Weee! Another chapter. Feel the excitement... Anyway, I've had some people ask if I do lemons or "when are Kagome and Inuyasha going to get together/get it on?" I did one once... I wouldn't call it quality by any means. I'm going to attempt one but it won't be for a little while. Someone else asked how many chapters the story will have. Buggered if I know. I haven't finished it yet and I'm only on chapter four so keep your pants on. To the story! Tally Ho!

Disclaimer: sigh Why must the world be so cruel? I want Inuyasha all to myself, but NO. There's no love.

"So then you talked to her?"

"Yea." Inuyasha was grinning like an idiot and no doubt his mother could tell.

"Does she know everything?" Inuyasha chewed his bottom lip slightly, not really wanting to respond to his father's question.

"Well...No. Not yet. But I'm going to tell her!" His father growled his impatience. His younger son could be such a fool sometimes.

"You had better tell her before anything happens Inuyasha. You know full well the disaster that could occur if you neglect to tell her until too late." Inuyasha grunted. He'd heard the stories plenty of times about the idiot youkai who hadn't told their mates the full consequences of their mating until after and ended up with either very bitter or very dead mates.

"Yea Dad, I know. I was planning on telling her tonight at dinner. I'm taking her out," he smirked. He was going to take her out to dinner and butter her up a little. Not that he expected Kagome to freak out or anything. He'd mentioned youkai mating rituals to her before because she'd been curious. She knew the information but she may not remember it now that it was going to apply to her. Inuyasha hadn't exactly told her he wanted her to be his mate yet either. They were dating exclusively now and had been for a few weeks. He knew for human standards this seemed a bit hasty but they'd known each other for three years and had acted almost completely comfortable in each other's presence for almost that long.

"That's sweet of you dear," his mother interrupted his thoughts. "I do hope you're planning on waiting for... you know."

"Mom! Will you stop doing that?" Inuyasha yelled, horrified. His mother had never been very open about stuff like this before and it was starting to freak him out. He shuddered to think that she and his father now had the house to themselves with him away at school. So much for empty nesters.

"What dear?" Inuyasha just sighed. He swore his mother and her innocent act got him every time. He was aware of the fact that she knew exactly what she was doing but he couldn't bring himself to yell at her for it. Not to mention his father would make him a eunuch if he ever raised his voice at his mother in anger like that.

"Er... Right Mom. Anyway, how's old stick in the mud?"

"If by that you mean your brother, he's fine. He's a very hardworking man you know. He doesn't have time for frivolous ventures..."

"Hey, I'm still in school!" Inuyasha threw out in defense against one of his father's "you're a lazy bum" lectures. His father often told him he needed to get his head on his shoulders and be more like his brother. The last thing on earth he wanted to be was like Sesshomaru. He really didn't like his older half-brother. The guy was so uptight he could make diamonds from coal shoved up his ass. Inuyasha had to stifle laughter at his own thoughts.

"At any rate, you need to be more dependable Inuyasha, especially if you're planning on taking a mate already. She will become your priority, your responsibility and the most important thing in your life." His mother laughed at her husband's stern tone.

"You make me sound like such a burden, Taisho." Inuyasha laughed as his father sputtered to cover for himself. Inuyasha told his parents goodbye and that he'd call them later. He hung up the phone, checked the time then hopped in the shower. He had to look his best for tonight. He wanted to impress Kagome, show her he would be a good mate. Man it was weird to say that and mean it. Kagome! His mate! He chuckled to himself as the water ran through his hair. Hearing the phone ring he scrambled out of the shower, ignoring the necessity of a towel.

"Hello?" His hair was hanging and dripping uncomfortably cold water on his butt and he realized after the fact that he should have grabbed something to cover himself with. Oh well, too late now.

"Inuyasha." He frowned at the familiar voice.

"Yea? What is it Kikyo?" he growled.

"Is that any way to speak to your girlfriend?" He looked skeptically at the handset before holding it to his head again.

"We broke up over a month ago Kikyo. What are you talking about?"

