Inuyasha had not said anything since they returned to the feudal era. His silence was unnerving Kagome. Unable to take the strain any longer she reached out and pulled him to a stop. "Inuyasha," not really sure how to apologize or even if she should she continued, " what is wrong with you? It's not like you to be quiet. You're kinda giving me the creeps."

Inuyasha was having a hard time identifying all the different emotions running through him. Even less successful was he in controlling them. "What's wrong with me?! Did you just ask me what's wrong with me?" Anger was rearing its ugly head. But it was Kagome's anger that marked its presence more.

"That is what I just said. I've only been home for a short time and before I can get caught up on everything you just show up and ruin any chance I had for.."

"Only gone for a short time?! You've been there on the other side of the well for almost a week!" Inuyasha interrupted her. " Just what was so important that could keep you from coming back sooner huh?"

"…" Momentarily caught off guard by his questions she hesitated in answering. " I had things to do Inuyasha. Things that can't wait.."

"Things to do? Things that can't wait?" he repeated her words back to her.

"Yes that what I said!" Kagome said in an agitated voice.

"Well, then tell me just what is so much more DAMN important than being here?" he yelled, no longer able to try to hold his anger in check.

"I would if you would keep from interrupting me every time I try to say.."

"Oh you mean like the stuff that was SO important that you absolutely could not tear yourself away from your time there, like your stupid tests?"

"Didn't I just tell you to stop interrupting me Inuyasha?"

"It doesn't mean a DAMN THING whatever it was that was 'keeping you there'. Because it wasn't those stupid tests now was it Kagome?"

"…" Kagome's anger vanished into vapor as she heard the rage coming from Inuyasha.

"What nothing to say? Why is that Kagome? Cat got your tongue? No, it wasn't a cat that got your tongue was it? It was that boy….." He growled out the last word so it was barely distinguishable.

Whatever lethargic grip her tongue was in wore off real fast. Her own anger rose to the surface once again. "He did not have my tongue! I only kissed his cheek for crying out loud!" she said in defense.

"Hah! So you admit it! You couldn't deny it anyways bitch, I saw you!"

"What did you just call me Inuyasha?"

"I called you what you are. A bitch. You know you belong with me…"

This time it was Kagome interrupting. "How DARE you call me a bitch!" she screeched. His ears flatted back in reflex. "I belong to you?! Just where do you get off?" Righteous indignation was fueling her as she continued, "If we belonged to one another why was I the only who didn't know anything about it? I'm not the one running off every time one of Kikyo's soul collectors fly by or when her stench flows on the breeze. Never mind if I'm half dead from injuries sustained as a DIRECT result of her betrayal…"

"Don't try and change the subject. Besides Kikyo never did anything to harm you."

"So now you're defending her again." with a sigh, "Why would I bother to get into anything serious with you Inuyasha? It's obvious that you're not loyal…"

"Shaddup! What do you know about loyalty? I'm not the one running around screwing around while Naruku's out.."

"I know a lot more about loyalty than apparently you do! If all you're going to do is yell and argue about something that really isn't any of your business, I'll just go back home. At least there I know.."

"NO! You can't go back there! You belong here. I'm not going to say this again, so listen carefully Kagome. If you go near the well again, without me , I'll destroy it! You know I will so don't push me. I'm stronger and faster than you. IF the well is closed whatever is over there won't matter because you'll be here…"

"Inuyasha. SIT BOY!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Not sure if Inuyasha would carry out his threat, Kagome had refrained from going near it. The desperation that was in his voice still echoed some nights in her sleep. There were times when she thought that he wouldn't do it. He was just lashing out because he was hurt. He didn't really mean all the hateful words. But as time passed, whenever she would suggest that she go home, he would say nothing. He would go still, and with bangs covering his eyes he said simply, "Just try it." The way he said it killed any doubts. So, she did not suggest it again.

The sun had not yet set when the group set up for camp. Kagome gathered up her supplies for another trip to the creek to wash up. Inuyasha began to follow but a look from Kagome stopped him.

"I would appreciate it if you left me alone for a bit Inuyasha."

Hurt passed briefly across his face, but he complied.. The creek was little more than a stream small enough to barely cover her ankles.

What am I doing here? Why am I still in this hostile territory? I am so tired of being here. Tired of fighting monsters, every time I turn my head something else wants to kill me.

Or someone I care for.

How much more can I possibly take? There must be another way to fix this.

I' ve bound myself to a useless cause. With a helpless group all after this damned jewel. Okay maybe not completely helpless. I don't want to do this anymore. I want to have a normal life with a normal guy who loves me. Or at least likes me, needs me, hell, wants me. Am I asking for too much?

I am so alone here. No one who understands me. NO one who wants to see me for who I am. Not as the one who started this mess. Not as the one to find the shards. Not as a PAWN!

I am so tired. I am so lonely.

Maybe if I just let it all go; maybe if I leave now and never come back…

Do they really need me here? I'm not much help to them. They don't need me.

I can hear their doubts. There confusion is almost.. I can almost taste it.

What AM I doing here?

I have to find an easier way to gather up the shards. The sooner I reform this damn jewel the sooner I can get my normal life back. Maybe traveling in a group isn't the wisest course of action.

I should go on my own.

That way no one would have to trouble themselves with rescuing me when the monsters that have shards find me. And they DO find me. Like they're drawn to me. Maybe they are. The jewel IS a part of me.

And we both want this to end and go home.

Inuyasha heard her sigh from the camp. Even though he had not followed, he kept an ear on her just in case. Just in case she gets her stupid ass in trouble again. Looking quickly to the others he gave an excuse on checking the nearby area for danger and got up.

Kouga sniffed at the wind. Then came to a complete stop. His woman was nearby. He should go to her. To say hello if nothing else. He missed seeing her smiling face. Changing directions he ran to the area she was in.

************************************************************************

"I feel so old." Kagome said aloud to herself.

Inuyasha stopped in his tracks. His intention was to get her and return to the safety of camp. She'd had enough time to take care of her 'girlie habits' by now. But the melancholy he heard in those four words stopped whatever tirade he was about to make. He looked down to her and saw what surprised him completely.

Defeat.

Her whole body posture was screaming it. Her voice giving it affirmation. This could not be his Kagome. She was a fighter; she would never bow down to surrender. She ….

She looked so sad. But she had the kitsune, and Sango and even that monk to keep her loneliness at bay. He…

He could not believe it. She would not give up. Not on their quest. Maybe on him, and perhaps that was for the best, but she wouldn't give up their quest. But, then he didn't really want her to give up on him. No, she must be getting ill with all those unnecessary trips to bathe. He would just have to make sure she limited herself to one every other day.

"Kagome."

Startled she spun around with her scrub brush in a defensive position. Ready to do battle with whatever dirty creature would be intruding on her bath. Inuyasha could not contain his smile. " You startled me! What do you want?"

"I came to get you."

Those words came out before he had a chance to open his mouth. They both looked over to see Kouga standing there. Before either of them realized what had happened Kagome was picked up by the wolf prince and the only evidence of him ever being there was the small cloud of dust left behind.