Inuyasha found himself at the Bone Eater's Well once again. Tonight is the new moon, he thought. It might be my best chance to tell her how I feel. Before he could convince himself otherwise, he jumped through the well and into Kagome's time.

She wasn't in her room, so he went to the door and knocked. No one answered. He decided to wait for her to get home. Inuyahsa jumped up into the sacred tree and allowed himself to sleep.

Kami, I never realized how boring Hojou is, Kagome thought. Why did I let Yuka talk me into this date? Shippou probably thinks I'm never coming back.

"Kagome, are you feeling all right?" Hojou asked. "You didn't answer my question."

"I'm sorry." Kagome said. "I guess I have a headache."

"Let me take you home then." Hojou told her. "We can do this again when you are feeling better."

Kagome nodded. As they reached the stairs leading up to the shrine, she stopped. She felt a familiar presence and knew Hojou shouldn't walk her any further. "Thank you Hojou." she said. "I can walk the rest of the way on my own. I'm sorry I ruined our date."

"Don't worry about that Kagome. Just get well." Hojou replied. "Well I'll see you later."

"Goodbye Hojou." Kagome said as she climbed the stairs.

Inuyasha looked up. Kagome's scent was in the air. He jumped down from the tree and met her at the top of the stairs. She only looked mildly surprised to see him. "Where have you been?" He asked.

"Out with a friend." Kagome told him. "What are you doing here?"

"If you don't want me here, I'll go." Inuyahsa said defensively.

He sure is grumpy, Kagome thought. "I was just asking. You don't have to bite my head off. I just didn't think you'd come."

"You've been gone so long I... Shippou wanted me to make sure you were all right." he said.

He really was worried about me, Kagome thought with a smile. "Why don't you come inside with me. I'll make some Ramen." Kagome replied. She laughed as he struggled and then failed to hide his excitement.

Kagome sat across from him as he devoured the Ramen she had set in front of him. When he finished he surprised her by taking the bowl and placing it in the sink.

"So, Kagome when are you coming back home. We've missed you." he said.

She turned in her chair. He had just admitted to missing her. That must be why he went to the sink, so he wouldn't have to look at me when he said it. "My mom is making a special dinner tonight. I was going to go back in the morning." Kagome replied.

"Well, I'll go then and see you tomorrow." Inuyahsa said.

"You could stay. Mama and Souta would love to see you." Kagome suggested.

"I wouldn't want to be any trouble." he told her.

"It's no trouble. We'd love to have you." Mrs Higurashi said from the door way.

"Uh, thanks." Inuyahsa mumbled.

"Inuyasha." Souta yelled upon seeing him.

"Hey kid." Inuyasha replied.

"Come see my new game." Souta said, taking Inuyasha's hand and dragging him from the room.

"I thought you said he wouldn't come." Kagome's mother said with a smile.

"I just can't figure him out. He said he missed me, but when I'm there he acts like he couldn't care less." Kagome sighed.

"Sometimes dear, we don't know what we have until it's gone." she said to her daughter.

"You're probably right." Kagome agreed.

"So, how was your date with Hojou?" her mother asked.

"Oh mama, he is so boring. I know he's nice, but he just not..." Kagome didn't know quite how to finish.

"He's just not Inuyasha." Mrs. Higurashi offered.

"What should I do?" Kagome asked.

"If you truly think that he is the right one for you, give him time. I can see he cares for you. He wouldn't risk his life to protect you, if he didn't. Could he be afraid you will reject him?" she asked. "He has been treated badly for most of his life, for no crime other than who he is."

"I really hope that's it mama. Thank you." Kagome hugged her mother. "I should go rescue Inuyasha from Souta."

Kagome found them sitting together on the floor of Souta's room, and to her horror they were looking at pictures of her when she was little. Inuyasha was amazed. "You were cute when you were little." he said without looking up.

"Inuyasha, I thought we could go for a walk around the shrine." she said. He stood up and joined her by the door. "I'll deal with you later." she said to her brother.

