A/N: I hope that all of you like this chapter. I enjoyed writing this one the most. Oh and this chapter is SUPER LONG this is just a warning to all those who can't stand really long chapters. I suggest you use the bathroom and get a snack before reading, lol jk. But really this is long. It's over 20,000 words so that should show you what I mean. I couldn't stop writing and since I wrote out my outline of the story I couldn't cut this up. I tried to but didn't like that I'd have to spit it up and then leave it at an awkward spot.

Chapter Nine

By: Mirei

Months had passed since the incident that occurred in Kagome's room. Kagome had spent a great deal of time apologizing for what she had done. Sure she had enjoyed it but to mend their 'friendship' it was best to let him know that it meant nothing. He took the apology and explained that he was also at fault, that he was just lost in the moment and hadn't realized what had happened. Now we find our hero's walking along the street toward the café that Kagome works at. She didn't have to work that day but who could resist coffee? She still hadn't told anyone about what she discussed with Yuri. It hurt too much to think about and her painkillers weren't doing anything to numb the pain. She found out soon enough that she had to put on a show for the world so that no one could see the shattered mess she truly was. She knew that allowing it to build would only make her feel worse. It wasn't really forever. But what Yuri had said made no sense. She couldn't figure out what truths she had to uncover out but if it was in her Pensieve then that would be the first place she'd look. For the past two in a half months she ignored her Pensieve but during one of her weekend visits with her parents she picked it up and placed it in her room.

The coffee shop was medium sized and had that old bar feeling. They went to their usual place in the corner next to the window and awaited the waitress. After ordering they sat in perfect silence. Kagome watched the rain outside pan against the trees. She let out a content sigh and turned back to her drink. She leaned against her palm and mixed the hot substance, trying to get the foam on the surface to vanish. Sesshomaru watched with a bored look. He had spent so much time contemplating the past few months. Sure they were back to their regular routines but that still didn't change the fact that they had been close to losing any self control.

He found that he was most definitely attracted to her. But at the same time he needed her friendship. He spent some of his time also realizing that she was his first real friend. She felt no pity for him for being the orphan boy and didn't expect anything from him because his parents had money. Sometimes he questioned what exactly she wanted from him. Not many people could withstand him for very long. Girls only wanted him because he was attractive. Kagome never seemed to be at all attracted to him but the again the night in her room months ago seemed as though it had changed. Then she conformed into the Kagome who never took any interest in the opposite sex or seemed to be consumed in a world only for her. A world he has yet to understand. Then there was what Onigumo had shared with him.

Kagome had lived two different lives and been in love with the same man for centuries. It would seem logical that she'd be waiting until he found her again. The thing was that the man she was destined to be with was Lord Sesshomaru, the person that he was named after. A powerful man like the Lord was reduced to loving a woman. The very woman before him. If the Lord were still living he'd be looking for her at that given moment.

She pulled out a medium sized book from her bag and flipped to the bookmarked page.

Let's see…ah yes…Dear Journal, Today was as obscure as it always is. Zualuu came today and asked mother for my hand in marriage. I told InuYasha and he exploded. He told me that he didn't trust Zualuu that he was just trying to steal my land. I was given this land and told to protect it. I don't want marriage, not ever. I'm much to young to even consider such a thing anyway. Plus Sessho wouldn't like the idea much. Though I'd love to see his face if I had said yes.

I knew from day one that the jerk couldn't stand my friend Zualuu; he never accepted the fact that I could attract males. Not that I'd want to but Sesshomaru always made it his duty to safeguard my home. I may have known him since I was but a child, sort of, but that doesn't give him the right or privilege to make my life's plans without consulting me. Maybe I'll run away from my home and go on vast adventures to distant villages. Meet different demons and make friends with people that I'd normally not be allowed to talk with. InuYasha said that Sesshomaru seemed as though he had a sharp icicle wedged in his ass and I'd have to say I fully agree.

Kagome stifled a laugh when she read about Sesshomaru having an icicle in his ass. He gave her a confused look which was answered by a shack of her head.

I don't even know why he comes to visit me. He says it's because I have healing powers. I do but that doesn't mean that I'll heal someone with such a dark heart. I told him that if he wanted my help then he'd have to heal his heart first. He gave me the scariest glared I'd ever seen. I met his father who by the way looks just like Sesshomaru and he's a really sweet man. He told me that at first he didn't trust me. I think that he's suffering on the account of his past mate. She had been a human and betrayed him with another human. I guess I can sort of understand that. But then again I've never really had any parents.

Kahoru and Akio are the only family I know and of course InuYasha. He's my true friend and I couldn't imagine what life would be like if he weren't here to make it interesting. His father would allow him to wander through his home land and he'd end up in ours. When he met me I had been in my human form. I didn't tell him until we were ten that I was a gift from the sages. He kept asking questions about my origins and I told him the truth, yet not the entire truth. Some people are entitled to a few secrets right?

Kagome closed the book and set it down. Obviously reading the book wasn't answering any of her questions.

Sesshomaru's eyes fell on the book that was currently sitting in the middle of the table. On the front it said Kagome Yura. Kagome's real last name was Higurashi. Maybe it's a different Kagome? But then I've never met anyone with the name Kagome. Then it must be her past selves. When they had left he noticed her slip two books into her bag.

"May I inquire as to what you were reading?" Sesshomaru finally said. She looked up a bit startled by his question as if she were in deep thought.

"Oh you mean these journals? My mother gave them to me to read. My father told her that it wasn't right to keep something like this from me." He held out his hand. "You want to read them?" He gave a nod. "Sure but I couldn't really get what any of it." She handed him both books. He took the one with the name 'Kagome Higurashi' on it. He would have suspected that it was her diary but she had said that her parents gave her these books. He opened up to the very first page and read the date.

'Feudal Era February 21, 1468, Tokyo Japan February 21, 2000.'

Dear Journal…I seem to have much time on my hands nowadays. InuYasha is such a jerk. He tells me that since I'm human I have no right to fight along side the others. I can't stand being the weakest person in the group. Sometimes I wonder why I stay. To top it off Sesshomaru, all might Lord of the Western lands, being sarcastic here, has decided to join our group. His young ward was kidnapped by Naraku just a few days ago. I'm completely on edge now. I mean come on he tried to kill me more than once. Just like Kikyo, who hasn't been spotted for a few days, not that I'm complaining. I know that she doesn't want to be with InuYasha anymore but he still seems to be holding on.

Sometimes I wish that he had more of his brother's traits, such as being keen on other people's feelings and understanding when to keep his mouth shut. Not that the popsicle ever speaks anyway. Just the other day I was cooking and I ask him if he'd like something to eat and he grunts. GRUNTS! I know for a fact that he's more dignified than that. It took me by surprise when he had asked to join our group. How is it possible that someone can be so emotionally constipated? Now I sit on this boulder watching the others crawl into their beds. Miroku managed to 'purify' a village from another bad spirit and we got to stay the night. I on the other hand don't really want to sleep, so I'm sitting outside. Both InuYasha and Sesshomaru sleep outside also. I could never understand them. What do they need to sleep for anyway?

Sesshomaru glanced up at Kagome but she was watching the people outside.

I wanted to leave just hours ago. I miss mother. I worry for her each day because it's just her, grandpa and Souta. My father died years ago and I only have brief memories of him. One lone picture keeps me from driving myself crazy wondering how this could have happened. I know that I didn't make mom's life any easier by falling into the well and meeting InuYasha. Speaking of InuYasha, he seems agitated. But then how could you not be when your dead lover wanders the earth? I feel sorry for them both; they must suffer so much and all because of a misunderstanding. Maybe that's why I don't involve myself with InuYasha or any male for that matter. The jewel shard is the most important goal. I guess I'm kind of wary of men because my childhood friend died while giving birth. I never found out what happened to the baby but I'm guessing her brother or parents have her. I didn't even know she was pregnant. I went home and my mother told me. I was sixteen then.

And he's off again…I should have known that it was too good to be true. Count on InuYasha to go chasing after Kikyo like some lost puppy pun intended. I don't hate Kikyo but jealously isn't far from my feelings right now. He doesn't see how much I care for him. He doesn't see that he's killing me inside each time he leaves. Kikyo and I came to an understanding while we were trapped inside of the cave. A part of me wanted to leave here there to be consumed by the priestess eater but then I kept seeing InuYasha and though we had fought that day I couldn't leave the only person he'd ever loved behind. Kikyo had said in not so many words that she had no intention of being with InuYasha. She wanted Naraku dead and this made her our ally.

So then does that make Sesshomaru our ally too? Is it really a good idea to trust him? Well I can't back out now since I'm the one who had to open my big mouth and demand that he be allowed to join our group. I had a reason for this but in my current state of mind I can't remember. I just know that with him in our group we'll have a greater chance. Oh no, here he comes.

Sesshomaru raised an eyebrow at the text in front of him written in blue ink. He flipped through a few pages until he landed on 'May 19, 2000'

Dear Journal,

Wow, it's been months since both Kikyo and Sesshomaru joined us in our journey. Something strange happened though. About two nights ago I was at the stream collecting some water for our trip when I saw Sesshomaru walking inside the forest. I thought 'Oh great now what's he going to do, I know he's going to kill me off and then throw my body in the water.' When I thought this he looked up at me from the forest. It turns out that he heard me. How this is possible I don't know but let's just say that I would have been more than happy to jump into the water hand do exactly what he was thinking of doing. But he just glared and went back to the camp. Later on that night I felt his stare at the back of my head.

Then his voice was in my head. 'I don't know what kind of witchcraft you've pulled girl but let it be known that I won't stand for this, not from a lowly human such as you.' I simply rolled my eyes and retorted 'What makes you think that I'd want to have any ties to a person who enjoyed hunting down innocent people and killing them. More over the fact that I'm even talking to you at all. You are the most sadistic, psychotic man that had ever graced me with his unwanted presence.' And the whole time I was asking myself where that Kagome came from. I mean really when have I ever talked to someone with such anger and hatred. No not hatred I don't hate him I just don't know if I can trust him. I'm sure he's just disgusted my scent and can't stand my voice. Honestly I can't wait to leave. As soon as I do finish here I'm applying for Tokyo University. I just worry that I might not get in due to all my time travel. There's always the alternative university. TU has always been my dream though and I'd hate to think I might never make it.

