Ok, it was kind of confusing trying to fill in the gaps between 5 and 7 because it's been so long so I hope I haven't left you thinking "what?" Hope you enjoy.

Kagome sat in wonderment, she took her eyes off of the sketch and looked at the phone sitting beside her. Inuyasha's mercurial behavior still baffled her. He actually called her to see if she was ok. Would this turn into an everyday thing? Or would they go back to fighting all of the time?

Kagome managed to smile herself she even kind of missed those fights. They were both so stubborn and strong willed, Inuyasha challenged her. And she liked that. But even though she didn't want to admit it, she liked this sweeter Inuyasha too.

Who knew there could be two completely different sides to the same boy.

He was smart, and strong. He could be opinionated, and sometimes he surprised her and even had the same opinion as her. She remembered how it had felt to see him standing up to Kouga to protect her. How her blood roared through her veins when she remembered the expression on his face, the look in his amber eyes as he leapt at Kouga, muscles tensed and ready for action. About how safe she had felt as he held to her body, comforting her. She remembered the feeling of absolute bliss she felt when she stared into his eyes. Gazing into their warm sunshine depths, and knowing there was so much more to him than she ever dared to think.

Maybe it was time to find out how much more there was. He did, after all, know some of her secrets. Now it was time to dig up some of his. Kagome felt a small, mischievous smile spread across her face.

Kagome woke the next morning with purpose, and strangely enough, optimism for once. Today she would see what the day would bring her. Today she would see how Inuyasha would treat her. Then her heart stopped.

Today she had to do an English presentation.

Her stomach was churning all the way through homeroom. She kept trying to calm herself down, the presentation wasn't for another two periods. She went through the information in her had over and over on the way to art. But she wasn't sure why she bothered, she would end up being so nervous that she would stare at her paper and read it anyway instead of making eye contact.

She was the first one in the art room, event he teacher was out for a moment. She took a deep breath and felt peaceful. The silence surrounding her, painting supplies set out on the front table. A splash of color in this drab world. She took her seat and pushed her thoughts into another direction.

The other students were beginning to drift in now and Kagome casually pretended to make a note in her assignment book while watching for a particular white-haired boy. But he bell rang and no Inuyasha.

Kagome's heart leapt and fell at the same time. If Inuyasha wasn't here they wouldn't have to present until tomorrow. But Inuyasha wasn't here. Strange as it was Kagome was upset that she wouldn't get to see him today, not to talk to him. Kagome felt short-changed.

Sulking, she got up and started to gather her painting supplies. She scooped her painting into her arms, along with a paintbrush, some tubes of paint, and a jar for water. Laden down she turned and ran into something solid, and warm. Her face was only inches away from something red, and she could faintly hear a soft thudding.

Oh God, I ran into someone.

She felt the objects in her arms starting to slip, but a pair of hands reached out. The person steadied the painting in her arms with one hand and snatched up the glass jar in the other.

"You got it?" A familiar voice asked.

Kagome's head snapped up and she was staring into a pair of warm amber eyes. Inuyasha's eyebrows were raised in a questioning expression. Kagome even noted the tiniest hint of a smile graced his lips, as one corner turned up ever so slightly. She felt a goofy grin spread across her own face, but she quickly wiped the expression away. Her cheeks grew hot as she blushed in embarrassment.

"Yeah." She shifted her load into one arm and reached out for the jar.

"No, I got it." He said and took the jar to the back of the room where the sinks were.

"Thank you." Kagome said bashfully when Inuyasha the full jar next to her.

He shrugged his shoulder and slid into the seat next to her. He immediately opened a sketchbook and started sketching, his pencil moving furiously. Kagome tried to peer over his shoulder, curiosity getting the best of her. But he turned to face her. He placed a foot on his chair, and placed the tablet on top of his knee so Kagome's view was completely obstructed.

Kagome's jaw dropped in an expression of indignation. Inuyasha glanced up at her shocked face and managed a mischievous grin. Kagome's mood was getting better by the second and felt up to a little mischief of her own. She leaned forward, trying to peer over the edge of the paper, but Inuyasha pulled it to his chest.

"Why can't I see?"

"I'm not done. I don't show anyone my work until I'm done." He responded as he resumed his work.

"Fine." Kagome tried to sound nonchalant and started mixing her paints. "You were late today. I was beginning to think I wouldn't have to present."

"You don't get off that easily."

Kagome sighed and leaned in close to her painting, her face only inches away. With careful strokes she began to brush a warm golden hue from the center out into a circle. The course fibers made the lines whispy, and the blacks and blues underneath peeked through. It reminded her of the rays of the sun. She reached out to dip her brush into the water and caught a glimpse of Inuyasha out of the corner of her eye. Still engrossed in his work. His eyes intently focused on the paper in front of him. A stray strand of silver hair falling across his face. Kagome felt the corners of her mouth pull up just slightly into the faintest smile as she watched his furrowed-brow intensity.

