Teach Me Heartache

Chapter 4: incessant, relentless

Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, do you think I wouldn't charge you for reading this?

A/N: Arigatou gozaimasu! 57 reviews for 3 chapters! I never even imagined…thanks so much! And thanks for understand that I can't update everyday because we have quizzes at school everyday! Grr.

-X-

Kagome felt hot and cold at the same time.

His lips slanted over hers, sending shivers racing up her spine in anticipation. Heat pooled low down her belly and before Kagome could think about it, she was kissing him just as passionately, arms wrapping around his neck.

The moment Kagome's mouth yielded beneath his – which was like, five seconds – Inuyasha crushed her slim body to his, hands running up and down her sides.

Euphoria. It got Kagome as high as any drug addict. Low moans escaped both their throats, a testimony to how much they were enjoying this first kiss.

Inuyasha sure was warm and he was one hell of a kisser.

Something rang across Kagome's mind as she felt a rough hand inch higher to her breasts. That ringing turned into a full chorus of bells that stiffened her entire body.

Wait just a freakin minute, Kagome's mind thought, though sluggishly since she was still being kissed so thoroughly. W-Who…t-this is…

Kagome's eyes widened in horror as she finally regained some semblance of awareness. Inuyasha was still attacking her lips hungrily, licking and nibbling away happily.

INUYASHA!

With a small scream, Kagome pushed Inuyasha away, disentangling her arms from his neck. As Inuyasha stumbled back, a shocked look passing over his dazed features, Kagome slapped his right cheek with her free hand furiously.

The sound seemed so loud in the almost pitch-black greenhouse. Kagome brought her fingers to her mouth, touching the warm and bruised lips. Humiliation and fury crashed against her, the waves burying the dizzying want she had felt earlier. Tears sprang to Kagome's mortified brown eyes as she glared at Inuyasha who was regaining his balance, placing a hand on his offended cheek.

"What the hell – " Inuyasha chocked out in indignation, his sore cheek stinging. He raised his amber eyes to Kagome, who was trembling in her anger.

"Fuck, what was that for, Kagome!"

Kagome narrowed her tearful eyes. She wasn't sure why she was crying. Maybe because Inuyasha – her hated, loathed and resented archenemy that has tormented her ever since she was little – had just kissed her and she had just obviously kissed him back! Oh, it was so shameful!

"I should be the one to ask you that." Her voice shook with rage and she just wanted to slap, punch, stomp and stab the golden-eyed hanyou in front of her. "Why did you just kiss me?" Kagome demanded, her voice faltering softly.

Inuyasha gave her a perplexed look. "I thought you wanted me to kiss you," he said surely to her. Sadly, it wasn't the right answer.

"WHAT? Are you delusional? In case you haven't forgotten, we're enemies, Inuyasha, and even if we had a temporary truce, I still hate your disgusting guts!" Kagome wiped at her eyes and if looks could kill, Inuyasha would have died ten times by now. He stared at her blankly for a while.

Inuyasha's hand fell from his cheek. "Oh, so when you said to Sango that you were attracted to me and wanted to jump me, you were lying?" Inuyasha asked skeptically. He sure was a slow one.

An enraged gasp escaped from Kagome and she covered her mouth. Her expression clearly spoke scandalized. "Y-You heard that!" Kagome shrieked, disbelief and utter embarrassment drowning her now. Oh why couldn't the floor just open up and swallow her?

The hanyou nodded. "Yeah. I did." He didn't even have the grace to look guilty at eavesdropping in on a private conversation.

Men, Kagome thought crossly. But, of course, she couldn't admit to Inuyasha that she hadn't been lying when she told Sango her secret.

"I…I…yeah, I was lying," Kagome quickly fibbed, averting her eyes away. She really should learn how to lie properly. It seemed that lying was a main necessity to human life, even if you didn't want to do it.

Inuyasha cocked his head, confused. He sure was taking all of this better than she could have imagined. Still, Kagome had never dreamed of a scene like this.

