LOOK HERE: The last chapter of "THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORY" is up, just in case any of you are interested. It's really good. I promise you that it is!

Chapter 37

I don't own Inuyasha

"Are you happy to be back?" Souta asked Kagome.

"Where did she go?" Souta's girlfriend Hitomi asked. Kagome, Souta, and Hitomi were at a big festival, one that the Kazasami's put on every year. Souta wanted to go and wanted to take Hitomi, but Souta was too young to travel the long distance by himself. Kagome didn't really have a problem taking them, since she hadn't seen her little brother in such a long time and she wanted to spy on Hitomi and Souta.

Kagome could have smacked Souta for asking such a thing. He knew that traveling back in time was supposed to be a secret. Luckily, she thought of something to say. "I was on vacation with a friend of mine, Hitomi, and I am glad to be back home, even if I do miss my friends."

Kagome looked around at the scenery. Many roads were cut off and chairs and tables were everywhere, along with venders. There was a stage where many musical guests would perform. There was an open field around that area, but now it was being used for all of the rides, like the fairies wheel and small roller coaster. "Mr. Kazasami really has outdone himself."

"Well, you know how big businesses like to win over the hearts of the community."

Kagome turned around to see who had said that, even though she knew. She had to make sure. "Ikuto!" Her first reaction was to hug him tightly. "How have you been?" She pulled away with a bright smile on her face. "Hold that thought." She gave Souta a glare. "Why don't you and Hitomi go on some rides?"

"Alright" Souta said. "I can take a hint."

"Meet me in front of the stage in a half hour and remember not to talk to strangers!"

"Alright sis, I understand." Souta grabbed Hitomi's hand and they both began walking to the rides together.

"Your kid brother is really growing up" Ikuto smiled. "I wish I was the older brother sometimes."

"Being the older one is a lot of responsibility" Kagome told him. "It's not that easy, but I guess you hear that from your brother all of the time though." Kagome grabbed a hold of Ikuto's arm. "Now, tell me about your trip."

"Well, I met a lot of people and made some friends. They remind me a lot of your friends Kagome."

"How so?"

"I met a girl from Australia by the name of Sidney and a boy by the name of Michael, who was an American. They didn't resemble Sango and Miroku very much. Michael almost did, especially once he was smiling while trying to charm a girl. Sidney didn't really hold any resemblance to Sango at all."

"Are you trying to suggest that you've met their reincarnations?" Kagome was excited, but didn't seem too convinced. "But how can you tell if they don't bare a resemblance? I mean, everyone tells me how much I look like Kikyou and you definitely look a lot like Inuyasha. The resemblance between you two actually freaked me out when I first saw you. That's how I knew. Well, your actions are similar too."

"That's how I knew. I wouldn't have guessed Sidney, and the small resemblance of Michael and Sidney made me wonder, but it was their actions that proved to me that they were reincarnations. Michael was very bold when talking to Sidney and she kept blowing him off, calling him a pervert."

"Did he grope her butt?"

"Kagome, I'm sure even Miroku would be a little wiser if he was in our time, and especially in the U.S. Do you realize how many charges people make?" Kagome seemed only half convinced, but Ikuto continued on. "If you would have only seen the way they acted towards each other. Besides, wouldn't it make sense if I did meet a Sango and Miroku in our present time line? You all met in the past, maybe we're just destined to just know each other."

"I understand what you're saying." Kagome was very interested, but didn't say anything because she was curious to hear more.

"Well, the highlight must have been when Suno came to visit. Sarah's going to have a baby."

"That's wonderful!" she told him. "That's great Ikuto. Oh, she must be so excited!"

"She is, but Suno seems as calm as ever. He didn't really want a child, but Sarah suspects that once the baby is born, he'll have a different attitude about it." Ikuto began walking with Kagome towards the giant stage. "This is going to be a great day, don't you agree, Kagome?"

"Who's performing today?"

"BoA, Do as Infinity, Ms. Monday, V6, and Dream are all here. Do you know those artists?"

"Do I know them?" She asked. "I love them! How did your brother…" Kagome shook her head. "Never mind! I guess that's a totally stupid question." Kagome was completely blown away, but she tried not to be over excited, so she changed the subject. "When did you get back, Ikuto?"

"Oh, about a week ago."

