CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

Kiss me once shame on me. Kiss me twice shame on you.

Demona stared dumfounded at the papers below her. "I found it." She practically screamed.

Dante glanced over at her with a raised eyebrow from a few seats away from her behind the judges' table. "Found what?" He leaned over to see the name Ms. Sigfreed had highlighted: Kagome Hirugashi. "Who's she?"

Demona smirked, "She's our savior."

Dante stared skeptically at the name. "Savior?"

"Hey she's from the same team as that Osuwari boy." Gore announced.

"What was your first clue?" Demona snapped curtly.

Gore, unaware of the sarcasm in her voice, "they're listed under the same high school."

Demona snorted, "I definitely don't keep you around for your brains do I?"

Gore shrugged his shoulders. "Nope…just for my good looks."

Dante choked back his laughter. For a bitch and an idiot…his two comrades were never dull.

Demona shot Dante as nasty glare. "Do not mock me…you don't realize just how important this girl could be to us. She can read minds, break spells made by a demon as powerful as me, and can see a person's past just by touching them…she could be just what we need."

"She sounds like a miko or something to me. I've never heard of a demon that could do that." Gore exclaimed.

Demona slapped him over the head with her clipboard. "You imbecile she's obviously not an ordinary demon…she must be a descendant from an original demon…like me." She announced rather proudly to the two men on either side of her.

"Knowing you…she's probably one of your descendents." Dante coughed.

Demona glared at him. "Did you just call me a harlot?"

"The truth hurts." He shrugged his shoulders.

She just pressed him a seductive smile. "I know you don't mean that." She leaned over and licked his neck. That shut him up. Dante's back stiffened. She'd just done that in front of thousands of people.

Gore groaned as he stared down at the Hirugashi girl's name again. He gazed down to find out what match she was to enter in. "Says here she's 'gonna' enter in at round five…boxing ring…33."

Demona glanced down to check behind him. "He's right." She sighed with a smirk. "I would much like to go watch her fight."

"But we're still on round two."

Demona's red eyes rolled. "No shit Sherlock. I know that. I mean I would like to go watch her when she fights."

"Oh. I still think from what you said, she's got some sort of weirdo power…not no demon I ever heard of…" Gore crossed his arms over his chest and pouted slightly.

Demona just rolled her eyes until she thought for a moment. "Gore."

"Yeah?"

"I think you might be on to something." Demona's mind did back flips in her skull. Midoriko was the only person who had ever been able to break one of Demona's spells. Demona sat there staring at the table's grainy surface. Could it be? She had been looking for the miko for centuries. She had opened up this tournament in order to find her, but had never actually thought it would work. Could this girl really be the miko? Was it even possible? Was Demona mistaken? Was it possible for a demon to have that kind of power? Miko power. "Nah, she's demon…but what kind of demon?"

Gore snorted. "Are you in denial woman? I'm a snake demon…I know the low-down on all other demons. This girl ain't one of them. And you should know that…" he began to mock her, "Mrs. I'm-a-demon-who-created-all-other-demons. If your kind was so smart and made us for your slaves then you sure as hell should know what kind this girl is. But of course you don't know that do you? Why you ask. Because she's not one that's why."

Dante's jaw dropped. Gore's actually smart. Holy shit.

~*~*~*~

Kagome nervously watched as the second set of judge and referee made their way up to ring 32…Inuyasha and Shido's ring.

This time it was two males. The referee smiled at the two competitors. "You ready boys?"

Inuyasha shrugged his shoulders, glancing over nervously at Shido. "I am…you?"

Shido smiled, stretching his freckled covered cheeks. "Ne'er been more excitod." (Never been more excited.)

The ref smiled as Inuyasha and Shido crawled under the rope and up onto the center of the ring. He announced the usual announcements that every referee was obligated to do before every match and then blew the whistle.

Kagome watched eagerly, her heart pounding.

Inuyasha punched Shido but he dodged, throwing a hook kick at him. Inuyasha jumped to the side, he came around with an incredibly fast and accurate back kick and to Kagome's amazement Shido was there, and then he wasn't. She didn't see the Irish boy jump to the side, dodging Inuyasha's blow with quick ease. Kagome's face fell. It was only the second round for Inuyasha and this already didn't look good.

"Still as fast as e'er." Shido Laughed. (Ok, forget the translation thing…it's tiring, from now on just imagine he has an accent. I'm lazy and it's got to be annoying to read.)

Inuyasha just nodded. Kagome noticed that he was extra specially dedicated to this match, more than she had seen in a long time. He swept over to the side and in one fluid motion kicked Shido in the side. Shido jumped into the air, and for a brief second was airborne.

Kagome's jaw dropped, as her miko intuition kicked in and she immediately realized…he was some sort of flying demon. She hadn't yet learned all the technical terms for each type of demon and so forth...and as a miko that was kind of pathetic in her view, but as she stared at Shido…she suddenly knew what he was, a Windocotsu Demon a.k.a. A wind demon in today's slang. Kagome shook her head…she didn't know where all the random thoughts and facts were coming from…was it the miko inside of her? She didn't like it.

Shido jumped in and kicked Inuyasha in the side. Inuyasha stumbled momentarily and then jumped in on his own attack, bringing his fist into Shido's face. Kagome's eyes grow like saucers as Inuyasha's punch smacked Shido right between the eyes. The whistle sounded.

The black haired boy leaned over and smiled down at Kagome. "After that punch…I think I might actually have a chance to win." He glanced back at Shido, who was stumbling over to his corner.

Kagome nodded enthusiastically. "That's the spirit!"

Inuyasha took the last sip of her water, and then rushed out into the center of the ring again as the whistle sounded.

Kagome watched eagerly as the match ensued. She jumped up and down screaming Inuyasha's name at the top of her lungs while pumping her fists in the air.

~*~*~*~

Kagome sat silently alone in her hotel room, sprawled out on her bed. She stared up at the stucco ceiling for what felt like eternity as the digital clock on her desk flashed 8:07 in green neon. Kagome had had a very weird day. Weird indeed. And it wasn't because she'd spent a good part of it being Inuyasha's cheerleader, that wasn't it at all…but it did have to do with him. Oh God she'd really screwed up this time.

