Across Time Part 16
Hello all! I wanted to get this out Monday but my brain stalled on the last 500 words, oh well you'll
survive. Here it is! The FLUFF! Thanks to all who noted the typo last chapter, yes it was supposed to
be something not someone!
-Sashi-I'm not regularly on Aol. My parents have an account but I don't use it. Sign up for a free msn
account and we can talk.
-Valdimarian- I'm flattered that you dedicated a chapter to me and yes if anyone needs help with Japanese
I'll send them to you, if I remember :P.
-TheWraith1- I think mobbed would be the better term. And I've toned Mrs. Higurashi down a little from the
total goof and matchmaker that she was in TFAC. She still has healthy portions of both qualities though.
-snowecat- Yeah, I know it is a bother. I don't write it like that, I write it single space. Dunno why
fanfiction.net makes it double. They just started doing it.
-STJA- There are no temptresses here. Just a temptor. I'm a guy ;).
-I am Sango- Grandpa didn't, tell he found out Inuyasha was filthy rich. They weren't suspicious because
Kagome had told them he was a friend of the family. Her friends aren't suspicious. They believe Kagome has
a crush on Mr. Shiro and enjoy teasing her about it like lots of girls do. That doesn't mean they think
anything is happening though. Besides, Kagome IS 18 and Mr. Shiro is supposedly in his early 20s. Hope
that unconfuzzles you.
-Amygurl- Ehehe, you're right. The reason is that before I decided on Shiro, I was going to name him Mr.
Ayumi, until I realized that was Kagome's friend's name.
-anonymous- You're right, you caught me. Luckily, I have a mainly female audience which isn't interested
in cars. Oh well, I'm sure Yuka and the others REALLY enjoyed the trip home then :D.
-
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Contrary to Mrs. Higurashi's statement, the sky grew darker and a flash of lightning burst across
it, signaling the downpour of rain. Drops of water pelted the roof of the Higurashi home, creating something
of a song with its patters for those who cared to listen, and had a bit of imagination. Kagome was one of
those people as she sat within the comfort of her home in the kitchen listening and looking out one of the
nearby windows, propping up her head with one of her hands. Her mother and Inuyasha, no longer in his
transformed state, were also sitting at the table. Mrs. Higurashi kept the room from being overrun by the
sound of raindrops alone while Inuyasha supposedly listened as he watched Kagome's serene countenance quite
blatantly.
Kagome's grandfather was outside in one of the shrine buildings praying. Normally, Kagome would
accompany him, but as it was her birthday Souta had been drafted instead. It was a very old tradition for
such prayers this time of year. It wasn't uncommon for the winter monsoon season to begun in November,
which was nearly over, it being the 27th and all. Kagome suddenly became aware that something was rubbing
against her leg. She blinked and then looked down to see Buyo, craving some attention. Kagome smiled and
picked up the cat, setting him on her lap and stroking him. "But I've always thought pink was better. Don't
you agree Kagome?" asked Mrs. H, turning towards her daughter.
Kagome sweat dropped, having no clue if her mother was discussing something as simple as the color
of roses or some band from her time, which was a perfectly good question considering she was talking to
a person who had lived through that and many other ages of music, though Kagome suspected the hanyou wasn't
a very avid music listener, but one never knew.. "Ah.. sure mom." Kagome said, scratching her head, causing
a yowl of protest from her cat at the loss of the petting. Mrs. Higurashi gave a pleased smile, satisfied
with her answer before continuing. "As I was saying Inuyasha, the-" A thunderbolt struck, hitting some
distant target in the city, causing the lights to dim in the house before returning to their normal state.
"Oh dear." Mrs. Higurashi said, putting a finger to her chin. "I hope we don't blow a fuse." Another
bolt of lightning struck and, with a pop and fizz, the three people were clothed in absolute darkness.
Inuyasha muttered something unpleasant under his breath, things were definitely not going as hoped. "What
was that Inuyasha?" asked the woman. "Oh he just said he hoped Souta and Grandpa are all right out there."
Kagome interjected, clearly not wanting Inuyasha to answer. Mrs. Higurashi reached out into the darkness
and patted him on hand. "That's sweet of you dear, but I'm sure father and Souta will be fine." There was
a shuffling sound, and Kagome assumed it was her mother standing up as her eyes had yet to adjust. "You two
sit tight. I'll go and see if I can get the lights back on. Silly me, I left all of the matches out in the
rain, but I keep some spares near the fuse box in case of something like this. I'll be back in a minute."
Kagome listened to her mother's light steps as the slowly faded away, leaving the two of them in
complete silence other than their breathing. Another lightning bolt appeared, illuminating the room and
causing eerie shadows to dance around the room. Kagome crossed her harms and hugged herself, bringing her
legs close to her as she did and forcing Buyo to vacate his spot, much to his annoyance. She had always
been a bit afraid of the dark, her imagination always started to play tricks on her. In fact, she had had
a night light until she was twelve, which was when her brother had gotten rid of hers, so naturally she
had to do the same being the older sibling. She had spent quite a few nights after that in terror before the
fear finally subsided, but at times like these it still reared its head once in a while, though not as bad
as when she was a little girl. Was that something moving in the corner? Kagome took a deep breath and let
it out slowly. There was nothing there, she was just being childish.
