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: Sorry this chappie took so long to come out. Blame it on school and my life activities if you will because they are making my life so busy right now . . . and also on a minor writer's block because of the fact that I was debating on what should happen in this chapter. You won't believe me, but the story line that I had in mind for this story when I first started was not like how it is right now at all! LOL Just running on a little tangent here! '-'

Also, Reviewers, thank you so much for reviewing! I love reading your comments!

000 means flashback if you don't remember '-'


Unspoken Words

by: lady-rouge


Chapter 9

Kagome blinked her eyes slowly and sat up in her bed to look at the clock that sat silently across the room. It was only 7:04, but all traces of sleep were already gone from her. She didn't have to get up until 7:45 so she lay back down only to find herself staring at the ceiling and thinking about the subject that had taken center in all her thoughts: Inuyasha. She closed her eyes desperately to stop the flow of sadness that followed after his name. It was no use, she sighed. No matter how much she wished, Inuyasha would not stop his hostility towards her. It had been a week since his hospitalization and he was still angry at her. Why wouldn't he be, Kagome thought, when all she had done was to deserve it. But that acknowledgement still didn't stop her from wishing that he would just forgive her and give her another chance. Kagome rolled over in her bed so that her eyes were looking towards the door instead of the ceiling. Only three more weeks until she could leave this place, until she would finally do something to make Inuyasha happy. She smiled sardonically. She would finally complete what had been left uncompleted six years ago. . .

000

Kagome didn't know how long she had been kneeling there. It seemed like many centuries to her as she stared at the bare house and tears streamed down her face. It could not be true, she thought desperately. Inuyasha was not gone, he couldn't be. He wouldn't leave her, she thought frantically as her eyes ran over the front of her house. If she stretched her head really far, she could see the door to Inuyasha's room. She wanted to run to the door and open it to see Inuyasha sitting grumpily on his bed with a mad expression on his face. Anything was better than his vanished presence. She could have done that, but in a small part of her brain, she already knew that he was gone.

She bent her head down and let the tears fall freely to the wooden floor as she cried for the lost chance to tell him everything. She stayed like that until she felt a hand tap her shoulder gently. Kagome looked up with hope, but her face fell when she saw that it was the next door neighbor.

"Don't cry, Kagome," the kind old woman said. "You'll find him someday."

Kagome's eyes widened at her knowledge. "W-What do you mean?" She asked disbelievingly.

The old woman looked at her sympathetically. "Your eyes are very expressive, dear. Right now, they hold sadness, anger and regret." Kagome's eyes filled with tears as she nodded. The old woman bent down and gave her a warm hug. "I have faith that you will meet him someday. Don't cry, though when you find him or he finds you, don't let him go. I've known Inuyasha since he was a little boy and whatever caused you two to break up, he must have been very hurt to run away like that."

Kagome nodded with shame and stepped away from the old woman. "Maybe I could go find him," she said determinedly.

"I'm not sure if you can, Kagome," the old woman said sadly to her. "You'll probably only see him if he decides to see you."

"B-But why?"

"Because they left for America this morning."

000

Kagome blinked slowly as her mind gradually came back to the present. He had left her six years ago because he wanted to be happier. This time she would leave to keep him happy. Her heart pained. Her presence was causing too many upset memories that were best left untouched and it was affecting his family and his life. A tear leaked out, but she furiously wiped at it. She did not need to feel sorry for herself. She only needed to do what was best for everyone and not what her heart secretly desired. With a determined mind set, she quickly got up to start her daily procedure.

-

Inuyasha rubbed his head tiredly. Lately, he was feeling so exhausted and energy less. He had just finished talking to Kikyo and had spent a long time arguing against the date that she had planned for them tonight. He smiled wearily. He had won, but it seemed like he didn't want to do anything with her anymore. He sighed. Kikyo would not be happy to hear that he wasn't interested in her anymore. But he had not been interested in her for a long time. He just feared the day when he would tell her that. He rubbed his aching temples again and bent down to reach for the medicine that would help relieve his headaches and muscle aches and swallowed two tablets after gulping down some water. The door suddenly opened and Inuyasha almost choked on his medicine but caught himself in time.

His eyes quickly darted to the door to see Kagome walk in with her head bent down; not meeting his eyes. He quickly reverted his gaze back to his desk and his computer screen. Over the past week, they had both established an unstated rule that they would not make eye contact or speak to each other unless they had to. And it seemed like Kagome was doing it well, he thought bitterly. Maybe too well; like it suited her fine not to speak to him. He listened to her walk to her room and settle down and his heart clenched. Why was life so unfair, he thought sullenly. Nothing was ever genuine in his life. Nothing, Inuyasha pondered as he stared at his work. His headache throbbed and he thrusted the thoughts away as he continued to work on his paperwork.

-

The ring of the telephone jolted Kagome as she stared unseeingly at the computer screen. "Good Morning. Inuyasha-san's office, how may I help you?"

"Kagome, this is Sango."

"Sango!" Kagome exclaimed with happiness. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, Kagome. But I was wondering if you wanted to have lunch with Mirouku and me."

"Just you and Mirouku?" Kagome pressed nervously.

"Yeah. Inuyasha declined when Mirouku called him."

"Well, I'd love to then."

