DISCLAIMER: Inuyasha wo motte imasen wa! So don't sue!

A/N: really really REALLY sorry it took soooooo long.

CHAPTER 4: Unfriendly Encounter

Disaster.

Pure disaster.

Later that night, Kagome had felt undeniable dread as her mother had walked through that back door and into the kitchen. The girl had put on the best smile she could have managed as her parent sauntered past her, a bundle of bags in her arms. As her mother set the grocery bags on the table and made her way to the living room door, Kagome had slid nonchalantly in front of her, blocking her path. Though before she could act, she had been pushed aside and the door opened, revealing a confused wolf demon and a missing T.V.. (and you can pretty much guess was had happened after that.)

Kagome now sat sulking in her room along with Kouga, the blood curdling scream still ringing painfully in her ears. She leaned uncomfortably against the bedpost as Kouga seated himself on the floor beside her, scarfing down a container of chicken Ramen. "Wow," he commented with a full mouth, "dish stuff ish even better dan da stuff you gave me before!" (Referring back to the episode when Kagome gave him the potato chips)

He was so busy in his gorging that he didn't notice the weak glare she shot him. "I hope you enjoy it because I think this is our only food for the rest of the night," she stated sadly, looking down at the Ramen in her lap with a small frown. She wasn't directing her anger to Kouga exactly. She knew it was mostly her fault; she shouldn't have left him alone; she should have known that Sota wouldn't have been able to stop him; and she should have foreseen this.

But it was already going worse than she had feared. What was she going to do about tomorrow when she went to her Saturday review class for the exam Monday? She would just have to pray that he would grow bored enough to return to the feudal era. Maybe if she begged him he'd leave.

Kagome heard the sudden sound of plastic hitting carpet and looked up to find Kouga collapsing on to the floor with a contented sigh. "Glad you liked it," she sighed wearily, watching as he laced his fingers lazily behind his head.

The wolf laughed quietly. "Yeah, I may not know what noodles are, but I gotta admit, that was delicious!"

It was almost hard to believe, that Kouga was here in this era. Kagome couldn't imagine how in the world he had even made it through the well. Just trying to figure out the strange phenomenon caused her thoughts to tangle into a painful knot. To make things even worse, with each minute that passed slowly by, her worry about Inuyasha finding out only grew.

Subconsciously her eyes began to droop. "Um, Kouga," she said weakly, putting her finished Ramen on the night table as she climbed to her feet, "I think I'm gonna call it a night, okay?" Languidly she plopped down on to the mattress, closing her eyes for a brief, relaxing second. It wasn't long until that tranquility was broken.

She gave a small yelp as she opened her eyes to find herself face to face with the demon. "Not yet Kagome," Kouga protested while taking Kagome's slender hands in his. His lids fell to half-mast and his teal depths held a mellow, romantic mood. "Now that that puppy is out of the way, we finally have some time alone."

I don't think I like where this is going.

Kagome shifted uncomfortably, her face flushing. "Er— heh— really. I— think I'd rather just go to bed." She laughed nervously, the noise sounding uncanny as it emitted from her throat in a cracking manner. She felt horrible for treating Kouga like this. He liked her— no— loved herso much, and she couldn't return his feelings.

The demon sighed in heartbroken disappointment. What could he do? What could he do to show her the intensity of his love? How could he show her that flea-bitten mutt didn't deserve someone like her; that she deserved somebody who'd care for her and treat her with kindness and affection. He rose to his feet, reluctantly releasing her hands that kept his own warm. "You're right. I'm worn out, too," he lied. "And besides, a pretty girl like you needs her beauty sleep."

Color rose to Kagome's cheeks for about the hundredth time that day. Wow, he sure knew the right things to say. Unlike someone I know. "Oh!" she exclaimed, slapping her hand to her forehead to show her stupidity. "Duh! You need somewhere to sleep." How rude of her to have forgotten.

"Huh?" Kouga blinked in surprise. You mean— I can't sleep with her in her room?

"Hmm," the girl pursed her lips in thought. "I know!" she said suddenly, tilting her head and letting a sugar-sweet smile take form on her pretty face. "Why don't you sleep in Sota's room? I'm sure he wouldn't mind."

Kouga frowned with uncertainty at the abrupt suggestion. "I don't know Kagome. I don't think your sibling likes me very much." This was most likely true. The poor boy had been devastated after "the incident", and from her own personal experience, Kagome's prediction was an entire week of overcast skies and brewing storms for the Higurashi household.

But it was that . . .