Kagome had watched when at the end of the final match with Shido Inuyasha had been kicked clear across the ring. He'd landed on the floor…motionless. Kagome could remember just how badly she'd lost it when she thought something bad had happened to him. Of course she had felt like a huge idiot when three second later he was back on his feet and winning the match.

Kagome sighed. It was the kiss that had 'ruined' her day…and her chances of making it to the finals.

Kagome leapt out and kicked her opponent in the side. It was Kagome's first fight. They were on the final match and it looked like Kagome was winning. She could feel eyes on her as her opponent went to punch her but Kagome blocked it.

Kagome heard her name being yelled she gave a furtive glance over at ring 32. It would be her luck that her and Inuyasha's rings were side by side. Kagome saw Spike and Inuyasha laughing away. She glared at them.

Kagome gave her opponent, Kyo as it would happen to be, a hard punch in the face, surprisingly knocking him to the floor. The final whistle sounded as the judge ran up and announced Kagome as the winner.

Kagome let out a squeal. "I won?"

She leapt over the rope, jumping up and down hysterically. Spike of course catching everything on camera. Kagome ran up and gave her favorite wolf-demon a big bear hug. She'd never won anything in her life. It felt good…like winning the lottery good.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and hmphed as Kagome ran up and jumped him. The girl seemed to him like she'd been knocked off her rocker. She'd only won one fight and she was acting like she'd just won the tournament. Inuyasha had won five fights already and you didn't see him making a fool of himself.

Kagome snaked her arms around his neck as she jumped up and wrapped her legs around his hip. "I won!" Her cheeks were red from smiling so hard. "Can you believe I won?"

"Oi…it's not that big of a deal…people do it all the time." Inuyasha felt uncomfortable with her on him…or maybe it was because Spike was videotaping the whole thing but Kagome didn't seem to notice just how seductive she was making herself look. Which is totally unlike the little innocent Kagome that he knew.

"I won. I won. I won. I won. I won. I won. I won. I won. I won." She chanted excitedly.

"You're over exaggerating." He sighed. "You're making a fool of-" he was cut off as by impulse Kagome leaned in and gave him a 'victory' kiss…on the lips. It was a five-second kiss, but it was long enough for Inuyasha to hear people 'ooh-ing' and 'ah-ing' in the background. Was it just him or was she kissing him? Oh my God.

Kagome didn't know what had come over her…hell at the moment she didn't even know what she was doing. Her excitement over winning had taken over her.

Spike's heart fell for like a brief millisecond until a huge grin spread across his face. He turned the camera on the 'lovebirds' this was the perfect blackmail opportunity.

The second Kagome was done she jumped off of the raven-haired boy and did the same thing to Spike, except for two things. One, she didn't jump on him. And two she gave him a kiss on the cheek…not the lips.

Kagome was jumping around giving every John Doe that came within a hundred-mile radius a hug when she suddenly froze. She turned to stare at Inuyasha in horror as he touched his lips in disbelieve. Had she really just kissed him?

Kagome inhaled sharply before she let out a blood curling scream. "OH MY GOD!"

Inuyasha glared at her, part of him felt hurt by her sudden repulsiveness, but he refused to show it. "What the hell are you trying to do? Give me lung cancer?"

Inhale…exhale. "OH MY GOD! Why in the hell did you kiss me?" She snapped at him, knowing deep down inside that it was actually her fault.

"What the fu-" He glared at her. "You did it not me…don't blame me for this. This is all your fault."

Kagome just ignored him as she stuck her tongue out and tried to whip the 'Inuyasha germs' off with her sleeve. "Ewe…I got dog breathe."

Glare.

Kagome sighed. Needless to say…that had pretty much 'ruined' her day. After that she just couldn't seem to fight. She'd lost her next match after that one. She knew she wasn't going to win but still…it would have been nice to actually make it a little farther.

She rolled over on her bed and gazed glassy-eyed down at the floor. She felt guilty. Guilty for what she had done to Kouga…she'd cheated on him. How could she have done such a thing?

Just then the bathroom door opened as Sango walked out in her bathing suit. The demon hunter smiled at Kagome. "Are you feeling okay, Kagome?" she chuckled to herself. She'd already seen the tape Spike had made of the 'kiss' five times so she knew exactly why Kagome was acting so depressed.

"Of course I'm not ok." Kagome whined like a baby. "I've scrubbed my lips so hard that I think they've fallen off."

Sango giggled. "Why don't you come to the pool with me? The hotel manager said he cleaned out the water this afternoon so it should be sanitary." She giggled.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Nah I think I'm just going to lye here and bask in my self hate." She exclaimed in a dramatic voice.

Sango smiled. "Ah come on…a little swimming will do you some good. And besides everyone's down there…hell even Kikyo's there."

"All the more reason for me to stay right here and let my life rot away."

"Oh come on." Sango pleaded. "If you're worried about Inuyasha or Spike being down there don't worry…they're both going to that concert or whatever tonight together. They won't be there. Please will you come with me?"

Kagome smiled and shook her head. "Thanks but I think I'll take a rain check. You just have fun with Miroku. I'm gonna stay here and think for awhile."

Sango pouted as she wrapped a towel around her waist. "Are you sure?"

Kagome nodded. "Thanks anyway though."

Sango just smiled as she waved bye and then left, gently shutting the door behind her. "All be back soon." She called.

Kagome slowly sat up and stared down at the phone; she was all-alone. She hadn't spoken to Kouga since she had gotten to Texas. And yet she knew that was all for a reason. She felt guilty about what she was doing, and what she had done. She felt like doing this whole 'girlfriend' thing on Inuyasha was cheating on him…and she was in a way. Not to mention that damn kiss.

Kagome reached down and picked up the receiver, the dial tone echoing through out the silent room. Kagome punched in her real boyfriend's number and waited patiently until she heard the familiar voice. "Hey…I need to tell you something…do you promise not to be mad at me?" She whimpered.

"Kagome?" His voice crackled over the line. "Is everything ok? What's wrong? Are you crying?"

"Yes."

