AN: Hey! I hope everyone can forgive me for making this update soooo late! Lol. I decided to make this chapter VERY long to make up for loss time. I hope you enjoy this chappie! Lol.

Important: I have received a few reviews that relate to the statement Naraku kidnapping or killing Kagome's father is unrealistic and I think it ruins everything this story can be. Sigh. Yes, I know it's an idea that's hard to grasp but think of it this way: People ARE put into many different situations that seem unlikely to happen, and even though they are rare, wouldn't it be cool to see something like it transpire? I mean, it would be boring not to have something odd or dangerous happen once in a while. In this fic, understand that the event of Mr. Higurashi's murder / kidnapping/ or other is going to play an important role in the conflict. If you have any further questions please ask me in a review or email. I would be happy to answer.

NOTE: Oh, yes, and as you have seen throughout the story, at dramatic situations Inuyasha evolves into his demon form. Why? Because in dramatic situations, he can feel overwhelmed with powerful emotions such as anger, love, ect. And remember, strong emotions can always break even the toughest of spells.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Apparently Not

Chapter 13: Under the Stars

Kagome happily walked to the school bus stop. She grinned as she continued to replay the events of last night through her mind repeatedly. For some reason her thoughts continued to scream one phrase over and over the entire morning: Inuyasha almost kissed me! Inuyasha almost kissed me!

Even in her dreams she had seen his golden eyes…they continued to look at her with such emotion. She spent most of her night trying to unravel the emotion spinning in his eyes. Trying to analyze every bit of it. It was like a game; something she did every time she became acquainted with someone.

She had seen many emotions blending in Inuyasha's eyes but…there were two emotions that she still couldn't quite distinguish. One was a deep characteristic that went so deep she didn't really bother trying to think over it. No, she just loved watching it. It was so striking that every time she thought about it, her breathing would slow and her heart would pound, sending her whole body into a temporary pandemonium.

The second emotion she had trouble with was…could it be?…guilt? But why? No, why would Inuyasha feel guilty about anything? Seeing her transportation turn the corner and heading for her, she quickly dismissed her last thoughts and put a smile back on her face. Yes, today was going to be anther good day…with Inuyasha.

The large gray bus came to a stop in front of her. She stepped onto the bus and began her search for an empty seat. Unfortunately, she was one of the last stops, so seats were full and the aisle was crowded with students.

Someone began waving at her and she turned her gaze toward the back. It was Inuyasha. Immediately, Kagome found heat rise in her cheeks as she gazed at him. He was dressed casually, like always, but for some reason…he looked different. He was, if possible, even more handsome then usual.

Kagome mentally smacked her head as she made her way to the back and Inuyasha. "…more handsome than usual?" what the hell was I thinking? Damn it! What's going on with me?! She thought.

Inuyasha watched as Kagome made her way to him. She had to squeeze herself between the seats and people who were standing in the aisle. Is eyes would narrow each time a male student would deliberately push toward her a little as she passed them. However, Kagome seemed to take no notice.

For some reason, Inuyasha felt as though he should take out a piece of paper and write down the name of every guy who was taking advantage of Kagome; making a list titled, "The People I want Dead".

He had gotten up early that morning to catch the bus. Sure, he could have driven but for some reason, he decided to ride the bus today. Actually, it wasn't so much as some reason but some one. Smiling again, he scooted over to allow Kagome, who had finally reached his seat, to sit down.

She sat with her bag in her lap while she took a deep breath.

"You ok?" He smirked.

"Me? Yea, I'm fine." She turned to him. "Thanks for saving me a seat."

He grinned, "No problem."

Then he saw it…Kagome Higurashi was blushing! The small red tint on her cheeks made her seem even lovelier. He couldn't help but grin as Kagome directed her eyes away from him while her blush darkened. He knew very well why she was blushing.

Inuyasha had been around enough girls to know how they felt around him. Kagome was different from other girls but it still pleased him that she felt at least a little attracted to him. He blushed, recognizing his own feelings for her. He had almost kissed her last night. Honestly, it had been on his mind all morning.

He had come so close but Kagome's younger sibling, Souta, interrupted him. Frankly, he wasn't sure if it was a good thing or a bad one. If he had kissed Kagome, it would have changed everything. Sighing, he decided to push his troubling thoughts away for now. The last thing he wanted to think about had to make tough choices with consequences that could hurt on both sides.

