Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha and Company.

Author's Note: Hey! I'm back! I finally had this big writing spurt and I got it all typed up! This chapter is 11 pages long! My longest in this story, so don't be mad at me for not updating! Here you go, enjoy! Love, SilverRose88.

Chapter Eleven

"You need help. You've been sitting there for almost three hours since you got back. Do something!" Miroku said.

"I am. I'm watching T.V,"

"To cover up the fact you're only waiting for Kagome to call,"

"So?"

"It's pathetic,"

"I don't care. She said she'd call, and I'm holding her to it," Inuyasha said. And, just then the phone rang and he smirked at Miroku. "See? See?" He picked up the phone, grinning, and Miroku rolled his eyes. "Hello?" Inuyasha said into the phone. "Oh, hi Sango," Scowling, he handed the phone to Miroku. "It's for you,"

Miroku smirked.

Inuyasha glared at him then turned away, staring at the T.V. screen but not taking in anything that was going on. It had been almost four hours since he'd talked to Kagome. Why hadn't she called him back yet? Wedding plans didn't take that long, did it? It wasn't like they were planning the entire event that night. Inuyasha seethed. Wedding plans. It still hadn't hit home that Kagome was getting married. And, of all people, to that bastard Koga. What Kagome saw in him was beyond Inuyasha. And, now, she was getting married to him. Planning wedding details together. It made Inuyasha sick to his stomach.

"Hello? Inuyasha? I'm going out with Sango, okay?" Miroku said.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sure. See ya later," Inuyasha replied absently.

"Please don't tell me you're going to just sit there the whole night," Miroku said.

"Fine. Then I won't tell you,"

Miroku sighed. "Like I said before, you need help," he said before leaving.

Inuyasha shut off the T.V. the moment Miroku left, and sighed, sitting up. He was getting annoyed. It was almost ten that night, and Kagome hadn't called him back. What the hell was she doing? Why was she even out so late anyway? With a guy at that! Inuyasha felt the blood begin to boil in his body and he stared lividly at the wall in front of him, pretending it was that bastard of a fiancée Kagome was out with. What did she see in him anyway? As far as Inuyasha could tell, there wasn't anything remotely interesting about that guy. There were so many better people for Kagome, like himself…He was much better than that Koga guy any day, he knew that. And…what about that kiss…hadn't that meant anything? …Did it mean something?

A week had passed since that night, and even though Inuyasha thought about it almost every chance he got, he still wasn't able to come up with the answer. He still didn't know why he had kissed her. It was just at that moment, she looked so vulnerable, so upset, and depressed, that he couldn't help himself. It was look he'd never seen in Kikyo. A look that, to him, only seemed to suit Kagome, only she could pull it off, and still look beautiful. There was something behind her eyes, in the way she looked at him, or the way she couldn't look at him, the way she looked so defenseless, and unsure, as if she wanted to tell him the real reason she'd left, but couldn't because she was afraid of what would happen.

But, Inuyasha knew that couldn't be the only reason. Just because she looked vulnerable didn't mean he could take advantage of her like that. He knew he loved Kikyo, he knew he couldn't forget about her so easily, he knew it would take a lot to get her out of his mind, and he knew that Kikyo still loved him too. Inuyasha sighed. The day she'd broke up with him had been one of the worst days in his life. Second actually, to the day Kagome had left. The two girls he'd cared about the most had both walked out of his life within a year apart from the other. He'd thought that with Kikyo he'd be able to handle being without Kagome, but he'd come to lose her as well.

Even now, he still wasn't sure why she'd broken up with him in the first place. The one reason she'd given him was that he was too preoccupied with finding Kagome, that he didn't seem to care if their relationship was heading down the drain. Inuyasha had tried many times to explain to her, to make her understand, that a best friend is irreplaceable. He tried to make her realize that Kagome was a part of his life he didn't want to let go, especially since she'd left without so much as an explanation. But she didn't seem to get it. She couldn't understand the meaning of a best friend. Even in the two years that Kagome had been gone, no one had gotten close to being a replacement best friend. Not Miroku, not even Kikyo.

Now, two years later, Inuyasha sees Kagome again. After all this time, after searching and waiting, and hoping, he finally found her. She was exactly the same; smart, energetic, happy, still studying during the summer, but having a good time. But, there were a few differences; the biggest being she was engaged, which never ceased to amaze and anger Inuyasha. The other was that whenever he looked at her, he noticed a sadness in her large brown eyes, something that had never been there before. He tried to figure out what it was, but the more he tried, the harder it got. And, for the most unexplainable reason, he had the gut feeling the look in her eyes…had something to do with him.

