Okay, here I am. Not (quite) dead. First, I would like to say thank you to everyone who has reviewed, even though my story seemed dead. You were my anchor in the chaos that real life has been for the last year. I am sorting it out, and have got back into writing. Second, is that since my other story is practically complete (off to the beta), I can now spend all my time on this story. Yeah!

…And yes, I am watching the Oscars…

Disclaimer: Here Inuyasha! Here boy! I've got doggy treats! ... Nope, still can't convince him to be mine. He still belongs to Rumiko Takahashi.

Chapter 5

After getting a goodnights rest, and a warm meal into him, Inuyasha was back to being his usual self. Well, mostly. Though he wasn't as far gone as he was the past week, the dog demon was still a little off. His temper became worse, and he snapped at everyone who so much as breathed next to him. This, of course, led to many a 'sit' from Kagome, even several smacks from Sango. He was also very jumpy, and would startle at the slightest sound. All in all, the village had had enough, and was starting lose their patience with the hanyou. And then something happened that changed that, something that made Inuyasha back down and calm himself, reigning in his temper.

He made a little girl cry.

And not just the water-in-the-eyes cry, or the sniffling cry were on tried to hide the fact that they were crying. Oh no, this was the heart-wrenching-body-shaking-full-blown-sobbing type of cry.

Inuyasha had stood there, frozen as the villagers glared at him, mumbling how cruel and heartless he was, to make such a young girl cry like that. They tried to comfort her, but she only cried harder. Then Inuyasha did something unexpected. The people all thought that he would flee, and wait until it was over before coming back as arrogant as before and try to place the blame on everything but himself. Instead, he apologized.

Yes, he apologized. He sat down in front of the girl, gathered her in his arms and told her how sorry he was, hoe he didn't mean to make her cry. The entire village watched, amazed as someone as brash and arrogant as the dog demon cradled the girl to his chest, rocking her back and forth, and stroking her hair until the cries stopped. Even after she had fallen asleep he held her thinking to himself, before sighing and giving the child to her mother. Then he left to sit in his tree.

(Break)

The group sat in Keade's hut, having their evening meal when Inuyasha came in. They all looked to each other before breaking the silence.

"Um, Inuyasha?" Kagome stared at her friend. "Are you all right?"

Inuyasha snorted. "Of course I'm all right, wench!"

Kagome ignored the 'wench' part and kept prodding. "I mean, you've been really angry and jumpy lately, does this have to do with your, um, marriage?"

Inuyasha sighed. "Look, I already said I was sorry, okay, what more do you want from me?"

No one said anything they just stared at him with intense eyes. He shifted uncomfortably.

"Okay okay, sheesh," he muttered. "Nosey people."

He cleared his throat. "It's been almost two weeks since the, the… that, and nothing has happened yet." Judging from the blank looks that he was receiving, he figured they didn't understand. "If Seshoumaru or my ma-, my mmmma… fiancé does not come for me in two weeks after issuing the scroll, the contract is null and void."

"Ah, so this is the reason for your jumpiness," Miroku nodded knowingly.

The hanyou scowled. "Shut up."

"So if no one comes within the next three days, then you are free from this contract, right?" Sango wanted to know that she understood this right.

"Yup." Inuyasha smirked. "Only three more days to go until I'm free. Hhehehe."

The group sweatdropped at their slightly disturbed companion.

(Break)

A figure stood in front of a window in an elegant study, watching as the sun set across his lands. No expression graced his face as the sky danced with all the hues of a rainbow, saying its goodbye to their bright friend, and hello to their moody friend, who sometimes hid from their eyes. Finally, the brilliant colours faded away to their resting place to wait for morning.

The figure moved from the window, and gracefully walked across the room. Though he need not sleep, a short rest would be desired, as he knew he would need the extra boost in energy for tomorrow, because tomorrow…

The figure smirked. "I'll be coming for you, little brother."

(Break)

Okay, this one is very short, but I needed to get something out. Once I start writing, I'm fine, but I need that push, so, a short chapter. I hope that it will tide you for a while, quench your thirst for something new, eh? And I can't seem to think of a title for this one.

And I know that last chapter Inuyasha was crazy, but have you never stayed up way too long, with little food? You tend to go a little bit weird. Trust me, I know. Damn junior high 'all-nighters.'

Mistress