A/N: 101
REVIEWS! W00t w00t!!!! OMG! Thank-you peeps! You don't know what
this means to me! (Does victory dance) Shout-outs:
Goodcomment: aw thx! I'm probably gonna have the characters back in the Feudal Era by the next chapter or so. The final battle is something I'm working on, so of course our hated clay reject Kikyo is bound to make an appearance!
Sabster: You're my hundredth reviewer!!!! Thx!! Gives Sabster Inu plushie I don't know of many authors who have Kag tell her friends about her other life so I just did it myself!
Purplefr0g: lol, "line of shock" yeah, I luv that. And yup I'm definitely thirteen going on fourteen in what, December? Ya, round X-mas! And Kagome is probably gonna tell her mom somewhere in the next few chapters.
Gem Gamgee: 1:15? Kewl!! Lol, wow I'm, uh, flattered? :)
Aura Black Chan: Yeah, I wanted the whole mating thing to be different from just 'bite the girl and screw her' lol, thus the ceremony and the festival!
Inuyashafreak32: her friends know, yup! But you'll think it's a good thing after you've read this chappie. (Wink)
Hpfreak2: yeah, I've got a lot of the 'she told her friends?' (Sweatdrops)
Skywolf: Ya, fluff is cute!
Huggles goes to all those ppl up there and also: Zir, Naito-Kage, singergirl22, seida02, fushigiyugifan80, THANK-YOU!!!
HUGE thanks to everyone who's taken the time to push that button and type something down! Huggles for everyone, kisses for everyone, and what the hell, inu plushies for everybody!!!! (Another victory dance!)
ENJOY THE CHAPTER!
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Kagome's friends chatted away for hours, switching from one person to another. They wanted to hear all about the Sengoku Jidai, what types of demons there were, their histories. They wanted to know it all.
When they finally exhausted themselves with conversation (and twittered Inuyasha's ears until he was sure he would have to slice off their hands to make them stop), Kagome decided to show them around the town.
At once, Kagome's friends insisted on going. They were such good sports about the whole story and they were so willing to keep the group under cover that Kagome couldn't resist. Besides, she hadn't seen her friends in days! Smiling, she nodded and they ran back to their homes for the ''goodies.''
They waited patiently for them to return, though Inuyasha kept smoothing his ears gently. They hurt and he whimpered so low no one but Kagome, who was leaning against him, could hear. She looked up at him in concern and he pointed to his ears.
"I don't think your friends knew they were attached..." he grumbled and Kagome laughed.
She reached up and gently scratched his ears. He purred slightly, a very unrealistic sound and so suddenly surprising that Kagome let out a cry. His eyes snapped open and he gazed at her. She shook her head and smiled one of her huge, all teeth showing, eyes closed smiles she reserved for Inuyasha only and then went back to his ears.
"Kagome, we're back!" Eri yelled as she ran back into the living room, grinning.
"And we brought the outfits!"
Kagome grinned back and jumped up. She ran over to them, looked over the outfits, grinned again, and then nodded.
"Looks good!" Kagome turned back to the others and smiled. "Come up to my room, we're going to get you looking like you belong in the twentieth century!"
It took another hour to get everyone dressed, but it was a fun hour. Kagome and her friends showed the Sengoku group how to put the various clothing on and then left them to their work. Inuyasha and Kouga were the only ones who called for help.
Kouga had stuck his head in the sleeve and couldn't get it out while Inuyasha got the shirt right, but put his pants on backwards. Kagome, burning red, helped him put the pants on the right way.
The underlings were what killed Yume. The bra thing just wasn't really cutting it. Kagome helped her put the 'contraption' on before Yume shredded it in frustration. When everyone was finally dressed, they all walked out to show off how the clothes looked on them.
Kouga's outfit consisted of a pair of plain black slacks and a white shirt with "bite me" written across the front in black symbols. The words dripped red as if depicting blood. Around his neck was what looked like a black collar with inch long spikes sticking out of it. Surrounding one wrist was the same.
Inuyasha was wearing something similar, except different. His pants were normal blue jeans and his shirt was black with the words "Dog eat Dog" on them. They sparkled gold and red. Two dogs, big pitbulls it looked like, were growling at each other underneath the letters. He had his hair held back by a spiked wristband. His hair was thick enough for it. He also had a head kerchief on to cover his ears.
Miroku was sporting black pants and a red shirt with the words "Human Vacuum" twisted along the front. On the back were the words "The type all girls want in their home". Around his head was a studded head band and Kagome had spiked the top of his hair. He grinned at everyone.
Yume was next. She came out in a long silk black skirt with cherry blossoms stitched from the top of her thigh to the bottom of her right foot. Her shirt was short and white, exposing a little belly and most of her arms. The Kanji for ''predator'' stood out on her shit in bright pink. She smiled. Her hair was held up as it was during the festival but around her neck was the same spiked collar Kouga wore. Except this throat accessory came with a little loop to attach a leash.
Sango was dressed in a skirt as well. Her skirt was shorter though, the same color as Yume's, ending at her knees and puffing out. The shirt was a bright sky blue with a the kanji "butterfly" stitched down the front. Sango had her hair up in her same fashion.
Kagome, after assisting everybody, came out with a pair of flared jeans and a matching halter-top with her hair in a loose upsweep. Eri had given her a necklace with a small cat hanging from it and Kagome thanked her.
Shippo was last. They could hardly find anything his size, so they had to visit a few stores. What they came up with was a cute little outfit, almost like a swimmers outfit. The shorts were blue while the shirt was blue and white stripes. He came out and posed for them nerviously, smiling, before racing up to Kagome and jumping into her arms. The only way to cover up his tail was giving him a blue coat long enough.
Dressed and ready, they left the house. Kagome's mother smiled as they left, watching the door way a long time after they were gone, eyes sparkling. She knew her daughter was keeping a secret and she knew what the secret was.....she could see it in the way Inuyasha and Kagome acted around each other. But she'd wait; she knew her daughter would come to her.
"Where are we going to go, Kagome?" Sango asked.
"How about that place you told us about...the...erm...movie theature?" Miroku asked, looking around.
"I want to visit your school, Kagome!" Shippo jumped up and down in ecstacy.
"Can we get some food, I'm starved!" Inuyasha sniffed around.
"You just ate, Inuyasha!" Kagome looked at him, amazed. "Is your stomach never ending?"
Inuyasha huffed. "I'm just hungry..."
"We'll get some food, I promise, Inuyasha. Actually I was going to go show you the movie theature...they're playing Ranma 1/2 the Movie."
"Oooh, we're really going to see Ranma?" Hamuri asked and Kagome nodded. "Yes! I've wanted to go see that for a long time now!" She pumped her fist in the air and chuckled.
"But...Hamuri...it just came out!"
"Oh...yeah...heeheehee." She brought her fist down with a sheepish grin.
Everyone started laughing. They walked down the street slowly, passing houses and stores and watching the cars pass. When Inuyasha passed a Sushi restaurant, his stomach growled in reply to the smell. It growled so lowed everyone heard it and they're heads snapped in his direction. His face grew red, he crossed his arms, and growled. That resulted in more laughter.
When they finally reached the movie theater, Kagome paid for all of them. She had to use two weeks worth of allowance, but they were all able to get in. She smiled, showed them the way to the theater, and picked out a row of seats for them all. Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko had to sit in front of them for one row only held the Sengoku group and Kagome.
"I hate previews..." Kagome heard Eri say. "They're so boring..."
"Want me to get some popcorn for everyone?" Kagome whispered and heads bobbed.
"What's popcorn?" Yume asked, leaning forward to see Kagome.
Kagome sweatdropped. "It's...er...it's..."
"It's good, trust me," Shizuko said helpfully. "It's just buttery goodness!"
Yume nodded and smiled. "Alright. Pobcorn it is then."
"Not Pobcorn, popcorn," giggled Eri.
"Oops, sorry." Yume shrunk back in her seat sheepishly.
Kagome laughed as she made her way out of the theater and into the snack bar. Inuyasha fidgeted in his seat for a moment before Miroku spoke up beside him, chuckling.
"We all know you can't help yourself, just do yourself a favor and follow her!"
Inuyasha growled low, but then disappeared as he stood up and raced down the isle to the snack bar. Miroku sighed and looked around the theater before his eyes fell on a group of girls up front. He excused himself, left the row, and went up a row behind the giggling gaggle of girls.
"What a pervert..." Sango muttered, though her eyes narrowed as the girls looked Miroku up and down.
"Where'd Miroku go?" Kagome asked as she came back with the food.
Sango pointed up front angrily. "He's being himself," she grumbled and Kagome shot her friend a look.
"Sango...? Is there something I should know between you tw-"
"No! You know there's not, Kagome!" Sango said hurriedly and Kagome shrugged.
"All right." She turned back to Inuyasha, who was helping carry the refreshments.
"Can you go on the other side and hand the drinks down?" she asked.
He nodded, bent his knees, and leaped over the seats. He landed easily on the other side. Kagome almost dropped the popcorn bags she was holding, eyes wide. She was sure she had mentioned no superhuman stuff! Good thing not that very many people were sitting in the theater. No one had seen his death defying leap.
When he was done, he leaped back with two drinks in his hand.
"Inuyasha! No demon stuff, remember?" Kagome whispered fiercly.