"Inuyasha, isn't it today that we get our report cards?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha thought for a moment, thinking back to the announcements he had heard the other day. His eyes widened slightly…he had actually been listening…to the announcements?

"Yeah, I'm pretty sure." Inuyasha responded.

Kagome nodded. The bus slowed to a stop in front of Shikon High. The students began to pile off the bus. Kagome and Inuyasha were the last ones to get off the bus. As Kagome took her last step off the bus, she lost her footing and came tumbling down. Strong arms caught her while her face was buried into a firm chest.

Looking up Kagome's chocolate eyes met Inuyasha's golden pools. Blushing once more Kagome quickly regained her composure and leaned away from Inuyasha. Great, first it was the blush now I'm tripping everywhere. I'm trained in self defense and that has everything to do with balance. Yet, I still seem to make a fool of myself in front of Inuyasha! What is wrong with me??

Inuyasha blushed lightly. Kagome was always warm. Why is it that every time I have her in my arms, even for a moment, I never want to let go?

Miroku parked his motorcycle in one of the empty parking spaces. He had always loved the daring type of vehicles. Speed was something he greatly enjoyed. He turned around slightly to see Sango squeezing him tightly and grinning like mad.

"I can't get enough of it! I love your motorcycle!" She praised.

Miroku chuckled, "Well, there are far better things you could admire about me, if you let me show you." He raised a suggestive eyebrow.

Sango's cheeks turned a dark red. She punched his arm. "Miroku stop being a pervert!" Miroku rubbed his now sore arm.

"Only if you promise to stop giving me bruises. I mean sure, I love my women feisty but when it begins to hurt too much…that's where I'll draw the line."

Sango growled. "You deserve every bruise! Being a pervert is not something to be proud of or rewarded for. You better behave yourself. Besides, I could do a lot more to you than you think?"

Miroku grinned. "Oh really?" Before Sango could even blink she was in Miroku strong arms. "Care to wager that?" He whispered in her ear, sending pleasurable shivers down her spine.

Sango didn't answer. She was too overwhelmed with Miroku's embrace. Yes, she couldn't' help it.

"Sango?"

"Mmm-hmm?"

"I love you." Miroku smiled. He really meant it. Sure, he had had many girlfriends before but Sango…she was really something else. She wasn't like all the others who only cared about cosmetics or what outfit she was going to wear the next day. No, she cared more about the inside than the outside. Miroku could really respect her.

"I love you too, Miroku." And she was his. She loved him back. Hugging her tighter he kissed the crown of her head. His…

"Alright, class! Quiet down, now! Quiet down!" The homeroom teacher began to call over the students who were chatting and throwing paper airplanes.

"I said, QUIET DOWN!"

The entire room went silent. The teacher sighed and then continued. "As your homeroom teacher, I am going to pass out your report cards. I'm proud to say that some of you have improved greatly after these past few weeks and I hope you are as pleased with these grades as I am."

With that, the teacher began to pass out report cards. Kagome was the first to get hers; all A's. She smiled and placed the document in her binder.

Sango was the next one to receiver her report card. She had gained all A's except for one minor A- in science. She never did like the subject. Dissecting dead frogs was really nowhere near her favorite things to do.

Miroku had attained three A's and the rest B's. Miroku grinned. Oh yea…he was good. He glanced over at Inuyasha who was staring at the report card with wide eyes and mouth open.

"Inuyasha, is something wrong?" He asked.

Inuyasha ignored Miroku as he quickly got up and walked to the teacher's desk. The teacher glanced up and smiled.

"Yes, Mr. Tashio?"

"Yea, uh, my report card. Is this some kind of mistake?" He held out the paper he had received from the teacher earlier. The homeroom teacher laughed and said, "No, Mr. Tashio, there is no mistaking it. You have been improving and from what that report card tells me, you have a new muse! Stick to the marvelous work!"

"Um, thank you." Inuyasha returned to his seat, a bit slowly. He sat down and took a deep breath. His eyes remained glued to the report card in his hands.

"Inuyasha…" He looked up to see Kagome looking at him curiously. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I'm just surprised, that's all. I got mostly A's on my report card with the exception of one B. I don't know how I did it."

