Disclaimer: -bangs on front door of large mansion- Hey, will you give him to me already!

A/N: -ducks rotting tomatoes- Hey, hey, now, now. Kagome is no wimp and I know this, but we have to understand that we react differently to different types of threats. Family is not supposed to be the enemy-it's unexpected and far worse on the nerves. Family is supposed to comfort and shelter you from the dangers of the world. And if one truly has a kind heart as Kagome does, one tries to be an optimist and hope for the best. Hurting your family is far harder than cutting down some demon you don't even know. Blood is blood, whether you want it to or not it binds you to your family. Kagome's got a back bone, believe me, and in a little while Shina's gonna wish she never thought of touching Inu Yasha.

And the reason I let Kagome sleep so much, is the poor thing isn't going to get much once her friends arrive.

Chapter 9 – A Friendly Chat

Kagome woke to the sensation of being very warm and very content, despite the coolness of the room. She blushed from ear to ear when she discovered the reason why. Inu Yasha had one strong arm wrapped around her. She recalled a hazy memory of being half asleep and inviting him into her bed. Truth be told, she wasn't angry in the least. As a matter of fact, she liked it very much. But she looked toward the door in trepidation. "Inu Yasha?" He mumbled something in his sleep, drawing her closer, and began to nuzzle the back of her neck with a cold nose. Kagome couldn't help the little shiver and the little giggle. "Inu Yasha, that tickles."

-Inu Yasha's dream-

Inu Yasha slipped his arm around Kagome's waist and jumped into Goshinboku. He set her in his lap and leaned back into the ancient tree.

Kagome watched the sunset over the horizon of the Feudal Era. "Wow, it's so pretty from up here." She turned to smile at him. And his breath caught in his throat at her angelic appearance. The sun's warm orange glow lit her skin like fire.

"I'm glad you like it." He finally managed.

"Inu Yasha, why did it take so long for you to tell me how you felt?" He saw the small frown that tugged at her lips.

"Well, I had a lot of other things to deal with, you know? Like Narraku and Kaguya and…"

"Kikyo?"

He looked away unable to meet the pain in her eyes. "Well, uh…"

She sighed. "I know I can't get you to forget her. And I don't think I'd ever ask you too. But tell me something honestly." Slowly he raised his gaze to meet hers. "If she came back…would you….would you…."

"No!" He pulled her tight against him.

"Inu Yasha?"

"I'll never leave you! Never!" He nuzzled her neck to emphasize his point.

She giggled softly. "Inu Yasha, that tickles."

For a split second a thought wandered through his mind. 'That's an odd thing to say at a time like this.'

-End of dream-

Inu Yasha's ears twitched and a second later he sat bolt up right. He scooted away from Kagome blushing feverishly, a frightened look on his face. His ears flattened and he looked like he was going to be sat right through the six stories below him. Kagome sat up too, a gentle smile played on her lips. She hadn't meant to scare him away. He seemed to relax a little at her smile. "It's okay, you just-"

She was cut off by the phone ringing and Iki's calling her. "Kagome are you awake, dear? It's time to get up?" Iki's footsteps could be heard as she approached the door.

Kagome turned back to Inu Yasha, but he was gone already. She saw the blur of his blue jeans disappear onto the balcony.

A moment later Iki opened the door. "Kagome, are you all right? I was calling you."

Kagome drew her gaze back to the doorway where her mother stood. "Oh, sorry Mom, I was just getting up."

Iki smiled. "Okay. Eri's on the phone. She said-huh?"

Kagome jumped up and bolted for the phone in the other room. "Eri!" Everyone in the room jumped at her yell. Inu Yasha came through the balcony door on high alert. He gave an annoyed scowl when he discovered nothing was wrong. She waved a hand at him and said a soft sorry, then turned her attention back to the person on the phone. "Eri, where are you guys? Have you made it to the beach yet? Great! Really? Well, I don't know. Hold on." Kagome turned to her mother. "Are we doing anything today?"

Iki frowned slightly then sighed. "No, actually they decided that today everyone should go out on their own to enjoy the beach. I heard some of your cousins say they were going out tonight. Perhaps you two should go with them. I'm sure if you got to know Shina and Kado a little better you'd like them."

Inu Yasha growled and Kagome scowled. "No thanks, I've had enough of them for a while. Besides Eri just invited Inu Yasha and I to go out tonight."