Inuyasha cringed, thinking she was going to sit him, and clutched the drinks as if they were a life savor and he a drowning man/demon. But Kagome just sat down and he let out a sigh of relief. No hard floor meeting face this time. He sat down beside her and handed her her drink.
Everyone heard a loud slap and looked towards the front of the theature. They all sighed at the same time, shaking their heads. Miroku came up the rows a moment later with his hand on his cheek, eyes closed, sighing in exasperation.
No one said a thing as he sat down, but Sango refused to look at him.
When the movie started, Kagome had a hard time keeping the demons in their seats. They kept letting out surprised gasps and trying to get up to the large screen to see if there were people behind it. Even though the people were cartoons. Kagome sighed, begged them to continue sitting, and watched the movie.
A girl sat down behind Miroku and, as if by radar, Miroku turned around to chat her up. During the conversation, which everyone was listening to but not showing it and waiting for the all famous line. Miroku finally used it.
"Will you bare my child?" Miroku asked.
The girl looked at him, looked at her drink, and dumped it over his head. "In your dreams."
Kagome sighed. "You'd think you'd start learning the meaning of no when it's said to you so often...."
Inuyasha snorted, hiding his smirk behind a large mouthful of popcorn. Kagome gave him a look, but he didn't see it or at least he pretended not to. He was too interested in the popcorn and the movie screen.
Still, when Kagome's hand gently clutched his, he dropped his popcorn and quickly looked at her. She smiled and he grinned. Geez, Kagome's smiles were contagious...
The movie ended with not as many embarrassing moments as Kagome thought there would be. Yume had accidentally tripped and fell flat on her face in her heels. Kouga, who was not even two steps behind her, fell over her and cursed loud enough to catch the entire theatures attention. Besides that, everything went well.
Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko now seemed to be running the show and quickly came up with a new idea for a place to go. It was almost dinner time, which meant food. Inuyasha almost leaped at the idea, but kept his feet on the ground since his arms were wrapped protectively around Kagome's shoulders. Still, his stomach rumbled in responce even if he couldn't.
Kagome's friends all giggled at Inuyasha with his arms around Kagome, commenting on how cute it was, until he growled warningly at them.
They continued to whisper and giggle, but much more quietly. Miroku and Sango were looking opposite ways, pretending to be interested in the falling leaves and the bright blue sky. Or was that an ant on the ground? Once, they looked at each other and Sango quickly glanced away, though Miroku continued to watch her with a slight smirk on his lips.
"Where is this place anyway?"
"Don't worry, Inuyasha, we'll be there soon."
"Geez..."
Yume looked up at Kouga and smiled brightly. Her smile was catching as well for Kouga smiled back, his arm held protectively around her shoulders.
"Maybe after this we should head down to that new dance club they opened!"
Kagome shook her head uneasily. "Er...maybe we shouldn't. I don't think-"
"Awww, Kagome your such a worry wart!"
"Yeah, it'll be fun. Even if your friends are demons, they'll enjoy it!"
"But...you don't understand...! It's really loud and they have-"
"-keen ears, we know Kagome. You've told us already!"
Hamuri grinned and pointed across the street. "There's the restaurant! It has some of the best food in Japan!"
Inuyasha looked across the street hungrily. The best food in Japan? Then he would love it there. It'd be as if he had entered Nirvana...that is...if the food really was that great. He grinned from ear to ear, releasing Kagome and turned around. He motioned for her to climb onto his back; he'd carry her across the busy street.
Kagome's friends gasped as she did as proposed. She felt uneasy and a little embarrassed, but Inuyasha was insisting and she was married to him; in a demon way anyway. She had to ask her mother to get married in her world...and what a mess that would be. Still, she wasn't going to back down now. Shippo held onto her shoulder firmly with one hand while the other held his chocolates he got at the theater.
When Inuyasha had a firm grip on her thighs, he proceeded to race across the street the second there was a small opening where no cars ran past. He got half-way there before having to leap over a blue Sadan barreling down the six lane high way. He roared curse words at the driver, but made the trip safely. Shippo, unfortunately, lost his candy after spilling it all over the street.
Miroku looked at both Yume and Kouga as they nodded to each other and grinned. Kagome was yelling from the other side of the street, but not even the demons could hear her over the roar of the passing cars. Without pausing, and in perfect unison, Kouga and Yume leaped on top of the first car barreling by and instantly pushed off to land on top of another, and another, and another. When they finally landed on the sidewalk, they were fifty feet away from Kagome and Inuyasha. They ran towards them.
Miroku and Sango raised eyebrows at each other, then sighed and shook their heads. Kagome didn't want them to do that, they were sure of it, but it was too late now.
Now they had to figure out a way across without being road kill. Besides, Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko were silent behind them, which meant they were awed by the demons. Kirara mewled on Sango's shoulder.
"No..I don't think we should, Kirara. Kagome looks on the verge of a heart attack."
Without thinking, she grabbed Miroku's hand and ran across the street. Brakes squealed as feet slammed on them, cars skidded to a dead stop after traveling fifty miles an hour, and two crashes were heard as people broadsided others. Still, Miroku and Sango made it safely and with not a scratch on them, though Miroku continued to look between his hand linked with Sango's and Sango's face.
"Kami-sama!" Kagome gasped, ash-faced as she stared at the six lane high way all blocked up with cars. Eri and her friends walked by without fear of being hit, for no car was going by. "You all could have...all those cars...what if..?!"
Sango put her free hand on Kagome's shoulder and Kagome fell silent. Without another word, and without looking back at the cars and the people coming out of them yelling, the group walked into the restaurant. Shippo took a moment to stick his tongue out at the cars before racing in after them.
The place smelled heavenly for demon and human alike. Rich smells were floating from the kitchen and into the dimly lit restaurant. A waiter that looked as if he ate at the place a little too much sat them at two big booths. He looked Inuyasha over skeptically, but kept his mouth shut.
Kouga, Yume, Sango, Miroku, and Hamuri sat at one booth while Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Eri, and Shizuko took the other. The waiter had told Sango that pets were not aloud, but Kirara just hid under her mistress legs to avoid being caught. She was not about to stay outside like a regular everyday pet.
Kagome ordered for all of them, picking things they might like. Inuyasha had wanted to order, but his little reading problem didn't help. He just grumbled and allowed Kagome to speak. With a nod, the waiter whisked the list away and disappeared into the kitchen.
"This place smells so good! What do you call it again, Kagome?" Yume asked, craning her neck to see her.
"It's called a restaurant. A place I might not be able to afford..." Kagome added hollowly.
Eri stuck up her hand. "Excuse me, but didn't we say we would pay the bill?"
"Yeah, we brought enough money to feed an army here!" Shizuko added with a smile.
"Something told us to save up this month!"
The door opened and shut, the little bell dingled above the door. Kagome jumped when Inuyasha let out a vicious growl and picked her head up to see what was the matter.
"Hojo!" All three of Kagome's friends gasped.
Hojo smiled at them and waved, then saw Kagome and walked over. His eyes briefly lay upon Inuyasha and the rest of them, then fell upon Kagome again. He gave her a big winning smile and she smiled nervously back.
"Hello, Kagome! How are you feeling? Any better than last week?" he asked, once again eyeing Inuyasha. Who is he?
"Yeah, much better. Thanks," Kagome answered, smiling.
She could feel Inuyasha's anger rising. It was bubbling slowly up, accumulating with each word spoken to her from Hojo. She could also feel his jealousy and his over protection coming up with it and scoffed lightly. If Inuyasha got up and got into a fight with Hojo...well...not even in his human form could Hojo beat him. In other words, a fight between them could not, would not (she would make sure), break out.
"Can you introduce me, Kagome? I'm pretty sure we haven't met yet." Hojo asked, motioning to Inuyasha.
Kagome looked between them, heard a smaller growl excape Inuyasha's lips, and nodded with a high pitched laugh. "Oh, I'm sorry! How rude of me. This is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is Hojo."
"I know who Hojo is," Inuyasha growled, glaring at Hojo.
Hojo calmly stared back. "Oh, really? That's odd, because I don't know you."
Inuyasha made to push himself up out of the booth angrily, but the waiter came a second before he could move and placed the food down in front of them. Kagome let out a breath of relief and watched as Inuyasha blinked, look down at his plate, growled again, then picked up his chop sticks.
He proceeded to take a bite of his food and wait for the giant waiter to move out of his war path. He had a bone to pick with this Hobo kid and he wasn't going to let it go unpicked.
"Well, I see your eating right now, Kagome, so I'll see you later. Head on down to the park when you're done, okay? I just want to talk to you for a moment, ten minutes at most. Is that alright with you?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha, then at her friends. She let out a sigh and nodded lightly, trying to smile.
Inuyasha choked on his food so suddenly that every head in the restaurant turned their heads to gaze at them. Kagome, surprised, beat her hand against his back to help him either swallow or cough up his food.
He swallowed it, slammed the chop sticks down on the table, and snapped his head up to gaze at Hojo. It was then that Kagome realized she should have given Inuyasha glasses to cover his unusual colored eyes.
Hojo raised an eyebrow and backed up a step, but didn't give in any more than that. This guy seemed rather dangerous. He didn't want to leave Kagome with him if he was as dangerous as he seemed to be. He didn't want Kagome hurt. Squinting his eyes in what he hoped was his best death glare, he stared at Inuyasha.
But Inuyasha was the first to speak.
"Keep away from Kagome. She's mine, bastard," he growled low, so as not to attract any more attention than they were already getting.