"You did?" She asked. "I got back about a week ago as well." 'I could have at least called him. My mom told me that he called, but I was just so afraid to pick up the phone and dial. I mean, I have been with Inuyasha for practically three months.' "I'm sorry I didn't call to see if you were home."

"It's cool, Kagome" he told her. "School starts in two days."

"I know" Kagome was even excited about school. "I'm just happy that I passed, thanks to you and your brother. You two have really helped me, but especially you, Ikuto. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have passed the 9th grade. Well, I wouldn't be alive actually. I can never forget how you saved my life, Ikuto."

"Well, I keep telling you, I'm just glad I could help." Ikuto led her to the very front of the stage. "Why don't you wait for me right here? I've got to get a few things settled down and then the music can begin." Ikuto took his cell phone out of his pocket. "Don't worry about your little brother, Souta. I'll have some guys looking after him and his girlfriend to make sure he gets back to you safely within a half hour."

'Things to take care of? Have someone watch over Souta and Hitomi? What is he talking about?' "Ikuto, are you over this whole thing? Are you in charge?"

Ikuto blushed a little with embarrassment. "Uh…actually, I am in charge of it. My brother wanted to see if I could handle doing something like this, and I accepted his challenge."

"So what? Is this a sibling thing or what?"

"Kagome, he offered me a job." Ikuto looked all around him. "This is my job now. I do things like this. I do whatever he tells me to. This was my first test, and he told me that I was doing well." Ikuto smiled. "He actually gave me a compliment. Isn't that a pleasant change?"

Kagome nodded. "I just thought that you didn't want to…you know…do this? You know…business stuff."

"I didn't, but now I do. I had a nice time at school and I…I found out that I do enjoy this and it is in my blood." Ikuto looked at his watch. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to get to work, Kagome. The music will start in about ten minutes. Feel free to go to the venders if you want. Tell them that Ikuto Kazasami will handle the bill."

She nodded. "Sure Ikuto." As we walked to the back of the stage to get everything settled, Kagome was happy for him. He seemed to be happy. 'Whatever makes you feel good, Ikuto.' She waited for her little brother to show up, and by the time he did, some artist had performed a few songs. "Where have you been?" she asked Souta and Hitomi.

"You said we didn't have to be back for a while. We were just on a couple of rides, Kagome."

Kagome sighed. "Let's go get something to eat."

"Like what?"

"Whatever you want. My friend is paying for it."

"Cool!" yelled Souta.

The three of them had a hard time getting by the crowd of people who had gathered at the stage, but she eventually got to the venders alright. She sat down at a table with Souta and Hitomi. "I guess we just wait to be served."

"Kagome?"

Kagome's heart skipped a beat. 'Oh no!' She turned around, slight twitching. "Oh, how are you Hojo? Long time, no see."

"It certainly has been a long time. Is there something I can get you?" He was so happy to see Kagome again. "You see, my parents put up a stand here every year. I've never seen you here before. What's the sudden change, Kagome?"

"This is my first time being at something like this, but I came here because I…" She wasn't sure what to tell Hojo. He was such a nice guy and Kagome had her heart set on something else. She couldn't be with Hojo. "I know the Kazasami's and so I decided to see one of their community functions."

"Oh, I see. That's very nice that you know the Kazasami's, Kagome. I tried to invite you this year too. I called up your house but your grandfather…"

Kagome prepared herself for whatever Hojo might say. 'Great grandpa! What lame excuse did you make up this time?'

"Your grandfather said that you were spending the summer with some of your friends."

Kagome sighed with relief. "Yeah, that's exactly what I was doing."

"It wasn't Arimi, Yuka, or Eri, though. I ran into them the day after you left. They weren't even sure where you were going Kagome. So where exactly have you been?" Kagome struggled to think of something to say. Hojo was beginning to have suspicions that Kagome didn't want anything to do with him, but he kept quiet and hoped for the best.

"It was pretty much a road trip. We went all around Japan." 'Man, that's true. We were literally all over and we still didn't find Naraku.'

"So, what would you like for me to get you, Kagome?"

"Well, I'd like to have whatever's tasty. You of all people should know what's good, Hojo." Hojo began to blush and Kagome felt horrible for causing him to blush. 'Why do keep leading guys on like this? I've got to stop doing that.' When Hojo went to his stand to prepare some food for Kagome, Souta began to poke her to get her attention. "What do you want, Souta?" She leaned in closer to her brother.

