Disclaimer: sadly, I don't own the Inuyasha characters; Rumiko has that honor.

Hey readers, this is my first attempt at writing fanfiction, please be gentle. '-' Please read & review; constructive criticism greatly appreciated!

A/N: First and foremost, I'd like to thank everyone who has taken the time to review my humble story. I appreciate it very much! Secondly, I'd like to apoligize for taking such a long time to update. I can not tell you guys how sorry I am, but you cannot believe how hectic, chaotic, etc. my life is right now. I just found out that we're moving 3 weeks ago and so the whole entire time has seen me cleaning and fixing the house and I'm so tired right now. I also went to camp last week to top it all off, but anyways, the next chapter is finally here and it's much longer than the other ones like I promised though this chapter is more focused on the developing relationgship between Inuyasha and Kagome .


Unspoken Words

by: lady-rouge


Chapter 5

"Hey Kagome," Sango called cheerfully as she passed the main desk.

"Hey Sango," Kagome smiled in return.

"Is that cup of coffee for me?" Sango teased.

"Sorry Sango," Kagome laughed. "This cup has someone's name on it already."

"Inuyasha, perhaps?" Sango said with a gleam in her eye. "Have you guys patched things up between you two?" Sango asked, indicating towards the two cups of coffee.

Kagome smiled shyly. "Well, not really, but I think that he is willing to talk to me more after an incident occurred…"

Her curiosity perked, Sango stopped writing and looked at Kagome, whose face held a pink tint. "What incident?"

Kagome shuffled her feet and whispered, "After I was almost raped-"

"What!?!" Sango interrupted; shocked.

Kagome looked panicked and hurried to correct Sango's conclusion. "Hush Sango, I don't want anyone else to hear." She looked around quickly before coming closer to her. "I almost was, but Inuyasha came and saved me."

"And so that was why you were riding his limo yesterday? Because he wanted you safe?"

"I came to the impression that he did it because he did not want to waste time looking for a new secretary-"

"That's bullshit, Kagome. If you believe that, then you really are out of it," Sango interrupted. "Don't you see, it shows that he still cares for you."

Kagome shook her head. "I don't think so, but I do hope that he at least has forgiven me."

Sango just gave her a long look and sighed. It was no use arguing with Kagome. She could only hope for the best for both of them. "Okay, I'll talk to you in details later alright?"

Kagome nodded her head and continued on her walk to their office with the two cups of streaming coffee balanced in her hands. She walked steadily down the long hallway until she reached the familiar oak door with the silver heading. She opened it gently and walked up to Inuyasha, who was immersed in his work. Her heart gave a slam as she looked at him and lost her nerve at the last minute. She suddenly felt stupid to think that he would want a cup of coffee when he could get it in an instant from anyone. She started to turn around. She would give the cup to Sango instead. Just as she was about to turn, Inuyasha looked up. Captivated by his violet orbs, she stepped forward to his desk.

"Here you go, Inuyasha-san," Kagome said, setting the Styrofoam cup on his desk. He looked startled as he realized what it was. "Black as you like it."

He turned to her with an astonished look. "Is this for me?" he asked.

Despite her embarrassment, she laughed at his bewildered expression. "Of course it's for you silly. Who else? I stopped at the coffee shop today and thought you'd like one too since you're always to busy to grab one in the morning," she ended shyly.

"Thanks Kagome," he said gruffly before taking a sip. "It's really good," he said before turning around. "Oh and I left your work on your desk," he told her.

"Thank you Inuyasha-san." Kagome said and a warm smile curved unconsciously on her face as she looked at him before turning away to start another day of work. This incident set the mood for the next couple of days as they both worked together.


Kagome gazed quickly around the well-lit room where waiters smoothly bustled in and out of the doors with heaping trays of food before turning back to the attention of her co-workers, Mirouku and Sango. At the moment they were in the midst of a usual disagreement and Kagome could not help but smile at their cute display of affection towards each other. Or lack of it, she winced as she heard the all too familiar slap directed towards Mirouku; compliments all too happily given by Sango and her furious temper.

"Ahem…" Kagome gave a polite cough and looked at Sango. She did not want to heighten Sango's wrath any further than it already was. Sango tore her angry look from Mirouku and settled on Kagome. Her angry look instantly changed and she flashed Kagome a warm smile.