They went outside and Kagome stopped under the sacred tree. She reached up and touched the hole where Kikyou's arrow had been. "Inuyasha, do you ever think about what would have happened if Naraku hadn't tricked you and Kikyou?" she asked.

"Why would I do that?" Inuyasha asked. "I thought we were going to walk not stand here all day." Truthfully Inuyasha thought about that a lot. He often imagined a life with Kikyou, but a part of him was glad. If things had been different he would never have met Kagome.

Kagome wasn't really surprised that he had avoided answering her.

They were heading back to the house as the sun set. Kagome stopped to watch. It was at times like this when she most missed being in the past, seeing a full view of the horizon, not cluttered by buildings. When she turned back around she was surprised to see a black haired Inuyasha, staring at her. She had forgotten it was the night of the new moon. They went into dinner.

"Kagome, Kagome, didn't you hear me?" her mother asked.

"I'm sorry mama. What did you say?" Kagome asked.

"Maybe you and Inuyasha should go out to a movie or something after dinner." Mrs. Higurashi suggested. "I still have the clothes from his other visits."

"All right mama." Kagome said. I hope I don't run into any of my friends, she thought.

Inuyasha changed into some modern street clothes and they left for the movies. While they waited outside for the movie to start, Kagome couldn't help but notice all the girls checking Inuyasha out., though he seemed oblivious to them all.

"Kagome, Kagome is that you?" cried the familiar voice of her friend Yuka.

"Hello Yuka." Kagome replied.

"Who's that with you?" Yuka asked.

"It's just Inuyasha." Kagome said.

"Why does he look so different?" Yuka asked suspiciously.

Oh no, what do I tell her. "Uh, he's just trying out a new look." Kagome lied.

"Oh, well I will say one thing. He's a lot cuter than Hojou." Yuka told her.

"Uh... Yeah I guess. We'd better go in. Our movie is about to start." Kagome stammered.

"You think I'm cute huh?" Inuyasha teased. She didn't answer, but he didn't fail to notice her blush.

They sat down to watch the movie. Kagome had picked one with a lot of action. Inuyasha looked around the theater. Most of the guys his age had their arm around the girls beside them. , Maybe Kagome wouldn't mind if I did that too. The lights went down. Inuyasha reached up and put his arm around her. He waited for her to say something, or ask him what he was doing. When she didn't he relaxed.

The movie was pretty exciting. There were a couple of really good fight scenes, but Inuyasha couldn't make himself pay attention. Not only had Kagome rested her head on his shoulder, but he kept thinking about what Miroku ans Sango had said. Was he really going to risk never seeing her again, because he was afraid?

When the movie ended Kagome didn't want to ruin what seemed to have happened tonight, so she stood up without comment. She led the way outside and they started to walk back to the shrine. Away from the crowd Inuyasha took her hand and didn't let go until they reached the front door.

"Did you two have fun?" Mrs. Higurashi asked, when they came in.

"Yes." Kagome answered for both of them.

"Inuyasha, I put a pillow and some blankets on the sofa for you." she added

"I can sleep outside." he said.

"Nonsense. You need a goodnights sleep before you go back." Mrs. Higurashi told him.

"Thank you Higurashi-sama" Inuyasha said at last.

Kagome went upstairs, followed by her mother. "Was it my imagination, or was there more to that yes downstairs." her mother asked.

"Mama, it was strange, but wonderful. At the movie he put his arm around me and he held my hand on the way home." Kagome told her. "He's acting so different."

"Men can be even harder to figure out than they claim us to be. Distant and surly on the outside and warm and caring on the inside. Before you were born, your father was like that, but something about you opened his heart. I never told you, but it took him the longest time to tell me how he felt. I almost gave up, but something in my heart told me not to. It turned out to be the best decision of my life." her mother said. "He's trying. Maybe you should see if you can meet him halfway."

"Thank you mama. You always know how to make me feel better." Kagome said.

"That's what mothers are for. Goodnight." her mother said shutting the door.

