Gasp I'm actually putting out another chapter! What a concept… I'm inspired it seems and I don't want to lose the energy so I might as well get this chapter, 'Dances with Wolves' out to the public. I'm getting just as antsy as my readers to see how the chips will fall…

Kagome jerked awake with a startled gasp. Her ears were filled with the insistent and rhythmic pounding of her heart and her mind was muddled from sleep and some fading anxiety, a feeling of complete dread. She pressed her head against her pillow and took a deep breath, letting it out quickly in annoyance. For the life of her she couldn't recollect what occurred in her dream state that would cause her to panic, and thus wake at the break of day. Above her, the first pale rays of sunlight shyly peeked through the canopy of the forest and indigenous birds had already begun their morning chorus. The young miko forced her eyes to shut once more but could not find solace in sleep. Instead, she searched her thoughts hoping to grasp on to the feeling that had permeated her psyche only moments before and determine its source. There was nothing… Heaving a sigh, she let her eyes wander over the quiet camp. The fire had burn to naught but ashes and all were still in grasp of slumber, all except for herself. Beside Kagome, her young kitsune companion frowned in his asleep and muttered as if her distress had somehow permeated his dreams. Kagome stroked his auburn locks unconsciously, willing him cerun: yes"> Quietly, she extracted herself from Shippou's hold, collected some supplies; her bow and arrows, a blue backpack containing some school supplies, a small battery operated radio with a cd player, blanket and books, her bathing supplies and a large towel.

"I might as well make the most of my early start." She muttered to herself and quickly left the campsite in search of clean water. She remembered clearly that there was a huge pond somewhere nearby and needed desperately to wash away the grime of the previous day's journey. Within minutes she was standing before the pond. It was a picturesque sight, the limbs of willowy trees hung over the shore casting shade upon its banks where lilies gracefully spun and glide on the surface. Sunlight reflected of the calm, clear surface of the water, exposing small fish darting to and fro in its depths.

Kagome inhaled the scent of the forest, unsullied by the pollution and progress that evaded her time. It was refreshing but also evoked sadness in her soul.

It won't be long before I live all of this behind… I still don't belong here… I know it and everyone else knows it although not many dare say it… My days are indeed numbered if I manage to survive. I know I'll miss all of this… I'll miss the trees and the sweet air… I'll miss… Geez.. What am I getting all sentimental for? This journey is far from done and… Being home is great! I won't have to deal with sleeping on the hard ground any more and I'll have Mama's cooked meals. And, there won't be anymore overbearing jerks dogging my every move! It'll be great to be home… Great…

Kagome squared her shoulders and nodded briefly as if to say she'd made up her mind. After scanning the area for a suitable place to put down her things, she set up her small camp, spreading out a blanket on a large, flat rock hanging over the shore. She stepped back and observed her handiwork while brushing debris from her hands. Without another moments thought, she relieved herself of clothing, grabbed her supplies, wrapped a towel about her body and ran for the shore. She squealed as the cool pond water rushed over her toes and ankles as she waded deeper. Kagome removed her towel and tossed it back to shore when she was deep enough to cover herself. She stooped in the water, shivering at first, in order to let her body adjust to the temperatures. She was sensually aware of the cool water against her bare skin and her mind was alert to the vulnerability of situation. Usually, she had Sango as companion on her bathing trips and they both wore a towel whilst they bathed maintaining their modesty and keeping clear of prying eyes. Today Kagome had the desperate need to feel clean and wash away the grime of travel and the something more, a kind of grime and muddy uncertainty that clung beneath her tanned skin and spread to her thoughts. She wanted to be clean of trouble … of pain… of doubt… Kagome hesitated, thinking of the possible situations that could arise if she were caught in her current state and almost waded back to get her towel.

After a second, she shrugged and submerged herself fully and began to swim.

Why not abandon myself to the moment? Consequences be damned… Why can't I just enjoy a simple second in time? No worries... No fear… No thoughts, except that of joy… I can do that, can't I?

Her mind cleared instantly as her lithely muscled body cut through the water in precise strokes. Wherever she swam, the water seemed to part at her command. She dipped into the water completely becoming one with the water. All that mattered in that moment was the feel of the water currents gliding over her skin and the bubbles of her breath escaping from her mouth and stirred by her underwater expedition. It was relaxing exercise, calling to mind memories of her childhood. Her older cousin Yue called her "mermaid girl" often because of her adeptness in the water. Kagome would spend hours at a time, diving and cavorting in the pool during the summer. A small smile touched her lips at those fond memories. Things were much simple back then.

