Chapter Two

On the Road Again

Elena: Does that mean you liked it? I hope so, but here is the relief from the cliffy

ArwenRivendell: Well, maybe they do both want it, but things still need to be worked out. Here is ch. 2 for you, enjoy, and thanks for the review.

Disclaimer: I don't own anyone in here yet… so yeah…

((Chapter two))

His lips were soft, warm. His fangs were still sharp, but tender, as he kissed her. Her breath was rough as he nipped at her lower lip. Her eyes had long since closed, her mind nowhere to be found. "Inu-Yasha…" She breathed as he pulled away, but not far. His hot breath caressed her neck as she lifted her head.

"What's wrong, Kagome?" The hanyou asked again.

"Nothing…" She replied, still breathless. Inu-Yasha growled deep in his chest. Her eyes opened wide in slight fear at this. "Inu-Yasha?" She whispered.

"I can't understand you." He snarled.

"What? Inu-Yasha, why did—"

"Forget it." He got to his feet sharply. The priestess watched in shock as the hanyou stomped out of the hut, never looking back.

"What's going on…?" She whispered as a single tear slid its way down her cheek.

((View Switch))

"Damn!' Inu-Yasha snarled as he punched the nearest tree. He turned around, his claws glowing gold, as he slashed his way through three more trees. "I can't believe I kissed Kagome… again…" The hanyou whispered as he slid to the ground, his back resting against one of the undamaged trees.

"What was I thinking? Kagome's going to hate me now… I never should have kissed her."

But she kissed you first. Another voice said back.

"That was different."

And how was that?

"Shut-up."

"But I haven't said anything yet."

Inu-Yasha's head lifted as Miroku came into view. The monk smiled slightly as he came to sit next to the hanyou. "Feh," was all Inu-Yasha replied, turning his head away.

"So, what did you do this time?" Miroku asked nonchalantly.

"Nothing."

"Lady Kagome seems to think differently."

"What did she tell you?"

"Nothing, she just cried."

"Hmph." Both fell silent for a second. Miroku sighed.

"I know you don't like to talk about your feelings, Inu-Yasha, but maybe it would help you and Kagome if you would open up a little." The monk said lightly.

"Help me and Kagome what, monk?" The hanyou snarled.

"I am not going to tell you that. You must work it out on your own." With all of his wisdom shared, Miroku got back to his feet and left the hanyou alone again. Inu-Yasha sighed lightly as he rested his head against the tree behind him, his eyes staring up at the darkening sky through the leaves.

Kagome… I don't know what to do… what to think… Miroku says that I'm the one who needs to open up… but you don't tell me anything either… all you seem to do is cry…and smile. The hanyou's lips twitched slightly upward as he thought of the priestess' warm smile. I wish I could make you smile more… but all I seem to do is make you cry…

(( Rewind slightly))

Kagome bit her lower lip lightly as she held her tears in her eyes. What was that? Inu-Yasha kissed me… but then pulled away… and he says that he can't understand me! The priestess sniffled as she thought about the way Inu-Yasha had snapped at her.

"Kagome…?" Sango's voice broke into her thoughts. The younger girl lifted her head to look at both Miroku and Sango standing in the doorway. The demon slayer smiled slightly before she turned to the monk. He nodded in silent understanding, walking out of the hut again, leaving the women alone.

"What did he do this time?" The older woman asked as she came to sit next to her friend. Kagome shook her head slightly.

"Nothing… really…"

"Now, that can't be true, we could all see there was something going on between you two. Then Inu-Yasha comes storming out of here, and I find you in here crying. What's going on? You can tell me."

"It's just…" Kagome smiled up at the demon slayer, unsure of what she should say to her best friend. Her dark eyes lifted as a soft hand touched her shoulder. Sango smiled again, reassuring her. "He kissed me, Sango." The priestess blurted at the look.

"Oh, you mean he didn't yell at you?"

"Well of course he yelled at me! That's what's so confusing!" Kagome sighed. "I just don't understand him…" She said softer.

"What did you do?" The demon slayer asked tenderly.

"Do?" The priestess questioned back, her eyes filled with her confusion.

"When he kissed you."

"I—I don't know… I sort of just let it happen."

"You didn't return his affection?"

"I guess not… Do you think that's why he's mad?"

"I wouldn't know. But if I had a guess…" The slayer left her advice at that. Kagome's eyes lowered to her hands in her lap. Sango smiled sadly for her friend. She seems so lost… Neither one of them seems to be willing to open their eyes enough to see what is right in front of them… "Kagome…" She waited for the priestess to look up at her. "Go to him, talk to him, and tell him what you feel." Sango smiled wider as the priestess nodded slightly, smiling herself.

"Alright Sango, I'll go find Inu-Yasha."

((Break))

"So," Miroku started as he and Sango met outside of Kaede's hut. The demon slayer and monk watched as the young priestess went into the forest after the hanyou. "I take it everything went ok?"