I was just thinking about the ring my father gave me before he died. I look at it often when I'm alone. It sort of brings me comfort knowing he cared for me. Mother always told me to keep it on my finger but I never understood why. I did make a promise to keep it on and I intend to do so. When I was younger I'd look to the night sky and wonder what he was like, if he loved me, if there was even a single chance that he survived the plane crash but couldn't return. Maybe he had…but then he would have returned. God I can't stop it I can't get him out of my head. I always hoped so much and prayed he'd come back but then maybe he didn't want me or mom or Souta.

Sesshomaru flipped through some more pages until he landed on a page half way through the book.

February 18, 2006

Not only is it my birthday today but I'm stuck yet again in feudal Japan. I spent six years away from this place collecting my life and trying to forget him. Forget that he never really loved me never cared. He doesn't understand the ways of love. Emotionally constipated, that's the only way to describe someone so clogged up. How dare he act as if he were in love with me one moment and then just completely forgets my feelings? I just wanted him to say that he loved me, or even acknowledged that we had something. Over the first year he was with our group he and I became friends. We never spoke to each other verbally but when we sat in silence we talked with our thoughts. Sometimes the others would give both of us strange looks when I suddenly would burst into fits of laughter. But then after a while we got tired of talking and just enjoyed perfect silence. I came to realize early on that he was my comfort. I gave up InuYasha and found myself wrapped up in Sesshomaru. Sure he was kind of cold sometimes but he had his moments. He was realistic and honest. I admired his façade and commended him on being so fearless. All he needed now was a white horse and a catch phrase and he could be my night in shining armor. Sort of like that song from Bonnie Tyler 'Holding out for a Hero'.

This part definitely caught Sesshomaru attention. Kagome had mentioned something about a song that she found funny. Coincidence?

Wait freeze hold it I refuse to make the same mistakes I did then. I'm a woman now and I should act like one. In fact before I even returned here I was strong and feared by my employees, which is how I liked my life. Solitude was what I surrounded myself with. I told myself that I didn't need companionship to be happy, that humans were a waste of my time just as any demon. Then there was the dream that all my friends had returned and were in my living room. I didn't think that my life could get any better until I woke up in a dark room alone.

Alone. What a word to describe my life. I didn't appreciate what I had while I was young; I truly love the time I had during my time traveling days. I mean come on I was constantly being threatened by dangerous demons, being proposed to on a daily basis by Kouga and having to sustain a very jealous InuYasha. Not to mention Sesshomaru who hated his brother with a passion for such a long time.

I think that it bothered Sesshomaru that I loved InuYasha first. I mean who would want to come in second place? But it was never like that, in fact I don't think what I felt for InuYasha was even remotely real. It was a fantasy I created for myself because it was something that I wanted so badly. But he wasn't what I wanted at all. He was so immature, uncaring, childish, hurtful, blind, naive, thoughtless, and a completely idiotic half demon. That fool never listened to me or ever took what I had to say to heart. Sure he had his strong points but the times he hurt me are the times that I remember so clearly.

Now I'm just sitting in my room. The meeting of the lords went well I think. But I don't think Sesshomaru liked the fact that I took charge of the meeting and had half the room siding with me. I held back any urges to just pull him to me and never let go because my heart refused to allow him back in. Who out there would take someone back if all they ever did was break your heart? I'm sure he got word of my arrived before I even enter his lands. Azulu, who I met on my way toward the western lands, was just the sweetest guy. Well at first I was ready to kick is ass for insulting me. But then he agreed to help me in my quest, yeah right as if I would need anyone's help. I still have my powers even though I'm stuck as a human. I still can't figure out how to shape shift that will be another thing to add to my list.

Azulu took me out of the castle and we talked for a while. I knew that Sesshomaru and InuYasha were spying but didn't bother to catch them on it. I didn't know it would bother them so much. I was gone for six years my time and ten there's, the have no right to act like this at all. I'm a free woman who can make decisions on my own and if I want to spend time with a man who enjoys my company then I will.

Oh but how wrong I was. The idiot brothers beat me to the castle and InuYasha was at my door before I could even blink. He knows how to lay down the guilt trips. So I went to the training room and found Sesshomaru there practically waiting for me. I had the impudence to ask him what he was doing there. Stupid question I know but at that moment I had nothing to say to him. He retorted as he always did. I turned to leave but found myself pressed between the door and a very tall Sesshomaru. I thought for sure that he was going to kiss me, but instead he grabbed my waist and pulled me close to him. The closeness was enough to just choke me. He then moved his face close to mine and ran his cheek along mine. Then he whispered in my ear 'Tell me, does this make you uncomfortable.' Err…I was inflamed with anger. The nerve of that guy toying with me like that. Oh but I got him back, before he could say another word I had knocked him down onto the ground. He would have been up within seconds if it hadn't been for the rosary I placed on him.

He was more than pissed when I stood over him with victory dancing on my face. I think asked him if this make him uncomfortable. He thrashed trying to escape the spell. I got ready to exit the room but before leaving I released him. I'm off to greener pastures now.

If it were in him to show any real emotions on his face he would have had his mouth hanging opened. Kagome had picked up the other book and was gradually flipping through the pages. She hadn't noticed how wrapped up he was in this story.

March 7, 2006

We've traveled for about two or three weeks now and for one of those weeks a cave was our only shelter. Uhen, the sage of water was a godsend. He knew everything about the life I led before I became Kagome Higurashi. I supposedly was named Kagome Yura, but Uhen called her Yura all the time. He is of course the original Sesshomaru, his last name being Uhen. He seems to have regretted that he didn't express his love for Yura. So basically he and I are doomed, fate will always bring us together. Damn that fate. Maybe I don't want to be with him in the future. Maybe I'd like to visit other venues. Why do the sages insist on playing with my future? But looking at him at this moment I can't deny that I still love him. And I can tell that Uhen is making him so jealous. I didn't know that Sesshomaru had the ability to become jealous. Being jealous is an insecurity and I always thought that the 'all mighty lord' was so sure of himself. Maybe he does care and though I don't approve of being marked as property I think it would just be funny to see Sesshomaru explode. He never shows what's going on in his mind and it would be just refreshing to see something.

He closed the book and looked up at Kagome to find her staring at him.

"Did you find anything interesting in that book?"

"Yes actually I did, I'd like to keep this for a while and study it further."

"It's kind of funny how the people mentioned in it are also people I know now. I guess that I was named after these two people. The first is Kagome Yura, and then Kagome Higurashi, who I'm thinking might be an ancestor of mine. They lived some interesting lives don't you think?" She asked him. He had to agree that they seemed to have their fair share of adventures.

"What did you discover in your other book?" She looked down at the thick book. She had spent time reading it trying to capture something from Yura.

"I found out that Uhen bought this book for Yura on her eighteenth birthday. She seems to care for him but doesn't know if she should trust him. His motives are sort of hazy anyway. From what she says it seems that all he wants is to use her power to bring out his." She looked thoughtful for a moment and rubbed her thumbs on the cover. "She met his father who thought that she was dangerous. He told his son before leaving that women like Yura were dangerous. Maybe being a shape shifting priestess was a danger to him but she would never hurt anyone."

"How can you be so sure of this?"

"Because I feel as if I know her. She speaks of him so highly but at the same time distances herself from him like she can't trust herself."

"Does she mention her attractions to him?"

"Well not in so many words but she just seems to portray a woman who only wants to bring peace to her lands. But then she has two different men that she's attracted to. Then there's her close friend who doesn't want her to get involved with either. It's all really confusing."

"In this journal the happenings of your dreams are mentioned slightly."

"Really? Wow then I should definitely check out my Pensieve. Hey why don't you read me something out of it?" She propped herself on her hands and watched him intently. He thought for a moment before opening the book and picking a random page.

"February 19, 2006…Dear Journal, This morning I woke to the sound of yelling outside of my door. I knew who it was before even getting up. That damn InuYasha is sorely asking for my foot to have a conversation with his ass. How dare he argue with someone outside of my door this early in the morning? It was my darling son, who by the way had grown up into a strapping young man. He explained that Sesshomaru had gone last night and brought him to the castle. Wow, Sesshomaru can be the sweetest guy Kagome this is preposterous. Do you have any idea how crazy I sound?"

"Just give me the book then." He handed it over to her and she read on. "He cared enough to go so late into the night just to bring my son to me. I mean I thought for sure he would be angry with me over the events that when on the other night. I do feel terrible about that. I shouldn't have done it but I knew that he would try something. No he isn't like Miroku but Sesshomaru is rather unpredictable. If you ever involve yourself with a man like him then you've got to be constantly on your toes. All I ever do is ramble on about that jerk but I guess I should get down to the important issues at hand. The mist has struck many villages killing off the demons. Lucky for this group that InuYasha made a good wish. We all were turned into humans and are protected for now. This mist has yet to harm humans and since my ring sunk into my finger I can't turn back into a dog demon.

I went to breakfast and took a seat next to Sesshomaru. When I had walked in the first thing he did was glare, or rather he tried to, I've explained to him many times that he's glares are more like pouts. It's a rather cute sight to see. Mr. All mighty dog demon can't even properly glare. Well I gave him a big grin and took my seat as I've already stated. Then he had the nerve to say.

"Wouldn't you find a seat next to my general over there more suitable?'

Oh how I wanted to just punch him in the face, Sesshomaru with a big black eye, note to self…try it some time. But I didn't instead I looked over at Azulu, who sat next to Kouga. I wave and gave him the biggest smile I could. He smiled back and then I turned my attention back to Sesshomaru and said.

'Nope I think that I'll keep you company' Twenty minutes or so passed and then I decided that I'd apologize. Um Sesshomaru.' I whispered to him but he didn't respond. He must be trying to ignore me. So I moved my chair closer to him and whispered 'I'm sorry about yesterday; I shouldn't have done that to you. I think that it was really nice of you to go last night and bring Shippo here, even though I was so mean to you.' He gave a nod but then I had to say 'I forgive you for being a total jerk too, since you won't apologize yourself.' Oh how surprised he was at that.

'Who said that I was sorry for what I did?' Why does he have such a hard time admitting that he was wrong? Wait why does it even matter anymore, I'll have to leave this world and never see him again. Oh where did that thought come from. Well as you know I'm not one to just shut up.

'You did, you said I and sorry, and I forgive you.' He began to growl and I knew that I was getting him mad, oh well that's what he gets from breaking my heart. Aw that's just horrible. He broke her heart." Kagome looked thoughtfully at the words. "He then asked me if I would insist on torturing him, well of course. Then I mentioned the events of six years ago. He actually had the nerve to ask what he did! Oh how I wanted to ring his neck then. But I didn't no I wouldn't lower myself to his level. I stood and left the room. Azulu had followed me. I just wanted to be alone but that didn't happen. We sat by the fountain, Sesshomaru was there just beyond the walls. He keeps forgetting that I'm still a demon underneath. He obviously didn't know that InuYasha was also there. Idiot brothers, they seriously need a hobby following me around just isn't right. Well I tried to avoid the obvious question that I knew would come out sooner or later. Azulu asked me what was wrong and I told him not worry about it. Didn't he get that I hated to talk about it.