Not like now… That single thought ended her revelry and then she realized that her new all natural shampoo and soap were floating away. She gasped and went after them in a flurry of motion that sent water flying everywhere. When the young girl finally caught up to her stuff, she hastily washed herself and left the pond to dry off. After returning to her blanket and changing back into her travel clothes, Kagome began some reading for one of her many classes.

"Homework never stops coming…" She reminded herself sternly even as she groaned inwardly. She was behind in her Western Cultures class and they were currently studying the Regency Era of England and its affects on Japanese society. There was so much to take in: the events of the age, the booming trade routes, war, and the grand and strange style of the Elite forces that reigned supreme during the time period.

Kagome sat back as she considered the influence of the Western powers on Meiji Era Japan and its government, music, technology, and even their style of dress. Kagome laughed as she considered a life without jeans and a comfy t-shirt. She was certainly glad that the English fashion of cumbersome gowns and corsets had long passed or in this case, not begun as of yet. Only recently had Kagome begun to adapt her style of dress to that of the Feudal Japan in the form of the garb of demon slayers, a handmade gift from Sango. The taiji-ya rewarded the young miko with this after a long, hard practice. She remembered her best friend's quiet, proud words as she handed them to her.

"The ways of taiji-ya cannot die as long as there is someone to teach and someone willing to learn. You have gone above and beyond the limitations of your inexperience and I cannot say I could find anyone I would be more proud to see don the gear of a trained demon slayer."

Kagome's eyes welled with tears when the light suit of armor touched hands and then she nearly laughed as she noticed that all the accents of the outfit were of the same colors as her school uniform. Sango had salvaged some material from her ruined skirts and shirts. The suit of armor consisted of a black jumpsuit of durable cloth that allowed her to move much easier than the miko garb she been forced to wear occasionally when her clothes got completely ruined, and accented with a green demon hide breastplate rimmed in white. A short, tunic-like garment rest beneath the breastplate and over the jumpsuit, it was white and rimmed in band of green that had a line of white shot through its center. She also had wrist, shoulder, and shin guards that matched her breastplate. A single tie of red was used to keep Kagome's long and thick black hair up in a high ponytail and out of her face. Sango assisted her in dressing for the first time and stood back from her handiwork, observing its effect on Kagome's features.

"Well done…" was all that Sango would say although that short phrase held a wealth of emotion that Kagome understood and did not question.

Although, I can't help but to wonder how I would look wearing a gown from the Regency era… and waltzing… I've never really gotten to waltz before especially at a party. I'm sure I'd be branded as a weirdo for the rest of my life if I did… Not that I'm considered very normal now… Not with the sicknesses grandpa concocts for me. Nowadays, people stare at me like I'm going to burst into flames or give everyone a strange incurable rash. Even Hojo split on me not that that's really important…

Kagome sighed and put down her book. "What a loser I am…" she muttered in distaste and a wayward half giggle, half groan of despair escaped her lips, "and I got dumped by a guy who wasn't even my boyfriend…"

She shook her head sadly and then pulled her little radio from her bag. A cd was already inside waiting to be played. Despite her rush to return to Feudal Japan, Kagome remembered to place a cd, made by Ayumi, of the music she had to study for that aforementioned civilization class. It held music popular during the era in which she was now studying, some of Japanese composition and others from the west. Lying back on her blanket she let the sounds of the orchestra wash over her. Above her butterflies flit whimsically through rays of sunshine, they seemed to dance to delicate song of the flutes that flowed forth from her little radio. Violins weaved a path on the wind and the tinkling of a harp mimicked the light bouncing off the clear water of the pond.

It's the times like these that I live for… Kagome thought this even as her eyelids began to droop and warmth of the sun began to lull her into slumber. It was only moments later that she was jolted to full consciousness by a barrage of wind and the arrival of two shards and youkai… a youkai who could be none other than Kouga.