"Sorry about that display of violence," Sango said with a smile, "but I swear, Mirouku is such a pervert," she ended it by giving the slowly awaking Mirouku a threatening look. He raised his hands meekly in defeat and settled down.

"No more Sango, please. I promise not to do it anymore…" Sango gave a triumphant smile. "…until we are alone together tonight," he finished, giving her a lecherous grin. Sango shot him a look of fury and would have knocked him over again, but was interrupted by the arrival of their waiter.

"Your dinner is ready," he proclaimed before setting down the three streaming plates of their Italian food in front of them and turning around to leave them alone. "Please call me if you need any assistance," he called over his shoulder as he entered the kitchen and disappeared from their sights. They all turned their attention to the delicious food in front of them and soon started to eat; nobody saying a word.

"Yum," Mirouku said after taking a couple bites of his pasta, "Too bad Inuyasha is not here with us to enjoy this delicious delicacy."

Kagome stopped chewing and looked at Mirouku. "Why couldn't he come?"

"From what I heard, he had to go to his grandmother's place and help her with her job because it was getting busy," Mirouku said thoughtfully, his brows furrowed in concentration, as if trying to remember something from long ago. "He couldn't make it tonight, but Sango and I are here in his place to inform you of the charity benefit that the Takahashi Corporation holds for the Shikon Orphanage Home of Children annually."

Kagome's eyes shot up in surprise before a pleased smile swept over her face. "A…charity benefit? I didn't know you guys did one," she said. "Tell me all about it," she told them; her interest growing.

Sango gave her a smile before starting. "Every year, we host a festival in early May where there is food, dancing, music and games featured for fun. The children of the orphanage come to the benefit to enjoy themselves and in the end, all the money earned in the festival goes to them."

"It sounds like fun," Kagome said softly, her mind seeing the orphaned children in her mind and her heart went out to them.

"It is, Kagome," Mirouku told her. "Interacting with the children is a great experience for the soul and I personally enjoy it."

"When is it?" Kagome asked.

"This Saturday."

"Oh." Her eyes widened. "Is everyone in the company expected to go?"

"Sesshoumaru would like everyone to," Sango informed her. "And when he wants you to go, it's not a good idea to contradict him, especially since he is the boss around here.

"Would it be rude of me to ask why he hosts a charity benefit for orphaned kids when he does not even seem the sort to like kids?" Kagome asked timidly.

Sango laughed and waved her hand dismissively. "Don't be shy about it, I had that same thought when I first heard about the festival too. It's because of his son Shippo."

Kagome was shocked. "His…son?" She choked out. "I didn't know he had a son."

Mirouku laughed at her expression. "Not only a son, Kagome, but a wife too."

Kagome's eyes widened even further. "Wow…" she breathed. "Please elaborate more."

Sango continued. "Well, due to an accident, Rin, Sesshoumaru's wife became unable to bear a child for a period of time. Since they both really wanted a child, they decided to adopt one. This is where Shippo, their adorable son comes in. Having been orphaned at a young age herself, Rin wanted to help another orphan and so they came to the orphanage where Rin used to stay and were captivated immediately by Shippo's cute personality. Feeling thankful to the orphanage for taking care of the two most important people in his life, he decided to help them in return," Sango finished. "I know it doesn't fit well with his personality here at work and I know it's hard to digest, but believe me, when you see him with them, you'll see the other side of him. Both of them bring the better side of him out. That's why we wished Rin worked in the building with us, but we can't always get what we want, can we?" Sango said, laughing.

"That's not true, Sango," Mirouku's voice said slyly; his eyebrows wiggling up and down in suggestion, "because you got me."

Kagome could only look at Sango's murderous glare directed towards Mirouku and laugh. Those two were the perfect match.


"Did Mirouku and Sango tell you about the festival this Saturday?" Inuyasha asked distractedly to Kagome as she entered the office. He was working on some papers and was in the midst of them when Kagome came into work.

Kagome flashed him a quick smile. "Yeah they told me everything and I was surprised to hear that you guys do this every year."

"Keh!" Inuyasha said. His voice suddenly turned guarded: "We're not heartless, you know," he said warily to her; a double meaning in his eyes. Kagome felt like it was a punch in her stomach and closed her eyes briefly for a moment. She wouldn't be able to handle it if Inuyasha brought it up now. Things were going so well… She opened her eyes again and pleaded silently with him. He didn't say anything, but only looked at her with a searing gaze.

