Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha or any characters related to the series. This disclaimer will remain in effect for the rest of the story, mostly because writing them is too depressing. ;)

A/N: Hey to all the readers. I have a few announcements to make. First of all, please keep an eye on the rating because it may go up within the next few chapters. (Not too much but just so you're all aware.) And secondly, chapter 2 has been revised with 3 to follow shortly. No real big difference as far as the plot goes. I just wasn't too happy with the fluidity and voice in those chapters. Next, thanks to Nessya for being the only one to review Chapter 3. Really people, reviews help. If you don't like something, please let me know how I could change it. Don't force me to start making threats. And lastly, Thanks to The Elven Daughter for helping me iron out some details in one of the upcoming scenes. Ok, I'll stop rambling now. On to Chapter 4!

Chapter 4

Kagome sat at the kitchen table and stared out the window. She watched idly as two sparrows fought over a scrap of discarded food, the smaller one chasing a larger one around the yard. Today was Sunday, her last day of freedom before she had to go back to school. Saturday had passed by uneventfully. She had spent most of the day doing her homework because she knew that there wouldn't be any time to do so today. Sango had called later Friday evening to tell Kagome that she had forgotten about a family obligation she had on Saturday and asked if it was all right if they went to the movie on Sunday instead. Kagome had agreed and the girls decided to go shopping before the movie since Kagome was in desperate need of some casual clothing.

Kagome chuckled to herself as the larger sparrow gave up avoiding the other and relinquished the piece of food, which she now saw to be half of an old cracker. To her it had seemed as if the larger bird gave it away just to shut the smaller one up. Kagome could relate. After all, she did have a little brother. At that moment, the doorbell rang. Knowing that it was most likely Sango, Kagome got up to answer it.

"Oh, hey Sango." Kagome heard her brother say as he beat her to the front door.

"Hey, Souta. Is Kagome around?"

"Yep. Kagome!" Souta shouted over his shoulder, obviously not realizing that she was standing behind him.

"No need to shout, Souta. I'm right here." She chastised.

"Whoops, sorry. I didn't see you there."

"Obviously," Kagome replied while Sango gave her an amused smile.

"Are you ready to go?" Sango asked

"Yeah, just let me get my coat." Kagome replied as she walked over to the closet and retrieved her jacket. "Souta, tell mom I'll be back after the movie."

"You got it." Souta replied, giving Kagome a thumbs-up. Kagome waved back and shut the door behind her as she turned to walk down the driveway to the vehicle that Sango had borrowed from her mother. It was a silver Doge Carivan which Sango had affectionately dubbed "The Loser Cruiser."

"So, how was that family thing you had to go to yesterday?" Kagome asked, turning towards Sango after they had pulled out of the driveway.

"It was OK, kind of boring if you ask me. You know how those family things go." Sango replied without elaborating.

"Yeah." Kagome nodded and looked straight ahead.

"What about you? How was your Saturday?"

"It was really nothing special. I just hung around the house and did homework."

"Homework on a Saturday? That goes against every teenager's sense of propriety."

"Even yours?" Kagome asked.

"Of course, what kind of high school student would I be if I didn't leave everything until the last minute?"

"Oh, I don't know. The passing kind?" Kagome teased as they rounded the corner of the park that was a few blocks down the road from the Higurashi Shrine.

"Point taken." Sango laughed. "So what about that meeting you had on Friday?" Sango asked, obviously fishing for more information than Kagome had given her the day before.

"It was…interesting." Kagome replied, recalling the cab ride home with Kouga.

"Your cab has arrived." Yuki said as she reappeared from the door she had left through earlier.

"Thank you." Kagome replied as she jumped up from her seat and all but ran out the door. It wasn't that she really disliked Kouga; he just needed to back off a bit. OK, he needed to back off a lot. Despite her haste to get to the car, Kouga had somehow beaten her there. He was holding the door open, waiting for her to get in first.

"Um, thanks." She said a bit hesitantly as she got into the cab. She really didn't want to encourage him any further. He shut her door and walked around the other side. Once he had gotten in and closed his door the driver asked where they were heading. After both passengers had given their addresses the driver took off down the long driveway.

"So," Kouga began, "how do you like it here so far?"

"It's nice." Kagome replied, really not up to making small talk at the moment.

"Well, that's nice. You know, I could show you around if you want?"

"No thanks, that's all right."