"Well," he was whispering, so whatever he had to say might just be embarrassing to Kagome. "I thought you had a thing for Inuyasha. You just spent the whole summer with him. Don't you love him?"

Kagome turned red and covered her little brother's mouth. "Don't bring up people like Inuyasha around here, Souta."

When she let go, Souta continued to talk. "Yeah, but then as soon as you see Ikuto, you act like Inuyasha never existed."

"Be quiet!"

Souta stopped talking so he wouldn't feel the wrath of his sister just in time. Hojo had finished their food very fast and brought them all large helpings of food. "This is a stir fry, Kagome. There are lots of vegetables in it to build up your health and some grilled chicken for protien."

"Thank you Hojo."

"I've got some protein shakes if you want them."

"Do you have any Pepsi products?" Souta asked. Souta blushed and said "but Hitomi prefers lemonade over anything." Souta was proud that he knew that little fact and Hitomi smiled brightly. "Do you have any of that?"

"Sure" Hojo told them, and he went back to his stand and brought back two cans of lemonade and one of Pepsi for Souta. "About the bill Kagome, I'll handle it."

Kagome didn't know what she should tell him about Ikuto handling everything, but she couldn't just accept Hojo's kindness. 'I've really got to stop leading guys on.' "Hojo" she began to say "you don't have to take care of it. I would hate to see all of this good food not paid for." She felt so guilty, thinking about all of those times Hojo kept giving her things. Sure she liked him at first, but then she felt such strong feelings for Inuyasha. She probably should have told Hojo that she wasn't interested. She didn't have to go into detail about why, since Inuyasha wasn't totally his business, but she should keep leading Hojo on by accepting those gifts. "Ikuto Kazasami said he would take care of it before I even knew you were here."

"Ikuto Kazasami?" Hojo questioned. "You know the younger brother?"

"I was in his brother's wedding, Hojo." Kagome felt so bad for Hojo. He looked a little heart broken.

"Is he your boyfriend, Kagome?"

Kagome shook her head. "No, he's not my boyfriend…but-"

"Oh" Hojo's face instantly brightened up. "Kagome, if you don't want me to give you the free food, then that's alright." He smiled. "Have a nice time here at the festival, Kagome. I've really got to help my parents."

'Man Hojo, you really are dense. I was trying to tell you something and as soon as you hear that I'm single, you keep dreaming. I tried.' She smiled. "I'll see you later, Hojo." Kagome continued on eating her food and so did Souta and Hitomi. Souta and Hitomi were having a nice time out on their date. They were having a fun time. Kagome wished she could go out on a normal date. 'I guess I have with Hojo, but that got interrupted. I and Ikuto had some nice dates. He was a nice boyfriend…until I messed everything up.' Kagome frowned. 'Now I'm really screwed up.'

"Kagome" Souta asked "how long do you think we're going to be? Do you think we can stay until late and watch the fireworks?"

Kagome looked at her watch. "I guess it'll be a few more hours. I suppose we could stay for that long. How about we go back up to the stage and watch the performers?"

Hitomi was very excited. "I love Do as Infinity. Aren't they about to perform?"

Souta noticed the worried look on her face. "Well, let's go before we miss her!" Souta grabbed Hitomi's hand and they ran off without Kagome.

'Souta really is growing up. I bet I could learn a lot from that kid. He's got his love life together.' Kagome got up and ran after them. They couldn't get too close to the stage, because so many people had begun to crowd around it. She never did reach the front of the stage. She couldn't get through the crowd. Everyone wanted to be close to the performers. 'I should have stayed with Ikuto.' She grew a little sad and Inuyasha came to mind. 'I wonder if they have been alright. I have been gone for a long time. It's been a week, but a lot could happen in a week.'

"Kagome" Kagome jumped as she felt someone grab a hold of her shoulder, but calmed down once she saw that it was Ikuto. "Ikuto, where have you been?"

"I've just been making sure that everything was going alright for our performers and things like that."

"How does this all make you feel?" Kagome asked. "Does it intimidate you?"

