Author's Note: Okay. Sorry I didn't get this chapter up earlier. I need to spend some time to work on my other fic. So if you get the chance, go ahead and read it…ok…what else? Oh yeah, another 2 part chapter. Here is the cruise ship…it didn't turn out as expected but whatever. K…that's all.

"Speaking"

'thoughts'

Kagome's Diary

(notes)

Disclaimer: You know, someone asked me today if I knew how to write a proper disclaimer. And not one when one of my BFF's (CC) get's killed. So tell me, is there a proper way to write a disclaimer? Me, I can't see the difference…but whatever…don't own anything is the main point of this…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Diary,

I'm so excited to go on this trip. Not just because I've never been on a cruise before, but I get to spend a whole ten days with my friends. Oh yeah, and Inuyasha as well. I looked back at previous entries and laughed. Can you imagine? There was a time when I hated Inuyasha. It surprises me. Well, I hope that the trip will be one to remember.

Chapter 11

Aboard the Cruise Ship

Just like he said, Inuyasha was at Kagome's house at six in the morning sharp. Sango, Miroku, Rin and Sesshomaru were already in the car. (Well it was more like a small coach bus but I'm explaining it my way so too bad if it doesn't make sense.) She smiled and handed him her suitcase. "Here. Be a good boy and take my things." He growled at her choice of words. He didn't like people to treat him like a pet. (Well to some women that's all boyfriends are. Pets ^_^). He was about to tell her off, but Mrs. Higurashi came to the door. So he said nothing.

"Bye dear. Have a good time," Mrs. Higurashi hugged her daughter.

"You sure you'll be alright?"

"Don't worry. Sota will be here."

"Nee-chan," Sota was still in his pajamas when he hugged Kagome good-bye. Inuyasha went back to the 'car' to put the luggage away. Sota said his final words in a whisper, knowing Inuyasha's sensitive hearing. "I'm still to young to be an uncle." (Okay, that was corny.)

Kagome sighed and rolled her eyes, "That's not cute or funny anymore. Bye you little brat." She left the house and joined her friends in the 'car'.

"Hey Kag," Sango greeted her. She was seated next to Miroku, who smiled as she passed by. Kagome took a seat next to Inuyasha.

" Next stop, the cruise ship Ryuujin (meaning 'Dragon King'*_~)," Rin clapped her hands in excitement as they drove onto the highway.

"So how long is the drive?" asked a yawning Kagome.

"About 3½ hours," Sesshomaru replied simply. Everyone else groaned. "It will seem like a shorter trip if you all shut up and go to sleep. For God sakes, it's 6:30."

"Are you serious? I usually sleep until at least ten," Sango yawned and rested her head on Miroku's shoulder. "Goodnight. Or…good morning everyone." She drifted off to sleep.

One by one, they all fell into a light slumber. Rin fell asleep on Sesshomaru. Miroku rested his head on top of Sango's. Kagome wanted nothing to do with Inuyasha right now, so went to sleep in a sitting position. Sesshomaru closed his eyes but wasn't exactly sleeping. (Does he ever?)

Inuyasha was about to fall asleep when he felt a weight on his chest. Kagome had fallen from her sitting position and was now rested her head against Inuyasha. He slid her onto his lap and wrapped an arm around her warm body. After awhile, he dozed off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What? How long are they gone for?" Kikyo snapped into her cell phone.

"Ten days exact. Don't worry. It will still go according to plan. It's just a minor setback," the voice was icily calm.

"It better work. I pay you good money and something extra. So you'd better bring me her head," Kikyo hung up and smirked evilly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The only thing that was heard was the humming of the 'car's' engine. Except for Kagome, who was hearing a faint heartbeat in her ear. She opened one eye to observe the surroundings. 'Oh yeah. I'm on the road to that cruise. But I don't remember falling asleep on Inuyasha.' She looked around to see if anyone else (other than the driver) was up. When no one stirred, she took the opportunity to snuggle against his warm body. She looked into his sleeping face. 'Aww. He's so peaceful when not awake. What a difference, compared to the loudmouth that he normally is.' Her eyes moved from his firm jawbone up to the top of his head. It was the first time she took a good look at his doggy-ears. 'These are so kawaii!' she stopped herself from squealing. She extended her hand to touch one. It twitched causing her to retract her hand. It was only a reflex, because he was still out. He wasn't used to people touching his ears. She reached once more and tweaked them, rubbing the soft ears between her fingers. After a minute, a faint growl could be heard from his chest. Kagome listened carefully to hear that it wasn't a growl, but a purr. 'How kawaii! I always thought only cats could purr.'

Inuyasha slowly opened his amber eyes. His ears felt hot. He saw Kagome rubbing them and she seemed to be having a good time. She also didn't notice he was awake. He sat there for a moment, enjoying getting his ears tweaked but…what if someone saw? He wasn't about to be known as a softie. He was about to yell at her, when he came in contact with her raven locks. It was the most heavenly, most intoxicating smell in the world. Breathing deeply, enjoying every passing breath, which also caused him to purr louder. It was suffocating him. And just when he thought he was going to pass out, he came face to face with Kagome's glaring eyes.