"Oh come on," he pressed as he moved in closer to Kagome, "It'll be fun."

"No, really, I'm quite capable of finding my way around." Kagome responded a bit more forcefully. This guy just couldn't take a hint.

"Well, if you change your mind you know where to find me."

"Sure thing." Kagome said as she scooted as far away from him as the cab would allow and turned her attention to looking out the window. They continued the rest of the ride in silence, Kouga only breaking it to say goodbye when the cab pulled up to Kagome's house. She had never been more thrilled to see her home in her life.

"Earth to Kagome."

"Hmm?" Kagome said as her attention was drawn back to the present.

"I said we're here." Sango replied with an amused look on her face as she turned off the engine.

"Oh, OK." Kagome said as the girls exited the van and made their way through the front entrance to the mall. Inside were hundreds of people, all milling about, searching for that perfect outfit, that perfect birthday gift, or just plain window shopping. Kagome couldn't help but be a little jealous of these people.

"Where to?" Sango asked as they walked by numerous shops and kiosks.

"Well, I'm not really sure. It's been a while since I last went shopping."

"Let's see," Sango said as she took a look around, "We could start over at Banana Republic. Or, there's always Pac Sun and Old Navy."

"Sounds good to me." Kagome shrugged.

"Then it's settled." Sango declared and proceeded to drag Kagome off into the throng of happy patrons.

"Sango," Kagome protested, "I'd like to keep my arm attached to my shoulder if you wouldn't mind!"

"Whoops, sorry." Sango said a bit sheepishly as they entered the first store and began to wander around the racks. Kagome decided to start out by hunting down some pairs of jeans and made her way over to that section of the store. When she got there she immediately realized that she was in over her head. She had never imagined that there could be so many different styles. How many different cuts and washes could the possibly be? Well, there was only one way to find out. Kagome picked up a couple pairs of jeans, which she presumed to be in her size, and walked off towards the dressing rooms.

A few hours later, it was apparent that the girls had been successful in pursuing their goal. Kagome was loaded down with bags from various stores and Sango had found a few things for herself as well. The movie was set to start in an hour and the girls had decided to catch a meal at the food court before going to the theater. The girls chattered happily as they waited in line to order, blissfully unaware of the two guys who were watching them from behind. They remained unnoticed as the girls received their food and moved off to find a table.

After finishing their meal, Kagome and Sango walked back to the van to deposit their bags before walking across the parking lot to the movie theatre. After locking up their purchases in the van, the girls crossed the parking lot and got in line to buy tickets for the movie. The line was relatively short and the two teenagers went to take their seats to wait for the movie to begin.

-:-

"I don't believe this," InuYasha moaned, "so much trouble over some stupid girl."

"She is not stupid, InuYasha, and no one's forcing you to be here." Miroku chastised as the guy behind the counter handed him a tub of popcorn.

"I still don't see why we have to go see the same movie as they are." InuYasha continued, deciding to ignore Miroku's last statement. "Honestly, I have no interest in seeing some children's movie."

"We're going to the same movie to ensure that we get out at the same time they do, and if you don't quit whining you can walk home."

"Feh," was all the hanyou had to say in response as he followed his friend into the theater and took his seat in the back row.

-:-

Two hours and twelve minutes later the theater began to empty of its current occupants. Kagome and Sango walked down the stairs, made a sharp left turn, and continued on their way out of the theater.

"Well, that was pretty good." Sango said in a thoughtful tone.

"Yeah, but somehow I thought that Aslan's resurrection would be a little more dramatic."

"Hmm… I guess you have a-" Sango stopped short, causing Kagome to run into her from behind.

"Sango, what's wrong?" Kagome asked as she walked around her frozen friend. Coming up level with Sango, Kagome followed her friend's icy glare to see what had caused her stop mid stride. There, standing in front of her, were Miroku and InuYasha.

"What are you doing here?" Sango hissed.

"Just enjoying a movie, is there something wrong with that?" Miroku asked as he walked past her, InuYasha shaking his head as he followed.

"Yes, there is something wrong. You came here on purpose." Sango accused as she moved to catch up with the guys.

"Well of course I came here on purpose," he replied as he turned around to face her, "do you think I came to see a movie on accident?"

"That's not what I meant and you know it!"

"I do?" Miroku asked with an innocent look.

