'm afraid it hurts him much more than he lets on, even though he's half-demon. Today, after the usual cursing, he was actually reasonable and argued rationally that I didn't have the right to control him whenever I want to. Do you think he's right, Kaede-babaa? After what he said, I felt so low and mean, like I was treating him as a slave, or a dog, instead of a human."

Kaede frowned thoughtfully, "Kagome-sama, only your heart can determine whether your punishment was appropriate for Inuyasha. If you feel that he is more of a dog than human, and that he deserves to be dealt with like that, then I'm sure you are right. However, if you see him as more than just a pet or a servant, I suggest you act like it and show him how you feel towards him before you hurt his human feelings. Trust in your heart, Kagome-sama, it will lead you towards the answers you desire."

"Thanks, Kaede-babaa, I'll think about what you said," Kagome said gratefully, "Now, do you need any help gathering herbs for your medicine supplies?"

"No, child, I do not think I need any help today. Thank you, you are such a thoughtful person. Run along, and go enjoy this beautiful day that the gods have decided to grant us." Kaede waved Kagome out with a wrinkled smile, then hobbled back to her table to prepare some cough syrup for one of the villager's sick sons. Kagome strolled outside and breathed deeply, absorbing the cool, crisp air that was permeated with smells of breakfast, newly sprung flowers, and dozens of other strong fragrances. Involuntarily, her thoughts once again wandered to the half-dog demon that had so unexpectedly entered her life two months ago.

She wondered aloud to herself, "I wonder what Inuyasha smells today? If even I can smell all these different scents, his poor doggy nose must be driving him crazy right now!" Kagome giggled softly, imagining how Inuyasha would look, running around in agitation and sniffing the air like a mad dog. Then, she sobered as her mind turned to other problems that dealt with the perplexing hanyou. She was always so confused when around him. One minute, Inuyasha would be acting like a total jerk, calling her names and scorning her; another minute and he was acting like a little kid, whining and complaining and shoveling tons of Ramen into his huge mouth. Sometimes he was tough, rough, rude and gruff, while at other times Kagome caught a glimpse of the sensitive, sweet, yet mature boy inside. At those times, Kagome's heart would hammer against her ribs faster than a rabbit's footsteps, her cheeks would flame up and become the color of autumn leaves, and her chest would ache with a yearning that she did not understand.

She sighed heavily in despair. Would she ever truly understand who he was and what he was like inside? "And yet," she thought with sudden realization, "that's one of the reasons I like to be around him. I will never grow tired or bored of, never completely know, his inner soul. He's a bit mysterious, sometimes sympathetic, ever determined, and always loyal and protective. I feel safe when I'm around him. He makes me feel so special with one of his rare, sweet, smiles. I enjoy being by his side. Inuyasha…" Kagome whispered his name to the wind, as if it were one of her heart's deepest, innermost secrets, then smiled softly, and wandered leisurely into the forest to see if she could find him, and try to reconcile her (maybe-more-than-just-a) friend.