Chapter 8

Inu Yasha awoke the next morning, his head instantly beginning to throb with pain due to lack of sleep. He had stayed awake for hours after he had had that dream, unable to shake a nasty feeling that something awful would happen to Kagome in the near future. It WAS just a dream, yet it seemed so real. That maniacal look in Kouga's eyes, the sudden darkness that fell upon him...Kagome screaming out his name. The fear in her voice was so real, almost palpable. Even though the events in the dream had never happened, and Kagome was safe and sound, Inu Yasha was upset, the anger he felt towards Kouga coursing fiercely throughout his veins.

With a pained sigh, he forced himself to get out of bed, much to his sore muscles disappoint. Running a hand through the sleepy halo of hair that encircled his face, he walked over to his bath room, grabbing a clean pair of clothes on his way in.

He began to run the shower, making sure the temperature was hot enough so that a cloud of vaporous steam began to accumulate in the bath room. Removing his boxers and stepping into the shower, he sighed contently as he allowed the hot water to alleviate his aching back. He closed his eyes and ducked his head under the water. He could hear the sound of the water gushing onto his head as it thundered over his ears.

The pain that coursed throughout his body slowly began to subside, the warmth of the water having been just what he needed. The water's healing abilities were not powerful enough however, to alleviate the emotional pain he was going through. He was so worried about Kagome...his Kagome. He would never forgive himself if anything were to ever happen to her. She meant the world to him. She was the only one he had ever truly cared for this deeply.

Even though I mean nothing to her, and am nothing more than an annoyance to her, I'll be watching out for her, whether she realizes it or not, making sure that no one will do any harm unto her. She is so innocent, so sweet, I just couldn't bear to let that happen. She's way too valuable for that.

~*~*~

Kagome wrapped her arms around Kouga's neck, and pulled him towards her, gently placing her lips onto his. His lips were so tender, and tasted ever so sweet. She couldn't help but close her eyes and allow herself to be lost in this moment of pure bliss. She pressed herself close to him, tightening her embrace before she turned her face to the side, gently breaking the kiss. Moving to the side a bit, she nestled her head against his chest, listening to the rhythmic beat of his heart.

She sighed happily, tracing lazy patterns on his back with her fingers.

"I love you, Kagome." He said in a low voice as he placed a finger under her chin, and began to tilt her face up so he could look her in the eyes.

Eyes still closed, Kagome allowed for her head to be brought up towards him, a pleased smile tugging at her lips.

"I love you too." She said, her eye lids fluttering open, to look at those lovely dark brown eyes.

She blinked.

There, gazing back into her soft brown orbs, was a pair of golden ones, sparkling back at her lovingly. She found herself getting weak in the knees, her heart beating abnormally fast as she allowed for herself to be lost deep within the amber pools of desire that shone so brightly into hers.

She suddenly snapped back into reality, and a look of confusion clouded her fragile features. She tried to pull away a bit, but found that two strong arms held her firmly in place.

"I-Inu Yasha?" She asked in a soft voice. "What are you do- "

She stopped talking as he gently placed a finger over her lips, and shook his head, signaling for her not to speak. Complying, she bit her lip, and refrained from saying anything more.

Inu Yasha appeared a bit nervous, his face taking on a slight pink hue, his eyes shifting around a bit before refocusing on her.

"Kagome...there's something I want to tell you." He began, averting his eyes and seemingly having an internal conflict about something before he began speaking again.

"Kagome." He said in a whisper so quiet she had to strain to hear him."I-"

Beep beep beep beep beep!

"Darn!" Kagome cursed as she quickly rolled over to whack her alarm clock into oblivion. Darn that stupid thing! Just when he was about to tell her something important too! Oh god, I wonder what it could have been. Dammit, just a few seconds more and I would have heard it! DAMN DAMN DAMN!

She grumbled loudly as she rolled out of bed. What a weird dream. Inu Yasha had just appeared out of thin air, those amber eyes imbedded within her mind.

Why do I keep thinking about this guy? It's so strange. It's like he's haunting my thoughts or something. She remembered how she felt as she gazed up into his glowing eyes, not even able to feel her own body. It had not been a bad sensation being in his arms, not at all. Actually, she had found it quite enjoyable. She smiled as she remembered the soft tone his voice held as he spoke to her. She thought for a moment more, before mentally slapping herself.