The nervous miko then felt a presence sliding around her waist. She nearly jumped from her spot on
the floor and had to bite her tongue not to yelp in surprise. Her pupils had dilated enough that she could
see that the object was nothing more than the comforting clawed hand of a certain hanyou. Relief filled the
girl and the sense of safety offered far overpowered the embarrassment she felt from their close proximity
as she allowed herself to scoot closer to Inuyasha, a light blush on her face. The fact that it was dark at
least made sure that Inuyasha couldn't see the blush, or could he with those piercing eyes of his?
Regardless, the shadows seemed to melt into place, revealing their movement to be nothing more than an
effect of Buyo prowling about the room.
Now that the moment had passed, Kagome realized how silly she had been, acting like a frightened
damsel in distress, and began to scoot away. She didn't get far, in fact she didn't get anywhere at all. It
seemed the all powerful hand would allow her to move closer by her own free will but it was firmly in place
to prevent her from escaping. The bright color of her cheeks seemed to nearly brighten the room as Kagome
pondered the implications of this. Inuyasha had his arm around her and wasn't willingly allowing her to move
away, could that actually mean what her mind was telling her? 'Inuyasha wants to snuggle with me?' The
thought was amazing and wonderful at the same time.
"Oi, are you alive?" asked the hanyou to the shocked girl. Kagome blinked. She didn't detect any
hint of embarrassment or shyness in his voice, was this just a casual act of friendship or was it romantic?
She felt so confused. "I'm fine." Kagome managed to choke out in a whisper. What to do, what to do? If this
was what it seemed like then it would hurt him if she sat here like she was a statue, but what if she was
misinterpreting? Kagome bit her lip in indecision before realizing the best course of action would be to
do something that could be seen as either romantic or just friendly, something that she had done a long
time ago without any repercussions per se. And so Kagome let her head rest ever so lightly against
Inuyasha's shoulder and was rewarded by Inuyasha's grip on her increasing slightly.
A few moments passed as the two shared this tender moment, but the silence was broken up when
Kagome gave a small laugh. Inuyasha shifted to peer at her through the dark. "What?" he asked, wishing that
they could stay like this all night, and all day, and all of the next night, and perhaps forever. It was a
small piece of heaven to him, a gulp of water to a dehydrated man in the desert. Kagome smiled. "It's just..
that I remember last time I was nervous in the dark when we were watching that dead princess.." Inuyasha
smirked. "Things have changed." he said, giving her a vague reply. "Have they?" the girl asked, feeling her
heart skip a beat. She saw Inuyasha nod in the dim light. "It was a hard lesson to learn, things would have
been different if I had learned it sooner." he murmured, reaching up with his other hand to run his hand
through her hair and snagging to bow that was keeping her hair in a ponytail, causing her hair to fall about
shoulders.
It appeared Kagome's heart had somehow obtained a jackhammer at this point, a fact that Inuyasha did
not fail to notice. "I can hear you're heart beating, are you all right?" he asked, a hint of hurt in his
voice. "No! I'm fine." Kagome said hurriedly. "It's just that I.." Kagome let her voice die, not sure what
to say. Inuyasha didn't seem to mind her lack of response and the two fell into a comfortable silence,
Inuyasha dropping his hand from its position in her hair a few moments later and Kagome allowed herself to
rest more heavily against the hanyou, who didn't complain. Gradually, the last of her nervousness died away,
allowing Kagome to fully appreciate the fact that they were cuddling.
"Inuyasha?" said softly, looking up at the content hanyou. The hanyou glanced at her. "Hn?" he
asked. She smiled. "You never did tell me why you really became a substitute at my school." she said.
Inuyasha's eyes seemed to glint in the pale moonlight. "Isn't it obvious? I want to be near you baka (now
I normally refuse from using japanese terms other than names, but I' m making an exception because 'idiot'
or 'stupid' is too harsh sounding)." he replied, shifting his body to face her. Kagome's cheeks began to
regain their rosy color. "R-realy?" she asked. Inuyasha nodded. And then the magnetic force that seems to
appear in situations similar to this appeared and Inuyasha leaned closer, his other arm wrapping around her
as well. 'Now that I think of it, it was pretty obvious...' was Kagome's final fleeting thought as she
tilted her head slightly.
Suddenly, there was the spark and hiss of a match coming to life and the room was illuminated by
its brightness. "Well I found the matches, but I could use some help with the fuse box, would you mind
Inuyasha?." said the perpetually cheerful woman. She then cocked her head in confusion at the scene she
was now in view of. Not a scene of two lovers embraced in a kiss, quite different really. Their surprise
had caused them to leap in opposite directions. Kagome had landed safely on the floor (quite comfortably
actually considering she had landed on poor Buyo, who was less comfortable). Inuyasha's landing had been
less graceful. He had landed on the edge of the table, causing him to topple backwards so that his legs
were on the table and the rest of him was on the floor. "Goodness! Have you two been fighting again?"
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"Well, it looks like the rain is finally dying down." said Mrs. Higurashi, peering between the
blinds she was holding open with two fingers. She removed them, causing the blinds to snap back into
place. "It looks like you are free to go if you like Inuyasha, you're welcome to stay for dinner if you
like, though with all of the commotions I'm afraid I haven't cooked anything so we'll just be having
heated leftovers." said the woman, turning her head to where the entire family and Inuyasha were
sitting around the table playing a card game to pass the time (Inuyasha had been coaxed into playing by
Souta after some time) now that the power had been restored. "That is, unless you have other plans, of
course." she added with a wink. Inuyasha stared at her, while Souta beside him stared at the hanyou's
unprotected hand, earning him a light whack from his grandfather. How did this woman know so much about
his plans? Was she a blasted psychic?