~*~*~*~

Inuyasha glanced at himself in the mirror an evil smirk spreading across his face. He was in his usual black attire…well actually even more; it was the night of the Disturbed concert, Finally, and he wanted to look as gothic as possible. Mission accomplished. He sighed as the memory of that stupid kiss fluttered into his brain. He was hard pressed on forgetting that incident but it just didn't seem to want to go away. It was haunting him and he hated it. He wanted to know why she had been so grossed out after kissing him…did she really hate him that much? He let out a small sigh. It would figure the only girl in the world that he actually wanted would undyingly hate him. Wait a second…where in the hell did that come from? When did I ever say I wanted her?

Inuyasha just pushed everything out of his mind, making it as blank as possible before he grabbed his wallet on the nightstand and stuffed it in one of his many pants pockets. He was not going to let her ruin his concert night. He had even so far as gone and worn his 'special' pants. Inuyasha really liked these pants, they were bondage pants, not the really tight kind…but the really lose and baggy ones that drag on the floor. But that wasn't what made it so special, he had worn these pants to another concert once, and the lead singer of Kitties had poured her coffee all over him by mistake. These pants were worth a fortune…especially since that band had broken up.

He snatched up his room key, and quickly ran out the door.

He glanced around the hall for his concert buddy. "Where the hell is Spike?" Inuyasha growled. "I swear to God if he doesn't hurry up…I'll leave him." It figures, every concert Inuyasha had ever been to it had been with Spike…and it would be the one that was most important to him that Spike would disappear. Inuyasha hadn't seen him since they had gotten back to the hotel.

Inuyasha glanced down the hall towards Kagome's room. I wonder if Asuka's in there…she'll know where her brother is. Aware that he was just using Asuka as an excuse to check on Kagome; he briskly jogged up to the door and knocked.

No answer.

He rapped the door again.

Silence.

Inuyasha tried the doorknob; it opened. "Hello anybody here?"

He cautiously peeked his head through. Knowing good and well he was about to enter the lair of the deadly female.

At first glance he didn't see anyone, then he noticed the sliding glass doors to the balcony open. Inuyasha tiptoed across the lush carpet, before he stuck his head out the door and glimpsed around. There was Kagome sitting on the cold cement floor with her legs tucked in and her face buried in her knees, the harsh wind whipping at her hair and pajamas.

Inuyasha was at first just going to leave and not bother her, but he didn't make it two steps when he heard Kagome sniffle. Though despite his incredibly guilty conscience he took another step towards the door, that was when he heard Kagome burst into tears, probably sobbing into her hands. She deserved to be left alone after what she had done to him? Giving him lung cancer…right?

"Damn it." Inuyasha growled under his breath. "I'm 'gonna' miss the concert." He glanced down at his watch: Eight thirty. "Great…I only have thirty minutes to get there." I'm going to kill you Spike; this is all your fault.

Inuyasha grumbled angrily as he made his way outside and took a seat next to his girlfriend for hire. "You all right?"

Silence.

"Hey I asked you if you're alright." He growled. "The least you could do after what you did to me today is answer."

"Eat shit and die." Kagome spat, her face still dug into her knees.

"…"

"Just go away and leave me alone." Kagome sobbed before she burst back into tears.

Inuyasha, completely forgetting about his usual hateful self began panicking. He hated it when girls cried. "No, no, no. Don't cry." He went to touch her, but she just glared up at him.

"I said go away and leave me alone, damn it."

"No."

"Now…just leave me alone."

"What part of no don't you understand?"

"Please." She sobbed. "I just want to be alone. Please."

"No way…not till you tell me what's wrong."

"Go away!" Kagome screamed before she dug her face back into her knees.

"NO." He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him, her cheeks were moist and her eyelashes were misty from her tears. "I said 'not till you tell me what's wrong.'"

"It's none of your business." She snapped.

Inuyasha just rolled his eyes as he traced his fingers across her cheeks and wiped the tears from her eyes. "You have got to be the most stubborn…person I've ever met." He smiled down at her, only to see her look up at him sadly, tears trickling down her cheeks once more. He wiped the drops of cold water away again and sighed. "So what's wrong with you anyway?"

Silence.

He groaned, giving it up. He stared down at the cement floor and black metal railings in hush. Suddenly he felt Kagome lean her head against his shoulder. "It's over." She whispered.

"What's over?"

"I don't know why…" Kagome rambled. "I…"sniffle. "I…called…Kouga."

"Did that bastard say something to you because of what happened today?" Inuyasha growled. He didn't know why he suddenly felt like he had to protect her.

Kagome shook her head violently; she wasn't sure why, but she felt…like she could tell Inuyasha anything…and he would listen. And knowing Inuyasha he would use this as an excuse to beat the snot out of Kouga…whether it was really for Kagome's sake or not. And she didn't want that.

Kagome felt oddly safe with Inuyasha by her side. Although she hated the big egocentric jerk at times, she did like him; he definitely had his moments. Like now. "I broke up with him…"

"Why...?"

"I don't know why. I just did it. I guess…it's…because…of…you."

"Oh?"

"I just…I just feel so guilty you know? Like I'm a bad girlfriend who's been cheating on him. Which I have. He doesn't deserve to have that done to him. I don't understand…what wa-was I thinking?" She stared up into Inuyasha's eyes. What was I thinking kissing you? Kagome whimpered on the verge of bursting into tears again. "It's funny huh? Little 'ol' Kagome…the girl with her head in the clouds and thinks she can do anything; little Ms. Miko's feeling sorry for herself."

Inuyasha subconsciously wrapped an arm around her.

And there the two sat together in silence for what felt like hours until Inuyasha finally took it upon himself to tuck her in bed. He stood up and lifted the exhausted and half asleep girl into his arms before he carried her into her hotel room. He hesitantly laid her in the already unmade bed and tucked the covers around her. She smiled drowsily up at him.

"Thank you." She whispered.

Inuyasha just smiled stupidly. "I guess a dumb, pig headed, cocky assholes like me can actually have a heart too."

Kagome giggled before she closed her eyes. "You're going to miss your concert." She yawned. Inuyasha glanced down at the clock on the nightstand: Nine fifteen. He sighed; it was too late now it had already started fifteen minutes ago. Spike had probably already left without him…thinking that Inuyasha had ditched him and went on ahead.