Kagome fiddled with her thumbs, a sure sign that she was nervous. Inuyasha noted this but just remained quiet. Her lips were nicely swollen from his kisses and pride surged in him, knowing he did that.

She's probably never been kissed like that, Inuyasha thought, his mind wandering from the girl's stumbling explanation.

Kagome was stammering, "So yeah, I, um, wasn't telling Sango the t-truth…I am, er, SO not attracted to you." She was lying through her teeth, of course. But that was the only way to save face. She licked her tingling lips nervously, and even in the dim light, saw his eyes darken with desire.

She automatically backed away. She loved his kiss, but would rather go to hell than admit that. After all, they are enemies.

Inuyasha saw the wariness spark in Kagome's eyes and let out a sigh. He wanted nothing more than to ravish her again and probably take her right then and there. But that would be harassment, especially if she didn't want to.

But somehow, despite her stuttered protests, Kagome seemed to want it. Maybe she was just shy. Inuyasha snorted at the thought.

Still, he decided to push her a little.

"Why did you lie to Sango that you're attracted to me in the first place?" Inuyasha asked, watching her face intently. Damned lovely…

Kagome's eyebrows furrowed. Damn, she hadn't expected him to ask that. She was attracted to him, but she was trying to make him believe she wasn't. Now, if Kagome really wasn't, then why lie to Sango that she was?

Kagome had no answer.

A long, very tense silence developed, in which a wide, knowing smile blossomed on his handsome face.

Kagome wanted to stomp her foot in frustration. Bugger! Though she wasn't British, it was a proper curse for the moment.

And then, totally like a guardian angel, Sesshoumaru appeared, quite suddenly, behind Inuyasha. His long white-silvery hair flowed down over his back and his amber eyes shimmered in the darkness.

"Boo."

Inuyasha and Kagome jumped, startled. Inuyasha, even with his stellar hearing, didn't even hear his older brother entering the greenhouse or the door opening. Just like a ghost…

Sesshoumaru arched an eyebrow at their pale faces. "I'm not a monster, you know. I look far from one." Then he turned to Kagome and nodded. "Kagome-chan, you're supposed to be leaving already."

The brightest, most thankful look spread on her face and she could barely suppress her relief. "Oh god, thank you, Sesshy-chan! Thank you!"

In her respite, she leaned up to him and kissed his smooth cheek – much to Inuyasha's annoyance – before she rushed outside the greenhouse then went inside the mansion.

Inuyasha scowled at his brother, crossing his arms over his chest.

The older brother's eyebrows lifted. "What?"

X-

"Did you have fun with Inuyasha, dear?" Mrs. Higurashi asked.

Mrs. Yoshihiro beamed.

But Kagome ignored them, grabbed her shoulder bag from the chair, and then went outside, dying to get out of within a ten-mile radius from Inuyasha.

Both mothers blinked at each other. "What was all that about?"

X-

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring. RING!

"Hi, this is Sango and if it isn't obvious yet, I'm not here so kindly leave a message and I'll return the call as soon as I can. Your welcome!"

Kagome made a disgusted sound and slammed the receiver down angrily. Where was Sango when you needed her?

She's probably out with Miroku! Urgh. Tonight has been a disaster!

She covered her face with her hands; cheeks burning as the incident effortlessly entered her mind again…for the thousandth time that hour alone.

Kagome's lips tingled at the memory and she groaned. Why won't it go away! If she could just erase that damn memory, she'd be peachy right now.

But…she had to admit – very, very reluctantly – it was as good as she imagined it to be. Better even. Way better. Kagome wasn't exactly that inexperienced when it came to kissing. It's not like she didn't have boyfriends before. But none of them, to her memory, was as wonderful as Inuyasha's had been.

And that's precisely why I have to stop this!

