No, I am sorry; but I do not own Inuyasha…Rumiko Takahashi owns him and his company!

Author's Note: Hello everyone and I hope you are enjoying everything you see! I would like to point out that in the next possibly 2-3 chapters everyone's story will be set in a different time and place. I put the places and times so that no one would be confused. Today is still the same day as the evacuation which left off in chapter 8…Except for Sango/Miroku…You'll see why! Enjoy and please review!

Chapter 9: A night out on the town!

Nacogdoches (4:00pm)

Kagome finally made it home after driving three and a half hours. Her muscles were stiff from the long drive and as soon as she pulled up into her drive way her cell phone begins to ring to the tune of "Fur Elise" by Beethoven.

"Hello Inuyasha."

"Hey Kagome…I just called to check in."

"Hmm, well, I'm fine as you can tell. I just made it home actually."

"Oh really…That's good, I was worried about you."

"Why?"

"Why not? Since I've known you it's been one scrape after another, and who's been there when it's happened?"

"You…"

"And who's been there to get you out of danger?"

"You…except for the elevator incident. That time you were just a pain in the ass!"

"Yeah, well, you weren't exactly a walk in the park."

"At least I treated you with dignity!"

"Whatever Kagome…Geeze, I just called to make sure you were all right!"

"Yeah, well, now you know!"

"Yeah…Um, Kagome?"

"What is it Inuyasha?"

"I love you."

"You're an ass."

"And you're mine."

Kagome sighed at the sound of his voice hearing the last sentence come out so possessive with a slight growl for emphasis. She never thought he would ever feel that way about her and she never thought she would ever feel the same.

"Kagome?"

"Yes?"

"Ok, just making sure you're still with me."

"Of course…Um, Inuyasha, where are you anyways?"

"Oh, well, Mom, Kenjen, and I decided to stay at Sam Houston State University. They have plenty of room here so far. We're just spread out in the classrooms and watching TV."

"How's Kenjen taking it?"

"Just fine actually…He just made a friend. I think he called him Shippo."

"Well, that's good! I was worried about him."

"He was worried about you too. He kept telling me to call you because if anything happened to his 'future mother' he would never forgive himself!"

"Inuyasha, perhaps we should have a talk with him or something?"

"And why should we?"

"Well, Inuyasha I mean-"

"What? You don't like the idea?"

"Huh? Oh, I'm sorry Inuyasha, someone's on the other line."

"That's fine, I need to go make sure Kenjen doesn't get into any trouble. Take care Kagome."

"You too."

"And Kagome…"

"Yes?"

"Just think about it."

With those words Inuyasha pressed "end" on his cell phone thinking to himself.

Inu Pov

What am I doing? She's so young; I can't ask her to be Kenjen's mother. Even though I wouldn't mind having her to wake up to in the mornings. And having another woman other than his grandma tuck him in at night would do him so good. He'd finally have the family he deserves…But I have to stop thinking like this. Kagome's reaction was as clear as day. She's just not ready, or maybe she's just not ready for me.

…………………………..

"Hello Ayumi."

"Kagome! Are you all right? Did you make it back in one piece? And girl why didn't you call me sooner?"

"Ayumi, calm down! I just got back and as a matter of fact I am still sitting in my car. Do you think you can wait for just two minutes?"

"Yeah sure, but call me back in two minutes!"

"Fine."

CLICK

"Hello Ayumi?"

"Hey! That was not two minutes Kagome!"

"What did you expect? I had to say hello to Mom, Grandpa, and Souta."

"You didn't have to take so long! I've been waiting for ten minutes!"

"Eh, get over it!"

"Fine, whatever, anyways…What are you doing tonight?"

"Um, well, probably going to wash clothes and do homework."

"Clothes? Homework? Girl, you just got home, let's go do something!"

"Like what?"

"Well, Ginta wants us to meet him at Caffeine Craze."

"Ginta? As in the boy who keeps stalking you?"

"Yeah…He's a really sweet boy Kagome. Once you get passed the following, constant touching and smelling, and of course his devoted affections for me…He's not so bad."

"I wouldn't happen to be the middle man would I?"