Iki threw her hands into the air in defeat. "Okay, go."

Kagome literally bounced with excitement as she turned back to the phone. "See you in a few. Bye." After hanging up the phone, she hugged her mother warmly. "Thanks mom." She turned and grabbed Inu Yasha's hand, dragging him back into the bedroom. "We have to get ready. Go shower!" She shoved him into the bathroom.

"Hey, wait! I need my-" The door was closed in his face. "Stupid wench." He gave the door a good glare, as if she could see through it, before turning to the shower.

Kagome was dressed in less than three minutes. She wore her bright yellow swimsuit under a spaghetti strapped top and a small blue jean skirt. Iki came into the room and smiled. "You look nice, Kagome."

"Thanks mom."

"Kagome, I was wondering, why was Inu Yasha on the balcony this morning? I didn't see him in the living room this morning either."

Kagome paused for a split second in brushing her hair. "Oh, he slept out there last night. He came and told me when he went out there. Gramps' snoring was keeping him up."

"Oh?" Iki raised an eyebrow at this. She'd been up rather early this morning and had gone out her bedroom door onto the balcony. No one had been there at the time. 'Is she lying to me?'

"Yeah, Inu Yasha's ears are really sensitive, you know? Even little noises bother him. I can't imagine how Gramps' snoring must sound."

"It sounds like a demon with a cold, only ten times louder." Inu Yasha appeared in the bathroom door with a towel wrapped around his bottom half. His silver locks clung to his still damp bare chest.

Kagome turned beat red. "Inu Yasha, what are you doing!"

Iki blushed as well, but chuckled lightly at her daughter's reaction.

"Well, if you'd listened earlier instead of shutting the door in my face, you'd know I didn't have any clothes in there." He lifted his chin proudly and strolled across the carpet to his bag at the foot of the bed. Kagome couldn't help but watch his muscles ripple as he lifted the bag onto the bed.

Iki saw this and took hold of Kagome's arm. "Come on, dear. Let's let him get dressed." Kagome blinked dumbly at her as she pulled her from the room. Iki closed the door behind them. "Do you want any breakfast before you go?" Iki went back into the kitchen to finish preparing breakfast for the others.

"No, we're meeting my friends for breakfast. Oh, can I borrow your beach bag, Mom? We might be gone most of the day."

"Of course, it's at the foot of my bed, dear."

Kagome went to find the bag, while Inu Yasha dressed. As soon as he emerged from the bedroom, Kagome went to fetch a few things. "What are you bringing those things for?" Inu Yasha watched Kagome place his swim trunks in the beach bag.

"We might go swimming later. Come here and let me help you with your bandana." He did as asked and when they were done, they headed for the door. "We'll be back later, Mom!" Kagome grabbed her purse and tucked it in her bag as they stepped out the hotel room.

"Where are we going anyway?"

Kagome grinned as they stepped onto the elevator. "We're going to have breakfast with my friends."

Inu Yasha's ears flattened even more beneath the bandana. He groaned. "Not the ones from that mall place that are so loud?"

Kagome chuckled. "Yeah, the same. Don't worry, they're not always that loud."

The couple made their way outside, where they were greeted by the three girls. "So, where do you guys want to eat?" Yuka asked.

"Let's just walk over to the strand and see what's open." Kagome knew there were several restaurants on the strand which was only about three blocks.

"Okay, but you know we can drive if we need to. I do have my car." Ayume offered.

Kagome blinked. "You have a car?"

Ayume chuckled. "Of course, I got it right after I got my license. We all have licenses. Don't you?"

Kagome looked away shamefully. "Well, uh, no. I just haven't had the time…"

"And she's been so sick, remember?" Eri pointed out. "It's okay. We'll be your wheels until you have a chance to get one."

"Great, but for your right now, we can walk. Come on." Kagome led the way with Inu Yasha the few blocks over to the restaurants. It wasn't long before they found a place that was open and large booth to sit in.

The waiter handed them each a menu. Inu Yasha gawked at the numerous amounts of food in the menu. 'Wow, there so much to choose from. I don't think I know what half these things are.' He leaned close to Kagome. "What is all this stuff?"

"It would take too long to explain right now. So why not let me order for both of us?" Kagome gave him a smile. "You trust me right?"