"Nah…I think I'll just stay in here and talk to y…" Inuyasha stopped when he noticed Kagome was already asleep.

He smirked. It has to be the Osuwari charm. He tiptoed silently across the room and walked out the door; shutting it behind him once he had gotten in the main hotel hallway.

Inuyasha gazed around the empty hall. Everyone was gone…it was just Inuyasha and Kagome now. And she was asleep. Inuyasha gave a heavy and depressed sigh as he walked up to his room and unlocked the door, kicking his way through the mess on the floor. He didn't feel like swimming anyway.

He carelessly pulled his shirt off and tossed it to the growing pile of dirty laundry in the middle of the floor. He grabbed a pair of black sweatpants from the hopefully clean pile of cloths and quickly changed into them.

Inuyasha collapsed on the bed, folding his arms behind his head; his eyes roamed around the room for a good thirty minutes, until he heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" He grumbled.

"It…it's me." Exclaimed a sad voice.

Inuyasha shot up onto his feet when he recognized Kagome's voice. He opened the door and stared down at the short girl. "What's wrong? What is it?"

Kagome stared down at the floor, refusing to stare the raven-haired boy in the eyes. She didn't want to sound like a scared little baby, but… "I was wandering if I could stay in here with you?"

Inuyasha stared down at her with a raised eyebrow. "Little Ms. goody-two-shoes is wanting to break one of Coach's rules? No one's allowed to go into anyone else's room you know?"

Kagome gazed up into Inuyasha's eyes, regretting it the second she did. He has such pretty eyes. Kagome bit her lower lip and nodded, which just made Inuyasha smirk cockily, that's when Kagome noticed Inuyasha was shirtless. Her cheeks turned bright red.

"Come on in." Inuyasha laughed as he held the door open for her. Kagome bashfully walked into the messy room and sat down on the edge of the nearest bed to the entrance. "Make yourself at home…I'll be right back." He walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him, locking it before he slumped down to the floor. His heart beat racing a mile a minute.

"Oh my God…what in the hell am I doing?"

Inuyasha growled angrily as he heard Spike's voice echo through the tiled bathroom. You know exactly what you're thinking you horny bastard you.

"Shut up."

Inuyasha's 'gotta' c-r-u-s-h! Kissy, kissy!

"No I don't! And even if I did she could never like a monster like me."

Oh puh-lease. Get over it you mamby pansy mama's boy. She obviously likes you, moron!

"No way. And even if she did; she doesn't like the real me." He yanked angrily at the rosary beads draped around his neck.

Oh good God, somebody shoot you and put you out of my misery. Have you forgotten who we're talking about here? This is Kagome, dumb ass; she used to date Kouga, it doesn't get any worse than that. Besides remember, she said she thought your ears were 'cute' and…she gave you a kiss today remember?

"You've got a point there."

Face it lover boy. You love her…and for some odd demented reason she likes you back…you won Osuwari.

"Yeah right…I can't stand her, Spike; remember?"

Sure…that's why you tucked her in, let her into your hotel room, and your having a conversation with a voice in your head in the bathroom. Take care of her…if you don't I swear to God I'll hunt you down and kill you. Got it…oh and by the way you're missing a kick ass concert. T-T-F-N!

~*~*~*~

Kagome stared uneasily at the floor, never letting her gaze falter, not even when she heard Inuyasha exit the bathroom.

He stuffed his toothbrush back into his duffel bag; he had learned from last year's trip to never leave your toothbrush lying around or it'll turn into the toilet brush. He turned to Kagome and smiled, his heart pounding in his ears. "So…uh, hi." How stupid can you get? 'Hi'? Spike mocked in Inuyasha's head.

Kagome stared up at the dog demon in disguise, his eyes locking with her's.

She looks so sad. "Are you okay, Kagome?"

Kagome stiffened her back, forcing herself to act her age. "I'm fine." She laughed cheerfully. But Inuyasha saw right through her little show.

"It's okay, Kagome." Inuyasha sighed as he sat down next to her. "I understand if you don't want to tell me. It's okay." He smiled at her. "Sometimes you just don't want to share things…or don't want other people to find things out. Like today's little kiss incident…I sure as hell would have liked for no one to have found out about that. People are going to be laughing at you and me until they put is six feet under. But thanks to Spike and his video camera…that's already been taken care of. I'm not going to force you to say anything."

"I'm really sorry about that." She whimpered.

Inuyasha instinctively messaged her back to comfort her. "It's alright." He bragged. "That's not the first time it's ever happened to me." He laughed.

Kagome smiled genuinely up at him, before she leaned in and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. "Thanks, Inuyasha. You're the only person I know who could joke about something like that like it didn't really mean anything." She giggled.

"It's nothing." He sighed. "Just a stupid little accident. I don't blame you. Many girls find it hard to keep themselves off of me."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Someone's a little full of themselves."

Inuyasha laughed. "Can't blame me for telling the truth."

She yawned as she slowly began to nod off.

"Tired?" Inuyasha laughed.

Kagome nodded as Inuyasha picked her up and tucked her in his bed. That's the second time I've done this tonight.

Inuyasha glanced around the room. "I guess I'll crash in Spike's sleeping bag," he sighed to no one in particular.

"But where will Spike sleep when he gets back?" Kagome sighed drowsily.

Inuyasha just shrugged his shoulders.

"Here." Kagome yawned again. Inuyasha glanced back at her as she held the covers up for him. "We're boyfriend and girlfriend right? I'd like to see Kikyo's face if she saw us. I'd be filthy rich." She laughed.

Inuyasha gulped as he crawled up and under the comforter. He laid down beside the miko, her back to him.

"Just remember what I said, Osuwari…don't get any funny ideas, or I'll cut you up into little pieces, stuff you into a gym bag, tie it to a rock, and throw you in the sea. Understand?"

Inuyasha smirked. That was the Kagome he knew and loved. "Feh." Hey wait…loved?

"Hey…" Kagome turned her head to look at him. "I talked to Kouga about that poem, Demonic Little Angel that I found in your room…"

Oh shit.