Yume was up in a flash. She pushed past another person heading back to their table and stood in front of Inuyasha, blocking his view of Hojo. She smiled warmly at the human boy before looking over her shoulder and giving Inuyasha a warning look.
"I'm sorry about my friend's behavior...er...Hojo was it?"
Hojo nodded, eyes slightly wide.
"My name is Yume and I'm also a friend of Kagome's." She bowed slightly. "It's great meeting you."
Yume could hear Inuyasha growling and grumbling behind her, but he wouldn't uproar again. She let out a small, relieved sigh before straightening up to her full height, grinning again, and looked back at Kagome. Kagome gave her a small smile and Yume took that as she approved of what she was doing.
"Nice to meet you too, Yume." He looked past Yume to Kagome. "See you at the park later."
Yume gently prodded Hojo away from Inuyasha because the dog-boy was getting ready to jump back up again. Hojo left without question, though stopped at the door way to give Kagome a little wave before completely leaving the restaurant.
"Geez, Kagome, he's got it bad for you," Yume heard Eri whisper to Kagome, who just shook her head in exasperation.
Yume resumed her seat, slumping down slightly. That boy was going to be a problem...almost like The Silver Wolf was a problem in the past. She looked up at Kouga as he placed his hand on hers and smiled warmly.
Sango and Miroku exchanged glances. That was Hojo? Boy did he have guts to face off with Inuyasha...
Miroku started to smirk and his hand wandered towards Sango's leg. She gazed off, wanting to catch Kagome's attention, and almost let out an ear piercing screech when she felt his hand gently caress her thigh.
She thought about reaching for her boomer rang, remembered that she had left it in Kagome's room, and instead grabbed Miroku's hand and twisted it sharply. She glared at him, stood up, and walked off towards the ladies room.
Miroku watched as she disappeared and felt his heart sink. He was definitely going after her in all the wrong ways, but he was just being playful that time. Still, he seemed to have upset her. Shaking his head and rubbing his abused wrist, he stared at his food, left untouched. With a sigh, he set about eating.
Shippo was still grumbling about his lost chocolate. It was all Inuyasha's fault! He thought, eating what was on his plate. If he didn't make me jump like that... He stopped grumbling, though, when Inuyasha moved his hand across the table and set a new box of chocolate in front of him.
Inuyasha didn't say a word, just continued to eat as if nothing had happened. Shippo's chopsticks had been stopped in mid air and he stared at Inuyasha, eyes wide.
"Just take it, before I change my mind, fox-kit!" Inuyasha hissed, looking up a bit before looking back down.
Shippo gulped, smiled happily, and pocketed the box of chocolates. Kagome's changing him! Yay! More chocolate for me and less beatings from Inuyasha!
Dinner was ate in silence. Sango had come back a few moments after leaving, setting herself right back down next to Miroku and picking up her chop sticks. She refused to look anywhere near Miroku, even when he offered her some of his sushi, and stared off into space when she was finished eating.
She was pertrubed. When Miroku had touched her thigh, she actually felt a jolt run up her spine, as if she had just been struck by lightning. Not good. She kept telling herself that she didn't think anything about the pervert, he just caught her off guard. But everyone seemed off guard.
Kagome's world seemed to have that effect on you.
With a sigh, she placed her chin into the palm of her hand and continued to stare off dreamy eyed.
At the booth next to theres, Kagome's friends were still trying to convince her to go to the new club.
"Come on, Kagome! It'll be a lot of fun!" Eri begged. "Hojo wants to talk to me, remember?"
"Screw Hojo," Inuyasha grumbled.
Hamuri giggled. "Screw him? Why, Inuyasha, I thought you'd say 'screw me'-"
"Hamuri!" Kagome snapped.
"-but of course Kagome is not like that." Hamuri finished, though continueing to chuckle.
Kagome and Inuyasha went red instantly. The two girls laughed almost uncontrollably, holding each other. Inuyasha glared at them, crossed his arms, and then softened his gaze as he looked at Kagome. Beautiful... He found himself thinking before turning a deeper shade of red and turning his head to hide it behind a curtain of hair. He thought back to the night in the cave, felt a jolt run through him, and crunched the memory. It was sweet, but he'd have to think of it on his own time.
"Everyone done?" Heads bobbed and Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko got out of the booths.
"Good! We'll pick up the bill. You guys, and gals, head to the park. We'll meet you there!"
Kagome nodded and waited for Inuyasha to scoot out. When he seemed to refuse to move, Kagome let out an exasperated sigh, sat on his lap, and skidded across him.
Inuyasha bolted straight, watched with wide eyes as Kagome stood up, straightened her skirt, and smiled down at him. Without thinking, and squashing more feelings, he stood up and took Kagome's hand.
Kouga watched as Inuyasha and Kagome left the restaurant. He then led Yume out of the booth by both hands, watching her face and her body as she stood. She smiled at him, wrapped her arm around his waist, and then leaded both of them outside where Kagome and Inuyasha waited.
Miroku looked at Sango. Sango looked back at him. She slid out of the booth and fixed the shirt she had on, allowed Kirara onto her shoulder, and looked back at Miroku. He slid out after her with a smile.
"Something on your mind, Sango?" he asked.
She shook her head violently. "No, nothing." She then followed everyone else out of the restaurant.
Shippo jumped onto Miroku's shoulder, hugging his neck and speaking in his ear. "Something's wrong with Sango. I think she's mad. Whaddya do this time, Miroku?" he asked accusingly.
Miroku put up his hands and shook his head slightly. "This time I don't think it has anything to do with what you have in mind, Shippo. But, indeed, something is bothering her."
"Well then, you should talk to her!"
Miroku raised an eyebrow as he walked towards the door. "And when did you become the little problem fixer?"
"Ever since I helped Kagome and Inuyasha get together!" He grinned, leaped off his shoulder and proceeded to follow at Kagome's heels.
By the time the group reached the park, it had grown dark and clouds were gathering above them in some silent omen. But no one was bothered by either the darkness nor the clouds. Four of the people were comfortably wrapped in their lover's arms. Two of them were trying hard not to look at each other, and the rest were chatting away amongst themselves.
Miroku knew Sango was looking at him out of the corner of her precious eye, but he couldn't catch her in the act. She would always be looking at something different when he brought his eyes to her. And were those tears? No, never. Sango didn't cry unless it had to do with her brother.
As Miroku stared harder at her, Sango became aware of his heavy gaze and forced herself NOT to look at him. If she did, he might see something in her eyes that she didn't want him to see, something she couldn't deny. And then what? He wouldn't stay with her, she was sure of it. He did not seem like a one woman person and Sango didn't want her heart broken. If anything, she'd just avoid her feelings, avoid his wandering hands, and keep what she thinks hidden.
"Sango?" Miroku asked after a few moments.
"Yes, Miroku?"
"Is there something bothering you? You've been silent for a long time."
"It's nothing. Trust me."
"Are you sure?" He stopped her now and allowed the others to get out of hearing range.
Sango felt his hand on her shoulder and looked up at him. "I'm possitive, Miroku. Come on, we're losing them."
She made to continue on, but Miroku's hand stopped her once again, this time clutching her wrist gently. "If there is something you don't want to tell me..."
Sango looked up at him and read his eyes. He looked sincere enough, but sometimes looks can be deseaving. She shook her head, put on her best smile, and gently took her hand out of his grasp.
"Let's get going then."
The others were waiting for them in a grove of cherry blossoms, smiling and waving them to hurry up. Hojo was waiting a few meters away from them, waving to Kagome, and, as Miroku and Sango ran towards them, they heard Inuyasha snarling.
"Please, Inuyasha. Just bear with me. I'll be just five minutes, promise. Any longer and you can come get me. Deal?" Kagome pleaded, wrapping her hands around his.
Inuyasha stopped snarling enough to answer her. "Five minutes. That's it. And if he touches you-"
"I know, Inuyasha. Five minutes and I'll be back!" She kissed him swiftly and ran over to Hojo.
"Five minutes, bastard. Then you're mine," Inuyasha growled angrily and walked a little farther into the grove, out of hearing range.
Sango looked over to where her friend was talking and then back towards Inuyasha's retreating figure. "He really doesn't like him, does he?"
"I do believe he'd rather rip his head off than give Hojo a chance to talk to Kagome," Yume answered, staring off after Inuyasha.
"I'd rip his head off, too, if he wanted to talk to you," Kouga growled. "I'm surprised Inuyasha let her go at all. I wouldn't have."
Yume grinned, reached up, kissed Kouga, and then looked lovingly into his eyes. "Now can I go talk to him?" she asked in her most innocent voice.
Kouga looked at her, eyes half open half closed from the kiss and nodded his head. "As long as you kiss me like that again..."
Her grin widened and she kissed him again. "See? It's not surprising to see that Kagome was able to. Inuyasha wants her happy, just like you do, Kouga. See now?"
Kouga nodded slightly. Women could be rather convinsing... He thought, slightly amused. Especially my woman. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her to him for a moment, then let them rest at her waist.
Meanwhile, Kagome stood there and waited for Hojo to say something. She was smiling, though it was only a polite smile, and her eyes kept flicking back to make sure Inuyasha wasn't going to rush them. That's all she needed. Instead, Hojo moved closer to her and grasped her hand gently.
"What is Inuyasha to you, Kagome?" he asked, so softly she hardly heard him.
