Alright! Thanks sooo super much for reviewing guys! I got quite a few opinions about wether or not I should wrap this story up. So, here's what ima gonna do! I think I'm going to start pushing toward the end. Not to fast, but a good speed, LIKE WHAT THE DRIVERS TEST GUY TELLS YA! Also...I need to know...what do you guys want for the whole dance thing...I was thinking masquerade...it is kinda cliche BUT IT WOULD BE REELY KOOL! I reeeeeely wanna do a mask ball, but I don't want you all groaning from the over-usedness What do you think guys?
L1Ldumie TK- LOL! Hahaha Koga's gay I LOVE IT! Ah well, I don't personally despise Koga, but the fact that he tries to get between Inu and Kag makes me insane with fury. I'm going to try to be nice to him though...I mean, it's not really his fault he's in love right? must not kill off must not kill off any way...yea I've heard rumors about responses being illegal, I haven't seen it officially written on the site tho and I really like responding so I SHALL REBEL oh and if you want Miroku Sango fluff check out my one shot! SUPER FLUFF!
secretshadows - OMG you are amazing! Ok, I really already had a flimsy idea about what to do for that chapter and ya know what YOUR IDEA IS ALMOST EXACTLY WHAT I"VE BEEN PLANNING! So far, all your ideas have been right on! I'm so amazed! You are so cool, you HAVE to keep doing that its awesome! I don't know how you do it, you must really understand the story! Big hug Keep reviewing!
Keikai senshi of nishinos - aw thanks! I hope I'm getting better!
Angel of black Flame - thanks soooo much! Check out my intro to see what I decided to do with the length of the story
get your own hanyou - oh soo awesome! Your friend likes my story too! Ooh tell her to review I wanna say hi! And, you gotta tell me the name of the story your working on! I wanna read it! Lol, I wanna give InuYasha a hug too! But now I'll have Kagome and You snarling after me! Lol! Soo funny! You rock! I LOVE your reviews!
hes mi hanyou - big hug you get a cookie! Thanks soo much! Yea Kikyo is SUCH a STOOPID BASTARD lets go draw furry french mustaches all over her!
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Kagome groaned inwardly as she studied the complex math problem in front of her. "This homework is driving me crazy!" She whispered.
"Then why don't you just forget about your homework for now?" Koga wrapped his arm around Kagome's shoulder comfortingly. Kagome resisted the urge to shrug him off. She had been attempting to do her homework in the presence of her new boyfriend. Incidently, however, Koga's mind seemed to be focused on something other than studying. Kagome let out a weary breath. 'He's just worried about me overworking myself...maybe I should take a break.'
She leaned tiredly against Koga's muscular form, taking a moment to study his now smiling face. Koga really was pretty handsome, not to mention he loved her like hell. What more could she ask for. Kagome sighed, 'Still...the question is...do I really return his love.' No matter how hard she tried to forget it, the haunting presence of a certain golden eyed hanyou still lingered in her heart. Koga's arms wrapped around Kagome's body. He leaned in and planted a gentle kiss on her neck. "You ok?"
Kagome nodded, she flinched slightly as Koga continued to kiss her. Being in his arms; it just didn't feel right. 'Jeeze girl, he's your boyfriend. He loves you, why can't you just let go of the past.' She wanted to accept it, she really did. She wanted to feel whole again, in the arms of a man who loved her. But, deep in her soul, she felt the urge to run. To abandon this mental masquerade she was trying to make true. She would never belong to Koga, she belonged to InuYasha alone. Kagome bit her lip hard, there she was, thinking about him again. 'Stop it, InuYasha's heart will always belong to Kikyo. He's moved on, why can't you?' She stood and shook off the gross feeling that lingered from Koga's touch. "I'm gonna go to bed, I'll see you later, ok Koga." Kagome forced herself to smile.
"Uh, ok see you tomorrow..." He said looking slightly disappointed, "I love you."
"Goodnight." She felt a pang of guilt hit her, Koga had probably expected her to return his sentiment, but, she couldn't do it, she couldn't say she loved him. It was a lie.
Kagome wandered listlessly to her dorm room. She limply slid her key into the door and pushed it open carefully to avoid waking Sango, who was most likely already asleep. Only a small creak could be heard as she slowly edged the door open just enough to slide through. Kagome's suspicions had been correct. Sango was fast asleep, the only sound that could be heard in the room now was her soft breathing. Kagome slipped into bed silently, not even bothering to take off her school clothes. She closed her eyes and immediately felt burning conflicts and emotions intensify in her mind. She moaned as the dull heartache throbbed within her, how the hell was she going to sleep? Finally, though, Kagome's exhaustion won over the struggle, and sleep claimed her. Little did she know, she was being watched by a certain amber-eyed guardian.