The young miko tensed for she did not want to deal with the wild wolf youkai at that moment or at all today if she could help it. For a split second, she wished that she could tell him that she didn't want to be bothered with his nonsense but she knew that she couldn't. In a fit of rage, she'd insulted and been mortifyingly rude to him the previous day. He deserved some sort of apology even though his unnecessary possessiveness grated on her already taunt nerves. She shaded her eyes as she looked up at the tall figure standing before her clad in the gear of his clan. However, it was disconcerting staring at him at such an angle so she hastily stood up and brushed her palms on the leg of her black jumpsuit.

I might as well get this over with… Kagome opened her mouth to speak but Kouga beat her to the punch.

"You look different. You're dressed like that other girl… What's her name…" Kouga stated.

"Sango... Oh yeah… she made it for me…" Kagome replied, a little off center because she had no idea where this conversation was going to go.

"Are you a taiji-ya now?"

"No… At least I don't think so. She's teaching me to fight though…" she answered, fully aware of the puzzlement seeping into her voice.

"Why the sudden need to learn to protect yourself?" Kouga asked bluntly.

Kagome could not shake the feeling of uneasiness that crept over as she conversed with her azure-eyed companion for while their conversation was quite mundane, there was a tinge of unwanted intimacy. The young priestess became more apprehensive with each trite question because she was well aware of the how very close the wolf demon, Kouga, was to her being. Her awareness increased even more as she realized that this particular wolf demon was very male and no longer hindered by resistance from Inu Yasha.

Kagome shifted as Kouga stepped a bit closer, "Huh? What was the last question you asked, Kouga-kun?"

"It wasn't a question really…" the wolf demon replied as his intense blue eyes slanted down upon her. "I said you don't really need to defend yourself anymore… With Inu Yasha out of the way, I will be here to make sure you're safe now. And, once this Naraku guy is out of the way, you can come back with me and help rebuild my clan. With you by my side, I just know that I can do it…"

Kagome's cheeks reddened in embarrassment as her mind conjured the full implications of Kouga's words. Kagura and Kanna's debut had all but wiped out Kouga's tribe. She rubbed her palms nervously on her pants as she struggled to find some suitable reply.

"Oh… Kouga-kun… I…" She stumbled and stuttered but no proper response would escape her lips.

So what's so wrong with Kouga, eh? He's hot, right? And he seems to like you and all…

Yes… yes, that's true… but...

But what?

I just don't…

What are you hesitating for? He really wants you… Who cares about a rebound? What are you waiting on? Inu Yasha?

No!

He's not changing his mind you know… Don't be such a pitiful child… Sometimes, you just have to take what you can get…

It will be the perfect revenge!

What are you waiting for?

Kagome shook her head as slightly to clear her thoughts. What am I thinking? I can't simply run off with Kouga-kun out of spite. I mean I like Kouga and all, but… I've never felt anything more for him than that of a friend. I would be hurting him and me if I lead him on. I have got to stop this before it goes too far…

"Don't you think it's about time that I actually did?" Kagome retorted, "I mean what have I been good for other than giving Inu Yasha and the rest a diversion. I'm always getting kidnapped or jumping into stupid situations without an actual defense. I think I should…"

The young miko was cut short as the wolf demon closed the space between them and wrapped her in a tight embrace. She let out a muffled squeak as her face made contact with his lightly armored chest. A growl rumbled in Kouga's chest and Kagome could feel the vibrations throughout her body. She was disconcerted and more than a little embarrassed by Kouga's sudden display of affection.

Oh great… This is just what I didn't need to happen. I can't even get a moment's worth of peace around here. Now how do I get out of this situation with as little embarrassment as possible?

Her cheeks flared with color as she tried to wriggle out of his muscular arms. Realizing that Kouga had not noticed her efforts to escape, Kagome prepared to struggle in earnest but paused as she heard him speak.

"That bastard…" he growled in anger.

"Nani?" Kagome replied, despite herself.

"I left you in his care because you weren't ready to accept me yet and he couldn't even protect you properly… The fuck up even forced you to fend for yourself…" Kouga said as his grip on her tightened.

"He didn't force me to… Kami-sama, I can barely breathe let alone reply to your ranting and raving if you don't release me." Kagome sputtered.

"Oh…" The wolf demon loosened his hold just a bit but did not release Kagome from the circle of his arms.

She splayed her fingers on his chest as she pushed back to eliminate some of the unnecessary contact as she spoke, "I'm learning to fight simply because I want to learn. I need to fend for myself. I can't always depend on everyone else to carry my responsibility. There will come a time when..." Kagome's dark brown eyes narrowed as she noticed that the blue-eyed wolf demon was distracted and therefore, not attentive to her lecture. "Kouga-kun," she snapped irately, "Are you even listening to me?"