What is wrong with me? I don't even know the guy and here I am day dreaming over a meaningless dream. Why should I waste my time thinking about him when I've got someone as wonderful as Kouga to occupy my thoughts? She shrugged. Oh well.

With that, she began to prepare herself for school that day, fretting over what to wear, and how to style her hair for that day and what not. She pondered for a moment, trying to choose between two shirts, and then finally made a decision. Hurriedly grabbing her selected out fit for the day, she disappeared into the bath room.

Ten minutes later, she returned to her room, completely clothed and ready to go. She had chosen to wear a cream coloured turtle neck, atop a pair of black stretch flare pants. The outfit was very flattering to her figure, holding to each curve of her body perfectly, yet still giving her an overall look of sophistication. Pleased with the way she looked, she grabbed her school bag that was slung over the back of her computer chair, and walked out of the door, an extra bounce in her stride as she did so.

Today was going to be wonderful. She thought happily. It was Wednesday, which meant there were only three more days until her seventeenth birthday, she had all of her favourite classes that day, and to top it all off, she was to see a movie with Kouga that night.

~*~*~

The day had gone by extremely quickly. None of her classes seemed to be doing anymore work lately, except her math class of course. She was still being heavily supplied with extra work loads to complete with Inu Yasha after school. She was very pleased to find that her grade had slowly, but definitely begun to rise as a result of their work. It wasn't enough to make her mother happy, but it was just enough to boost Kagome's self esteem considerably. She had even managed to get a B- on their last quiz in class. Things were really starting to look up for her.

Pretty soon I'll be able to have a car. Kagome thought excitedly during seventh period as she eyed the clock impatiently, awaiting the dismissal bell. And most importantly, I'll be able to date, without going behind mom's back. I've just got to keep on working with Inu Yasha, and I'm sure I can pull this off in a few weeks. She thought to herself confidently.

A few moments later, the bell rang, and Kagome practically flew out of her seat in the direction of the library, anxious to get the study session over with so she could go home. She couldn't wait until later that evening when she would be with Kouga. She had been thinking about it nearly all day long.

Kagome had been sitting in the library, heavily engrossed in Anne Rice's Interview with the Vampire. She had lost track of the time, and didn't notice when someone plopped down next to her in one of the oak chairs.

"Watcha readin' there?" A voice interrupted.

Kagome lowered the book from her eyes a bit, and peered over the edge of the book to find Inu Yasha looking at her with a grin on his face.

"Interview with the Vampire." She said, showing him the cover of the book. " It's one of my favourites." She added with a smile.

"Mine too."

"Really?" She asked, surprised that he was interested in that kind of book. She had found over the years that most guys found that kind of book boring and absurd.

"Yes, really." He said, wondering why she was so surprised, but figured he would pay it no mind. He then reached into his book bag, and pulled out his math text book and a few pieces of blank paper for them to work on.

"Now, look here." He said directing her attention to the sheet of paper he had begun to write on. "See what I'm doing here? I'm finding the detriments. Watch."

He hadn't noticed, but Kagome had shifted her attention to staring at his eyes as they flicked over his work scribbled all over the paper. She found that she could not draw her eyes away from his face. The dream last night, it had felt so real, his arms around her, those sparkling eyes of his, the warmth that had radiated from deep within them.

All throughout the entire session, she only half way paid attention to him, as she continued to gaze upon him, an odd expression of amusement displayed on her face all the while. Before she knew it, Inu Yasha was packing up his things, and had stood up to go.

"Hey... are you ok? You seem...different today." He asked with a chuckle, suddenly becoming aware of her eyes boring into him.

"Huh? Oh." She blushed, averting her eyes to the table top. "I'm sorry, Inu Yasha." A sheepish grin on her face as she stood up to pack her things, greatful for the chance to turn her back to Inu Yasha so as to hide her reddening face.

He chuckled lightheartedly.

"It's ok." He smiled at her, those eyes of his, sparkling at her exactly the same way they had in her dreams last night. A chill ran down her spine as she recalled the tender way his hands had caressed her skin as he held her.