"I do, I want to take Kagome to dinner." Inuyasha said unsurely. Kagome blinked in surprise,
but for once her reaction wasn't physically noticeable. "Well isn't that a nice treat." said her
grandfather cheerfully. Kagome considered asking him if he meant for her or himself. "I agree. It is
sweet of you to take her out to dinner on her birthday Inuyasha." said Mrs. Higurashi. "You have my
permission to take her if she wants to go. Just take care in this weather, she won't be missing anything
here anyways." During this, Souta snuck switched cards from his hand with cards in the pile, but no one
noticed, besides Buyo perhaps. "I'd love to go Inuyasha. Let's just finish this hand or Souta will never
play cards with me again." said Kagome, fixing her hair, which she had retied into a ponytail, absently,
the blush finally appearing on her face. Souta grinned as he showed the others his hand. "Automatic
win!" he cried triumphantly.
A few minutes later, Inuyasha, now transformed again, and Kagome stood at the front door with
Mrs. Higurashi. The older woman handed Inuyasha an umbrella. "Better take this, it's still raining out
after all." said Mrs. Higurashi with a smile. "Be careful now!" she called to them as Kagome said her
goodbye and the two exited the house. "It sure is dark out for being so early Kagome said as she walked
underneath the umbrella, holding her dress up slightly to keep it from getting wet or dirty. Kagome
didn't fail to notice that Inuyasha was only partially covered by the umbrella (she suspected her mother
had given him the small one on purpose) despite their relative closeness, but she didn't comment on it.
If he wanted to act chivalric who was she to complain? "At least its warm out and there isn't any wind."
she added as the made their way down the shrine steps.
Near the bottom she spotted a green Lincoln Town Car parked at the foot of the shrine steps. "Is
that yours?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha nodded. "I rented it for tonight." he explained as the reached the
bottom and Inuyasha opened the door for Kagome to step inside. He didn't explain, though, that he was
banned permanently (or at least until Shippo was in need of a favor) from using the young kitsune's
vehicle. "It's very nice." Kagome commented as Inuyasha entered through the driver's door and started
the car, flicking on the lights as well (And they really are nice cars, though I wouldn't buy one if I
had a chance probably. They're like mini-limos). "So want to tell me where you are taking me?" asked
Kagome as the hanyou pulled them onto the main road. Said hanyou smirked. "No."
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Traffic had been kind to them, and within ten minutes they had arrived at their destination.
At first, Kagome had been confused when they had parked in the garage of a office building, an fancy
and majestic office building but an office building nonetheless. Eventually, Kagome had realized that
it was not the office building itself that they were interested in, but what was on top of it, the
Heichinrou, one of the most well known restaurants in Tokyo with a traditional cuisine. 'It's
beautiful.' Kagome thought as she gazed at the phenomenal view they had of the rest of the city. Why,
not far off was the Imperial Hotel jutting upwards into the sky among the various other landmarks of
Japan's capital city.
"Good evening, something to drink? We have a fine selection of sake and imported wines."
said their waiter, who was dressed in all white besides a black collar on his shirt. "None for me
please, I'll just have water." said Kagome. Inuyasha, of course, ordered his beverage of choice. The
man smiled and nodded. "Very well, I'll be out with your meal and drinks shortly." Kagome looked over
at Inuyasha as the man left. "But we haven't ordered yet." Kagome said in confusion. "It was ordered
when the reservations were made. We're having kaisen ryori." replied the transformed hanyou.
Kagome wasn't familiar with a dish called that, but she trusted Inuyasha's judgment in the
matter. As it turned out, kaisen ryori wasn't a single dish, but a combination of multiple sea food
dishes, plenty for two people. Kagome had the time of her life with Inuyasha's company. The kind of
time that one wished could continue for every but knew had to end to make room for all of the other
joys life would bring. In fact, of all the birthdays she had and all of the ones she ever would have,
today's was the one that she looked back on the most fondly. Sadly, it came to an end far too quickly.
And so, some two hours later, Kagome found herself back in the car and sporting a large smile
on her face. 'Can this get any better?' Kagome mused as they turned the corner. Her thoughts seemed
to be answered as they suddenly found themselves in the middle of a traffic jam. The rain had finally
stopped and all of those stranded while it was pouring were now trying to make their ways home.
"Damn." Inuyasha muttered as he leaned back against the chair. They weren't going anywhere soon.
Things had gone perfectly until now too. Inuyasha glanced at Kagome, who's beauty seemed to be
magnified by the spotlight-like effect a nearby street lamp was causing, as she gazed out into the
dark metropolis. Then again, perhaps things still were...
"Kagome." Inuyasha said softly, disturbing her from her thoughts. "Yes?" she asked, turning
to him. "Here, this is for you." he said, handing her the small, neatly wrapped present he had been
carrying around all day. Kagome, feeling a thrill surge through her as she unwrapped it. It was a
small jewelry box, which she opened, her eyes widening at what she saw.