Kouga shook his dark head, "I can't concentrate until I figure out what in the seven hells that sound is…"

The young miko ceased her simultaneous efforts to glare the young wolf demon out of continence and wedge some space between them, and listened. "Sound? What sound… Oh… my radio."

"Ray…di…oh… what the fuck is that?" Kouga growled in suspicion.

"I'll show you if you let me free…" Kagome said and then breathed a sigh of relief as his arms finally fell away from her person.

She spent the ten minutes or so demonstrating how her radio worked. The little device fascinated Kouga until he wished to operate for himself. However, that did not go over so well and the wolf youkai nearly broke the poor radio in his impatience. Kagome ended up confiscating the device and scolding Kouga for his unnecessary coarseness.

"Are you sure it's not an enchantment that makes that thing work?" Kouga asked for seemed like the thousandth time since he discovered the radio.

His companion sighed in resignation as she knelt down to put her radio back on the blanket, "Sure, Kouga-kun… It's magic, really special magic."

A roguish grim split his features as he crowed in triumph, "I knew it. Otherwise, it just doesn't make sense that it would keep going. And this music, it doesn't sound like any music I've heard. It's strange… I can't see myself being revved up for war listening to that."

Kagome straightened up and nearly slapped her forehead in frustration. Instead, she just settled for another irritated sigh, "I told you it's not a war song or for fighting at all. Women are supposed to dress in pretty gowns and the men wear nice suits. Then they all dance in halls filled with candlelight."

Kouga scratched his head puzzlement, "Sounds pretty useless to me…"

"Guys from the feudal era are completely un-romantic… Believe it or not, there is more to life then grunting and fighting." Kagome sniffed in disdain.

"Is there?" Kouga replied, his azure blue eyes intently focused on her and his voice a little huskier than usual.

Kagome was so annoyed she totally missed the warning, "Yes, there's plenty more. It just seems like everyone is into fighting this war or gaining this power, or… Kouga-kun? What are you doing?"

The youkai leader's hands wrapped about her waist and pulled her close once more, "So Kagome, you say they dance to music like this where you come from…"

"Uhhh… no not really anymore…" Kagome blushed profusely, this time she was clearly aware of Kouga's intent.

"Well… teach me how," he demanded softly.

"I… uhh… ummm…. I'm not sure how to go about it exactly and… and I don't know if it's a good idea to try…" the young miko's heart was pounding wildly and her chest as she franticly sought some route of escape.

"Here's a deal… You teach me how to dance to this music and I'll teach you… a thing or two about…" Kouga paused, effectively drawing out his statement, "fighting…"

Kagome pulled a face and then frowned, "I… uhh… I guess that would be okay…"

"You know what I like about you." Kouga smiled even as his grip tightened.

"… I wouldn't know..."

"You always get into trouble…"

Kagome gasped in outrage, "That's not something to good."

The wolf youkai only chuckled in response, "You're human and frail. Being able to protect you makes me feel stronger…"

She bit her lip in order to not point out that Inu Yasha not Kouga had ever taken the true responsibility of watching out for her safety.

"That's why I didn't want you to learn how to fight. I know that once you do there would be no use for me." Kouga continued gruffly, "Unless, you allow me to be your mate."

"Kouga… I can't…" Kagome began sadly.

He shook his head slightly and silenced her by gently placing the tip of his finger over her lips. "Don't answer now… Wait until this whole thing is finished. It's easier to think in peaceful times. Then, I'll accept any decision you choose to make. For now, let's just dance."

Kagome nodded in acceptance of his reprieve. She was not enthusiastic about dashing his hopes in the dust and she didn't mind so much having him around to be honest. However, she knew deep down that she didn't love him and maybe couldn't love him, not when her heart had not even begun to heal. She took a deep breath and smiled a smile that was too bright and enthusiastic to be real. "Okay, well first we have to do the proper greeting, that dancers do when they meet on the floor."

"Greeting?" Kouga said he stepped back at Kagome's coaxing.

"Yes. A gentleman always bows to a lady and the lady curtsies to her partner." Kagome instructed.

"You what to who?" Kouga rejoined in confusion.