"You know I didn't mean it like that," Kagome said softly to him and turned her eyes downward. She thought that he had forgiven her for that, but it seemed that she was wrong. She looked up from the soft carpet to his hard eyes and suddenly, Kagome felt so tired and drained. She didn't have the energy or the will to fight his painful accusations anymore. Her shoulders slumped a little and the bright light in her eyes dimmed. The change in her unwillingly worried Inuyasha and he suddenly became mad at himself for being the cause of her present state.

"You're right, I did. I'm sorry."

Kagome's head jerked up in surprise and gave him the biggest smile she could muster. She met his searching eyes and looked for a sign of a truce.

Inuyasha looked at the beautiful woman in front of him and felt his heart give a tight squeeze. This woman had hurt him before and was pleading with him now for another chance.

And he was going to give it to her.

Even though it was she who had shattered his heart into many pieces, he could not stop himself any more than a moth could to a flame. Those warm eyes of hers undid him and he felt his resolve to hate her melt. He held her eyes and managed a small smile; indicating that he accepted.


Kagome gazed around at the festival. It was only 8:22 AM, but it was already getting busy. Families and employees of the Takahashi Corporation were already there and enjoying themselves. She could smell cotton candy from the entrance where she was waiting for Mirouku, Sango and Inuyasha and hear the music playing on the main stage. She glanced at her wristwatch and started to tap her feet gently against the black gravel ground to the music. 8:29. Only one more minute before the designated time that they were supposed to meet together and go greet the children from the orphanage. She was about to go find a seat when her name rang across the grounds.

"Kagome!" She glanced up to see Mirouku, Sango and Inuyasha coming towards her. Mirouku looked like he had been running. She could tell by the loose hair and disheveled clothes that he wore. Kagome smiled at the picture that that brought. She had never seen Mirouku run except after girls and from Sango's wrath.

"Kagome," Mirouku panted and bent over to rest his hands on his knees. "We have to hurry and go to the side entrance because they are already there."

Kagome looked at him. "How do you know that?" She asked him curiously.

"Since Inuyasha and Sango did not want to run all over the festival looking for Sesshoumaru, they bullied me to run to find him instead and confirm the arrival of the orphanage with him. Since you weren't there to help me, I had no choice but to do so," Mirouku complained. "Aren't they such good friends?"

"Keh, stupid!" Inuyasha snorted, "You needed the exercise anyways." Sango smirked and nodded in agreement.

Mirouku gave a wounded look and then shook his head; a smile twitching at his mouth. "Last time I checked, friends were supposed to help bring up your self-esteem, not lower it!"

"You checked wrong, dumbass! Check again!" Inuyasha said. "Friends are supposed to tell you the truth, not what you want to hear, wiseass."

Mirouku could only shake his head and laugh. "Alright, enough abuse of me for today. Let's go bring the children in."

With that, they hurried over to the side entrance and opened the gates. Two parked buses came into Kagome's sight and she tried unsuccessfully to see within them. Spotting the four people, the head of the orphanage came out of the first bus. She was a woman with graying hair and sparkling eyes.

"Hi Inuyasha, Sango, Mirouku and…?" She looked at Kagome. "I don't think I've ever met you before, young lady."

"I'm Kagome Higurashi and I'm new here."

"I see," the woman said. "I'm Ayame Misichi and I'm the head of the Shikon Orphanage Home of Children. Nice to meet you."

"Same here," Kagome said politely.

Ayame gave her a smile and turned around. "Alright, I'll go get the kids and let them come to you guys." She walked into each of the buses; seeming to say something in each one to the excited kids. Right after she got out of the last bus, little kids started swarming out of them. Kagome looked at the bubbling kids and smiled at them. She observed their carefree expressions as they got out and began to walk over to where they stood. All of a sudden, Kagome saw a quick flash of movement at the corner of her eye and looked quickly over to identify what it was. It was a young boy around the age of four with spiky brown hair who was running towards them now and Kagome became confused until she saw him run past her and shouted.

"Inu!" The little boy yelled happily to Inuyasha who was busy talking to Mirouku. His head snapped up at his name and his eyes widened in surprise as the boy launched himself into his arms. Inuyasha caught the boy with a grunt from the impact. "Inu!" The boy shouted again; twining both of his arms around Inuyasha's neck and hugging him tight. "I missed you."