Kagome jumped from her bed and went into the adjoined bathroom. Though she lived in a shrine, they weren't that poor. Once inside and room lighted, she immediately brushed her teeth thoroughly again. Actually, the first thing Kagome did when they arrived home was to race to her bathroom and brush the taste of Inuyasha from her mouth. Though it did strange – and way too wonderful to be wholesome – things to Kagome's system – and imagination – it was too dangerous.

What would people think when they found out she was…was harboring shameless desires for her archenemy? They'd be shocked and horrified.

And it seems Inuyasha feels the same way! If that kiss didn't give it away, something more south sure did! That pesky voice was back in her head again! Kagome thought it had disappeared but it seemed that she was wrong.

It had come back to haunt her.

When Kagome felt that her gums couldn't take anymore, she left the bathroom after turning it off. The phone – with her own line, of course, because Souta loved to listen to her private calls – was lying on her bed, amidst the coiled and creased blankets strewn messily around.

She crawled on her bed and reached the phone, pressing the speed number for Sango again. "I hope she's already home or I'll scream if I get her answering machine again," Kagome muttered impatiently.

But as before, it went on ringing and ringing. Kagome was really past patience now. But she was also desperate. She was so confused and needed someone – preferably her best friend – to talk to.

So when Kagome got the answering machine again, she unloaded her problem as much as she dared.

And that wasn't plenty.

"Sango, I, um, something happened," she whispered softly to the receiver, knowing that if she spoke loud, her voice would carry down to the living room and to the ears of her best friend's parents. God knows it's as quiet as a monastery in their home.

"Um, please call as quickly as you can, since, er, I think your vision came true…only I think I'd favor death over this…it's a catastrophe so please, please, please call back as soon, okay!"

Kagome put down the phone and groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I am in SUCH deep trouble!"

-X-

If it were up to Kagome, she wouldn't have gone to school the following day.

Actually, she wouldn't have left her house at all, period.

But her mother wouldn't hear of it and practically pushed her daughter out of the house. There, Kagome figured she'd just skip school that day; she was that desperate. Then, choosing a perfectly crummy time for Mrs. Higurashi's mother instincts to show themselves, decided to drive her daughter to school herself, ensuring that Kagome wouldn't get away.

This, Kagome thought, was the end. Okay, maybe she was being a tad melodramatic, but it was an understatement that Kagome was more than reluctant to see Kagome, so soon after that unforgettable scene last night.

She'd had dreams – not particularly unpleasant ones, but so surprising in quality and detail that she'd been shocked. She knew she was an imaginative girl, but last night's dreams, really! – and had slept fitfully, fearing what would happen at school tomorrow.

Would Inuyasha ignore everything that had happened? (Kagome hoped but was unlikely to happen)

Would he openly talk about it, with thousand of snoopy ears listening?

Kagome didn't know which one was worse, due to different reasons.

And to top it all off, Sango hadn't called back. That girl must have had too much fun with Miroku last night. It would have eased her stress more if Sango had offered a few words of wisdom and comfort, after the screaming and shocked profanities, of course.

Besides, having long ago acknowledged that she had purely physical – honestly! – feelings for Inuyasha, the thing Kagome was most afraid of was her reaction.

Maybe…Inuyasha would want more…and persist…and perhaps, quite unlikely, of course, want a purely physical relationship with her…then what if…what if…she'd agree!

Kagome violently shook her head, cursing herself for even entertaining such a stupid, stupid, stupid thought!

She breathed out a strained sigh, hoisting her backpack higher on her shoulders, keeping her head lowered. Kagome didn't want to be recognized by Inuyasha today, wanting to avoid him at ALL COST, and though she'd steered clear of Inuyasha before, she was quite sure that he'd be looking for her; Kagome took special care to look as inconspicuous as possible.

Her hair was down, rather than its almost usual ponytail and for the first time, Kagome was glad their school had its uniform policy so everyone looked nice and the same; she also stayed away from the school's hotspots.

