Three weeks had passed since their talk on the couch, and Kagome felt like each time they moved closer, something made them take two steps back. It was always something. She had to work. He had to work. Her friends wanted to hang out. His friends would drag him away. And a few times, if she even so much as thought about kissing him, their parents would decide to make a surprise visit.

Sometimes late at night Kagome contemplated locking all the doors, turning off their phones, and not letting Inuyasha out of her sight until they were thoroughly sated. He'd have no complaints about that. In fact, the only thing that kept her from doing it was the blatant signal it would give off – "I want to have sex with my boyfriend so leave me alone".

Kagome couldn't do it. no matter how many times she'd like to throw caution to the wind, her confidence stopped her. despite the years of hard work to build her self esteem up, she still had days where she questioned everything. What did Inuyasha see in her? Was she pretty enough? Curvy enough? Could she stand to loose a little more weight, just in case? She worried about the little freckles on her skin. She worried about her hair – that hair – and whether it should be removed. She stressed about if she had any body odor that she couldn't smell. Was her skin soft enough. Were her nonexistent stretchmarks somehow visible. The more she thought, the more she worried.

She knew that her fears were unfounded. Inuyasha had seen her at her best and at her worst. He never pushed her. He always asked if she was okay. And it wasn't as if he were experienced either. They'd both figure it out along the way.

That didn't mean she didn't worry about disappointing him.


Of all the things that had happened recently to interrupt them, perhaps the most startling had been the day that Sesshomaru had appeared at her doorstep. Kagome had heard stories about Inuyasha's older brother, even had a vague image of him built in her mind from what she had been told, but none of it mattered that morning. There had been a knock at the front door, the first sign that something was off. Inuyasha had a key, and her family and friends would call ahead of coming over to visit. Kagome opened the door, about to tease whoever was on the other side, when she took in the tall figure before her.

Sesshomaru was a good foot taller than Inuyasha, and in Kagome's opinion, looked nothing like him. He had long silver-white hair and golden eyes like Touga and Inukimi. Then she mentally berated herself; they were half brothers so of course they wouldn't look a whole lot alike. Inuyasha's features tended to favor Izayoi's, where Sesshomaru's were a sharper version of Inukimi's. He said nothing, simply stared, and it was beginning to make her feel self-conscious on a new level.

"Uh… Inuyasha's working –"

"I did not come to see my little brother," he spoke calmly. "I am here to speak with you."

Kagome swallowed, stepping aside to let him enter. Her? She knew she was due to meet him sooner or later, but she figured she'd meet him on a family visit. At least when Inuyasha was with her. But no, he'd purposely chosen to wait until she was alone to drop by. Without a word, she shut the door and led him to the dining room before ducking into the kitchen. He never said a thing as she hastily grabbed the tea tray, loading it with two mugs, a plate of cookies, and the thermal carafe.

If her hands happened to shake as she set the tray on the table between them, he didn't point it out.

"I take it you did not expect me."

May as well be honest. "Ah…no. I'm sorry. You caught me by surprise."

Sesshomaru studied her, and Kagome wanted to duck under the table. He didn't look angry with her, but he reminded her of how a few teachers had watched students take tests in school. It was that kind of look that expected to see someone slip up and use it against them. "You care for my brother," he said at last.

Kagome didn't hesitate as she stated, "I love him."

"I expected as much. My brother reacted much the same way when I asked him. Tell me, has he spoken to you about the future?" When Kagome didn't answer immediately he continued, reaching for a mug and the carafe. "Inuyasha is of the age where most merfolk begin to actively seek their intended."

She felt her stomach drop. Was that why he was here? Was he about to tell her that her worst fears were going to come true? That she would ultimately lose Inuyasha? "Let me guess," she swallowed. "he needs to look for a mermaid instead?"

Sesshomaru paused in pouring his drink and looked up at her. "And what gave you that idea?" The tone was the same, but it almost sounded like he was surprised.

Kagome wasn't going to cry. She wouldn't. If she cried in front of him, it would only solidify the words that those kids had said years ago, that she was weak. A crybaby. Instead, she pushed the urge down and used it to get angry. Just because he was about to tell her that they had to end things didn't mean that she'd roll over and take it. "I don't know," she scoffed. "You wait to meet me when I'm alone. You tell me he's at marrying age as if I didn't know that. Inuyasha's been the best thing to come into my life so sure, let's drop this bombshell because of course being his girlfriend is too good to be true –"

"On second thought, you really do suit my brother."