"Just pay attention," she grumbled as she demonstrated. "The man does this…" She followed this with a deep bow. "The lady does this in response." Kagome then sank into deep court-style curtsy, all the while grasping her imaginary skirts.

"Well, that's an odd way to start…"

Kagome's eyebrow twitched and her teeth clenched into a tight smile as she continued, "Well, that's the way it is done or so I've been told. Would you like me to teach you or not…"

Kouga merely shrugged, "What the hell. We've gotten this far, we might as well get through the whole ordeal."

The young miko mentally boxed her "dance partner's" ears even as she spoke, "You have to bow first and then I'll continue."

He complied, bowing deeply and with much flourish. Afterwards, he quirked an ebony eyebrow and smirked at Kagome as if to dare her to comment. His companion complied readily for she realized that Kouga was being quite irreverent on purpose.

"You catch on easily…" she retorted, her voice liberally laced with sarcasm.

Kouga flashed a toothy smile as he spoke. "I couldn't help it. You look adorable when you're irritated."

Kagome bit the inside of her cheek to keep from smiling and glared, "If you think I'm adorable now, you'll think I'm a supermodel if you keep misbehaving…"

"Supermodel?"

The young miko threw up her hands in exasperation, "It's nothing… Can we speed this along please?"

Kouga let out a sharp bark of laughter at her pique but cooperated. Things began to move along smoothly with just a bit of awkwardness when Kagome had to step once again into the wolf demon's embrace albeit with more space between them. Kouga piercing azure–eyed gaze made her blush before she shook off her nervousness and queued him to begin the waltz.

"Remember," she reminded him a bit shakily. "Count the steps…"

Kouga only nodded in response and his grip tightened about her waist. It was no time at all before they were dipping and whirling in circles in the secluded clearing. Kouga proved himself to be quite the dancer as well; his movements were graceful and exact. Kagome found that she was enjoying herself immensely, enjoying herself so much in fact that she hadn't noticed that the sly wolf youkai had drawn her closer. She was far too busy laughing at the exhilarating feeling of being whirled about in such an elegant fashion. The music had ended before she realized how close together she and her partner. The enchantment of the moment melted away and she was left with a feeling of apprehension as her gaze met Kouga's. The wolf youkai's eyes were heavily lidded and even so, those bright azure eyes conveyed emotions that were far from familial and more extreme than friendly. The gravity of the situation finally hit Kagome's brain as his lips began their descent. Her mouth went dry and she struggled to say something, anything. Time seemed to move in slow motion as her mind raced with too many thoughts to count and her heart thumped loudly in her ears.

I…

She could feel the warmth of his breath on her face.

I…

He was so close that if she leaned in their lips would meet.

I…

By now most girls had their first kiss. Why not her?

Because I…

He was so close… so close…

I just…

Kagome felt her heart jolt as she nearly leaned in to him and then abruptly turned her face away. His warm lips landed on her cheek.

I just can't do this…

She felt her eyes well with tears and even though she wasn't looking at Kouga, she could feel his disappointment.

"Gomen nasai, Kouga-kun. You know I can't… Not just now…" she whispered still looking away.

His warm, calloused fingers gently gripped her chin and turned her face towards his as he spoke, "No… I should apologize. I got swept away… I said I would wait and I still will…" With that, he pressed a quick kiss on her forehead and released her entirely; "I'll meet you back at camp. I don't think I can trust myself to behave if I stay here with you any longer."

Kagome only nodded in response and then briefly watched him walk away. She knew deep down that even though he tried to make light of the situation, Kouga was wounded by her rejection. She could see the brief flash of pain in his eyes and it bothered her now to recall it. She turned away and wrapped her arms about her body because she suddenly felt cold.

"Kagome?"

She turned abruptly at the sound of Kouga's voice, sending her heavy and slightly damp ebony hair spilling over her shoulders, "Hai, Kouga-kun?"

"I…" He began and then paused as if uncertain what to say, "I don't know what that bastard did to make you so devoted to him but, know this… One day, if you allow me, I will make you forget him…"

With those parting words, Kouga walked away, leaving Kagome to her thoughts.

"I'm such a fool…" she sighed unhappily and then went about packing her things. She wanted no more of this privacy she previously sought. Her thoughts were too tangled and sad to contemplate.