"To me?"
"Yes. Is he your boyfriend?" His gaze intensified and Kagome squirmed uncomfortably.
"Hojo, it's not-" Before she could tell him they were actually married, Hojo smiled.
"Good, because I've wanted to do this for ages."
He leaned forward and kissed Kagome. She was so surprised that she just stood there for a moment, then pulled away sharply and wrenched her hand from his. Angry at being kissed before she could consent it, she glared at him.
"I'm married, damn it!" Kagome whispered fiercly. The words just flew from her mouth so fast, she hardly knew what she was saying.
Hojo looked surprised and looked at her hand. "I don't see a ring, Kagome."
"BASTARD!" Inuyasha roared, seemingly to come from no where at all.
Before Kagome could stop him, he tackled Hojo and wrapped his hands around the poor boy's throat.
The others were stunned into paralyse. Inuyasha had been watching, he had watched Hojo kiss Kagome, watched her pull away. And he had flew by so fast no one could stop him. Even Yume was stunned at his speed. He seemed to have been just a blur, nothing more.
Finally, Yume regained herself and raced to Hojo's aid. Behind her, everyone was following, Kouga keeping one step away.
Even from this distance, she could see Hojo turning blue. Inuyasha's rage was so great, Yume was afraid he'd rip the boy's head off, just like she had said before, though before it had been a joke! A second later, Yume was wrestling Inuyasha off of Hojo.
Kouga took Inuyasha away from Yume for even she was struggling to hold the raging half-breed. Out of breath and heart racing, Yume watched Kouga wrestle Inuyasha into submission and hold on for dear life.
Throughout all this, Kagome stood stock still. She couldn't believe this was happening. She had brought them here to have a nice, relaxing day away from shard hunting and other demons, away from Naraku and the threat of Kikyou, just away. And it was all falling down on her.
"Let...me...at...that...fucking piece of...SHIT!" Inuyasha growled, reintroducing his struggle.
"Calm down! Why don't you think of Kagome, dog-shit? Did it even occur to you that she might just be a little...oh, I don't know...upset?" Kouga growled at him between deep breaths, keeping Inuyasha under control.
Inuyasha stopped struggling and calmed himself. When his rage departed, at least for the moment, he felt something else, something that wasn't his emotion.
Guilt, regret, sorrow, and deep, deep surprise. Kagome's emotions. They were all mixed together to form some deeper, much stronger emotion he couldn't name, nor understand.
Kouga was right for once, he wasn't thinking about Kagome! Was he that thick, that evil hearted? No...he wasn't to blame for his jealousy. Being half dog demon had it's perks...and it's downfalls. And boy, was this a downfall.
"Let me go to Kagome," Inuyasha said hoarsely. "Kouga, let me get to Kagome."
Kouga thought for a moment and looked over at Yume. Yume was standing over Hojo, one hand stretched out to help him up. When she heard Inuyasha's plea, she nodded slightly and closed her eyes. Oh yeah, this day was going well for Kagome. She thought as she helped Hojo up, listening to his ragged coughing.
"Sorry, kid, but you can't mess with someone else's bond," Yume spoke gently as she released his hand and walked back to Kouga.
Hojo just looked at them. That man Kagome was 'married' to was definately violent. How could she have chosen him? Was there something he didn't see? He drew in another breath and looked up at them. Inuyasha was speaking to Kagome, softly and gently, using the same hands he strangled Hojo with to embrace her tightly, fiercely.
There must be something, because Kagome could see the goodness in anyone. With a sigh, he made his leave as quickly and as silently as he could.
"Kagome..I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Inuyasha whispered fiercely.
Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko exchanged looks.
"Okay. We think this is the best idea we've come up with all night." Eri was almost bursting, her face shining brilliantly. "HIDE AND SEEK!"
Kagome almost fell over. It was almost passed ten o'clock, three hours since the Hojo vs. Inuyasha incident. Inuyasha had showed her how sorry he was so many times she felt dizzy just remembering them. And now, her friends wanted to play Hide and Seek?
"And not just any hide and seek, it's boys against girls! Using a large part of the city, since the demons have such a huge advantage," Shizuko winked. "And us regular humans don't have the super senses."
Inuyasha looked at Kagome's friends. "Hide and seek? What's that?"
Kagome looked taken aback, gazing up into Inuyasha's confused eyes. "You've never played Hide and Seek?" She then remembered who she was looking at and giggled. "It's kind of like hunting, except when you find your prey you don't kill them."
"Men are hiding first, we already chose that. And you have to count ten full minutes! It's gonna take that long to find a hiding place. No hiding in houses, either, or garages. Thats the only rule!" Hamuri finished with a clap of her hands. "Base is that mail box over there!"
"Base?"
"If your prey reaches the base before you can catch them, your still the hunter."
Inuyasha grinned. "Alright, prey, but you better run fast."
Kagome grinned back. "Like a cat."
"You better make that a cheeta!" Hamuri said with a chuckle.
The game started without any further questions. They all knew the boys would get the point sooner or later. But, as Sango started to run off with the other girls, Miroku pulled her back again.
"Please don't kill me, maim me, or otherwise," he whispered.
"What do you mea-"
He cut her off with a swift kiss, grinned at her, and ran off before she could retaliate. Sango just stood there though, shivers and jolts of pleasure still running up and down her spine. She then got over the inisial shock, pressed her fingers to her lips, and ran off towards the other girls.
What in the world...was that...about...? She asked herself as she caught up with Kagome. And I didn't pull away...
Kagome looked sideways at her friend. Sango was blushing furiously and had two fingers to her lips. When Sango realized Kagome was looking at her, she put her hand down and waved her hand. Talk to you later... Was what Kagome thought she was saying and smiled gently. Something happened! Between her and Miroku, hopefully..
And so the gaggle of girl's ran the same way, keeping in a large group, and even Yume was getting caught up in the game. She was grinning happily and a strange light had come into her eyes. Kagome grinned and pushed herself faster.
When the girl's ran past a spot a good fair way away from the boys, they split up. Yume and Shizuko ran one way while the rest of them stayed together, laughing. The clouds threatened rain, but still no one payed them any attention. If it was going to rain, then it was going to rain. Who was going to stop it? They were having too much fun.
Kagome's group ran past an alleyway, slowed down, and looked within. Maybe there would be a good hiding spot somewhere in there. The stench would surely throw Inuyasha off at least. Giggling, but shushing each other (which only brought on more giggling), they entered the dark alley way.
A voice sounded within it and Kagome leaped back. The giggling stopped abruptly when Sango was suddenly torn from the rest of the group.
"Sango!" Kagome cried, running to her friend's aid.
A hand came out of no where and pushed her down. Her rage flared and she was about to speak when something cold and hard pressed against her temple. Fear dripped down her spine colder than the now falling rain. Demons she could deal with, it was human's she was afraid of.
Sango screamed in frustration from somewhere farther into the alley and Kagome once again made a move to help. The gun pressed harder into her head and she cried out in pain. A muffled strike and a urmph! sounded again and the struggle within the alley between Sango and one of these other people was done.
"Got the wild one under control, boss."
"Good, check them for items." The one with the gun told some other person.
Looking back, she saw that Hamuri was sneaking away and getting away with it. In another second, she'd be gone and racing back to the boys. And in that second, everything seemed to go wrong at once.
A flash of lightning licked the ground and lit up the entire area. In that instant Kagome saw Sango lying in the alley farther down with three men standing above her. She also saw that the men were big and that there were four more of them. Each seemed to be holding a gun.
Could she not get away from the threat of death for even ONE day?! And what about her friends? They were in there too, Sango unconcious, and the other two behind her.
Hamuri was gone. It was only Eri and Kagome now, not two friends, but one.
And that was enough to make her worry about her safety. This wasn't going to end well, her gut told her that. It seems like Fate loved to throw curve balls Kagome's way and she was playing without a bat.
"Anything on that girl?" The guy standing near Kagome asked.
"Ow! Let me go, you-!"
"She bite me, the bitch bit me!" A man howled and Kagome heard a urmph as Eri was dropped.
"Kagome! Kagome, yell, yell! Scream as loud as you can, get Inuy-"
The man that had been bitten by Eri smashed the end of his gun into the back of Eri's neck and she fell unconcious instantly.
Kagome bit back her rage, opened her mouth and made to scream, when the gun was suddenly shoved into her open mouth. She bit down on hard metal.
"You scream for whoever she was talking about and I'll blow the back of your neck out. Got me?"
Kagome nodded fearfully. "Good. Hand over any valuables you have." He shoved the gun into her mouth harder and she tasted blood as it scraped against the roof of her mouth. "Now."
She didn't have any valuables, but she did have some money left over. She pulled it out of her pocket, handed it over, and watched as he pocketed it. The rain was falling in sheets now and the lightning was flashing constantly.
She could now see her advicary. Timing her move right, Kagome waited, waited.
Another flash licked the ground and Kagome sprung. She pulled her head back and the muzzle of the gun left her mouth easily, slick now with her blood and the rain.
She then fell flat on her back and kicked the guy right where no man wishes to be kicked.
And then, she screamed.
"INUYASHA! HELP! INUYA-"
With a loud crack, everything went black and her scream was cut short.