'Let's just say that caring for someone means having to deal with the parts of them that causes you pain. That over the six years you were gone you missed that person and yet are still angry that you've made an idiot of yourself.' I had said. Damn him to hell.

'I'm confused.' He looked at me strangely. 'Are you saying that you-' He knows that it was Sesshomaru who I cared for! Shit! Opps where did that come from.

'Shh…don't' say it too loud.' I found myself saying.

'So then why don't you say something?' Well maybe because he's currently standing just behind that wall behind you, duh.

'Because my effort would in vain. I don't know how long I'm going to be here but I want to focus on the mission at hand and not with something that was done with six years ago.' Well that was partly true anyway right? I mean I know that eventually I'll have to face up to my feelings but I'd like to just like to do so right now.

"Maybe it wasn't done. You still love him don't you?' I gasped at that moment. How dare he ask me that? And he expected me to answer that question. I'm sure Sesshomaru already knew my feelings. '

'I-' I had said.

"You either do or you don't Kagome. Love isn't a game and if you don't know how you feel then don't bother. So do you?' At that moment in time I didn't know how to answer. He had a point though. Love isn't some game and I'm not a little kid either. A woman must know that for ever word she utters there is a consequence and I'd have to pay one of these days. I couldn't stay in limbo could I?

"I do.' Few! I finally admit it, oh crap what if he ends up finding this? Maybe I should burn the book. No then I won't have the memories. I'm keeping this book; after all he was the one who got it for me. The first year we met he thought that it would be a good idea to have a journal to document the events of our travels. I just wonder if he had hoped to get a hold of it and find out what I thought about. He'd be surprised that most of the book is all about him. See he's a constant confusing subject for me. No man has ever made me so happy, angry, confused, and sad at the same time. I didn't think it was possible to feel so helpless even though I'm a demon. Sometimes I wish that Sesshomaru were my hero and I was a damsel in distress but that wouldn't happen. I'm not that kind of girl anyway; well I was once but not anymore. No no no I refuse to look back and remember the times that InuYasha had to protect me and then ridicule the fact that I was human. Stupid jerk. The rest of the day went fine" Kagome turned the page and went on to the next day.

"Kagome do you find this mush interesting?"

"Actually I do and I think it's really sweet that she'd stick by her feelings even though he doesn't deserve her at all. What kind of guy would just completely deny how he felt and crush a girl like that?" He could tell that she'd become emotional over the whole thing. "If I were in this situation I'd march into his room and demand that he stop being such a jerk." She huffed and glared at the book.

"How about we discuss other matters." He said trying to change the subject. He had something on his mind and needed to discuss it with her. Onigumo had pulled him aside during on of their visits to the elder man's home and brought up the prospects of starting a business. He had always wanted to run his own business but never met anyone who could make a good partner. Sure he could have always swayed toward a sole proprietorship but then where was the fun in sharing in the glory and misery? Onigumo said that he'd discuss it more with the both of them when they came to visit the upcoming weekend.

"Fine what would you like to discuss?" She said finally calming down. She closed the book and handed it back to him. He put it aside and clasped his hands together.

"I've been meaning to bring this up with you. I was thinking about starting up a business."

"Wow that sounds great. I remember how much I wanted to do that when I was a freshman."

"Are you saying that you no longer want to do that?"

"Well no, I still do but it takes so much to start a business." He put his hand up to silence her.

"Let's just say that none of the obstacles were in your way, would you consider going into a partnership?"

"With you?" she said both words rather slowly. Her eyes widened and she looked as though she were asked to the prom by the most popular guy in school.

"No, with InuYasha." He said sarcastically rolling his eyes.

"Why would you want me as your partner?" This obviously was going to be harder than it looked. Why can't she just accept what I'm saying and leave it?

"I trust you; I don't think I could go into something like this with just anyone. It has to be someone that I can count on."

"And that just happens to be me? Oh Sesshomaru that is just so sweet." She stood up and went to his side of the table. She then proceeded to slide into his seat and pull him into a hug. "Oh Sesshomaru I'd love to."

"You act as if I've proposed." She laughed.

"This is way better than that." She finally realized that she was attached to Sesshomaru and let go. She felt herself blush. Back to my seat, just go back to my seat. She told herself. She felt her body lift up and go back to her respective seat.

"So I take it that you like the idea then." He raised an eyebrow. She looked like a child in a candy store.

"Oh Sesshomaru I'm just so happy. Now I have to find some way to repay you for making me happy."

"You could always help me go house hunting."

"Oh that's right this is your last year. Hm that would be a good idea maybe I should also look for a place. Well I won't have to worry about it at this given time but it's always good to have options-" He put his hand up to silence. She looked rather confused.

"You will not need to look anywhere for a place to leave."

"Sure I will, I can't stay with my parents forever."

"That's why you're going to live with me." If they hadn't been sitting in a booth then she would have fallen over in her chair.

"I can't do that Sesshomaru, you won't want to live with me anyway I'd drive you crazy."

"You and I are friends and if we are able to sit here together in this coffee shop then I think we can handle living in the same home. Think of it as being roommates or housemates which ever fits."

"But I still have a whole year left." She said trying to change his mind.

"So, that doesn't mean that you can move in after you've finished your year."

"I'll have to think about this. I mean it is a big decision and I'd just like some time to consider it. "

"Alright then, but I expect an answer before the year's over."

Spring, the most beautiful time of the year. Kagome looked down at her own journal that Sesshomaru had given to her for her birthday. It had shocked her that he even knew the date. He had called her and told her to meet him in the park at one. They were supposed to go to her parents house for one night and then to his. He said something about having to take care of a few things and then he'd meet her there and pick her up. She started to get used to writing in her book. She just hoped that no one would read the contents of the book. She shook the thought from her mind and slipped it back into her bag. She tilted her head toward the sky and watched the clouds waltz with the sun. She allowed herself to smile for once at the simple sight in front of her. It occurred to her that she hadn't smiled once since she talked with Yuri. The weather seemed to affect her mood all together. Over the past few months she'd noticed a strange change in the weather. During her time of depression it had rained and hailed more than usual. She wondered if it had anything to do with her powers. There might be answers in Yura's journal. But before she could check she found that Sesshomaru was walking along the sidewalk toward her.

What she found next was a small dog trailing after him. She recognized it as being a Yorkshire terrier. It had black and brown fur and seemed to like Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru would occasionally look back to make sure the dog was still following.

"Who's your friend Sesshomaru?" She asked looking at the small dog. It trotted over to her and jumped into her lap. "Oh hello there." She said when it rubbed its small head on her stomach. She giggled when it stood on its small feet and licked her face.

"It seems as though he likes you." Sesshomaru sat down next to her.

"What's his name?"

"He doesn't really have one yet. I ordered him months ago for your birthday, but he wasn't born yet. They sent him once he could be separated from his mother. He arrived a few hours ago and I wanted surprise you." He explained as Kagome scratched behind the dogs ears.

"What should I name him?"

"Whatever you want."

"How about Sessho." She smirked when he gave her a glare. The puppy barked happily. "Do you like that name?"

"I refuse to share a name with the dog."

"But it's rather fitting don't you think? I mean the Lord of the Western Lands was a dog demon."

"And what's your point."

"Oh fine then I'll name him after the ruler before Sesshomaru. Inutaisho." Sesshomaru gave her a confused look. "What did I say?"

"Inutaisho?"

"You don't know about Inutaisho?" He was about to say that he did but just shook his head. "He isn't well known among the historians. He died before his two sons could really know him. He did have a reincarnate but I'm not sure who he was. Supposedly he fell in love with a human woman and had a half demon. His son didn't like the fact that his father would sink so low and so he resented the woman until her death. Talk about your family problems."

"Then call him what you wish."

"I would be you don't want me to."

"I don't want you to be yelling my name to a dog."

"Oh and what do you mean by that?" She blushed when a few improper thoughts crept up into her mind. Bad Kagome, where did you come from? He didn't seem to catch on to what she was saying. She just rolled her eyes and picked up the puppy. "I've decided to call you Sessho."

"What?" He yelled. His face was contorted in anger.

"Oh come on he loves the name and it isn't as if I'm calling him Sesshomaru. I'm shortening the name and since I refuse to call you Sessho I'll call him that." She lifted the dog up and kissed his nose. "Aren't you just the cutest dog ever, Sessho?" Sessho barked in response. "Sesshomaru please don't be mad, I won't call you by his name okay." She gave him one of her 'you know you can't resist me' smiles.

"Fine but I had better not hear you yelling at me as if I were a dog."

"Did you hear that Sessho, you get to keep your name?" She hugged the little puppy to her and felt happy for once. "Thank you so much Sesshomaru you have no idea how much you've made my day. Not only do we have three weeks of classes left but I have the cutest puppy ever." Her sugary sweet voice said while rubbing the pup's belly. But then her face became serious again. "Did you figure out anything from the journal?"

"No but I've been doing some searching for the journals my father gave me. I put them into storage when I was twelve. I couldn't stand to look at them anymore. Bad memories." He added the last part as if he were talking more to himself that her.

"Your parents died right, in a car crash." She said softly trying to be as gentle with the subject as possible. She remembered that his parents had died in a car crash.

"Can I tell you something that no one knows?" He said out of nowhere.

"Yeah sure." She wrapped her arms around Sessho and turned to listen to Sesshomaru.

"My parents are very much alive. They faked their deaths to escape from the government. They stay in contact with me through mail but they never use names or addresses. I never told InuYasha because he was just too young to understand any of it. I grew up much quicker than he did and I always felt as if I had to protect him from the truth. My mother died while giving birth to me but InuYasha's mother and my father are still alive and living off somewhere. They changed their names and their appearance. My father I'm guessing is running a big corporation in America. I'm not sure though because he's very secretive about his life, but did mention that he had his own business."

"Aren't you upset that they'd leave you guys at such a young age?" He saw pity storming in her eyes.

"No, as I've said I was mature for my age and knew it must have been important. Besides we have a good life and parents."

"Do you miss them though?"

"I hardly knew them, but I guess I do sometimes." What in the hell! Where did that come from? Why am I even telling her this? He shook off his thoughts. His attention turned to her when he heard her phone ring. She flipped it opened and pressed it to her ear.