"Well, I feel overwhelmed sometimes, but I also feel like I can take on the challenge. I've kind of got something to prove, not just to my brother, but to myself." 'Maybe I shouldn't tell her about the job in the U.S. Kagome seems a little distant anyway.' Ikuto began to whisper. "Did you guys take down the baboon guy?"

"Naraku? No, we haven't gotten him yet. He's such a coward and we only met him once in person for the past three months. Fighting him seemed too easy. As soon as we fought him, I decide to leave. I still had to get ready for school and did want to spend some time with my family. I was gone for so long. I really did miss them."

"I know what you mean?" Ikuto almost started to break into laughter. "Can you actually believe that I missed my brother? Just when you think you want to get away, you start to miss what you left. You don't realize how precious someone is until you're away." He looked into her eyes and she looked into his. They just couldn't help it. Souta and Hitomi were both watching them just stare at each other with aw.

'Oh boy' Souta turned red with embarrassment. 'They are going to start kissing.'

"I've missed you too, Kagome."

"I really missed you too, Ikuto. I just…" she ran her fingers through her hair, feeling frustrated. "I'm going to stay in this time permanently now, Ikuto. I'm not going back to Inuyasha anymore, but I…I still really miss him." She felt horrible for telling Ikuto all of this. "I don't think it's fair for you and me both to be together right now, not while I'm feeling all of these weird emotions." Ikuto looked a little upset, but Kagome smiled to cheer him up. "I want to understand you a little better, and I mean you, not who you were." Kagome glanced down at Hitomi. "Well, I don't want to say too much, but…you understand, don't you?"

"Sure I do." He nodded. "I completely understand how you feel Kagome. I would much rather have you settle your feelings before we did anything anyway. I'd rather wait until it was a serious and mature relationship rather than some spontaneous thing that the two of us slapped together."

"Serious?" Kagome said it worriedly. 'I'm barely sixteen and the guy is talking about serious relationships.' "Um…what do you mean by serious?"

"I don't mean marry me serious, but I just don't want to have a lot of girlfriends, and I don't want to waste any time. If there's not even a slightest bit of hope that I'm going to marry my girlfriend, then I don't want to date them. Dating is an interview."

"So what you're saying is…" Kagome took Ikuto's arm and led him away from Souta and Hitomi. She was blushing like a complete and total idiot, while Ikuto looked completely calm. "Are you saying that you would want me to…marry you one day?"

Ikuto looked as if he thought she was crazy. He just nodded calmly. "Of course Kagome."

"And you're so blunt about it too…"

"And are you saying you wouldn't want to marry me?"

"I didn't say that!" She covered her mouth. 'What am I doing here? This guy is practically proposing to me!' "I mean, I don't think marrying you would be a bad thing…" she covered her red cheeks. 'What should I do? I'm digging my grave!'

"I'm not saying I'd marry you tomorrow. I'm just saying that you're a likely candidate." He gently kissed her on her forehead. "As far as I know Kagome, you're the only girl I'd consider marrying. That's why I want to get to know you better."

"You're so bold…" Kagome muttered.

"We already said we loved each other. What else is there to say?" He thought Kagome's reaction was a cute one. 'She still is a kid after all. I've probably scared her.' "Dating is finding out the other's potential for marriage, at least that's what it should be. Hanging out with a friend isn't the same as going on a date, Kagome. Understand?"

She nodded. "I agree. That's what dating should be…" 'Would I be happy being Mrs. Kazasami?'

"We're still really figuring each other out, Kagome. Don't stress yourself out over anything. It's not like I bought a ring and I'm waiting for the right moment. I just…" Ikuto didn't know what to say anymore. He wasn't sure how he should say what he really wanted to. 'What's wrong with me?'

The fireworks finally began to shoot up out of the sky. Everyone looked up in happiness and just enjoyed the view. Ikuto and Kagome caught a glimpse of Hitomi give Souta a quick peck on the cheek and Souta turned bright red. Kagome was happy for her brother and glanced at Ikuto, who was just looking up at the fireworks. 'I guess when I'm older; the thought wouldn't be so overwhelming.' She leaned her head on Ikuto. "I'm glad I got to see you again, Ikuto."

"Me too, Kagome. I'm glad too."

TO BE CONTINUED….

A/N: Kagome starts school next chapter, and there's a big surprise for her! I'm going to explain how Suno and Sarah met! I know you're going to love it! Make sure that you review so I can update!