"He said it wasn't his-"

"It's probably Spike's." Inuyasha snorted. "He came over to my house the week before Halloween, probably left it then. And you know Spike…he still loves you…even with that new girl Rei around."

"Oh." Kagome didn't know why she suddenly felt disappointed. She turned back around before she finally lost her battle with the sandman and drifted off to sleep. Inuyasha on the other hand was wide-awake.

He stared at Kagome's long raven hair, his heartbeat pulsing through his brain.

I told you, you were a horny bastard.

Growl. "Shut up, Spike."

Kagome rolled over and stared up at him. "Did you say something?" She yawned

Oops. Inuyasha shook his head frantically. "No."

Kagome smiled as she reached up and tucked some of Inuyasha's black hair that was in his face, behind his ear, which just fell right back in place over his eye. Kagome giggled. She stared up into his eyes; they were so pretty to her. Kagome reached back up and lifted Inuyasha's necklace over his head. She watched as the real Inuyasha came into view, his long white hair, and husky like dog-ears.

"Much better." She sighed as she stretched out and traced her finger over one of his ears. He made it twitch for her. "They don't seem real." She retreated her hand back to her side to stare back into his amber eyes. "But I like you better this way."

Inuyasha's heart leapt into his throat. This was why he knew he…liked her so much. She accepted the fact that he was not just some face in the crowd. She didn't mind that he was different, sure she hated him either way, but it wasn't because of what he was or what he looked like. It was because of how he had treated her in the past. If he could take it back he would do it in a heartbeat, he never would have called her all those mean names or poured that milk on her head in the seventh grade. He would have treated her like…like Spike treated her. Inuyasha didn't deserve a girl like her. Spike did. Spike loved Kagome, and treated her like a queen, never calling her bitch, or whore, or witch, or anything.

Inuyasha groaned inwardly. He didn't deserve to have her lying beside him. He…he'd done a lot of stuff over the years, things a mother should never know. And that hurt Inuyasha more than anything, all those nights he'd spent with girls…all those drinks he'd drank, those cigarettes he'd smoked, that blunt that had been passed to him, and his mother was up in heaven watching him do it all. And yet, as he stared down at Kagome, he knew she was so innocent. She was so naïve, she had no clue just how bad the world really was. Everything was peaches and rainbows with her, she didn't know of what happened in the underbelly of the world…and Inuyasha did…he'd seen it…been part of it. It was something he never wanted Kagome to endure, he wanted to protect her from what he'd been through, protect her from sex, murder, drinking, smoking, drugs, rape,…everything.

Kagome watched as Inuyasha's eyes grew deep and sad. "Inuyasha?"

He sat up. He couldn't do this. He was a 'horny bastard' and he couldn't be near Kagome…not now - not ever. He couldn't hurt her. He was afraid he was going to take advantage of her.

Inuyasha went to get out of the bed but Kagome caught him by the arm and brought him back down next to her. "What's wrong?" She looked at him worriedly.

Inuyasha just glared at her. "Let go of me." He snarled.

But Kagome refused. "What did I do to make you mad this time?" She snapped.

"Nothing." Inuyasha jerked out of her grasp. "I just can't do this."

"Do what…?" Kagome grumbled and then an idea popped into her head. "You, you didn't think I was going to…going to, to sleep with you did you?" She sounded so serious that it scared him.

"Of course not." Inuyasha growled baring his fangs. "I couldn't do that to you."

Kagome's brows furrowed. "Oh…so you're still in love with Kikyo huh?" She traced her fingers over the floral design of the comforter.

Inuyasha turned around to stare down at her. "Hell no. I hate her. What gave you that idea?"

Kagome snorted. "Cause…you said you couldn't…well you know what…not that I want to." She exclaimed waving her hands in the air to prove that such a thought hadn't crossed her mind, "I just assumed that since you said that you couldn't…you were saving yourself for her or something…so I figured you still loved her. Plus this whole 'make Kikyo jealous' scheme…I just figured…"

"You figured wrong." He snapped harshly but regretted it the second he saw the hurt look on her face. Inuyasha fell back onto the bed; his back turned to her. "No Kagome, I don't love Kikyo…only a mother could love a girl like her."

Kagome cleared her throat. "Don't forget that happens to be my twin sister and my mother you are talking about."

Inuyasha laughed. "Sorry. It's just…I know you've never done anything like that and since well…since you're a…a…a…"

"Oh just go ahead and say it already." Kagome rolled her eyes. "It's not a dirty word you know? I'm a virgin. I get the point."

Inuyasha chuckled. That would be another reason why he liked Kagome, she was always so blunt and honest about things. "Yeah you're a v-word, and I'm not. I couldn't hurt you, you know." He sighed. "I may be a heartless bastard but I'm not that heartless."

Kagome grabbed him by the arm and turned him around. He stared into her eyes; they seemed full of unreadable emotions, happy? Sad? Angry? He just couldn't read her.

"Do you really mean that?" Kagome asked, her tone professional.

Inuyasha nodded.

"Seriously?"

He nodded again.

"Honestly?"

"Honestly."

"You really mean that? I mean no bullshit, just straight up truth? You could never hurt me…in that way? Never? Not in a million years?"

"I meant it, ok. I can't hurt you…I may act like I could care less but I could never let anything happen to you. I meant every damn word. Does that answer your question?" he smacked himself in the head. In the immortal word of Homer Simpson. "Doi." That was way too much info…nice going there Inuyasha…why don't you confess your undying love while your at it.

Kagome fell silent. She couldn't believe this. This wasn't the asshole Inuyasha that she knew. What was happening to him? Was he going gay on her or something? What did he just say? That he cared about her? Kagome snorted as that thought lingered in her head. Inuyasha…care…about her of all people. That sounded almost stupid. He had hated her, and she had hated him ever since they had first met each other. Neither of them would have believed it if someone had have told them on the first day that they had met, that in just a few years they would be lying beside each other in a bed. And as that thought came into Kagome's mind she suddenly shuddered. She hadn't realized it, but the fact of the matter was…Inuyasha was sitting in a bed just a couple of inches away from her.