The next morning Kagome awoke to a ringing phone. Before she made it downstairs, she heard Inuyasha's voice.

"Hello, Higurashi residence." He said. "Who wants to know?...Hobo is it... Listen here, you stay away from Kagome, she's mine..."

Oh no, this could be bad. Very bad. She ran the rest of the way downstairs, trying to get to the phone before things got any worse.

"That's none of your business and if you call again I'll..." Inuyahsa yelled.

Kagome snatched the phone from his hand. The look she gave him made him take a step back. "Hojou... I'm sorry... He's a friend... He's just really protective of me... his bark is worse than his bite... I'm really sorry... I can't I'm going out of town... All right... Bye." Kagome finished and hung up the phone.

She was trying really hard not to 'SIT' Inuyahsa. He had only said those things because he as jealous. He said I was his. "Inuyasha, what were you thinking?" she asked.

Inuyasha was worried. Normally she would have sat him ten times by now. "I... He's not good enough for you, because you're my... never mind." he stammered.

"How would you know if he's good enough? Hojou is my friend. You can't talk to people like that. Besides, it isn't like anyone else wants to go out with me." she said starting to cry. "Why don't you go? I'll be back to see Shippou once I get packed." She turned and went upstairs to her room.

You idiot, Inuyasha said to himself. She wants me to leave. I guess I should apologize first. I can't believe I made her cry. Last night had gone so well, too.

He went upstairs and knocked on her door. "Go away Inuyasha." Kagome said.

"Kagome...." he said.

She opened the door and returned to her bed. "What do you want?" Kagome asked.

"Before I go, I wanted to apologize. I had no right to make it seem like I had any claim to you." Inuyasha told her. "I'm the one who isn't good enough. I know you don't want a worthless hanyou like me."

"Inuyasha, you're not a worthless hanyou. I've never thought that about you, and neither has anyone else that matters. With all that you have done, anyone can see how great you really are." she said softly. "And you are more than just a friend to me, even though I know I can never replace Kikyou in your heart."

Why does she think that, he wondered. It was then he realized how much he had hurt her. If he was honest with himself, she had replaced Kikyou in his heart a long time ago. He just couldn't seem to tell her.

"Kagome, I'm not in love with Kikyou anymore. I wish you'd believe me. I'll wait for you beside the well." he told her.

She got ready and found him waiting just where he said he'd be. He took her bag and they went through the well together.

They had been back in the Feudal Era just over a week and Kagome thought that she might have lost her only chance to get closer to Inuyasha. He seemed to have gone back to his usual self. In truth only the little kitsune noticed the lingering looks Kagome and Inuyasha gave each other when they thought no one was watching. Miroku was too busy worrying about constructing a home for he and Sango before they were married, and Sango was too busy watching Miroku.

When a small group of badly injured people came into the village, looking for the young Miko, Inuyasha was no where to be found. For the first time since Kagome had returned, he had left without a word. The villagers told of a group of wolf demons and their wolves that seemed to have gone mad. They had come in the night attacking and killing everyone they could find.

Kagome knew something had to be done, so she went out in search of Inuyasha. She came dangerously close to discovering the secret of where he had been disappearing to, before he heard her and headed her off. She told him about the attack.

"It's probably that filthy wolf Kouga." Inuyasha huffed.

"Kouga wouldn't do that." Kagome protested.

"Why are you always taking up for him?" Inuyasha yelled.

"I'm not." she shouted back.

"Are to." he yelled.

"Am not." she insisted.

"Are to." he yelled again inches from her face.

"SIT BOY" Kagome said loudly.

Inuyasha crashed face first into the dirt. When the command wore off, he stood and crossed his arms. "You didn't have to do that." he pouted. She hasn't done that in almost three weeks. "Let's go see who's behind this."

They were almost to the village when Inuyasha stopped. He couldn't believe he hadn't picked them up before, and now they were surrounded. He had been distracted thinking about his fight with Kagome.

"Kagome, stay close. Get ready here they come." He shouted.

