Okay, I wasn't really sure if I should put this in. But I thought that I concentrated on the other two a lot, it wouldn't be fair to not give Hojo his 5 minutes of fame too. So I threw this in to try to give and excuse for Inuyasha's behavior when he responded to Miroku. Also because I didn't want it to go to waste.

~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~**~*~**~**~*~**~*~***~*~

The night was slightly chilly by the time Kagome and her date left the Karaoke club. The street congested with everyone traveling to and fro. The couple began to walk and they laughed aloud from their recently created memories of this night.

"Please let's walk tonight. I feel like some night air. This really was the most fun I've had in a long time Hojo. Thanks." Kagome said as she walked closer to him.

"I had a lot of fun too, Higurashi. I never thought I'd be able to sing like that. Thank you for introducing me to it." he replied.

"No biggie. We really should do it again." Kagome was also surprised when he began to sing. At first he was so shy and awkward, but as time wore on the more relaxed he got. By the time they were about ready to leave he sang his last song as if he really was a professional singer. Making her look at him again. Yep, she really had to give him points and reclassify him in her book.

They had arrived at the steps of her family's shrine. And waiting in the shadows of those same steps a hanyo crouched. He sat there staring unbelieving at the two. Anger was slowly building in him. The closer the two got to him the more rage ran through his veins. Kagome was literally in arms reached but he refrained from snatching her. She continued to walk past him towards her house, as if she didn't see him. And see him she did not. Her attention was caught up with the guy walking with her.

Who the hell is that?! Why is Kagome with him? How could she not see me standing there? I don't believe this bullshit! Don't tell me all this time she was here bullshitting around when she should have been with me…I mean we could have been gathering more shards or something…..

Kagome and Hojo had reached her doorsteps. "I hope that you didn't overtax yourself tonight Higurashi. I would like to spend some more time with you soon." Hojo began. Finding a genuine smile on her face she discovered herself wanting that too. "I would like that Hojo."

"Great! Than can I call you tomorrow? We could go to see that movie we missed tonight." Kagome felt her smile get bigger and she reached out and grabbed his hand. Hojo startled a bit at the contact but turned his hand to hold hers. "Sure. But you really have to call me by MY name okay?"

"What do you mean? Higurashi is your name isn't it?" he asked a bit confused.

"Higurashi IS my name but I meant calling me Kagome."

Hojo blushed a bit. "If you wouldn't mind, I would. It's just that you hadn't given me leave to use your given name in an intimate way like that. And I wouldn't presume to do it unless you gave me permission." His blush darkened slightly. Kagome's face blushed slightly in response to his confession. She had never thought of it that way. Afterall, a name is just a name right?

"Call me Kagome, then you can call me tomorrow okay?" Unable to resist being a bit devilish she stood up on her toes and brushed her lips against his cheek. The blush that had touched both of their faces burned brighter. "Goodnight then Hojo." As she turned to go inside two thoughts kept running through her head.

I can't believe I just did that!

He's so cute!

A few feet away Inuyasha stood in shock. Not for what was said, stupid human boy, he thought. But by what Kagome had done with the boy. He didn't want to believe that Kagome would do that.. She was supposed to be his. Her affections were his, weren't they?

What just happened?

The only thing that registered as his eyes slowly began to bleed red was that Kagome would not be allowed to remain here another minute. He waited until the boy had walked passed him, no use in leaving bodies lying around, it might unnerve Kagome's mom. Then he ran to and up the tree near Kagome's window. He sat there as she came into her room, humming. Humming! And waited as she went and bathed.

No use in her stinking of THAT boy. And waited some more as she got dressed for bed before making his presence known.

"Kagome let's go."

Three words. That was all he said. And as she looked at him she felt as if she just got caught robbing a baby of its treat. But it didn't last long. "Inuyasha what are you doing here?" Her anger began to flare. He remained crouched on her windowsill, not saying anything. Just looking at her and waiting.

"I asked you a question. What are you doing here?" Again he just sat there. How long they stayed like that Kagome would not be able to remember later, but she would remember feeling like she betrayed him. And resenting that part of herself. She should be allowed some happiness too, shouldn't she?

Standing there looking into his flat eyes, she realized he must have seen her kiss Hojo. And despite her own desire to stay she began to gather her things together for another trip to the past. She had a mission to finish; until that was finished she couldn't dawdle here.

A humorless laugh came from between her lips. Funny how my own true time seemed like a vacation spot. Like I'm a guest in my own home and I've imposed on its hospitality.

"Give me a minute Inuyasha, and then we'll go."