"Huh?" What was he talking about? "W-what was your first thought?"

"When you opened the door, I saw someone who would buckle at confrontation. Just now, I saw someone willing to fight for what they wanted. If I had announced that I was to visit today, you would not have shown me your true self. You would have been complacent, and that does not fit the stories that I have heard from my little brother."

Oh god, what had Inuyasha told his family over the years?

Sesshomaru continued, lifting his mug to his lips. "I was told that you have compassion for others, but that you are fiery when pushed. If this misunderstanding was any indication, then the stories are indeed true."

"Misunderstanding?"

"You are under the impression that I have come here to sever the ties between you and my brother."

"I… I mean… That's not...?"

"Of course not. Just what has my brother told you about me?" For the first time, Kagome saw Sesshomaru pull a face, and if she hadn't been so surprised she may have laughed. "I came here today to meet the woman my brother has fallen in love with. I thought that it would be better if we met alone in case my brother tried to sway your perception of me, but it appears that he's already done that."

"Sorry. I –"

"Let me finish. If there was to be anyone that would confront you about your relationship, it would be our father. As it stands, he is more than happy with who Inuyasha has chosen. I was inquiring as to whether he had brought up our traditions."

Kagome felt herself relax considerably. So she really had misunderstood. Okay then. That was a relief. "I…I don't think he has?" The realization was startling. Inuyasha had told her that he wanted more, only ever with her, but…was that all he wanted with her? Was there a reason he hadn't told her?


"What is wrong with you?!"

Sesshomaru turned, looking at his brother coolly. "I would think you would be pleased that I finally met Kagome."

Inuyasha swam around his brother, scowling. "You had no right to bring up our traditions –"

"From the expression in her eyes, it was obvious that you had not –"

"I was planning to –"

"When?" Sesshomaru straightened, towering over Inuyasha. "When you have taken your fill of her? Do you intend to lead her along with empty promises? You say that she is fragile, but have you ever considered what not telling her could do? She likely thinks that you have no desire of telling her everything, if her expression was any indication when I brought the matter up."

"I'm gonna –"

"You had better." Sesshomaru usually didn't care about his brother's personal matters, but this went beyond simple feelings. He had seen the brief flash of disappointment in Kagome's eyes, and it reminded him far too much of another young maiden with dark hair. She had not been able to get her greatest wish fulfilled, and it was a look he'd never forget. He wouldn't let it happen again if he could help it, and if that meant dragging his brother by the fin to shore he would do it. "Father would be disappointed if he found out otherwise. I can only imagine how Lady Izayoi would react."

Inuyasha bit back a growl. His brother was right, as much as he hated to admit it. It wasn't that he was trying to lead Kagome along, as Sesshomaru put it. He just didn't know how to bring up the topic.


Turns out that he didn't have to find a way to bring it up. Kagome had that evening when they were lounging on the couch watching tv.

"What your brother said this morning…about your traditions. If you don't wanna talk about it – I mean, I know he was probably out of line for even bringing it up but –"

"It's…not that, Kagome." Inuyasha paused as Kagome shifted positions, pressing her side against his as she tucked herself into his shoulder. "I want to tell you, really. But with our schedules not giving us much time, or even getting time to ourselves for more than a minute…it hasn't felt like the right time. Does that make sense?"

Kagome nodded. "Guess it's gonna take more than a five-minute break to explain, huh?"

"Yeah," he sighed, "I didn't want you to go thinking that I was purposely keeping anything from you."

She glanced up at his expression. Inuyasha looked troubled. Was he that worried about it? Sesshomaru hadn't said anything more on the matter, but now she was wondering if he got lectured by his older brother when he came back home earlier in the afternoon. He hadn't said what they talked about then either. Or was he more concerned that she might think he was hiding something? Whatever the reason, Kagome didn't like seeing this expression marring his features. She wanted to see him smile. Relaxed even. Better yet… A devious smile crossed her face.

"Of course not," she said gently, shifting again. Her palm lay flat against his chest, sliding up the material of his tank top to rest on his shoulder. She felt him tense slightly, and she used it to her advantage as she spun to straddle his lap. "We've known each other for too long for me to think that. After all, I think there's only one thing you've been keeping from me…"

Inuyasha blinked, trying to make sense of what just happened. They were talking about that talk they needed to have, but now Kagome was in his lap talking about something else…and he forgot what else. The blood was leaving his brain too quickly and all he could focus on were the toned thighs that were straddling his waist in incredibly short shorts.