Sango laughed. "Mirouku really wants to try the new American restaurant in town. Is that okay with you?"

Kagome smiled. "No problem. I think it sounds delicious."

"It's set then. I'll see you in five minutes," Sango said and hung up the phone.

Kagome stared at the phone with a small smile on her face. It sounded like fun. Her smiled turned into a frown. But that meant that Inuyasha would be by himself for lunch. Her heart gave a lurch. She didn't him to be alone. Her eyes gave a quick peek to Inuyasha who was engrossed in talking to someone on the other line. He sounded stressed and weary as he argued over the telephone to an unknown person. He wouldn't really be alone, she assured herself as she gathered up her purse and walked out of her haven with false confidence. She resisted looking over in Inuyasha's direction as she passed him and through the door. Kagome breathed a sigh of relief as soon as she was out of the sight of Inuyasha and hurried to Sango and Mirouku by the front desk, but not before passing a last worried glance in the way that Inuyasha was.

-

Inuyasha hung up the phone and sighed loudly as he leaned against the leather backrest of his office chair. He had been arguing with a company that they were trying to sign a contract with. They had finally agreed, but not with something either had wanted in the first place. He swore and ran his fingers through his disheveled hair. Sesshoumaru would not be happy with the results, but Inuyasha was too tired to care. He looked out the open window and caught three retreating figures as they walked to a car. A light laugh drifted slightly to him and Inuyasha's gaze shot to the woman clad in a dark green suit with wavy dark hair. Kagome. She seemed so happy and relaxed without him, he thought as a flash of anger rose in him. But as quickly as it had come, his anger evaporated and a tinge of sadness filled him as he watched her link arms with Mirouku and Sango and they walked on. She didn't love him, nor care for him so why did he still care so much?

He rested his head gently against the cool glass window as he took in the scene for a couple more seconds. He ripped his gaze away from the piercing scene and went to go sit down as a pain began to throb in his head again. He shook his head to clear the pain, but this time, it only increased. Inuyasha stood up and started for the door so he could go get a cup of water, but another stab of pain, this time in his body, halted him. He wavered for a moment as he tried to get a hold of himself. His vision danced as he searched the room for something to hold on to. He rapidly blinked his eyes to make the whirling objects in his eyes go away, but it was useless. Inuyasha took some tentative steps towards what seemed to be the door, but his surroundings were flying too fast; encircling him, suffocating him . . . until it all became black.

-

Kagome watched the bickering between Sango and Mirouku and couldn't help herself, but laugh. "Mirouku, I suggest you obey Sango or else you won't make it out of the car alive."

Mirouku stopped his arguments and turned to Sango. "Kagome is right, Sango. I am deeply sorry for not listening to you. My lovely lady, please change the station to whatever you and Kagome want."

Sango gave a satisfied nod and turned the knob triumphantly to her and Kagome's favorite station. Kagome and Sango both cheered as Mirouku gave a defeated sigh and a roll of his eyes. He turned his eyes to the front to watch the road as he swerved his car to fit in the first lane that would take them back to Takahashi Corporation. As they drove Kagome tilted her body back and closed her eyes as she listened to the soothing music that always seemed to put her to sleep. Before she knew it, Sango was shaking her awake and telling her apologetically that they were back at work. Kagome groaned, but got out.

"If you're really tired, then you should beg Inuyasha for the rest of the day off. Who knows, Inuyasha might-"

Kagome's keen eye did not miss the threatening look or punch that Sango gave to Mirouku. Mirouku shut his mouth and shook his head. "Sorry," he said apologetically to her. "I didn't mean to make you angry because I know that you're mad at Inuyasha."

Kagome's eyes widened in surprise. It seemed like avoiding the topic was doing more harm than good but she didn't feel like talking right now, so she just nodded her head silently and continued to walk. They made it to their floor and Kagome gave them a cheerful goodbye before heading off to Inuyasha and her office. A tight coil in her stomach made her squirm as she walked to the large doors that lay ahead. Kagome squared her shoulders and walked determinedly to her destination. She didn't care if Inuyasha was mean to her or if he ignored her, she thought stubbornly, she would not be affected by him anymore. She marched to the door and opened it firmly. Her mask of confidence all slipped though, when she was encountered by the sight of Inuyasha on the floor and a shrill cry that did not sound like her voice echoed through the still room.

"Inuyasha!"

-

Sango's face was red. Mirouku was annoying her again and she did not like it. His lecherous grin was the last straw and she launched herself onto him to give him the pounding of his life. Just as she was about to strangle him, a cry rang through the halls. Sango and Mirouku's face met each other and their eyes both mirrored concern. Why would Kagome be shouting Inuyasha's name unless something had happened? They both jumped up and ran towards the room that they had both seen Kagome go into to come upon the sight of Kagome kneeling over Inuyasha. She was frantically checking his pulse and trembling as her hands ran desperately over his upper body. Fear etched on her face and twin tears trickled down her face as she looked helplessly at him. She glanced swiftly around and upon seeing Mirouku and Sango, she jumped up and ran to them. She grasped Sango's arm in a tight grip and looked into her eyes hysterically.

"Sango! Inuyasha's . . . Inuyasha's hurt!" She exclaimed as she indicated to the motionless figure that lay like a ghost on the carpeted floor. "Please, help him," she cried as more tears glided down her pale cheeks.