Inuyasha sighed, getting to his feet. He glanced at the clock and sighed again, reading 10:15. Looks like she isn't going to call after all. Guess I'll just get to bed.

It was eleven on the dot by the time Inuyasha had taken a shower, gotten a snack to eat, and was cuddling into bed. Just when he had rested his head on his pillow, the phone rang and he grudgingly picked it up, thinking it was Miroku.

"H-Hi, Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha sat up quickly. "Kagome?" he said, surprised.

"Yeah, um, were you sleeping?" she asked, sounding cautious.

Thinking he didn't want to make it seem like he'd been waiting the entire night for her call, he replied coolly, "Yes, I was,"

"O-Oh, I'm sorry," Kagome said. "I-I didn't know if you were or not, but I said I was going to call, so I decided to take a chance, hoping you were still awake, but I guess not, so I'll just go…"

"Kagome, hold it," Inuyasha said quickly. "Suddenly, I'm not tired anymore. Don't hang up, I want to talk,"

"Really?" Kagome said.

"Yes, really,"

"All right then,"

"…So, how did your wedding planning go?" Inuyasha asked, keeping his anger in check.

"Oh, pretty well, actually," Kagome replied. "We got a lot done,"

"That's good," Inuyasha said. "Have-Have you set a date?"

"No, not yet. But, we want it to be soon. Why wait?" Kagome said.

"Right. Why wait?" Inuyasha repeated, having a sudden impulse to punch something.

"And, um, remember, you're invited to the um, wedding," Kagome said.

"I am?"

"Of course you are! You're my best friend,"

"I am?"

"Inuyasha…"

"What? I'm just making sure you haven't replaced me,"

"I could never do that," Kagome said. Ever. There is no way you could be replaced.

"That's good,"

"Have you replaced me?"

"No. I would never replace you," Inuyasha replied seriously.

The intensity of his voice made Kagome involuntarily remember the kiss they'd shared last weekend. That night was etched permanently into her mind, and hadn't left once since. Every day she thought about it, every night she saw it in her dreams. The moment wasn't leaving her, the memory wasn't dying, the feelings and emotions, the thoughts, they weren't letting go. Kagome wasn't sure what to do anymore. She wasn't sure what to think or say or feel. That kiss had been so unexpected, so wonderful, that she ached for more, but at the same time wanted to slap Inuyasha for ever having done it in the first place.

"Kagome? Um, do you want to hang out tomorrow?" Inuyasha asked.

"Well, I actually have--"

"Oh, that's right. You're wedding plans. Never mind then,"

"No! I wasn't going to say that. I have classes tomorrow, and then volunteering at the animal shelter,"

"God, Kagome! What are you doing during your summer? You're seriously the oddest person I know. Most people during the summers do this thing called fun,"

"Haha. I do have fun. I'm only taking two summer classes, and I volunteer only once a week. I just have one class tomorrow. It's early in the morning, and my volunteering ends at five. After that, I'm free,"

"Really? So…are you up for anything?"

"Whatever you've got in mind is good enough for me,"

"Okay then, I'll call you tomorrow about it,"

"All right," Kagome said. "Um, I-I should go now. I'm really tired,"

"Sure," Inuyasha said, though rather reluctantly. "See ya tomorrow, Kagome,"

"Bye, Inuyasha,"

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"Going out on a date with Inuyasha?" Sango asked.

"For the last time, Sango, it's NOT a date!" Kagome exclaimed.

"Then why have you been staring at your entire wardrobe for almost an hour?"

"…"

"That's what I thought,"

"Shut up," Kagome ground out. "You know I still love him, so why bother asking that question?"

Sango shrugged. "Because I like watching you squirm,"

"Thanks,"

"No problem," Sango replied, grinning. "So, where are you going?"

"I don't know," Kagome replied, still staring at her closet. "But, that's not important. Help me find something to wear!"

"Hmm. Well, it's tough not knowing where your going, cause then you could have dressed appropriately. I say, something fancy but casual. Oh! Your black knee-length skirt, and red tank top. Over the top wear your black sweater,"

"But it's boiling out,"

"You don't know if you're going to be outside. You'll have your tank on, if your hot. And the sweater if you're in a really cold restaurant or something,"

"Sango…what would I do without you?"