"Well I figured we'd both had enough time to cool down. I know you can't live without me and I miss you Inuyasha." He could tell by the tone in her voice that she had no fears, no qualms about calling him and saying this. As if she simply expected him to melt like putty in her hands and do whatever she asked. He glared at the phone, willing her to feel the angry vibes he was emitting.

"No."

"I'm sorry, what?" To her credit, Kikyo did sound extremely confused. Inuyasha, however, felt no sympathy. The cold hearted pre-med could shove it for all he cared.

"No Kikyo. There was no cool down period and I know for a fact that I can live without you. So goodbye."

"Wait!" she shrieked. He sighed loudly, indicating he hadn't hung up. "It's Higurashi, isn't it? You've replaced me with her." Inuyasha snorted lightly.

"More like I was tiding myself over with you until I came to my senses." That had stung. He knew what he'd said had been a bit harsh but he was beyond compassion for her at this point. It was probably better if she hated him anyway. Things would be easier that way. "Goodbye Kikyo." He heard her sigh resignedly. Taking that as meaning she'd given up he relaxed a little.

"Goodbye Inuyasha." He hung up and realized how cold he was now. And very very naked! He ran quickly into the bathroom, finished washing then flew around his room in no particular order, drying his hair, throwing on clothes and brushing his teeth in the frenzied way that only he was capable of. He ran a comb through his unruly mane a few times before tying it somewhere near the end of the long sliver tresses. He looked sheik, cool and collected. Well, that was a stretch, but as sheik as a college student could manage on his budget. Now to collect the lovely Kagome.

He left his room, keys in hand, wallet in pocket and his jacket over his shoulder. He waited impatiently for the elevator, riding down to Kagome's floor then stood for a moment outside her door. He could clearly hear her singing to herself through the wall, listening to something on the radio. He smiled at the way she had adamantly told him she couldn't sing but he could hear her and she had a beautiful voice. He waited a few more moments before knocking, not wanting her to think he'd been spying.

"Come on in!" he heard her yell. He smiled and opened the door, not actually going in, just standing in the doorway to watch her. She had yet to look up at him as she was digging for something in her backpack. A laugh threatened to erupt when she gave a small stamp of frustration. When she finally found what she was looking for, her wallet, she gave a triumphant "aha" and swept her purse off the desk. Throwing the wallet into her purse she finally turned to look at him. Their eyes locked and she gave a sheepish smile.

She was tucked into a black one strapped asymmetrical dress with light waves of fabric at the hem. Her black hair was loose about her shoulders and he could tell she'd fought to straighten it and lost. It shined and looked heavenly to the touch nonetheless. A fresh springy white shawl with embroidered blue and purple flowers hung about her shoulders as she gripped the front of it. Her toes were primly painted and the heeled sandals she wore drew Inuyasha's attention up the length of her legs. He realized he was gawking like an idiot and snapped his mouth shut.

Kagome was similarly gaping at the silver haired boy in her doorway. He'd actually taken time to wash his hair and it seemed an even more amazingly beautiful silver. A tight black t-shirt clung to him in an extremely flattering manner and his black slacks made her wonder what his legs looked like although she'd seen them in shorts millions of times. It was funny. She'd never allowed herself to think of Inuyasha this way, and now that she could she wondered how she'd ever managed to make herself immune to him.

"You look great," he choked out. She blushed a little at his compliment before returning the favor. He only smiled smugly. Kagome gave him a look she had many times before which told him to knock it off or get smacked. He complied as he reached out to take her hand. She smiled sweetly and stepped out the door in front of him. She locked the door behind them and they headed out.

"To us." Inuyasha smiled as he raised his glass. Kagome gave him a "you're odd" look then raised her glass as well.

"Um, to us." They each took sips of their wine then set the glasses down. "To us? You always were so amazing with words," Kagome teased.

"Give me a break. You know what I meant." She laughed at his frustrated growl. He looked so handsome in the candlelight she couldn't be mad at his harsh tone. Not that she took it seriously anyway. She'd known him more than long enough to know when he was actually mad and when he was joking around. Her gentle laughter died into a soft smile that made Inuyasha suck in his breath. A warm feeling flooded his senses because of that smile and he found it difficult not to reach across the table and kiss her into oblivion. Instead he smiled and took her hand in his on the table. It was time to tell her the truth.