(A/N I thought about being terribly cruel right here and ending the chapter, allowing you to debate
in your mind what was in it, many no doubt would have guessed it to be a wedding ring I'm sure and I
would have delighted in it, but I am feeling nice for once and want to completely finish this moment)
It was the Shikon no Tama, no longer tied to a string or in a medicine jar, but now the
centerpiece for a beautifully styled golden necklace. "The Shikon no Tama!" Kagome cried in shock and
pleasure, turning to the hanyou. "I had almost completely forgotten about it, you kept it all this
time? I-" and then it suddenly clicked in her mind and her eyes seemed to double in size as she
returned her gaze back to the jewel. "This is why you don't look any different isn't it? It's kept
you the same." Inuyasha nodded as the girl brought it close to her face. "But how? I didn't think it
could do something like that without losing its purity or being used up."
Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know how, but we were wrong and I'm glad we were." he said
softly. "But I don't need it anymore, I want you to have it." Kagome's cheeks once again became
sprinkled with red. "Thank you Inuyasha, I think I like it the most of my presents. Would you.. help
me put it on?" Inuyasha nodded and reached for the necklace, but was stopped when he heard the
beeping of a horn behind him. He looked up and saw that whatever had been causing the traffic jam had
been rectified and traffic was moving as normal again. "It's all right, I can get it myself." Kagome
said, unhooking the chain and wrapping it around her neck.
Inuyasha glared at the car behind him, just when he thought the world was attempting to
apologize for all it had done to him by giving him this moment, it had to go and prove him wrong.
The rest of the ride home was quiet, almost to a uncomfortable silence. Kagome became less and less
talkative, and in the end stopped making conversation completely as the drive continued. Instead,
she became introspective as she gazed at the gift around her neck.
The silence continued up the steps of the shrine and to the very doorstep of her home. It
was only then that she turned to him. "Inuyasha, there's something I need to know, though it might
hurt you. I just can't go on without knowing and I'm sorry that I'm asking this but I have to." she
said quickly, gazing at her shoes. Inuyasha nodded in concern as he put the umbrella down, seeing as
the house shielded them from the rain. "What is it?" he asked. Kagome took a deep breath and looked
him straight in the eyes, her own wavering slightly.
"I know that you love Kikyou Inuyasha, I've accepted that and I know you don't see me as just
a replacement. But I have to know if there is still room in your heart for me." Inuyasha's facial
expression resembled one of horror. All this time, for years that question must have been within her,
for it wasn't something one thought of over night, tearing at her soul for so long, but he had been
blind to it. He gently wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. The girl collapsed against
him as if telling him this had been a tremendous physical effort as well as mental. "Listen to me
Kagome." he whispered softly in her ear. "I don't know if I truly loved Kikyou, I don't know if I ever
will. But I do know that I wouldn't have waited 500 years to see her again. You promised me that you
would be by my side forever if I let you, I want you by my side."
Inuyasha felt the girl inhale sharply at his words. She looked up at him with an expression
beyond description and he down at her. And, ever so slowly, she reached up and removed the previously
hidden leaf from his head, transforming him back to himself, then she leaned up towards him and made
their lips meet. It was gentle and tender, but full of so much feeling, it was the lightest of kisses,
for a few seconds that is. Inuyasha couldn't help himself, it was just too much for his human portion
to handle. A flood of pent of feelings and passions forced down for half a millennia finally broke
free and rushed to the surface. He roughly pushed her back the few inches to the door, pressing her
against it while the kiss became far more fiery. The already emotional girl was completely
overwhelmed by this surge of passion, her once closed eyes widening in confusion. The hanyou's
thumbs had just begun to gently rub her back when the door opened behind Kagome.
As the eldest of the Higurashi's opened the door to see what the commotion was, Kagome was
released from the kiss and toppled backwards onto her rear end inside. "Ah, Inuyasha!" he exclaimed
happily before glancing down at his shell shocked grand daughter. "I hope I wasn't interrupting
anything." said the mischievous old man, a gleam appearing in his eyes. "Oh, father move out of the
way and leave the poor boy alone." scolded Mrs. Higurashi, lightly pushing the old man out of the
door way, despite his protests. "I thought it might be you." said the woman, not noticing her
daughter on the ground who was practically panting as she stared at the hanyou. "Thank you for
bringing Kagome home at a reasonable time, would you like to come in for a bit?" Inuyasha's gaze
never left Kagome's the entire time. He too was breathing slightly harder as he finally came to his
senses and began to regret ruining their first kiss in some ways. But DAMN had it felt ever so good
even if it had been too much for the girl. He'd have to make sure he was much more gentle from now
on, for the moment at least. He had to show her that he could, lest he undo all of the progress of
tonight. "No, I think I had better go." said Inuyasha, still gazing at the ravished girl.
Mrs. Hugurashi nodded and smiled. "I understand, please keep the umbrella though. I'd hate
to see you have to walk through all of this without one. Kagome can bring it back next time she
visits. A few moments later, Inuyasha said his goodbye and began walking down to his car,
retransformed, umbrella in hand and a smile on his face. To use one of Shippo's favorite
metaphors, which suddenly had become so much more clear in its meaning, a new chapter was about to
begin, all he had to do was turn the page.
