Disclaimer: If I owned Inuyasha, I SO wouldn't need to keep my babysitting job.

Last Time:

Then, I cut my hair. I didn't have to cut much for it to be even again, so I guess I was pretty lucky.

And that meant Inuyasha was, too.

This time, in No Way Out:
Chapter 11 - Kami; Bumi's Spirit

"You cut your hair, Bumi?"

I nodded. "Actually, Sango, Inuyasha did while we were training." I pulled my hair back into a ponytail, copying the way Sango had her hair pulled back when we fought that youkai. "Sango, what do you think?"

"It looks good, but you should keep it down. It would look better."

I nodded and let my hair fall around my shoulders. "...Sango?"

She looked up from inspecting the locks of hair on the floor. "Hai, Bumi?"

"I-is it possible... that Inuyasha could... like me?"

Sango stood up and looked down at me. "I wouldn't be too sure. He's just never really like Kouga..." She paused for a moment, looking at the miko's kimono I was still wearing. "Why aren't you wearing your dress?"

"Lady Kaede took it. She said she wanted to give me a new kimono, instead of that and this miko one."

Sango nodded. "Smart idea. That kimono look's like Kikyou's."

I nodded, looking away. "So, uh... Who exactly is she? I've heard about her..."

"Uh... She was a miko that knew Inuyasha."

I looked up at her. "Oh. That all?" I walked outside and looked around. Inuyasha was gone.

"Inuyasha...?" I looked around again. It was almost sunset. "Inuyasha?" I frowned. That bastard could at least be considerate enough to come and accept my apology!

"Inuyasha!" I started walking towards the forest, following his scent. "Where are you, Inuyasha?" There was no reply, and I walked farther into the forest. "Inuyasha!"

Why isn't he replying? I know he knows that I know that he's around here! Woah, that was confusing. "Inuyasha, get your stubborn ass out here, now!"

I walked deeper into the forest, until I saw something hovering over a well. I stepped closer. I could sense Inuyasha around here, but I didn't see him.

I looked closer at the figure. Hey, it's wearing Inuyasha's kimono! But... It can't be Inuyasha! This person has black hair, not Inuyasha's magnificent silver.

When the person turned around, I gasped. "Inuyasha!"

He nodded. "Feh, you guessed it."

"On the night of a new moon, you turn human?" Inuyasha nodded again, his still amber eyes looking at the ground. "Is that why you didn't answer me?"

"Hai."

"Oh, you poor thing." I rolled my eyes. So much for apologizing to him.

"I don't like letting people see me in my human form."

"It's not such a big deal." I paused. It was probably a big deal to him. Hanyous are normally weakened in their human state.

I decided to try and change the subject, but Inuyasha spoke up first. "I see you cut your hair more."

I touched it softly. "Not much, but I did. You got lucky." I moved a little closer to him, then touched the edge of the well. "Why are you waiting by this well?"

"I'm waiting for Kagome to come back from her time."

"Oh." I moved away from the well. I couldn't help the almost jealous feeling that coursed through my veins. "You love her, don't you, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha took a step back. He looked surprised by the question. "That wench? No way," he scoffed.

I quickly bowed, sarcastically. "Gomen. I shouldn't have asked that question." I stood back up, grinning. He looked at me curiously. "I was kidding, baka."

He nodded. "Of course, wench."

I ignored the comment, then poked at him. "It's weird, seeing you without your ears. Well, your dog ears."

Inuyasha pushed my hand away, and I smiled. "Could you help me find a new kimono?"

"Wha-?"

I stood up and flattened the hakamas. "I don't feel like wearing a kimono that makes me look like some weird miko."

"Uh... sure?"

"But, before we go..." I touched the edge of the well again. "Could you tell me what's so special about this well?"

Inuyasha grabbed my clawed hand with his now human one and started dragging me away. "Maybe some other time."

I frowned. "Do you know when Kagome is coming back?"

Inuyasha shook his head. "She didn't say."

"I hope she brings back some more ramen," I said, smiling.

"Me too."

Then came the silence. Here I was, being dragged back to a village by a human Inuyasha. And what was I thinking; like I could have an actual sensitive talk with him.

I really wanted to figure out if he loved Kagome.

And something told me that Inuyasha loves, or at least used to love, this Kikyou women. Who was she, and why do I have a feeling that everyone's hiding something from me?

"Inuyasha, can you tell me about Kikyou?"

He remained silent for a moment. "She's dead."

I bit my lip. I knew I shouldn't have asked.

All of a sudden, Inuyasha stopped, and his grip on my hand tightened. "Inuyasha, what's wrong?"

"I can sense Kikyou's presence here."

Hope you people enjoyed that chapter!

Review Shout-outs:

Fan: You'll just have to keep wondering, won't you? XP

Anon: Well, you can keep on hating Kouga, if you wish. But, be forewarned: He appears again in later chapters. And as for the Kagome bashing? Way ahead of you. Are you forgetting that I've already written up to chapter 21? xD Don't worry, the Kagome bashing is coming into view shortly, so just sit tight and watch the story unravel!