I've got to stop thinking about that stupid dream so much. She thought to herself, slightly amused. It's starting to freak me out a bit.

Biting her lip, she thought of what to say, but Inu Yasha saved her the trouble.

"Well, I'd love to hang around and talk with you, but I've got to go home and do my homework. I'm totally swamped with work to do." He said rolling his eyes.

"Oh, well then by all means, please don't feel that you need to hang around here any longer. Sorry to have kept you." She said apologetically.

"It's alright. I'd rather stay here talking to you, rather than face the abominable monster of a chemistry project I've got to work on tonight." He said flashing her a smile as he turned to leave.

"See you later, Inu Yasha!" She called after him.

"Later, Kagome." He said over his shoulder, and then proceeded to walk out of the library.

That was weird. Kagome thought to herself with a lopsided grin. Oh well. She gathered her books and hurriedly walked out of the library, wanting to get home as soon as she possibly could.

~*~*~

Kagome sat on the sofa in the living room, her legs curled under her, Souta's head resting in her lap. They had been watching Shrek after an early supper, after Souta had begged her to. They had only been watching about thirty minutes of the movie, when Kagome happened to look down and see that her brother had fallen asleep after using her leg as a pillow. She smiled warmly as she ran a hand lovingly through his tousled hair, careful not to wake him. He looked so adorable when he was asleep. Too bad he could be such a little devil when he was awake. She thought dryly.

Kagome then yawned, and realized how tired she was herself. The night was far from over however. She still had a date with Kouga tonight. She glanced at her wrist watch, having forgotten what time It had gotten to be.

Oh my god! She thought frantically. I totally lost track of time! It's almost seven o 'clock! Kouga is supposed to be here in just a few minutes. She began to panic as she tried to lift Souta's head off of her lap without waking the slumbering child. Successfully laying him back down on the couch without disturbing him, she quickly made her way up into her bath room.

Kagome had just put the finishing touches on her make up when the phone could be heard ringing in her room. Dropping the tube of mascara, Kagome sprinted over to the phone and picked it up after it rang for the third time.

"Hello?" She said.

"Hey, it's me, Kouga. Uh, I just wanted to tell you that I'm running a bit late. So I cant pick you up. Do you think you could get a ride to the mall?"

"Yeah, I'm sure mom would take me."

"Good. Then can you please go and buy the tickets, and I'll meet you there at seven ten?"

"Alright, that's not a problem at all." She replied.

"Good. See you later then."

"Bye!"

Click.

Kagome hung up the phone and then proceeded to run to her mother's room.

She found her sitting in one of her favourite chairs, curled up with one of her favourite books by Jane Austin.

"Hey Ma?" Kagome asked, peeking around the door frame.

"Yes, dear?" Mrs. Higurashi replied, placing a bookmark in her spot before closing the book and placing it down next to her on the chair.

"I need a ride to the mall, please."

"Alright. Just let me get my purse, and then we can go."

"Thanks mom! You're the best!" with that she rushed off to grab her own purse and a pair of shoes.

~*~*~

Kagome sat slumped in a chair in the food court of the mall, a drink in hand. She sipped at the cold beverage, and sighed loudly. She cast a glance at her wrist watch. Seven twenty. Kouga should have been here by now. What could have happened to him? She wondered. He hadn't forgotten about her, had he?

~Kouga's car~

"Easy on the seats." Kouga said as he opened the door to his father's Porsche." They're genuine leather."

The red haired girl giggled, and staggered over to the open car door, falling on top of Kouga in the process. She had had a few too many beers, and was extremely drunk, her actions somewhat less than graceful.

"Whoopsies." She said pressing herself up against his firm body, clinging to the material of his jacket.

"Come on-what did you say your name was?" he asked placing an arm around her waist to steady her.

"Ariel." She said with a hiccup.

"Oh yes." He said, smiling seductively at her." Not like it matters." He mumbled under his breath.

"Well then Ariel, c'mon. Get in the car."

"Okie dokie." She giggled as she scrambled into the car on all fours with the enthusiasm of a small child.

Kouga rolled his eyes as he walked around the back of the car and hopped into the driver's side.

He dug his hand into his pocket and pulled out a battered pack of Camel's. Fishing inside, he pulled one out, and placed it in between his lips as he rummaged around inside his other pocket for a lighter.