As if sensing her scrutiny he glanced up, he pencil finally still. Kagome blushed furiously, realizing she must have looked incredibly ridiculous staring at him with a silly smile on her face. But he didn't seem to notice. His eyes narrowed for a second as he looked at her face. Then he smiled in a surprised way.

"Hey! Looks like that black eye of yours finally went away." He said reaching out and brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes.

As he dragged the offending hair out of the way his middle finger slid gently along her brow line, then down her cheek. Kagome felt her blood coursing through her, that touch had been like a bolt of lighting up her spine.

"R-really?" Was all she could manage to stammer out.

"Mmm-hmm." Inuyasha leaned back in his chair and lifted his sketchbook back into position." It was looking a little weak the other day, it had to fade away soon."

Kagome attempted to turn her attention back to her painting but it was suddenly too hard with Inuyasha sitting next to her. She couldn't really think of much else.

"How's your wrist?" His tone was just slightly different now, Kagome could hear the anger just below the surface.

She pulled the sleeve on her left arm down and rapped her right hand around the wrist. The bruise was still there, not as dramatic as before.

"It was really sore that first day. Now it's just a little bruised."

She risked glancing at him. He was watching her over the top of his sketchbook. Kagome could see the conflicting emotions warring in his amber eyes, but his face never changed.

"Good." Was all he said. "So we have the big English presentation today."

"Mm-hm. I can't wait until it's over."

"I hear we get to write our own poems next." Inuyasha said in a voice that didn't sound at all put out.

"That's great."

"Yeah." He said, his brow furrowed as he continued his secret work. "I've already started mine."

"An artist and a poet?" Kagome stopped to stare at him in amazement. "I never would have expected that from you Inuyasha. You just keep surprising me. Good for you."

Inuyasha's eyes flicked up to meat hers, his hand still moving across the paper. He flashed her one of his rare, brief smles, then went back to work again. Kagome cold feel her heart beating frantically in her chest.

They worked on in a comfortable silence. Then suddenly something felt strange. Kagome paused, trying to figure out what had changed. Silence. Inuyasha wasn't scratching furiously at the sketch anymore. Kagome turned and saw him watching her.

"Done?" She asked.

"Yeah."

"Can I see now?"

Inuyasha handed her the sketchbook, a closed expression on his face. His hand seemed to move slowly, as if he were reluctant to let her see it. She cradled it gently in her hands as if it were the most fragile, priceless thing she had ever held. Then she saw it.

Not fragile, but priceless. Her breath sucked in, stolen right from her lungs. The girl on the page looked so graceful in her stillness. Her face was tiled toward her, a little more than a profile. Her eyes were downcast, and demure. The expression on her face was soft, serene. Black satin hair fell past her shoulders to her waist. Her skin was smooth and clear. She looked so real, as if she were about to come to life. She was only resting there on the page, soon she would simply stretch and walk among them. She was so beautiful, but she was also unmistakenly Kagome.

"I didn't know you were so good." She managed in a low whisper. "She is so beautiful." She refused to believe this girl was her.

"Thanks." Inuyasha managed a wry smile. "But I guess it can't be that good if you don't recognize who she is."

"You embellished a little. It looks like me, but she is more beautiful."

"No, that's how I see you." He blushed but refused to look truly embarrassed, he had obviously not meant to say that aloud. "That's how you really look. You should use a mirror more often you stubborn wench."

"How could I have not known you were such a poet? Such and eloquent compliment." Kagome joked placing a hand over her heart trying to dispel the tension, allowing herself a small chuckle.

It worked and Inuyasha laughed with her, to her pleasure. Kagome's heart pitched a little in her chest at the sound of his laugh. When she smiled, laughed, it made her crazy. This way she could see the lighter side of him, see beneath his mask.

When the mirth ceased both sat smiling at each other. Then Kagome realized she must look silly. She looked away, looked down at her hands and played with one of her rings. But she could feel his gaze still on her. She looked up again, her mind screaming not to, but she did it anyway.

Her eyes met his. Soft amber depths, two identical pools of sunshine. Sparkling, dancing, smiling. They were completely at odds with the rest of his face. He barely ever showed emotion, barely bore anything but his usual somber expression. But his eyes were filled with every emotion. He made his thoughts clear in his eyes, so clear that the world could see if it dared to look.

Inuyasha could not tear his eyes away. Her rich chocolate eyes bore into him. It felt as if she could see his soul. Her face was always so calm, she was always ready to smile. But her eyes…they were always so sad. She tried to let the world see a happy, normal Kagome, but you only had to look in her eyes. He felt himself lean closer towards her. He could smell her perfume, he could almost feel her warmth radiating from her body. Closer now, their knees were touching. Any closer and he would be able to hear the frantic beat of her heart.

Then the bell rang.