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Yikes! What'll happen? You ppl know I'll get the chapter out extremely soon, especially after 101 reviews! So this time, I won't tell you to REVIEW! (There's a secret message in there if you look real hard! :) )
Goodcomment: aw thx! I'm probably gonna have the characters back in the Feudal Era by the next chapter or so. The final battle is something I'm working on, so of course our hated clay reject Kikyo is bound to make an appearance!
Sabster: You're my hundredth reviewer!!!! Thx!! Gives Sabster Inu plushie I don't know of many authors who have Kag tell her friends about her other life so I just did it myself!
Purplefr0g: lol, "line of shock" yeah, I luv that. And yup I'm definitely thirteen going on fourteen in what, December? Ya, round X-mas! And Kagome is probably gonna tell her mom somewhere in the next few chapters.
Gem Gamgee: 1:15? Kewl!! Lol, wow I'm, uh, flattered? :)
Aura Black Chan: Yeah, I wanted the whole mating thing to be different from just 'bite the girl and screw her' lol, thus the ceremony and the festival!
Inuyashafreak32: her friends know, yup! But you'll think it's a good thing after you've read this chappie. (Wink)
Hpfreak2: yeah, I've got a lot of the 'she told her friends?' (Sweatdrops)
Skywolf: Ya, fluff is cute!
Huggles goes to all those ppl up there and also: Zir, Naito-Kage, singergirl22, seida02, fushigiyugifan80, THANK-YOU!!!
HUGE thanks to everyone who's taken the time to push that button and type something down! Huggles for everyone, kisses for everyone, and what the hell, inu plushies for everybody!!!! (Another victory dance!)
ENJOY THE CHAPTER!
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Kagome's friends chatted away for hours, switching from one person to another. They wanted to hear all about the Sengoku Jidai, what types of demons there were, their histories. They wanted to know it all.
When they finally exhausted themselves with conversation (and twittered Inuyasha's ears until he was sure he would have to slice off their hands to make them stop), Kagome decided to show them around the town.
At once, Kagome's friends insisted on going. They were such good sports about the whole story and they were so willing to keep the group under cover that Kagome couldn't resist. Besides, she hadn't seen her friends in days! Smiling, she nodded and they ran back to their homes for the ''goodies.''
They waited patiently for them to return, though Inuyasha kept smoothing his ears gently. They hurt and he whimpered so low no one but Kagome, who was leaning against him, could hear. She looked up at him in concern and he pointed to his ears.
"I don't think your friends knew they were attached..." he grumbled and Kagome laughed.
She reached up and gently scratched his ears. He purred slightly, a very unrealistic sound and so suddenly surprising that Kagome let out a cry. His eyes snapped open and he gazed at her. She shook her head and smiled one of her huge, all teeth showing, eyes closed smiles she reserved for Inuyasha only and then went back to his ears.
"Kagome, we're back!" Eri yelled as she ran back into the living room, grinning.
"And we brought the outfits!"
Kagome grinned back and jumped up. She ran over to them, looked over the outfits, grinned again, and then nodded.
"Looks good!" Kagome turned back to the others and smiled. "Come up to my room, we're going to get you looking like you belong in the twentieth century!"
It took another hour to get everyone dressed, but it was a fun hour. Kagome and her friends showed the Sengoku group how to put the various clothing on and then left them to their work. Inuyasha and Kouga were the only ones who called for help.
Kouga had stuck his head in the sleeve and couldn't get it out while Inuyasha got the shirt right, but put his pants on backwards. Kagome, burning red, helped him put the pants on the right way.
The underlings were what killed Yume. The bra thing just wasn't really cutting it. Kagome helped her put the 'contraption' on before Yume shredded it in frustration. When everyone was finally dressed, they all walked out to show off how the clothes looked on them.
Kouga's outfit consisted of a pair of plain black slacks and a white shirt with "bite me" written across the front in black symbols. The words dripped red as if depicting blood. Around his neck was what looked like a black collar with inch long spikes sticking out of it. Surrounding one wrist was the same.
Inuyasha was wearing something similar, except different. His pants were normal blue jeans and his shirt was black with the words "Dog eat Dog" on them. They sparkled gold and red. Two dogs, big pitbulls it looked like, were growling at each other underneath the letters. He had his hair held back by a spiked wristband. His hair was thick enough for it. He also had a head kerchief on to cover his ears.
Miroku was sporting black pants and a red shirt with the words "Human Vacuum" twisted along the front. On the back were the words "The type all girls want in their home". Around his head was a studded head band and Kagome had spiked the top of his hair. He grinned at everyone.
Yume was next. She came out in a long silk black skirt with cherry blossoms stitched from the top of her thigh to the bottom of her right foot. Her shirt was short and white, exposing a little belly and most of her arms. The Kanji for ''predator'' stood out on her shit in bright pink. She smiled. Her hair was held up as it was during the festival but around her neck was the same spiked collar Kouga wore. Except this throat accessory came with a little loop to attach a leash.
Sango was dressed in a skirt as well. Her skirt was shorter though, the same color as Yume's, ending at her knees and puffing out. The shirt was a bright sky blue with a the kanji "butterfly" stitched down the front. Sango had her hair up in her same fashion.
Kagome, after assisting everybody, came out with a pair of flared jeans and a matching halter-top with her hair in a loose upsweep. Eri had given her a necklace with a small cat hanging from it and Kagome thanked her.
Shippo was last. They could hardly find anything his size, so they had to visit a few stores. What they came up with was a cute little outfit, almost like a swimmers outfit. The shorts were blue while the shirt was blue and white stripes. He came out and posed for them nerviously, smiling, before racing up to Kagome and jumping into her arms. The only way to cover up his tail was giving him a blue coat long enough.
Dressed and ready, they left the house. Kagome's mother smiled as they left, watching the door way a long time after they were gone, eyes sparkling. She knew her daughter was keeping a secret and she knew what the secret was.....she could see it in the way Inuyasha and Kagome acted around each other. But she'd wait; she knew her daughter would come to her.
"Where are we going to go, Kagome?" Sango asked.
"How about that place you told us about...the...erm...movie theature?" Miroku asked, looking around.
"I want to visit your school, Kagome!" Shippo jumped up and down in ecstacy.
"Can we get some food, I'm starved!" Inuyasha sniffed around.
"You just ate, Inuyasha!" Kagome looked at him, amazed. "Is your stomach never ending?"
Inuyasha huffed. "I'm just hungry..."
"We'll get some food, I promise, Inuyasha. Actually I was going to go show you the movie theature...they're playing Ranma 1/2 the Movie."
"Oooh, we're really going to see Ranma?" Hamuri asked and Kagome nodded. "Yes! I've wanted to go see that for a long time now!" She pumped her fist in the air and chuckled.
"But...Hamuri...it just came out!"
"Oh...yeah...heeheehee." She brought her fist down with a sheepish grin.
Everyone started laughing. They walked down the street slowly, passing houses and stores and watching the cars pass. When Inuyasha passed a Sushi restaurant, his stomach growled in reply to the smell. It growled so lowed everyone heard it and they're heads snapped in his direction. His face grew red, he crossed his arms, and growled. That resulted in more laughter.
When they finally reached the movie theater, Kagome paid for all of them. She had to use two weeks worth of allowance, but they were all able to get in. She smiled, showed them the way to the theater, and picked out a row of seats for them all. Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko had to sit in front of them for one row only held the Sengoku group and Kagome.
"I hate previews..." Kagome heard Eri say. "They're so boring..."
"Want me to get some popcorn for everyone?" Kagome whispered and heads bobbed.
"What's popcorn?" Yume asked, leaning forward to see Kagome.
Kagome sweatdropped. "It's...er...it's..."
"It's good, trust me," Shizuko said helpfully. "It's just buttery goodness!"
Yume nodded and smiled. "Alright. Pobcorn it is then."
"Not Pobcorn, popcorn," giggled Eri.
"Oops, sorry." Yume shrunk back in her seat sheepishly.
Kagome laughed as she made her way out of the theater and into the snack bar. Inuyasha fidgeted in his seat for a moment before Miroku spoke up beside him, chuckling.
"We all know you can't help yourself, just do yourself a favor and follow her!"
Inuyasha growled low, but then disappeared as he stood up and raced down the isle to the snack bar. Miroku sighed and looked around the theater before his eyes fell on a group of girls up front. He excused himself, left the row, and went up a row behind the giggling gaggle of girls.
"What a pervert..." Sango muttered, though her eyes narrowed as the girls looked Miroku up and down.
"Where'd Miroku go?" Kagome asked as she came back with the food.
Sango pointed up front angrily. "He's being himself," she grumbled and Kagome shot her friend a look.
"Sango...? Is there something I should know between you tw-"
"No! You know there's not, Kagome!" Sango said hurriedly and Kagome shrugged.
"All right." She turned back to Inuyasha, who was helping carry the refreshments.
"Can you go on the other side and hand the drinks down?" she asked.
He nodded, bent his knees, and leaped over the seats. He landed easily on the other side. Kagome almost dropped the popcorn bags she was holding, eyes wide. She was sure she had mentioned no superhuman stuff! Good thing not that very many people were sitting in the theater. No one had seen his death defying leap.
When he was done, he leaped back with two drinks in his hand.
"Inuyasha! No demon stuff, remember?" Kagome whispered fiercly.
Inuyasha cringed, thinking she was going to sit him, and clutched the drinks as if they were a life savor and he a drowning man/demon. But Kagome just sat down and he let out a sigh of relief. No hard floor meeting face this time. He sat down beside her and handed her her drink.