"Need a light?" The scantily clad woman seated beside him asked in a sultry voice.

He nodded.

She picked up her purse and fished around for a few moments, until finally she found what she wanted, and her hand reappeared with a silver lighter enclosed in it.

She flicked the lid off and within seconds produced a small flame.

Not trusting the drunk girl with the flame, Kouga removed the cigarette from his mouth and held the end of it to the flame until the end glowed red.

"Thanks, babe." He said as he placed the cigarette back in between his lips and closing his eyes, took a long drag off of it. He exhaled the smoke through his nostrils, sending it curling up into the cool night sky like silvery tendrils seeming to reach out for something, but dying away before they could grasp onto whatever they sought out

He was just about to inhale another deep drag off of his cigarette when he remembered something. It was seven twenty. He was supposed to have met Kagome at the mall at seven ten. He had been on his way there, but had been side tracked as he had picked up this incredibly drunk girl who desperately wanted a ride home. What was he going to do? He couldn't just take the girl with him to the mall. No way was he going to give up the chance to take advantage of a drunk, unsuspecting girl. He'd have to call the date off. He concluded as he reached for his cell phone, and dialed Kagome's number after having to think for a moment what her number was again.

The phone rang twice before he heard the sounds of the mall and finally a small voice answered.

"Hello?" Came her voice, barely audible over all the commotion that could be heard from the food court.

"Hey, Kagome. It's me again. Um, I'm really sorry, but I can't make it tonight...my car got a flat tire. I'm sitting here stuck, waiting for a tow truck." He lied. "I'm so sorry Kagome."

"Oh. It's alright. I understand." She said softly.

"Really? You're sure?"

"Yeah."

"Well, uh, I've got to call my mom to tell her what happened to me. She must be worried sick about me. Poor thing."

"Alright...I guess I'll see you tomorrow then."

"Thanks for understanding Kagome. You're the best!"

"No problem." She muttered.

"Later!"

Click.

Kagome sighed heavily as she placed her cell phone back into her purse. What was she going to do now? She had already bought the two tickets, and there was no way she could get a refund.

I guess I'll just have to go alone then. She thought sadly to herself. She felt her eyes brim with tears. I wanted to be with him tonight. I know it's not his fault... but I'm really upset. I had been looking forward to this all day... and now it's ruined. A single tear trickled down her cheek. She hated crying in public, but right now, she just didn't care.

Inu Yasha passed many brightly lit stores, teeming with holiday shoppers as he walked, hands in his pockets through the crowded mall. He had been looking for ideas as to what to get his family for Christmas. He had already decided he would stop by Claire's and buy a new boa to replace his brother, Sesshoumaru's old one. It was worn out, and had lost the majority of its feathers. He hadn't really found anything that suited anyone else yet. It wasn't that he couldn't find anything decent, it was mainly due to the fact that he could not get his mind off of a certain someone the entire time he was browsing. Anytime he would look at something in a shop, he would instantly find some reason or another to be reminded of her. That sweet, angelic face dancing through his mind so vividly.

Deciding he would take a break from looking around, he headed towards the food court, intending on buying soda before returning to his gift-hunt.

He pushed his way through the crowd and took a place in the line that had formed in front of the Subway restaurant. He tapped his foot impatiently, the line didn't seem to be moving at all. He sighed and turned around to gaze out at the food court, deciding to watch the other people bustle about in order to pass the time he would spend waiting in the line.

As his eyes scanned over numerous tables, seating many people ranging from little children happily stuffing their faces with food, to elderly citizens sitting around chatting with one another, he thought he saw a familiar face. Shaking his head, he looked again. Sure enough, there sat Kagome. Alone. He squinted in an attempt to see her better, she had an odd expression on her face but he was too far away to be able to tell. The drink becoming forgotten, he made his way through the shoppers and headed over to where she was sitting.

As he drew closer, he noticed that her face was flushed, and her cheeks were wet from crying, her eyes fixated on the table in front of her.

Why is she crying?? He thought worriedly. I hope she's alright...oh my god. What if Kouga did something to her... what if he hurt her or something? He quickened his pace.