She was so absorbed with quitting the once peaceful clearing; she was totally unaware that she was being observed. The awareness of a youkai's presence tickled the edge of her mind, but did not fully compute. She ignored it, just as she tried to ignore her own thoughts and forget the things that recently happened. Haltingly, the young priestess removed herself from the clearing quickly and did not turn back.

He hadn't meant to spy on her all that time. No, it wasn't his intent but once he caught sight of her he could not will himself to leave. She was so beautiful and graceful that he was mesmerized. Remembering the clumsy girl she once was and seeing the woman that she was becoming held him in awe. Gone were the supple curves of adolescence and soft living. In their place lie a lithe elegance and toned body that was still curvaceous. His blatant spying had not been out of perversion, well not really… There was many a time when he saw Kagome's naked body and he thought himself at least partially immune to the hentai habits and thoughts that seemed to circulate around his houshi friend, Miroku. Today, like so many days in the past, Inu Yasha appointed himself Kagome's personal, and secret, bodyguard when she decided to go out on her own.

It had been a routine of sorts that he'd been unable to break since they first met. After growing attached to the unusual girl, Inu Yasha developed this uncanny need to know that she was safe no matter where she happened to be. Even when she hopped through the well and into a time with which she was most familiar and safe, he needed to know, see, and hear that Kagome was out of harm's way. If she only knew… He'd probably be dead. The short tempered vixen that was Kagome would never let Inu Yasha away unscathed had she discovered that he was 'protecting' her even in the baths. Nowadays, he was sure she wouldn't think twice about sitting him into oblivion. Just the thought of that god-awful spell made him shudder. Recently, kissing the dirt had become his expertise.

Not that I don't deserve whatever punishment Kagome decides to mete out… I've been a real bastard… Nowadays, I can't even help it anymore.

Inu Yasha suppressed a wince at all the pain he'd purposefully caused her. Someone with a weaker constitution would have left long ago but Kagome was far too stubborn, far too compassionate, and far to dedicated to just walk away. The half inu-youkai shook his silver haired head even as his amber eyes refused to wander away from the object of his thoughts.

I took for granted just how stubborn and strong she was. To say I misjudged her would be an understatement. I know for sure now that it would have been simpler if I just told her the truth. It would have been easy on both of us to say the least. But I can never say exactly what I feel, can I? I would have managed to fuck up the truth just as I've fucked up everything else. It's nothing for it now, is there? No fucking time left for regrets… Times running out and I know it. I feel it in my gut… and yet she's still here. I wanted her to leave and not look back. I wanted her to be mad enough to forget this place, this time and me. I failed in this and I'm afraid that when the time comes I'll fail her then… By then, she won't want anything I have to offer…

He watched from his perch high in a tree as Kagome's body cut through the water as if she commanded it to part. She moved as gracefully in the water as she did on land. He'd watched while she practiced with Sango more times than he cared to admit to anyone let alone himself. He was proud of the way she fought and saw her potential. Sango seemed to be an adequate teacher. He knew for a fact that Sango had somehow known he was there. The taiji-ya cast suspicious, warning glances at him every now and again but never asked questions. There was also puzzlement in her eyes when she chanced to look at him at all, so he knew that Miroku had not enlightened her any to the tangled mess that was his relationship with her friend.

I almost wish he had…

He was distracted from his train of thoughts as he watched Kagome abruptly stop swimming. She seemed bothered and it made Inu Yasha sniff at the air, wondering if she had somehow sensed a youkai in the area. Upon further inspection, the hanyou noticed that she seemed more irritated than alarmed.

Perhaps she has just as much on her mind as I do… I dare not ask and somehow I don't think I want to really know. Then again, I know exactly where I stand in her eyes… It just hurts more when she says it.

His sharp claws involuntary dug into the resistant bark of the branch on which he was perched while he watched her emerge from the water. Her lightly tanned body glistened in the sunlight and he could see her muscles flex beneath her smooth skin. Inu Yasha swallowed hard as his mouth went dry and then he shook his head as if to clear his thoughts. She was so beautiful… He'd known it long ago and he knew it now. She was so beautiful that it hurt. Unsuppressed longing for the young miko coursed through his bloodstream and his heart thudded loud in his ears.

