Konnichiwa minn-san! Sorry it took so long to update. School is the excuse as usual. I can't talk for long! I want to post this chapter as soon as possible! First, here are the review responses!

Izayoi Lol, sorry about that surprise beginning! I was feeling a little hyper that time! Thanks for your review! I hope you like this chapter! It may get a little rough…

Ray12304: Thank you for reviewing! It's true that I killed Inuyasha…don't worry, that will be fixed in due time…oops! I think I said too much! I'm sorry about the spelling mistakes; I should probably get a Beta reader. There may be some that I don't catch, so I'm very sorry about that. I'm glad that one of my readers keeps me on my toes! Thanks again!

Inugurl617: Thank you for reviewing! Sorry that my chapters are so short, I guess I'm really busy now. I'll try and make the chapters longer! Thanks again!

Jurneyo Thank you for your review! Sorry for upsetting you! I couldn't help it! It was too tempting to resist! And you may be a little surprised with a surprise beginning I may pop in, in the next few chapters. I'm not telling you which one, you'll just have to watch for it! :) It's gonna be quite a shocker! But it's not going to be a part of the story line, like the fake death of Kikyo. And as for the chapters, I'll try and cut it short. But with the storyline, it may be complicated, but I'll try! Thanks again!

Inumel Thank you for your review! I'm glad you like it! Thanks again!

Ami Kuroneko: Thank you for your review! I too enjoy mild fluff! I'm glad you liked the fake beginning and the chapter! Hope you like this one!

Addam Thank you for your review! I certainly made a few people disappointed that Kikyo didn't die, but I couldn't help the temptation! Thanks for the info on Alive, it sounds really good! I'll try and read it sometime. Thanks again!

Sunrider22: Thank you soooo much for reviewing! I'm honored to have such a loyal reader! I'm glad that y descriptions were good, I guess using techniques from English class help! Love your signature by the way! Thanks again!

Sorry if the responses are short, here's the chapter! Enjoy! P.S, PG-13 material here for people who are uncomfortable with that kind of stuff…

Chapter 21

A few months passed, as the relationship between Kagome and Shizuki developed. They were the best of friends, getting to know each other everyday. But somewhere along the way, the two eventually discovered that perhaps, they liked each other more than just friends…

Kagome sat on the couch, staring at the TV. It was her favorite show, about the red-haired swordsman, but she found that she couldn't keep her attention on it. She was thinking about Shizuki. But whenever she thought of him, it was really complicated. After all, she was still engaged to Kouga and the wedding was set for next year, according to him. There was always the feeling of happiness that was outweighed by guilt.

But now, she realized something. She spent more time around Shizuki than her fiancé. Her chocolate eyes widened. How could that be??? But the more she thought about it, she found it to be true. Her head sunk back into the oversized couch cushion behind her. Hesitantly, she closed her eyes and let out a sigh. Boy was her life messed up right now.

Kouga's table shook as it creaked under the weight of his fist. He was beyond angry at that guy called Shizuki. He had seen him get close to Kagome, too close in his opinion. The enraged man saw them together sitting at a park bench eating ice cream. What's worse was that Kagome seemed to be having more fun with Shizuki than him. The thought made him tremble with anger. He bit his lip as he stood up to walk to his fridge. Taking out a bottle of beer, he collapsed on his sofa and started drinking while music softly played out of his stereo.

After a few minutes, he had polished off two bottles. Setting the empty bottles aside, he snatched his keys off the counter and slammed the door on his way out to the car.

Kagome was snuggled to the pillow on the couch as she was about to drift off to sleep as she heard a few urgent, heavy knocks on the door. She sat up slowly and rubbed her eyes, while she moaned; she was so close to sleeping! She made her way clumsily to the door, thankfully, she didn't bump into anything. She opened the door slowly, as her eyes peered out.

"Kouga?" Kagome said sleepily, with a note of surprise. She hadn't seen him for a couple of weeks now.

Kouga took her hand and dragged her out. Kagome gasped at this sudden movement and pulled back.

"Kagome, come with me now." Kouga said, his voice heavy with emotion. The miko's head snapped up, alert. She examined his eyes to see that they were glazed over, and his words were almost slurring.

"Kouga? Have you been drinking?" Kagome asked, suspiciously. He ignored her question and remained intent on pulling her. Kagome then reached back and locked the door to her apartment. Sango still hadn't come home from a demon extermination yet.