The sight of her tears unfroze them like a hot wire and they ran to Inuyasha. Mirouku bent down to Inuyasha and felt his pulse as Sango kneeled and checked for any signs of any visible injuries.

Seeing none, Sango turned to Mirouku. "Is his pulse fine?"

"Yes, but it is weak," Mirouku said softly with concern. "Sango, could you go call the ambulance?" He said urgently to her. "I can't tell what happened." Sango nodded firmly and rose quickly to do his bidding. Mirouku looked after Sango's moving back and returned his attention to the colorless face of his friend. Mirouku raked his eyes across the room for any signs of the situation, but could not find anything and was at a loss. His eyes moved around the quiet room and landed on an ashen Kagome. Her face held a frightened expression and one of shock as silent tears escaped out of her tightly squeezed eyes. Mirouku's eyes ran over her tight form and nervous hands that clenched tightly onto her shirt. She was the picture of fear as she stood rigidly in the front of the room. He stood up to comfort her, but the sound of sirens suddenly filled the tense room and he stopped. It seemed like the only comfort for her was Inuyasha himself and that could not be given now, he sighed.

The ambulance crew filed in efficiently with Sango and took Mirouku from his thoughts as he stepped up to them and told them exactly what happened.

-

The time passed in a blur to Kagome as she watched from a distance as the medics took Inuyasha away in the ambulance. Panic kicked in as she saw them start to close the door and she scrambled to reach them, but they had already sped off and Kagome cried as she stared after the car as it grew smaller and smaller with each passing second.

"Kagome."

Kagome looked to the hand that touched her shoulder sympathetically. It was Sango and Mirouku.

"Come on, Kagome," Mirouku said quietly, as he beckoned to his car. "Let's follow them." Kagome could only nod as she followed him. Kagome waited anxiously inside the car as Mirouku and Sango quietly conversed and then they were off and Kagome could only do nothing but pray as she watched the scenery fly by. Mirouku swerved into a parking lot and braked harshly before they all rushed to the emergency room. They were directed into a waiting room as the doctors did a check on him to see any damages and find the cause of his present state.

Kagome waited impatiently as she tried to find anything to take her mind of the reason why they were here in the hospital. She was now more composed and her face showed it, but her shaky hands gave her anxiety away as she held her cup of coffee that Mirouku and Sango had forced on her to drink. For energy, they had said. Kagome took a small sip of it and glanced at the somber-faced Mirouku, Sango, Sesshoumaru and Rin. Right after they had found out that Inuyasha was still in the waiting room, Mirouku had gone and called Sesshoumaru to let him know what had happened and shortly afterwards, he had come with his wife. Kagome hugged herself as she shivered. She needed warmth and reassurance that Inuyasha would be alright.

As if someone had heard her plea, the door to the emergency room opened and Dr. Totosai came through. He had on a tired, weary look as he walked up to them. Kagome jumped up with the others and met him halfway through the room.

"How is he, Dr. Totosai?" Kagome was the first to ask. Her voice held desperation. He gave her a long look and recognition came over him as he remembered her from the last week. He turned to look at the whole group and gave them their full attention. Unlike last time, his eyes did not hold that shining, weary happiness. Instead, they now held a dull, frustrated, weary spark. Kagome's heart slammed. Her instinct told her that the news he had to tell was not good.

"As of right now, he is doing fine. He is very lucky that you all found him before anything serious happened." He beamed. "In short, Inuyasha will recover . . . but," his eyes met with all of them briefly before continuing. "But, for the cause of his condition . . . I can not tell you." His head hung in shame. "I-I don't know how to explain it, but the results of the tests I have run show data that I have never seen before." He gripped his report tightly in his hand as he said this. "I'm really sorry, but I will promise to work on it when he goes home in two days. This is baffling me to no extent," he exclaimed. "I have searched for every possible solution, yet they always fall short of what Inuyasha has. If this continues to happen again, then it could be serious, but if not, then he is very lucky."

Kagome's eyes watered as the doctor's words condemned Inuyasha's outcome and she turned away to look out the huge glass window that stood next to the chairs in the waiting room. The doctor . . . could not help? But her mind latched onto the news that he was awake and well and a heavy weight lifted off of her.

"Is he conscious?" Rin's voice.

"Let me check with the nurses," he said and reached for his connector. "Nurse Suki, is patient Inuyasha awake?" A pause and then a feminine voice filtered through.

"Good thing you called Dr. Totosai. He just woke up a minute ago and is disorientated. Could you come over now?"

"Sure thing," he answered back before shutting it off. He turned back to them. "Yes, Suki has confirmed his consciousness. We can all go now. If you'll follow me?" They all followed him, but a voice stopped them.

"I'll be leaving now," Kagome stated softly to the group as she stood behind the moving group. They all looked at her and Rin gave her a sad look.

"If you're afraid that Inuy-"

"No, I just wanted to make sure that Inuyasha was fine before I went to sleep tonight," she said quietly to Sango and turned away from them. Kagome continued to walk away, but Mirouku's voice stopped her.

"Let me drive you home at least."