"Listen, Kagome…I never really meant…all those…mean things…I've said. I'm…sor…sorry, I never…should have…said them. And that instance in seventh grade with the milk-"

Kagome couldn't take it any more; she closed her eyes and leaned in on impulse, pressing her lips against his and cutting whatever he was saying off. Her lips were soft as they traced against his. She didn't care if he hated her or not, no guy can refuse that.

Inuyasha froze. Is this really happening? Am I dreaming or are we…?

It was a soft kiss; not much unlike the one they had shared earlier that day. They lingered there, just barely kissing in a soft almost story book sort of way. Inuyasha was frozen solid. He didn't know how to react. Kagome grew impatient.

Kagome's hands were cold as she reached out and placed one on his cheek, cupping it in her palm, triggering Inuyasha. He started kissing her back as he reached up and tangled his fingers in her hair. He was accepting her. She crawled closer to him, as she slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. Inuyasha's heart was pounding into his chest. She's kissing me? This was way better than any concert. This is the best dream I've ever had. Somebody pinch me.

He loved everything about this moment, from the way her skin felt against his to the way her breathing fell into rhythm with his. He smelled the air, his demon senses picking up an abrupt change in Kagome's scent. A scent that sent off a red flag in his head.

He suddenly pulled away from her. "Kagome are you sure about this?"

She rolled her eyes. "Why…you don't want to?"

Inuyasha shook his head frantically.

The last miko furrowed her eyebrows. "Was that a yes or no?"

"A yes…no, no, no. I mean no. Oh God you have no idea how bad I want to." He groaned, as he hung his head, shielding his face with his bangs.

Kagome giggled. "Ok…I'll take that as a yes." She took his chin in her hand and forced him to look at her before she leaned back in and kissed him again.

"But…but…but…" He mumbled against the pressure of her lips against his.

"Oh just shut up already." She leaned in, cupping his cheeks in her palms, her lips roamed all over his, as she nibbled them slightly. Kagome had no idea what she was doing or how she knew to do it. She just let her body take control, loosing her mind in the process.

Kagome giggled, as Inuyasha succumbed to her and began trailing his lips down her neck. Her skin was soft and smooth and smelled like cucumber melon. He loved the way she smelled, so sweet and tangy. He laughed inwardly. Kagome felt his hands wander from her hair onto her shoulders and then down her back, resting at the hem of her tank top. She could feel him slowly lift her shirt upwards and as his lips separated from her for merely a second he pulled it off of her gently and tossed it aside, revealing Kagome's silky black bra. Her heart was pounding. He was going to be her first. Was that something she really wanted? Yes. She hadn't realized it until now but it was something she wanted more than anything. She hated him at times, but Kagome had…dare I say it…fallen in love with Inuyasha. She was willing to do this; she was scared…terrified. Afraid of what it was going to be like. Was it going to hurt? Would her first be painful? Could it truly harm her like some people say? She didn't know…but as long as Inuyasha was there she felt safe. She oddly enough trusted him. She felt like things were going so fast…too fast…but it was her fault. She'd just broken up with Kouga and now look what she was doing.

She leaned back in, claiming his lips as her own, she cooed as he pressed with more force against her kiss. Inuyasha pulled away from her again and stared into her eyes. That was it…the look in her eyes, the smile on her face. That was when he knew he had fallen in love with her for real…no questions asked. His heart felt like it was on fire. He'd found the only girl he'd ever truly loved. He only wished that she felt the same way about him, he wanted her to love him back more than anything in the world. Inuyasha smiled, if he couldn't have her heart…he could at least dream. He could dream that as he touched her, the craving that his demon senses detected from her were for him…and not for that. He could lie to himself, telling his inner demon that she was his.

Kagome sat up, leaning her back against the headboard. "Is something wrong?" she whispered.

Inuyasha just smiled, a genuine smile, which was something she had never seen from him before. There was no cockiness to it. There wasn't the egotistical jerk that Kagome was used to, sitting before her. Just Inuyasha, the real Inuyasha, dog-ears, white hair, fangs, claws, and all.

Inuyasha wanted so badly to tell her everything. Tell her everything about him, everything he felt, everything he wanted; but he kept it all in. He'd always bottled up his emotions, ever since he was just a little kid. And as much as he wanted to just pop the cork and let it all spill out…he couldn't do it. He couldn't bring himself to tell her how he felt or what he was thinking about. Spike was right. Spike? Right? That's gotta be a first.

Kagome sighed as she stared down at the comforter, "have I done something bad? I mean I'm new at this but-"

Inuyasha reached out and brushed his hand over her soft cheek. He just had to touch her…he couldn't keep his hands off her. "Kagome…are, are you sure? Sure you want to do this?"

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Have sex?" Again with the bluntness. "Would you quit asking that?" She giggled. "It's my decision…ok? So quit feeling all guilty, got it?"

Inuyasha nodded.

Kagome bit her lower lip. The thought of backing out had crossed her mind, but, it was something she wanted to have with Inuyasha so bad…she couldn't take it anymore.

"But…" Inuyasha began. "Are you sure you want to do it like this?" He stared around the incredibly messy room. "It's your first time…don't you want to have it in some fancy place with the frilly pillows and candles everywhere?"

Kagome shrugged her shoulders. "Frankly I…I never thought about it."

"Are you sure you want to do it with…m…me?" Inuyasha stuttered. He was starting to annoy her. Why can't he just shut up and do it already?

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't." She sighed messaging her temples. Was this always supposed to give you a headache?

"I…I can put my…my necklace back on…" He suddenly became very aware of just how horrible of a monster he was. (Yeah right. We all know he's a hottie either way). He didn't feel right…didn't feel worthy to be the one to take her purity. But all he wanted was to make her happy.

A large smile spread across Kagome's face when she finally realized what was going on in the half-demon's head. He was self conscious of his demon form…awe how cute. Kagome shook her head, "Nah…I think I have a fetish for dog ears." She crawled over to where he was sitting; she sat in front of him. Straddling his hips with her thighs. She gently grazed her fingers over his neck and Adam's apple before she pulled his chin up to her, she bent in and kissed him, at first the kiss was soft and gentle, but it grew hungrier and hungrier.