Kagome tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, looking around the crowd surreptitiously, hoping not to see silvery-white strands of hair or two adorable dog ears.

"Hey, Kagome, what are you doing?"

The obnoxious voice asked from directly behind her and Kagome froze just as her heartbeat increased dangerously.

Of course, the voice could just be an awful trick of her head.

A sharp claw carefully tapped her shoulder as the obnoxious voice spoke again, "Are you listening to me, wench, or have you gone deaf overnight?"

Her heart skipped a beat, but irritation gradually made her limbs mobile once more. As much as Kagome dreaded this, she still couldn't help but feel annoyance for the infuriating hanyou.

Her shoulders stiffened and Kagome turned around, glaring. "No. And why are you here?"

Inuyasha's eyebrow arched. "I go to school here. Whatever." Suddenly, in one of those rare moments in history, a serious look came over Inuyasha's face. "Listen; about last night…we need to talk..."

Kagome winced. Damn, she had hoped he'd forgotten. She pinned a bright smile on her face. "Hey, trust me, we have absolutely nothing to talk about. So, I still have class, so I'll be going now!" She turned around, ready to bolt, when a big hand gently but firmly circled her wrist.

A white jolt of something sizzled between them, starting from where their skin made contact, increasing in pressure and scorching as it spread outward, heightening each of their senses.

Inuyasha quickly pulled his hand away, clutching it with his other one, a look of shock on his face. He'd had all kinds of far-flung sexual exploits, but none of them had been this powerful, this obvious and by the mere touching of hands!

Kagome was equally, if not more, surprised. Being the good girl, she's been wholesome all this time even after having boyfriends, until in thought recently these past few weeks. And just last night…Kagome's lips tingled with memory, and she cast it furiously away. That thing that had just passed still cursed through her, like little hissing fires that would ignite at the smallest nudge.

Inuyasha leaned forward, towering over the petite girl. "You felt that too, right?" His voice was earnest and his eyes were intensely peering at her. Kagome blinked furiously, trying helplessly not to fall into the amber spell.

Kagome took a step back, the hand that Inuyasha had touched pressed securely to her chest. "N-No. What on earth are you talking about?" She inwardly flinched at her not-so-steady voice.

People were walking past them, only giving them minimal curious glances. In their heads was: typical everyday occurrence. Without it, the day would seem unusual.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes at the girl's stubbornness. He took another step towards her, and she took another step back.

"As I said, there's nothing!" Kagome firmly insisted, eyes darting sideways, looking for an escape. Oh, if Sango would only show up, then at least she'd be safe this time!

Then a swinging motion caught her eye and she looked at it through the corner of her eyes. It was the girl's bathroom. An idea sparked in her head. Inuyasha couldn't go inside the girl's bathroom; that would be totally embarrassing and a one-way ticket to detention.

"Uh…actually Inuyasha," Kagome quickly said, clearing her throat. The hanyou looked at her expectantly. Kagome slowly inched away. "I…just…need…to…" then she spoke in a rush, dashing for it, "go to the girl's bathroom!"

Before Inuyasha could react, Kagome sprinted to the girl's bathroom, closing the door securely behind her. It was a clean, medium-sized, nicely-scented, tile bathroom.

Inuyasha growled as he glared at the closed door. He brought up his fist and was about to pound on the door in his frustration, when a shadow fell over him and a severe voice spoke, "Mr. Inuyasha, what are you doing?"

Inuyasha whipped around and saw Mrs. Yoko, the strictest teacher in school, notorious for handing out more detentions than any other teacher combined in their school's history.

"Mrs. Yoko," Inuyasha said, trying his charming grin. "I was just waiting for my girlfriend to come out."

Mrs. Yoko arched a straight eyebrow, clearly disbelieving. "Mr. Yoshihiro, I just saw Ms. Kikyou by her locker. If you're trying to pull something, I suggest you abandon it now." Her eyes narrowed threateningly. "Now, get to class before I chance my mind about punishing you."

