I'm still REALLY bored! So, I guess I'll write another chapter! Besides, I may slow down to a chapter every few days as the week goes on…. Because I have family coming over… MOVING ON! And by the way, prepare yourself; this chapter is going to be longer than the rest.

Growing Trust

Kagome and Sango continued to walk, discussing plans for the day. Suddenly, Sango stopped.

"Well, we're here."

Kagome gasped. The house was about the same size and Inuyashas' but that was the only similarity. The architecture was more graceful and flowing, and that coupled with the beautiful blue color made Kagome feel like she was standing at the gates of a water palace. The fountain in front gushed pure, crystal water, which fell in shimmering, diamond drops back to the pool below.

"Is something the matter?"

"No Sango. It's just that your house is so beautiful."

"It's nothing much, come on inside."

They walked inside, and made their way to the second floor, where Sangos' room was located. Unlike Inuyashas' room, which was a lot of red, black, gray, and blue, all in a modern atmosphere, Sangos' was far more elegant. Hers was a mixture of blues and pinks, accented with silver.

"Sango, I love your room!"

"Thank you."

"I wish my room had looked like this."

"If you could design your own room, what would it be like?"

"It would be mostly light blues, yellows, and pinks, with some space for a desk, and maybe a television."

"Cool."

"I would take anything though. I like my room in Inuyashas' house."

"What about it do you like?"

"It lets in a lot of light, has a great view, and has a fireplace."

"Sounds like you're really fitting in there."

"Yeah. It's really starting to feel like home."

"Kagome?"

"Yeah Sango?"

"Can I ask you something?"

"Sure."

"Where did you live before? You don't have to answer if you don't want."

"It's…. okay. I came from the city. Near downtown, on the border between the normal neighborhoods and the slums."

"The city? Wow. Does Inuyasha know?"

"I told him, but I'm not sure he believed me. Why do you ask?"

"Because Inuyasha wants to live in the city."

"So he said."

"Yeah, he feels uncomfortable here."

"I know. He told me why."

"Because he's a hanyou?"

"Yeah."

"Did he tell you the rest?"

"Huh?"

"Never mind, it's his past. Sorry Kagome, it's just best if he tells you himself."

"That's okay Sango, I understand."

"I'm glad."

"Kagome, can I do your hair?"

"What?"

"Do you mind if I do your hair?"

"Um…. No. Go ahead."

Kagome turned so Sango could do her hair. Sango wet it down with a spray bottle, and combed through it.

"Kagome, you have such beautiful hair!"

"You think so?"

"It's wonderful!"

"Thank you Sango."

They continued to chat while Sango worked, and Kagome soon felt completely comfortable with Sango. About ten minutes later, Sango finished, holding up a mirror triumphantly.

"Done!"

"Oh Sango! It's beautiful!"

"Sure is! You look great!"

Sango had pulled her hair back into a ponytail, leaving to locks of hair down to frame her face. She had then dressed it up with curved butterfly ornament, which fit over the hair tie, and it was held in place by a small metal stick. Both stick and butterfly were accented with blue rhinestones.

"Thank you so much Sango!"

"It's no big deal."

"You sure like butterflies don't you?"

"I only have two butterfly hair accessories. The one I'm wearing and the one in your hair."

"I'll give it back as soon as I can. I promise!"

"No need. You can keep it."

"Bu- But Sango!"

"It's okay. It suits you in more ways than one."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, It looks good on you, matches your personality, and butterflies are the symbol for new life, are they not?"

"Yes, but I don't quite understand."

"Well, you left whatever life you had before, and found this one, where you seem to be happy."

"I guess so…"

"So go ahead and keep it."

"Okay, thank you…. Can I do your hair now?"

"Sure"

Meanwhile, Inuyasha and Miroku were finishing their eighth round of Dynasty Warriors 4.

"Wow Miroku, you are really sucking today!"

"You always beat me at this game!"

"Okay fine, what do you wanna play?"

"I dunno, lets just turn it off for now."

"Whatever." Inuyasha said, switching off the TV.

"So… how long has Kagome been here?"

"About a month and a half, why?"

"How far have to two gotten?"

"Miroku! I already told you, it's not like that!"

"Whatever you say pal…. Hey, have you told her?"

"That I'm a hanyou?"

"Yeah."

"A couple days ago."

"I see. She's pretty mysterious."

"I know. I don't know what happened to her."

"Well, don't rush her, she's obviously been to something horrific. Best let her tell you when she's ready."

"Yeah."

"Inuyasha?"

"What?"

"Do you want her to stay?"

"Me? It's up to her."

"I know, but I'm asking what YOU want."

"I dunno. I'd be happy if she stayed, but I won't force her."

"I agree."

"So what game do you want to play now Miroku?"

At 3 o' clock, Inuyasha and Miroku walked to the park, to meet up with Kagome and Sango. They had agreed to meet at the shelter in the center of the park. Not that it was a regular wooden shelter. It was surrounded by water, and to get to it, you had to cross a beautifully carved marble bridge. The shelter itself was a large stone construct, and was often used for weddings. On this particular day however, only two people occupied it.