"How long have you been up?" she questioned.

"Since you were rubbing my ears. I can feel things, ya know. And how did you figure out I was awake?"

"You were breathing heavily."

"Oh." There was more silence for a minute. "You seem to take quite a bit of interest in my ears. Why?"

"Cause they're so kawaii! And besides, you don't seem to mind, considering that you're purring." She put her hand on the spot where the purring came from, which happened to be the middle of his chest. This made him blush…and purr even louder.

He needed an excuse, and quick. "I'm growling, okay. Now would you stop that."

"Stop what? Oh, this?" She took two fingers and 'walked' them up his chest. (I didn't know how else to describe it.) Of course, she didn't get very far. Looking over Inuyasha's shoulder, she saw four pairs of eyes, staring strait at her. "Ack!" she leapt off Inuyasha and back into her own seat.

"I'm sorry to interrupt this little affair but we're here," Sango stared at them, blinking rapidly.

"Whatever," Kagome mumbled, climbing out of the 'car'. Her face was bright red. 'What was I doing? And now they'll keep bugging me because they think I like him now. Be in for ten days of pure torture.'

The Ryuujin was stationed at the edge of the port. Hundreds of people, humans and youkais alike, boarded the ship. "Sesshomaru, Inuyasha. Over here," Inuyashito waved their group over.

"Dad! You did a great job by the looks of it," Inuyasha commented.

"Thanks. Well you should board now. Over here. It's a private entrance," Inuyashito pointed to a narrow set of stairs.

Once on the ship, another set of stairs was seen. Then another. And possibly another. "Holy crap! How many levels are on this thing?" Kagome complained carrying her luggage that seemed to be getting heavier by each passing step.

"This looks like it," Sango sounded relieved. Several doors lined the corridor. It was the first-class part of the ship. "Um…so what now?"

"These three rooms are yours." Yuki smiled as she appeared through the door. "Here. These six keys open each of the three rooms. Enjoy your stay." She handed them each a key and walked back down the stairs. (When I say keys, I mean those credit card ones that you have in hotels.)

They all stared at one another, not knowing what to do next. "I call this room," Sango threw in her bags and closed the door.

'Hmm. Maybe I'll share a room with Sango,' Kagome was about to walk in, but Miroku beat her to it.

"I will share a room with you, lovely Sango," he said running in.

"Come within five feet of me and I swear you will regret coming on this trip," could be heard through the door.

"I want this room," Rin pulled Sesshomaru by the back of his shirt. "You are going to keep me company." Sesshomaru rolled his eyes. "That is, unless you'd rather share a room with your brother." She winked and went into her room. Sesshomaru was left to weigh the options. Girlfriend or brother? He didn't need to think twice of which room he'd rather stay. Picking up his and Rin's bags, Sesshomaru followed inside.

This left Inuyasha and Kagome to look at each other. "How is it that I'm always stuck with you?" Kagome sighed entering her room.

"Just lucky I guess," Inuyasha followed her inside. "Wow. Mom and Dad went all out on this place, didn't they?" It was a fairly big room. It was a lounge with a large television. Through one door was the bathroom and through the other was the bedroom. Two queen-sized beds were separated by a nightstand…that could be easily moved…(yup. They did that purposely…just in case…well ya. You get it *_~)

"This place is nicer than my house," Kagome commented, lying down on a bed. After a minute she began unpacking her belongings.

"You're actually putting away your clothes in the drawers? Why don't you leave them in the suitcase?" Inuyasha couldn't see why women had to be so neat. (That is major stereotyping. Look at me. I got one of the messiest rooms in the city.)

"Unlike you, I'd like a clean room. Mess it up and you'll be sleeping outside," Kagome's tone was dangerous. Inuyasha could tell she was serious. After hers, she began to go through Inuyasha's suitcase.

"What are you doing wench? That's my stuff."

"I'm putting it away. Like the maid does at your house. Is that a crime?"

"Whatever, if that's what you wanna do." He lay back and watched her work. 'She has to be the stupidest, most stubborn, most damn beautiful thing to ever walk this Earth. She's way to pretty to be working. But like I'm going to tell her that…' He was interrupted from his thoughts by Kagome's voice.

"Hello? You listening? I said 'how bout getting something to eat and then going swimming?" Kagome was hovering over Inuyasha. A loud horn was heard and the boat jerked slightly. It was enough, however, to knock Kagome off balance. And whom should she fall on top of? Inuyasha of course. "What was that?"

"I think the boat just left. Anyway, are we gonna eat something or are you going to lie on me all day?"

"What?!" Kagome looked at their position. "Oops, sorry." She slowly balanced herself on the moving boat. Inuyasha would have stopped her, but knowing Kagome, she'd probably get pissed.

Kagome looked through a drawer until she found a bathing suit. "Turn around," she commanded, twirling her finger.

"Why?"

"So I can get changed."

"Go into the washroom."

"How do I know you won't peek on me?"