"Sitting on the corner of an intersection, sucking your thumb,"

"Some friend you are,"

"Come on, just dress already. You're going to wear your black sandals, and you'll take your red shoulder purse. I'll do your hair, so get going,"

"Yes, ma'am," Kagome said, and quickly pulled out the outfit Sango had suggested. After forty-five minutes, Kagome stood and examined herself in the full length mirror behind the bedroom door. "Sango, you did it,"

"I do good, don't I?" her friend said, grinning.

Kagome nodded, smiling at her image. In her black skirt, red tank, black sweater, and sandals, she looked casually sophisticated. Sango had brushed her hair to a sheen, and had curled the ends lightly, so they bounced at the small of her back. She'd applied slight makeup to her face; some blush on her cheeks, some eyeliner and red lipstick. Kagome held her red bag at her side.

"Thanks, Sango," she told her friend.

"No problem. It was fun. If that doesn't knock your date off his feet, then he's blind and stupid,"

Kagome laughed. "It's not a date!"

Just then, the doorbell rang and Kagome felt her heart stop.

"Go answer it!" Sango said, and shoved her friend out the door.

Kagome hissed at Sango but complied and opened the door, finding, "K-Koga?"

"Kagome! God, you look absolutely radiant!" Koga exclaimed, examining her appearance.

"W-W-What are you doing here?" Kagome stammered. "W-We weren't going out today,"

"Yes I know. But I just wanted to come by and say hello to my girl," Koga replied, grinning. Then, he noticed her shocked expression and looked at her sadly, "Are you not happy to see me?"

Kagome heard the hurt in his voice and bit her lip. "Of course I-I'm happy, Koga. I'm just surprised. I wasn't expecting you to just show up," she replied.

Koga nodded in understanding, and his grin reappeared. "You look beautiful, Kagome," he said, hugging her. "Do you mind if I come in for awhile?"

"A-Actually, this…might not be the best time," Kagome replied.

"Oh, why is that?" Koga asked, still not removing his hold on her.

"Well, I was going out…"

"Don't go out, Kagome. We haven't spent much time together lately,"

Kagome laughed. "We just spent time yesterday talking about wedding plans,"

"But that's different,"

"How, may I ask?"

"Because we're working, and not having fun," Koga said, finally pulling away, but still holding his arms around her waist. He grinned. "Let's get something to eat. I'm starved,"

"You're always hungry, Koga," Kagome laughed.

Koga brightened at her laughter. "True, but I'd rather eat with you any day, than eat by myself,"

"Well, I'd like to Koga, but I-I kind of…already…have…plans…" Kagome began awkwardly.

"You do?"

"Yes. I'm going out with a friend…"

"Who?" Koga demanded.

"That'd be me," Inuyasha replied, as he walked over from the elevators, looking positively livid.

Oh crap. Kagome thought. How long has he been there? "I-Inuyasha…hi!" Kagome exclaimed nervously.

"Hey, Kagome. Ready to go?" he asked, looking at her, but staring at Koga from the corner of his eyes.

"Yeah-Yeah, sure," she said. Turning back to Koga, who also looked livid, she said, "Koga, I'm sorry, but I already promised Inuyasha we'd spend time together tonight,"

Koga gave Inuyasha one last glare, before turning to his fiancée and smiling. "I suppose I understand," he said exaggeratedly. "but, I wish you would have told me,"

"I'm sorry," she replied. "But you could have told me you were planning to come over, too, you know," she added, grinning, and poking him in the chest.

He grinned as well, and caught her finger. "I was just so eager to see you, the thought of calling you escaped my mind," he said, taking her hand and lifting it to his lips. He kissed it and said, "I guess I lost this time,"

"Guess you have," Kagome replied, blushing slightly from the intense look in his blue eyes. He had always had the power to make her feel weak.

Koga then kissed her on the lips, and smirked slightly when he noticed Inuyasha looked like he wanted to punch something. "I'll talk to you later, my love," Koga said once he pulled away. Then, shooting Inuyasha an evil glare, he left.

Kagome stood rooted to the spot, trying to digest what had just happened. Then, blinking rapidly she turned to Inuyasha, remembering what was going on. To her surprise, her best friend was glaring thunderously at the elevators where Koga had disappeared to a moment before. "Um, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked, nearing him.

He jolted unexpectedly and turned to her, his expression immediately softening. Then, taking her in, his breath caught in his throat and he stared. She looked simply beautiful. Her outfit was casual yet elegant; the skirt revealed nice legs, the tank top showing a bit of cleavage, the sweater he just wanted to take off because it hid her slender arms, but he refrained himself. Her hair looked so silky, falling to her back in slight curves and curls; the makeup on her face was just enough to give her a healthy glow. Inuyasha couldn't take his eyes off of her.

