Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha, or any nursery rhymes.

The Mother Goose Escapades

No. 12

Curly Locks, Curly Locks

Will you be mine?

You shall not wash dishes,

Nor feed the swine,

But sit on a cushion

And sew a fine seam,

And sup upon strawberries,

sugar, and cream.

Kagome rubbed her temples in mild frustration. She wasn't quite certain how she got herself roped into this. Across from her, Hojou sat beaming.

"You know Kagome, it is quite the beautiful day outside. Perhaps we should sit in the sun. You could use some sun!" At his words, Kagome felt her eyebrow raise. She had just spent the last week in the sun, traipsing after some idiot demon intent on keeping a jewel shard. But still...Hojou didn't know.

"Sure Hojou, I'm always up for a little sunshine." She went to get up, but the taller boy rushed around and helped her stand up slowly.

"Don't want you getting lightheaded!" he said with concern. As Kagome looked into his eyes, she felt her frustration growing. But of course, all Hojou had to go on was what her grandfather told him. And she was still very, very sick. So sick in fact, she shouldn't have come out at all. How had she missed that excuse? But still...it wasn't like Hojou knew.

"I think I'll be alright, but thank you," Kagome said as brightly as she could. He helped her walk outside, and towards a bench overlooking the park. Before she sat down, he produced a funny looking pillow.

"Don't want you getting out of whack, this will help keep everything in line," Hojou cajoled, gently pushing Kagome down. The miko was becoming something resembling livid. If only she could sit the boy! Even though he was only trying to be nice. It was only that he didn't know.

"Thanks for looking out for me." Kagome forced a smile as Hojou sat beside her. His face lit up with a smile and Kagome felt a little guilty at her imagined ways of dumping the boy.

"I only want the best for you Kagome," he said enthusiastically. "Which reminds me...I have something I wanted to ask you." Kagome's eyebrows shot up. She was afraid to even imagine. Hojou hesitated, looking for the right words.

"See, this is how it is. I don't know you exceptionally well, but I really feel like we're meant to be together. I know that you're really sick, but I think it is something you can overcome, and I'd like to be there for you every step of the way. And then..." At this particular outburst Kagome's heart melted a little towards the boy.

"And then...maybe we could become more than friends. Be more involved than simply dating. I know it's a big step now, Kagome, but it could work. No matter what happens, I can look out for you. You won't have to clean house, or cook, or really do anything strenuous at all. I will take care of you Kagome. You can simply be happy and secure."

Kagome's heart hardened again. This wasn't what she wanted. Perhaps a year or so ago, before she fell down the well, this would have been adequate. But now...now Kagome knew herself better. She knew she could accomplish absolutely anything, if she put her mind to it. Not only was she completely capable of doing menial tasks like cleaning or cooking, she was also a decent shot with an arrow and an intense fighter. And that was something she enjoyed very much.

It was in that instance that Kagome Higurashi realized she had grown up. Not only did she realize she wanted more out of life, she knew she deserved it. And there was only one being with whom she felt she could share such a life. So she turned and faced Hojou, the poor boy waiting for an answer.

"I'm sorry Hojou, but you just don't know me very well at all." And then Kagome got up and walked away.

"I'm coming back early Inuyasha..."

Author's Notes: I'm still feeling a little down, so I'm just going through the ones I already had written. I promise, requested ones coming soon! Btw, the italicized words at the end...that's supposed to be Kagome whispering to herself.