Everyone heard a loud slap and looked towards the front of the theature. They all sighed at the same time, shaking their heads. Miroku came up the rows a moment later with his hand on his cheek, eyes closed, sighing in exasperation.
No one said a thing as he sat down, but Sango refused to look at him.
When the movie started, Kagome had a hard time keeping the demons in their seats. They kept letting out surprised gasps and trying to get up to the large screen to see if there were people behind it. Even though the people were cartoons. Kagome sighed, begged them to continue sitting, and watched the movie.
A girl sat down behind Miroku and, as if by radar, Miroku turned around to chat her up. During the conversation, which everyone was listening to but not showing it and waiting for the all famous line. Miroku finally used it.
"Will you bare my child?" Miroku asked.
The girl looked at him, looked at her drink, and dumped it over his head. "In your dreams."
Kagome sighed. "You'd think you'd start learning the meaning of no when it's said to you so often...."
Inuyasha snorted, hiding his smirk behind a large mouthful of popcorn. Kagome gave him a look, but he didn't see it or at least he pretended not to. He was too interested in the popcorn and the movie screen.
Still, when Kagome's hand gently clutched his, he dropped his popcorn and quickly looked at her. She smiled and he grinned. Geez, Kagome's smiles were contagious...
The movie ended with not as many embarrassing moments as Kagome thought there would be. Yume had accidentally tripped and fell flat on her face in her heels. Kouga, who was not even two steps behind her, fell over her and cursed loud enough to catch the entire theatures attention. Besides that, everything went well.
Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko now seemed to be running the show and quickly came up with a new idea for a place to go. It was almost dinner time, which meant food. Inuyasha almost leaped at the idea, but kept his feet on the ground since his arms were wrapped protectively around Kagome's shoulders. Still, his stomach rumbled in responce even if he couldn't.
Kagome's friends all giggled at Inuyasha with his arms around Kagome, commenting on how cute it was, until he growled warningly at them.
They continued to whisper and giggle, but much more quietly. Miroku and Sango were looking opposite ways, pretending to be interested in the falling leaves and the bright blue sky. Or was that an ant on the ground? Once, they looked at each other and Sango quickly glanced away, though Miroku continued to watch her with a slight smirk on his lips.
"Where is this place anyway?"
"Don't worry, Inuyasha, we'll be there soon."
"Geez..."
Yume looked up at Kouga and smiled brightly. Her smile was catching as well for Kouga smiled back, his arm held protectively around her shoulders.
"Maybe after this we should head down to that new dance club they opened!"
Kagome shook her head uneasily. "Er...maybe we shouldn't. I don't think-"
"Awww, Kagome your such a worry wart!"
"Yeah, it'll be fun. Even if your friends are demons, they'll enjoy it!"
"But...you don't understand...! It's really loud and they have-"
"-keen ears, we know Kagome. You've told us already!"
Hamuri grinned and pointed across the street. "There's the restaurant! It has some of the best food in Japan!"
Inuyasha looked across the street hungrily. The best food in Japan? Then he would love it there. It'd be as if he had entered Nirvana...that is...if the food really was that great. He grinned from ear to ear, releasing Kagome and turned around. He motioned for her to climb onto his back; he'd carry her across the busy street.
Kagome's friends gasped as she did as proposed. She felt uneasy and a little embarrassed, but Inuyasha was insisting and she was married to him; in a demon way anyway. She had to ask her mother to get married in her world...and what a mess that would be. Still, she wasn't going to back down now. Shippo held onto her shoulder firmly with one hand while the other held his chocolates he got at the theater.
When Inuyasha had a firm grip on her thighs, he proceeded to race across the street the second there was a small opening where no cars ran past. He got half-way there before having to leap over a blue Sadan barreling down the six lane high way. He roared curse words at the driver, but made the trip safely. Shippo, unfortunately, lost his candy after spilling it all over the street.
Miroku looked at both Yume and Kouga as they nodded to each other and grinned. Kagome was yelling from the other side of the street, but not even the demons could hear her over the roar of the passing cars. Without pausing, and in perfect unison, Kouga and Yume leaped on top of the first car barreling by and instantly pushed off to land on top of another, and another, and another. When they finally landed on the sidewalk, they were fifty feet away from Kagome and Inuyasha. They ran towards them.
Miroku and Sango raised eyebrows at each other, then sighed and shook their heads. Kagome didn't want them to do that, they were sure of it, but it was too late now.
Now they had to figure out a way across without being road kill. Besides, Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko were silent behind them, which meant they were awed by the demons. Kirara mewled on Sango's shoulder.
"No..I don't think we should, Kirara. Kagome looks on the verge of a heart attack."
Without thinking, she grabbed Miroku's hand and ran across the street. Brakes squealed as feet slammed on them, cars skidded to a dead stop after traveling fifty miles an hour, and two crashes were heard as people broadsided others. Still, Miroku and Sango made it safely and with not a scratch on them, though Miroku continued to look between his hand linked with Sango's and Sango's face.
"Kami-sama!" Kagome gasped, ash-faced as she stared at the six lane high way all blocked up with cars. Eri and her friends walked by without fear of being hit, for no car was going by. "You all could have...all those cars...what if..?!"
Sango put her free hand on Kagome's shoulder and Kagome fell silent. Without another word, and without looking back at the cars and the people coming out of them yelling, the group walked into the restaurant. Shippo took a moment to stick his tongue out at the cars before racing in after them.
The place smelled heavenly for demon and human alike. Rich smells were floating from the kitchen and into the dimly lit restaurant. A waiter that looked as if he ate at the place a little too much sat them at two big booths. He looked Inuyasha over skeptically, but kept his mouth shut.
Kouga, Yume, Sango, Miroku, and Hamuri sat at one booth while Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, Eri, and Shizuko took the other. The waiter had told Sango that pets were not aloud, but Kirara just hid under her mistress legs to avoid being caught. She was not about to stay outside like a regular everyday pet.
Kagome ordered for all of them, picking things they might like. Inuyasha had wanted to order, but his little reading problem didn't help. He just grumbled and allowed Kagome to speak. With a nod, the waiter whisked the list away and disappeared into the kitchen.
"This place smells so good! What do you call it again, Kagome?" Yume asked, craning her neck to see her.
"It's called a restaurant. A place I might not be able to afford..." Kagome added hollowly.
Eri stuck up her hand. "Excuse me, but didn't we say we would pay the bill?"
"Yeah, we brought enough money to feed an army here!" Shizuko added with a smile.
"Something told us to save up this month!"
The door opened and shut, the little bell dingled above the door. Kagome jumped when Inuyasha let out a vicious growl and picked her head up to see what was the matter.
"Hojo!" All three of Kagome's friends gasped.
Hojo smiled at them and waved, then saw Kagome and walked over. His eyes briefly lay upon Inuyasha and the rest of them, then fell upon Kagome again. He gave her a big winning smile and she smiled nervously back.
"Hello, Kagome! How are you feeling? Any better than last week?" he asked, once again eyeing Inuyasha. Who is he?
"Yeah, much better. Thanks," Kagome answered, smiling.
She could feel Inuyasha's anger rising. It was bubbling slowly up, accumulating with each word spoken to her from Hojo. She could also feel his jealousy and his over protection coming up with it and scoffed lightly. If Inuyasha got up and got into a fight with Hojo...well...not even in his human form could Hojo beat him. In other words, a fight between them could not, would not (she would make sure), break out.
"Can you introduce me, Kagome? I'm pretty sure we haven't met yet." Hojo asked, motioning to Inuyasha.
Kagome looked between them, heard a smaller growl excape Inuyasha's lips, and nodded with a high pitched laugh. "Oh, I'm sorry! How rude of me. This is Inuyasha. Inuyasha, this is Hojo."
"I know who Hojo is," Inuyasha growled, glaring at Hojo.
Hojo calmly stared back. "Oh, really? That's odd, because I don't know you."
Inuyasha made to push himself up out of the booth angrily, but the waiter came a second before he could move and placed the food down in front of them. Kagome let out a breath of relief and watched as Inuyasha blinked, look down at his plate, growled again, then picked up his chop sticks.
He proceeded to take a bite of his food and wait for the giant waiter to move out of his war path. He had a bone to pick with this Hobo kid and he wasn't going to let it go unpicked.
"Well, I see your eating right now, Kagome, so I'll see you later. Head on down to the park when you're done, okay? I just want to talk to you for a moment, ten minutes at most. Is that alright with you?"
Kagome looked at Inuyasha, then at her friends. She let out a sigh and nodded lightly, trying to smile.
Inuyasha choked on his food so suddenly that every head in the restaurant turned their heads to gaze at them. Kagome, surprised, beat her hand against his back to help him either swallow or cough up his food.
He swallowed it, slammed the chop sticks down on the table, and snapped his head up to gaze at Hojo. It was then that Kagome realized she should have given Inuyasha glasses to cover his unusual colored eyes.
Hojo raised an eyebrow and backed up a step, but didn't give in any more than that. This guy seemed rather dangerous. He didn't want to leave Kagome with him if he was as dangerous as he seemed to be. He didn't want Kagome hurt. Squinting his eyes in what he hoped was his best death glare, he stared at Inuyasha.
But Inuyasha was the first to speak.
"Keep away from Kagome. She's mine, bastard," he growled low, so as not to attract any more attention than they were already getting.