As soon as he said it the attack began. A large pack of wolves led by a pair of wolf demons sprang at them. Inuyasha drew his Tetsusaiga. Inuyasha was so busy fighting the wolves, that he didn't notice the one that had gone after Kagome until she screamed. Tetsusiaga fell from his hand as her raced to her.

Before he could reach her, he felt a spear pierce his back. As he fell the wolves fell on top of him. He was having trouble breathing, but soon that changed. He tore through the wolves that were on top of him. Inuyasha was crouched low, his hair covering his eyes. The wolves stopped moving closer to him, having smelled a change in the air. Inuyasha dispatched them all within moments. He reveled in the scent of their blood.

Inuyasha took in the scents around him, to be sure that none had escaped. He turned to where he had left Kagome, his mate. There were two humans and a kitsune pup standing around her. They smelled familiar to him, almost like family, and that saved their lives. A low menacing growl came forth.

Only Shippou had been able to hear Inuyasha's warning. He looked up and into the fierce red eyes of Inuyasha transformed. He had issued them a serious warning. "Guys, we have to get out of here." Shippou said.

"What do you mean?" Miroku asked.

Shippou pointed at Inuyasha. Both Sango and Miroku turned, shocked to see Inuyasha covered in blood and ready to attack. "What about Kagome?" Sango asked.

"He won't hurt her. It is her he's protecting." Shippou told them. He looked at Inuyasha, who growled again. "Time's up. He doesn't want to kill us, but he will."

Reluctantly Sango and Miroku followed Shippou away from Kagome. Inuyasha growled in satisfaction. He could smell the humans fear. The air was thick with it. He made his way to Kagome and knelt at her side.

Her breathing was regular and her heart beat was strong. Inuyasha began to clean her superficial wounds, that she had received when she was knocked into the brush. When he was sure that he hadn't missed any of her wounds, he picked her up. Inuyasha was surprised to still smell so much of her blood. He found the source. Her head had landed against a rock when she fell. He inspected it. The bleeding had almost stopped.

"Inuyasha." Miroku called. "Perhaps you should retrieve your sword, to protect her, since you have to carry her."

Inuyasha considered what the human had said. It would be easier to fight off any attack if he had his sword. Inuyasha went to the Tetsusiaga and picked it up. As he did, he returned to his usual hanyou state.

Inuyasha looked around as the pain from his chest wound grew. It only took him a few seconds to realize what must have happened and that he was holding an unconscious Kagome. He looked at the others. "Did I..." Inuyasha started unable to finish the question, as he looked at Kagome.

Both Sango and Miroku felt a twinge of Inuyasha's pain. He wanted to know if he had been the one to hurt Kagome. "No, it was the wolves." Miroku told him.

Inuyasha nodded. He fell to his knees. Kagome's weight combined with his injury made it too difficult to continue standing.

"You should get her to Lady Kaede." Sango said. "Take Kirara. She will get you there faster, since you are injured."

Inuyasha lifted Kagome and climbed onto Kirara. "Thanks." he called to Sango as they flew away.

Inuyasha held Kagome tightly as they flew black to the village. She didn't look hurt at all, only as if she were sleeping. Damn it, Inuyasha said to himself. This is all my fault. I should have protected her. To think that a couple of filthy wolves almost got the better of me. Something is going to have to change. I can't afford to be distracted, worrying about whether or not Kagome is going to leave and never come back. I have to let her know that I want her here with me, always. Why does it have to be so hard?

They landed outside Kaede's hut. "Kaede." Inuyasha called. "Damn it old woman get out here."

Kaede stepped outside. Upon seeing Kagome, she decided to forgive the young hanyou's disrespect. "Bring her inside." Kaede said. Inuyasha laid Kagome gently on the floor of the hut. "I will call ye when I have finished tending to her."

"I want to stay." Inuyasha said.

"Have ye taken her as your mate?" Kaede asked. Inuyasha shook his head, too shocked by the question to answer in his usual crude way. "Then ye must wait outside."

