Hiya readers!

I just posted my other chapter, so I hope ya enjoy this super-speedy update!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Chapter #11

Kagome crouched under the bush, her heart punching against her lungs.

There he was. With his sword.

Smiling, Inuyasha approached. He knew she was there (stupid demon nose), and a few flimsy leaves wasn't going to hold him off.

Circling slowly, Inuyasha raised the blade above his head, and brought it down on the bush.

"Inuyasha!" Kagome yelped, and then skipped nimbly to one side, narrowly missing the downward sweep. "Inuyasha, stop it!"

She looked up into his face. It was different.

There were stripes on his cheeks, and his eyes were red.

Growling, Inuyasha charged at her, sword lowered.

"Inuyasha!"

End Dream Sequence

Jerking awake, Kagome looked around frantically.

"Hey Kagome." Inuyasha grinned cheekily down at her. "Sleeping on duty. That's punishable, y'know."

"O-o-o-oh."

What was going on? Was this a sign of what she'd have to expect?

Inuyasha grin diminished some, but he gave her a friendly hug.

"Come on, Kag, what's up?"

There was no way she could tell him the whole dream-thing. Why did he have to be so nice?

But he isn't nice, after what he did to Mom, Kagome sternly told herself.

"Kagome?" Inuyasha moved his face closer to hers. She looked a bit sick.

"Uh..." And why was her face so pale?

Better tease her outta it.

He raised his eyebrows suggestively. "Might even have to get rough with ya."

"S-sorry. Gotta go." Snatching up her rag and bucket, Kagome brushed past him, and sprinted up the nearest flight of stairs.

Now that wasn't like Kagome at all. Usually she just called up Sesshoumaru, who was happy to beat Inuyasha up in the defense of any young maiden.

Heck, Sesshoumaru was happy beating Inuyasha up period.

But it always made Kagome feel better.

Watching her back, Inuyasha frowned.

They'd been getting along lately...hadn't they?

Why was she acting so strangely now?

He shrugged, and then smiled.

The upcoming ball. Kagome'd be better by then, and they'd have a great time.

The curse would play itself out. Everything would be fine.

Slightly reassured, Inuyasha followed Kagome with a sly smile.

Hey, who said tormenting wasn't an expression of affection?

Awww...ain't it cute?

Next chapter: Miroku and Sango have some fun!

(Silence)

Not like that you perverts!

Jeez, why do I get all the sick-minded readers?