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There you go! Long chapter
Hello all! I wanted to get this out Monday but my brain stalled on the last 500 words, oh well you'll
survive. Here it is! The FLUFF! Thanks to all who noted the typo last chapter, yes it was supposed to
be something not someone!
-Sashi-I'm not regularly on Aol. My parents have an account but I don't use it. Sign up for a free msn
account and we can talk.
-Valdimarian- I'm flattered that you dedicated a chapter to me and yes if anyone needs help with Japanese
I'll send them to you, if I remember :P.
-TheWraith1- I think mobbed would be the better term. And I've toned Mrs. Higurashi down a little from the
total goof and matchmaker that she was in TFAC. She still has healthy portions of both qualities though.
-snowecat- Yeah, I know it is a bother. I don't write it like that, I write it single space. Dunno why
fanfiction.net makes it double. They just started doing it.
-STJA- There are no temptresses here. Just a temptor. I'm a guy ;).
-I am Sango- Grandpa didn't, tell he found out Inuyasha was filthy rich. They weren't suspicious because
Kagome had told them he was a friend of the family. Her friends aren't suspicious. They believe Kagome has
a crush on Mr. Shiro and enjoy teasing her about it like lots of girls do. That doesn't mean they think
anything is happening though. Besides, Kagome IS 18 and Mr. Shiro is supposedly in his early 20s. Hope
that unconfuzzles you.
-Amygurl- Ehehe, you're right. The reason is that before I decided on Shiro, I was going to name him Mr.
Ayumi, until I realized that was Kagome's friend's name.
-anonymous- You're right, you caught me. Luckily, I have a mainly female audience which isn't interested
in cars. Oh well, I'm sure Yuka and the others REALLY enjoyed the trip home then :D.
-
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Contrary to Mrs. Higurashi's statement, the sky grew darker and a flash of lightning burst across
it, signaling the downpour of rain. Drops of water pelted the roof of the Higurashi home, creating something
of a song with its patters for those who cared to listen, and had a bit of imagination. Kagome was one of
those people as she sat within the comfort of her home in the kitchen listening and looking out one of the
nearby windows, propping up her head with one of her hands. Her mother and Inuyasha, no longer in his
transformed state, were also sitting at the table. Mrs. Higurashi kept the room from being overrun by the
sound of raindrops alone while Inuyasha supposedly listened as he watched Kagome's serene countenance quite
blatantly.
Kagome's grandfather was outside in one of the shrine buildings praying. Normally, Kagome would
accompany him, but as it was her birthday Souta had been drafted instead. It was a very old tradition for
such prayers this time of year. It wasn't uncommon for the winter monsoon season to begun in November,
which was nearly over, it being the 27th and all. Kagome suddenly became aware that something was rubbing
against her leg. She blinked and then looked down to see Buyo, craving some attention. Kagome smiled and
picked up the cat, setting him on her lap and stroking him. "But I've always thought pink was better. Don't
you agree Kagome?" asked Mrs. H, turning towards her daughter.
Kagome sweat dropped, having no clue if her mother was discussing something as simple as the color
of roses or some band from her time, which was a perfectly good question considering she was talking to
a person who had lived through that and many other ages of music, though Kagome suspected the hanyou wasn't
a very avid music listener, but one never knew.. "Ah.. sure mom." Kagome said, scratching her head, causing
a yowl of protest from her cat at the loss of the petting. Mrs. Higurashi gave a pleased smile, satisfied
with her answer before continuing. "As I was saying Inuyasha, the-" A thunderbolt struck, hitting some
distant target in the city, causing the lights to dim in the house before returning to their normal state.
"Oh dear." Mrs. Higurashi said, putting a finger to her chin. "I hope we don't blow a fuse." Another
bolt of lightning struck and, with a pop and fizz, the three people were clothed in absolute darkness.
Inuyasha muttered something unpleasant under his breath, things were definitely not going as hoped. "What
was that Inuyasha?" asked the woman. "Oh he just said he hoped Souta and Grandpa are all right out there."
Kagome interjected, clearly not wanting Inuyasha to answer. Mrs. Higurashi reached out into the darkness
and patted him on hand. "That's sweet of you dear, but I'm sure father and Souta will be fine." There was
a shuffling sound, and Kagome assumed it was her mother standing up as her eyes had yet to adjust. "You two
sit tight. I'll go and see if I can get the lights back on. Silly me, I left all of the matches out in the
rain, but I keep some spares near the fuse box in case of something like this. I'll be back in a minute."
Kagome listened to her mother's light steps as the slowly faded away, leaving the two of them in
complete silence other than their breathing. Another lightning bolt appeared, illuminating the room and
causing eerie shadows to dance around the room. Kagome crossed her harms and hugged herself, bringing her
legs close to her as she did and forcing Buyo to vacate his spot, much to his annoyance. She had always
been a bit afraid of the dark, her imagination always started to play tricks on her. In fact, she had had
a night light until she was twelve, which was when her brother had gotten rid of hers, so naturally she
had to do the same being the older sibling. She had spent quite a few nights after that in terror before the
fear finally subsided, but at times like these it still reared its head once in a while, though not as bad
as when she was a little girl. Was that something moving in the corner? Kagome took a deep breath and let
it out slowly. There was nothing there, she was just being childish.