"Hello, Kagome speaking." She said into the phone. "Oh hey how are you? I'm fine thanks for asking. Really wow, so then you'll be here tonight? Yeah I'm going to my parent's house today. I know it's been a long time and I'm glad you called. Yes I'm still writing, no I didn't get engaged to Johnny Depp, that's Akina." The voice on the other line laughed. "Really do you think that I'm still waiting for you to take me out on a date? You still haven't given me your open line yet." She joked. "I don't think I'd want to go out with you anyway, I'm supposedly engaged to someone." She joked again giving Sesshomaru a side glance, he just rolled his eyes. "No it isn't that guy, why would you think that? You know that isn't the way to win a girls heart Jin. No I will not wear that, I threw it away. Because I'm too mature for something that revealing. No you aren't going to show up at my house dressed in a string bikini. I don't care if it makes you feel pretty my father would kill you." She rolled her eyes. Jin was such in idiot sometimes. He was an old friend that moved away when she and Kouga were younger. He called her every once and a while and visited when she was in high school. "Don't expect me to be as crazy as I used to be but don't forget I'm a mother now." After talked for another minute she hung up the phone.

"Another suitor?" Sesshomaru asked. She gave him a raised eyebrow.

"Well not in so many words. He was another old friend of mine, he moved away when I was eight. He likes to ask each time he calls if I'm ready to go out with him yet. He's coming in this weekend to finally visit."

"And you're going to go on a date with him?"

"Maybe." She would have just loved to laugh at his face. It dawned on her that he must have been jealous. But he doesn't know the truth about Jin; oh this is going to be great. "After all I haven't been on a date in such a long time, it would be nice to get back out there again." She shrugged and stood with Sessho in her arms. "Don't you think I should go out on a date Sessho?" She asked the pup in her arms as she headed for the car. Sesshomaru stood also and followed her to the car.

How dare she even consider going out with some boy. He fumed. Why do I care? I seem to ask myself that a lot.

Why must I be so cursed? How is it physically possible that I lose all sensibility? I always thought that I was more reasonable, responsible and I never ever get involved with disgruntled girls like her. She is completely impossible to comfort when she's like this. I could never understand how such a nice and pretty girl like her could go out with so many different boys without thinking about the consequences. I need to get a new roommate next year, this girl is going to put me somewhere I don't belong.

Kagome took a seat on Akina's bed and gave her back a pat. Her comforting techniques weren't all that great since she never really had to give comfort to anyone in Akina's position.

"Maybe it's better off this way." Kagome said trying to stop he friend from crying.

"How hiccup can you hiccup say that!" Cried Akina through many hiccups.

"I'm trying my best to comfort you Akina, I think that dating so many men at once isn't healthy. Now look at the position you're in. Sure you didn't know he was married but still you should really pay more attention to the men you involve yourself with." Akina glared at her friend and turned over so that her back was to Kagome.

"You know it isn't my fault that he broke up with you Akina. But I can't stay here all weekend, my parents expect me."

"Oh Pa-lease, you just want to spend time with Sesshomaru. How stupid do you think I am Kagome? It's so obvious that you have the hots for him."

"I do not, and I'd appreciate it very much if you keep those thoughts far from you mind. Just because I'm close to him doesn't mean we're off making out in some closet. Besides he's just a friend."

"Sure and I'm Casper the friendly ghost. Get over yourself Kagome. I'm sick and tired of your fake innocence. What ever happened to the girl who was a wild child bent on doing anything and everything?"

"She grew up and realized that having fun didn't mean paying for it later on in life. I know what is right and wrong and sitting here feeling sorry for yourself is wrong. You date different men each night so what's so special about this one guy?"

"He was just so sweet and he said that he'd leave his wife for me."

"No man who has the love of a woman and two kids leaves his family. That's why you get married anyway, so that you can have that family. You have to grow up sometime you know. Get a steady boyfriend around your age and just try to steer clear of any sexual intercourse." Akina rolled her eyes and curled up on her bed. "Whatever Akina, I'm leaving now okay; you just stay out of trouble until I get back." The girl on the bed didn't respond, Kagome took it as her cue to leave the room.

In the living room Sesshomaru awaited her exit from the other female's room. When she closed the door she huffed and roughly grabbed her bag from off the couch.

"The nerve of her! How dare she say that to me?" Kagome said with every ounce of rage within her.

"Which comment did she make?"

"All of them this time, though she did leave out the fact that I'm responsible for my friends death, that was nice of her." She said sarcastically.

He didn't reply because he knew when to shut up and let her blow some steam. Sessho stayed close to Kagome's heels as they made their way down the car. He still hadn't told her about what was to come on that particular weekend. He would wait though until they were half way there. Sessho jumped into Kagome's lap from the back seat and fell asleep in his spot. She unconsciously ran her hands along his head and down his back. Sesshomaru knew that sooner or later he'd have to say something. He didn't think that she'd be upset about what he had to say.

"Kagome." He said once he stopped at the 29th stop light. She looked up at him exiting her thoughts.

"Yeah?"

"Tomorrow night we were supposed to go to my parent's house remember?"

"Yeah, did something change?"

"Yes and no. You see my parents want both our families to go to dinner."

"Why?"

"If I knew the answer to that I'd tell you but sadly we must do this."

"Can't we just um…go back to the dorm and tell them the car broke down?"

"You'd rather spend time with Akina?"

"Good point. Damn I guess we're stuck. I just hope that they behave."

"There isn't anything wrong with your family. We will get through this dinner and then return to school on Sunday morning."

"Oh crap I have to work on Sunday. I knew I shouldn't have volunteered to take over Enya's shift."

"Lucky that I remembered."

"Hey I was reading Yura's journal again and came upon this interesting fact." Kagome said suddenly out of nowhere.

"And what is that? More romance, intrigue, adventure?"

"No nothing like that. It turns out that her emotions controlled some parts of the weather. I found this quite strange. Do you think I have that ability? I mean during the past few months I was really down." Duh my best friend who died couldn't come back.

"It is possible, who knows you might even be a reincarnate." Shit, why did I say that?

"No way, reincarnates are chosen because they are special and are meant to live in this world once more. I couldn't be one."

"You never know, anything is possible now that we know that demons do exist."

"Have you found anything useful in that journal I gave you?"

"There was a passage that mentioned something about a man named Naraku."

"I think dad used to tell me stories about that guy. He said that Naraku was one demon that took forever to triumph over. He killed the innocent and manipulated the weak. He was destroyed by a woman; dad never said what her name was though."

"Figures, only your father would come up with such tales."

"Well you said that it was mentioned in the book."

"Only that he was dead, it didn't say how though."

Kagome soon grew tired of their conversation and turned on the radio, nothing was really on so she allowed herself to take a short nap before they reached her house. Sessho woke before his owner and began to lick her palm. Kagome jolted up from her sleep and touched her lips. Her eyes were wide and filled with shock. Sesshomaru looked at her with curiosity playing along his face.

"What's with you? Dreaming of your boyfriend?" He knew that she would explode at any time and he didn't care. If he had to suffer then so did she.

"No you jerk it was that guy again, the Lord of the Western Lands and I was the girl." She said glaring at him.

FLASHBACK OF DREAM

"Having fun?" She turned around and found Sesshomaru standing before her. He had his same expression plastered to his face. She felt sort of embarrassed about being caught fooling around. "You know that with your power you could be a ticking time bomb. Maybe it would be best if we stayed here and trained you up a bit."

"So you'd train me? Wow that would be great." She grinned.

"I'm not as young as you but I think that I can take you."

"And this coming from a guy who could kill with just one flash of his sword." He smirked when she said this. "Careful Sesshomaru your heads starting to grow. All that hot air must make it hard to think." He gave her a glare. She started to laugh. "Tag you're it." She ran up to him and touched his shoulder then dashed off into the forest. She could feel him following her. But she left up into the trees and started toward the village. She felt InuYasha up ahead and decided to pass by him.

"Don't think you can easily escape girl I'll find you!" Sesshomaru yelled. She laughed and almost hit a tree. InuYasha could hear them and feel them approaching. He wondered what was going on.

"You're too old to catch up!" she yelled back at him.

Once Sesshomaru caught up they began to fight physically. More like play fighting. Suddenly Kagome tackled Sesshomaru and knocked him to the ground. She held him down until he stopped moving. She let him up and they sat there for a moment.

"Don't tell anyone about this. I don't think the world needs to know that you actually beat me." He lay back down on the ground and looked up at the sky. She lay opposite of him. Their bodies were at different ends and only their heads made contact. They both just lay there for a while watching the sky.

"I've never just watched the sky before. It's amazing here."

"Don't you have this in your time?"

"Yes but it isn't the same. What with pollution and street lights."

"Pollution? Street lights? What are you talking about?"

"One day you'll find out."

"You're a strange one."

"Be that as it may I am a lot faster than you."

"That's because you're only twenty and I'm over fifty. You see the difference."

"Yeah, you're telling me that after all of these years, decades really, you've become weak." He glared at her or rather attempted to. "You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

"That whole trying to glare but really just look like you just lost your favorite toy. I see it as more of a pout, but if you really work on it more it might develop into an actual scare tactic." She laughed when he made a face. He glared.

"You are the most insolent female that has ever been in my presence. Why do you torment me?"

"Torment you? I haven't done anything to you. You seem to be 'tormenting' yourself just find without my help." He growled in anger. "Come on now why not try enjoying the sights in front of you."

"I would be you're here." He stated only half joking. She didn't seem to get it and stood to leave. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back down. "Can't you take a joke?"

"Sesshomaru for as long as I've known you the only jokes that ever came out of you mouth were like 'I'm going to spare you life, just kidding here eat my poison'." He smirked at her. "You find it amusing?"

"I don't know why I'm sitting here actually having a conversation with you but it's strange." She looked at him weirdly. She wondered what he was talking about. There were signs showing that something had changed in him.

"Maybe it's because we're both dog demons."

"That part doesn't really matter. When you returned from your time I could already sense a change in you. I spent the whole year examining how you and your friends react to each other. I learned what I could about you and found that you intrigue me."

"Sesshomaru, are you saying that you want to be friends? Because if that's the case then I'm very proud of you for pushing so hard to get all of that out in the open."

"You can be a troublesome girl."

"This is going to take some getting used to."

"What?"