Inuyasha grumbled his dissatisfaction and went outside. Why would Kaede ask me that about Kagome? Surely she wouldn't expect Kagome and I to be together. As if I'd even know what to do, if she wanted to be my mate, but I don't have to worry about that. No one chooses a hanyou.

After what seemed like an eternity Kaede stepped outside. "Ye may go in now." Kaede said.

"Is she all right?" Inuyasha asked.

"Aye. She may sleep for a few days, but she will recover." Kaede told him.

Inuyasha breathed a sigh of relief. He went inside and sat beside Kagome. He brushed a hand over her cheek. "I'm sorry I let this happen." he whispered.

It was after dark when the others returned to the village. Once they had been assured that Kagome was going to be all right, they described to Inuyasha what had happened when he had transformed. Sango offered to sit with Kagome and give the overwhelmed hanyou a break but he refused, and they left him alone with Kagome once again.

Some of the things they had said came as a shock to Inuyasha. By all accounts his youkai form considered Kagome as his mate. His instinct had taken over and he had acted where his human side would not. He knew he wanted to be with Kagome, but he wasn't sure she would want to be with him. Maybe I should tell her, he thought. What is the worst that could happen? She could laugh. No, Kagome was his friend. No matter her feelings she wouldn't do that.

Kagome still hadn't woken by the next evening. Inuyasha was dozing off, when the sound of his name snapped him awake.

"Inuyasha." Kagome whimpered.

He took her hand. "I'm here." He said, even though he knew she wasn't awake.

"Don't go." She cried.

"I'm not, I won't." He said desperately trying to ease the pain he heard in her voice.

"She doesn't love you. I do." Kagome moaned.

"Kagome." He said softly, though she had already drifted back into a deeper dreamless sleep. Could she have meant what she said, he wondered? If only I knew for sure.

Most of the night Inuyasha struggled with his decision. Tell her and risk rejection, or not and risk losing her forever. He stepped outside with the rising of the sun. A stiff breeze was blowing, and the cool morning air refreshed him.

"Tell her." came a soft familiar voice.

Inuyasha looked around and breathed deeply. There was no sign of her or scent on the air, but he had heard Kikyou as clearly as if she had been standing beside him. How is that possible, he wondered. She's dead. It took him a moment to realize that how was unimportant. The message had been clear. Once the decision was made, he felt better. That is until her realized that he would have to go see his brother. Inuyasha spared on last look at Kagome. It was worth it, he decided. He went to find Sango and Miroku.

"Wake up." He said loudly. Both Sango and Miroku stirred. "I have to go somewhere. One of you needs to stay with Kagome at all times." They stared at him. "What are you waiting for, get moving."

Inuyasha waited for them to make their way to Kaede's hut and then took off into the forest.

"What do you suppose has gotten into him?" Sango asked.

"I can't imagine." Miroku replied.

"Inuyasha." came Kagome's voice.

"Kagome." Sango said softly.

"Inuyasha." Kagome's voice became more insistent.

"He's not here, but I'm sure he'll be back soon." Miroku offered.

Kagome started to cry. "Is she awake?" Sango asked.

"No, but she knows that he's not here." Miroku said. "I only hope where ever he has gone has something to do with Kagome."

Sango gently smoothed Kagome's hair trying to calm her. Before long her tears subsided and she rested peacefully again.

A/N:

I know some people are really big on how each name is spelled and such, but I have seen most of their names spelled different ways, so I will continue to spell them as I have been. Feel free to tell me you think I'm doing it wrong, but I won't change it. I have already written most of this story and I can't go back and hunt through changing it everytime I spelled it a certain way.

This is my first InuYasha fic and while I will try to stay close to character sometimes I won't so please don't go crazy on me about that. I would greatly appreciate constructive criticsm so that I may improve my writting. So please let me know what you think.

Also I ask that you keep in mind that event change people and that even from the begining of teh series Inuyasha has changed in some ways, so he will change some in my fic too, as will other character. I will try to give the reasons behind it and if you have any questions please ask