Kagome laughed. "Well, it's not like your dumb or anything. You're a smart person, Inuyasha. You just have to act like it."

Inuyasha did nothing to stop the small red cover his cheeks. Kagome was always ready to encourage him. Again, guilt struck his stomach. How could he do this to her? Was a bet really worth all this?

There it was again! Guilt. Why did he have that look? Kagome wondered. She pushed her thoughts to the back of her mind and turned back around to listen to what the teacher was talking about.

Once school ended she walked hand in hand with him to the parking lot. Sango clung to him, while the motorcycle whizzed passed all the other cars on the road to his house. Wind pushed against her hair, making it fly wildly as they made her way speedily down the road. They slowed to a stop in front of his home.

Sango and Miroku entered the house, walking straight to the living room. Taking a seat on the couch Sango began to take out her books. Miroku sat next to her and did the same.

"Ok, we have a history test to study for. How do you suppose we should study?" Sango asked.

Miroku was silent for a moment. His finger was curled under his chin, eyebrows nit together in an expression of concentration. Then as if an animated light bulb came on above his head he looked up with a smile…a very, very lecherous smile.

Sango warily eyed him. "When I asked for your opinion, I meant, how do you suppose we should study without taking any clothes off and touching forbidden parts? Don't be a pervert, Miroku."

Miroku pouted slightly. He came closer to her. She froze unable to move. He rapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him, using his finger to lift her chin to bring their eyes in a locked gaze. Their faces were only a few centimeters away from each other. With any other person, Sango would have started slapping him but with Miroku…even if he is a pervert, she couldn't help how she felt. She trusted him.

They were a little over first base but they hadn't hit second and Sango was glad. Miroku knew his boundaries…most of the time. Their relationship was had so far gone to really hot kisses. She was comfortable with that. Anything else brought her unease and Miroku knew that. She smiled a small smile.

"I can't help what I am, Sango. But how about we play a game to make studying more interesting."

"Ok…" Sango said slowly. "What kind of game?"

"We can quiz each other on all the subjects and for each question we get right, we get something from the one another."

Sango thought about this. Miroku, she knew, had not been studying for a few days now. He was always hanging around her. Sango grinned…she had the power to ask him of anything…well, if she answered the questions right…

"Ok, Miroku, you have a deal!"

Miroku grinned. "Alright, you quiz me first."

Inuyasha pulled up to Kagome's steps outside the Higurashi shrine. He glanced at his watch, 8:15 pm. Just on time. He thought. He looked up at that moment and everything slowed. The humming of his car faded from his ears. The already dark setting only made her figure stick out more. The moonlight lit her skin with a heavenly shine. She wore a black low-cut top. Her hair was done up in a bun with a few wisps of it framing her face. She wore a short skirt showing her perfect long legs.

His heart pounded and he couldn't help but wonder whom this young women…no…goddess was. Then she made her way down the steps toward him. She went around to the passenger seat and slid into it. He was still staring at her.

"Hey Inuyasha! Ready to go?" She asked.

"Kagome…you look…you…." He coughed and tried to control the blush that was rushing to his cheeks. "You look great, Kagome."

Kagome blushed... hard. A feeling of pride welled up in him when he saw it. He had been the one to make her blush so. He grinned. "Ok! Lets go!"

With that, they made their way to the party they were meeting Miroku and Sango at. Earlier they had all decided to celebrate their good grades by attending a party in down town Tokyo. Kagome and Sango were a little hesitant but they agreed after a little persuading form the guys.

They pulled into the parking lot by an abandoned warehouse where the party was being held. Getting out they made their way to the front door. Spotting Miroku's motorbike they already knew Miroku and Sango had arrived.

"Inuyasha! Kagome! Over here!"

They turned a little to see Miroku already standing by the door with Sango to go in. Inuyasha and Kagome made their way over to them.

Upon entering the building, Sango and Kagome found a high table and sat while they waited for the guys. The music was pounding loudly while the place was packed with people. Kagome turned to Sango.

"So…Sango, how are you and Miroku doing?"

Sango began to blush a deep red. "Um…fine." Noticing Sango's response to her question, blush and all, she asked, "What happened to make you blush like that?" Sango glanced at the refreshments table where Miroku and Inuyasha were getting drinks.