"Hey buddy," Inuyasha said gruffly; ruffling his short hair. "I missed you too."

"Inu!" His name rang through the field by many different voices and was soon followed by the loud patter of many feet. Kagome watched the scene with awe as she saw the laughing children run up to Inuyasha's tall body and encircle him; all begging him for a hug.

"Oi brats, get off of me!" He said to them, though he made no attempt to do so. They only giggled and huddled closer. Inuyasha's eyes softened as he looked at them and a smile played at his mouth. "Alright, how about you guys get off of me and I promise that I will take you guys to go ride rides and eat cotton candy right now."

"Yeah, Inu is the best!" They said happily and skipped along with him as they entered the park to go look for the promised treats.

"Wait, Inu! I can't catch up!" A small voice shouted. Kagome turned to see a little girl who looked like she had attempted to tie her shoes before coming to them try to run up to Inuyasha and them. The little girl tried to speed up, but ended up tripping over her untied shoelace and sprawled on the ground. Her big eyes began to water and her lip began to tremble. Kagome began to run to the girl, but stopped when she saw that Inuyasha had sprinted to her and had already picked her up.

"Are you okay, Suki?" He said gently to her; patting her head and examining her arms and legs. Kagome, Sango and Mirouku went over to them to investigate the girl's injuries. Luckily there was none. "You shouldn't have run, Suki," he scolded her gently.

Suki burrowed her head into his chest and protested, "I just wanted to ride the rides and eat the cotton candy with you guys, Inu."

"Come on," Inuyasha said gently to her; taking her hand into his, "We don't want everyone to go ahead without us, do we?"

"Oh no," she said; shaking her head; making her small curls bounce around her face and pulled on Inuyasha to hurry. Inuyasha let himself be pulled by her to go catch up, but not before throwing Kagome a small smile.

Kagome could only stare at his moving back. He was…amazing. Seeing Inuyasha with those kids made her achingly remember of another time long ago when he used to be like that with her. Another time when he used to love her. Sometimes she wisheddesperately wished that… Kagome shook her head. No use trying to go back into the past and trying to wish for stuff that would never come true. What was done was done and could not be changed.

"Can you believe it?" Mirouku asked her; stepping up to her with Sango with at his side.

"Believe what?" Kagome asked, confused as to what he was talking about.

Mirouku tilted his in Inuyasha's direction, where he was walking with the energetic children. "Inuyasha. He's so popular with the kids, it's unbelievable."

Kagome looked at Inuyasha, who was oblivious to the attention that he was getting and a fond look entered her eyes. "What do you mean?" She asked, her eyes still hungrily drinking in the sight of him.

"I mean with his kind of attitude everyday, I'm surprised that the kids love him so much. It's been this way since he came to this company. It's like he has this way with them that makes them feel comfortable around him."

Kagome nodded; still mesmerized by his figure and said without thinking, "He does."

"Oh really?" Mirouku's voice became sly and he looked at her closely, "Please elaborate more Kagome, I'm interested to hear about this other side. It seems like you are familiar with it."

Those words were like a splash of water and she tore her gaze from Inuyasha. She turned to face Mirouku and Sango. "Like you said, he does have a way with them," she tried to cover up; her face taking on a pink hue. She didn't want them thinking that she had feelings for Inuyasha when she didn't have the right to. Sango and Mirouku probably agreed with her too, after hearing her story. Mirouku looked like he wanted to push the conversation further, but one threatening look from Sango stopped him and he sighed in defeat. Kagome sighed in relief and gave Sango a grateful smile. Sango nodded in understanding and was about to say something when Inuyasha's anxious voice carried over to them.

"Come on, you slow pokes!" He shouted to them. "I-I kind of need the help! They're gonna be the death of me," he said, looking frantic.

Kagome, Sango and Mirouku looked at all the kids fighting to be his partner and at his frantic gaze and they laughed. Hearing their laughter, Inuyasha looked over at Sango and Mirouku's laughing face and then looked at Kagome's and a smile broke over his face and he chuckled; realizing the hilarity of it all. Her heart skipped a beat at that and she blushed. She could not help it. If he smiled like that more often, she knew that more girls would be falling all over him. They would be transfixed by the way his smile transformed his face and softened his features, like she was. She shook away the dangerous thoughts in her traitorous mind and hurried towards him as he beckoned for them to hurry. Now was not the time to ponder on such things.