Upon reaching the table, he called out to her softly, afraid she might blow up at him if she was upset enough. She did not respond however, and didn't even seem to notice his presence at all. He stood there for a moment, observing her, before he decided to sit down in the seat across from her.

"Hey...are you alright?" He asked softly, tentatively reaching out a hand to place it on her arm. She jumped, feeling someone place a hand on her arm.

"Huh? Oh... yeah. I'm fine." She said, refusing to look him in the eye. She sniffled, and tried to wipe her tears away, not wanting him to see her like this.

"No you're not." He said gently. " I can tell."

She slowly looked up at him, another tear trickling down her cheek.

Inu Yasha could see the pain deep within her moist eyes, it wrenched his heart to see her like this. What could possibly have happened to upset her so much?

"Please tell me what's wrong." He pleaded.

She sighed, and closed her eyes for a moment. She took a deep breath, and then released it, wiping her tear stained face with the sleeve of her shirt.

"Kouga and I were supposed to go see a movie tonight." She began. "But then he called and told me he was running late, and that I should go ahead and buy the tickets, and wait for him here. So I did. And then ten minutes after he was supposed to be here, he called my cell phone, and told me that he had a flat tire and couldn't make it. So, I just bought these tickets for nothing. I'm stuck here, alone, with tickets that aren't refundable, no ride home, and am thoroughly disappointed. I don't know what to do." She finished, just as she broke into another fit of sobs.

Inu Yasha gazed at her as she averted her eyes back to the table top, and a fresh batch of tears began to stream down her cheeks.

Poor thing. He thought. Sitting here all alone, wondering where he is after she spent her own money to buy his ticket. And then he calls her ten minutes after he should have been here. What a loser. If I were lucky enough to have a girl like Kagome, I would have called her immediately. Poor thing's been sitting here crying her eyes out. What a bastard. She deserves so much more than that sorry son of a bitch.

He thought of what he could do to comfort her, when he suddenly had an idea.

"Hey," He said gently, as he shook her arm lightly. " You've still got that extra ticket right?"

She nodded, confused, not seeing what he was getting at.

"Well, seeing as here I've got five dollars here in my pocket, I'll pay you back for his ticket, and I will go with you to see the movie, if you'd like of course."

Kagome sniffled, and then looked at him for a moment.

"You'd really want to come see it with me?" She asked in a small voice.

He smiled and nodded.

"You came all the way out here, and bought yourself a ticket, you might as well enjoy the movie at least."

"What do you say?" He asked her softly.

A small smile crossed her lips and she nodded slowly.

"Great! Well doesn't it start at seven thirty? He asked.

She nodded once again.

"Well then." He said, taking hold of her hand. "C'mon. Let's go then."

She smiled, wiping away the last of her tears, and stood up with him, tightening her hold on his hand as they walked to the theatre together.

Throughout the movie, Inu Yasha couldn't help but steal furtive glances at Kagome as they watched. He was far from interested in the movie. How could he be? Here he was, sitting with the girl of his dreams, watching a movie together...and he had made her smile. That beautiful smile that made him feel numb with sheer happiness. She made him feel like no other girl ever had, or ever would.

As these thoughts continued to pass through his mind, Inu Yasha suddenly felt a small pressure on his shoulder, and then looking down, he saw that she had snuggled against his shoulder, her eyes closed contently. He couldn't help but stare in awe at her , watching every movement she made, taking in every detail, from the gentle rise and fall of her chest, to the way her lips curved into a sleepy smile. A few moments later, her breaths became slower and much deeper, and he could tell that she had fallen asleep.

Throughout her sleep, she had snuggled closer to him, draping her arm across his waist, and as he gazed down at her sleeping figure, he had heard her whisper something in sleep, that sounded very much like "Inu Yasha".

Smiling to himself, he gently raised his arm, and placed it around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him. He marveled at the softness of her hair as is brushed against his fingers upon placing his arm around her. This had to be moment of his life. He concluded. By far.

~*~*~

Weeelll. Lol. What do you think of that chapter? Lol it was a tad bit rushed... and I'm sure that there are plenty of typos... as usual. OOPS! Lol. However, I'm too tired to check it over. Lol. Let me know how you liked this chappie!

~Crazy Jaivy