Title: Intricate Love
Author: Moi!
Rating: T for light swearing
Summary: Many loves entangled into one. Most come and go but one man stands by. One hanyou. Jealousy, hate, and love blended together doesn't make a very good result...
Pairings: Kagome/ InuYasha
Kouga/Ayame
Jake/Kagome (-squeals-)
Other side pairings

"Talking"
'Thinking'
Flashbacks

Chapter 4
Not Hojo... Anything But Him

Kagome sighed as she realized that arguing with InuYasha was pointless. No matter what she said, he would always say that she couldn't go, He would always say that. Kagome thought it was starting to get annoying. She hadn't a clue why he held her back if there was no demons to fight with now. There was nothing that even compared to the strength of Naraku, and she hoped that nothing would ever come along. They ALL hoped nothing like Naraku would come along again. Although it was fun getting on a voyage with InuYasha and all the others, there were some rough times when it came to Naraku. Many tough times.

Kagome scratched her head as she realized she was thinking about those times again. They were in the past. Well, well. Not InuYasha's love for her twin-like "double", Kikyou. THAT would probably still be there for a bit. A long time.

Oh. She said she wouldn't think about that either. Oops.

She turned back to InuYasha, who was currently watching Miroku and Sango make out in front of their house with curiosity. Sango and Miroku were oblivious to their audience, for they still thought the both of them were still in the field, and Shippo was somewhere in management of an errand.

"InuYasha!" she whispered to him frantically, keeping her voice down.

He turned towards her direction warily, thinking she was going to persuade him again towards going back to her time. Before he could give them away by speaking, Kagome motioned him over into a line of bushes.

"What?" he questioned, after making his way behind the bushes and plopping down besides Kagome.

"Shhhh!"

"What?"

"Shhhhhh!"

"What!

"HUSH!"

"What!", the now annoyed hanyou said quieter.

"We don't want to interrupt them! This is a precious moment!"

InuYasha mumbled something, only a few words reaching Kagome's ears. It sounded like, "Married… always having 'Moments'… stupid romance… private place… don't want to see it…"

Kagome's eyes shone with amusement as she looked at the Hanyou.

"InuYasha, I know you don't exactly… respect… moments like these, but I do. And they really care."

"Mmmhmm."

"And InuYasha, married couples need this attention. If not, their marriage will fall apart!"

"Mmmhmm." InuYasha responded again, his answers on Autopilot.

"And they have a good marriage, you don't want to ruin it! They're so lovely together!"

"Mmmhmm."

"And… and… they love each other!"

"Mmmhmm."

"And InuYasha, I'm going home now and you can't stop me. I need to visit family."

"Mmmhmm."

"Is that alright?

"Mmmhmm."

"Ok InuYasha! See you later!" she called over her shoulder, taking advantage of the head start she had on him.

"Mmmhm- WAIT! Kagome! WHERE ARE YOU GOING?"

By the time he noticed though, it was obviously too late. She was already out of sight of the young Hanyou. After cursing himself for his lack of concentration, he set out after her.

"Kagome! Kagome? Kagome?"

"Too late now! You already said YES!" he heard her call from some distant spot up ahead.

"I… I wasn't thinking!" he desperately answered. He didn't want her to go… he missed her so much when she decided to go on those rare visits back home. He couldn't get enough of her. He knew he was being selfish. Yes, Miroku along with his inner self had reminded him of that many different times on many different occasions. But… Kagome was like his drug. And he was addicted. Helplessly addicted. He had suspicions that if she went back, she would find some incredible boy that would love her and care for her and no one else, that she in turn fell for. His inner self told him that that would be better for her, finally having someone not fickle. His selfish side, which took up a considerable amount of room in his "Inner Self" told his sensible side to shut up and go to hell. InuYasha couldn't help imagining what this mysterious "Lover" would be like. He had to be perfect for Kagome. Smart, nice, caring, loving, romantic…

-x-

"Pigheaded, idiot, bastard, stupid, IDIOTIC, uncaring, selfish, unloving, son of a bitch!"

"Hey, hey! No need to be so nice to me!"

"Enough of what you think, were you even thinking! Skipping school! Young man, this is serious…"

"Well, not like I do it often" the young man replied sarcastically. "Hey, and aren't principals not supposed to cuss? Something about being our role model?"

"Well, technically, it's not school time," the principal replied evenly with a stern face. Her eyes gave away the feeling, though, with it's mischief shining brightly.

"Whatever you say, teach. I won't do it again."

"That's… right you aren't."

"…If… if… you take me out to lunch…" the boy hinted, a handsome smile stretched across his tanned face.

"Mr. Collins…"

"Mr. Collins? I'm not married, probably never will be, so don't call me that," the boy said with a grimace.

"I'm thirty. You're… what, ten?"

"Haha. Very funny. And here I was thinking I was the funny one."