"Yeah, as long as you don't burn my tongue off with any of that spicy stuff."

"I won't. I promise." When the waiter returned they ordered. It wasn't long after the food arrived.

"So, Kagome, have you and Inu Yasha gone to that new club down here yet?" Yuka said between bites of her omelet.

"Club? What club?" Kagome sipped at her tea.

"It's called the White Tiger. It's supposedly the best club on the beach. Surely you've at least heard of it." Eri interjected.

"No, sorry, but we have been pretty busy with my family. Today was the first break we've gotten from them." Kagome looked back down at her plate and Inu Yasha growled softly at the mention of her family.

"Well, we were planning on going there tonight. Are you guys going to be able to come too?" Ayume asked.

Kagome smiled. "Yeah, I asked my mom and she said it'd be fine. Does that sound good to you, Inu Yasha?" She glanced at the hanyou, who was currently stuffing his face with the large stack of pancakes. He shrugged his shoulders, but didn't bother to stop eating. She chuckled lightly. "I think that was a yes. So, what do you guys want to do in the meantime?"

"We could go to the theme park. You know the one with all the water rides?" Eri volunteered.

"Yeah, that sounds good. We even came prepared." Kagome grinned and held up the beach bag.

"Great, but we'll need to check into our hotel room and change." Ayume took another bite of her breakfast burrito.

"Where is your hotel, anyways?" Kagome cut her piece of sausage in half.

"It's right next to yours. It's the Pink Flamingo." Ayume responded.

"We haven't checked in though. Eri called you from her cell phone on the way here." Yuka took a drink of her orange juice. They finished their meal and headed back to the Pink Flamingo. The girls shared a single room with a small balcony. The hotel was not nearly as nice as the Blue Lagoon, but it suited their purposes. Especially since the girls didn't plan on spending much time there.

Inu Yasha was banished to the small balcony while the girls dressed. He looked around with a bored expression. There wasn't much of a view to speak of. The room faced the hotel's inner court yard where there was a swimming pool. A few children played there while their mothers sunbathed. He yawned and found a place against the glass door to sit. His ears swiveled to listen to the conversation inside the room.

"You've been holding out on us, Kagome." Yuka was slipping into her bathing suit. "You never said he was so hot."

Kagome chuckled nervously. She wondered if Inu Yasha could hear them. "Well, uh…"

"He's got a nice butt." Eri said from the bathroom.

"Eri!" 'Oh, my gods. What if he can hear us!' Kagome was beginning to panic.

"She's right, and those muscles are to die for." Ayume added.

'I feel dizzy.' Kagome's eyes swiveled toward the glass door where she could see Inu yasha's shadow sitting against it.

"And what gorgeous eyes he has. I didn't realize they made gold contact lenses." Yuka looked away dreamily.

Kagome's nervous chuckle returned. "Yeah that's right, their contacts. Neat, huh?"

"And I suppose he dies his hair that color. No one has that color naturally." Eri emerged from the bathroom and Yuka took her place.

"So, did he ever get over that old girlfriend of his?" Ayume asked as she slipped on her own bathing suit.

Kagome frowned. "Oh, well…"

"Don't tell me, he's still hung up on her?" Eri glared at the glass door.

"No, we've talked about that. It's okay now." Kagome quickly tried to defend, but there was a touch of uncertainty in her voice.

Eri eyed her doubtfully. "Are you sure?"

Kagome thought back to the night Inu Yasha had confessed his love for her. She smiled the doubt leaving her and confidence returning to her voice. "Yes, I'm sure. We love each other and I know that now."

Ayume smiled with misty eyes. "That's so great! You two make such a good couple too."

Kagome blushed a little. "Really?"

"Yeah, Hojo never had a shot." Yuka came from the bathroom and Ayume took her place.

Kagome scowled slightly at the mention of Hojo. "Can we please leave him out of this conversation? He's just flat out clueless."

Eri chuckled. "She has a point."

Yuka smirked. "Does that mean, you and Inu Yasha are thinking of marriage?" Kagome turned five shades of red and couldn't seem to get her mouth to work. Her friends began to giggle. "I'll take that as a yes."

Outside, Inu Yasha had turned just as many shades of red as Kagome. 'I wonder why she didn't answer right away?' Doubt seeped into his mind. 'And to think I was going to ask her to…' Then he heard it, the most beautiful sound he'd ever heard.