"Oh for Kami's sake!" InuYasha said as he threw up his hands in frustration. Kagome just glanced from one person to the next, trying hard to figure out what exactly this was all about.

"Yes, you do." Sango stated as she grabbed Miroku around the elbow and dragged him down the hall, leaving InuYasha and Kagome to stare at one another. An awkward silence ensued and Kagome couldn't help but fidget.

"What do you think that was all about?" She asked, trying to break the tension.

"How in the world should I know? Do I look like I care?" InuYasha replied harshly.

"Yeesh, I was just asking. No need to rip my head off." Kagome pouted.

"Humph," was all he had to say. Just then they heard a loud slap reverberate down the hall. When the two teenagers turned to see what had happened they saw Sango running towards them. She didn't even bother to slow down when she reached the spot where Kagome was standing. Kagome huffed and gave chase, leaving InuYasha to stare at their retreating backs.

Sango didn't stop until she had reached the car. She hastily unlocked the doors, climbed in the driver's seat, and waited for Kagome. A few minutes later, Kagome climbed in the passenger's side and gently closed the door. Rather than pressing the issue, Kagome decided to wait and see if Sango would explain anything. It became apparent that Sango had no intention of clarifying the situation.

"Look," Kagome sighed, "I know you don't want to tell me what's going on between you and Miroku and I won't force you to. I just want to let you know that I'm here to listen if you ever feel like explaining." Kagome glanced at her friend, who was staring at the road intently. After a few moments, Sango gave a small nod of acknowledgement. Satisfied, for the time being, Kagome turned her attention frontward. Besides, she thought to herself, I'll just get Miroku to tell me tomorrow. Either that or I'll kill him faster than he can solve the algebra homework.

-:-

Kagome had half expected to walk to school alone on Monday and was pleasantly surprised when Sango showed up her usual time. However, the walk was a silent one as Sango had no desire to elaborate on the events of the previous night and Kagome didn't want to pry.

When the girls arrived at the front entrance Sango told Kagome that she wouldn't be able to eat lunch with her as she had a mandatory meeting with her guidance counselor. Kagome assured her that it was no big deal and they turned to go to their respective classes.

Kagome reached the math room, her gaze instantly drawn to the seat in the back that belonged to Miroku. He was there and was, unbelievably, surrounded by the usual group of mindless twits, all vying for his attention. Kagome dropped her book bag by her seat and continued down the isle to where Miroku sat.

"Excuse us, ladies, but I have something I need to discuss with Miroku." She said as she fixed the teenaged boy with an icy glare.

"Who do you think you are?" A particularly busty blonde asked in a defiant tone. "You can't order us around."

"I said beat it!" Kagome replied, her voice taking on a dangerous edge. Miroku gulped and nodded to the blonde who grumbled to herself as she got up and went back to her own seat, the others following suit.

"Something wrong, Kagome?" Miroku asked, his voice uncharacteristically high.

"Don't play dumb with me." She said as she leaned over, placing one hand on his desk and bringing her face within inches of his. "I want an explanation and you will give me one or I will make your life a living hell, got it?" Miroku nodded, his eyes going wide as saucers.

"Good," she continued and began to move away, "see you in study hall then." With a small wave over her shoulder she returned to her seat and prepared for the beginning of class.

"What was that about?" Ayame asked as she leaned over from the row next to Kagome.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with." Kagome replied. Ayame shrugged and went back to her textbook.

Kagome's mood didn't improve much over the first half of the day. Her teachers seemed to be thinking alike, each one assigning a mountain of homework for the next day. By the time lunch rolled around Kagome had worked herself into a deep funk, from which she had no intention of returning. Consequently, she sat at a lunch table stabbing her food with her fork. Ayame regarded her carefully, not wanting to be on the receiving end of Kagome's anger. She had no intention of ending up like that broccoli stalk. After a few minutes of staring at said stalk, Kagome realized that some one was standing next to her chair. Kagome turned to her left with every intention of telling who ever it was off when she lost all powers of speech. Standing in front of her, in a school uniform no less, was Kouga. She couldn't believe it. This was not happening.

Kouga proceeded to set his tray down at the table, making himself at home. Obviously, he hadn't noticed Kagome's unbelieving stare. He gave a smile and a small nod to Ayame, who was also gapping at him, albeit for different reasons.

"And how are you doing today?" He asked as he turned to Kagome, who was still in a state of shock.