Or let Kouga sleep in her room . . .

Kagome leaped to her feet and whirled the wolf around by his shoulders, practically shoving him out the door. "Nonsense! Nonsense! Sota isn't one to hold a grudge," she assured, Kouga now standing helpless in the hallway, staring at his mate with silent plea. "Now you just knock on his door, and ask for a sleeping bag. Or better yet, he has a bunk bed. So you can sleep there, kay?"

A what? "But—,"

"See ya in the morning!" And just like that, he was finishing his protest to the door. Now what was he supposed to do? Kagome had made it apparent that he was not welcome in her room at night— though he didn't know why. As if he'd try to pull something that like on his own mate! Disgusting! Who did she think he was? And surely the boy hadn't forgiven him that easily after having destroyed that— T.B.— no wait— T.G.— or— whatever the hell that thing was.

Well it's worth a try.

Yeah. His conscience was right. He was Kouga, leader of the wolf-demon tribe dammit! And he wasn't afraid of some little mortal midget that was barely above his knees! He'd demand a place to sleep, even if he had to use threats! Yeah! Containing his sudden excitement and energy, he composed himself in a warrior-like fashion, hoping it would intimidate the brat. Calm and collected he marched up to the opposite door and planted three solid knocks— not too hard, not too soft. He didn't want to intimidate the kid too much, or he wouldn't even open the door.

There was a slight rustling noise, the shuffling of feet, before Kouga heard the boy's familiar voice. "Who is it?"

The wolf commanded his tone to be firm but compassionate at the same time. "Open up. It's me." Even though it was only a few seconds that passed, it felt much longer as Kouga dreaded the possibility that the kid wasn't going to grant him entrance. But to his surprise, he stood corrected when the door swung open to reveal the chagrined child. He glared at the guest bitterly. Though he remained silent, his eyes held the what-do-you-want look.

Kouga refused to back down from the glower, though he would admit it was kinda creepy. No doubt he had inherited his courage from Kagome. Childishly the demon crossed his arms over his armored chest, mimicking his opponent's glare. "Kagome sent me to sleep in here."

Sota studied him another moment, as if he were analyzing each word. He then gave a curt nod and stepped aside. "Fine."

As Kouga took his first step inside, he noticed it was about the same size as Kagome's room, only this one was inexplicably cluttered. Clothes were scattered untidily, forming neat piles or even mountains in various areas; paper wrappers hid in unsuspected corners; and an unbelievable number of dolls littered the floor. It made Kouga almost hesitant about taking another step for the fear of sinking into the depths of a pile of socks.

But he was brave. Stoically he strode forward, wading through the sea of clothes. He then curiously bent down to retrieve one of the toys, studying it intently as he fiddled with it in his fingers. "Why do you have so many dolls?"

Until now, Sota had been watching the demon like the authority watching a crime suspect. Now Sota sprinted forward, ready to serve justice. "It is not a doll!" he cried defensively, snatching the object from the criminal's hands. "It's an action figure. There's a huge difference!" The boy then stuck his nose up the air and stomped away, annoyed that Kouga could make say such an ignorant thing.

Angrily the wolf crossed his arms and turned away. "Keh, sure looks like a doll to me," he muttered under his breath, though Sota didn't hear. Too bad.

As he stood in his vexed position, Kouga could make out the sound of the adjusting of sheets and blankets. Envy flooded through him and he turned to see the child already situating himself for sleep. And the bed— no— beds he lay on. Coming from the Feudal Era, he'd never seen this kind of bed before. One bed stacked on top of the other. How bizarre.

"There's a sleeping bag and pillow in the closet," Sota stated bluntly, his voice empathetic.

Kouga glanced apprehensively at the closet. Ooo, who knows what's in there. His keen instincts told him that it would not be pretty. "Why can't I just sleep right there?" he queried with an arched brow, pointing to the bottom half of the— what had Kagome called it?— bunk bed.

Sota's eyes followed to where Kouga was implying before collapsing onto the sheets and turning towards the wall. "Whatever," he sighed, his voice now muffled as he pulled the blankets over his head. "I just need some time alone, you T.V. wrecker."

Ignoring the comment, Kouga began making his way to the 'bunk bed' before stopping suddenly to ponder something. "Hey, is there something we can do about that light?"

"Turn off the switch," the boy grumbled.

"Switch?"

Sota groaned. "On the wall."

Kouga turned and almost immediately spotted the 'switch'. Slowly he flicked it, staring in awe and fascination as the light disappeared faster than the blink of an eye. How does it do that? Amazing! Resisting the urge to flick it again, he sauntered back to the bed and situated himself under the warm covers, savoring the sweet, calm darkness.