Inuyasha resisted the urge to scowl at her. That would just be foolish. He gave one last look at the girl's bathroom before very grudgingly walking away, his broad shoulders slightly slumped.

When Inuyasha was out of her vision, Mrs. Yoko moved to walk away when the door opened, and a black head peeked out.

The teacher glanced at the girl. "Ms. Higurashi!" This was the girl Inuyasha was frolicking around with! Like most teachers in any school, they were all privy to juicy rumors and gossiped with themselves. Inuyasha and Kagome's long-standing, all-out feud is a constant source of conversation in the teacher's lounge. And now, it seemed that they would have more to talk about over coffee and doughnuts.

Kagome started and turned, seeing Mrs. Yoko. "Oh! Good morning, sensei. I'm SO glad to see you! Thank you for shooing Inuyasha away! Who knows how long I would have stayed in the girl's bathroom if you didn't come by and let him leave!" She bowed gratefully at the teacher, who happened to be her favorite, no matter how much of a disciplinarian she was.

Once more, Kagome bowed, before walking away and leaving Mrs. Yoko to blink in surprise.

X-

Kagome was not happy.

In fact, she was downright miserable.

Her renewed vow of avoiding Inuyasha after he cornered her out in the hallway earlier crumpled to itsy bitsy pieces when she walked into her first class.

She had completely forgotten they almost had the same classes together, as well as first period English.

She was sitting stiffly on her seat, only a few desks in front of Inuyasha. She could feel a pair of eyes – amber, to be sure – boring a hole at the back of her head, making the hair on Kagome's neck stand on end.

In the middle of Mr. Ohara's discussion about Shakespearean poetry, a piece of tiny folded paper sailed above heads and landed squarely on Kagome's desk. She glared at the paper, willing it to self-combust. She knew who it was from.

A minute past, then another, and another.

Kagome's hands itched. No, she will not succumb to temptation. She was Higurashi Kagome, with will-power extraordinaire. Not some simpering, pathetic, sniveling girl eager to melt at amber eyes turned her direction.

But before she knew it, Kagome had the paper in her hands and was unfolding it, while waves of misery and shame crashed over her. Whatever happened to strong and willful Kagome?

Hey, wench, you look good today. Meet me later during lunch at the cafeteria. I'm not one to talk, action is more my game. This is your lucky chance, so don't blow it.

Frustration welled up in Kagome as she balled her hands, crumpling the paper in the process. Why that arrogant bastard…

She made up her mind. There was no WAY she was meeting with him.

X-

It was dark and hot. Sweat pooled at her temples and one slid down the side of her face as her hands fumbled and slipped. Her breathing was shallow and quick, and her body was so tense and tight.

A growl escaped from her throat, swallowing quickly.

God, it was so hot and tight.

Finally, Kagome grasped it, encircling around the end and yanking eagerly down, licking her lips in anticipation.

Suddenly, light flooded the tiny room Kagome was in. The janitor's closet. She gave a sigh of relief as she leaned against a wall, wiping her forehead with the back of her hand. Who knew the janitor's closet would be so hot?

Kagome wasn't particularly fond with dark and enclosed spaces, but she had no choice. She closed her eyes, trying to focus her mind. If she didn't, then she'd yield to her slight claustrophobia. Mops and brooms were cramped inside and they nudged against Kagome, reminding her of how small the room was.

Her breathing quickened as a seed of panic planted itself deeply in her heart.

Dammit, she hated small spaces…and whose fault was this, anyway!

Her stomach grumbled, reminding her that she was very hungry. She hasn't eaten lunch yet, knowing what awaited her in the cafeteria. The thing there wasn't who but a what!

Her head lolled back, eyes clenched shut. She vaguely wondered where Sango was. Her best friend didn't show up for their morning classes, nor had Kagome seen her anywhere. What a perfect moment for Sango to choose to skip school. If only she had as well.