"Um, hello in there?" Kagome said, waving a hand in front of his face, and blushing at the way he was staring at her.

Inuyasha blinked and blushed slightly. "Oh, sorry," he apologized. Then, regaining his composure, he turned to her and extended his elbow. "Shall we?"

Kagome laughed and the sound was like music to Inuyasha's ears. She took his arm and said, "Let's go,"

They walked outside and to his awaiting car. Before opening the door to Kagome's side, he turned her to face him, and leaned his face close. "You look stunningly beautiful," he whispered into her ear. Turning away, he opened the door, and shut it when she got in, a dazed and flustered look on her face that only increased her beauty. He smiled and got into the driver's seat, then drove off.

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"So, where are we going?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha just laughed. "Not telling,"

"Aw, come on! Where are you taking me?"

"I told you, I'm not telling. It's a surprise,"

"Please?"

"No,"

"Please?

"No, Kagome,"

"Please?"

"Kagome! God, you're so annoying! Were you always like that?"

"I don't think so. It's just fun bugging you," Kagome replied with a grin.

Inuyasha smiled as well. "Are you hungry?"

"Famished,"

"Good. Then, know that wherever I'm taking you, you will have a lot to eat,"

"Yes! Just what I want," Kagome said with a grin. "So, you're feeding me, I got that much. Is there more to this evening? Some kind of entertainment?"

"What do you have in mind?" Inuyasha asked.

Kagome shrugged. "Anything you want to, I guess. A movie would be fun,"

"A movie it is then," Inuyasha replied.

The car ride went silent after that; Inuyasha focusing on the road and Kagome staring out the window.

"What was your fiancée doing at your place when I came to get you?" Inuyasha asked suddenly.

Kagome blinked, surprised, turned to him and replied, "He wanted to go out for dinner. He says we don't spend much time together, but we spend everyday together,"

Inuyasha cringed. Everyday? "Sounds like a clingy bastard to me," he mumbled.

Kagome heard him and snapped, "Don't call him that, Inuyasha, you don't even know Koga. He's a really good guy! He likes spending time with me, what's so wrong with that?"

"Nothing. It's just got to be annoying at some point, right?"

"Actually no. It's quite fun. Koga's a really great guy. He thinks about me, and he shows it. He loves me and I l--" Kagome abruptly shut up and looked out the window again.

Inuyasha turned to her. "What? Aren't you doing to say you love him too, Kagome? He's your husband-to-be, right? Speaking of that, I still can't believe you're marrying such a bastard,"

"Don't say that about him!"

"So, tell me Kagome, do you love him?"

Kagome quickly looked away.

"What…you don't love him, do you? You're marry him, but you don't love him? What's with that Kagome?" Inuyasha asked.

Kagome ignored him and continued staring out the window.

Inuyasha stared at her, and then looked at the road, found no cars nearby and quickly pulled up to the margin, cutting the engine.

Kagome jolted. "What are you doing? Why did you stop?"

"Because I'm getting really angry here, Kagome," Inuyasha replied, turning in his seat to face her head on.

"What are you talking about?" Kagome asked carefully.

Inuyasha roared, "Kagome I thought we were still friends, but you're keeping things to yourself! First with why you left Tokyo. Second with the fact you are engaged. And now, third, with not telling me why you're getting married to someone you don't love,"

"How do you know I don't love Koga? I-I love him!"

"You're lying Kagome. I know you are. Don't lie to me,"

"What do you care anyway? It's got nothing to do with you," Kagome said, sounding more bitter than she meant to.

Inuyasha blinked, surprised, then said fiercely, "You are my best friend. Anything and everything concerning you concerns me,"

"Oh, well, same to you! I'm your best friend. Your problems are my problems, and yet you didn't tell me you and Kikyo broke up!"

At Kikyo's name, Inuyasha cringed slightly. "But I told you later, didn't I? I told you why. You still haven't told me a thing! Why can't you talk to me anymore?" he demanded.

"I-I-I don't know!" she exclaimed. "Just drop it!"

"I won't. You owe me some explanations, Kagome. Do you not open up to me because I'm not your precious fiancée? Can you only talk to him?" Am I not good enough?

"No! Koga has nothing to do with this! Why are you dragging him into this?"