"Being a demon, looking this way. Feeling this way. Hey don't look at me like that it's creepy. Sesshomaru stop it I mean it!" She was getting ready to slap him. He was currently sitting in front of her with the creepiest grin on his face. He bent down so that she could hear him. He brushed his cheek against hers and whispered 'your it' and got up and dashed off into the sky. She watched him for a moment. He truly was a beautiful creature and she'd always known this. But he used to be a cold hard killer and now he was acting like a playful pup. She smiled and followed him. He was taking her to a place that she didn't think possible. Over the course of the past year or two she'd found her attractions for this demon overwhelming. At times she couldn't look at for fear that he'd notice. Now she was off having this moment with him.

They stood still next to the stream. Kagome breathed in the smell of the cherry blossoms that surrounded them. He turned his attention for the beating of the stream to her. She looked down at the flowing water trying to hide her eyes from his. His eyes seemed to be on a search for something. She fiddled with the hem of her outfit and tried to calm her nerves. The events that had taken place before were out of a playful nature, but this moment seemed to be more serious. Yes much more serious. The wind swept past her and rubbed her ankles. His body turned to her and seemed to grow closer to her body. She felt herself inhale a shallow breath as his hand snaked around her waist and pulled her near. The hot breaths radiated from his lips onto her face like a wild fire. They inched closer with each exhale. She looked up into his eyes trying to figure out where this was coming from. But he gave no solution for his actions.

END OF FLASHBACK OF DREAM

Kagome shook her head trying to forget it hand saw that Sesshomaru was still looking at her. She blushed again when she remembered his lips and his touch, the dream felt as if it were real. The look in his eyes held so much desire and need, for her. No one had ever given her such a look before and it truly frightened her. She knew for a fact that she was attracted to Sesshomaru that was a given, but then there was this demon in her dreams that desired her and seemed to care for her.

She shook her head and got out of the car. Sessho jumped from her arms and ran for the house. His little paws pitter pattered along the stone walkway. She knew that Sesshomaru would eventually want to know what she had dreamt about but she wasn't ready to share with him the romantic state of affairs she found herself in many a times. For some reason it felt as if she were having an affair with a perfect guy. Though to have an affair you'd have to be tied down to someone. Which I'm not. She thought sadly to herself. Just once I'd love to have a boyfriend who'd treat me right, but no I get all the losers and jerks! She huffed while entering the house. Her parents were sitting on the couch watching a movie called 'Gone with the Wind'. She remembered reading that book once. They looked up when she entered and gave her a wave of the hand then went back to the movie.

"Oh Kagome Jin is up in your room, he said that he wanted to read a book of yours." Her father said while still looking at the television. Kagome's eyes widened suddenly when she realized what he was doing. With lightening speed she was gone from sight and in her room. Sesshomaru followed halfheartedly. He found Kagome and a tall handsome man wrestling on the floor. Kagome was the predator at the moment and she was shaking his shoulder and pressing him down into the carpet.

"Say it Jin." She said after she subdued him.

"Oh come on don't make me say it Kagome."

"I'm the victor so you have to say it that was the rules remember."

"Rules are meant to be broken."

"Not this one."

"It isn't fair you train."

"And you were supposed to also be training so that you could, oh how did you say it? Oh yes you said 'Kagome when I return expect me to get my vengeance'. I don't see you doing any of that."

"Err…you are just so mean." He growled.

"And you are a pompous idiot who doesn't know when he's been defeated."

"I know that I've been defeated but I refuse to say anything that involves praise for you."

"You're just a sore loser."

"Well if you'd just get over me reading your diary then we wouldn't be in this predicament now would we?"

"There are reasons that I don't allow you to read my diary, one because you have the mouth the size of Africa, two you are mentioned a few times in the book, and three if anyone who you know who I might add is in that book heard what I wrote then I'd be in deep shit."

"Fine fine I won't tell them about that time that you-" She clasped her hand over his mouth. "Oh sorry." He then noticed Sesshomaru standing at the door way. "Oh who's your friend Kagome?" Jin raised one of his eyebrows at the tall man at the door. Kagome stood up and stood next to Sesshomaru.

"This Jin is a friend of mine from school, Sesshomaru."

"Oh really?" He said giving Kagome a questionable look as if saying 'damn girl he's freaking hot, where do I sign up for a piece of that.' Kagome rolled her eyes and clinched her diary in her hands. She made sure to close out her mind from Sesshomaru before she went into conversation with Jin.

'Do you remember how I used to have you pose as my boyfriend?' She said giving him a slight wink.

'And you need me now to do the same eh? You like this one don't you?'

'Well sort of, I just want to see if he'll get jealous. I know it must gross you out when you do this for me but I do appreciate it very much.'

'Hey if he weren't straight I'd be all over him in a heartbeat.' He smirked and then went over to her pulling her into a hug. 'Faze one.'

Kagome giggled a bit when pretended to whisper something in her ear. She swatted him away but found his hands grab her waist.

"I'm sorry Kagome that I read your diary. I guess old habits die hard eh?" He said smirking over at Sesshomaru who already looked pissed.

"I forgive you this time but if you do it again I'll have to punish you." She said folding her arms over her chest.

"Oww, are you going to use the handcuffs this time, I hope so they're my favorite." He joked freeing her from his hold.

"I was thinking more along the lines of playing doctor, but your way sounds better." She laughed and punched him playfully in the arm.

"You sound better, that's always a good sign." Jin said inching toward the book. She saw this and smacked his hand. "Oh come on I'm going to read it anyway. I just want to finish reading about that dream you had about-" He stopped when he heard her growl.

"JIN! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU!" She yelled. He knew this was the moment that he should run, which he did. Sesshomaru found this completely senseless. They didn't act one bit like lovers, more like siblings. Kagome chased him around her room; he had managed to steal her diary. Sesshomaru was interested in reading it also; maybe he could bribe this Jin guy to get the book.

"I won't tell anyone you had a crush on you freshman literature teacher." He said jumping on her bed and then leaping off when she tried to spear him. "Or that you kissed Kouga when you were ten." Sesshomaru grew tired of this and decided to excuse himself from there nonsense. He found Uri in her room reading a book at her desk. He raised an eyebrow at the young child. The book that lay before was one meant for children in the sixth grade. Her eyes darted along the page effortlessly. She flipped the page and started to attack the words. He knocked on the door and her head shot up. She closed the book and placed it back on the shelf.

"Hello Sesshomaru." She said jumping down from her chair and going over to him. She looked as though she'd grown in the short time that he'd known her. Her birthday was in about three months or so he suspected.

"What was that reading material you suspiciously stuffed into that shelf?" She laughed nervously and slowly retrieved the book. He looked down at it and realized that it was a Harry potter book, the latest one too.

"I sort of had uncle Souta buy it for me. Mommy, grandma and grandpa don't think it's fitting for me to read it since I'm three."

"Exactly, so how is it that you're able to read this text at your age?" He bent down to her level.

"Mommy started to teach me when I said my first word. I could read at two in a half. Why do you think I have better speech then your brother?" She gave him an eyebrow of her own. She then giggled and removed the book from Sesshomaru's grasp. She placed the book back and joined him on the floor by the door. "InuYasha is nice but he doesn't act grown up."

"So you've noticed." He shook his head and decided to change the subject. "Uri I have something to ask you." He became serious.

"Okay." She copied the way he was sitting on the ground and gave him her attention.

"I asked your mother to move in with me, but she hasn't given me an answer."

"If she lives with you I'll never see her." Uri's face became sad suddenly. Sesshomaru realized that he hadn't explained it fully.

"You misunderstand Uri; I want you and your mom to move in with me." Her eyes became wide with surprise. She jumped off the floor and hugged him.

"Really, I can live with you?"

"Your mom hasn't said yes or no yet, it's up to her." I know I should respect Kagome's decisions but maybe Uri could convince her. I know for a fact that she's more worried about Uri than herself. She doesn't want to feel as if she's taking advantage of me. But she wouldn't be, besides she only has a year left, Uri could live with me while I get things prepared for our business.

"I'm sure mommy will say yes. Are you going to marry mommy?" This question blew him out of the water. "I guess you won't. Mommy never tells me but she's lonely. Uncle Tojin isn't my father but I like to think that he is. Mommy never talks about my dad, but I want to know." She seemed to be talking more to herself than him.

"Maybe she doesn't think that he's suitable to be your father."

"I don't care; I just want to meet him once."

"She must have her reasons, now you must dress." He stood and made his exit.

Kagome fidgeted in her seat. She told Jin that she'd have to wait until next week to 'go out' with him since this dinner came up. She didn't know why she felt so nervous; his parents were nice and liked her. What surprised her was that they chose to go to a restaurant with a karaoke machine. She made sure to shrink herself into her seat. Not only did Kouga work at this particular restaurant, but he was sauntering over to their table at precise moment. She looked over at Sesshomaru who gave her a smirk in response. He set me up! How could he do that?

The people at the table that night were the following: Kagome, Onigumo, Kiki, Itsoma, Sahara, Sesshomaru, Rin, Uri, Souta and Shippo.

"Hey Mrs. H, Mr. H, what can I get all of you this evening?" He looked around them and caught Kagome's eye. She looked as if she were struggling between darting to the door or crawling under the table. "Hey Kagome it's karaoke night why don't you go up and give us something to cheer about." She was about to protest when her father intervened.

"Yes Kagome why don't you allow us all to hear your beautiful voice."

"Yeah Kagome you sing wonderfully." Her mother chimed in. She inwardly groaned. Was the world against her? She stood and followed Kouga from the table and over to a stage. I hate you so much Kouga. She said to herself glaring at the back of his head. He handed her the microphone and then smirked at her. Her eyes widened when the songs tune came flowing out of the speakers. She stood still with the lights above beating down on her. She looked about the restaurant and saw that each person at her table was watching her closely. Sesshomaru I'm going to skin you alive and then serve you for dinner. She told him before it was time for her to start singing.

"Where have all the good men gone and where are all the gods? Where's the street-wise Hercules to fight the rising odds? Isn't there a white knight upon a fiery steed? Late at night toss and turn and dream of what I need."

She clinched the mic in her hand and looked about her nervously. She had never sung in front of so many people and their eyes were on her. This song was what she felt portrayed her thoughts. For some reason it touched her the most and Kouga knew this, that's why he chose it.

"I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. He's gotta be strong. And he's gotta be fast. And he's gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. He's gotta be sure. And it's gotta be soon. And he's gotta be larger than life."

She closed her eyes and allowed the words to absorb into her body like a sponge.

"Somewhere after midnight in my wildest fantasy somewhere just beyond my reach. There's someone reaching back for me. Racing on the thunder and rising with the heat. It's gonna take a superman to sweep me off my feet."