She gave him a brief smile and shook her head. "Don't worry. I'll call a taxi to take me home," she reassured him before going through the door and down the long hall. Once she was out of their sight, Kagome sighed and let down her guard. There was no need to tell them that she was torn up inside because she wanted to see Inuyasha, but could not because she was a coward. Her eyes misted. A coward to love and pain, she thought before trudging wearily home.

-

Inuyasha's body ached and his head throbbed tremendously as he struggled to get up and observe where he was, but hands were holding him down and soothing voices were speaking to him in hazy tones that he did not comprehend. "Where am I?" He struggled profusely against them, but to no avail.

"Please calm down, Inuyasha," a male voice suddenly said and Inuyasha's head jerked up to see Dr. Totosai enter through the door. "You have visitors."

Inuyasha looked behind him to see Mirouku, Sango, Sesshoumaru and Rin . . . but no Kagome. A stab of disappointment flashed through him, but he forced it away. "What am I doing here?" He said grumpily to them as he finally relented to the determined nurses and lay back down. The group walked up to his side and looked at him. "Sesshoumaru," he growled. "Tell me what I am doing here," he said in a low voice.

Sesshoumaru gave him a long look before starting. "Tell me what you remember."

Inuyasha tried to think back to his last memories, but he saw nothing except a black darkness. "Nothing," he said in a frustrated tone.

"Something happened to you, which made you unconscious," Rin stepped in. "Do you have any idea?"

He shook his head. "I . . . don't remember anything," he said in a distant voice as he furrowed his eyebrows in concentration.

"Dr. Totosai is not sure what the cause is, but he says that there are no serious side effects. If this persists again, then it might be dangerous," Mirouku added. "He says your condition might have been triggered by events in your life. I suggest you take it easy for a while."

Inuyasha shook his head. "I am no weakling," he said angrily. "I will come to work as planned on Monday."

Mirouku seemed like he was going to say something, but Sango shook her head and he stopped. He sighed in defeat.

"How're you doing, Inuyasha?" The doctor intercepted their conversation.

Inuyasha tried to stretch his sore limbs. "Like a truck ran me over a hundred times," he said with a tired look and leaned his head against the soft pillow. "When can I leave?" He said before closing his sleepy eyes.

"You can leave tomorrow, but I recommend for you to take at least a couple of days off of work, Inuyasha," he said sternly. Dr. Totosai turned to the rest of the group and shook his finger at them. "Since Inuyasha is so stubborn. I trust that you guys will help him listen to my orders, got it?" They nodded silently and he gave them a worn smile before walking towards the door, but as a thought crossed his mind, he halted in mid-stride. "I'll call you guys on the results as soon as I can," he promised before walking out; leaving them all surrounded by their thoughts.

-

Kagome flashed a smile at a worried looking Sango and Mirouku. "What? Sorry, can you repeat that, I didn't catch that," she smiled sheepishly as she glanced quickly around the small café and turned back to them.

Sango gave loud sigh. "I swear Kagome! It's only Monday and you are already zoning out to who knows where." Sango gave a laugh. "Alright, I'll let is pass this time, but as I was saying, Mirouku and I were wondering if you wanted to come with us to visit Inuyasha at his house today. He was looking kind of depressed yesterday. So, after work, we're going to order some Chinese food and stop by the movie store to rent a couple of movies to watch and then we're headed on to his house. What do you think?"

The desire to go see his house . . . to see him . . . was unbelievable, but Kagome shook her head regretfully. His words that day still haunted her. "No, that's okay. I have many things to do today."

"Like what?" Sango challenged and gave Kagome a hard stare.

Flustered, Kagome struggled on. "Well, I have to go to the store to buy groceries because I am running low on food and I have to . . . call my mom." The thought struck her and she latched on to it; hoping that it would be her lifesaver. "Yeah, I promised that I would call her soon-"

"If you really don't want to see Inuyasha then just say so," Mirouku said gently.

Caught too easily, Kagome flushed. "N-No, that's not it at all," she denied vigorously. "I really do have things to do," she said feebly.

"Or is it because you don't like us anymore?" Mirouku said smoothly with an arched eyebrow; feigning hurt.

Falling easily into his trap, Kagome gave him an astonished gaze. "Of course not, Mirouku!" She hesitated. "It's just that-"

"Come on, Kagome, it won't be that bad." Sango lowered her voice. "If it's about Inuyasha, I swear I won't let him be mean to you. You won't even have to talk to him if you don't want to. If he does bother you, hurt condition or not, I will hurt him," she promised.

Kagome shook her head. "I just think Inuyasha would enjoy it better without me bothering you guys-"

"Nonsense!" Sango said; a little bit loudly. "You're our friend, no matter that Inuyasha treated you like a jerk last time."

Kagome looked at them and tried to find any possible way of getting out, but it was useless. They were both too smart and clever for her. "Alright, I'll go," she gave in; hoping that the evening would not ruined for everyone because she had accepted.

-

After lunch, the rest of the day flew too fast for Kagome and before she knew it, it was already time to pack up and go home. Or rather, go to Inuyasha's home. She paused in mid-stride. What would Inuyasha's house look like? She wondered. Would it be big or small? Dark or light? There were too many options and Kagome was too tired to worry about something as trivial as that. She should worry on how Inuyasha would treat her when they got to his house. Maybe if she stayed out of his way, things would turn out good, she reasoned as she headed out to the parking lot to wait for Sango and Mirouku.