"Because you're marrying someone you don't love! I know you'd never do that Kagome,"

"Well-Well I am. I like being with Koga. He-He's been there for me, I--"

"He's been there for you! You've known him for only two years! I've known you longer than that! I've been there for you!"

"Koga helped me adjust to this place. Leaving Tokyo was hard on me too you know. He gave me a shoulder to lean on," Since Kikyo stole yours.

"I can't believe what I'm hearing. You're seriously marrying that guy?" I-I don't want you to get married. I-I…don't want you to be with any other guy except…

"Yes. I'm--I'm marry him," Kagome replied, tears forming in her eyes as the truth hit her. She was marrying Koga. She was going to be his wife. She'd never have Inuyasha--the one she truly loved.

"Why?" Don't get married. I-I don't want to lose you again. …I can't lose you again…

"Because I have to, all right!" Kagome snapped.

"H-Have to? Why do you have to, Kagome? Is he making you marry him?" Inuyasha demanded furiously.

"No! Of course not! Koga would never do that! He loves me, and he proposed,"

"Then why do you have to marry him?" Inuyasha asked. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong! It-It's just that--"

"What, Kagome?" Inuyasha asked. "Turn and look at me, dammit!" He grabbed her shoulders and turned her forcedly to face him. He stared at her, at the tears in her big brown eyes; the light color in her cheeks; the way she was looking at him with a mixture of hurt, anger, and longing that he couldn't understand," As he stared, his heart began to beat loudly in his chest. He'd never felt this way before--at lease never around Kagome. But at that moment, he couldn't look away, he couldn't stop his heart from bursting out of his chest, he couldn't help the urge, the desire, the longing that was exploding in every nerve of his body.

"I-Inuyasha?" Kagome asked carefully, blushing madly at how he was looking at her.

Her voice was the last thing that made sense in the world before he kissed her.

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"Um, I-I have to go freshen up a bit," Kagome said.

"I'll go find a table," Inuyasha replied and watched her leave for the bathrooms. He sighed deeply and sat down at a small booth in the back. He put his face in his hands, kneading his eyes and temples. The evening hadn't really started and he'd stepped out of line twice already. First by yelling at her; something he really hated doing. And, second by kissing her. Again.

Inuyasha sighed again as he remembered what he'd done. It was a kiss unlike anything he'd ever experienced before. Every cell in his body had begun to burn with fire and spark with electricity. The feeling had never been so intense. Never. Not even when he'd been with Kikyo. Kissing Kagome had been…better. The feeling had been desire and longing…and god, hunger. The kiss had only lasted a minute or so, and he'd felt Kagome shake during it, which oddly enough had cause him to hug her, pulling her close. God, she was so warm…

Why had he kissed her? Why had he done it another time! …She looks so beautiful tonight! How could anyone not? Damn. It's that outfit on her…she looks so hot--NO. No. No. No.

Inuyasha shook his head. What was going on with him?

xxxxxx

Kagome quickly walked down to the bathrooms, her mind reeling since what had happened in the car. She couldn't believe he'd kissed her again. It had been such a shock, but so wonderful, that Kagome wasn't sure what to make of it. This kiss was different than the first kiss. It had been more…intense, more hungry. She had never felt so confused and ecstatic at the same time. I-I don't know what to do! That's the second time he's kissed me in a week and a half. My heart can no longer withstand this. I'm going to--

"There you are, dear," came a sudden male voice Kagome didn't know.

Looking up, she suddenly found herself being pulled into the arms of a tall man with black hair and red eyes.

"Um, excuse me!" Kagome exclaimed, pushing away.

"What's wrong, dear?" the man asked.

"I'm not your, dear!" Kagome snapped.

The man then pulled away slightly and looked down. Surprise swept his face. "You're not her,"

"Yes. I know that. My name is Kagome. Not dear. And since I don't know who the hell you are, I'd appreciate it if you'd take your hands off of me,"

The man pulled away, but still stared at her. "How strange. You look exactly like her,"

"Well, yip-de-do. I'm going now," Kagome said without expression and pushed past him into the bathrooms, muttering, "Probably some pervert who does that to everyone…a distant relative of Miroku's most likely,"
Outside the bathroom doors, the man stood, staring at the door. Hm. How strange. They are almost identical.

"Oh, you're here," a woman said, emerging from the bathrooms. She linked an arm through the man's. "What's wrong? You look thoughtful about something," They began walking back to the restaurant.

"Oh, it's just that I ran into a young lady who looks extraordinarily like you, dear. It was rather strange. …Kagome, I think her name was,"

"Kagome?" the woman repeated. She knew that name.