I really shouldn't be here… I should go…

But, he didn't move, couldn't move. His body felt like lead and he could not summon the effort to make himself leave. Instead he shut his eyes tight, depriving him of the sight of Kagome. Even so, his ears were honed upon her. He heard ever rustle and soft sigh, every twig that she trod upon and every little song she hummed whilst she dressed. It was really too much and not enough to be honest. He missed the way she smiled at him and the way they used to talk. He missed the way she felt pressed so close to him when he carried her. He missed the little things she did: a glance, a light touch, a sigh. At one time, Inu Yasha was sure that Kagome could see straight into his soul when she looked him the eyes. It made him unsure of himself and scared that she would see all the blood that stained his past and he was deathly afraid that one day she would see him for what he truly was, weak and afraid, a useless half-breed orphan. This single insecurity made it hard for him to just be comfortable in her presence. He needed to erect those walls in order to keep Kagome out. However, his resistance to her crumbled gradually and far too easily. She managed to lay bare emotions he denied he'd known. Now more than ever, he wished that he hadn't grown so close. It would have been easier to set things right and make it so Kagome was safe and sound in her own time. He could have destroyed that well so long ago… but he hadn't. He'd set beside that well many times in the past contemplating whether or not he should seal her away for good. Each and every time he tried, his heart would wrench at the thought of not being near Kagome. He'd been weak then and now his inability caused her more pain now. He was failing her just like he'd failed Kikyo long ago…

I really should not be anywhere near her. My body is unpredictable nowadays. I'm not so sure what's happening to me and… I wouldn't want to hurt her anymore than I have… I couldn't forgive myself if I harmed her…

Inu Yasha's amber eyes opened and he blinked to clear his vision. His gaze returned to the subject of his thoughts instantly. Kagome lie on her blanket reading one of her books, probably for a test or weird task she needed to complete for school. The sound of music tickled his ears and lull of unfamiliar instruments puzzled him.

This doesn't sound like any of the music I've heard her play on that thing before…

Inu Yasha's train of thought jarred to a stop as a familiar scent drifted to him on the wind. Fuck…

He could tell that Kagome sensed it too. Helpless anger filled because he knew that there was nothing he could say or do to prevent his obnoxious rival, Kouga, from having time alone with his "woman". When Kouga arrived, the hanyou ground his teeth in barely restrained frustration and his claws went from digging into the tree upon which he perched to tearing it apart. Pieces splintered away and fell unnoticed to the ground below.

Everything became a red blur after that. Somehow, the pair's interaction went from casual conversation to touching. They were touching! Kagome seemed to be enjoying herself immensely, while Kouga simultaneously twirled her in tight circles and pulled her closer. Inu Yasha could not remember a time went he was so angry or so hurt. Jealousy poured through his veins like acid and he barely restrained himself. He'd felt this way only once before. The night of the new moon had left him shaken and deathly afraid of his own reaction to the mere thought of Kagome being with Kouga. Now it was real…

How dare he touch her… I should kill him… No wait… I should make him suffer… then kill him…

Inu Yasha clutched his head in agony as his head filled with a barrage of deadly confusing thoughts. He nearly cried out but his cry stuck in his throat. His demon blood surged through his body, leaving him gasping and shuddering for control.

Go make him suffer... Make him suffer the way you suffer…

No… I can't go… I can't… Might hurt Kagome…

She's yours… She's yours by right… That bastard has to pay…

I can't… No matter what, I won't put Kagome in harm's way…

His inner battle blinded him to the scene below. It took all of his strength to fight off the blood lust of his demon half and by the time he managed this feat, Kagome and Kouga were gone. He collapsed against the tree trunk and his chest heaved in painful gasps. His thoughts clamored through his head and his initial rage simmered down until it was replaced with bitterness and anguish.

Oh Gods… I can't believe I saw that… I can't believe she would want him… I don't want to believe…

Inu Yasha's chest still heaved painfully and the beginnings of tears formed in his blood-shot amber eyes but he refused to let them fall. Instead, he wiped them away roughly and stood.

I need to get away… I need to get away from here…

He took off in the opposite direction of the campsite with unseeing eyes, hoping to put some distance between himself and the scene he just witnessed…

Yeah… this is the end of the chapter for now… Maybe the next chapter will be "Fighting with Hanyous…"and maybe not. Whatever the case, believe me when I say things are going to get crazy. Sesshoumaru and the gang are going to make their appearance and perhaps we might get a glimpse of what the enemy has planned. Sorry for the delay. I'm still around. Never doubt it.

Domo Arigato Gozaimasu!