Sigh! I don't own Inuyasha.

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Keade leans in to hug me. I give her a sisterly squeeze back. "I will miss you Kikyou." She whispers in my ear, "take care of your sword. I knew you would need it someday." We part and I give her one of my rare genuine smiles. "May you live a better second life." I say as I walk out the door.

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Chapter 6

We had been traveling for two days and had yet to meet a youkai. I was itching for a good fight and it was frustrating trying to keep up my disguise. I leaned back on the grass and look at the beginning sun set. A fire flickered from the campsite that was a ways off. The others still gave me weird looks at times, but other then that I have been keeping my act together. I played with the half of the Shikon no Tama around my neck. I gave my life up to protect this little ball of pink, and all it did was come back and haunt me. Maybe it is the jewel that I was sent back to exterminate? I shook my head slightly; Naraku is and will continue to be my victim. I sighed and watched the sun slowly sink to the west.

I got up and brushed my jeans off. I headed back to the campfire. It was my turn to make dinner and they all begged for this weird ramen, especially Inuyasha. I was sure I would regret agreeing.

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"Shit!" I yelled as the boiling water spilled on my hand. Stupid soup, I will NEVER make it again. The directions are useless too; I mean what the heck is a microwave anyways? "Kagome, do you need some help?" Miroku asked hesitantly.

"NO, I can make this crappy ramen!" I screamed in his face. He stared wide-eyed at me; shit, Kagome probably never got frustrated or swore especially since she knew how to make this stuff. "Umm... I am sorry Miroku. I would be very grateful for your help." I say while pouring the rest of the hellish stuff into the pot, and putting on an expression of sincere apology. He got up and grabbed a wooden spoon, stirring the ramen slowly, tasting it every few seconds. "Kagome, it's done," he says after about five minutes. 'What! That was very fast.' I think; almost letting the sentences out of my mouth. One thing is for sure, I suck at acting. ( I am not really sure how to make ramen so if I am wrong please tell me so I can rewrite this scene.)

I take the food and distribute it to everyone in small wooden bowls. Then I dig in on my own ramen. It is very good with a little spicy tang to it. Maybe, I will cook it again; I just need to restrain my anger to my cooking.

When every one is full and content, I gather our utensils to wash. The river is about a half mile away so I need to start out before it gets completely dark. There are quite a few bowls and pans so I am trying to balance things neatly in my arms. When I feel someone tap me on the shoulder. I spin around and knock into Inuyasha. The utensils go flying everywhere. "Sorry," he muttered. I bend over to pick up the bowls, while he picks up the chopsticks. I can feel the eyes of the others on Inuyasha and I. His hand brushes up against mine. I faintly blush; this so stupid, why am I feeling this way? I need to get away from Inuyasha for a while. He brings up too many emotions, and Kagome is not helping. Kagome's major crush on the dog demon was silly but the feelings were catchy, especially when you are using her body. Sigh, why is my reincarnation so love blind?

"I am going to wash the dishes. I will be back after sunset." I said while getting up. I looked at Inuyasha but he didn't give me back the rest of the utensils. "I am going to go with you." He stated.

"I can go alone." I could see the fire flare up in his eyes. If he wants an argument, he'll get one.

"I need to protect you!" He yelled

"I can take care of myself!"

"No, you can't!"

"Yes I can!"

"No You Can't!"

"You have never even given me a chance!"

"I don't want to take that chance!"

"Why not?!"

He hesitated for about a second, "I need you to detect the shards." I roll my eyes; if he was smarter he would have figured out by now that Naraku had half and I had half. There were no more to find.

"Is that all I am to you, a shard detector!" I finally screamed back.

"Feh..." He looked uncomfortable. The argument was over, and I won. I started stomping off toward the river, if he wouldn't give me the chopsticks then he would have to wash them himself. Inuyasha raced up behind me, scooped me into his arms then ran toward the river. I was speechless, for about two seconds. "What are you doing!" I snarled.

"Taking you to wash the dishes," he said while jumping from tree to tree. Then he looked at me fiercely "and there is NOTHING you can do to stop me." My anger kicked in, but I smoldered it and groaned. The hanyou would get his way this once.

I lay back onto his chest, it was warm and I could faintly feel his heart beat. A feeling came over me, one that I had hardly ever felt before, it was safety. I decided to let my guard down and snuggled closer to Inuyasha. The musky smell of his kimono wafted up in my nose. It was so peaceful, even with my sword digging into my side and balancing the bowels.

All to soon we were at the river. Inuyasha let me down slowly. I reluctantly let go. I glanced at the long stretch of water, then got on my knees and started washing. I could see the last bit of sunlight sink over the mountain. I let my gaze linger to Inuyasha. He was standing where he dropped me, chopsticks still in hand, watching the pink and purples of the setting sun. His expression was shock. What could frighten him? Then it suddenly became night, with no moon. His hair became midnight black, the ears moving to the side of his head. I saw his nails and fangs shrink. Inuyasha was human.

I scrubbed hard on an already clean bowel, he never told me the night that his demon blood receded. Kagome knew before me, I could tell by the lack of surprise in the back of my mind. I ground my teeth. I am not jealous. I am not jealous. I am NOT jealous. I was so focused on my chant that I didn't even see Inuyasha start washing the chopsticks beside me.

After about 15 minutes of mechanically washing, and locking my emotions behind a wall of ice, Inuyasha tapped me. I turned around and he looked at the ground. "We should go now, for both of our safety." He said gruffly. I nodded, avoiding as much communication as possible. He grabbed my hand and the bowels, pulling me down the path from the river. I meekly followed.

I could hardly see in the pitch, black night and neither could Inuyasha. I cursed to myself at not bringing a lantern. I never needed one when I was dead; night was no different from day back then.

Soon Inuyasha tripped and grabbed on to my shoulder so as not to fall. He righted himself and continued walking. We walked in silence, squinting to see the path ahead of us. Soon I also tripped and fell, skinning my elbows and dropping our dishes in the process. Inuyasha instantly bent over to pull me up, his arm staying around my waist after. "We should stay here until the others find us." He said staring into my eyes. I broke his grip on me and sat down, leaning back on a tree trunk. He looked mournfully at me. Then he bent over, picked up the bowels and tied them in his kimono along with the chop sticks. He sat down beside me putting his arm around my shoulders. "You look cold Kagome." He reached to pull me closer. I scooted away from his touch and tried to keep myself warm on the opposite side of the tree. I was doing a very bad job of acting like Kagome.

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Just to tell you, a big fight scene is coming up with, maybe, a little fluff afterwards. (If Kikyou lets her guard down) Also, Naraku and Kikyou will be battling each other very soon. (Once Kikyou completes her plans) I will try to continue having loooooooong chapters.

My muse, Athena, (I FINALLY picked a name) is still on antibiotics but she is pulling through her illness. Thank You to all thoughs who helped me pray for her. She is very grateful too! (but not grateful for the cough syrup I have to shove down her throat.) SUMMER IS HERE!!!!!!! YEAHHHHH!!!!!