The nervous miko then felt a presence sliding around her waist. She nearly jumped from her spot on
the floor and had to bite her tongue not to yelp in surprise. Her pupils had dilated enough that she could
see that the object was nothing more than the comforting clawed hand of a certain hanyou. Relief filled the
girl and the sense of safety offered far overpowered the embarrassment she felt from their close proximity
as she allowed herself to scoot closer to Inuyasha, a light blush on her face. The fact that it was dark at
least made sure that Inuyasha couldn't see the blush, or could he with those piercing eyes of his?
Regardless, the shadows seemed to melt into place, revealing their movement to be nothing more than an
effect of Buyo prowling about the room.
Now that the moment had passed, Kagome realized how silly she had been, acting like a frightened
damsel in distress, and began to scoot away. She didn't get far, in fact she didn't get anywhere at all. It
seemed the all powerful hand would allow her to move closer by her own free will but it was firmly in place
to prevent her from escaping. The bright color of her cheeks seemed to nearly brighten the room as Kagome
pondered the implications of this. Inuyasha had his arm around her and wasn't willingly allowing her to move
away, could that actually mean what her mind was telling her? 'Inuyasha wants to snuggle with me?' The
thought was amazing and wonderful at the same time.
"Oi, are you alive?" asked the hanyou to the shocked girl. Kagome blinked. She didn't detect any
hint of embarrassment or shyness in his voice, was this just a casual act of friendship or was it romantic?
She felt so confused. "I'm fine." Kagome managed to choke out in a whisper. What to do, what to do? If this
was what it seemed like then it would hurt him if she sat here like she was a statue, but what if she was
misinterpreting? Kagome bit her lip in indecision before realizing the best course of action would be to
do something that could be seen as either romantic or just friendly, something that she had done a long
time ago without any repercussions per se. And so Kagome let her head rest ever so lightly against
Inuyasha's shoulder and was rewarded by Inuyasha's grip on her increasing slightly.
A few moments passed as the two shared this tender moment, but the silence was broken up when
Kagome gave a small laugh. Inuyasha shifted to peer at her through the dark. "What?" he asked, wishing that
they could stay like this all night, and all day, and all of the next night, and perhaps forever. It was a
small piece of heaven to him, a gulp of water to a dehydrated man in the desert. Kagome smiled. "It's just..
that I remember last time I was nervous in the dark when we were watching that dead princess.." Inuyasha
smirked. "Things have changed." he said, giving her a vague reply. "Have they?" the girl asked, feeling her
heart skip a beat. She saw Inuyasha nod in the dim light. "It was a hard lesson to learn, things would have
been different if I had learned it sooner." he murmured, reaching up with his other hand to run his hand
through her hair and snagging to bow that was keeping her hair in a ponytail, causing her hair to fall about
shoulders.
It appeared Kagome's heart had somehow obtained a jackhammer at this point, a fact that Inuyasha did
not fail to notice. "I can hear you're heart beating, are you all right?" he asked, a hint of hurt in his
voice. "No! I'm fine." Kagome said hurriedly. "It's just that I.." Kagome let her voice die, not sure what
to say. Inuyasha didn't seem to mind her lack of response and the two fell into a comfortable silence,
Inuyasha dropping his hand from its position in her hair a few moments later and Kagome allowed herself to
rest more heavily against the hanyou, who didn't complain. Gradually, the last of her nervousness died away,
allowing Kagome to fully appreciate the fact that they were cuddling.
"Inuyasha?" said softly, looking up at the content hanyou. The hanyou glanced at her. "Hn?" he
asked. She smiled. "You never did tell me why you really became a substitute at my school." she said.
Inuyasha's eyes seemed to glint in the pale moonlight. "Isn't it obvious? I want to be near you baka (now
I normally refuse from using japanese terms other than names, but I' m making an exception because 'idiot'
or 'stupid' is too harsh sounding)." he replied, shifting his body to face her. Kagome's cheeks began to
regain their rosy color. "R-realy?" she asked. Inuyasha nodded. And then the magnetic force that seems to
appear in situations similar to this appeared and Inuyasha leaned closer, his other arm wrapping around her
as well. 'Now that I think of it, it was pretty obvious...' was Kagome's final fleeting thought as she
tilted her head slightly.
Suddenly, there was the spark and hiss of a match coming to life and the room was illuminated by
its brightness. "Well I found the matches, but I could use some help with the fuse box, would you mind
Inuyasha?." said the perpetually cheerful woman. She then cocked her head in confusion at the scene she
was now in view of. Not a scene of two lovers embraced in a kiss, quite different really. Their surprise
had caused them to leap in opposite directions. Kagome had landed safely on the floor (quite comfortably
actually considering she had landed on poor Buyo, who was less comfortable). Inuyasha's landing had been
less graceful. He had landed on the edge of the table, causing him to topple backwards so that his legs
were on the table and the rest of him was on the floor. "Goodness! Have you two been fighting again?"
********************************************************************************************************
"Well, it looks like the rain is finally dying down." said Mrs. Higurashi, peering between the
blinds she was holding open with two fingers. She removed them, causing the blinds to snap back into
place. "It looks like you are free to go if you like Inuyasha, you're welcome to stay for dinner if you
like, though with all of the commotions I'm afraid I haven't cooked anything so we'll just be having
heated leftovers." said the woman, turning her head to where the entire family and Inuyasha were
sitting around the table playing a card game to pass the time (Inuyasha had been coaxed into playing by
Souta after some time) now that the power had been restored. "That is, unless you have other plans, of
course." she added with a wink. Inuyasha stared at her, while Souta beside him stared at the hanyou's
unprotected hand, earning him a light whack from his grandfather. How did this woman know so much about
his plans? Was she a blasted psychic?