InuYasha bit back a sigh as he stared longingly into the dark bedroom. He didn't have a shot in hell of sleeping tonight either. Not after that dream. So he chose to let himself bask in the one thing that could calm his raging heart. He waited patiently as Kagome's gentle breathing steadied and her body began loosen. She was asleep. He shifted his perch on her windowsill to allow his face to emerge from the shadows of the night. InuYasha's sharp ears twitched as he listened intently for any unseen threat to invade the sanctity of Kagome's resting place. Not that there were any rouge demons in the modern time. It was merely habit that kept his senses alert to danger. He was and always would be, the protector of the beautiful miko. InuYasha took a hesitant step into her room. His footsteps were as silent as the padding of a cats paws, but to him, every stride sounded like an anvil dropping.
As he made his way to her bed, InuYasha took a quick whiff of her still form. Immediately he wished he hadn't. Her usually soft and flowery smell was overwhelmed by the offensive stench of Koga. He felt a light growl rumble in his throat. Even if Koga no longer knew it, he was still a wolf demon and through primal canine instinct, he had marked her with his scent. InuYasha was only a half demon, but his instincts kicked in just as strong as he smelled her again. The scent covered her, it was an invisible barrier. A sign, claiming that she belonged to someone else. He turned away, not wanting to be reminded of the sickening truth of the man Kagome had chosen to love. He had almost forgotten, but fate once again decided to rub it in his face.
InuYasha felt the urge to return to the safety of the shadows, but, as soon as he began to move again, he felt Kagome stir. She was shaking and grasping her sheets desperately. Her face was glistening in sweat and she suddenly began to groan and mutter softly. InuYasha felt his heart lurch, Kagome was having a nightmare.
He slipped back over to her bed and once again began to debate on what he should do. 'Damn, how am I supposed to stop a nightmare?' Finally, he remembered the ritual his mother had used during his own fitful dreams. He kneeled by her bedside and pulled off a couple of her covers. Gently, InuYasha brushed aside her dark, ebony bangs and placed his cool hand on her warm, damp forehead. Kagome flinched at the sudden touch, but then relaxed as her internal conscious suddenly recognized who was there with her. In an almost silent whisper Kagome mouthed his name as her hand subconsciously reached up and rested on his own InuYasha was taken back by the sudden action. He felt his cheeks redden, her skin felt so soft, so frail. He wrapped his fingers around her small hand comfortingly. "Don't be afraid Kagome...it's ok, I'm here to protect you."
Kagome's body grew still and peaceful once again. InuYasha hesitated as he felt her hand grow slack and slip out of his own. His job was done, but, now he really didn't want to leave. Hesitantly he allowed himself to sniff her and remember Koga's scent. All the same, somehow, without thinking, he felt himself lean over and give her a quick kiss on the forehead. "Goodnight Kagome.." With that, he climbed back out the window and disappeared into the night.
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Kagome felt her eyes flutter open as the sweet smell of cinnamon and creamy frosting wafted through the air. She sat up and stretched, "Mmm, Sango what's for breakfast..."
Sango grinned, "Wow, your finally awake, have any interesting dreams?" She said with a mischievous wink.
Kagome stopped, interesting was an understatement. Last night had once again been a bombardment of strange visions and memories, all of them about that strange boy from the past who happened to look exactly like InuYasha. "Uh, no not really...why do you ask?"
Sango smiled again, with a hint of slyness this time, Kagome had only been repeating InuYasha's name all night in her sleep. "Oh, are you sure? I mean, you know, your pillow's totally drenched in your drool."
Kagome growled and threw the said pillow at Sango, who dodged it easily. "What's for breakfast," She yawned.
"Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls!"
Kagome laughed, "Couldn't find it in you to actually cook something yourself?"
Sango feigned annoyance, "Hey, I had to put these in the oven...isn't that cooking enough?"
Kagome pushed her best friend teasingly, "Well, at least you didn't burn them." She grabbed a warm cinnamon bun and took a big bite, savoring the sugary sweetness. "Mmm good!" (A/n They are really good! I eat them for breakfast like every morning!)
Sango smiled proudly, "See, you aren't the only one that can make breakfast!"