Kagome had finally managed to get her mouth working again. "We haven't talked about it, but if he ever asked my answer wouldn't be no." She glanced at the glass door where she could have sworn she heard a soft gasp. 'Well, I guess he knows now.'

Ayume appeared from the bathroom. "Are we ready now?"

"No, not yet." Kagome went to the door and pushed aside the curtain a little to slide open the door some. "Inu Yasha, come put your swim trunks on." He nodded and stood. He smiled softly and stole a quick kiss. Before entering he bent and whispered in her ear, his warm breath dancing on her neck. "I love you, Kagome. Never forget that."

'He did hear.' Before she could respond, he stepped inside took up his swim trunks and entered the bathroom closing the door. She sighed softly, but a small smile played on her lips.

The girls waited patiently for Inu Yasha to emerge from the bathroom with his swim trunks and t-shirt on. Then they all headed outside to pile into Ayume's car. Kagome sat in the middle of the back seat between Inu Yasha and Eri, while Ayume drove and Yuka sat in the passenger seat.

The theme park was only about five minutes away, but to Inu Yasha it felt like an eternity. He clutched Kagome as Ayume swerved in and out of traffic, barely missing people and vehicles. When she finally screeched to a stop in parking spot, he leapt out pulling Kagome with him. "Are you crazy, wench!"

Ayume got out and put her hands on her hips. "What did you call me!"

"I called you a crazy wench! If you don't know how to drive this contraption, then don't!"

Kagome chuckled. "I take it you didn't like her driving much, Inu Yasha."

"Didn't like it! I'd rather walk than ride in that thing with her again!"

Ayume stuck her chin out defiantly. "I'll have you know, I was the best driver in my driver's education class."

Inu Yasha growled. "I don't think you learned much."

"How do you know? Where's your license?" Ayume crossed her arms and glared.

Inu Yasha opened his mouth but didn't know how to respond. Lucky for him Kagome stepped in. "All right, all right, that's enough. We got here in one piece, so let's just forget it. Okay?"

Inu Yasha crossed his arms. "Feh. Fine, just as long as that crazy wench doesn't drive us back."

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Inu Yasha, let's worry about that later. Come on." She grabbed his arm and pulled him away toward the gate. "Inu Yasha calm down. Lots of people drive like that. If you don't calm down right now, then you can go back to the hotel alone."

"Feh." He pulled his arm away and crossed them again. "Whatever." Kagome sighed heavily and looked away in exhaustion. "Sorry."

Kagome's head snapped back up. "What did you say?"

"I said I'm sorry, all right. I just didn't want her getting you hurt driving around like that."

Kagome searched his golden orbs and found that there was no lie in them. She nodded and put her arm through his. She understood his protective nature better than anyone. 'I'll just have to explain it to Ayume.'

The other three girls were trailing behind the couple as they approached the gate. Eri and Yuka were passing comments about Inu Yasha's muscular legs, but Ayume was pouting. She really felt hurt by Inu Yasha's words. Did he just not like her driving or was it something else? Maybe he didn't like her. Ayume frowned. She liked him, why didn't he like her. She was happy for Kagome, but why did her boyfriend have to be so mean?

They paused at the gate to pay for their passes and each got a wrist band with a little zipper pocket to keep rolled up dollar bills in. They also rented a locker to stuff their things in. It was located inside the women's showers.

Kagome paused outside the doors as her friends entered. "Inu Yasha, give me your shirt and I'll put it in the locker." Inu Yasha handed her his t-shirt. "Now, wait right here. I'll be right back out, okay?" He nodded and watched her disappear into the showers.

Inside, Kagome found her friends around their shared locker. Ayume turned to face her with unshed tears glistening in her eyes. "Ayume, please don't cry. Inu Yasha can be a little rough around the edges at times. He was just scared you'd get me hurt. It's nothing personal, I promise. He does stuff like that to everyone. Even me sometimes." Kagome hugged her friend. "He doesn't mean to be mean. He's really a big softy underneath that tough guy exterior."

Ayume wiped away her tears and stepped back. "Are you sure?"

"Positive. The more worried he becomes about me the meaner he gets. Truth is, he'd probably be the same way if one of you were in danger. But maybe not as overly protective as he is with me."