"What is it?" she asked. Inuyasha was still amazed by how easily she could read him. She was one of the few people who could read every crease in his brow, every nuance in his voice and every flicker in his eyes.

"Well see... I brought you here because... there's something important we need to talk about." He felt Kagome become tense. Was she still afraid he'd leave her? He gave her a smile to reassure her and a light growl to calm her. "Do you remember what I told you about...er...mating?" She squeaked quietly.

"Yes."

"Well see inuyoukai, like my father and well... I guess my brother. Never mind, forget him." Kagome giggled at the way the hanyou's face scrunched while talking about his brother. "Anyway, inuyoukai mate for life. Like my parents. Now because my mother is human, she wouldn't normally be bound to inuyoukai mating, I guess you call them rules, but she chose to be. She declared herself completely to my father and her lifespan is the same as his now. Their souls are united."

"You have told me this before. A year or so ago. I think it's really amazing how loyal to each other youkai are. It's beautiful," she said warily. Kagome wasn't sure where exactly this was going but it was making her slightly nervous and even jumpier than she had been.

"That's right, I did. At any rate I wanted to know what you thought about that because well... Kagome?" She nodded, holding her breath. "Will you... are you willing to be... I mean. Damn it." Inuyasha wiped a hand across his face in aggravation.

"Yes?" she prompted. He looked into her eyes and found the courage to say what he needed to.

"Kagome, will you be my life mate?" Kagome felt her breath catch in her throat. He was asking her. Really, truly asking her. Not Kikyo, not some youkai girl, but her. In the back of her mind she knew it should have felt too soon, but it didn't. She'd felt like she'd known him for a lifetime and then some.

"Yes," she whispered. "I will." A huge grin broke out over Inuyasha's face and, being in a public place, he had to keep himself from leaping across the table and crushing her to his chest, kissing her with all he had. He settled with squeezing her hand and giving her the brightest smile he had ever given anyone. His heart was fluttering happily and he couldn't stop grinning like an idiot.

Kagome was beaming just as wide and she was having trouble keeping the laughter that would relieve her nervousness in. Her eyes sparkled with unshed tears of happiness and she had to wipe at them carefully so she didn't mess up her make-up. Kagome wasn't quite sure what to do with herself now. She looked up at Inuyasha and saw the same awkward tension in him. They sat through dinner, the butterflies in their stomachs not allowing them to eat much.

"Come on. Let's get out of here," Inuyasha whispered after a time. They got the check, paid and left quickly. As soon as they were out in the car Kagome started laughing wildly. Inuyasha joined in her mirth, feeling the same release of the tension that had been building up in them over dinner.

"Remind me not to ask you important questions in public places ever again."

"Isn't that twice now?" Inuyasha thought about it a moment.

"Damn, I guess you're right." Kagome laughed again.

"Well... um... Inuyasha?" He grunted to let her know he was listening but keeping his eyes on the road. "What do we do now? I mean do we go talk to your parents? Do I have to take a test to make sure I'm worthy?" Inuyasha smirked. She was so nervous but her fears were unfounded.

"Well my parents kind of already know. But it wouldn't hurt to go and see them. They haven't seen you since last summer."

"Er... Your dad isn't going to hit on me again is he?" Kagome asked uncertainly. Inuyasha laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. His father did have a habit of lavishing compliments on his female friends. It was just something the older youkai did.

"He doesn't mean it like that. He's just... being nice?" His attempt at an explanation was promptly laughed at. Kagome had just been giving him a hard time.

"I know. I was kidding Inuyasha." He grumbled about flirtatious fathers and bothersome girlfriends. "I heard that," Kagome replied automatically.

Yep. So that's it, he asked her. applause for Inuyasha The next chapter is coming along nicely and I have some good plans for the fifth as well. Heh... I think my roommate is yelling at her guy friend on the phone. You go Sharita! This girl cracks me up. Anyway... it'll be a couple of days before the next chapter is up. Please keep reviewing! I love knowing your thoughts. Flames are welcome I guess, though won't be appreciated. Buenas Noches!