"What's wrong, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked sweetly, as if she had no idea what she was doing to him. She leaned forward and peppered light kisses against his throat, earning a deep groan for her efforts. Her kisses moved up to his ear, and she whispered, "We can worry about it later. Right now I just want to do this," before she tugged on his earlobe with her teeth.

There was a throaty "fuck yes" from beneath her as Inuyasha's hands came to grip her hips. He pulled her down against him, making her gasp. Really, how could she not expect to have that effect on him with what she was doing? His hands shifted from her hips back, and the new gasp she let out as he palmed her backside gave him pause. "S-sorry –"

"No, it's okay." Kagome leaned back to look at Inuyasha. "I liked it," she added with a blush. "You can…do that…"

That's all he needed to hear, tightening his hold and making her moan. Kagome leaned down again to kiss him, but the sweet friction between them left both of them moaning against each other's lips. It felt so good, and once again it hit him just how well they fit against each other. Inuyasha's hips shifted underneath hers as he held her, guided her against his lap. Each time she'd gasp his name in a wonderful way that took him back to that morning in her bed. One hand left the curve of her rear, dipping underneath her tank top to rest against the small of her back. They may not be going that far just yet, but dammit he needed to touch her bare skin.

"Inu…" Kagome whimpered against his lips. "Oh Inu…" She didn't know what she wanted to say. All she knew was that she wanted more. Maybe not that much more, but something. She couldn't figure out what it was, but that familiar feeling was back, creeping up on her. "Inuyasha… I… I need…"

"Tell me Kagome," he sucked in a breath as his head fell back against the couch. Inuyasha's hips rocked upwards again, and it took everything he had to not flip them. But those noises she made nearly had him breaking his resolve.

"I… I need… I need…"

RING! RING! RING! RING! RING! RING!

"I need that phone to not ring!" Kagome shrieked suddenly, making Inuyasha's head snap up to see her positively livid as she made to grab the phone.

'That shouldn't turn me on,' he thought. She was mad as hell but she looked beautiful still straddling his lap. Hair a mess, flushed from a mixture of desire and now rage. Whoever was on the other end was about to get a rude awakening, and he just hoped it was quick. She may be furious, but he was aching more now than he was that morning in her bed. They had been so close and –

"It's…Sango."

"Sango?" he croaked out. Kagome moved against him in wonderful ways in her reach for the phone, but she was too distracted by the unfortunate caller to notice. Inuyasha craned his neck around to read the clock on the wall behind them.

It was eleven-thirty. At night.

That was odd. No one with sense would call this late unless something was wrong. As soon as Kagome had put the phone to her ear did they both hear the woman on the other end squeal "MERMAID!" Kagome's alarmed eyes met his.

"MIROKU IS A MERMAID – I – I MEAN MERMAN! HE'S A MERMAN, KAGOME!"

"Calm down Sango…"

'Just say it quick,' Inuyasha thought. He was too far gone for this discussion to be drawn out. As it was he wanted to skin Miroku alive just for revealing himself. Tomorrow, or any other time that Kagome wasn't straddling his lap. She then wiggled and he bit the inside of his cheek so he wouldn't whimper. 'Shit -! Don't do that, 'Gome!'

Kagome was oblivious to Inuyasha's current state, too focused on her near-panicked friend. "Take a deep breath and start from the beginning."

There was a faint inhale and exhale, then, "Kagome. Miroku is a merman."

"Okay."

"Okay?! So he wasn't pulling my leg when he said you knew already?!"

"Hang on – how did this even come up in the first place?"

When she next wiggled in his lap, Inuyasha's eyes widened. 'Uh oh. No, no! Don't do that! Not now!' Her squirming only added friction he did not need in the moment, but it wasn't like he could exactly dump her out of his lap. It'd raise too many questions.

Common sense would have suggested that he try to put distance between them, even just an inch. Unfortunately his common sense went south. Instead, his hips jerked upwards when she next wiggled to get comfortable. He almost didn't get his hand over his mouth to stifle the sudden groan. 'Shit -!'

As Kagome listened to Sango recount her day – really, how'd this tie in with Miroku – she felt Inuyasha's hips rock up into her and she braced her free hand against Inuyasha's chest to steady herself so she didn't fall backwards. Oh god, that had been wonderful and she wanted him to do that again – if she could ever get off the phone, that is. What she couldn't fathom was why he'd gone so still. He'd found a sweet spot with that motion –

"What was that noise?" Sango asked mid-thought.