Then, startling Kagome immensely, the door was forcefully opened and a tall, lithe figure quickly stepped inside, fitting his powerful frame in the cramped space. The door closed.

Kagome stared up at Inuyasha's face, eyes wide and mouth slightly apart. How had he known she was there?

Inuyasha spoke, "Stupid Hobo saw you entering here. Lucky for me."

The small closet seemed even tinier now with Inuyasha inside it. His large frame dwarfed everything, and Kagome slowly felt the hysteria rising and she clamped furiously down on it. But there was so little room left!

He noticed her quick breathing and slightly dilated eyes, and assumingly thought he was the cause of it. Inuyasha leaned down so their faces were level.

"Now, you have to listen."

He glanced at her mouth, saw her pink tongue dart out to lick at her lips.

Without warning, Inuyasha pressed his mouth to hers, kissing her hungrily as his hands came to rest on either side of her head. He felt her trembling and deepened it further, sweeping his tongue in her mouth.

Kagome, before realizing it, kissed him back, just like last night. Her desire, mixed with her slight hysteria about enclosed spaces, caused her to attack his mouth with as much fervor as his.

His hands slid down, one hand cupping her breast, the other one caressing her hip through the material of her skirt.

Light exploded behind Kagome's eyes, followed closely by sensation. It zapped her strength while simultaneously giving it back.

But her reason was still there, partly eclipsed but still partly functioning. And it was screaming at her to stop. But Kagome paid no heed to it, until a shiver of fear tingled up her spine as Inuyasha hands slipped underneath her blouse, calloused palms on smooth skin.

It wasn't just the diminutive space that alarmed her, but how fast things were going. She was supposed to avoid him at all cost, right?

Kagome made a weak sound of protest, trying to push Inuyasha away.

In his inflamed state, Inuyasha was more sensitive to the tiniest movements. He pulled back, feeling small hands struggling against his chest.

Both were breathing raggedly, staring at one another in the dim light provided by the light bulb hanging overhead. Kagome was incredibly flushed and her lips were swollen from his hot kisses. Her eyes were wide and she took in deep, quick breaths. Her hands were pressed on the wall, shaking her head as if to clear it.

Inuyasha was a bit worried. Kagome looked really panicked.

After a few moments, the fog cleared from Kagome's brain as she calmed down somewhat, organizing her thoughts again. But she was still a bit hazy from the kissing, which should have never happened by the way.

"No," she sighed, "I can't do this. Inuyasha, this is wrong!"

Anger flashed in Inuyasha's eyes, swirling still with desire. "And why not? I know you feel as…as…much desire as I do! Don't deny it! I know, Kagome."

This was getting old, fast.

"Think about it," Kagome continued to insist, her voice tinged with desperation, "we're enemies Inuyasha! We can't stand each other longer than five minutes! We grew up hating each other! Everybody is used to us fighting and spewing vile curses!" She took in a steadying breath, trying to relax or else her hysteria would come back.

There was a tense pause. Then, "Oh, so you're just worried about what people would think?" There was an odd tone in his voice and his face was carefully blank but Kagome could all but see the wheels in his head turning.

What is he up to? "Yes, I am. I don't want to be called a slut, to be judged by people. What would they think of me when we get together? And just for a moment of pleasure, nonetheless!" Kagome shook her head. "No, definitely not happening!"

Inuyasha was looking at her strangely. "I see. So it's important what people think of you?"

This was getting nowhere. She expelled a frustrated sigh. "Haven't we established that already? Yes, it is! And I know what people think of you is important for you too, Inuyasha."

"It isn't," he said flatly. "Why should it? People don't like half-breeds and they only tolerate me as long as possible. Why do you think I only have Miroku as a friend? Girls want me because it makes them look good." He said this in a tightly resigned voice, accepting it all.

Despite herself, Kagome's eyes softened. It must be hard to be something not quite respected in the world. But she still kept herself guarded; who knew, maybe this was his ploy.