She then looked at Kagome and said, "Well, today we were studying together and we began to play this game. We would quiz each other and for each question we got right we got something from the person who quizzed us…well I quizzed Miroku first and he got every question right…"

Kagome laughed, "And what did he ask for?"

"53 kisses." Miroku answered before Sango had a chance to reply. He and Inuyasha each held two glasses of punch. Sango blushed. Kagome's eyes widened.

"And he got all of them?"

Sango's blush darkened and she nodded while Miroku continued to grin. Sango took a small sip of the punch Miroku handed her. At the moment she put the glass down, Miroku grabbed her by the hand and pulled her toward the dance floor, leaving Kagome and Inuyasha alone to their own doings.

Inuyasha handed Kagome the cup of punch and seemed as though he was about to say something when a voice over the crowd shouted, "Inuyasha! Inuyasha!"

Inuyasha turned to see Lin. His eyes widened. Lin began to make her way over to them. Fearing what would happen if Lin came anywhere near Kagome he made his way toward Lin. He grabbed her hand and roughly pulled her in the opposite direction of Kagome.

Kagome was left alone, wandering why Inuyasha had acted so…so…oddly. She didn't like that Lin girl. No, Lin was almost just as bad as Kikyou but why was Inuyasha talking to her. Then with a stun of realization, Kagome blinked. Inuyasha had once been friends with Lin and her gang. Yes, she remembered now.

It had been so normal to have Inuyasha as a friend that she completely forgot that he was still friends with the conceited popular crowd. She looked down, disappointed that she could have forgotten so easily. A tap on the shoulder made her turn around to meet crimson eyes.

"So when are you going to dump that Kagome girl and comeback, Inuyasha? I mean, is it really THAT hard to choose?" Lin asked. Her tone was annoyed and sarcastic. Inuyasha had never liked Lin but because of her popular status and, at the time, his shallow personality, he had hung with her and her crowd.

"Feh! This whole ordeal isn't any of your business, Lin, so just stay out of it!" Inuyasha's growing impatience continued to increase with every second of this encounter.

"Just to remind you, Inu," Inuyasha refrained from flinching at the annoying nickname as she continued, "you are in our group. People like you and me are popular and everything that people want to be. Those like Kagome are only wanna-be's. Our job is to embarrass those who are weak. What happened to make you change your beliefs?"

Her voice snapped on the last sentence. Inuyasha looked down. She was right…at Shikon High, there were only two types of crowds: One being the popular crowd. They were the good looking and most well known people at school. People wanted to be them…students wanted to date them…they were everything. And the second…the second was the crowd that was not popular. This crowd had nothing but their friends to rely on.

But then…there was one person who didn't fit into either crowd. The one person who was different from everyone else... Kagome. A vivid image of her smiling at him came to mind and at that moment…he finally came to a decision about what was more important to him. He made his first real choice that would affect him forever.

"I choose her." His voice was so soft; Lin didn't quite catch what he said.

"What?"

"I choose her. I choose Kagome." He said a little bit louder. "You can take popularity and shove it up your ass, because I don't care anymore. I would rather spend my time with someone as kind and smart as Kagome than with a slut like you."

With that he began to walk away. He ignored Lin's comments such as, "You'll regret this! You're making a BIG mistake!"

He began making his way back to Kagome. Excitement rushed through his veins and he wanted nothing but to see Kagome. He wanted to tell her everything. He needed to tell her everything.

His breath caught in his throat and his face turned a little red at the site that was presented before him. Kagome's back was bent backward across a table while a young man about his age was leaning over her.

"Come on, I'm sure you want to dance. I promise it'll be fun." The man with dark red eyes grinned at her. Kagome gulped. How did she get into this position?

Oh yes, she had been minding her own business when he had tapped her on the shoulder and asked her to dance. She had politely declined but he seemed to not want 'no' as an answer. He leaned closer to her with ever second, trying to persuade her to dance.

She had leaned away from him and now she was in this highly uncomfortable position. He put his hand on her hip and she was just about ready to slap him when…

"Kagome! Hey, what's going on?" Inuyasha reappeared next to her and the red eyed young man backed off her. She took a small moment to breathe a sigh of relief and turned to Inuyasha; grateful he had arrived in the nick-of-time.

