I'm back again, with another chapter in this odd whim of mine… But from your reviews, it seem you enjoy this, no matter how odd it seems to me. I've prepared another chapter… and I hope it's still going well, as the last two chapters seemed a little… off… to me. I'm really trying to fix that, and I appreciate your opinions

Haunting

Inuyasha froze. Why was she asking him that? He could tell she was still terrified, but she was forcing herself to talk to him. What was going on?

Kagome didn't know what to do. He was just staring at her, completely silent. It made her nervous. She was still uncomfortable having him near, but she tried, especially after what Arani said.

"You'll have to forgive Inuyashas' manners. He lost his parents four years ago, and he still hasn't recovered. He was injured badly, and went into a coma. He was like that for almost a year. He's still lonely, and doesn't know how to react."

"I'm sorry. I can't help it though."

"I'm sure it will be fine, once you get to know each other better."

"I'd like that. I know how he feels."

She closed her eyes, wishing she hadn't brought that up. It still hurt too much. Arani noticed the pain in the girls face.

"It's okay. Take your time, these wounds don't heal quickly."

"So, where am I?" She repeated.

"Um… Oak Tree Acres." He replied.

"OAK TREE ACRES!" She cried.

"What is your problem?"

"It's the fanciest place in- near the city! I shouldn't be in such a rich place!"

"You can't help it!"

"I can't stay here!" She snapped, as she tried to get up.

"Don't you get it? You're hurt! YOU HAVE TO STAY!" Inuyasha yelled back.

Kagome was shocked- no frozen, in fright. Was he going to hit her, just like her father had? She sunk back into the pillows with a whimper. Inuyasha just glared at her for a minute, collecting himself.

"Look. I told you before. You are hurt, you've gotta stay here. No one cares if you stay. You're welcome here. If I'm what making you nervous, then I will keep my distance! That's just fine with me."

He crossed to the door and stormed out, slamming it shut behind him. He stomped down the halls and made his way to his room. Jumping onto the roof, he stayed there, watching the sky, thinking.

Maybe I was too hard on her… No. She doesn't want me around. I'll just stay away then.

Kagome felt bad, she didn't mean to hurt him… But he was gone. She lay back on the pillows and drifted off, exhausted by the excitement. The nightmares soon returned.

His fists were raining down upon her. Over and over she screamed until he finally lost it. He leaned close, and she could smell the alcohol, hovering about him like a cloud.

"How dare you stick up for yourself? You are nothing! Do you hear me? NOTHING!"

She struggled, trying to escape, but he held he tight. Suddenly, there was a fiery pain in her right side. He withdrew the knife from her flesh, and walked off, leaving her to die. She faintly heard her mother defending her daughter. Then the scream came. She saw her mother fall, and then blacked out. When she came to, it was hours later, and everything was silent. She struggled to her feet, and went looking for her mother. She was lying in the next room, in a pool of blood.

Kagome screamed. She sat straight up, and the pain made her scream again. Arani rushed into the room.

"Kagome! Are you okay?"

"It- it was all a dream…" She stammered.

"There there, it's all going to be fine." Arani said.

She walked over and sat on the bed. Kagome collapsed into her arms sobbing. Arani patted her on the back, and tried to calm her down.

"I'm so sorry…. It's just that…. "

"It was a memory turned nightmare, right?"

"Yeah."

"Do you want to move into my room?"

"No, I'm fine now… It's just scary."

"Well, if you want to talk about it… come to me."

Arani stood, and was about to leave the room, but Kagome stopped her.

"Arani?"

"Yes Kagome?"

"Can you apologize to Inuyasha for me? I think I hurt him today, and now he won't come near me. I freaked out because he got mad. When my dad got mad…"

"Did he hit you?" Arani asked.

Kagome nodded. Arani let out a small gasp, and returned to sitting beside Kagome.

"Oh child… I'm so sorry."

"It's not your fault."

"May I ask you something? You don't have to answer…"

"What is it?"

"Was he the one who stabbed you?"

There was a long awkward pause, as Kagome drew several long breaths.

"Yes, it was."

"What happened after that? Where is the rest of your family?"

"He killed my mother, then killed himself. He left me to die."

"I'm so sorry dear. Any other family?"

"No."

"Kagome….?"

"What?"

"Remember when I said you could stay until you were ready to move on?"

"Yes….?"

"Well, would you consider becoming our permanent guest?"

"What?"

"You have nowhere to go, and I'd like you to stay here with us…"

"I don't know…"

"Well, consider it… I wouldn't mind. Nor would Inuyasha."

"Really?"

"Of course."

Arani stood up, bid her goodnight, and left. Kagome lay awake, thinking about what Arani had said. She was also hesitant to return to sleep. After a while though, she couldn't help it no longer. Her eyes closed and she fell into a deep, untroubled sleep.

Not that it really mattered anyway, because someone was watching her. They sat outside her window, the very picture of a vigilant protector. Silent, yet still in plain sight, she would have noticed them if she had only looked out her window.

Well, there you go; chapter five. I wont be able to update until the weekend, I have something scheduled. But it will be up sometime during the weekend. Plus, I'm having some serious writers' block right now. I'll work through it though. As always, I love to hear from you. So, until next chapter, see ya later! Twilight