"Oh, so now you think you're funny, do you?"

"Yup. Always did. Always will."

"Hmm. We need to do something about that ego of yours." She said playfully, giving him a good-natured shove.

He faked falling, acting like she pushed harder then she actually did.

"Wow, Rachel, you really do have big muscles!"

"Oh! Jake, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to- wait. I know this. I'll go to help you up, and you'll pull me down with you. Been there, done that Bad Boy. And it's Ms. Butter to you. Not Rachel. And don't even start with the butter jokes, young man."

Jake leaned back on his elbows, and brushed his hair form his face so he could see better. He gave her an amused grin as he stared up at her. He put up his hands in an "I give Up" signal. "Ok, Ms. Butter. You win. I couldn't fool YOU oh smart one."

"Hey, you're the smart one for coming to see me. When you just skipped school today. OH Smart One."

"Hey, you can't blame a guy for wanting to see a pretty woman."

"Jake, we went over this. I'm thirty and you're-"

"Ten. Yeah, yeah, I know Ms. B. I was just messing around with you." Jake sniggered.

"Don't you laugh at me, young man!"

"You're sounding like my teacher!" Jake exclaimed in mock horror.

"Maybe that's because I'm your principal!" Rachel blubbered in a voice that usually one saves for talking to toddlers and babies.

"Blah, blah, blah, blah, BLAH, blah blah. Uh-huh Ms. B. Sure you are."

"If you don't believe me, look at my desk."

"I see your desk."

"Yes you do."

"Well, as much as I long to stay here and discuss my bad habits and stuff, I must get going. Stuff to do, people to see. G'bye Ms. B!"

"Mr. Collins!"

"Who?"

"Mr. Collins!"

"Whooo?"

"MR. COLLINS!"

"Who IS that, I wonder?"

Mrs. Butter gave an exasperated sigh.

"Jake."

"Yeees Ms. B?

"Don't skip school again, huh? Please? It looks bad on your college application."

"Pfft. Like I'm going to college?"

"Yes you are. Please Mr. Coll- Jake. Please."

Jake gave a defeated sigh. "I guess I can stick out boring classes. But only for you Ms. B." he said warningly over his shoulder as he walked out. He walked out the nearest doors, which led to the parking lot, and towards his Pink Mercedes. Yes, pink. 'Tough Guys Wear Pink" was his saying. And since he was tough, he was sticking to that. He hopped in and sat there for a while.

"Huh. What to do. What to do?" he asked himself, his old habit resurfacing once again.

"Wait." He began cautiously. "They say it's bad if you talk to yourself, but you're officially crazy when you answer yourself."

Jake smiled to himself, pleased. Then he frowned. "Which I'm doing."

His eyes creased as he started the car up and turned up the music. The bass echoed throughout his body as he become conscious that he was very tired.

"Time to head home, I guess…" he answered himself, sighing,

Now, home wasn't bad for Jake. Not at all. Not like those stories in which the "Bad Boys" are beat up and abused, which they continued to pass on to other kids. Nope. He was a laid-back, good life, Bad Boy. He was the Class Clown Bad Guy. He was the Get Girls Class Clown Bad Boy. So on, so on. So, he didn't dread going home. He actually had a pretty normal life. Except their mom had passed away when he was small. It wasn't that big of a loss since he didn't know her. Neither did his two sisters, since they were both born five years after him. They were the cutest things ever. They were twins, and every waking moment they dressed alike. They were different as heaven and hell though.

Jake smirked to himself at the thought of his two little sisters, both eleven, fighting. They would do it everyday. They would somehow make up before bedtime. None of their fights were serious.

Jake ran his hands through his jet-black hair. No partying tonight. He was already pooped.

He suddenly brightened. Wasn't those Japanese exchange program results supposed to be in today? He loved Japanese culture. Not only did they have great food, hot chicks, and awesome sites, they had good education. Not many people knew, but he actually cared about his education. He actually would like to go to college on a scholarship. Not many people knew also, because he skipped school so much, but he was actually smart. Yes, smart. He got a near perfect score on the test to make it to High school, which surprised the teachers who taunted him with the promise that he was going to be a failure, never making it farther then Middle School. So he was kinda looking forward to being accepted in the exchange program.

Plus there were hot Japan chicks.

Hell yeah.

Jake drove a little faster, his heart pumping. He was still alert though, he wasn't that bad of a driver. His pale blue eyes darted around to see if anyone was coming in the next lane as he switched over and turned on his turn signal. Almost home!

He screeched as he almost missed his house. He speedily parked the pink car in his driveway, running across the street to the mailbox. He opened it immediately, his hands shaking. His pale blue eyes once again darted around the inside of the mailbox.
Nope. Not there.

He growled in frustration as he realized his dad must have already brought in the mail. He rushed back towards his house, throwing the door open. He ran through the wood – paneled hallway and into the white – tiled kitchen.