She used her hands to express each phrase of the song.

"I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast and he's gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. He's gotta be sure and it's gotta be soon and he's gotta be larger than life."

Throughout the crowd loud hoots could be heard followed by cheers.

"I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. "

"Up where the mountains meet the heavens above out where the lightning splits the sea I could swear that there's someone somewhere watching me. Through the wind and the chill and the rain and the storm and the flood I can feel his approach like the fire in my blood. I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. He's gotta be strong and he's gotta be fast and he's gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. He's gotta be sure and it's gotta be soon and he's gotta be larger than life."

"I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night. He's gotta be strong. And he's gotta be fast. And he's gotta be fresh from the fight. I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the morning light. He's gotta be sure. And it's gotta be soon. And he's gotta be larger than life. I need a hero. I'm holding out for a hero 'til the end of the night."

All that was left of the song was the background singers giving off their part. The words still rang in her ears and flowed through her. Kouga approached her just as the song had finished.

"Wasn't she great?" everyone cheered. Kouga gave her a grin and led her off the stage. Finally this is over. She thought to herself as she made her way back to the table. "Say Kagome, I was thinking maybe over the summer you'd like to join my band." She raised an eyebrow at him. "You have the perfect voice for our band and I'd really love it if you'd say yes."

"I'll have to think about it Kouga okay." He gave a nod and then went around the table taking everyone's orders. Kagome wasn't as hungry as she was when she walked into the restaurant.

The dinner itself went as expected but then the dessert and discussion came.

"Kagome dear, has Sesshomaru discussed starting a business together?" He said a little too casually.

"Um well yeah he did but um…dad this isn't the time to talk about it."

"You never told us about this Sesshomaru." Said his mother.

"It never came up." He said rather bored.

"Never came up, this is your life we're talking about Sesshomaru dear."

"Exactly, and I'm free to do as I wish."

"Well son it's refreshing to see you so ambitious. I wish that your brother would get on task."

"But Itsoma he's my little boy, he can't just go out there into the world alone." Kagome wasn't quite sure what would happen if she started to laugh. The concept of Sesshomaru ever being someone's 'little boy' wasn't something she could handle. He saw her expression and gave her one of his 'I'm trying to glare but really I'm pouting' glares. She gave him a small grin and returned to eating her cheesecake. She looked over at her father who was eyeing her cheesecake with lust. Her mother was very stern with Onigumo about health. She expressed to him that they both weren't getting any younger and needed to watch what they ate. She also followed this rule and ate fat free, sugar free, cholesterol free, and soy based foods. She didn't know about Onigumo having diabetes but her intuition told her that it was time for them to take charge of their lives.

Kiki saw the look in her husband's eyes as Kagome took small bites of her cheesecake. Souta sat quietly next to Uri looking rather unhappy. Kagome watched him stab at his food while glaring at it. She gave him a sympathetic glance and tried to send him a message. Are you alright Souta? He looked up at her a bit surprised.

'I don't feel like talking about it Kagome.' He looked so sad.

'I hate seeing you like this. Do you want to talk later? The Komanoi's are coming over tonight so we can go to the dojo and talk if you'd like.'

'Kagome my girlfriend broke up with me. There are you happy.' Kagome gave him a look that held pity.

'I'm sorry; the offer is still open if you want to talk about it.' He gave a soft nod and went back to his dessert. When she looked back at her dessert she found her father's hands inching toward her plate. She rolled her eyes and smacked his hands. She looked over at Sesshomaru's parents and saw that they found their antics rather amusing. Onigumo folded his arms over his chest and glared at her. Kiki gave her husband an empathetic pat on the arm.

Rin tried to keep her mind focused on the topics being discussed but her mind kept wandering to the boy sitting next to her. She hadn't talked to any member of Kagome's family because Sesshomaru always said that it was impolite to speak to your elders before they addressed you. The guy next to her had to be at least one year older than her. He seemed sad for some reason.

Kagome leaned against the entrance to the dojo. The adults were all gathered in the living room enjoying each other's company. Her brother was supposed to report to the dojo after he put his tie away. Rin came out of the house looking bored. Kagome laughed at the young girl as she wandered around their garden. It was rather boring listening to their parents rant and rave over nonsense. She wondered where Sesshomaru was. He couldn't be sitting in there with them could he?

Souta's sluggish ways were evident as he made his way toward her. He dropped his body down next to her.

"Hey bro." she said softly and put her arm over his shoulder. "You ready to talk?"

"I don't know."

"When did this happen?"

"Three weeks ago. I was going over to her place and saw her kissing some other guy. She said the usual 'It's not what you think' but I didn't bother listening." Kagome pulled him close to her and gave him a hug.

"She doesn't deserve you Souta. Any girl would love to be with you. You have qualities that most boys don't and girls like that."

"Yeah right Kagome, what girl?"

"Any girl, you just made a bad choice this time."

"Shouldn't you be telling yourself that?"

"What do you mean?" He rolled his eyes.

"You are such a hypocrite; you tell me that I made a bad choice. You make it sound as if I should just jump back out there when you haven't even bothered to do that."

"You can't compare the situations Souta it isn't fair."

"I'm sorry Kagome." He said hugging her back.

"I know that you're just hurting. You two started dating when you were in sixth grade. I know that I shouldn't be preaching about bad choices and even trying to give advice but I hate seeing you so down."

"I know I shouldn't have said that. I'm glad you aren't dating again. I don't like seeing you so hurt."

"I think we just had a warm moment Souta." She joked.

"Do you think that anyone saw?" He joked right back. His eyes then landed on Rin who was bent over some of the lilacs. "Who's she?" Kagome looked up and saw her brother looking at Rin.

"That's Rin; she was adopted, sort of, by Sesshomaru. She was sitting right next to you at dinner and you didn't notice?"

"No I was too busy stabbing my cheesecake." He said watching the young girl. Kagome's giggle snapped him out of the daze he was in.

"So why don't you go over and talk to her. Doesn't she go to school with you and Shippo?"

"Yeah but I never saw her there before."

"Well why don't you go see if she'd like to walk with you to school?" He stood and went over to Rin who was surprised to see him.

Kagome smiled to herself but then Sesshomaru came up to her. He must have been in the shrine because he came from behind the dojo. He glared at Souta but didn't make a move to say anything. He took a seat next to Kagome on the dojo's steps. She wondered why he wasn't yelling at the two of them.

"I hope that dinner went fine for you." She finally said thinking about the events that took place just twenty minutes before.

"My parents enjoyed themselves if that's what you're asking. I on the other hand hate dining with my parents. They always choose karaoke places. My mother has a thing for singing."

"Why didn't she go up instead?"

"I said that she enjoyed singing, I didn't say she was any good." She giggled.

"That isn't very nice to say about your mother. I'm sure that she has a lovely voice."

"Like a parrot." She leaned her back against the door frame of the dojo and watched as her brother and Rin walked off toward the front of the house.

"Sesshomaru do you want to go and look in my Pensieve? I'd like to go in myself but well I'm afraid of what I might find." She laughed at her own insecurity. His response was a nod.

The both headed into the house and up to her bedroom. The Pensieve sat on her desk practically waiting for them. She held out her hand and invited him to grasp it. He entwined their fingers together and placed it into the Pensieve. She felt herself blush; she didn't expect him to do that. All she wanted him to do was hold her hand not bind them together. The room began to disappear and all they could see was an opened field.

Kagome pried her hand out of his. She started walking along the path with Sesshomaru when something in the forest caught her eye. Sesshomaru looked to his left and caught what she was looking at. The girl they knew as Kagome from previous memories was stomping about. They moved closer and found that the girl was with the Lord of the west. He was sitting next to a tree while she continued her pacing.

Kagome stopped pacing and looked at Sesshomaru who was leaning on the tree. Her face held shock. They both made eye contact and Kagome's features relaxed. She took a seat next to him and closed her eyes.

'What are they doing?' Kagome asked her companion.

'It could be possible that they're communicating. I read that they were able to talk telepathically. They kept it secret for the entire year of their travels.'

'So there isn't a chance for us to see what's going on in their heads?'

'This is your memory.' She rolled her eyes.

'How about we leave this one and go to another one?' He gave a nod and allowed her to switch to another memory.

The scene before them was a memory that she remembered quite clearly. She had this dream every few days. She groaned and made sure she wasn't looking at Sesshomaru.

Kagome opened her eyes when she felt her body crash into something or someone. She looked up and found Sesshomaru standing before her.

"Oh hello Sesshomaru, good to see you." She blushed. He still held onto her shoulders as she stood there embarrassed. "Sorry for running into you like that, I must have been sleepwalking." She felt herself become weak in his arms and yet his face seemed masked. She sighed inwardly at her own disappointment. He saw it flash through her eyes and felt a stab to his heart. He reluctantly let her go. She felt sad for a moment. But then she smiled up at him and took his hand and pulled him along with her. He was too shocked to say a word but followed her out of building. She led him to a large field filled with wildflowers. She stopped him once they reached the middle of the field.

'Um Sesshomaru maybe we should just leave this memory.' She said this nervously as she watched the pair prepare to sit.

'No we will remain here until it is over.' He walked over to the pair and seated himself. He heard her groan again but join him.

"Is there a meaning to this little excursion?" He raised an eyebrow at her, she blushed under his gaze. She sat down in the grass and followed in suit. She looked to the sky.

"Do you remember how we used to watch the sky?"

"Yes." He looked up at the sky as well.

"I wonder more now how we ended up like this."

"Like what?"

"Mad at one another. We became friends on our last journey and now we act as if we hate each other."

"I don't hold any hatred toward you."

"I don't either. I'm really sorry Sesshomaru for how I acted."

"This is hard for me to say but I also apologize for my behavior. I realize that you want something that I still am not able to give."

'I could only guess what she wants. She wants him to tell her how he feels for her right?' He asked Kagome.

'Yes she does. Hey at least he apologized right?'

"I understand. I sort of talked with someone about this and I guess I was asking for too much of you. I'm just happy to know that if anything were to happen you'd be there." She smiled up at him.

"I may not have said it out loud but I promised to always protect you. I hope that I've done so." He looked at her waiting for her to answer.

"You have. I thank you for that." She leaning on his arm and wrapped her arms around his. He couldn't have been more shocked by all of her actions. He looked down at her but she had her eyes closed, as if content with the moment that they were sharing. "And I know how you feel, just as long as you know my feelings."

'Isn't this just so sweet Sesshomaru?' He rolled his eyes.

'Has it ever occurred to you that we could be their reincarnates?' She froze when he said this.