"Yes," her date replied. "But don't worry, dear. Between the two of you, there is no contest. You are much more prettier than that woman,"

The woman smiled, tucking a lock of her black hair over her ear. Her brown eyes sparkled slightly. "I hope you'd say that," Kikyo said.

xxxxxx

"God, what's taking Kagome so long? I've been waiting for practically ten minutes. Women and bathrooms. Kikyo did the same thing," At the thought of his ex-girlfriend, Inuyasha promptly shut up. It still hurt thinking about her.

But…lately she'd left his thoughts, and in her place were the thoughts of a smart, energetic girl who he had just kissed not a half hour ago. He didn't understand why Kagome was in his mind more than Kikyo. He loved Kikyo; still did, and knew his feelings fore her couldn't just magically vanish. But being with Kagome, seeing Kagome, talking with Kagome, all of those things were causing more emotions and thoughts than ever. And the worst part was, he didn't understand them. Did it mean he was somehow attracted to Kagome? Inuyasha laughed. No way. She was just his best friend. Nothing more than that. His heart belonged to--

"Kikyo!" Inuyasha exclaimed loudly.

Said woman turned and her eyes grew wide. "I-Inuyasha," she said, staring.

Inuyasha gave a slight smile. His heart began beating rapidly in his chest. "Hey, Kikyo," he replied. "How--"

"Honey, who is this?" came the voice of a man beside Kikyo. Inuyasha recognized him, but couldn't place his face.

Kikyo smiled at her date and replied sweetly, "This is Inuyasha. I've told you about him,"

The man turned to Inuyasha, who was getting angry about the fact that this guy's arm was around Kikyo's waist. "Ah. Now I remember. Good evening. I'm Naraku--"

"It's you!" Kagome shrieked suddenly joining the group, pointing at Naraku.

Naraku turned to her, surprised. Kikyo turned as well and exclaimed, "Kagome?"

"Kikyo!" Kagome shrieked again.

The two women turned to Inuyasha and demanded, "Inuyasha, what's going on!"

But the man in question looked rather confused himself. He looked back and forth between Kikyo, who looked rather livid, and Kagome, who looked both hurt and angry.

"I-I don't know any more than you, Kagome," he answered, glancing at Kikyo from the corner of his eyes.

Kagome nodded and sat down at the booth. Since Inuyasha and Kikyo kept looking at each other, Kikyo still livid, Inuyasha rather upset, Kagome took the initiative and said, "What brings you here, Kikyo?"

Kikyo turned to Kagome slowly and replied, "Just taking a trip Naraku,"

"Your boyfriend?"

"Yes,"

Only Kikyo and Kagome seemed to notice Inuyasha flinch. His gesture made Kagome angry, hurt and betrayed. How could he be angry about this after he had just kissed her? Did that not mean anything?

Kikyo on the other found Inuyasha's reaction rather satisfying. She snuggled closer to Naraku's side and said, "Naraku and I have been dating for almost a month now,"

Inuyasha cringed again.

"That's nice," Kagome replied.

"And, how are you two?" Kikyo asked. Inuyasha didn't reply, and Kikyo turned to Kagome and asked her, "Doing well, Kagome?"

"I'm fine, Kikyo," Kagome replied coolly. "I'm actually getting married soon,"

Kikyo stared at her, surprised, and angry. She looked at Inuyasha. "The two of you…engaged!"

"No-No." Kagome corrected. "Me. I am. To someone else,"

"Ah," Kikyo replied, smiling. "I see. That's wonderful."

Kagome nodded her assent.

"Then, the two of you are not on a date?" Kikyo asked, not bothering to hide her relief.

"No," Kagome said. "Just getting dinner,"

Kikyo turned to Inuyasha, who'd been watching her all this while, and said, "So, your searching finally paid off, huh? You finally found her,"

Inuyasha caught the tone of bitterness in her voice, and this caused him to glare at her. "Yes," he said firmly, meeting her gaze straight on. "And I'm glad I did,"

Kagome looked at him, surprised.

Kikyo stared back at him, then said, "Well, good night you two," And without another word, she walked off with Naraku to a table on the other side of the restaurant.

Kagome and Inuyasha were quiet for a long while, staring silently at the table, not meeting each others gaze.

"Um, so, what are you ordering?" Kagome asked quietly. "Or…are you not in the mood to eat? I-I'd understand if you'd rather want to leave--"

"No. We came to hang out, and we will," Inuyasha cut in. He looked up at her, and flashed a smile. "So, have you been here before?"