"Of course not! He wants to meet you Kagome! We're like sisters and he thought any sister of mine should be his sister too!"

"So, just coffee?"

"Well, he was also thinking about going bowling."

"Bowling?"

"Yeah! Come on Kagome! You just got home! Let's go have some fun on your first night back in three weeks!"

"Fine, whatever!"

…………………………

San Antonio (8:00pm)

"Koga! It's so good to see a familiar face!"

"Right back at ya Ayame! Is that your family?" asked Koga pointing and waving at her Mom and Rin.

"Yeah, we just came to get a bite to eat."

"Oh, so did you manage to find a place to stay?"

"Uh, well, actually we're still looking."

"Are you now?"

"Yeah, it seems as if we've been on the road forever."

"Hmm, well, I guess that means one thing."

"What?"

"You'll have to stay at my place, and I won't take no for an answer!"

"But Koga! We can't impose!"

"No, you wouldn't be, um, actually Ayame. You see that hotel on the corner over there?"

Koga pointed passed Ayame to reveal a very nice country cottage looking hotel with a green roof and green balconies outside every room.

"Yeah, what about it?"

"Well, I know the owners."

"Oh really, and how do you know the owner's of the Packard's Inn?"

"Because you are talking to their son…Koga Packard."

…………………………………

"I guess this is it!"

"I guess so Sango."

The bus arrived at the station around 6am only being delayed for two hours due to heavy traffic. All the passengers groggy from such a long ride began massaging their muscles and popping every joint known to man. Ironic enough, everyone hurried on the bus in the beginning; but was now moving slower than turtles getting off.

Once off Miroku helped Sango unload her luggage and carry it for her plus his own suitcase inside the bus station. She offered to help; but she realized she was hurting his pride by trying to take the luggage away from him. As they walked inside, Miroku stopped putting down everything in order to open the door for her. Seeing this Sango looked into his handsome eyes and paused.

Sango Pov

I can't believe he's actually doing this! What is he thinking? Perhaps he's not! Although, I hate to admit it…This is actually kind of nice. He may be a pervert; but he has a good heart.

After realizing she was staring, she blushed and proceeded inside the station waiting for Miroku to once again gather everything and meet her inside. After getting situated they sat down together wondering if they should end their fun now or later.

"So, are you waiting for someone Sango?"

"Well, actually, I told my parents I would call a cab once I arrived. I didn't want to disturb their sleeping so early in the morning."

"A cab huh? Well, do you have somewhere to be soon?"

"Um, I don't think so…"

"Would you like to go get some breakfast? My treat!"

…………………………………….

Kagome and Ayumi arrived at Caffeine Craze around 6pm. Caffeine Craze as described by Ayumi on the phone is a little rendezvous café for all sorts of people. She said think Starbucks but even trendier.

After parking, Kagome and Ayumi slid out of their cars and hugged each other showing their fond relationship. They have been friends since Jr. High and even now after all these years they have remained still the best of friends.

"I really think you'll like Ginta once you get to know him."

"Yeah, well, it really doesn't matter because I'm just the middle man remember?"

"Kagome, you are not the middle man!"

"Whatever!"

As they walked in only a few people was seated listening to the karaoke being sung on top of a stage as you entered to your right. To their left Ayumi and Kagome saw Ginta and another boy with him.

"Hello Ayumi, you are looking as lovely as ever. And this must be Kagome!"

"Nice to meet you Ginta."

"Likewise…I'm glad you came Kagome. This is my friend Hakkaku."

Kag Pov

Oh tell me this isn't happening! Is he trying to set me up with one of his friends? Did Ayumi know about this? If she did she is so dead!

"Uh, hey Hakkaku, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Pleasures all my Kagome."

Everyone stood in the center of the room staring at each other for awhile until Ginta moved us all into a corner sitting on two couches facing each other. Ayumi and Ginta on one with his arm around her and Kagome and Hakkaku on the other spread a great deal apart.

He turned to look at her getting closer trying to close the gap.

"Um, Ayumi said you go to Lamar, how do you like it?"

"Uh, well, besides the hurricane it was going pretty well."

Kagome slid a little more to her left as he slid even closer to her.