"Everything was ok, but now it's up to those two to work things out."9

"So, what exactly happened?" The monk asked honestly.

"Inu-Yasha didn't tell you?"

"No."

"He kissed her."

"Good for him! Er, I mean…" Miroku grinned.

"Get your mind out of the gutter!" Sango said, hitting him in the back of the head lightly.

"You know… all of this affection lately makes me think we should still follow suit—" But the monk didn't get to finish, for the slayer had knocked him to the ground with Hiraikotsu.

"No," Sango said before going back into the hut to get ready for bed.

((Inu-Yasha's Forest))

Inu-Yasha sighed again as all color but dark azure and specks of white filled the sky above. He had moved to the top of his second favorite tree, hands behind his head, as he laid on one of the high branches.

The feel of the priestess' soft lips on his made the hanyou move one of his hands from his pillow to touch his own lips lightly. Kami Kagome… His thoughts stopped as they came to life below him.

"Inu-Yasha?" The priestess called lightly. The male sat up and looked to the ground below. There she was, the ebony haired priestess who he had kissed just a little while ago. "Are you there, Inu-Yasha?" Kagome asked again.

Go to her, baka! That little voice said again. The hanyou held back his growl as he jumped lightly to the ground just behind the girl. "Here, Kagome." Inu-Yasha said softly. The teen jumped slightly and turned around, a smile on her face. The hanyou's heart skipped a beat at the warmth that her eyes showed with that smile.

"Inu-Yasha." She breathed, relief evident in her tone. "I wanted to talk to you." She added.

"About what?" He questioned as he hesitantly moved toward her. His hanyou vision allowed him to see her careful step toward him as well.

"Oh… um, well…" She stammered. She looked up into his golden orbs as both met in the middle of the clearing. His left hand slowly reached out to touch her upper right arm.

"Go ahead." He whispered, his hand lightly moving up and down her arm.

"I… wanted to apologize…" She finally said.

"For what?"

"Not returning your kiss."

"No, I was wrong, I shouldn't have moved into you like that."

"No, it was my fault… I… I was just so shocked…"

"Please, Kagome…" He moved his other hand to her cheek, two of his bent fingers lightly stroking her face. She smiled again.

"Could we try again?" The hanyou was shocked at her request. "Please…?" She added even softer, slowly moving up to him.

"I…" He breathed as he carefully leaned down to meet her halfway. Lava flowed through his veins as she returned his kiss, her lips parting slightly. His hand moved from her cheek to her neck, pulling her closer, as his other hand moved to her waist, holding her against him.

Kagome's heart pounded as his hand rested on her lower back. Her lips parted more as his tongue licked her top lip, his fangs grazing her bottom lightly. She couldn't suppress the moan that echoed in his mouth as his tongue broke the barrier into her own. Tears filled her eyes as the hand on her neck pulled claws through her hair. Inu-Yasha pulled back as salty water filled his nose.

"What is it, Kagome?" He asked, worry only slightly hidden in his eyes. "Why are you crying?" She smiled at him through her tears.

"I'm just happy, Inu-Yasha. If Naraku kills me tomorrow, I will have died happy."

"Naraku will not kill you, no one will, I will see to that." The hanyou growled, his fangs slightly bared. The priestess continued to smile.

"I know," she said, wrapping her arms around his waist, and resting her head against his chest. Tears still fell onto the red haori in front of her as Inu-Yasha returned the embrace, his protectiveness slipping away for another time. "I love you, Inu-Yasha…" Kagome whispered. The hanyou would not have heard her tiny confession if not for his youkai hearing.

Tears continued to sting the girl's eyes, but this time for a different reason. This time it was because the hanyou had stayed silent, only tightening his grip on her slightly as a response. Oh, Inu-Yasha… the priestess' eyes fell closed then, just enjoying his warm embrace.

(( F.F.))

Kagome slowly opened her eyes. The sun was just beginning to come over the window in Kaede's hut. The young priestess rubbed her eyes as she carefully sat up, making sure not to wake the young kitsune sleeping at her side. The teen's russet eyes looked around the small space.

There was no hanyou.

Where did he go…? Is he angry about last night? The priestess wondered, getting to her feet and walking to the door of Kaede's hut. She winced slightly as the sun met her eyes when she lifted the door aside. Nothing had happened after the kiss, Kagome remembered as she stepped into the warm light.

Inu-Yasha had suggested we go back before Miroku decided to make up a story for us. That was probably a good idea, but was there another reason why Inu-Yasha wanted to leave? Does he regret what he did? He didn't say anything when I told him that I loved him… I bet it has to do with Kikyo… he still has feelings for her… Kagome's thoughts were cut off as she looked up to find herself again in front of the Sacred Tree of Ages.

A smile slowly spread across her face as she reached up to touch the mark still left on the trunk from the dead priestess' spell. Of course he still thinks of Kikyo… he loves her… but then, why kiss me? She wondered silently as she pulled her hand back to her own chest. Tears filled her eyes again. I just don't understand… Inu-Yasha, what are you thinking?