Silence ensued. Kagome fidgeted restlessly, balancing her weight from foot to foot as Inuyasha seemed lost in his thoughts. She kept her mind away from the confining space.

"So, then let's not tell anyone."

Kagome jumped when Inuyasha spoke, eyes wide. Then her brows furrowed in bewilderment. "What?"

Inuyasha shrugged, grinning somewhat, enough to show one of his fangs. "If you care so much about other people's thoughts of you, let's keep this, us, a secret. We'll just meet in secret and keep everyone oblivious. That way, we'll both be satisfied. We can fool around with people's thoughts of you as an angel still intact."

Kagome gaped at him, speechless. She really was. She had never thought he'd suggest something like that!

"B-B-But I s-swore not to do it until I'm married!" Kagome finally sputtered, staring at him in outright disbelief.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "That's old-school, Kagome. You think your husband would want an inexperienced blushing maiden? Think of this as training." He arched an eyebrow. "And didn't you swear not to kiss me as well?"

She couldn't find any words to say to that. Her mind was rushing to find an excuse, but her heart was beating wildly at the offer. Now that she thought about it, Inuyasha's proposal was practical. She'd have what she wanted – physically, of course! – and people won't even know about it then judge her for it. Besides, this would mean that the more time Kagome spent with Inuyasha, the faster she'd lose her interest. Reality wasn't always as good as fantasy. Still, it was a devious thing to do.

"I can't. I'd be betraying my parents trust, Sango's trust," Kagome tried one more time.

"You know, you're losing. Just surrender now in grace than be humiliated later," Inuyasha told her casually. "Besides, your parents would be overjoyed to find out we hooked up, mine as well. They'd never punish you for going out with me. And Sango, she'd just have to accept it. She did go out with Miroku, didn't she? And, besides, they'd never found out if we don't tell them." He shrugged and crossed his shoulders. His eyes and manner were confident now, and Kagome felt she was losing this battle indeed.

She bit her lower lip, thinking it over. But she was also surprised she was even contemplating such an idea. It just proved she wanted him that badly.

She was grasping for straws here. "It'd be hard! People would get suspicious and what about Kikyou?" she demanded, thinking of her cousin.

"Please, don't tell me you care for that girl's feelings," Inuyasha snorted. "And concerning other people, we'd just have to be really, really careful." A feral grin broke out on his face. "Don't worry, I'm very, very good with sneaking." He trailed a clawed hand down her smooth cheek and she nervously licked her lips.

He bent down so their faces were mere inches apart. "Come on, Kagome, you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Fun, experience, memories, distractions. You'd like it, I swear. And if you're still not entirely sure, we won't do it until you're ready." His eyes gazed into hers, casting its spell on her.

Her heart was speeding irregularly and her mind was blinking on and off. His proximity was intoxicating and his warm breath against her lips was turning her limbs and reason into goo.

Then again, she did want this. Kagome needed the pounding desire surging in her veins, that relentless craving as old as time itself. Besides, if she said 'no' now, Inuyasha wouldn't leave her alone. He'd pursue her openly, and expose her deepest passions.

It was risky, she knew. Terribly risky. But as she searched his handsome features, those beautiful eyes, the sensual lips, soft bangs grazing his forehead, Kagome realized that maybe this was the right way. To learn, she had to make mistakes.

She lifted her eyes and squarely met his. She took a deep breath and said, "Fine. You win. But you won't pressure me, or else." Kagome's eyes narrowed dangerously.

A smirk formed on his face as he closed the space between their lips. "I told you you'd cave in."

X-

Let the charade begin!

Thank you SO much for your reviews! I love them! They're the inspiration that keeps my fingers glued on the keyboard. Flamers, be kind and don't review! I don't like it when people say they hate me because I stopped at a particular moment. I have a life too, you know. And thanks to those who understand that I'm not a slave to my fanfics, and I'm writing this because I love it, at my own pace!