Earlier today, she had called Myouga, Inuyasha's limo chauffeur and had told him that she would not need a ride home. He had resisted, but finally agreed after many reassurances that she would call him if she changed her mind. Kagome smiled as an image of the old, sweet man came into her mind. He was such a nice old man. Reminds me of grandpa, she thought wistfully. I should introduce them to each other because I know they will be good friends, she smiled, but it stopped. She would be leaving soon, that meant that she would never see anyone again, not Myouga, not Sango or Mirouku, not . . . Inuyasha. Kagome leaned against Mirouku's car and closed her eyes. She had to remember that everything would turn out in the end, she just had to. The sound of Mirouku and Sango laughing floated to her and she opened her eyes and a smile instantly appeared on her face. I shouldn't worry about that now . . . I should just try to make these last couple of weeks memorable enough to last for a lifetime. Her eyes misted as the pair came into her line of vision. That's all that I can ask for. Both of them looked up and waved to her.

"Kagome!"

Kagome waved back and headed towards them, but not before blinking her eyes rapidly to hold the tears at bay. No matter that I will miss them all very much . . . especially Inuyasha.

"Kagome," Sango said to her as they met Kagome halfway in the parking lot. "I hope you don't mind that another person is coming along with us."

"Who is it?" Kagome asked as she looked at them both.

"He works in the company as well. He's Inuyasha's cousin although they act more like rivals."

"Cousin?"

"His name is Kouga."

Kagome shook her head. "I've never seen him or heard of him.

Mirouku smiled softly. "They try to avoid each other as much as possible and since you work with Inuyasha, I'm not surprised that you haven't seen him. It seems like he is being forced to go spend some time with his sick cousin Inuyasha by his mother. I saw him today and told him of our plans and he decided to go with us."

Kagome nodded in understanding. "No, I don't mind at all."

Sango and Mirouku nodded. "All right, he should be coming pretty soon. He just had to close up his office and run some quick errands." As soon as the words came out of Mirouku's mouth, a figure stepped out of the entrance. From Kagome's vantage point, she could see his sharp features that held a pair of piercing blue eyes and a high ponytail that consisted of brown hair. He was wearing a black suit that accentuated his features nicely and, Kagome took note of, walked in confident, arrogant strides towards them.

He walked up to them, saying hi to Sango and Mirouku before turning on her with his sharp eyes and giving her a slow grin. "I presume you are the one and only Kagome that I have heard from Sango and Mirouku?"

Under his intense scrutiny, Kagome blushed and nodded slightly. "And you are Kouga?"

He nodded slowly. "It's a pleasure to meet the acquaintance of such a beautiful woman like you," he said softly before capturing her hand in a soft kiss that left Kagome beet red. He was definitely a lady's man, she thought warily as all four of them started to walk to walk to Mirouku's car.

"Okay," Mirouku said loudly as he turned back to interrupt Kouga's flirtatious conversation with Kagome. "Here's the plan. We're going to the movie store first and then to the takeout restaurant that Inuyasha really likes and then we'll go to Inuyasha's house afterwards. Sounds good?"

Everyone nodded and Mirouku revved up the car before pulling them onto the road.

Kouga turned back to Kagome to give her his full attention. "So, tell me about your beautiful self," he said before flashing her another white smile.

-

Inuyasha lay languidly on the sofa as the sound of the TV blared into his eardrums. He coked his head at an angle to hear both the TV and Kikyo's insistent voice at the same time. She had just come by and after fawning over him, she was now sitting with him and talking about last her modeling job in America. Inuyasha glanced at her gorgeous face and searched for any kind of response to her, but felt nothing. He wished desperately to feel something for Kikyo, but he couldn't find anything. He could not deny it any longer. He had been hoping that Kikyo would be the one, but not for the reasons that he should have held. He wanted to think that he and Kikyo were bounded by some kind of friendship –and to some extent they did- but he couldn't deny to himself any more of the reason why he still stayed with Kikyo. The reason that he had been holding onto Kikyo for so long was because she was his shield against Kagome. She was the obstacle that blocked him from being irrational and making the same mistake twice by going after Kagome.

Inuyasha sighed and glanced at her quickly. She was still talking to him about her modeling job. His mouth tilted slightly as he realized that she had been talking about modeling for the past 30 minutes, but it suddenly turned into a small frown. Soon he would have to tell her that this would not work. It was not fair to her if he kept this going on if he did not feel the same way anymore. Kikyo deserved someone better, someone who could love her for herself completely. She would be leaving again, this time to England, in three days to do some photo shoots. He would have to tell her before then.

Fear rose up in his stomach. What would happen to him after Kikyo was gone. He swallowed carefully. Would his resolve break down again? He had already found how easily his sturdy walls of resolve broke down. He shook his head and strengthened his will. No, it wouldn't happen again. He wouldn't be that stupid again. A headache hit his brain and he closed his eyes to regain composure as he deliberately pushed the ideas out of his head and instead, turned to concentrate on Kikyo.

The sudden ring of his doorbell startled Inuyasha and he swore as he struggled to get off the sofa. He felt like his body was so heavy and so hazy. Kikyo looked annoyed at the distraction, but got up to get it. Inuyasha stopped his struggles and sank back gratefully into his seat. As Kikyo opened the door, Inuyasha caught a glimpse of the surprised faces of Mirouku and Sango.