"I do, I want to take Kagome to dinner." Inuyasha said unsurely. Kagome blinked in surprise,
but for once her reaction wasn't physically noticeable. "Well isn't that a nice treat." said her
grandfather cheerfully. Kagome considered asking him if he meant for her or himself. "I agree. It is
sweet of you to take her out to dinner on her birthday Inuyasha." said Mrs. Higurashi. "You have my
permission to take her if she wants to go. Just take care in this weather, she won't be missing anything
here anyways." During this, Souta snuck switched cards from his hand with cards in the pile, but no one
noticed, besides Buyo perhaps. "I'd love to go Inuyasha. Let's just finish this hand or Souta will never
play cards with me again." said Kagome, fixing her hair, which she had retied into a ponytail, absently,
the blush finally appearing on her face. Souta grinned as he showed the others his hand. "Automatic
win!" he cried triumphantly.
A few minutes later, Inuyasha, now transformed again, and Kagome stood at the front door with
Mrs. Higurashi. The older woman handed Inuyasha an umbrella. "Better take this, it's still raining out
after all." said Mrs. Higurashi with a smile. "Be careful now!" she called to them as Kagome said her
goodbye and the two exited the house. "It sure is dark out for being so early Kagome said as she walked
underneath the umbrella, holding her dress up slightly to keep it from getting wet or dirty. Kagome
didn't fail to notice that Inuyasha was only partially covered by the umbrella (she suspected her mother
had given him the small one on purpose) despite their relative closeness, but she didn't comment on it.
If he wanted to act chivalric who was she to complain? "At least its warm out and there isn't any wind."
she added as the made their way down the shrine steps.
Near the bottom she spotted a green Lincoln Town Car parked at the foot of the shrine steps. "Is
that yours?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha nodded. "I rented it for tonight." he explained as the reached the
bottom and Inuyasha opened the door for Kagome to step inside. He didn't explain, though, that he was
banned permanently (or at least until Shippo was in need of a favor) from using the young kitsune's
vehicle. "It's very nice." Kagome commented as Inuyasha entered through the driver's door and started
the car, flicking on the lights as well (And they really are nice cars, though I wouldn't buy one if I
had a chance probably. They're like mini-limos). "So want to tell me where you are taking me?" asked
Kagome as the hanyou pulled them onto the main road. Said hanyou smirked. "No."
*******************************************************************************************************
Traffic had been kind to them, and within ten minutes they had arrived at their destination.
At first, Kagome had been confused when they had parked in the garage of a office building, an fancy
and majestic office building but an office building nonetheless. Eventually, Kagome had realized that
it was not the office building itself that they were interested in, but what was on top of it, the
Heichinrou, one of the most well known restaurants in Tokyo with a traditional cuisine. 'It's
beautiful.' Kagome thought as she gazed at the phenomenal view they had of the rest of the city. Why,
not far off was the Imperial Hotel jutting upwards into the sky among the various other landmarks of
Japan's capital city.
"Good evening, something to drink? We have a fine selection of sake and imported wines."
said their waiter, who was dressed in all white besides a black collar on his shirt. "None for me
please, I'll just have water." said Kagome. Inuyasha, of course, ordered his beverage of choice. The
man smiled and nodded. "Very well, I'll be out with your meal and drinks shortly." Kagome looked over
at Inuyasha as the man left. "But we haven't ordered yet." Kagome said in confusion. "It was ordered
when the reservations were made. We're having kaisen ryori." replied the transformed hanyou.
Kagome wasn't familiar with a dish called that, but she trusted Inuyasha's judgment in the
matter. As it turned out, kaisen ryori wasn't a single dish, but a combination of multiple sea food
dishes, plenty for two people. Kagome had the time of her life with Inuyasha's company. The kind of
time that one wished could continue for every but knew had to end to make room for all of the other
joys life would bring. In fact, of all the birthdays she had and all of the ones she ever would have,
today's was the one that she looked back on the most fondly. Sadly, it came to an end far too quickly.
And so, some two hours later, Kagome found herself back in the car and sporting a large smile
on her face. 'Can this get any better?' Kagome mused as they turned the corner. Her thoughts seemed
to be answered as they suddenly found themselves in the middle of a traffic jam. The rain had finally
stopped and all of those stranded while it was pouring were now trying to make their ways home.
"Damn." Inuyasha muttered as he leaned back against the chair. They weren't going anywhere soon.
Things had gone perfectly until now too. Inuyasha glanced at Kagome, who's beauty seemed to be
magnified by the spotlight-like effect a nearby street lamp was causing, as she gazed out into the
dark metropolis. Then again, perhaps things still were...
"Kagome." Inuyasha said softly, disturbing her from her thoughts. "Yes?" she asked, turning
to him. "Here, this is for you." he said, handing her the small, neatly wrapped present he had been
carrying around all day. Kagome, feeling a thrill surge through her as she unwrapped it. It was a
small jewelry box, which she opened, her eyes widening at what she saw.