Kagome licked the frosting off her lips, and ran her hand through her messy hair, suddenly stopping at a warm spot on her forehead. 'What the?' She shrugged off the weird thought and continued to enjoy her roll. 'No, it was just a dream...a dream...he...he didn't' Her face burned as the sudden memory hit her, his hand against her forehead, his fingers entwined in hers, his gentle kiss. "Oh God..." She whispered silently, it had been TOO real. InuYasha's touch had calmed the raging storm in her mind, it had wrapped her in a steadfast embrace, it made her feel safe, and protected. 'Oh shit,' Kagome felt like banging her head into the wall. Her dreams were getting even weirder.
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InuYasha groaned as the first rays of daylight peeked in through the shutters of the small window, stinging his sensitive eyes. He remained sitting on his bed dog-style as he allowed the familiar ripple to cascade down his body, returning him to the world of humanity. With the ritual completed, InuYasha took a hesitant step onto the cold floor. The world around him tightened, offering to squeeze the life out of him and end the uneasy feelings he was choking on. He eyed Miroku's empty bed, the damn monk was probably already up and stalking women. InuYasha pulled on a tattered shirt and tied his red bandana over his unruly silver hair. With a heavy sigh he slipped out of the dark room and into the uncertainness that lied ahead of him. "Here goes nothing."
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Kagome got dressed and waved to Sango as she left the dorm room. Her mind wandered as she trudged through the cold hallways. The dreams still haunted her, even in the day. Those strange dreams...She bit her lip to stop the flow of thoughts. 'Oh god, what's wrong with me?'
Kagome wandered silently into the schools empty gymnasium. She sat down listlessly and drew her knees up to her face; trying to hold back confused tears. "InuYasha..." she whispered, summing up all her problems in one word.
"Kagome?"
Kagome bolted up and suddenly found herself staring into familiar intense amber eyes. "Oh, uh, InuYasha...sorry, I didn't know you were here..." She stood and turned to leave.
"Kagome! Wait!" InuYasha took a step forward and grabbed her hand, stopping Kagome in her tracks. "I...I need to talk to you..."
Kagome faced him. Her eyes searched his own, begging for the answers to so many unsaid questions. For a moment, they were once again locked in a silent stare. InuYasha felt the spell of her soft chestnut eyes begin to claim his mind once again, his heart started beating at a hundred miles an hour. Everything about her took his breath away, every strand of hair, every movement she made. 'She's so beautiful...'
Kagome finally broke the unsteady silence, "What? What do you want to tell me?"
InuYasha shook himself out of his stupor and blushed profusely when he realized the thoughts that had formed in his head. Not to mention he was still holding her hand. "Uhh, right..." He dropped her hand and scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Listen Kagome... about what you saw between me and...Kikyo."
Kagome stopped him, she didn't want to hear it...she couldn't hear it, not now. "InuYasha ...I understand, it's ok...I know how hard it is to forget about someone you loved so much. I'm not mad or anything. I mean...you can love whoever you want..."
"No... Kagome!" InuYasha brought his hand under her chin and gently lifted her head to face him. Every fiber of his being was on it's last shred of life. His glowing eyes were the last fire burning, kept alive as long as he was in her presence. "It's... it's not like that."
I'm
not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
Kagome felt a knot begin in her throat. InuYasha's eyes betrayed both the suffering, and the last scrap of hope inside him. "InuYasha?" 'Is he hurting as much as I am?'
"I shouldn't have let this happen." He spoke softly, carefully, like it was the last thing he'd ever say. "I won't let you feel this way ever again!"
But
I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And
so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
Kagome felt a dull ache return. What was he saying? Is he trying to say goodbye to me or something? Like we can't even be friends anymore? She bit back a small sob and took a deep, shuttering breath. 'I don't want to leave you InuYasha, I want to be by your side.' The words felt so familiar, like a promise buried deep inside her.
"Kagome, when I said I was going to change...I meant it. I'm not the same person I was before...because of you..." He took a deep breath and closed his eyes. Like the world itself would end if he held this all in much longer. "For once in my life, I'm just... me, I don't have to be afraid or angry at everything all the time. Because I'm not alone anymore, you were always with me, even when I couldn't see it."
I've
found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason
to start over new
And the reason is you
Kagome just stood there, speechless. It was too much, too fast. She wanted to be with him, but, not if it meant enduring all these mixed emotions all the time. "I'm sorry InuYasha. I just can't do this. I can't be around you anymore. It hurts too much. I can't stand to see you...and Kikyo." Hot tears singed her cheeks. His words were empty to her, the comfort they were supposed to have was only a dull mocking. 'He doesn't feel anything for you...you were just a substitute for Kikyo'
InuYasha's heart was constricting with every word. He bit his lip, hard. Duh, of course she doesn't want to be around him anymore, look what he did to her, what he was always doing to her, why would anyone want to be around a bastard like him? "Oh God Kagome! Please don't cry! I...I can't handle it when you cry," He wiped a tear from her cheek. "I would never betray you like that! I swear, she...she came on me...I don't have any feelings for Kikyo anymore!" He took her hand again and gave it a comforting squeeze. "I don't think I ever really did,"
I'm
sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take
it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
That's
why I need you to hear
I've found out a reason for me To
change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
And the
reason is You x4
Kagome felt lost, she had no idea what was going on. It felt too good to be true, like just another dream. How could she believe him? Would she dare let the last spark of hope linger, only to be trampled again by reality.