Kagome sighed, more relaxed and relieved. "No. I was going to come with Koga once, but I cancelled at the last minute,"

At the mention of her fiancée, Inuyasha clenched his fists angrily. "Why'd you cancel?"

"Because that was the weekend Sango dragged me to the beach party," Kagome replied.

Inuyasha nodded, mentally thanking Sango for having brought Kagome along to that. At that moment, a waiter came and took their orders; both of them ordering stir fry. "Hey, when you came back from the bathrooms, why'd you yell at Naraku?" Inuyasha asked.

Kagome blushed slightly. "Um, because he thought I was Kikyo and started hugging me rather inappropriately, I might add. And he wouldn't listen when I told him I wasn't his "dear","

Inuyasha looked rather livid. "He hugged you?" he asked angrily.

"Yes. But it's okay. I set him right. …Wait a second…he didn't even apologize!"

"He didn't? That bastard will pay!" Inuyasha roared.

"Inuyasha, sit down. It's okay,"

"He touched you and didn't apologize, Kagome,"

"He thought I was Kikyo,"

"Why? You two hardly look alike," …You're more beautiful…Wait. I did not just think that!

"I know! Everyone thinks we look alike, but we don't---Oh food!" Kagome exclaimed as the waiter set their dishes on the table. Kagome beamed at the young man, and said, "Thank you very much. Um, would you mind getting me some soda? A diet coke would be nice,"

The man blushed at her smiling face, and as he looked her over, began to grin. "Yes, of course. Anything you want, miss,"

"Not miss, just call me Kagome, okay?" she said, smiling all the more.

"All right, Kagome. I'll be right back" the boy grinned at her and hurried off.

Kagome smiled, and turned to her dinner. "What a nice guy,"

Inuyasha stared at her, trying not to yell at her again. "You do know he was staring at you, right?"

"What do you mean?"

"Kagome, that bastard was checking you out!" Inuyasha exclaimed angrily.

"He was not,"

"And you were flirting with him!"

"I was not. I was being nice,"

"'Oh, don't call me miss, my name is Kagome,'" Inuyasha mimicked. "That's flirting Kagome! Why'd you tell some random guy your name?"

"Because I felt like it! And I don't talk like that!" Kagome said. "I was not flirting with him and he wasn't looking at me!"

"Yes, he was," Inuyasha said. "He was practically undressing you in his mind," He blushed as he said that, and shut off his own thoughts from even traveling near that road.

Kagome gaped at him. "I can't believe you just said that!"

"What? It's true! That bastard was absolutely checking you out!"

"Shut up, I don't want to hear this any more," Kagome said. She began eating again when the waiter returned.

"Here you go, Miss Kagome," he said, grinning, setting her drink on the table.

"Thank you very much…?"

"Kyo," the waiter replied.

"Thanks Kyo," she smiled.

He grinned and looked her over again. "Kagome, I was wondering if you'd like to go catch a movie--"

"If you hadn't already noticed…" Inuyasha interrupted angrily, glaring at the waiter. "She's kind of busy,"

The waiter turned to Inuyasha and glared at him as well. "Excuse me, but this doesn't concern you,"

"I think you'll find that it does," Inuyasha said evenly. "Now, if you know what's good for you, you'd take your roaming eyes and slimy grin and get the hell out of here before I make you,"

The waiter quickly hurried off. Inuyasha still glared lividly after his back. "Bastard," he muttered.

"Inuyasha, what was that for?"

"What? You're blaming me?"

"You did tell him to leave,"

"And you were leading him on! I told you he was interested! He was gazing all over you!"

"Why'd you have to butt in anyway? I could have handled it on my own!"

Inuyasha just stared at her and didn't respond. What was going on? He'd practically yelled off at some guy because he'd been checking Kagome out. What had made him do that? Why had he felt so angry because some random guy had looked at Kagome? The feeling had never been so strong, and he wondered why he felt so pissed off, and jealous wait, had he just thought jealous? He wasn't jealous! Why would he be jealous? He didn't like Kagome in that way! He knew didn't, but yet…seeing some guy ask her out right in front of him had made him lose all of his self-control. It was like whenever he heard her fiancée's name. These days, his anger was ten times stronger than two years go, and he couldn't understand why. And the other more confusing thing was that he'd never gotten that angry or protective when it came to guys asking Kikyo out. Why did he get pissed when it was Kagome, and not Kikyo? How did that make any sense?