Yume was up in a flash. She pushed past another person heading back to their table and stood in front of Inuyasha, blocking his view of Hojo. She smiled warmly at the human boy before looking over her shoulder and giving Inuyasha a warning look.
"I'm sorry about my friend's behavior...er...Hojo was it?"
Hojo nodded, eyes slightly wide.
"My name is Yume and I'm also a friend of Kagome's." She bowed slightly. "It's great meeting you."
Yume could hear Inuyasha growling and grumbling behind her, but he wouldn't uproar again. She let out a small, relieved sigh before straightening up to her full height, grinning again, and looked back at Kagome. Kagome gave her a small smile and Yume took that as she approved of what she was doing.
"Nice to meet you too, Yume." He looked past Yume to Kagome. "See you at the park later."
Yume gently prodded Hojo away from Inuyasha because the dog-boy was getting ready to jump back up again. Hojo left without question, though stopped at the door way to give Kagome a little wave before completely leaving the restaurant.
"Geez, Kagome, he's got it bad for you," Yume heard Eri whisper to Kagome, who just shook her head in exasperation.
Yume resumed her seat, slumping down slightly. That boy was going to be a problem...almost like The Silver Wolf was a problem in the past. She looked up at Kouga as he placed his hand on hers and smiled warmly.
Sango and Miroku exchanged glances. That was Hojo? Boy did he have guts to face off with Inuyasha...
Miroku started to smirk and his hand wandered towards Sango's leg. She gazed off, wanting to catch Kagome's attention, and almost let out an ear piercing screech when she felt his hand gently caress her thigh.
She thought about reaching for her boomer rang, remembered that she had left it in Kagome's room, and instead grabbed Miroku's hand and twisted it sharply. She glared at him, stood up, and walked off towards the ladies room.
Miroku watched as she disappeared and felt his heart sink. He was definitely going after her in all the wrong ways, but he was just being playful that time. Still, he seemed to have upset her. Shaking his head and rubbing his abused wrist, he stared at his food, left untouched. With a sigh, he set about eating.
Shippo was still grumbling about his lost chocolate. It was all Inuyasha's fault! He thought, eating what was on his plate. If he didn't make me jump like that... He stopped grumbling, though, when Inuyasha moved his hand across the table and set a new box of chocolate in front of him.
Inuyasha didn't say a word, just continued to eat as if nothing had happened. Shippo's chopsticks had been stopped in mid air and he stared at Inuyasha, eyes wide.
"Just take it, before I change my mind, fox-kit!" Inuyasha hissed, looking up a bit before looking back down.
Shippo gulped, smiled happily, and pocketed the box of chocolates. Kagome's changing him! Yay! More chocolate for me and less beatings from Inuyasha!
Dinner was ate in silence. Sango had come back a few moments after leaving, setting herself right back down next to Miroku and picking up her chop sticks. She refused to look anywhere near Miroku, even when he offered her some of his sushi, and stared off into space when she was finished eating.
She was pertrubed. When Miroku had touched her thigh, she actually felt a jolt run up her spine, as if she had just been struck by lightning. Not good. She kept telling herself that she didn't think anything about the pervert, he just caught her off guard. But everyone seemed off guard.
Kagome's world seemed to have that effect on you.
With a sigh, she placed her chin into the palm of her hand and continued to stare off dreamy eyed.
At the booth next to theres, Kagome's friends were still trying to convince her to go to the new club.
"Come on, Kagome! It'll be a lot of fun!" Eri begged. "Hojo wants to talk to me, remember?"
"Screw Hojo," Inuyasha grumbled.
Hamuri giggled. "Screw him? Why, Inuyasha, I thought you'd say 'screw me'-"
"Hamuri!" Kagome snapped.
"-but of course Kagome is not like that." Hamuri finished, though continueing to chuckle.
Kagome and Inuyasha went red instantly. The two girls laughed almost uncontrollably, holding each other. Inuyasha glared at them, crossed his arms, and then softened his gaze as he looked at Kagome. Beautiful... He found himself thinking before turning a deeper shade of red and turning his head to hide it behind a curtain of hair. He thought back to the night in the cave, felt a jolt run through him, and crunched the memory. It was sweet, but he'd have to think of it on his own time.
"Everyone done?" Heads bobbed and Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko got out of the booths.
"Good! We'll pick up the bill. You guys, and gals, head to the park. We'll meet you there!"
Kagome nodded and waited for Inuyasha to scoot out. When he seemed to refuse to move, Kagome let out an exasperated sigh, sat on his lap, and skidded across him.
Inuyasha bolted straight, watched with wide eyes as Kagome stood up, straightened her skirt, and smiled down at him. Without thinking, and squashing more feelings, he stood up and took Kagome's hand.
Kouga watched as Inuyasha and Kagome left the restaurant. He then led Yume out of the booth by both hands, watching her face and her body as she stood. She smiled at him, wrapped her arm around his waist, and then leaded both of them outside where Kagome and Inuyasha waited.
Miroku looked at Sango. Sango looked back at him. She slid out of the booth and fixed the shirt she had on, allowed Kirara onto her shoulder, and looked back at Miroku. He slid out after her with a smile.
"Something on your mind, Sango?" he asked.
She shook her head violently. "No, nothing." She then followed everyone else out of the restaurant.
Shippo jumped onto Miroku's shoulder, hugging his neck and speaking in his ear. "Something's wrong with Sango. I think she's mad. Whaddya do this time, Miroku?" he asked accusingly.
Miroku put up his hands and shook his head slightly. "This time I don't think it has anything to do with what you have in mind, Shippo. But, indeed, something is bothering her."
"Well then, you should talk to her!"
Miroku raised an eyebrow as he walked towards the door. "And when did you become the little problem fixer?"
"Ever since I helped Kagome and Inuyasha get together!" He grinned, leaped off his shoulder and proceeded to follow at Kagome's heels.
By the time the group reached the park, it had grown dark and clouds were gathering above them in some silent omen. But no one was bothered by either the darkness nor the clouds. Four of the people were comfortably wrapped in their lover's arms. Two of them were trying hard not to look at each other, and the rest were chatting away amongst themselves.
Miroku knew Sango was looking at him out of the corner of her precious eye, but he couldn't catch her in the act. She would always be looking at something different when he brought his eyes to her. And were those tears? No, never. Sango didn't cry unless it had to do with her brother.
As Miroku stared harder at her, Sango became aware of his heavy gaze and forced herself NOT to look at him. If she did, he might see something in her eyes that she didn't want him to see, something she couldn't deny. And then what? He wouldn't stay with her, she was sure of it. He did not seem like a one woman person and Sango didn't want her heart broken. If anything, she'd just avoid her feelings, avoid his wandering hands, and keep what she thinks hidden.
"Sango?" Miroku asked after a few moments.
"Yes, Miroku?"
"Is there something bothering you? You've been silent for a long time."
"It's nothing. Trust me."
"Are you sure?" He stopped her now and allowed the others to get out of hearing range.
Sango felt his hand on her shoulder and looked up at him. "I'm possitive, Miroku. Come on, we're losing them."
She made to continue on, but Miroku's hand stopped her once again, this time clutching her wrist gently. "If there is something you don't want to tell me..."
Sango looked up at him and read his eyes. He looked sincere enough, but sometimes looks can be deseaving. She shook her head, put on her best smile, and gently took her hand out of his grasp.
"Let's get going then."
The others were waiting for them in a grove of cherry blossoms, smiling and waving them to hurry up. Hojo was waiting a few meters away from them, waving to Kagome, and, as Miroku and Sango ran towards them, they heard Inuyasha snarling.
"Please, Inuyasha. Just bear with me. I'll be just five minutes, promise. Any longer and you can come get me. Deal?" Kagome pleaded, wrapping her hands around his.
Inuyasha stopped snarling enough to answer her. "Five minutes. That's it. And if he touches you-"
"I know, Inuyasha. Five minutes and I'll be back!" She kissed him swiftly and ran over to Hojo.
"Five minutes, bastard. Then you're mine," Inuyasha growled angrily and walked a little farther into the grove, out of hearing range.
Sango looked over to where her friend was talking and then back towards Inuyasha's retreating figure. "He really doesn't like him, does he?"
"I do believe he'd rather rip his head off than give Hojo a chance to talk to Kagome," Yume answered, staring off after Inuyasha.
"I'd rip his head off, too, if he wanted to talk to you," Kouga growled. "I'm surprised Inuyasha let her go at all. I wouldn't have."
Yume grinned, reached up, kissed Kouga, and then looked lovingly into his eyes. "Now can I go talk to him?" she asked in her most innocent voice.
Kouga looked at her, eyes half open half closed from the kiss and nodded his head. "As long as you kiss me like that again..."
Her grin widened and she kissed him again. "See? It's not surprising to see that Kagome was able to. Inuyasha wants her happy, just like you do, Kouga. See now?"
Kouga nodded slightly. Women could be rather convinsing... He thought, slightly amused. Especially my woman. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and hugged her to him for a moment, then let them rest at her waist.
Meanwhile, Kagome stood there and waited for Hojo to say something. She was smiling, though it was only a polite smile, and her eyes kept flicking back to make sure Inuyasha wasn't going to rush them. That's all she needed. Instead, Hojo moved closer to her and grasped her hand gently.
"What is Inuyasha to you, Kagome?" he asked, so softly she hardly heard him.
"To me?"