"I can't let you be sad anymore. I want you to be happy. No matter what it takes." His head drooped like he was going to start crying too. "I'll...I'll just leave you alone then, from now on, I won't be another thorn in your side..."
She gently tightened her hold on his hand. "InuYasha, can I stay with you? Do you want me to be here, by your side? Can I still be your friend?"
InuYasha felt a pang of hurt. 'Ya, friends...even if it means letting you love someone else...' He smiled genuinely even if his soul was in torment. "I don't just want you with me. I need you with me Kagome! I can't go on by myself anymore. I can't do anything...not without you."
I'm
not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And
so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know
I've
found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason
to start over new
And the reason is you.
Kagome felt every bruise, every wound on her heart begin to heal. He needed her! She felt like she would explode from sheer joy. Before she knew what she was doing, Kagome suddenly grabbed his shirt and pressed herself into his chest. "InuYasha," she cried into his shoulder
Slowly, she felt InuYasha's strong arms return her embrace. Gently, he pulled her closer to him. His powerful body, carefully cradling her own fragile form. His head rested on hers as let his hand wander into her silky hair, brushing it and massaging her tenderly. "I'm sorry Kagome," InuYasha whispered, "I would never hurt you, never!" Nothing else mattered anymore, it was all going to be ok, as long as they stayed like this. InuYasha felt Kagome shiver and he tightened his hold on her, allowing his heartbeat to merge with her own. Kagome felt his breath tickle her neck and she held back a content sigh. This was where she belonged, safe in InuYasha's arms. No matter how fierce the storms of life would get, nothing would ever harm her as long as he was here.
I've
found out a reason to show A side of me you didn't know
A reason
for all that I do
And the reason is you
It felt like an eternity, but, at last Kagome loosened herself from InuYasha's hold. He looked back at her longingly, it was all over too soon.
Without meeting his eye she gave a forced smile. "Thank You...I'm glad we're friends again InuYasha."
He just nodded dumbly, not wanting her to leave. It was like a part of him was severing. "Your going to go see Koga now huh?" He tried not to sound hurt, but it was like trying to hide a mountain behind a pencil.
She sighed and nodded, "He'll be wondering where I am."
InuYasha made a low grunting sound that almost sounded like a suppressed whimper. He had almost dared to hope for one moment, that maybe, maybe she felt even a spark of what he felt for her. But, as always the truth stands. They were never destined to be anything more than friends.
"I'll see ya around then..."
"Yea," Kagome turned to go, but, all at once, she spun back around and gave InuYasha a final kiss on the cheek. "See ya..." And off she went, leaving a stunned hanyou behind her.
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InuYasha pounded the boxing dummy in the corner of the hot, sweaty workout room. His baggy PE shorts shook with the hard vibrations of his rapid assault. At last he stopped and wiped the layer of sweat from his brow. 'So, there ARE sports in this era worth doing.' There were other guys in the gym, but the inhumanly strong hanyou reduced all their prized football muscles to flab in comparison. Girls stood in the doorway and whispered as they stared in awe at his muscular bear chest. InuYasha ignored them. He put his boxing gloves down and strolled over to the platform the kickboxing team used for sparring. A couple boys were already there, among their potent smell of BO there was one particular scent that caught InuYasha's attention.
"Hey InuTrasha!"
InuYasha smirked despite himself, this was gonna be fun, "Oh hey Koga..." He casually climbed into the ring and leaned against the tight railing. "Hey, I was wondering, how are you at sparring?"
Koga grinned back, "Not too bad...you?"
"I'm alright"
"So..." Koga cracked his neck and faced InuYasha straight on. "Are you challenging me?"
The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, "Maybe,"
A huge crowd of people surrounded the two alpha males as they each took their positions in the corners of the arena. InuYasha cracked his knuckles and grinned, he was cocky. There's no way some mangy wolf would beat him. 'Hey, Koga you ready too..." He stopped, cut short by a soft voice of someone in the crowd.
"What's going on? Koga what're you doing!"