Inuyasha roamed his hands up and down Kagome's back, fumbling with her bra fastener as he gently laid her down on the bed. He stared down at her, as she stared up at him. God she's so pretty. Damn it. He growled as he eyed the bra that was still positioned around her chest. He never could figure out how to get those things off. Why are they always so damn complicated?

Inuyasha couldn't believe he was doing this. And even as he bent down and kissed her again, a small voice in the back of his head was telling him it was all a dream…of course that could just be Spike throwing a temper-tantrum. Hurt her and I'll kill you damn it…hey, hey, hey…you shouldn't be doing that. This story's PG-13…whoa…Inuyasha, where'd you learn that move…sweetness. You 'gotta' teach me that…me and Rei could you know…do a little dance. Get down to night. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. Uh-huh. (Hehe a pun from the guinea pig in Doctor Dolittle, I love that movie. I can almost picture a little chibi Spike dancing around in that cage.)

"Kagome?" He asked one final time. "We don't have to do this if you don't want to."

She just smiled. "It's ok."

Kagome's cold fingers reached up and entangled into Inuyasha's white silky hair as he slowly and cautiously climbed on top of her, fearful of harming her. Suddenly, even though he was right on top of her, he felt like the world was between them, and he wanted to be closer to her than anything.

Kagome traced her fingertips over his chest; she could feel his heart beat when she eased over his heart. It was slow and fast at the same time…almost like one of the rhythms from a PACK song.

Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck again, pulling his lips into hers. She felt…alive, it was a weird feeling, but suddenly she wasn't scared anymore. Her pajama covered legs were entangled with his sweat pant covered ones. She eased her body under his even more, their kisses growing deeper and deeper and more intimate with each passing second. She wanted to be part of him, it was a strange rush of feelings, but she instinctively wanted to know everything about him.

Inuyasha groaned primitively as his hands edged deeper under the covers and reached out and touched her soft and sensitive hips, his claws gentle tickling the area of skin under her belly button and above her underwear. That did it. His demon senses picked up a sudden urge within her as she arched her back into him. He'd found her secret spot. Inuyasha smirked; that is until Kagome nibbled the crook of his neck. Damn she's good for a beginner. She'd just found his sensitive secret spot as well. Every part of his body suddenly began to tingle.

"Kagome?"

"Hmm?"

He began messaging her waist with his thumbs. He was so close to her, he could feel her around him. Surrounding him as she tightened her grip around his neck. Kagome's legs snaked around under the covers, wrapping around Inuyasha's hips for the second time that day.

Inuyasha kissed along her neck, and then trailed down to her collarbone, taking in her scent as he went. Her smell was intoxicating; she seemed to have an aura around her. It was so, so pure and so, so very innocent. Innocent…oh shit.

Inuyasha jumped off her, leaping halfway across the room. His heart visibly pounding out of his chest as he landed on the floor. He'd almost done it. He'd almost taken advantage of her. He cursed himself. Shit. Damn it. Inuyasha you asshole, jackass, dumb ass, lame ass, you stupid bastard. How could I have almost let that happen?

Kagome gazed at him, the emotion of hurt plainly present. "Did I…did I do something wrong?" She pulled the comforter up over her, even though she was still in her bra and underwear, she suddenly felt very naked. "Was I that bad?" She practically whimpered

"Oh no, no, no, no, no." He almost blurted. "Trust me…you were very good. Great. Almost had me wandering if you were actually a pro." Wrong thing to say.

Kagome's eyes fell. "Oh." Had he practically just called her a slut?

Inuyasha hung his head angrily. "How could I let this happen? Damn it."

Kagome gazed down at the part of the comforter that covered her feet. "Oh…so, you…you…do still…um, love my uh…my sister." Kagome all of a sudden felt like crying again. This is the second time I've cried tonight because of a guy…all in just one hour…that has to be a record. She snorted.

Inuyasha stared up at her as tears trickled down her cheeks. Was she crying because of him? Inuyasha walked over and sat down on the bed beside her, he went to comfort her but she jerked away. "Leave me alone." She snapped.

"No…" He gently eased his hands over her shoulders. "I'm sorry. I just can't…"

"Kikyo should be back from the pool by now." Kagome sobbed. Since I'm not as good as her why don't you just go screw her instead?

Inuyasha felt like punching himself, and he knew if Spike ever found out about this…he'd do it for him. Boy was Spike going to be mad, mad that Inuyasha had the chance to sleep with Kagome or mad that he had hurt her and had made her cry again.

"I don't want Kikyo…" Inuyasha trailed off, he wasn't ready to tell Kagome, tell her that he l…o…v…e…d her and only her. Damn that word can be a bitch to say. He had fallen in love with Kagome. He wasn't sure why or exactly when. Hell this was all new to him. But even though he knew he loved Kagome, God how he loved her, he couldn't let her know. Maybe it was because he was afraid of how she would react, or maybe because he didn't want to hurt her yet again. It was becoming a bad habit. Kagome deserved someone who was just as innocent as she was.

"Then what do you want?" Kagome snapped.

Inuyasha sighed. "Something I can never have."

Kagome looked up at him with a raised eyebrow. What had he meant by that? And then another idea popped into her head, something he could never have, "You don't have a crush on Sango or Katsumi do you?"

Sweatdrop. "No." He laughed, falling off the bed and onto the floor.

"Oh. Hey quit laughing at me, it's not funny." She growled.

"The hell it ain't." Inuyasha managed to call out from in-between laughs as he held his sides. "Can you actually picture me dating Katsumi, or Sango for that matter? God Miroku and Duo would skin me alive."

Kagome groaned as she pulled her shirt back on and collected herself. "I don't have to stick around for this."

Inuyasha stood up and barricaded the door with his body. He didn't want her to leave, not on a bad note. "I'm sorry, Kagome." He whispered, hanging his head and shielding his eyes with his bangs.

Kagome just shrugged her shoulders, though her anger was still visible in her eyes. "Sorry, sorry for what? You almost got a little action, consider yourself lucky, because it's the last you're ever getting from me." She tried to push past him but he didn't move. "Am I just going to have to jump off the balcony to escape from you?" She snapped.