"Hello Kikyo. We didn't know that you were here as well. What a pleasant surprise," Mirouku said as he ushered a scowling Sango that was followed by- Inuyasha scowled as well- an arrogant Kouga and –Inuyasha's heart slammed- a flushed Kagome who looked anywhere else but in his direction. Inuyasha's gaze swept over Kagome's features. She was still as breathtaking as ever. Inuyasha finally tore his gaze from Kagome and looked to the rest of the group.

"Mirouku," he said suspiciously. "What do you plan to do here?"

"You wound me with your lack of trust," Mirouku said with a hurt expression. The sparkle in his eyes gave away his amusement. "We decide to come over and cheer up a friend and this is the kind of welcome we get?"

Inuyasha sent him a glare. "I don't trust you."

"Inuyasha," Sango laughed. "Mirouku's telling the truth this time. We bought some movies and some takeout Chinese food to eat as we watch."

At the sound of Chinese food, Inuyasha perked up and he nodded eagerly. "I haven't had any Chinese Food in the longest time," he said enthusiastically. His smile turned back into a scowl as his gaze landed on Kouga. "What are you doing here?" He barked at Kouga. Kouga didn't even flinch as he looked at his cousin with an amused gaze.

"After my mom told me what happened to you, I just had to come see for myself that dog-turd was actually hurt." Inuyasha growled and stood up hastily to punch Kouga, but dizziness quickly swept him and he fell back down onto the sofa. Kouga smirked at his helplessness, but stopped his taunting.

Kagome's heart slowly slowed down to a regular pattern as she looked at Inuyasha's exhausted form sitting on the sofa. For a moment there, she had almost cried out to him as she saw his body waver slightly before it fell back onto the sofa. Her worried eyes swept over his drained expression and the urge to go comfort him was so strong that she almost wept, but the sight of Kikyo sitting next to him stopped her.

"Let's set up," Mirouku said as he tried to break the tenseness. "Sango, you and I will go dish out the Chinese food while Kouga and Kagome will go pour the drinks, is that alright?" They all nodded and started towards Inuyasha's kitchen. As Kagome followed Kouga, her eyes surveyed the simple, yet exquisite features that the house held. There was a long white staircase that spiraled to the side and an arched ceiling that ended in a huge set of ceiling windows that let in the bleeding colors of the sun. For some reason, as Kagome surveyed the home's features, she felt an overwhelming sense of déjà vu, but she didn't know why.

As Kagome's eyes hopped from one item to another, they suddenly landed on Inuyasha's pained expression as he closed his eyes to take in a shaky breath. An urge to run to him and take his pain away swept over her, but she resisted it and could only watch him as Kikyo continued to talk to him; oblivious to his pain. Anger swept over Kagome and she had to clench her hands to control her emotion. Without warning, his eyes snapped open and for the first time that day, their eyes finally met. Kagome's breathing halted and she stopped walking as she was lost in his violet pools. He stared intently into her eyes before an undecipherable emotion swept over him and he turned his head back to Kikyo. Disappointment tugging at her, Kagome hurried to catch up with Kouga who had stopped to wait for her when he had noticed that she was gone.

"Come on beautiful, we don't have all day," Kouga gave her a grin and Kagome blushed red as she prayed that no one had heard that. He took her arm and started to lead the way when his grinning mouth suddenly transformed into an amused smirk as his eyes looked at something beyond her shoulders. Kagome turned back to see what was so amusing and saw that Inuyasha's face held a livid glare as he looked at them. Kagome's face burned as his angry eyes seared into hers and she quickly turned away and a sad look came over her face. Why did she always manage to make Inuyasha mad at her? Kouga took his smirk away from Inuyasha and saw the sadness in her eyes.

He led her to the empty hall and crossed his arms before turning to her and locking his eyes on her. "What is your relationship to Inuyasha, Kagome?"

Kagome paled and she looked at the floor. " . . . Just as a secretary," she finally whispered.

"I don't believe that," Kouga said bluntly. "Not with the murderous looks that Inuyasha was casting me when I took your hand. I have no doubt that if he had the energy, he would have gotten up and punched me for that."

"That's where you're wrong, Kouga," Kagome said softly. "He's mad at me for reasons that are in his rights. Don't read too much into it," she ended before turning away. The change was so sudden in Kagome from earlier that Kouga lost his arrogance for once.

"Well, if Inuyasha and you are not on good terms, then why are you here?" He asked brusquely.

"I-I don't know why," she stammered and her eyes watered as she tried to come up with an explanation. Why did she come? Kagome asked herself. She searched for an answer, but came up with no reasonable explanation except for the fact that she was his secretary. But if she had no more personal relationships with Inuyasha, then why was she here in the first place? And in his house for that matter? Did she think that by coming here, she would somehow make things better between Inuyasha and herself? Her breathing became shallow as she tried to say something, anything that would justify her actions. This was not just for Kouga anymore, but for herself as well. Her mind raced to find something, but she came up empty-handed. "I-I don't know," she repeated for the second time and she looked up at Kouga as a small tear finally rolled slowly down her left cheek. "That's a good question, Kouga," she said shakily as she wiped her tear away. "One that I unfortunately can't answer," she said as another tear slipped out, this time on her right side. She wiped it away and turned towards the direction they had come in from. "I think that I'm going to leave right now," she whispered achingly. "I've just realized how stupid I must look to come here when he obviously hates me.