Jake squinted his eyes in frustration and looked around the kitchen.

'Mail, mail, not mail, where is the mail, MAIL!'

He was not quite sure why he wanted it THAT bad. He just had this feeling…

"Anna? Nicole? Dad? Where's the mail!"

Jake stepped into the kitchen, still looking around. Then a feeling of horror happened. What if something bad had happened to them? He was just telling about how great a life he had… but what if it all turned around? What if he lost all he had ever cared for? Yes, he loved the two bundles of idiots and his strict dad! He-

"Boo!"

"Ahhhhhh! Oh SHIT! BURGLAR!"

"Big Bubby, what's… shmit?"

"Oh shi-oot! Anna?"

"Yes Big Bubby! Did Sissy scare you?"

"Yes, yes. Where are Nicole and Dad?

"They are in the living room, silly!"

He sighed in relief. He still had it good.

"Daaaaad!" he shouted. "Where is the maaaaaail?"

"What? I can't hear you! Not in the same room!"

"Same room! Teehee!"

"Can't hear you! Teehee!"

Two voices echoed his dad's.

He rolled his eyes. His father had those two in the palm of his hand.

He scratched his cheek and walked into the living room to find his dad squeezed in between the two twins, Anna and Nicole.

"Mail?"

"What is that? 'Mail?' Am I your lap dog or something?"

"Dad. Where is it?"

"Do you have a girlfriend or something that we should know about? In a different state maybe?"

"Dad… you make the weirdest accusations… but, no. Now where is the mail?"

"All right, all right. It's in the kitchen. What is the big rush?"

"Nothing dad…" Jake said absently as he ran back into the kitchen. He stopped, running back into the living room.

"Where in the kitchen?"

"Daddy?" One of the twins, Anna, inquired.

"Yes Sweetie?"

"Is Jake bliiind?"

"No Sweetie. I don't think.Well. Jake? Have you got your eyes tested?"

The two girls laughed as Jake rolled his eyes and tapped his foot impatiently.

"Jake, it's on the counter, don't-"

"Thanks dad!" he shouted before running back into the kitchen. Sure enough, there in the middle on the kitchen on the counter, there was the mail.

"Duh Jake… of course don't look in the most obvious place and look like a total idiot. It's ok."

The black haired man shuffled through the mail until he found one with his name on it. It was from Mako High School. The Exchange school he applied to. He took a deep breath as he started to rip the envelope. If he didn't make it, most likely he would not go to college. He needed change.

He closed his eyes as he dumped the contents on the counter. As soon as he opened his eyes he slowly looked down and gasped. He…

-x-

Kagome pushed her back against the well. She without doubt needed to catch her breath. She had just outrun InuYasha. She knew if he wanted her to come home enough that he would come back to her time and get her. Since… forever, however, he hadn't. From what she heard from Miroku and Sango all he did was sit in front of the well moping until she came back. Kagome still had no clue whatsoever why he wanted her to stay so much. She needed to visit her family and friends once in awhile. She agreed to live there, but she couldn't stay away from her family and her friends. She needed to be with them!

But… she wanted to be with InuYasha…

Not for the first time in her life, she would have to end up choosing whether to choose wants over needs, or need over wants. It was a continuous cycle in her life. She wants something, but she needs to have something else. Maybe she could split her time evenly between the two?

Hmm. Something to think about in her future.

'Great. Another decision. As if my life isn't hard enough.'

Kagome was in deep thought. Very deep thought. So deep she was sinking.

'Wow, I'm so funny.' She contemplated as she sat there. 'I crack myself up.'

A low grumble sounded behind her in the well, which alarmed her. Surely InuYasha wouldn't have let a monster through? Could monsters even get through the well? She determined she wasn't going to find out and started to run. She gasped as she felt strong arms encircle her waist, lift her up, and throw her over its shoulder.

Kagome was about to scream for help when she saw /it/ was wearing a red haori. 'InuYasha…?'

"Can't believe you went… tricked me!… stupid… ungrateful.."

"Inu… Yasha?"

"No good… make me come here… get off myass to get you… selfish…"

"InuYasha?"

"What?"

"Why…"

"Why?"

"Why…"

"Why?"

"Why…"

"WHY WHAT!"

"Why'd… you come?"

He stopped, and looked thoughtful for a second. "To get you."

"Really? I thought you came to pick daisies."

"Kagome, I knew you weren't always very smart, but daisi-"

"InuYasha! I meant… you usually don't…"

"Mmm."

"Why did you-"

"C'mon, c'mon. We need to get back to the village."

"We need to?"

"Yes."

"InuYasha. Why?"

"Not this again."

"Really answer my question."

There was silence as he stopped walking towards the well. She felt his throat constrict as he swallowed.