"We're on the fourth floor…there's no way you'd survive." He whispered.

"A risk I'm willing to take if you don't get out of my way." She held her hand out flat in front of his face, threatening to use her miko powers and blow his head clear off.

Inuyasha downheartedly moved aside, giving her a clear exit. "I didn't mean to hurt you, Kagome."

"Hurt me?" She laughed bitterly as her fingers grasped around the doorknob. "Remember, I'm the girl that hates you? You could never hurt me, Inuyasha. Never."

"I'm sorry." He repeated. "It's all my fault."

Kagome opened the door and shook her head. "I kissed you first. It's my fault. Just consider yourself rebound." She walked out and shut the door behind her. Walking across the hall and opening her own door she found her room empty. Kagome closed the door behind her and locked it before she slumped down and cradled her knees, crying into her pajama pant's bottoms. "What have I done?" she whimpered. "What am I going to do?"

She suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder.

"There, there, there. Don't cry sweetheart."

Kagome looked up to find her self face to face with…Demona Sigfreed from the tournament?

Demona smirked as she leaned against the hotel room's chestnut dresser drawer. She glanced down at her nails passively. "Now, tell me little one." She glared her sinister eyes down on Kagome. "Are you the miko?"

Kagome's jaw dropped. How did she know? "N…no." She stuttered. "What's a miko?"

Demona just giggled. "I can tell you are lying. You've got guilty written all over your face. You wouldn't lie to me? Would you? Kagome Hirugashi." Just as she spoke these words the man, who Kagome recognized as Gore Leblanch walked out with Kikyo unconscious, tied, gagged, and bound in his arms, with a gun pointed to her temple. "Cause I don't like liars." Demona chuckled.

"What are you going to do with her?" Kagome snapped, gathering up her powers as she stood boldly to her feet.

Demona sighed. "Nothing to her. If I get what I want. Now answer my question, are you the miko or are we just going to have to blow your sister's brains out?"

"Leave her alone." Kagome snarled, she could feel all her power and energy surging within her. Kagome may not like her sister at times…okay hardly ever. But she was family…and Kagome loved her family. She'd do anything for them or protect them.

Demona chuckled, "I thought as much." She slid off the dresser drawer and walked up to Kagome, tracing her manicured fingers over Kagome's cheek. "I tell you what, darling. I'll make a deal with you. Your life for your sisters. You come with us…and I'll let her go free."

"You'll let her go alive." Kagome demanded, sensing the trick Demona had set up and quickly countered it.

Demona groaned, she was a woman of her word…much like Captain Hook from the Peter Pan stories. "You take all the fun out of everything." She motioned to Gore, and he threw Kikyo onto the bed…alive and unharmed. "Now sweetheart, do we have a deal?"

"Who are you people?" Kagome growled under her breath.

Demona let out a heavy sigh. "Why do people always insist on knowing everything?" She ranted to herself. "I'm Demona Sigfreed and this is…"

"Your real name." Kagome snapped.

"Oh." Demona gasped excitedly. "A smart girl, not something I'd expected. I am Demonatikyo…" Her smirk widened at the sudden fear in Kagome's eyes. "You've heard of me." That was more of a statement than a question.

"You killed Midoriko." Kagome smirked. "Well, well, well. We finally meet. I've been waiting for this a long time." Kagome gasped, that hadn't been her words, she hadn't said that…it was the miko.

Demona sighed. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. You're supposed to kill me and whatnot. But the way I see it…" She glanced over at Kikyo. "I seem to have a small leverage over you…" She turned to stare Kagome in the eyes. "We made a deal. Her life for yours. You're mine miko." She laughed.

Kagome just nodded. She didn't know why, maybe it was the hero or maybe it was the idiot in her but she held out her hands signaling for Gore to put the handcuffs he was holding on her. "I'm yours."

Gore hastily made his way over to her and put the handcuffs around her wrists as tight as they could go, cutting off Kagome's circulation. He kept shooting her revolting looks and suggestive glares, licking his lips. But Kagome kept her face strong. Once he was done with her handcuffs Kagome held out both her hands and with a loud yell blew Gore clear across the room and out onto her balcony with her miko powers. She giggled to herself as she turned to stare at Demona; Kagome's eyes sky blue. But instead of threatening Demona like she had Gore, Kagome let her hands fall to her side. "Sorry, I couldn't help it…he sort of creeped me out."

Demona nodded in agreement. "He tends to do that to a lot of people. Now…" she rubbed her hands together, "ready to become a martyr?"

Kagome just shrugged her shoulders. "You know…you're never going to be able to kill me."

Demona smirked, "maybe not, but I intend on torturing you until you wish you were." She glanced back at Gore as he stumbled into the room, holding his head. "You idiot." She snapped. "I swear it's so hard to find good help these days."

~*~*~*~

Inuyasha angrily pulled his necklace back over his head, returning back to the raven-haired human version of himself. He cursed himself for being so stupid, but no matter how many times he ran the incident over and over in his head…he couldn't figure out a way he could have stopped it from happening. "I kissed you first. It's my fault. Just consider yourself rebound." Boy he'd really screwed up this time.

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Sorry this took so long. I just couldn't get the chapter how I wanted it…it literally took me five times to get it right, and even then I'm not very satisfied. It's very poorly written, like for instance, how does Demona suddenly realize that Kagome is the miko when she thought she was a demon? See it's very sad…and I wrote five versions and I still can't get it right. That's right…I wrote five versions of chapter 22. But I made it e-x-t-r-a long to make up for taking such a long time…just like I promised. Thank you to all who prayed for me and my friend. ^__^. She's doing much better…and she's probably really mad at me cause she's reading this fic. Oops. Your Moochy-moo loves you. (Inside joke.) I hope you liked the fluff…first fluff I ever wrote. And I'm sorry I didn't actually write out the final fight between Shido and Inuyasha instead of just describing it like I did. My writers' block is hitting me with full force on this story so it took me awhile. I put up the authors note yesterday and…I felt really guilty and wrote this chapter instead of doing my homework. I'm failing biology because of you. ^__~.