"…And so I'd like to thank the Takahashi Corporation for their generosity in helping the Shikon Orphanage Home for Children and for making their lives much better." Ayame's eyes watered and she stopped for a while; trying to regain control of herself. "I don't know if you guys know how much this means to this place or the children, but it really affects them and I'd like to thank everyone for this beautiful gift." Ayame bowed her head and walked off the main stage with the check in her hand. She looked over to the tired, but contented children and she smiled. All her life, she had wished for an opportunity like this to befall her little home for orphans and now that it did, she still could not believe it. "Come on children," she said to them; trying to rouse the fatigued ones. "It's time to go home." The children gave a sad look to her and she almost cried. She hated to be the one who ended their fun, but if she didn't do it, no one would. The group of children that clustered Mirouku, Sango, Kagome and Inuyasha did not thin until they had walked to the doors of the buses. Ayame stood there and waited until they had all given their hugs to the four co-workers, especially Inuyasha and then hustled them in.

"Goodbye!" The little voices of the children called out to them and it echoed silently there until the last bus had turn away from sight.

They watched it until they heard no more and then turned to go home. "Man, every year I keep forgetting how tiring it is to watch kids," Mirouku said with a tired yawn.

"Or maybe it's just because you're getting old, monk."

Mirouku turned to Inuyasha and tried to give Inuyasha a death glare. Inuyasha was unfazed. Sighing, Mirouku groaned. "No one's ever afraid of me, not even the kids today. I asked one of the little boys not to pull my ponytail, but he did not heed my words and so I threatened him with no cotton candy, but he just stuck his tongue at me and ran to Inuyasha."

"He's a smart one because he knew that I would have kicked your sorry ass if you had tried anything funny," Inuyasha said, smirking.

"I bet you can't!" Mirouku said defiantly; puffing up his chest and trying to enhance the display of muscle in his arms by flexing it.

"You wanna bet?"

Mirouku gulped. "How about we just ask the beautiful ladies here instead for their opinion. He forced a laugh. "No need to go to such extremes to prove such a menial thing, Inuyasha." He turned to Sango and then to Kagome. "Ladies," he coughed. "So, who do you think is stronger?"

Sango just snorted. "Inuyasha wins, hands down."

Mirouku turned to Kagome and gave her a pleading look. Kagome looked at his pathetic look and then at Inuyasha and then back again. It was too much. Kagome burst into laughter and said, "I'd have to say that I agree with Sango," she teased.

Inuyasha flashed Mirouku a cocky grin and Mirouku scowled. He threw his hands up in the air dramatically and shouted, "Why is everyone against me today! I think everyone just hates me because I'm too handsome for my own good."

"In your dreams, you sore loser," Inuyasha said, the smirk still in place.

Mirouku just shook his head and grinned. "I'm hungry guys, how about we go to that new Chinese restaurant that just opened. I heard that it's really good."

"No, I think we should go to that Thai restaurant by Sango's house," Inuyasha said, "I know that it's really good."

Mirouku shook his head in disagreement. "Have you ever heard of the saying that you're supposed to be open-minded?"

"Not in my world."

Mirouku groaned, "I'm not going to get anywhere with Inuyasha. He turned to Sango and Kagome: "Beautiful ladies, what is your opinion? Please do not disappoint me again," he said solemnly.

"I've also ate at that Thai restaurant and I love it, so I'm with Inuyasha," Sango said bluntly; giving him no room to argue.

Mirouku groaned again. "I have a feeling that I'm going to lose again." He turned to Kagome and sighed dramatically. "Go ahead, tell me that you also want Thai food. It's no use to fight you guys any more."

Kagome looked at their expectant faces. She didn't know which side to go on. She really wanted Chinese food, but she didn't want a huge fuss about it since it seemed like Mirouku had accepted his fate to eat at the Thai restaurant. "Um…I kind of want to eat at the Chinese restaurant, but we don't have to," she said, feeling embarrassed. She looked away. She was making a big deal of such a little thing. Suddenly, she felt stupid. "Actually, I changed my-"

"Fine, we're going to the Chinese Restaurant," Inuyasha said firmly.