Kagome stumbled along the parking lot as Kouga pushed her roughly into the car. Normally, she would have resisted, but then, Kouga seemed angry and intoxicated. She knew that he hardly became mad, and if he did, there would be hell to pay. She didn't resist since she didn't want to get Kouga in an even madder state.

Kagome carefully watched the road in front of her as Kouga drove. He was intoxicated so she watched for the slightest mistake in case she had to reach over to take over. So far, he seemed pretty controlled. Maybe he wasn't drunk after all. But Kagome wasn't sure.

Kagome wearily watched the road; she now knew where they were heading. But she wondered why. Why would Kouga take her back to his apartment? As Kouga parked, Kagome sat nervously, wondering what he had in mind. Kouga turned off the engine and ran out to the other side of the car where Kagome sat. He rapidly opened the door and roughly pulled her out. Kagome cried in pain when she slipped and landed on the pavement, skinning her knees. However, Kouga failed to notice and pulled her up to his door.

He grabbed his keys out of his pocket and unlocked the door. He pulled her into his bedroom and pushed her onto his bed with him on top. He aggressively kissed her, bruising her lips as she struggled. Tears were coursing down her velvet cheeks. She violently struggled to get up. Finally, after a few attempts, she pushed him over, and ran out. The door was wide open and Kagome ran down the stairs, not knowing where she was going.

Kouga silently sat up on the floor. Tears were also coursing down, telling of his sorrow.

Kagome ran on blindly until she stopped in front of a fountain in a park. She gasped for breath and collapsed on the side of the fountain. She looked around to see that she didn't know where she was. The dark night put things in a different perspective and Kagome was lost.

She sat there, lost, feeling the need for a shoulder to lean on. She was still crying as she reached in her coat pocket to find two quarters. She walked slowly to the payphone that was a couple steps away and hesitantly dialed a number.

A warm voice came up and soothed some of her nerves.

"Hello?"

"Shi-Shizuki, it's me Kagome. Can you come and get me?" Kagome hiccupped, as sobs were escaping her throat.

"Kagome, what's wrong? Where are you? What happened?" Shizuki asked his voice full of concern.

"I-I don't know where I am. Can you please find me? I'm in a park with a fountain." Kagome whispered.

"Alright, stay where you are I'm coming." Shizuki said reassuringly. He didn't let his emotions show in his voice, for he didn't want Kagome to panic. Her heart wrenching sobs remained in his memory as he drove to the only park he knew of with a fountain, forcing him to quicken his speed.

He rapidly parked his car, almost forgetting to lock his door. He ran to the fountain to see a lonely figure sitting on the other side, her silhouette showing that she was in despair.

"Kagome." Shizuki breathed out. The raven haired girl turned around and slowly stood up. Shizuki held his ground as she ran into his arms. Quiet sobs were muffled in his jacket. Kagome held onto his warmth, finding that his soothing voice calmed her down.

"Shhh Kagome, it's alright. I'm here now, I'll protect you." Shizuki whispered into her hair, as they embraced.

Kagome stood rigid, those words, they were familiar for some reason. But she didn't bother to remember; she looked up and whispered,

"Can we go home?" Shizuki's violet eyes softened, his eyes showing flecks of gold. He nodded and guided her back to his car. He drove Kagome back to her apartment and walked her to her door.

Kagome turned around and smiled.

"Thank you." Although that was the only thing she said, her eyes told of the emotions that needn't be said out loud. Shizuki nodded and responded.

"Take care of yourself." He then turned around and walked out of the building as Kagome entered the apartment.

Sango looked up from the show she was watching to see Kagome's eyes swollen red and her constant sniffing. She swiftly set down her bowl of rice and chicken and confronted Kagome.

"What's wrong?" she asked worried.

Kagome started spilling out the story to Sango, how could she keep something from her best friend?

During the story, Sango's fists tightened. Kagome noticed, because at the end of the story, Kagome asked Sango of a favor.

"Sango, please don't do anything rash ok? I don't think I could handle anymore violence."

Sango nodded, her fingers crossed behind her back, not saying anything.

"You better go to bed Kagome, you've had a long night, and a good night's rest will do you some good."

As Kagome shut the door, Sango raised her fists,

"Kouga, you better run, nothing will save you from my wrath." Sango whispered, as her eyes became lit with an intense fire.

That's it! Sorry it's so short; I seem to be having short chapters lately. I'm sorry if there are any errors, I checked it over once. Besides, I want to release this chapter ASAP. I've gotta go now! Homework calls! Till next time!

Animemistress419