The strange being that had taken over his body fled. He blinked and Kagome blinked. They were like people who had immerged from the dark after days, and now didn't know how to handle the light.

"Um." Inuyasha tried to sort his confused thoughts.

"I'm going to be late." Kagome jumped out of her seat and rushed to put her supplies on the still, her face a bright shade of red.

"I'll see you in English." Her only answer was a small wave as she disappeared out the door.

"That's how I see you."

"An artist and a poet? I never would have expected that from you Inuyasha. You are always surprising me. Good for you."

Inuyasha groaned and grabbed his head. His mind was a mess. He knew she was a smart, beautiful, and tragic girl. He knew how he felt. But he was afraid. Afraid for her, afraid of her. He didn't get close to a lot of people, and if he did it took a long time. But not with Kagome.

He had known she was the strongest, most stubborn girl he'd ever met the moment he'd met her. And he admired that. He respected that. She was also quiet and considerate. She knew what it was like to sit quietly and watch the rest of the world in its clamorous beauty. The more time he'd spent with her the more he had respected her. He enjoyed sparring with her, loved seeing that fire and spirit. But how did she feel about him? All he had to do was ask. Simple as that. Or at least, it should be simple.

Inuyasha lifted the sketchbook off the desk and flipped through the pages before shutting it. He was glad Kagome hadn't looked through it. How would he have explained all the sketches of her.

"Let's just go first, I want to get it over with. We are ready after all." Sango said flipping through her notes, waiting for the bell to ring and class to start.

"No!" Kagome shouted, clutching her notes in a death-grip.

Sango looked at her friend, concern furrowing her brow. Kagome looked extremely pale and she noted her hand was shaking just slightly. Inuyasha was watching her closely too, Sango noted.

"Are you going to be ok?" He asked, Kagome nodded but looked even more uncomfortable and wouldn't look at him.

"You're not going to throw up or anything are you?"

"Sango!" Kagome shouted angrily.

"We have to put you out of your misery." Miroku said shaking his head.

"He's right. It's not that bad is it?" Inuyasha said calmly, he was obviously more comfortable witch public speaking than Kagome.

Sango watched her friend look over her notes for the tenth time. She read a line then glanced nervously at Inuyasha. Something else was bothering her. Sango smiled mischievously to herself.

Well, well, what have we here?

"Alright class that was the bell. Who would like to volunteer. Don't make me pick."

Sango's hand shot up. Kagome made a dive for her, trying to pull her arm down. But it was too late.

"Alright Sango. You first."

"I'll kill you for this." Kagome growled as they made their way to the front of the room.

"Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste death but once." Inuyasha quoted Julius Caesar, trying to boost her courage.

"And after you can tell me what's up." Sango said, taking her attention again.

Kagome shot her a scowl, but her eyes screamed How did you know!? But then she turned away and set her book on the podium. With nervous, trembling fingers she opened it and turned the pages. She took a deep, shaking breath and looked out at the sea of faces. Then she began to read, or at least she tried. Her mouth opened but no sound came out. She cleared her throat, looking distinctly panicked. She clutched the podium with a white-knuckled grip. She was about to start again when Inuyasha placed a hand on her arm, ever so gently.

"Aha!" Sango's mind screamed in triumph.

He kept it there on the forearm, but only Sango cold see it. This moment of assurance, and maybe something else was hidden by the podium. Kagome glanced at him and Sango watched a little of the nervous tension wash away. She began to read and her voice was clear, at first it was wavered slightly. But by the second line she sounded confident, and Inuyasha slowly took his and away. But he was watching her intently, intensely even, as she read. He didn't' look away until she was done. Then he caught her eye. Sango smiled devilishly, and for the first time that she could remember Inuyasha was the first to break the stare.

"So what's going on with you?" Sango asked at lunch, the boys were hanging back at Sango's request.

"What do you mean?" Kagome tried to play it cool.

"I'm not stupid. Do we have to play this game every time?"

"Look, it's nothing big."

"You never tell me anything anymore!" Sango finally shouted. "I'm supposed to be here for you. You're supposed to be able to tell me what's on your mind."

"You really want to know?" Kagome hissed. "I think Inuyasha tried to kiss me in art today."

"What?!" Sango shrieked then quickly brought her voice back down to a reasonable level. "I knew it. I saw him when you were reading your poem. He wouldn't stop staring, and he touched your arm. Yes I saw that don't worry I don't think anyone else did." Sango chattered.

"Woah girl." Kagome said frantically trying to calm her friend, hoping they weren't drowning anyone's attention." I said I think."

"I bet he did. We've been waiting for this…"

"We? Listen Venus, you think you and cupid could stay out of this? Just because you're in a relationship doesn't mean you have to get your little nose in someone else's."

"Calm down we didn't do anything."

"Ok. Anyway…"

"Anyway…"

"You are way too excited about this."

"So sue me."

So there's chapter 7, I hope you liked it. The real good stuff starts next chapter....mwahaha.