This world just kept getting more and more interesting, whether it was a painful discovery or a rewarding discovery. As he turned on to his side, he wondered what kinds of demons roamed these lands; were they the same as in his world? Were they deformed and ugly mutants? Were they weaker beings? Were they even more powerful? If so, more powerful than Naraku himself?

Well, there was only one way to find out, wasn't there?

Next Morning: Elsewhere

"Why don't you grow up already and go say sorry to Kagome!"

That was literally the forty-sixth time he'd asked that. Inuyasha's scowl deepened as he began to take heavy breaths and count to ten. "Shut up if you know what's good for you."

"Not until you say you'll go get her!"

"Shippou is right, you know," Miroku cut in, walking to meet the two arguing demons along with Sango and Kirara. "She probably won't come back until you apologize."

The half-breed turned away defiantly. "Well then that's her problem, now isn't it?"

With building frustration the little fox-demon edged courageously closer to Inuyasha. He wasn't going to stand for this. He wanted Kagome back and he wanted her back now! So he did the only thing he could do— a hit-and-run. A hit to the dog's egotistical, inflated head and a run for a safe spot on Sango's shoulder.

Barely made it, too. Another instant and he would have been flattened by Inuyasha's big foot. He now stood safe from harm next to Sango's head, glaring at a raving Inuyasha.

The demon slayer mimicked Shippou, her brows knitting finely with anger. "I don't understand why you're always so stubborn about this, Inuyasha," she said, shaking her head as a sign of her confusion. "It's not that hard to do. The word only has two syllables. Sor-ry."

"It's 'cause he's a coward!" Shippou bellowed, pointing an accusing finger at the half-demon.

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed. "You're the one who hit me and then ran to go hide behind Sango, ya little brat!"

Miroku could sense the heat was building like the lava in a volcano. And if he didn't do something, then it was going to be a hell of an eruption. "Listen! Listen!" he ordered, coming in between the three with his staff (?). He succeeded in obtaining momentary silence, enough for him to speak. "Now, Inuyasha," he began steadily, "go and get Kagome—,"

Inuyasha frowned. "Why should I—,"

"Let me finish! Because— we all know that we are nearing the location at which Naraku is hiding, and you know that we need Kagome's power to see the shards if we hope on defeating him."

An uncomfortable silence dawned on the group as Miroku could practically feel the heat of Sango and Shippou's ire on his back. He hastily added to his earlier statement. "And— you must take Kagome's feelings into consideration as well." He sighed in relief as the heat subsided.

Inuyasha grumbled fiercely, suddenly interested in a pebble that lay on the ground. "Hmph! Fine!" Without taking his eyes off the pebble, he could hear the rest of the group's gasps of joy. "But only because we need her for the jewel shards!"

He stood dumbfounded when he felt all of them rush past, leaving him alone on the trail. "Whatever you say!" Sango called back wryly.

"Yeah! You know care for Kagome!" the fox joined in, satisfied when he heard Inuyasha snarl.

The three laughed as they continued down the road (Kirara too. But I don't really see her "laughing"), and as time passed by, the mood was once again happy and jubilant. That is until Miroku stealthily closed the distance between him and Sango. "So," the lecherous monk began, "Inuyasha and Kagome gone . . ." Sango eyed him suspiciously as he edged even closer to her. "Just you and I—,"

"And me!" Shippou cried loudly, bouncing high and low behind the two. "I'm not invisible, you know!" He then watched as Miroku's hand snaked down to the "Gluteus Maximus", which Kagome had taught him from her "An-a-tum-my" book, and knew what he had to do. "Freeze right there! Don't think I don't see you trying to pat Sango's butt!"

Sango's eyes widened. "What!"

Miroku momentarily considered making a run for it, but knew it was useless; she'd just get him with her Hiraikotsu, and that would hurt even more. So he just braced himself and winced when he felt her hand fly across his left cheek. He was sure it left a mark.

Shippou hopped on to Sango's shoulder in a pet-like manner, staring at the monk smugly, while Sango herself only scowled. "Thank you, Shippou," she said with emphasis, distancing herself from Miroku. Shippou snickered.

Miroku sighed in disappointment. Tattle tale.

Bone Eater's Well

As Inuyasha stopped at the well, he instinctively sniffed his surroundings when a familiar scent caught his attention, and it was not Kagome's. It took him a few moments before he recognized the smell, and once he did, his nose subconsciously crinkled with disdain. That wolf was here. His stench was even on the well itself.