Koga turned and jumped down from the platform to be met by a confused and slightly angry Kagome. "Oh, hey babe, I'm just working out...ya know," he jerked a thumb at InuYasha, "Thought I'd teach this pathetic loser some sparring moves."
InuYasha's lips curled into a snarl. He could feel his blood churning. 'We'll see who teaches who...'
But... his anger suddenly cooled to ice as Kagome leaned in and gave Koga a quick hug. "Well, be careful then, ok?"
Koga kissed her forehead, "Of course,"
A chilling sensation crawled up InuYasha's spine. He felt the hair prickle on the back of his neck. He knew he was thinking irrationally, he didn't care. Kagome's embrace, until then, had been something reserved for only him, something his heart often longed for, something Koga was stealing from him. "Alright Koga! Are we going to do this or not!"
Koga smirked and climbed back into the ring. "Yea, lets go!"
Koga struck with almost invisible speed. His punch made contact with InuYasha's chest in one quick, smooth movement. InuYasha fell back for a moment. But recovered equally as fast. Koga threw more punches at him, which he blocked and avoided. He finally found an opening and managed to land a punch to Koga's gut. Koga gasped for breath, he felt bile invade his mouth and spat. He had underestimated the white haired boy. InuYasha ducked back as Koga angrily attacked again, this time aiming a high kick to InuYasha 's head. He ducked and jumped back. Koga lunged again, a little too quickly. InuYasha was ready, he slammed his fist into Koga's shoulder. Koga grunted but then jumped up to attack again.
The people watched the fight in utter amazement. The two fought with almost animal like speed and aggression. Neither seemed to be bothered by the bone splitting attacks the other launched at them. They both possesed inhuman strength and reflexes. It was a great show.
InuYasha barely dodged another blow from Koga, only too be caught off guard by a quick return kick to his face. "Uugghh." He fell back against the ropes and felt blood trickle into his mouth. Koga saw his chance and struck again. InuYasha jumped back just in time. He was getting tired, Koga was still much faster than him. InuYasha landed a powerful kick to Koga's back, but it only seemed to fuel him more. Koga spun around and knocked InuYasha over with a hard jab. InuYasha recovered just in time to see Koga flying over his head, before he could react Koga shot his foot into his chest with a sickening thud.
Kagome let out a small gasp. 'InuYasha!'
Koga crossed his arms and smiled victoriously. He soaked up the cheers that rang through the crowd and at last set his eyes on Kagome. She had an almost horrified look on her face. "Hey, Kagome!" He called. "How was that huh?" Koga smiled and flexed.
Kagome grimaced, "Umm, yea good job Koga. Is...is InuYasha ok?" She knew InuYasha was tough, but that looked painful.
Koga jumped down and kissed Kagome gently. "Yea, he'll be fine. That'l teach him to..." Suddenly Koga heard a grunt behind him. InuYasha pulled himself up painfully.
"What're ya doing Koga? This isn't over yet."
Koga sighed, "Don't know when to give up do ya?" He climbed back in and opened his mouth to say something else when, all of a sudden, InuYasha was on him. Landing blow after blow, InuYasha savagely hurled steel punches at Koga's body, sending him stumbling back. Koga didn't even have a chance to react. InuYasha didn't let up, he beat Koga hard, again and again. Finally, he pulled back his fist and let a final shattering blow fly to his jaw. Koga flew to the ground and landed with a thump. He didn't get up.
InuYasha panted heavily and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He'd never fought so hard in his life.
Kagome rushed to Koga's side, he looked hurt, really hurt. She shook him, "Koga! Are you alright? Koga!" He sat up and groaned.
"I'm...fine" he muttered.
Kagome sighed in relief and wrapped her arms around his neck. "You scared me!"
InuYasha looked on and winced, and it wasn't because of the swelling bruises lining his body. He may have won the fight, but Koga had won the real battle.
Kagome got up and helped Koga to his feet. She turned to congratulate InuYasha, but he was already gone. His body disappeared silently behind the cold gym doorway.
A/N hey! Great chapter huh? Well, I liked it anyway. I know, I know, It took FOREVER to get this one out. But, schools started and I'm swamped! HOWEVER! All is not lost! If you guys can review and get me up to 70! I WILL GET THE NEXT ONE OUT FASTER THAN THE SPEED OF A CONSTIPATED FAT GUY ON THE WAY TO THE OUTHOUSE (and that's fast ) REVIEW! By the way...just letting you guys know... I have a one shot called His Final Embrace that got GREAT reviews. If your looking for a really fluffy and suspenseful Miroku/Sango story please check it out!