Kouga became alarmed and grabbed her arm. "Hey, I'm not saying that you need any reason to be here, but I'm just surprised that someone as stunning as you would be here for that dog-turd cousin of mine, especially when I don't sense any kindness in him for you at all . . ." He stared deeply into her eyes and Kagome flushed under his gaze. "Unless . . . ." His eyes suddenly cleared after looking at her for a while and his eyes widened considerably. ". . . Unless you love him," he stated as he looked at her face to gauge her expression. Kagome's head snapped up in surprise and she slowly started to shake her head to deny it, but couldn't.

Gazing at him in defeat, she softly murmured, "Am I that transparent?"

His eyes bore into her and he nodded. "Only to those who look deep enough," he said. "I wonder if Inuyasha sees it as well," his eyes narrowed in thought.

"Please don't tell Inuyasha!" She pleaded and gripped his arms. "Please don't mention it to him." She hung her head. "It's already bad enough for him that I work with him, but if you tell him, he will only hate me more. Please," she whispered before another shining tear came down.

Kouga looked at her and nodded before he took her into his arms. "Don't cry, Kagome. That dog-turd is not worth your tears," he growled. "You don't need him. I'll be your friend." Kagome smiled slightly as he took her arm and led her to the kitchen where Mirouku was grabbing some plastics plates and spoons to bring on over to the living room.

"What took you guys so long?" Mirouku grumbled. "Inuyasha's complaining that he's hungry and he's taking it out on me."

Kouga just laughed and pulled Kagome to the table as they got cups to pour drinks. "Dog-turd can wait. There are more important things than him," he said before glancing at Kagome, who was lost in thought as she set up the cups. Kouga poured in the liquid and with Mirouku's help, Kouga and Kagome was able to bring everything in one trip.

Kagome gazed in surprise at the now empty spot that Kikyo had occupied. "Where's Kikyo?" She asked Sango.

"She left five minutes ago for an appointment."

"Oh," Kagome nodded and relief washed over her; making her feel ashamed of herself.

"Come, let's chow!" Mirouku yelled and ran to the table.

"That's not fair!" Inuyasha glowered as he tried to sit up.

"Tough luck dog-turd," Kouga snickered as he walked past Inuyasha to go grab a plate. Inuyasha growled and forcibly pushed himself up. He stood for a while, frozen in fear of being dizzy, but after awhile, he smiled triumphantly and walked slowly to the table.

"Sit down, Inuyasha," Sango chided. "Tell me what you want and I'll get you nice helpings of it." Inuyasha thought about it and nodded.

"Can you just get me a little of everything? I'm so hungry." Inuyasha carefully sat back on the sofa and relaxed as he leaned against the sofa.

Kagome waited until everyone had gotten their plates before she stood up to go get hers. As she got to the table, she noticed how much food they had bought. Looking at the enormous plate that Sango had given to Inuyasha and the huge appetites of Kouga and Mirouku, Kagome was surprised that there was still a lot left for seconds. She quickly grabbed a little of each as well and slowly walked over to the group. Her eyes searched the room for a spot, but only noticed two empty spots: one next to Kouga and the other next to Inuyasha.

Kagome's palm became moist as she debated who to sit with. The seat next to Inuyasha was closer, giving her an excuse to sit there, but she didn't want to sit where she was not wanted. Her eyes quickly switched back and forth as she tried to decide. Her foot took an unconscious step in Inuyasha's direction and she panicked as her other did the same. Should she . . . ? Her foot followed the same pattern and soon Kagome was getting closer to the spot. Nobody had noticed her yet due to the fact that they were arguing on which movie to watch. Her foot inched slowly towards Inuyasha despite the growing fear that intensified with each second. She reached the spot and was going to sit there when Kouga looked up.

"Kagome!" He beckoned to her. "Come sit with me, not dog-turd." At those words, Inuyasha looked up to see her standing by his sofa. His eyes showed surprise, but were quickly void of any emotion when she looked at Kouga before looking at Inuyasha. He was still looking at her intently and she blushed before turning away to get further away from him. She moved to where Kouga was and sat down next to him. Her face was still aflame at being caught trying to sit next to Inuyasha.

Once Kagome was seated, Kouga threw a triumphant look in Inuyasha's direction and leaned closer to Kagome. "Don't be shy, Kagome. Sit and relax, don't worry." He scooted closer to Kagome and whispered something in her ear before she laughed; making the worry in her face disappeared.

Inuyasha looked at the scene and fumed angrily. Why was she so friendly with Kouga? From what Mirouku had told him, they had just met today. His hands clenched as he saw Kouga lean closely to Kagome's ear to say something softly, which resulted in Kagome giving him a warm reassuring smile that made Inuyasha's blood boil. If he could just get up, he would punch the arrogance out of Kouga and separate them both. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mirouku get up to put in the movie, but did not turn to see which one.