"How do you know I won't turn around now?"

"Just turn." She narrowed her eyes. Growling, he faced away. "God, you're almost as bad as Miroku."

"What?" he whipped his head around, where Kagome's hand was waiting. "Oww, shit wench. Why'd ya put your hand there?"

"Because I knew you'd turn your head. Now sit boy." She pushed him to the ground. "Stay and don't move."

He growled and mumbled several curses under his breath. "Why you little…"

"There you can move now. See, that wasn't so bad."

"Speak for yourself you…" he turned around and saw her sitting of her bed, wearing a navy string bikini.

"So you does it look?" she stood, hands on her hips.

"Like something Kikyo would wear." This made Kagome narrow her eyes. "Only it looks ten times better on you." The corner of her mouth went up to look like a playful smile. She put on some shorts and a tank top over her bathing suit.

"I can't stand you a minute longer. Come on, let's go get Sango and Miroku before I strangle you." Kagome sighed, closing the door behind them. She knocked on their door. "Hey Sango! Miroku! You coming or what?"

The door swung open to reveal a fuming Sango. "It's about time it's been three hours and already I can't stand him. I'm in a living hell."

"You're exaggerating, Sango." Miroku walked out with a fresh handprint on his face. "You are making things sound worse than they are." He looked at her with a puppy-dog face.

Sango sighed, "Oh alright. I forgive you." She ran up and hugged him. Talk about mood swings. Miroku just looked confused and decided it was best to keep his hands to himself. After all, Sango was a bit… unpredictable. But that's what he liked about her.

~Lunch~

"I wonder why Rin and Sesshomaru didn't join us," Kagome said taking a bite of her sandwich. The four of them sat at a corner table, away from Inuyasha's parents who seemed to be in deep conversation with a few businessmen. The dining hall was filled with the hum of excited guests, some who Miroku gave the 'eye'.

Sango's fist came in contact with his head. "Oww. Man, what was that for?" he rubbed his aching head.

"For being a hentai."

"But I kept my hands to myself."

"Well keep your hands and eyes to yourself." They went on for sometime like this. Both Inuyasha and Kagome ignored the little dispute.

"I dunno why Sesshomaru didn't come. He's not very outgoing and rather be by himself. The only reason he came on this cruise is because Mom and Dad forced him," Inuyasha explained.

"Or he'd rather be by himself…with Rin," Miroku grinned at his thoughts like a madman. Everyone else glared at him.

"They are two very respectable people. Not everyone's like you," informed Sango. And just when a person couldn't sink any lower…

~Pool~

Large, ten feet deep. What's more to describe about your standard swimming pool? Waterslide on one end, diving board on the other. No one was there, except for them. "Wow. It's so weird being alone in a huge place like this," Kagome's voice echoed throughout the room.

"What are you waiting for? Jump in," Inuyasha was already in the water, splashing everyone on deck.

"Miroku will gladly join you," Sango said.

"What? No I – " he was cut off by Sango who pushed him backwards into the water.

"Damn. You're next," Miroku climbed out and began to chase a screaming Sango around the deck. He finally caught up with her and hoisted her above his head,

"Kayaaaaaaaa! Put me down!" she shrieked.

"Gladly," Miroku tossed her into the pool and jumped in after her. "Now where is Lady Kagome? She must join us as well."

"No I won't. You can't get me up here. I'll come in when I'm ready." Kagome stood on the diving board, which was about eight feet in the air. She didn't notice a certain someone climbing the ladder. "I don't see what's so funny, you two." Ah, Kagome that airhead. Still not knowing that Inuyasha was right behind her.

Usually, his hands would be warm. But considering he just came out of the water, they were dead cold. He took this as the right moment to strike.

"Gotcha!" he placed his hands lightly around her waist.

"Kayaaaaaaaa!" she jumped of the diving board in surprise. Inuyasha caught her just before she hit the water and they were dragged down together. When they came up for air, Inuyasha had Kagome draped over his shoulder like a sac of potatoes. "Lemmie go!" she screamed squirming furiously.

"Never."

"Put me down this instant! What's so hard to understand?"

"We'll leave you two alone," Sango said climbing out. "I'll be in the hot tub."

"As will I, lovely Sango," Miroku followed her.

"Wait! You guys can't leave! Help! Let me go!"

He whispered in her ear, "Never. Understand? You are mine and always will be. I'll always protect you."

Kagome stopped struggling and let the words sink into her mind. 'Inuyasha…'

"Now that you know that, get out of here." He threw her halfway across the pool.

"Why you – " *Splash*

After a minute, she hadn't come up for air. Inuyasha began to get worried and swam after her. When she wasn't there, he panicked.

"Take this!" Inuyasha whirled around and saw Kagome lunge at him from the edge of the pool. She tackled him and then swam away. "Got ya scared for a minute there, didn't I?"

"You're asking for it wench!" he swam after her.

"Kayaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!!!!!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Yay! I'm glad that chapter is out of the way…so next chapter is the continuation…so exciting! No…not really but anyways…I just had chocolate so ya…

*_~