A sudden smirk claimed the Half-demon's lips as he walked up to the edge of the well. That idiot. He must have actually tried to jump in. The smirk transformed into a full grin as he saw Kouga leaping head-first into the well, only to hit solid ground at the bottom. Ah, the sweet sound of a wolf's cracking bones. Who knows, maybe he was still unconscious, laying on the cold soil, helpless.

Inuyasha shook his head vigorously, snapping out of his daydreams to get back on task. Leisurely he sprung over the edge and into the depths of time.

Tokyo

Inuyasha.

Inuyasha, why do you always have to be so stubborn?

Slowly, the half-breed took form before her, and it was like staring at a water's shimmering reflection. He stared back at her, his golden eyes soft and passionate, losing the arrogance and pride they once held. Kagome.

He's . . . calling me.

Kagome. . . Kagome. . . Kagome. . .

Kagome! Wake up!

Kagome stirred, her eyes opening to meet two glowing teal orbs.

"Ahhh!"

"Ah, you're awake. Morning, Kagome," Kouga said happily, backing away from her bedside.

"Kouga?" the disoriented girl slurred drowsily, wincing from the sudden sunlight. "W-what are you doing in my room?"

She had had no idea Kouga was a morning person.

"You've been sleeping for a long time," he explained, not wanting his mate to think that he had sat there just staring at her for hours. That would be creepy for anybody. "I just came in to check on you, make sure you were alright." He waited patiently for her response, watching as she sat upright and stretched, her movements sluggish and lazy.

She suddenly blushed. "I'm sorry," she said softly, running her slender fingers through her rich, dark locks, "I must look terrible."

How could she say something like that? Sure, her hair was a bit mussed from laying on it all night, but whose wasn't in the morning? Hell, his hair was always messy. Clean, but unkempt. Other than that, she was just as beautiful as the night before or any other time he paid her a visit. How could she possibly think she looked terrible? "Nonsense, you never look terrible, Kagome," he commented truthfully, leaning back against the wall with his arms folded.

He only made her blush more. But then again, he guessed that was a good thing.

He was about to give her second compliment when she looked over at a strange contraption that stood on the small table next to her and nearly yelped in shock. "Oh my gosh! I've been sleeping that long!"

It was already 10:00a.m.! She had been even more exhausted than she had thought. She gazed down at her chest to find the same blouse as the night before. Heck, she had fallen asleep before even changing into her pajamas. That's what hanging around with a guy like Inuyasha does to you I guess. But she had to get up now! She couldn't waste any time if she wanted to make it to the only review class before the biology exam on Monday. And if she didn't make it to this class, then she'd fail for sure. She had forty-five minutes to get ready. That was more than enough time to get ready, right?

Outside Higurashi Household

"Why the hell am I the one who always has to say sorry?" Inuyasha asked himself bitterly as he stared up at Kagome's window, a gentle spring breeze grazing his face. "She was the one who kept encouraging that stupid wolf to keep flattering her. Keh, I bet she liked it, too!"

But it really was the same thing every time. She'd always find some little thing to get mad about, and then blame it on him! Then she'd go home and lock herself in her room to study for her so called "egg-zams" so that she could get into "call-edge", which for some reason is sooooo much more important than finding Naraku and the jewel shards. Next the rest of the group would pressure him into going to get her, and when he would, she'd either get mad at him for no reason, or would have him help her with some human dilemma. It always turned out the same way. So how was this time going to be any different?

Well whether she liked it or not, she was coming back with him, even if he had to do it by force.

In one swift movement he leaped onto her window sill, but it was a wasted effort, because he nearly lost his footing as soon as he landed from the ghastly sight.

Gods, he had to be dreaming, because if he were, it was definitely a nightmare.

Kagome's Room

Hurriedly Kagome brushed her hair, which was no use, because it only became frizzy. Giving up, she instead drew it up into a pony tail, which she had to admit didn't look that bad. She stole a quick glance at Kouga and was glad to see he was behaving, still scanning the "Person Magazine" she had given him. She then diligently went back to work on her face, applying moisturizers and creams and of course— cover up (oh yes, we girls need our cover up (or at least I do)).

From his comfortable position on the bed, Kouga continued to flip through the pages of the peculiar book Kagome had given him. He stared with puzzlement at the odd pictures of women, all adorned in the same type of clothing that Kagome wore. Short, thin-fabric skirts, dresses that only covered one thigh. Wow, and I thought Kagome's style was unique.