Inuyasha looked up at Kagome who was silently eating her meal and he felt his heart flutter as a smile escaped his lips. It'd been only two years since the two of them had spent time out like this, but to Inuyasha those two years had felt incredibly long. He was so intensely glad to have found Kagome again, to see her again, talk to her again, be with her again, that everything else seemed unimportant. All that seemed to matter was the fact he had Kagome again.

But another thought suddenly struck him. For how long was this going to last? One summer wasn't very long. How were things going to be when Inuyasha returned to Tokyo…alone, without Kagome? She's getting married…he thought somberly. Kagome was going to get married to that bastard, stay here forever, and…never associate with him again. After this summer, was she going to shut him away once more? No. Inuyasha wouldn't be able to handle that. When she'd left two years ago, the shock had been smothered by the hurt he had felt everyday in his heart. He hadn't known. He had been too preoccupied with his own life to care about what might have been going on in hers. He hadn't realized anything was wrong until he'd stormed up into her room and had read the letter that had shattered up it all. No amount of wishing it had just been a painful dream had made it go away. People came to him for answers as to why Kagome had left and for once in his life he didn't know what to say when it came to his best friend.

And now, after two years of searching almost half the colleges in the entire country of Japan, he was with her again. He was with the one girl he knew to be smart, happy, confident, and kind every minute of every day. He was with the girl he'd shared junior and high school memories with. The girl he thought he knew. But now, as he continued to gaze upon her, he realized that maybe he didn't know so much about her as he thought. He didn't know why she had left. He didn't know why she wouldn't tell him the reason. He didn't know (or understand) why she was getting married to a man she didn't love. He didn't know why she wasn't opening up to him anymore.

He remembered the times when they told each other everything. Their bond in friendship was a bond he couldn't have achieved even with Kikyo.

Inuyasha sighed. Kikyo. He couldn't believe he'd just seen her, not fifteen minutes ago. And, she was with another man. Hurt swept over him. He had thought she still loved him…hoped she still loved him, because he was certain he still loved her. What he was aware of, however, was how he had not gotten jealous of that man. He wasn't jealous. Just hurt. And to him, that made no sense. How is it that seeing a guy talk to Kagome makes him intensely angry, but seeing another man with the woman he loved, gave him no more emotions than hurt? …Was it that he was no longer in love with Kikyo? Inuyasha shook his head. That wasn't true. He thought about her everyday…when he wasn't already thinking about Kagome.

Kagome…

He looked back up at her, and smiled again. She looked beautiful, and this time he didn't stop himself from admitting it. He knew it was true. Kagome had always been very pretty, and with her personality, she was the perfect girl, as a friend, or as a girlfriend. He'd known that his entire life, ever since the first guy had dared approach her when he had been around. But one glare had made that bastard hurry away. Kagome was absolutely everything a guy could dream; and tonight, he had seen almost every side of her personality. Beauty…which was intensely evident; her outfit, which hugged her slim figure nicely, her hair which looked as soft as silk, her eyes, large and brown with a eye shadow that only intensified the orbs, her cheeks a rosy pink, and lips a lustrous red…lips he'd kissed only an hour before. Inuyasha quickly cleared that thought out of his head, not ready to think about it.

Instead he focused again on Kagome, finding point number two; her anger. She was so thunderous when she was and, and thinking about it now, it almost made him laugh. She got so heated up, so full of life, and spirited. In the car, when they'd fought, he'd experienced her anger once more and had realized how much he'd missed it when she'd left. Kikyo had gotten mad at him plenty of times, but with her, it seemed different. Kagome got all fiery and even childish when she was mad; she would yell and then resort to things like sticking her tongue out, slapping someone, or ignoring them. Kikyo, on the other hand, was the opposite. She wouldn't yell. She wouldn't get childish. She expressed all of her anger in her voice and her eyes. And, sure, getting on Kikyo's bad side was never a good idea, but getting on Kagome's bad side was somehow more hurtful.

Kagome's happiness was definitely number three. He could easily see she was pleased with the evening, her eyes glowing brightly, a genuine smile on her lips. Her beaming face could make anyone else smile as well, and Inuyasha's own smile grew all the wider.

"Is something wrong? What are you smiling at?" Kagome asked, shaking Inuyasha from his thoughts. She was staring right at him, blushing slightly from his intense gaze.

She looks adorable when she blushes… Inuyasha shook his head. "No, nothing," he replied. "If you're done, we should go find a theatre to watch a movie,"

"All right then. Let's go," she replied with another smile.

Inuyasha couldn't help the smile he returned.