"Oh yeah, did you have a safe trip Kagome," asked Ginta casually.

"Oh it was fine! The traffic was pretty bad; but I made it, that's all that matters."

"It must have been scary driving by yourself?" Said Hakkaku inching closer.

"Uh, well, it wasn't as bad as you'd think," said Kagome inching even further away.

"Well, a pretty girl like-"

"Humpf!" was the sound Kagome gave out as she slid herself right off of the couch and flat on her rear.

"Oh no! Kagome! Are you all right?" cried Ayumi getting up to help her friend.

"Oh yeah…You know they should really make these things longer." Joked Kagome trying to avoid the terrible blush growing on her cheeks.

"I guess they should," noted Hakkaku backing away from Kagome's seat.

Once Kagome was sitting back on the couch Ginta had an idea.

"Hey! The singer just left the stage…Let's sing a song!"

"What?" asked Kagome with a wide eyed expression.

"But Ginta…Didn't you want to go bowling? And weren't we suppose to order some coffee?"

"Oh well, we can get coffee later, and bowling…Well, remember last time you bowled Ayumi?"

"Oh yeah…"

"Wait…I didn't hear about this," said Kagome.

"And nor should you," proclaimed Ayumi folding her arms across her chest.

"Well, I think she has a right to know when her friend bowls a strike…"

"That's good!"

"In the lane three down from ours…"

"Huh? How'd you manage to do that?"

"Well, you know me Kagome...I like being difficult!"

"And a nut…" said Ginta under his breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing my love."

"Oh yeah, take this!"

And they immediately began their tickle fest going back and forth between each other. Kagome and Hakkaku looked at their friends wondering if they were going to be ok. After they were finished Ginta went back on the subject of karaoke.

"Hey Kagome? Aren't you a music major?"

"Um, yeah…"

"Oh yes! She has the voice of an angel! You must sing Kagome!"

"I don't think so…I've been singing non-stop for three weeks."

"All the more reason for you to not stop now!"

"But Ginta-"

"I won't take no for an answer missy, now march up on that stage! Hey, you could even do a song with Hakkaku!"

………………………….

"This is very generous of you Koga. I don't know how we could ever repay you."

"Don't worry about it Ayame. You're one of my residents; I'm suppose to take care of you."

"If there's anything we could do, please let us know."

"Don't worry; your mom is trying to talk my parents into letting you guys pay. I explained the situation and they won't have it…Especially since I told them you're my girlfriend…"

Koga was carrying their luggage to his room as they spoke.

"What? You told them I was your girlfriend!"

"Well, you got a free room didn't you? And you can have whatever you want!"

"But Koga! I can't pretend to be your girlfriend!"

"It's all right Ayame…Just a few hugs will do."

"But…"

"It's ok…Trust me Ayame!"

The finally stopped in front of us room, and Koga fidgeted in his pockets to find his old key.

"This is my room; I of course hardly ever use it because of school."

"This is really neat! Have you always had your own hotel room?"

"Actually, my parents agreed to take over the hotel just three years ago. They said it would be nice to have a change."

"Hmm, sometimes changes can be pretty bad."

"Not all the time Ayame. Just depends on how you look at it."

He gave her a smile and allowed her to walk in the room giving him ample time to put the luggage down.

"I can't believe you did this for me Koga!"

"I'd do anything just to see that smile of yours."

Ayame blushed at his words and as soon as their endless stares began, Rin burst through the door hugging on to Koga's legs.

"Oh this place is so awesome Koga! Thank you so much for liking my sister! By the way…Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why do you like my sister? Doesn't she get on your nerves?"

"Rin!"

Koga began to chuckle out loud and picked Rin up into his arms.

"Well Rin, I'll explain it to you when you're older."

"Everyone always says that…What they never realize is that I am getting older by the minute!"

"Hmm…Do you really like it here Rin?"

"Yes! Very much!"

"Would you like to stay?"

"Yes, I would."

"Well, you see, that's going to depend on your sister."

"Why?"

"Well-"

"Well, it's because I have to decide whether to sleep under the same roof as my boyfriend or not," broke in Ayame.