"Kagome… this is hard to-"

"Kagome? Kagome! That is you! But what are you doing with that stranger? Is he hurting you?"

"Oh shit." Kagome whispered.

Kagome, thinking swiftly, crossed her arms and put them atop his head to obscure the viewer's view. InuYasha was still holding her and turned towards the well. Kagome leaned against his face, relying on him to hold her up with his arms. Unfortunately, or unfortunately you could say, this put one of Kagome's… body parts… pressed up against his face. Which was very tempting and very awkward. Very awkward.

"Umm… Kagome." He began quietly, his voice breaking.

"Not now InuYasha! GO along with whatever I say, ok?"

"Ok, but Kagome…" he whined.

"Not now!"

"Kagome! Is this man hurting you?" the voice questioned again. This "voice" belonged to one of Kagome's schoolmate's, Hojo.

"No! Silly, he's my… uncle. Yup. My uncle." Kagome told the boy, chuckling uncomfortably, trying to think on her toes.

"Kagome." he whispered again urgently.

Kagome leaned down and put her mouth to his ear giving him the shivers.

"InuYasha! Don't ruin it! If I cover your ears, he won't see!" she put her head back up and smiled down at Hojo.

Now, usually, InuYasha would have been jealous. Extremely jealous. Now, at the moment, he had other things on his mind. Or, well, on his face.

"Hojo, see, he was just giving me a ride! Isn't he the nicest uncle? Well, bye Hojo! See you later!"

"Wait Kagome! I know you are sick and all, but I want to visit with you… I haven't seen you in a month…"

"I'm sorry Hojo," she started, guilt taking over her. "But I need to do some things with my uncle. He's leaving in a few."

"Oh," Hojo sighed dejectedly. "At least take these gifts!" he added brightly.

"Hmm! Thanks Hojo… I guess. Just leave them with Grandpa. Bye!"

"Bye Kagome!"

InuYasha, taking this as a cue, began to walk forward in the direction of the well.

"Don't leave yet! Wait until he leaves!" she hissed in his ear.

He was getting restless as Kagome shifted causing her… body part… to brush against his face. He sifted uncomfortably.

"Kagome…!" he said urgently, whispering in case the boy was there.

"Husssh! He's almost out of ear shot!"

InuYasha waited patiently, sifting more and more as the time grew longer.

"Hah! He dropped off the presents and... he's gone!"

"Now, Kagome, would you mind?"

Kagome sighed. "Ok, InuYasha. I'll go back. But tomorrow I need to come back and see my family and friends."

"Yes, ok, but Kagome…!"

"What?"

"You're… -cough- Um."

"Yes InuYasha?" she said impatiently.

"You're… uh. Chest area…"

"W-what about my- oh."

"Umm. Yeah." InuYasha stated, at a loss for words. He felt his own face heat up as Kagome moved back down to his shoulder.

"Sorry?"

"Mmm."

"What! You liked it! How could you InuYasha!"

"What the- when did I say-"

"You are spending TOO much time with Miroku! You… you… need to stop!"

"But I didn't-"

"You pervert! Looking at me like that!"

"Well, you kinda pressed them-"

"And, no! It wasn't my fault!"

"Actually, it w-"

"Don't even GO there InuYasha!"

"And I'm supposed to be scared when you pronounce the syllables in my name? Oooh, yeah. I'm scared."

"InuuuYasha!"

"I'm so scared!"

"You BETTER be!"

"Oh, I am Kagome. I am."

The arguing paused for a while, and their voices faded into the wind as InuYasha jumped into the well, transporting them for one time to the next. To home.

A/n Wow, I'm really sorry. I put off a lot of things until the last moment… that's just me… ALSO. Since there's been so much time between the chapters, sometimes I might have thought something happened, but it really didn't… like, I might have said that Shippo went on a voyage, then in two chapters later maybe I might have said the characters were thinking back on his death. If you see anything like this, could you let me know pleeease? Thanks! It's not my fault I'm lazy…

I tried to write a lot to make up for time, but I'm not sure if it's a lot… /

Reviews!

Black Roses of death – Thanks so much! I was really not thinking about updating them, and then I get a review alert from you, then I'm like, "Hmm. I should maybe update…"

Thanks so much! You motivated me!

Pwalefriend – Ah! Is he a jerk? I don't want that image of him! I want a perverted Bad Boy… who hides his feelings sometimes. Maybe sometimes being a jerk. Is he too mean? How can I make him a better character?

Nomadgirl66 - Thanks! I tried to give a visual, kinda. Tell me if you need more description than that! Thanks for reviewing!

Sango the kick ass demon slayer – Well. I updated! x) Sorry… it… kinda took… longer… than I intended…

Thanks to all my reviewers! It makes writing funner! ;

Review if you have the time! Tell me what you want to become of this story and what you want to happen. I'm welcome to suggestions!

-Alisha