As the film started to play, Sango turned off the lights, leaving Inuyasha's feelings to himself. If he punched Kouga, would Kagome be mad? Feeling his heart become heavy, he already knew the answer. Inuyasha cast them one look before forcing himself to watch the movie. They were both watching the movie intently and were sitting close to each other. All of a sudden, after looking at them, a tide of loneliness swept over him. Everyone had someone to sit with except him. He looked around the room as the movie started and looked at the faces of everyone. He was glad they had come, but even surrounded by everyone, he felt so alone sitting by himself. His gaze turned to Kagome.

She had been about to sit with him, but Kouga had called her. And she had willingly gone. Inuyasha closed his eyes, as his headache came on again. He knew who stood first in her mind. The smell of food assaulted his sense and he turned his attention back to it.

He would eat now and forget everything.

-

The end movie credits slowly rolled to a stop and Inuyasha looked around. Everyone was stretching lazily and putting their plates away. He saw Kagome get up to put her plate in the garbage, but Kouga stopped her and took her plate instead. His heart pained with the happy smile that graced her lips for Kouga. She hadn't smile like that to him in the longest time. His eyes turned away from the sight and instead focused on his plate; suddenly finding interest in the white decorated plates.

A shadow fell over his figure and he looked up to see Mirouku. "Let me take this from you, Inuyasha."

Inuyasha gave a nod and handed him his plate. "Thanks Mirouku," he said softly before giving the couple another glance. He just couldn't feel anger anymore because he finally came to a conclusion during the movie that if Kagome liked being with Kouga better, then so be it. It's not like I hold any claim over her or her heart, he thought bitterly.

Mirouku followed his gaze towards Kouga and Kagome and held back a sigh. He knew that Kouga liked Kagome on a romantic level, but he also knew that Kagome did not like him that way. Mirouku could see that by the small nervous glances that she would quickly flash at Inuyasha during the movie and the concern that mirrored her reflection when she noticed him grimacing in pain.

"Inuyasha," Mirouku said. Inuyasha looked up at him. "I think you should return to the hospital. I've noticed that you are still in pain and if this is happening, there must be something wrong."

"Keh!" Inuyasha said haughtily. "I'm not in pain, monk! I'm perfectly fine."

"Then why can't you walk to the table normally and why do you still have those painful headaches?"

Inuyasha didn't answer, but he didn't confirm it either. "I'm fine, stop worrying," Inuyasha said uncomfortably. He didn't like people worrying over him. It unnerved him.

The rest of the group came over. "I agree with Mirouku that you should go back. If you want, we can even take you to go check to make sure it's nothing serious before taking you back home," Sango said as her eyes looked him carefully over.

Inuyasha shook his head. "I'm fine," he said exasperated. "Don't worry. I'm going to be fine by tomorrow. You'll see."

Sango cast him a worried glance, but refrained from making him upset. Kagome looked at his worn appearance and the words blurted out before she could stop them. "I think you should go as well."

Inuyasha looked at her, his eyes flashed and he turned away to say steely. "Like I said before, I'm okay."

Feeling shunned, Kagome turned away as she listened to their conversation.

"As you wish, Inuyasha, but if you need anything, don't hesitate to call us."

An inaudible Keh came out and Kagome's heart throbbed at the familiar expression. He had used it so much when they used to date. Kagome's heart ached and she walked to the kitchen to do a last check-up.

"Don't let him get to you, Kagome," Kouga said from behind her. Kagome nodded her head and turned away before turning back with a smile.

"Thanks Kouga." He smiled and nodded.

"No problem."

"Kouga, Kagome," Mirouku called to them. "We're leaving!"

Kagome nodded they walked over to them. She glanced quickly at Inuyasha who sat in the sofa. He was looking at her and her face heated before she averted her gaze. She let them all go ahead and as she turned to close the door, she looked at him and softly said. "Goodnight Inuyasha."

-

Waving to her friends, Kagome tiredly let herself in the front door. A glance at her wristwatch told her that it was now 10:26. Kagome sighed. A shower was in order before she collapsed on her bed. She tiredly walked up the long flight of stairs before unlocking her door and flicking on the lights that spilled brightness onto her sofa and-

The keys she had been holding dropped lifelessly to the tiled hallway and made a loud clunking noise as Kagome staggered backwards out of the room.

Only one word echoed through her brain as she stared beyond the open door.

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COMMENTS:

Krouger: LOL Remember, patience is a virtue. Hopefully, this chapter appeased your curiousity. ; - )

Nauriell: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound like I was laughing at the grammatical mistake ::smiles sheepishly:: I just found it funny that you didn't remember which story it was. Nice suggestion! I will put it to consideration because truthfully, I didn't even think about that!

InuLvr7: Thank you for your comment. I also reviewed your story and I love it! And you were saying my story was good . . ?

kira ): Thank you for the compliment! That makes me feel much really good!

Kurai Okami: Sorry about the cliffhanger! ::evil grin:: Hopefully you didn't think that this chapter had a big cliffhanger. '-'

Shesshou's Bynx/S.Wooz: You're back! Wow, that was a long time! LOL you say you were grounded? Bad Shesshou's Bynx/S.Wooz. '-' By the way, I reviewed one of your stories! It made me cry!

azn-anime-anjel, Subaru, Mini Nicka, MaekoChan, Kurokumo, kurama07: Thank you and the other reviewers above for taking the time to write these! I love them all!

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TO BE CONTINUED

Readers, tell me your thoughts and feelings! Review! '-'