"Right," said Koga with a smile.

"But Ayame, it's not like you are going to be sleeping in the same bed or anything!"

"I'll explain it to you when you're older Rin."

"You grown-ups are all the same!"

Rin asked to be put down and Koga did as she said. She hugged him one last time and decided to be nice and hug Ayame too. Kissing her on the cheek she left the room to go find her mother.

…………………………….

"Hope you're hungry Sango, this place has the best breakfast."

"Miroku…It's Denny's…"

"I know! Isn't it great?"

"Sure…"

"So, what are you getting?"

"Um…Probably just some pancakes."

"Just pancakes? It's Denny's! Plus, I'm buying."

"Miroku…You paid for the cab and now you want to pay for the meal?"

"I said it was my treat and I meant it. But if you're feeling uncomfortable perhaps we can make a deal."

"What kind of deal?"

"How about you answer my question from earlier?"

"What question?"

"The one you never answered."

"About us?"

"Yeah, how 'bout it Sango? Will you be mine?"

"Miroku-"

"Come on Sango…I really care about you. Let me show my affections for you."

"If I said 'yes' you would stop being…You know…"

"I would stop for you when it comes to other women…But as for you my dear…"

"I don't want to be grabbed as an object!"

"I know…I'm sorry, you're right. I was kidding anyway. I'd treat you like the woman you deserve to be treated."

"Well…All right…Consider me yours."

……………………..

There were more people in the café than before and Kagome could feel the butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. She hated singing in front of people, especially complete strangers. The only time she had ever felt comfortable singing was when…Inuyasha was with her.

The music began to play on the machine and Kagome froze. Hakkaku was trying to dance beside her; but it looked more like he was about to vomit from the way he kept trying to move his rear up and down and bend over the stage.

The song they chose was "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn. Kagome and Hakkaku did their best to sing together; but after a few lyrics Hakkaku stepped down and gave complete control to Kagome. She tried not to be so nervous; but her heart wouldn't allow her to. Not until she thought of Inuyasha. Everything seemed to fall in to place after that.

"Put on my blue suede shoes and I boarded the plane. Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues in the middle of the pouring rain…"

After the song was finished everyone began clapping and giving Kagome praise. She walked back to her friends and Ayumi gave her a huge hug telling her she was wonderful. Ginta and Hakkaku looked at her with their mouths wide open not knowing what to tell her first.

It was very close to 9:30pm. and Kagome admitted she needed to get home so she could call her friends. The boys said good night to the ladies and Hakkaku tried to hook up with Kagome one last time.

"You know…If you're not doing anything tomorrow Kagome, they're having a movie fest at SFA tomorrow…Would you be interested?"

"Uh, well, I don't know…I think my boyfriend has something planned."

Kag Pov

Ok, so I lied to the boy. I couldn't help it! I know Inuyasha isn't here; but I just can't keep having this guy come on to me.

Ayumi looked at her friend in disbelief.

Ayumi Pov

That girl has a boyfriend and didn't tell me? We tell each other everything! If I'd have known I wouldn't have asked Ginta to try and hook her and Hakkaku up! Now I look like an idiot. Thanks a lot Kagome!

The group said good night to each other and the boys took off in their cars leaving Kagome and Ayumi in the parking lot. She immediately turned to her friend saying,

"What the hell? You never said anything about a boyfriend!"

"Oh…I guess I forgot to tell you."

"Forgot to tell me! After I managed to get you a nice boy you end up having a boyfriend!"

"Ah ha! I knew it! You were the one who set this thing up with Hakkaku!"

"Well, I kept trying to tell you Kagome, you weren't a middle man!"

"Whatever Ayumi…Now you know, I have a boyfriend!"

"Ok…Well, you know what this means?"

"What?"

"Sleepover!"

…………………………

End Chapter 9!

Thank you guys for reading and reviewing! I really appreciate it and hope you are enjoying what you read! Chapter 10 is being typed up as you guys read this. I should have it posted by tomorrow night. Just a while a go I figured out how I wanted the story to end; but believe me…We are a long ways away from the end! Please keep reading and reviewing everyone! Chapter 10: Will we ever go home?