Kagome turned to him in surprise as well as Mirouku and Sango. "We don't have to," Kagome said softly. "I don't mind eating-"

"But I changed my mind too," Inuyasha said, giving her a smile and her heart did a somersault. "I think I do want Chinese food today. Sorry Sango," he turned to her apologetically."

Sango just shrugged with a smile. "Chinese food is good too, I don't mind."

"Wow, Kagome," Mirouku said. "We need you to eat with us more often. You have great influence on Inuyasha."

"Keh!" Inuyasha denied, but a faint blush stole its way onto his face; giving him away. "I just changed my mind, that's all."

Kagome blushed from Mirouku's comment and from Sango's knowing look and turned her head away to hide her burning cheeks. Could it be true…? What Mirouku said? She wondered, but shook her head as she looked at Inuyasha who was now arguing with Mirouku and Sango over what was the best Chinese food that they had ever eaten. No, it wasn't even possible anymore… She should be grateful for whatever distant relationship that Inuyasha offered and not be greedy for anything more.

"So what's your opinion, Kagome?" Mirouku's sly voice broke into her thoughts.

"Huh?"

"Which one do you think is better: Lo Mien, dumplings or egg rolls?"

Kagome groaned.


"Man, that was good," Mirouku sighed as he sat back in his seat; patting his hands over his full stomach. "I think I ate too much though."

"Thank goodness I'm not driving in the same car with Mirouku today. I brought my car today," Inuyasha said happily; leaning back in his seat as well."

Sango sulked and looked at Mirouku. "You better not puke on me, Mirouku, or you're dead."

Mirouku gulped, "Oh I would never do it willingly Sango."

"Good," she said with a smile and turned to look at the rest of the group. "Are you guys ready to go?"

Kagome nodded along with everyone and waited as Sango waved for the check from the waiter. The waiter hurriedly came up to them and tore off their bill. "Here you go and thank you for coming," he said politely; handing it to Sango. "We hope you enjoyed the food."

"It was delicious," Kagome said to him and smiled. He smiled back and left to assist on the other customers. Kagome turned back down to get her purse, but Inuyasha halted her.

"I'll pay." Kagome looked at him in surprise, but shook her head.

"That's okay. It's not much, I don't mind."

"No, but I insist," he said firmly, leaving her no room to argue. Kagome again shook her head to tell him no, but Mirouku's voice stopped her.

"Oh come on, Kagome," Mirouku said. "Let tonight be ladies night. We'll treat you ladies today. Think of it as our treat. I'll pay for Sango and Inuyasha will pay for you."

Kagome again shook her head. "I don't want to be a burden. I can pay for myself."

Sango interrupted her this time. "Don't be silly Kagome, if the guys say they'll pay, let them pay because it's not too often this happens," she winked. "Let's accept, Kagome."

Kagome looked around at them. Should she let Inuyasha pay for her? She looked at Inuyasha's expectant face and Sango's encouraging face and gave in. "All right, just this once, okay?" She said in defeat and gave Inuyasha a smile. "Thanks Inuyasha. I really appreciate it."

"No problem," he said, returning the smile and grabbed Mirouku to go with him to pay the meal at the front desk. "Why don't you guys head on outside and wait for us?" He said to them before they disappeared around the corner.

Sango grabbed Kagome's arm and led them out. "This day has been so wonderful," Sango said happily to Kagome. "Not only do we get to play with the kids and have fun, but we also get a free dinner. This is so awesome."

"You've never enjoyed the other years?" Kagome asked, confused.

"I did, but it was never this fun because I was the only girl. But now that you're here, we got a free meal and I feel much better not only being the only female here."

"Oh," Kagome smiled and tightened her arm hold on Sango. "Me too."

"I also realized that Inuyasha was never this outgoing and generous until you came along either." Sango commented softly to Kagome; giving her an intelligent stare that said what Kagome was afraid to see.

Kagome blushed at what Sango's stare said and asked: "I'm not sure what you mean."

She looked at her and said: "I mean that Inuyasha was never this gentle, this friendly until recently. I don't think he hates you as you think he does, Kagome." At those words, Kagome's heart surged; wishing what Sango said to be true.

"I wish you were right, Sango," Kagome said softly; a sad edge to her words. "But I-"

"We're back!" Mirouku's loud voice echoed in the parking lot. "Who's ready to head on home?"