"Inuyasha! Um, I was just…" She was interrupted but the stranger before could finish.

"About to accept a dance with me. Who are you?"

Before she could help herself the sentence came flying out of her mouth. "He's my boyfriend."

Inuyasha glanced at her slightly shocked. Did she just say what I thought she said?

"Boyfriend?" The red-eyed young man asked. He glanced at Inuyasha in envy then turned his gaze back to Kagome.

"When you're ready to dump the loser, you give me a call. My name's Hiten." He turned and walked away, immediately blending with the crowd again. Inuyasha remained staring and Kagome. He didn't even care about Hiten's remark as much as his attention was caught on Kagome's.

Kagome blushed. Out of the corner of her eye she could still see Inuyasha staring at her. She was about to say something when another young man made his way toward her.

"Hey, baby. Wanna dance?"

Kagome was about to say 'no' when Inuyasha answered for her.

"She's with me." He put his arm around her shoulders and held her closer. She could smell his manly and husky scent. Unconsciously, her eyes began to droop a little as her senses began to come intoxicated with Inuyasha. His soft but firm touch around her, his scent, and his voice were soothing to her.

The stranger, getting the message, walked away, dejected. Kagome turned her curious gaze to Inuyasha.

"What? You did want me to play along right?" He smirked. His golden eyes glowed dark amber. Kagome grinned.

"Want to dance?" She asked. "Promise not to step on your feet." She added playfully.

"Sure."

Hand in hand, they both walked to the dance floor. Slowly they began to sway to the fast beating music and gradually picked up speed. Inuyasha became mesmerized with Kagome's movements. Heat began to flare in him; a hot fire that caused him to start sweating. Something of the same was going on in Kagome. She watched his graceful movements, trying to match hers to his own. There was little space between them and as their dance began to move faster so did her heart. Kagome gasped when she finally realized that there wasn't any space between them at all!

Her first instinct was to jump backward but the hands on her hips held her close. The music slowed and so did their motions. Kagome rapped her arms around Inuyasha's neck as the music began to gently meld into a slow beat tune. She could feel his hot skin under her touch creating a burning but pleasurable feeling at her fingertips; almost as if she wanted to touch more than the back of his neck.

Inuyasha could feel the soft of her skin through the thin material of her shirt. She was so close. He held back from doing anything more than just holding her. Her heavenly scent drowsed him into a daze of puzzling emotions. Only one thing was clear to him: He needed her and it would be hell frozen over before he let her go for anything.

Once the song ended, they danced to three more songs. The heat never left either one of them. Not even when they called it a night and hopped into the car and drove back to the Higurashi Shrine.

Just like before, they slowly walked up Kagome's steps and to the front yard. They turned toward each other. Anticipation rose in both of them.

No annoying brothers bothered this time…No mom's bursting in and yelling about grandchildren…no…it was just them…alone…under the dark sky lit but brilliantly glowing stars.

It was under these stars that their lips came together in a bedazzling kiss. It was tentative at first but it was too hard to resist as both became infatuated with the other's taste. Inuyasha pulled her closer, enjoying the feeling of her against him. Kagome arms moved from his well-built chess muscles upward. Smoothing other his strong and also well-made shoulders and around his neck.

Their tongues intertwined in a constantly changing embrace…it was almost a game of dominance. Inuyasha's hands moved from her hips to her back, making circle-like motions. When they broke the kiss, Kagome was still in a haze, both from the overwhelming emotions and lack of air.

Both Inuyasha and Kagome breathed deeply. Inuyasha instinctively leaned down and began to place small soft kisses down her neck. Hearing an almost inaudible moan from Kagome made him all the more eager to continue but…no matter how much he wanted to take this further, he couldn't. He needed to give Kagome time to think. Besides, he needed time to think as well. So much had happed all in one night…

AN: ok what do you think?? Good? Bad? Well, in the next chapter, things are going to heat up even more. Naraku and Kikyou's plan will be set to work! Will they succeed or is Kagome and Inuyasha's love too strong?

I'm going to warn you now that some things in the next chapter will definitely be very dramatic and sad so be sure to encourage me to update faster! Drop a review please!! Thanks!!! I will definitely appreciate it!!