Finally! Chapter two! I hope it gets more traffic than the first chapter generated. ;;;;

Disclaimer: Obviously, none of it is mine. Except the plot. And the story. But not the characters! At least not yet. But I hear I can get Inuyasha on for pretty cheap. That place is like the black market sometimes... -

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"So, Kagome-sama, I see your boils cleared up very well. They didn't even leave any scars!"

Kagome chuckled half-heartedly, swearing to kill her grandfather when she returned.

"Yes, well, I guess I'm just lucky I'm a fast healer!"

Hojou smiled attentively and nodded as he picked up his menu. Kagome followed his example, but her mind was elsewhere.

How was Shippou doing? Would Sango take her place and mother the child as she once had? Would Miroku and Sango marry one day, or would his perverse acts inevitably push her away? Did Inuyasha return to Kikyou immediately, or did he spend even a moment regretting the choice he forced Kagome to make?

Of course, all these questions were irrelevant. They would do just fine without her--she knew that. They probably did not even think twice about it as they moved towards the next jewel shard.

One day, they would find them all, without her assistance, and would live happily ever after, forgetting all about that silly girl that once traveled with them.

It was no longer her concern.

"..Kagome? Kagome, are you feeling well? Maybe this was a bad idea. You're probably still delirious from the yellow fever you had two weeks back..."

Kagome blinked a moment and chuckled sheepishly. Oh, yes. Gramps was dead.

"Oh, no, Hojou. Really, I'm fine. I just spaced out for a moment there."

Hojou looked concerned for a minute more before smiling and shrugging good-naturedly.

"Oh. Well, the waitress is waiting to know what you would like to drink..."

Hojou fidgeted with his napkin, settling it into his lap Kagome looked up at an impatient-looking waitress and muttered "diet Pepsi" apologetically.

"So how has school been for you, Hojou? Have I missed anything exciting?"

Hojou grinned. Kagome rarely asked how he was doing, but he appreciated the change.

"I've been doing pretty well actually, if you don't mind me saying so. As far as exciting... Actually, some new guy got suspended for fighting and putting a hole in the wall. There was a big deal made about it, but the guy's dad is friends with the principal, so he didn't get it put on his record."

Kagome laughed. Really laughed. It was refreshing to realize that the most scandalous thing to happen here was petty school gossip. It was a nice change.

The meal went well. They discussed the newest classmate couples and the newest hangouts. Kagome enjoyed herself over a delicious dinner and a fabulous dessert.

Hojou walked her home. After her first daydreaming incident, she hadn't thought once about Feudal Japan. She was just enjoying being a typical modern teenager again. That is quite possibly why she was so terribly surprised at what she found when she arrived home.

"Mom? I just got back from dinner with Hojou... Um, hello? Souta? Grandpa?"

She turned the corner and her jaw dropped. Her mouth opened and closed as she tried to form words, but couldn't. There, sitting at her kitchen table...

"Might want to close that. You're catching flies, dear Kagome-chan."

Kagome dutifully closed her mouth, just long enough to get her bearings. She took the time to regain her composure before opening it again.

"W-what are you doing here? I thought only..."

Here she grimaced painfully before shaking herself out of it. Her guest smiled wryly, allowing her to continue.

"I thought only Inuyasha could get through... Why are you here?"

He sighed. Of course this is how she would react. Of course her first thoughts would be with Inuyasha. It was to be expected.

"Kagome-chan, I'm hurt. Aren't you happy to see me? I go to all this trouble to come visit you and not even a smi-"

His words were cut off as Kagome closed the distance and threw her arms around him. He'd only been joking... Well, sort of, at least. He honestly hadn't expected a hug. However, to his growing surprise, she didn't pull away immediately, either.

"Oh, Miroku-kun, I thought I would never see any of you again. But-but, you're here! You... you... why are you here?"

His face grew serious a moment. He looked deliberately into her eyes. She looked so concerned...

"Kagome-chan, I know we haven't always been on the best of terms, but in light of recent events... well, circumstances have changed... So, I must ask you..."

She just looked so innocent.

"Will you bear my child?"

He prepared himself for a slap to the face. Groping her backside, in addition to his typical question, usually had that affect. But when he didn't feel the tell-tale sting of her hand on his face, he was rather confused. Kagome had torn herself from his arms, yes, but she had not slapped him, screamed at him, or stomped off in a huff.

She merely sank to her knees and sobbed.

Kagome just... couldn't bring herself to be angry with him. His time was so... short. If they didn't stop Naraku in time, he would never grow old enough to really have children. He acted as if life was all one big joke to him. He thought he was fooling the world.

But she knew.

She knew he had to act that way. She knew that he couldn't give into self-pity or he would waste what little time he had left. If Naraku wasn't stopped, Miroku would die. And their progress was significantly slowed by her return to her own time.

Her thoughts were broken by a hand resting gently on her shoulder. She raised her tear-blurred eyes mournfully.

"Ka-Kagome-sama, I am sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."

Kagome shook her head fervently. When she had finished, she looked up at Miroku with her trademark happy smile and a look of relief passed his features.

"No, really, I'm fine. Just one of those moody girl moments you hear about!"

She laughed cheerfully, but the shadow of sorrow hidden behind her smile did not go undetected by her visitor.

"Yes, well..."

Miroku cleared his throat and took up his holy monk persona smoothly.

"Kagome-chan, I have sensed a dark aura around your house. You should allow me to exorcise it."

Kagome laughed good-naturedly and motioned towards the kitchen.

"Miroku, I'd be happy to fix you some food. Oooh, do you want to try oden?"

Her guest chuckled softly before sliding up beside her and taking her hand in his.

"Why, Kagome, you are a very gracious hostess. But, truly, I was hoping more for a warm bed... Perhaps you might even care to join me?"

Kagome blushed furiously and jerked her hand from his. She backed into the refrigerator and shook her head vehemently.

"You—you can't stay here!"

He sighed as Kagome sunk into a chair and crossed her arms, pouting.

"Kagome-sama, in all seriousness, I do have things to discuss with you, so... A bed would be welcome. It may take a while."

Kagome wanted to argue, but was too tired. After a few moments of silence, she threw her arms up in defeat.

"Fine, but I just want you to know I am locking my door tonight."

"That hurts, Kagome."

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What do you think? I'm... not thrilled, but I'm hoping it will get better once I get back into my writing groove. Well, I'd appreciate comments, flames, etc. Please?

Reiko