At his voice, both girls forgot their conversation and turned towards him and Inuyasha. "Yeah, it's getting late," Kagome said looking at her watch. "I should probably head on home. Thanks for today, you guys. It was really fun and I'll see you all on Monday," she said waving before turning around to head to the bus station.

"Wait Kagome." Inuyasha's voice stopped her. She turned around and tilted her head towards him in acknowledgement. "Do you need a ride?"

Kagome looked at his earnest face and shook her head. "No, I'm fine. Thanks anyways."

She started walking but the hand he put on her shoulder halted her. "I don't want you to walk alone, Kagome. I don't want you to get hurt again," he said softly to her. Her eyes slanted to look at his concerned face. "Please."

Looking at him, she could not say no. She nodded hesitantly. "Thank you."

He nodded and took her arm; leading her to his car. They got into the car and waved to Sango and Mirouku before they drove off. As they drove in silence to Kagome's house, Kagome could not help but wonder what she was getting herself into.


The day looked like it was going to be very warm today with its bright sun radiating its warmth in the sky and the blueness that stretched endlessly across the sky. Kagome pulled herself away from her big window in her office and went to go sit in her desk where a high pile of work was stacked and waiting for her. She sighed at the pile of work and started to look over them. It had been a week since the festival had taken place. She sighed happily. About a week since Inuyasha had driven her home. That night, he had been so sweet and had said goodnight so tenderly to her before leaving her in her apartment. She had watched him until his car had disappeared down the street. She smiled and leaned to do her work. Today she and Inuyasha were going out to eat lunch with Sango and Mirouku at the café across the street and she couldn't wait. Suddenly a buzz on her phone broke the silence and a voice broke through.

"Kagome?" Hearing Sango's voice, Kagome picked up the phone.

"What's up Sango?"

"Nothing much. There's an unscheduled visitor for Inuyasha."

Curiosity took a hold of Kagome. "Who is it?"

"Kikyo."

Jealousy flared through Kagome. For a while, she had forgotten that Kikyo was Inuyasha's girlfriend. After that incident with her, Kikyo never came anymore. She wondered what Kikyo wanted this time. "Send her in. Inuyasha's not busy at this moment. He's at his desk actually."

"Okay, but you better get your weapons ready because she doesn't really look like she's in a good mood today."

A small smile quirked at Kagome's mouth. "Thanks, Sango. See you and Mirouku at lunch then." She hung up the phone and got up to go inform Inuyasha of his visitor. He had fallen a sleep at his desk; the work he was working on spread and forgotten all over his desk as he slept. She felt hesitant to wake him from his much needed sleep because he always worked so hard, but one way or another he was going to wake up, if not by her, then Kikyo. Jealousy clutched her heart at the thought of Kikyo touching him spurred her to wake him up. She walked up to him and gently shook him. "Wake up, Inuyasha. You have a visitor."

His eyelids fluttered, but he went back to sleep. "Just five more minutes, Kag," he said tiredly before burrowing his head into his arm. Hearing the nick name that he used to tease her with when they were in high school brought tears to her eyes and she blinked rapidly to make them go away as well as the deep longing in her that had stirred to life at that one small word. He didn't know what he was saying. He was still a sleep, she excused.

"Inuyasha," she said more urgently; shaking him.

"Wha-" he started and opened his eyes; blinking away the sleepiness to remember where he was. He chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry Kagome. I kind of knocked out."

A delighted laugh broke out of Kagome and she nodded. "You could say that." Her voice turned more serious. "I just came to tell you that Kikyo is on her way right now to visit you."

"Oh." An emotion that looked like disappointment swept through his eyes, but was quickly gone which made Kagome wonder if she had imagined it all. "Thank you," he said to her before she turned away." She nodded and went to her room. As she sat in her desk, she heard the oak doors open and a shrill voice that did not escape her exclaim

"Inuyasha, darling, I've missed you."

Kagome could not hear his replies, but she did hear Kikyo.