"Really?" The three asked.

"Yep." Kagome smiled. "So, let's go have fun. We're wasting daylight!" Kagome threw her and Inu Yasha's clothes into the locker with rest of the girl's things and took off out the door with her three friends in tow.

After meeting back up with Inu Yasha they headed for the rides. Kagome pulled Inu Yasha aside and gave him a quick explanation of what roller-coasters were and how some of the rides worked. Most of the rides in this park were all water or mostly water, but there were also a few dry rides for people that didn't want to get wet.

There first ride was a giant roller-coaster that rode them under a waterfall and then crashed them down into the water causing a tidal wave that soaked everyone on the ride. Then they rode a river raft ride that you had to steer to keep from bashing into fake rocks. Again it took them under a waterfall where they were soaked for a second time. Their next ride was on a giant inner-tube that they rode through a large pipe and landed in a pool at the bottom.

They paused then to get something to eat and drink. "Boy, this has been a fun day so far. I'm glad you got to come, Kagome. We haven't got to spend any time with you lately." Eri licked at her ice-cream.

"Sorry, but things have been kind of hectic." Kagome picked up her and Inu Yasha's sodas from the vender. He had been staying away from ice-cream ever since the brain-freeze incident.

Eri giggled. "I think those guys over there are checking us out." She nodded in the direction of three very handsome young men, who were indeed checking them out. All four girls turned to look and so did a very annoyed half-demon.

Inu Yasha glared at the boys over the girls' heads and shook a fist in warning. The three boys gulped and immediately turned away.

"Huh? I don't get it. What's their problem?" Yuka wondered aloud.

Kagome glanced over her shoulder and spotted Inu Yasha pretending he was looking the other way. 'I have a pretty good idea.' She shrugged. "Oh, forget about them. Let's go ride some more rides, before it gets too late."

The sun was dipping low in the sky by the time they finished with nearly every ride in the park and headed back to the car. Ayume pulled out her keys and was about to get in, when Inu Yasha snatched them from her.

"I told you I wasn't going to ride in this thing, if you were driving it."

"This is my car and those are my keys. So, if I want to drive I will."

"There's no way I'm getting in that thing if you're in control of it. And neither is Kagome." Inu Yasha glared at the girl.

Kagome sighed. "Inu Yasha, let Ayume drive. It's her car after all."

"No way! She could've gotten us both killed last time!" He turned on the other two girls, who took a step back. "You two said you can drive, so why don't one of you?"

Eri grinned. "I'll do it."

"No! You're not getting near the wheel of my car! You already wrecked yours! Why do you think I make you sit in the back!" Ayume put both hands over her car's roof as if she could protect it from her friend.

"Let the other one drive then." Inu Yasha pushed.

"I have a name you know." Yuka glared. "Fine, I'll drive. But not because you want me to, but because I'm tired and wet and need to shower and change for tonight. And at this rate we won't get back until tomorrow." She snatched the keys from Inu Yasha and pushed past Ayume into the driver's seat. "Let's go already."

Ayume frowned but didn't protest as she went to sit in the passenger seat, while the others climbed into the back. Inu Yasha was quite pleased, because the trip back seemed far less dangerous. They parked at the Pink Flamingo and everyone piled out.

"You know, Ayume, I hate to say it but Yuka is a better driver." Kagome offered.

Ayume sighed, finally giving up her grudge. She chuckled softly. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I did almost give my driving instructor a heart-attack during my final test."

Eri and Yuka let out relieved sighs. "We were wondering how long it'd take for you to figure that out."

"Hey!" Ayume pouted.

Kagome chuckled. "We'd better go get ready. Meet you outside my hotel at nine, that'll give us about two hours." She waved at them as her and Inu Yasha headed back to her hotel room.

"Okay, later!" The three girls called after them.

Inu Yasha glanced over his shoulder. "Those three sure are energetic."

Kagome groaned. "You have no idea."

&&&&

A/N: Sorry about the long wait. I'm in the final editing stages before my book goes to the printer, so I've been a bit busy. Personally, I was a little disappointed in this chapter. I skipped a little ahead and wrote the next chapter mostly. And I really like it. I know you guys will too. I was grinning the whole time I was writing it. LOL, TTFN, R&R, RSVP, AWOL, MIA…oh, sorry got a little carried away.