'The thought has crossed my mind but really could that be possible? Look at them they are way to different from us.' He wasn't sure how he should take that. Should he be hurt that she refused to see that they were meant to meet up again.

"I know that I'm not that easy to handle but I feel strong feelings toward you. I still don't understand what it is about you that stirs me so." She blushed at the thought of her actually affecting him.

'Awww. That was just so sweet! She covered her mouth and blushed. 'Sorry I've seen this happen so many times that I already know what's going to happen. But it's still so sweet.'

"I don't understand why you even bother with me at all. I'm pushy, thoughtless and just so cold sometimes." She started to feel badly about herself. He turned fully to her. She looked up at him confused.

"You are not any of the things you believe. I believe that most of the things in you make me want to change." She blushed.

"You shouldn't say things like that. I'm just like everyone else, and if you were to change it would be because you want to." She stopped for a moment as if thinking then she smiled. "But if you were to change at all then you wouldn't be the man I fell for, would you." She leaned in and kissed his lips. She then leaned against him and sighed. He pulled her into him and lay on the grass with her still in his arms.

'This must be the most emotion he's ever shown to her. He's supposed to be this big bad demon. Well now he isn't demon but still look at them.' She said gesturing to the pair in the grass.

'Maybe she's special and he'd rather let her know now than wait until she completely disappears.' She looked at him with shock on her face. 'What did I say?' She shook her head and turned her attention back to the couple.

Hours passed and they remained there he would occasionally feel her move but otherwise she slept. He would stroke her hair every once and a while. Then her whisper broke the silence.

"Sesshomaru…"

"Yeah…" he said softly.

"Could I as you a hypothetical question?" She said so low that only they could hear, her voice filled with ecstasy.

"Sure."

"Let's say that I was to die tomorrow, would you resent me or the situation?" He looked down at her but found her eyes were closed.

"Why? Are you planning on going on a suicide mission tomorrow?"

"No, I was just wondering, I mean I can't stay here forever and well I don't want you to change yourself. Who you are is who I love and I'd hate to think that I caused you pain."

"When you leave I shall miss you just as I have for the past ten years."

"Will you still love me?" She could feel his heart stop for a moment.

'I'd have to say that she's really brave. Come on what girl in her right mind would ask a guy that? I just don't get her at all. If she knows he loves her then why does she have to continue to ask? Shouldn't love be a privet thing they share?' He raised an eyebrow at her. She folded her arms and glared at the couple.

"Yes." He said after a few passing moments. His voice never wavered or showed nervousness but his insides were flying off the wall.

'Woot! He said that he loves her! I knew it I knew it! Oh come on you have to be somewhat moved by this.' She asked him when his face remained in its same faze. 'I think it's about time you get a girl friend Sesshomaru, it isn't healthy to be so emotionally constipated.' He sends her his best glare which only makes her laugh. 'You still haven't worked on it have you?'

"Do you think you'd love me in four hundred years?"

'I still don't get what she means by this. Why would she ask this?' Sesshomaru gave her a side glance but refused to answer her question.

"Yes."

"What if you couldn't remember you loved me?"

"Trust this, if I do now then it is possible that we'll meet again and I'll see the same thing I see now." She turned on her stomach so that she was now leaning on his chest. She looked confused and he sighed.

Sesshomaru's face became a mixture of shock and wonder. Kagome must not have noticed though because she was too busy listening to them.

"You just sort of said that you love me." She smiled.

"You Kagome are one in a million, and are the only woman in this world worthy of my love."

"So as you put it I am the only woman you've ever loved?"

"As always you are correct."

"When have I been correct?"

"Most of the time you have your wits about you." He gave her a small smile.

"So are you saying that the rest of the time I'm out of my mind?"

"Completely."

"Would you have me any other way?" He shook his head. "Oh look the sun is rising." He sat up with her. "Should we be getting back now? The others might be awake."

The memory faded and they were spiraling into another one. Kagome had a feeling that she'd been to this place before. It was nothing but a large meadow filled with floors. Kagome moved away from Sesshomaru and went to the meadow allowing herself to spin around like a child. What she didn't expect was when she did this her clothes started to change. When she looked down she was in a white flowing dress. It cascaded along her body and grasped her in all the right places. Its long sleeves ran along the ground while the bottom of the dress covered her small feet.

Sesshomaru's mouth hung open slightly. Her body was glowing bright yellow. Then something strange happened. Her body began to split into two. Before her stood a woman who looked much like Kagome, except she seemed to have no emotions whatsoever. Her face was blank. Her hair was held back by a piece of material while she was draped in what he knew as an old fashioned priestess outfit. She smiled at Kagome and walked closer to her. She placed her hands on Kagome's shoulders and just looked at her.

"Kagome it's wonderful to see you again." She finally said. Her voice was much like a soft breeze. Kagome looked shocked beyond belief.

"I don't know who you are, how do you know me?"

"I cannot say Kagome but just know that you always had his heart, even when I wanted it most." The woman sighed and let go of Kagome.

"Who are you?"

"You may call me Kikyo."

"Kikyo? But that's my mother's name."

"Then you must know then that she's my reincarnate."

"Well I never knew that but it does make sense I guess. So then you would be one of my ancestors?"

"Yes, but I've known you for so much longer. I know everything about you because I lived here." She toughed the spot over her scar. "After I gave up my soul I went back to you. I realize that you were never my reincarnate but we shared that soul and I couldn't go on anymore tainting it."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"No I guess you wouldn't. You've been able to forget but I allowed my part of our soul to go back. But then I soon found that though I loved InuYasha but he chose you. He knew the difference between us and knew that you were something special. I should have realized this. I died over fifty years ago and I can understand why he would rather move on than allow me to plague his mind. Then you did something unbelievable and shocking. "

"What are you talking about? I never knew InuYasha before now."

"I guess you still haven't broken the spell right?"

"What spell?"

"It prevents you from remembering your past but this world was created so that you could view the memories and maybe spark something. I don't believe that it has worked at all. I don't think the love that you shared with Lord Sesshomaru was strong enough to bring you two back together." Her eyes shifted to Sesshomaru who was now approaching Kagome. "Ah and speak of the devil." He raised an eyebrow at her.

"What in the hell are you talking about woman." Sesshomaru growled.

"Same as ever I see." She said. "I thought that growing up normal would change you but I guess that was wishful thinking."

"Kikyo what are you talking about?" Kagome asked looking confused.

"Kagome, you have such and innocent soul. I just worry that you being in the modern era will change this." Kikyo gave her a sad smile. "I think that it's time for you to stop searching for your past and look to the future. You have nothing more to worry about so you should try and discover what you feel now. Ask yourself what keeps you bound inside; what prevents you from loving another."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Kagome turned her back on Kikyo and went over to a tree.

"I know that you want to and that's the first step, you just need to take the leap."

"And what would you know about that? You don't even exist."

"I do exist but only as your conscience. Most of the time you ignore me because you refuse to be happy again."

"What if I don't want to be happy, what if I want to protect myself from people like Kenji? He hurt my best friend, he's the reason she isn't coming back." She felt the tears forming around her eyes. "The worst part is knowing that he never cared about me at all. How do you expect me to move on when I'm still haunted by the images of him raping her, hurting her in ways that someone should never be put through?"

"That's your problem. She will come back just not now. You are hell bent on believing so strongly that you've lost her but she's in another country right this moment. I have nothing to worry about since my future depends on you and not the sages. They can't touch me because I've already been sentenced."

"But why would you choose to stay inside of me? It must be terribly boring." Kagome completely forgot about being angry with the woman known as Kikyo.

"Because we share the same soul, no matter where I went or what I did I'd be eternally bound to you."

"I'm sorry Kikyo it must not be pleasant listening to my thoughts and having to give up your freedom. "

"I didn't have freedom when I was living or when I walked on earth while I was dead. I was always restricted because of my duties. You give me the chance to explore a new world and though InuYasha has moved on I'm still glad to see him."

"How do you know that he's moved on?"

"Because I've seen him many times and can tell that he's infatuated with someone. Just think for a moment and ask yourself why it is that every single person you know just happens to be in those journals and your dreams. Do you honestly think that it's just coincidence? All I can really tell you is that you were that girl who loved the Lord of the West. You loved him when he was a cold, when he couldn't stand the sight of his own brother; you basically were his only friend through your adventures. I traveled with the group and watched you two. His brother was so clueless throughout the year, how you two would give each other this look and I knew that you were talking telepathically. How you two did this I don't know, but it could have been because you were destined before you ever met. You and the Lord had a past together centuries ago. He tried more than once to chase you away but found that you wouldn't go. You need to question yourself before you can move on." Before Kagome could utter a word Kikyo had disappeared. Kagome couldn't concentrate on anything, Kikyo's words were still swimming in her mind. She wasn't sure if she should look over at Sesshomaru or just stand still.

She closed her eyes and tried to relax. Sesshomaru seemed to be contemplating her words also. The whole day had been some sort of nightmare. And now someone named Kikyo came along and told them that they were once lovers in another life. How was she supposed to feel about that? Sure they shared the same name but there was no possible way that they could be reincarnates of the Lord of the West and the girl who captured his heart.

"This is ridiculous. How is it possible that this happened? No I don't believe I refuse to." She found herself saying to no one in particular. He looked up from his thoughts and came over to her.

"What we do know is that this doesn't apply to us. So we might be their reincarnates, that doesn't change anything." But he knew the truth and if what the dead woman had said was true then he was the Lord of the Western lands. Then he and Kagome were once together. No this didn't change anything; they would remain as they always have. Friends.

"So we are still friends right Sesshomaru? I mean you're not going to run off now because of this are you?" She looked up at him with sad eyes and he felt himself being drawn into them. That trip to Paris was going to get rid of his feelings once and for all. He gave a nod and she gave him a warm smile. She then walked over to him rather slowly and hugged him from around the waist. He knew that she just needed the reassurance that he was being honest. He draped his arms; one over her head and the other around her waist pulling her into a tighter hug. They remained in their embrace for a few moments, until Kagome tried to pull away. Sesshomaru dropped his arms but found her still attached.

"You can let go now Kagome."

"I can't." She said

"I know that you love being close to me but I think it's about time to return."

"No I mean I can't" She said gesturing to the front of her shirt, her face still pressed against his chest. His soft chucked made her ears buzz. The buttons on his suit had managed to snag a piece of her cotton dress. "So how's the weather up there?" She asked laughing nervously.

"You seem to bring about trouble you know that Kagome." His voice also held the air of humor. "But it seems that we have two options, one you remove the dress or two I remove my coat." She hit his side with one of her hands.