"Things have been so busy with my modeling in America, but now that I'm back, let's go to lunch," she cooed to Inuyasha. Kagome grimaced at her tone and tried to tune them out. It looked like Inuyasha would not be joining them for lunch today. She tried to shove away the disappointment that rose up at that thought, but it was futile. "But why not?" Kagome could hear her whine and could imagine the pout that came easily to her mouth. Confusion spread over Kagome as she realized what Inuyasha just said and she tried to lean closer to the door to hear what was going on. "Can't you just cancel the lunch appointment and come with me?" Kagome could hear the inaudible response and hear Kikyo's sugary voice. "Oh fine, but you owe me dinner tomorrow night." Kagome could not hear anything and then: "I'll be seeing you soon," she giggled and then left. A sense of happiness spread over her as she realized that Inuyasha would be joining them and she smiled though she felt guilty for wanting such things. That right did not belong to her anymore yet she could not break from that habit. She shoved all thoughts about Inuyasha and Kikyo from her mind and continued to work. Time flew by as Kagome worked and she became oblivious to her surroundings until the loud knock on her door jerked her from her thoughts.

"Kagome," Inuyasha called. "You ready for lunch?"

Hearing him, Kagome smiled and her eyes brightened. "Hai. I'm coming." She got up and followed him out the door as they went to lunch. As they passed Sango's desk, Kagome saw that it was already empty. Looks like they're already there, she thought. They strolled to the café and immediately noticed the loud couple near the back of the place. Kagome rolled her eyes at the normal scene that was in front of her and laughed.

"Look Sango, they're here," Mirouku said; trying to distract her from the death that he saw for himself in Sango's murderous eyes. It wasn't a good one, but it worked. Sango turned around and waved at them.

"Inuyasha, Kagome! Over here!" They returned the gesture and walked over to them. Kagome set her purse down to Inuyasha and turned to him, "I'm going to run to the bathroom real quick, okay? If the waiter comes, can you order whatever you get for me too?"

"Keh!"

Kagome just smiled. "Thanks Inuyasha," she said and walked away.

Inuyasha watched her go and did not notice Mirouku looking at him until he tapped him on the shoulder. "See something you like?" He asked lecherously. Caught, Inuyasha turned red and bonked him on the head. "Get your mind out of the gutter, you lecher!"

"Geez, just being observant," Mirouku said, rubbing his head.

"Both of you hush," Sango said to them urgently. "I have something to say."

"What?" Mirouku asked, Inuyasha's abuse suddenly forgotten.

"I was thinking…you guys know that it's May 12th right?"

"Yeah, so what?" Inuyasha said, not sure where Sango was leading them.

"Don't you guys know what's in May?"

Mirouku scratched his head. "Is there a holiday?"

"Oh you bakas!" Sango said exasperated, throwing her hands up. "No!"

"What is it then?" Inuyasha asked. "Spill it out will ya?"

Sango looked around real quick to make sure no one was there before she turned back to them and leaned in. "It's her birthday."

"Whose?" Mirouku asked confused.

"Kagome's."

"When is it?" Mirouku asked again.

"May 22nd," Inuyasha whispered the answer as Sango said it and a flash of pain swept through him; engulfing his whole body.

Sango was oblivious to his pain and kept on going. "So I was thinking of doing a surprise party for her on that day."

"That sounds great," Mirouku said. "How did you know, Sango?"

"I saw it on her application," Sango said triumphantly.

"Inuyasha," Mirouku turned to him. "I'm disappointed in you. I can't believe you forgot her birthday."

Inuyasha averted his eyes and snorted. "I just did," he said casually; trying to suppress the hectic turmoil inside of him. "Don't tell me you have always remembered everyone's birthday."

"Fine, you get this round," Mirouku said reluctantly to Inuyasha. "I guess we should order now and talk about the details later," Mirouku said as he saw the waiter come up to them to get their orders.

Seeing their attention directed elsewhere for the moment, Inuyasha breathed a sigh of relief. Then his eyes darkened as he remembered the center of their talk and what Mirouku had accused him of. Mirouku was right about a lot of stuff, but this time he was wrong.

How could he have forgotten that date when that was the day that had shattered his whole world?

Comments:

Obsessive Starchaser: I think this story will end up to be about 15 chapters, but that is a rough estimate '-'

KajiMika: I'm not sure if I will make it a happy ending...Just Kidding! lol. Of course it will be a happy ending.

Quiet Escapist: Thanks for your advice! I looked it over and you're right. I think I should make the scene more descriptive. Thank you!

Other reviewers: Thank you for telling me your thoughts and feelings on these chapters. It really helps me when I write the next chapter!

PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! THANKS! '-'