"You know him?" Ayame asked, a hint of awe lacing her voice. Shaking her head, Kagome came back to her senses.

"Uh, yeah. Kouga, this is Ayame. Ayame, this is Kouga." She said, gesturing to each person in turn.

"Pleasure." Kouga said a bit curtly and turned his attention back to Kagome. "Do you always eat lunch alone?" he asked.

"I am not alone." Kagome responded, noting the semi hurt look on Ayame's face.

"What I meant to say is, I would have though a girl like you would have a whole group of friends to eat with." He amended.

"Girl like me?" Kagome repeated incredulously.

"You know, smart, beautiful…" Kagome shook her head. She couldn't believe this guy. She had spent maybe two hours with him, all the while sending him hints that she wasn't interested in him, and he was still hitting on her.

"Ah, I see." Kagome said as she began to gather up her stuff.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Kouga asked, a frown coming to his lips.

"Chemistry class, don't wanna be late. I'll see you in English Lit. Ayame."

"Sure thing!" Ayame said cheerfully, obviously elated that she was being left alone with Kouga. Kagome winced as she heard Ayame trying to strike up a conversation while she walked away from the table.

As she walked down the hall towards the chemistry room, Kagome remembered what was on the schedule for toady. It was lab day. That meant that she would actually have to try and cooperate with InuYasha today. Kagome gave an inward groan as she entered the class room. Thankfully, there was only one other person in the room, it being a bit early and all. She took her seat and began to look over the day's assignment, something to do with dimensional analysis and percent yield. She barely took any notice as the bell signaling the end of lunch rang and students began to file in.

Once the class was situated the teacher began to explain the lab. Their job was to obtain a strip of magnesium from the front lab bench, weigh it, place it a crucible, and heat it over a Bunsen burner for several minutes. The idea was that by heating it the metal would be converted to magnesium oxide. The students would then have to weigh the final product and determine the percent yield, using the overall balanced chemical equation. Easy right?

Well, unfortunately for Kagome, InuYasha wasn't in the cooperating sort of mood. He had just decided to sit back and let Kagome run the experiment. OK, so she didn't mind so much when it came to getting the actual data. The experiment itself wasn't that hard. The hard part came when they had to do the calculations. When she asked InuYasha how he thought they should go about the problem he just shrugged and looked out the window. By then, Kagome had had enough. First the whole thing with Miroku, then Kouga decided to make a grand entrance, and now this.

"That's it!" She exclaimed as she slammed her pencil down on the lab bench, earning a raised eyebrow from InuYasha. "

Excuse me, but what is your problem?"

"My problem?" InuYasha asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Yes, your problem. Here I am, trying to be nice and at least tolerate your company and all you can do is sit there and not even take notice of my existence. Not to mention the fact you're being graded on lab work that I've done all by myself!"

"Feh, I don't need to explain anything to you." He sneered. Kagome opened her mouth to retort but was cut short as she suddenly felt extremely lightheaded. She put a hand to her head in an attempt to quell the sensation when she was blinded by a bright light. All of a sudden, she was standing in front of her family shrine and she couldn't stop the scream of terror that tore its way from her throat. The entire shrine was on fire and she could hear screams coming from within the main house. She tried to run to her family's aid but it was no use. Something was holding her in place. She let out a sob as she sunk to her knees in defeat. Looking at her hands, she noticed that they were covered in blood. Whose blood, she wasn't sure. What's happening? She all but screamed. All around her the fire was closing in.

"Kagome! Kagome!"

Kagome was vaguely aware of someone shouting her name.

"You, go get the nurse!" The voice said and running footsteps could be heard.

"Kagome, snap out of it!" Kagome looked up to see InuYasha staring down at her. She soon realized that they were kneeling on the chemistry room floor, InuYasha shaking her by the shoulders. "Kagome, what's wrong?" he asked again, concern evident in his voice.

"I don't know." She whispered before passing out in InuYasha's arms.

-:-

Whoa, that chapter turned nothing like I had planned. 0.0 To be honest, I had more in store for this chapter but then it would have gotten too long. Well, now it's your turn people. Like I said, reviews are helpful, especially if you didn't like it. If that is the case, please tell me what you didn't like and why. Constructive criticism is always welcome. And I promise that the next chapter will go deeper into the actual plot of the story. Well, until next time

C.S.J.

P.S. REVIEW!