"Kagome?" The girl jumped at her name. She slowly turned to find the hanyou standing in front of her. She smiled slightly at him.

"Good morning, Inu-Yasha." Kagome said as she turned all of the way around to face him.

"Gozen (morning)," The hanyou said slowly, unsure of the priestess' behavior. "Why are you up so early?"

"I don't know… I just was thinking."

"Thinking about what?" Inu-Yasha's heart skipped a nervous beat. The girl had been crying, but for what reason he did not know, he just hoped it had not been his fault.

"A lot of stuff." Kagome replied as she turned to look at the Tree behind her again. "Are you hungry?" She asked, turning back to the hanyou. He slowly nodded, still unsure of what was wrong with the girl. "Come on, I'll make you some ramen." The priestess said as she walked up to him, taking his hand lightly in her own. The hanyou nodded again as they walked back to Kaede's village.

((View Switch))

Inu-Yasha was silent as he let Kagome lead him back to the village. There was still a bit of tears in the girl's eyes, and he wanted to know why. Don't ask her, baka, just let it eat you up inside, that's smart. The little voice said again. The hanyou opened his mouth to ask the priestess, but she beat him to the air.

"What are we going to do today? Are we ever going to look for more jewel shards?" Kagome asked with a grin toward the hanyou.

"Since when do you want to leave the village?" He growled back, playfulness dancing in his eyes.

"Oh, I don't know…" She laughed then, and heat sped through his body, this time settling in one spot he really rather it not.

"Feh," he swallowed, trying to ignore his "problem."

"We're almost back, we can just ask Sango, Miroku, and Shippo if their ready." Kagome decided. Inu-Yasha could only nod as the edge of the forest came into view.

Damn! What in the hells is my problem! The hanyou thought, his body finally calming down. It's just Kagome… and just her smile… just because I kissed her, doesn't make anything any different…but… do I want it to be different…?

"Hey, all of you are up!" Kagome said happily, her hand dropping from his as she ran to meet Sango and Shippo.

"Kagome!" The young kitsune shouted as he ran at the priestess. "We were worried when we woke up and you and Inu-Yasha were gone!"

"They were worried, I, was not." Miroku said, coming out of the hut behind the slayer and youkai.

"You thought they were doing something perverted." Sango put in for the monk. Both Kagome and Inu-Yasha blushed at the thought.

"No, we didn't do anything like that…" The priestess said as she hugged Shippo tightly. "I just went out for a walk, and Inu-Yasha came after me to make sure nothing happened to the jewel shards." Kagome stated for the hanyou. Inu-Yasha only nodded silently as he came up behind the girl.

"If you say so, Lady Kagome." Miroku replied with a shrug. Kagome continued to blush slightly. She could tell none of her friends believed her.

"Inu-Yasha, are we going to leave today?" Sango asked, changing the subject. Everyone turned to the slayer, waiting for an answer.

"Are you ready to go too, Sango?" The hanyou questioned back.

"Always."

"Alright then." Inu-Yasha said no more as he walked through the small crowd and into Kaede's hut.

"Well, Kagome…" Sango said as she stepped to her friend's side. "I see that went well for you." The slayer put an arm over the priestess' shoulders.

"What did?" Shippo asked, looking up at the two women.

"Nothing, Shippo." The priestess said with a fake laugh.

"Later?" The older girl said.

"Later." Kagome agreed.

"Are you three ever coming!" Inu-Yasha's gruff voice echoed back to them. The women and youkai looked up to find the hanyou and monk already part of the way down the road, Kagome's yellow back pack slung over the hanyou's shoulder.

"Coming, Inu-Yasha!" Kagome shouted as she and Sango ran to catch up with the boys.

"Feh, I shoulda left you here, but Sango's a good enough fighter, and without you we wouldn't be able to find any shards." The silver haired, golden eyed boy said rudely. The priestess had to sigh.

He is so unpredictable! One second he's kissing me, and being nice, and then he's yelling and complaining… I just can't win with this guy! Kagome had to smile, for she knew that that was just one of many things that drew her to the hanyou.

(( View switch))

Inu-Yasha glanced over his shoulder at the priestess walking a little behind him. "You know, you shouldn't make it so obvious." Miroku said suddenly in the hanyou's ear. Golden orbs turned to the monk.

"What are you talking about?" The hanyou snarled.

"Just the way you look at Lady Kagome is all. I do believe any one can see the way you long for her to be closer."

"Feh, shut-up." Inu-Yasha said, turning his head back to look at the road ahead. Golden orbs stayed focused forward in case of any oncoming danger, while his ears turned back to hear the laughter of the priestess behind him.

((Author's Note))

How was that? Is everyone in alright character? Sometimes it's hard to know while I'm writing it down. Anywho, please review and let me know if I'm doing right! Until next chapter,

Myst