"You are such a jerk sometimes."

"And you seem to enjoy being close to me." She blushed but gave him a glare.

"You are so full of yourself. What makes you think I'd want to be this close to you?"

"You're the one who hugged me first."

"So, that doesn't mean I want to be attached to you like this." He rolled his eyes and brought his large hands up and began to fiddle with the pieces of fabric. He found that a strand of her cotton dress had wrapped around his second button. He untangled the cloth and she automatically separated herself. With a flick of her wrist they were back in the room.

Kagome sat down on her bed and stared at the carpet. Okay so now I have to just sleep and forget about all of that. Just forget… She rubbed her eyes with the bottom of her palms and then ran her fingers through her hair. Sesshomaru stood next to the window watching the moon tick with the time. He heard footsteps just outside the room and knew that his parents were coming to say goodbye to him. Sessho trotted over to Kagome from underneath her pillow. He rubbed is little wet nose against her elbow and she lifted her arm. Sessho jumped onto her lap and rubbed his head on her stomach.

"I see that you're the affectionate type eh Sessho, well I'm glad that you're worried about me." She told the dog and stroked his head. "I'm glad that I have you Sessho." Sesshomaru looked at the two and took this as his cue to exit the room. As he headed for the door he felt her eyes on him. He looked back at her. "Thanks Sesshomaru."

"For what?" He was rather confused by her sudden gratitude.

"For just being there. I know that before now you really didn't like me much but it seems as though we've formed a solid bond. I like knowing that tomorrow and in the future you'll always be my friend. Maybe I see you as a crutch because I don't want companionship, but I don't want you to think that. I just really love having you as a friend and I'd hate to think that this whole thing has chased you away. I seem to have that ability, chasing people away I mean." Her face held nothing but sincerity and he knew that she meant this. He opened the door.

"You'll have to try a little harder to get rid of me Higurashi." He then left the room and headed for the guest bedroom that he stayed in whenever he visited.

Kagome fell back onto the bed and Sessho jumped off her stomach. She let out a yawn and then turned onto her side. She then sat up and pulled her acoustic guitar out from under her bed. Words kept forming in her mind and she felt as though she had to sing. She sat cross-legged on her bed.

"When I think back on these times and the dreams we left behind I'll be glad because I was blessed to get to have you in my life. When I look back on these days I look and see your face, you were right there for me. In my dreams I'll always see you soar above the sky, in my heart there will always be a place for you for all my life. I'll keep a part of you with me and everywhere I am there you'll be. Well you showed me how it feels to feel the sky within my reach and I always will remember all the strength you gave to me. Your love made me make it through oh I owe so much to you, you were right there for me." She stopped for a moment a looked surprised why what she had sung. She placed the guitar down and grabbed some paper.

THE NEXT MORNING

Kagome turned over in her bed and a thump could be heard through the entire house. Rubbing her bottom she stood and went to her closet. Shower. Was the only thought in her mind. She grabbed a skirt and a blouse and went to the bathroom. She seated herself in the tub and allowed the water to caress her body, messaging all her problems away. The pitter patter of the water on the tub made her imagine that she was caught in the rain. The warm water rushed over her and took her back into a dream filled sleep.

Kagome opened her eyes and found herself lying in a field of flowers. She waved her hands around and touched the soft peddles. The sky above held the sun just above the horizon, cradling it to sleep slowly and allowing the moon to wake and join the stars. Pushing herself up she headed for what looked like a well. It looked just like the one caged by the walls at her parent's home. She leaned against the rim and looked down into it. Nothing could be seen inside of it but old dust. She let out a heavy sigh and rubbed her temples. Why am I dreaming of this well? She closed her eyes and listened to the wind blow past her. It was much too quiet for her liking. She could feel many demons around her but couldn't pinpoint them.

Two were vastly approaching her with lightening speed. They both stopped when the came toward the well. One was a little girl in a very fine kimono and the other was in a black one. He had the same pointed ears as the guy from many of her dreams.

"What is it Kagome?" He asked her. She glanced over her shoulder at him and shook her head.

"Nothing InuYasha I just thought that I felt something for a moment."

"Feh, you're just imagining things. What are we doing here anyways?" He folded his arms and huffed.

"Why do you have to question everything? Can you just live for the moment?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Exactly. You don't want to know. You'd rather grow up and be just like your brother."

"You don't even know my brother. Plus I don't want to be like him anyways. I don't really see him much so how could I turn into him."

"You are so lucky that you have a brother. I don't have any brothers or sisters."

"Then you're lucky. My brother doesn't like me at all and he and dad don't usually see eye to eye. My brother was told the other day that he had to mate some girl. I think she's a princess, well she lives in the East and my father wants to unite the two lands. My brother refused my father's offer and told him he'd rather be disowned than mate a wench, whatever that is."

"Oh InuYasha you should never call someone that. It's a foul name for women."

"Really? It doesn't sound bad."

"It's sort of like calling your woman a bitch or love slave, it's just wrong." He made a face as if to say 'oh'. "Why doesn't he want to marry her though? Isn't her name Kao or something?"

"Yes, and he said that it would be disgraceful to mate out of his own species."

"Oh yeah she's a snake demon right?"

"Yeah, he would much rather mate a dog demon."

"He sounds pleasant." She said sarcastically.

"See now you understand. Come on let's leave this place it's really creepy." He said glaring at the dark forest.

"Not yet I want to check something." She stated walking over to the well. She leaned against the railing and almost fell in. Kagome reached her hand out to the little girl that shared her name and pulled her back. She was surprised that she could do this while in a dream. The little girl backed away from the well and ran over to the half demon and wrapping her tiny arms around his waist. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a protective manner and glared at the well.

"See I told ya it was haunted." The little girl nodded her head and allowed him to lead her away from the well.

Kagome chuckled to herself as she watched the two children run back to the village up ahead.

Kagome jolted out of her dream and found that she was still in the shower. There was someone knocking on the door.

"Kagome dear are you alright, did you fall asleep again?"

"Um yeah mom, I'll be out in a few minutes." She laughed at the whole situation and turned the water off. It surprised her that she managed to sleep through all the cold water. Most people would have jumped up from their sleep from the chill. She dried herself and then dress. The smell of her mother's pancakes traveled up the stairs and into the bathroom, leaving Kagome drooling. She rushed out of the bathroom and down the stairs. She kissed her father, Souta, Uri, and Shippo on the forehead and then took her seat. Both teenage boys started to whip their foreheads making sounds of disgust. She rolled her eyes and ruffled Uri's hair.

"Hey mommy could we go out today?" Uri looked up at her mother with hopeful eyes.

"Sure kiddo, we'll go wherever you want today." Kagome gave Uri two pancakes and then gave herself the same amount. Sesshomaru strolled into the dining area shortly after she began to eat and took a seat next to Onigumo.

"Oh good you both are hear now." Kagome stopped mid bite and gave her father a questionable look. He put down the morning paper and leaned on the table.

"Dad what are you up to now?" She said placing her fork on the edge of her plate.

"I promise I'm not doing anything bad this time. Now if you'll listen I'd like to talk to you about the business that you two plan to start. I'd like to be your very first investor. I've played the stocks for over the past ten years and I've made a healthy amount of money."

"But dad we want to do this on our own."

"You can't run a business without investments Kagome. I'm your father and I want you to succeed."

"So as soon as we complete our business plan and get things in order we can count on you as our first sponsor?" Sesshomaru asked ignoring Kagome's protests.

"But dad-"

"I don't want to hear it Kagome, I'm a grown man and I am allowed to do what I wish."

"Fine but Sesshomaru can deal with that part. I'm more for paper work and coming up with new ideas. Sesshomaru is much better at handling the money and organizing things."

"Maybe that's why we'll make good partners."

"For once I agree. So then it's settled, dad you'll be our first investor and when we return to the dorm we'll work on our Marketing Plan." She smiled and dug into her pancakes. Her mother came in and took her seat next to Kagome.

"What's your father going on about this time Kagome?"

"The usual. Mom can I please read your journal?" Oh yeah that's something you should ask so suddenly. Way to go Kagome now she's going to get mad at you. "I know that you told me it was off limits but I just feel as though there might be something in there that will help me with these other journals." Kiki's fork slipped out of her hand and fell onto her plate. She sat with her mouth wide open.

"Kiki dear are you alright?" Onigumo gave his wife a worried look. She shook her head and turned her attention back to Kagome.

"I've told you one too many times Kagome that my journal isn't for anyone's eyes. Things in that book are private and I'd like to keep them that way." Kagome looked down at her plate with shame. I guess I shouldn't have asked her then. I didn't know that she was so sensitive about it. But then she gave me the other books. Dad seems a little tense all of a sudden. What could they be hiding that they don't want me to know? Damn it all to hell I can't stand this anymore, I'm going back to the dorm today. Well after I take Uri out I'll go back. I can't stand this anymore. They seem to be hiding something and I don't like being left in the dark. Sesshomaru seems uncomfortable; maybe we should get out of here.

Kagome stood and excused herself. Sesshomaru followed her and soon everyone minus the two adults were up from the table. Shippo and Souta left the house and headed for the arcade while Kagome took Uri up to get her ready for the day. Sesshomaru went to his room and prepared to leave with Kagome. He could tell that the sudden tension would most definitely drive Kagome out of the house. She wasn't much for tense moments. She liked to run from the problems and ignore them. He seated himself on the bed and fell backwards so that he was looking up at the ceiling. He allowed all of his thoughts to run past him. He reflected on the many kisses shared between him and Kagome. He knew that these thoughts would only drive him to act upon his desire again. Why fuel the fire right? They came to an understanding just the night before and he'd rather say neutral than complicate things. Plus he had his own problems to deal with. Ones that he refused to even think about. He couldn't ask Kagome to be with him when he already was betrothed to another. Not that this girl was jumping into marriage but she either got married before she turned twenty eight or she'd have to marry him. He had refused to do this but his parents, who were supposedly dead, had arranged it before he could protest. He couldn't ask Kagome to break the shackles of the engagement and he couldn't bring himself to tell her either. What she didn't know wouldn't hurt him. With that final thought he left the room and joined Kagome and Uri for their outing.

A/N: I know lame ending but oh well. I know that this was a lot I couldn't help myself. I had to make up for some of my shorter chapters. If you haven't noticed I'm crazy about flashbacks and whatnot. I promise not to go overboard anymore, unless that's what you want. Let me know what you think and please if you don't like this story I'd love to hear what you don't like it would really help me out.