"Kagome! Sango!" Inuyasha called.

Kagome turned, and Inuyashas' eyes widened. Sango had done her hair, and it looked beautiful. The butterfly ornament in her hair looked beautiful, and suited her perfectly. Kagome had also done Sangos' hair, braiding it and slipping into it little sticks accented with pink gems. The two of them looked great. Inuyasha saw Miroku jump as he caught sight of Sango.

"Hey guys!" Sango yelled waving.

"What did you guys do?" Inuyasha inquired

"Nothing much. What about you?"

"Inuyasha only beat me in about 10 games of Dynasty Warriors"

"Big surprise there Miroku." Sango said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

"So what do we do now?" Inuyasha asked.

"How about we go to that new place on Pine Street?" Sango suggested.

"What place?" Kagome asked.

"You'll see. Let's go!" Miroku agreed.

They walked the two blocks to Pine Street, where a new coffee shop had just opened. It was elegant, yet not so much so that it seem exclusive like many of the other restaurants in the area. It was geared mostly for teenagers and other younger people. They walked to the counter to place their orders.

"How may I help you?" One of the employees asked.

"I'll have a medium wildberry smoothie." Sango said.

"I'd like a small caramel latte." Miroku added.

"A medium vanilla chiller for me." Inuyasha said.

Everyone glanced at Kagome, who didn't order.

"What'll you have Kagome?" Sango asked.

"Uh…"

"What's wrong Kagome?" Inuyasha said, concerned.

"I don't have any money. Go ahead and order." She mumbled.

"Oh Kagome, it's okay. I can pay." Inuyasha offered.

"No, I don't want to be a burden."

"You're not!"

"I won't be able to pay you back."

"It's okay, you made breakfast this morning."

"So? I feel horrible, you've all done so much for me, and I can't return your kindness!"

"That's what friends are for."

"No!"

"Kagome, please, just accept it and find a way to repay him later." Sango said.

"Fine!" Turning to the cashier, she added: " I'd like a small, hot chai tea please."

"Okay. Your total is 14.49, and we'll call you when your drinks are ready."

"Thank you." Sango said, as she handed everyone's money to the cashier.

The group took a seat in a booth near the window, and their drinks were ready in a few minutes. When they were all seated, Inuyasha turned to Kagome.

"Kagome, don't worry about it. You came to live with us with nothing, you've made a fresh start, and Arani considers you a member of the family, just like Sango and Miroku."

"Don't concern yourself. Besides, after seeing our homes, don't you think we can afford a chai tea?" Miroku added, trying to lighten the mood.

"I guess."

The group finished their drinks, chatting all the while, and long after their beverages were gone. Suddenly Miroku looked at the clock.

"CRAP! It's already 5 o' clock! I gotta get home! "

"As do I." Sango said.

"We should go too." Inuyasha said.

They threw away their garbage, and headed out the door. At the corner, Sango and Miroku split off to go to their homes, while Kagome and Inuyasha went in another direction. When they arrived back at the house, Arani had dinner waiting. After a meal of chicken alfredo, Inuyasha and Kagome played Dynasty Warriors, until about 10 o' clock, when Kagome stood up and stretched.

"Well, I'm off to bed."

"Goodnight Kagome."

"Goodnight Inuyasha."

With that she left the room, and Inuyasha switched off the game. He walked over and turned on his computer, signed on the internet, and went to check his email.

Sango couldn't tell me out loud if she found out anything, but maybe she sent me something.

He looked through until her found one from Sango.

There!

He opened the email.

Inuyasha,

Things couldn't have been more perfect. Kagome complimented my room, and I asked her about what she would like if she could design. Her answer was what I expected: plain and practical. She said she'd use pastel colors for her room, mainly blues, yellows, greens, and pinks. She'd like a desk, and as she put it: "…maybe a television." She likes the room she has because it has a fireplace for warmth, and a large window for light. It's typical of her not to want too much, from what I've seen today. But Inuyasha, I think we can afford to spoil her a bit, don't you think? If you have and doubts, consult me, because no offense, some things are only understood by a female mind.

See ya later,

Sango

"Perfect." Inuyasha whispered, then hit reply and sent a message back to Sango.

Sango,

Thanks a lot, that is exactly what I needed. I'm thinking some bamboo plants, and some other elegant Asian touches. I will ask you about some things, count on it. If you find out any more, please tell me. I'm open to suggestions. And by the way, what to you think of the room below mine for Kagome, it's large, and has plenty of light and a fireplace.

Thanks

Inuyasha.

Whew…. That was long wasn't it? I hope you liked it. Things will start to slow down, now that my company has arrived, but I will try to keep it up! It's a good thing this is long, because I have something to do tomorrow and Thursday. In case you were wondering, the coffee shop ideas/prices came from my moms' coffee shop that she runs… so it is authentic. As ever, I would like to hear your thought/ opinions/ suggestions/ predictions, so please review if you have the time after this long chapter! Thanks, Twilight.