(A/N I thought about being terribly cruel right here and ending the chapter, allowing you to debate
in your mind what was in it, many no doubt would have guessed it to be a wedding ring I'm sure and I
would have delighted in it, but I am feeling nice for once and want to completely finish this moment)
It was the Shikon no Tama, no longer tied to a string or in a medicine jar, but now the
centerpiece for a beautifully styled golden necklace. "The Shikon no Tama!" Kagome cried in shock and
pleasure, turning to the hanyou. "I had almost completely forgotten about it, you kept it all this
time? I-" and then it suddenly clicked in her mind and her eyes seemed to double in size as she
returned her gaze back to the jewel. "This is why you don't look any different isn't it? It's kept
you the same." Inuyasha nodded as the girl brought it close to her face. "But how? I didn't think it
could do something like that without losing its purity or being used up."
Inuyasha shrugged. "I don't know how, but we were wrong and I'm glad we were." he said
softly. "But I don't need it anymore, I want you to have it." Kagome's cheeks once again became
sprinkled with red. "Thank you Inuyasha, I think I like it the most of my presents. Would you.. help
me put it on?" Inuyasha nodded and reached for the necklace, but was stopped when he heard the
beeping of a horn behind him. He looked up and saw that whatever had been causing the traffic jam had
been rectified and traffic was moving as normal again. "It's all right, I can get it myself." Kagome
said, unhooking the chain and wrapping it around her neck.
Inuyasha glared at the car behind him, just when he thought the world was attempting to
apologize for all it had done to him by giving him this moment, it had to go and prove him wrong.
The rest of the ride home was quiet, almost to a uncomfortable silence. Kagome became less and less
talkative, and in the end stopped making conversation completely as the drive continued. Instead,
she became introspective as she gazed at the gift around her neck.
The silence continued up the steps of the shrine and to the very doorstep of her home. It
was only then that she turned to him. "Inuyasha, there's something I need to know, though it might
hurt you. I just can't go on without knowing and I'm sorry that I'm asking this but I have to." she
said quickly, gazing at her shoes. Inuyasha nodded in concern as he put the umbrella down, seeing as
the house shielded them from the rain. "What is it?" he asked. Kagome took a deep breath and looked
him straight in the eyes, her own wavering slightly.
"I know that you love Kikyou Inuyasha, I've accepted that and I know you don't see me as just
a replacement. But I have to know if there is still room in your heart for me." Inuyasha's facial
expression resembled one of horror. All this time, for years that question must have been within her,
for it wasn't something one thought of over night, tearing at her soul for so long, but he had been
blind to it. He gently wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. The girl collapsed against
him as if telling him this had been a tremendous physical effort as well as mental. "Listen to me
Kagome." he whispered softly in her ear. "I don't know if I truly loved Kikyou, I don't know if I ever
will. But I do know that I wouldn't have waited 500 years to see her again. You promised me that you
would be by my side forever if I let you, I want you by my side."
Inuyasha felt the girl inhale sharply at his words. She looked up at him with an expression
beyond description and he down at her. And, ever so slowly, she reached up and removed the previously
hidden leaf from his head, transforming him back to himself, then she leaned up towards him and made
their lips meet. It was gentle and tender, but full of so much feeling, it was the lightest of kisses,
for a few seconds that is. Inuyasha couldn't help himself, it was just too much for his human portion
to handle. A flood of pent of feelings and passions forced down for half a millennia finally broke
free and rushed to the surface. He roughly pushed her back the few inches to the door, pressing her
against it while the kiss became far more fiery. The already emotional girl was completely
overwhelmed by this surge of passion, her once closed eyes widening in confusion. The hanyou's
thumbs had just begun to gently rub her back when the door opened behind Kagome.
As the eldest of the Higurashi's opened the door to see what the commotion was, Kagome was
released from the kiss and toppled backwards onto her rear end inside. "Ah, Inuyasha!" he exclaimed
happily before glancing down at his shell shocked grand daughter. "I hope I wasn't interrupting
anything." said the mischievous old man, a gleam appearing in his eyes. "Oh, father move out of the
way and leave the poor boy alone." scolded Mrs. Higurashi, lightly pushing the old man out of the
door way, despite his protests. "I thought it might be you." said the woman, not noticing her
daughter on the ground who was practically panting as she stared at the hanyou. "Thank you for
bringing Kagome home at a reasonable time, would you like to come in for a bit?" Inuyasha's gaze
never left Kagome's the entire time. He too was breathing slightly harder as he finally came to his
senses and began to regret ruining their first kiss in some ways. But DAMN had it felt ever so good
even if it had been too much for the girl. He'd have to make sure he was much more gentle from now
on, for the moment at least. He had to show her that he could, lest he undo all of the progress of
tonight. "No, I think I had better go." said Inuyasha, still gazing at the ravished girl.
Mrs. Hugurashi nodded and smiled. "I understand, please keep the umbrella though. I'd hate
to see you have to walk through all of this without one. Kagome can bring it back next time she
visits. A few moments later, Inuyasha said his goodbye and began walking down to his car,
retransformed, umbrella in hand and a smile on his face. To use one of Shippo's favorite
metaphors, which suddenly had become so much more clear in its meaning, a new chapter was about to
begin, all he had to do was turn the page.
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There you go! Long chapter