Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha!

Chapter 8

When Miroku awoke that morning, Kagome was already in his room. Sota must had already left for school, because they were all alone. She smiled that sweet smile he had always found so hard to resist. "Why did you leave, Miroku?"

The monk's heart sunk. "I have my reasons."

Before he could say anymore, the girl already had him in her embrace. He tried to fight it. He tried to fight the urge to kiss her and let his tongue explore her mouth as he held her intimately closer to his yearning body. That, however, was a battle he would lose. One look into her eyes was too much for the poor monk to take. He kissed her fervently. His actions much more untamed than that of the night before.

That's when he arrived. I should have known this would happen, the monk thought to himself. Inuyasha stood in the doorway. His murderous eyes sent a shudder down the monk's spine. He saw us. Miroku was so frightened that he found it increasingly difficult to breathe. "Inuyasha, I…I…" The hanyou growled as the monk tried his best to explain himself. But before he could, the hanyou's claws ripped into his chest, pulling out his still beating heart.

~*~*~*~

Miroku suddenly sat up. He looked around the room. It was dark, except for Sota's nightlight. The boy was still snoring loudly in bed. The monk looked down, passing his hand over the smooth skin of his torso. He was relieved to see that no internal organs had been pulled out of his chest. It was just a dream, for now at least…

***

Kagome had found it particularly difficult to fall to sleep that night. She couldn't stop thinking. She spent most of the night lying in bed, worrying. Obviously he likes me. It was him that kissed me… So what went wrong? She fell in and out of sleep a few times, gaining a total a no more than a few hours of undisturbed slumber.

Kagome finally rolled out of bed at around six the next morning, stopping momentarily to study her own tired eyes in the reflection of the mirror. As she went to her closet to grab her school uniform, she came across the dress she had pulled out the previous day. She sighed, remembering that tonight was the night of the formal she had promised to attend with Hojo. This left her in an uncomfortable position. Do I still go? Will Miroku be mad? We're not really together and I can't break a promise… Anyways, after the way he left last night, why should I feel like I'm doing something wrong?

She wanted desperately to speak with Miroku, but she was afraid. She was afraid of being turned down. She was afraid that Miroku didn't feel the same way for her that she felt about him. What if Miroku doesn't love me back? The realization of Kagome's thoughts hit her suddenly. Love? Have I really fallen in love with Miroku? The truth was that she had found herself thinking less and less about Inuyasha ever since she had started becoming closer with Miroku. It's obvious now, I do love him! Kagome first smiled at the realization, but then sighed when she realized she was, most likely, setting herself up for another heart break.

As she headed downstairs, Kagome noticed she was the only one up. She decided that it would be best to leave a little early for school that morning, rather than risking a chat with the monk. Miroku needs time to think, and so do I.

***

Naturally, the first person Kagome ran into at the school that morning was none other than her date to the dance.

"Kagome!" he called her name, running up the girl and wearing a huge grin. "Kagome, how are you?"

Kagome forced a fake smile that only Hojo wouldn't see through. "Fine, Hojo."

"Are we still on for tonight?"

Kagome paused. Hojo knew her better than she thought. She had been one to break dates with him before. She couldn't do it to the poor, hopeful boy again. "Of course."

"Great," he smiled, "I'll pick you up around seven, okay?"

Kagome nodded. She had been looking forward to the formal all week, but now she found herself almost dreading it. She remembered what Miroku had said to her earlier. You don't need to pretend you like someone in order to receive some affection. He had a point. Was she just leading Hojo on? It was obvious he liked her, but did she like him in the same way? She knew for certain that the way she felt about Hojo and the way she felt about Miroku were definitely not the same. Hojo. She loved him like… a brother. Miroku was different. The love she felt for the monk was anything but brotherly. She remembered the sensuous kiss from the previous evening. What she wouldn't give to experience that again.

***

The monk depressingly made his way downstairs. His nightmare had made his already miserable mood even worse. He wanted to be with Kagome. He wanted it badly. But he couldn't. He couldn't steal her away, even though, theoretically, she never really belonged to anyone.

Inuyasha has already had a rough life, Miroku thought to himself. Taking the one he loves away from him wouldn't be right. Well, one of the one's he loves away from him. What am I thinking? He has Kikyo—what I'm doing isn't wrong. But it most certainly doesn't feel right.  Gods, I am so mystified right now.

Miroku had gone to the girl's room to apologize for his behavior, but then she shot him that cute little smile… He lost himself in her sparkling eyes. Her kind smile. Her reassuring words. When it came to willpower, Miroku had none. He lost all control as his emotions overtook his body. The monk began to wonder how Inuyasha could resist Kagome as he did, while he had finally given in to temptation in merely a week.

***

Kagome stared at the wall as her teacher went on and on about metamorphosis. I know why Miroku changed his mind. He loves Sango. Duh. It's not because he loves or even likes me, it's only because he misses her. I guess I'm just the next best thing…

"Kagome."

The girl looked up. "Um, yes Mr. ­­­­­Suueeneyu?" Snap out of it Kagome!

"Would you mind answering the question?"

"Uh…" Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as the bell rung and her classmates collectively made their way out the door. I'll be glad when this day is over with…

***

Kagome entered the front door of her home to find Miroku sitting on the couch and watching—surprise—television. The monk looked down at his lap as Kagome closed the door behind her. "Kagome."

"Hey, Miroku…"

An uncomfortable silence filled the room. Kagome waited momentarily as the monk sat silently studying his empty soda can.

"Well," said Kagome, when she realized the monk had no intention of saying anything. "I need to get ready for the dance."

"You're still going?" he asked.

"Yes, of course. Why wouldn't I?" Miroku frowned as the girl turned and headed up the stairs. She smiled slyly, realizing that her going to the dance was making Miroku jealous.

Kagome pulled her dance attire out of her closet and smiled. A little black dress with tiny straps. Somewhat short, too. She was certain that Hojo would like it, and more importantly, that Miroku would be jealous when he saw her wearing it. Maybe when he sees me with Hojo, he'll realize he wants to be with me. Inuyasha had always become jealous when she was around other guys, so Miroku wouldn't be any different, right?

Her heart sunk when she realized the thoughts that had just went through her mind. If Miroku loves Sango, I can't just break them up because I want to be with him. Sango is my friend. I could never that to a friend. Kagome sighed. Both of the men she had ever loved were already taken.  She had been the second choice in both Inuyasha and Miroku's lives. I can't force him to like me…

---

A/N: OMG! I have never received such kind reviews! You guys are great. Thank you for taking the time to review!! =) Umm… that isn't it for the dance. I decided to break it up into a couple of chapters.