"Ready," the school girl confirmed, staring at her reflection one last time. "It's good enough anyway."

As she turned to give instructions to her guest, something red inevitably caught her eye in the window. She immediately felt dread form like a tidal wave in the pit of her stomachand knew the possibility of who it could be. Despite the multiple protests ricocheting through her mind, she regretfully turned to see—

"Ahhhhh!"

Kouga's ears perkedat the sudden cry of distress. "What is it, Kagome! Are you al— . . ." his question slowly fade into a deep, vicious growl as he let his eyes follow his mate's gaze. So he can come here, too.

Inuyasha gawked with wide eyes as he took in the sight before him. WHAT THE HELL IS WOLF BOY DOING HERE!

Rage flooding his veins, he opened the window, nearly shattering it in his anger with his inhuman might. And she looked pathetic, putting on that innocent smile, acting as if Kouga weren't even there! Oh, did she have some explaining to do. Both of them had some explaining to do. And if he didn't like the explanation, he'd slaughter Kouga right there and then.

Kagome gave a nerve-wracking laugh, jumping in front of Kouga in order to block the half-breed's view. "I-inuyasha!" she stammered shakily, not certain as to what to say. "Uh— w-what are you doing here?" Not the best choice of words.

Inuyasha invited himself into her wolf-scented room. "The others wanted me to come get you," he paused to eye the other demon with scorn, "but it seems somebody's already done that, doesn't it?" A suspenseful silence followed before the poor

half-demon finally exploded. "Mind explaining what the HELL he's doing here!"

Kagome dashed forward to calm the savage beast. He literally looked like he was about to transform. "Listen to me, Inuyasha, this wasn't my idea! I never planned for Kouga to come here," the girl explained soothingly, ignoring the sudden huff from behind her. "He just happened to follow me and somehow got through the well!"

"How long has he been here?"

At hearing the unexpected question there was an audible gulp from Kagome. He's not gonna like this answer. "He spent the night."

"WHAT!"

"That's right dog-breath," Kouga cut in smugly, pushing Kagome out of the way in order to savor the mortified look on the mutt's face. This, had to be the best day in the wolf-demon's life.

"YOU TRAITOR!"

Hey, wait a minute! It was Kagome's turn to fume at such an accusation. Did he really see her as a slut! She placed her hands on her hips. "You've been hanging around with Miroku too long! Nothing happened, you pervert! Do I really look like the kind of girl that would go and do something like that!"

Yes. Though of course,Inuyasha was wise enough not to let this answer slip, because even with the Tetsusaiga he was afraid of her wrath. He took a quick second to skim her room, searching for anything suspicious, when he saw "IT". He was taken aback by the sight. H-how could she! Dazed he bent down to examine the two empty Ramen containers, feeling rejected and betrayed. "Good Gods, you ate Ramen with him," he said sadly, standing upright and throwing a dramatic hand to his forehead.

Though she didn't know why, Kagome couldn't help but feel sympathy for the depressed dog-demon. But before she could comfort him properly, the alarm caught her eye. 10:45! "Ahh! The review class!" she screeched, almost forgetting about the present crisis.

Four bewildered eyes followed her form as it headed to the door only to spin around at the last second. Kagome stood there and simply glowered them, looking as if she'd burst into tears. She didn't know what to do. She needed this class but she couldn't stand the thought of leaving Inuyasha and Kouga alone in her room in her time. The horror. But who knew, maybe Kouga would just leave since she wouldn't be there. Not likely. Not with Inuyasha here. She sighed heavily. "Look you two. I have got to go to this class, so I'm begging you, please," she was glad to see the two were hanging on her every word, "go back to your world. But, if you're so stubborn and decide to stay here, just please behave." With that said, she made her way into the hallway.

Just as the two began to relax, they found themselves become tense again as Kagome appeared one last time in the doorway. Only this time, her brows were furrowed and her voice was stern and low with warning. "And whatever you do, DO. NOT. LEAVE. THIS. HOUSE." Her form disappeared for the last time as the demons heard her footsteps rushing down the stairs.

They remained in the room stupefied, replaying her instructions in their heads, both unable to get them exactly right.

Kagome was gone, and had left them in her house, in her world, alone.

A/N: referring back to the (?); is that what he calls it, his staff? Or does he call it something else? Anyway! Yeah! Winter break at last! Recently got back from a cruise that had gone to Mexico. I didn't see ONE cute guy, just a bunch of old, fat, beer-bellied men in speedos. -

I think I'm scarred.