"Yes. Is he your boyfriend?" His gaze intensified and Kagome squirmed uncomfortably.
"Hojo, it's not-" Before she could tell him they were actually married, Hojo smiled.
"Good, because I've wanted to do this for ages."
He leaned forward and kissed Kagome. She was so surprised that she just stood there for a moment, then pulled away sharply and wrenched her hand from his. Angry at being kissed before she could consent it, she glared at him.
"I'm married, damn it!" Kagome whispered fiercly. The words just flew from her mouth so fast, she hardly knew what she was saying.
Hojo looked surprised and looked at her hand. "I don't see a ring, Kagome."
"BASTARD!" Inuyasha roared, seemingly to come from no where at all.
Before Kagome could stop him, he tackled Hojo and wrapped his hands around the poor boy's throat.
The others were stunned into paralyse. Inuyasha had been watching, he had watched Hojo kiss Kagome, watched her pull away. And he had flew by so fast no one could stop him. Even Yume was stunned at his speed. He seemed to have been just a blur, nothing more.
Finally, Yume regained herself and raced to Hojo's aid. Behind her, everyone was following, Kouga keeping one step away.
Even from this distance, she could see Hojo turning blue. Inuyasha's rage was so great, Yume was afraid he'd rip the boy's head off, just like she had said before, though before it had been a joke! A second later, Yume was wrestling Inuyasha off of Hojo.
Kouga took Inuyasha away from Yume for even she was struggling to hold the raging half-breed. Out of breath and heart racing, Yume watched Kouga wrestle Inuyasha into submission and hold on for dear life.
Throughout all this, Kagome stood stock still. She couldn't believe this was happening. She had brought them here to have a nice, relaxing day away from shard hunting and other demons, away from Naraku and the threat of Kikyou, just away. And it was all falling down on her.
"Let...me...at...that...fucking piece of...SHIT!" Inuyasha growled, reintroducing his struggle.
"Calm down! Why don't you think of Kagome, dog-shit? Did it even occur to you that she might just be a little...oh, I don't know...upset?" Kouga growled at him between deep breaths, keeping Inuyasha under control.
Inuyasha stopped struggling and calmed himself. When his rage departed, at least for the moment, he felt something else, something that wasn't his emotion.
Guilt, regret, sorrow, and deep, deep surprise. Kagome's emotions. They were all mixed together to form some deeper, much stronger emotion he couldn't name, nor understand.
Kouga was right for once, he wasn't thinking about Kagome! Was he that thick, that evil hearted? No...he wasn't to blame for his jealousy. Being half dog demon had it's perks...and it's downfalls. And boy, was this a downfall.
"Let me go to Kagome," Inuyasha said hoarsely. "Kouga, let me get to Kagome."
Kouga thought for a moment and looked over at Yume. Yume was standing over Hojo, one hand stretched out to help him up. When she heard Inuyasha's plea, she nodded slightly and closed her eyes. Oh yeah, this day was going well for Kagome. She thought as she helped Hojo up, listening to his ragged coughing.
"Sorry, kid, but you can't mess with someone else's bond," Yume spoke gently as she released his hand and walked back to Kouga.
Hojo just looked at them. That man Kagome was 'married' to was definately violent. How could she have chosen him? Was there something he didn't see? He drew in another breath and looked up at them. Inuyasha was speaking to Kagome, softly and gently, using the same hands he strangled Hojo with to embrace her tightly, fiercely.
There must be something, because Kagome could see the goodness in anyone. With a sigh, he made his leave as quickly and as silently as he could.
"Kagome..I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Inuyasha whispered fiercely.
Eri, Hamuri, and Shizuko exchanged looks.
"Okay. We think this is the best idea we've come up with all night." Eri was almost bursting, her face shining brilliantly. "HIDE AND SEEK!"
Kagome almost fell over. It was almost passed ten o'clock, three hours since the Hojo vs. Inuyasha incident. Inuyasha had showed her how sorry he was so many times she felt dizzy just remembering them. And now, her friends wanted to play Hide and Seek?
"And not just any hide and seek, it's boys against girls! Using a large part of the city, since the demons have such a huge advantage," Shizuko winked. "And us regular humans don't have the super senses."
Inuyasha looked at Kagome's friends. "Hide and seek? What's that?"
Kagome looked taken aback, gazing up into Inuyasha's confused eyes. "You've never played Hide and Seek?" She then remembered who she was looking at and giggled. "It's kind of like hunting, except when you find your prey you don't kill them."
"Men are hiding first, we already chose that. And you have to count ten full minutes! It's gonna take that long to find a hiding place. No hiding in houses, either, or garages. Thats the only rule!" Hamuri finished with a clap of her hands. "Base is that mail box over there!"
"Base?"
"If your prey reaches the base before you can catch them, your still the hunter."
Inuyasha grinned. "Alright, prey, but you better run fast."
Kagome grinned back. "Like a cat."
"You better make that a cheeta!" Hamuri said with a chuckle.
The game started without any further questions. They all knew the boys would get the point sooner or later. But, as Sango started to run off with the other girls, Miroku pulled her back again.
"Please don't kill me, maim me, or otherwise," he whispered.
"What do you mea-"
He cut her off with a swift kiss, grinned at her, and ran off before she could retaliate. Sango just stood there though, shivers and jolts of pleasure still running up and down her spine. She then got over the inisial shock, pressed her fingers to her lips, and ran off towards the other girls.
What in the world...was that...about...? She asked herself as she caught up with Kagome. And I didn't pull away...
Kagome looked sideways at her friend. Sango was blushing furiously and had two fingers to her lips. When Sango realized Kagome was looking at her, she put her hand down and waved her hand. Talk to you later... Was what Kagome thought she was saying and smiled gently. Something happened! Between her and Miroku, hopefully..
And so the gaggle of girl's ran the same way, keeping in a large group, and even Yume was getting caught up in the game. She was grinning happily and a strange light had come into her eyes. Kagome grinned and pushed herself faster.
When the girl's ran past a spot a good fair way away from the boys, they split up. Yume and Shizuko ran one way while the rest of them stayed together, laughing. The clouds threatened rain, but still no one payed them any attention. If it was going to rain, then it was going to rain. Who was going to stop it? They were having too much fun.
Kagome's group ran past an alleyway, slowed down, and looked within. Maybe there would be a good hiding spot somewhere in there. The stench would surely throw Inuyasha off at least. Giggling, but shushing each other (which only brought on more giggling), they entered the dark alley way.
A voice sounded within it and Kagome leaped back. The giggling stopped abruptly when Sango was suddenly torn from the rest of the group.
"Sango!" Kagome cried, running to her friend's aid.
A hand came out of no where and pushed her down. Her rage flared and she was about to speak when something cold and hard pressed against her temple. Fear dripped down her spine colder than the now falling rain. Demons she could deal with, it was human's she was afraid of.
Sango screamed in frustration from somewhere farther into the alley and Kagome once again made a move to help. The gun pressed harder into her head and she cried out in pain. A muffled strike and a urmph! sounded again and the struggle within the alley between Sango and one of these other people was done.
"Got the wild one under control, boss."
"Good, check them for items." The one with the gun told some other person.
Looking back, she saw that Hamuri was sneaking away and getting away with it. In another second, she'd be gone and racing back to the boys. And in that second, everything seemed to go wrong at once.
A flash of lightning licked the ground and lit up the entire area. In that instant Kagome saw Sango lying in the alley farther down with three men standing above her. She also saw that the men were big and that there were four more of them. Each seemed to be holding a gun.
Could she not get away from the threat of death for even ONE day?! And what about her friends? They were in there too, Sango unconcious, and the other two behind her.
Hamuri was gone. It was only Eri and Kagome now, not two friends, but one.
And that was enough to make her worry about her safety. This wasn't going to end well, her gut told her that. It seems like Fate loved to throw curve balls Kagome's way and she was playing without a bat.
"Anything on that girl?" The guy standing near Kagome asked.
"Ow! Let me go, you-!"
"She bite me, the bitch bit me!" A man howled and Kagome heard a urmph as Eri was dropped.
"Kagome! Kagome, yell, yell! Scream as loud as you can, get Inuy-"
The man that had been bitten by Eri smashed the end of his gun into the back of Eri's neck and she fell unconcious instantly.
Kagome bit back her rage, opened her mouth and made to scream, when the gun was suddenly shoved into her open mouth. She bit down on hard metal.
"You scream for whoever she was talking about and I'll blow the back of your neck out. Got me?"
Kagome nodded fearfully. "Good. Hand over any valuables you have." He shoved the gun into her mouth harder and she tasted blood as it scraped against the roof of her mouth. "Now."
She didn't have any valuables, but she did have some money left over. She pulled it out of her pocket, handed it over, and watched as he pocketed it. The rain was falling in sheets now and the lightning was flashing constantly.
She could now see her advicary. Timing her move right, Kagome waited, waited.
Another flash licked the ground and Kagome sprung. She pulled her head back and the muzzle of the gun left her mouth easily, slick now with her blood and the rain.
She then fell flat on her back and kicked the guy right where no man wishes to be kicked.
And then, she screamed.
"INUYASHA! HELP! INUYA-"
With a loud crack, everything went black and her scream was cut short.
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Yikes! What'll happen? You ppl know I'll get the chapter out extremely soon, especially after 101 reviews! So this time, I won't tell you to REVIEW! (There's a secret message in there if you look real hard! :) )