"Uh…" Kagome glanced down at Inuyasha, who was blushing and looked like he wanted to disappear. Between his expression and the previous moments, everything came crashing together. "It was Inuyasha," she said quickly. "He stubbed his foot on the table leg. I think he's okay. He heard I was talking to you and didn't want to yell out, that's all." As Sango went back on her train of thought, Kagome mouthed, "Did you..?" only for Inuyasha to look even more embarrassed and nod. She gave him a sympathetic smile.

Sango had no idea what was transpiring on the other end of the phone as she rambled on. "So Miroku asks me if I wanted to go to the beach this evening, and I thought he just meant to take a walk. I mean we did take a walk, but…you know what Kagome it's late –"

"Uh uh!" Kagome straightened up, ignoring the squeak from her boyfriend. "You called me, Sango! Now how did you find out that Miroku was a mermaid!"

"Uh…he uh…I mean…he…might have talked me into skinny dipping in the ocean."

"Wow. And you had the gall to call me a floozy the other day."

Inuyasha's eyebrows rose at that. He had briefly heard swimming in the ocean, but he was too distracted by the wiggling to really care. What Kagome said got his attention though. Did Sango assume that Kagome was something she wasn't? Probably just a joke, if the way Kagome said it in passing was any indication. She hadn't sounded offended.

"Anyway," he could hear Sango say with exasperation, "I'm in the ocean, and he's right next to me. We're talking. I'm not thinking anything of it. At least until I feel something brush against my leg… and it was scaly."

Inuyasha snorted, his embarrassment forgotten.

"I may have screamed."

Kagome covered her mouth so she wouldn't laugh. She'd deftly pressed the button to turn on the speakerphone so Inuyasha could better hear the tale.

"And when we got back to the shore I saw it. It's indigo, Kagome! Indigo! Miroku. Has. A. tail. He says you knew. Have you seen –"

"No I haven't but that's good to know!" Kagome cut her off, thinking back to the day that Inuyasha revealed his secret to her. They had basically been kids then, and she'd almost seen all of his secrets.

"Then how do you know he's a merman?" Sango sounded confused. There was a pause, and Kagome could only imagine the silence meant she'd just had an epiphany. "OH. MY. GOD. Inuyasha –"

"Is a merman," he finished for her, not bothering to pretend that he wasn't nearby anymore. "Yes Sango, I am. If Miroku revealed himself – in a manner of speaking – he should have mentioned that it is a highly guarded secret."

"Oh yeah. Yeah, once I stopped screaming he explained everything to me. You guys don't have to worry about me telling anyone." They could hear Sango let out a sigh and mutter about the time before she had another thought. "Dang Kagome, no wonder you were so mad that morning we worked all day! I'd probably be mad too it I almost got to play pony with a sea horse!"

Inuyasha was howling with laughter at that. The look on Kagome's face only made it funnier. He couldn't even be embarrassed that Sango's comment had clearly been a reference to one of their "girl talks" because the way she worded it was so bizarre. He laughed harder as Kagome squeaked out her goodbyes to Sango and her attempts to not throw her phone across the room.

"You get a good laugh?"

Once he could get himself under control he said, "After what happened, yeah. I think I deserved a laugh."

"It was at your expense though!"

"But it was your face that made me laugh so hard!"

"Speaking of –" Kagome winced as she saw his expression change from amused to horrified. "You okay?"

"Uh… yeah." Inuyasha cleared his throat. Right. How could he forget he'd done that? He let out a groan of disappointment as it really sunk in. "I'm sorry, 'Gome."

"Why are you sorry?" Kagome looked down at herself and debated moving. The mood was killed by this point – in more than one way – so really she had no reason to hold his lap hostage. His hands held her hips firmly, almost like he knew what she was thinking. 'Guess I'm not going anywhere.'

"Why?" He repeated, dumbfounded. "We were… and I… I blew it." 'Literally blew it,' he finished silently. He couldn't bring himself to say it out loud.

"Oh." She wasn't upset with him in the slightest. These things happened, after all. If anything she should be upset with herself. She'd been the one to start it. She'd been the one to lead him on. She'd been the one to leave him hanging and answered the phone. When she told him this, he disagreed.

"You didn't do nothing wrong, 'Gome. If I'd wanted to I could've stopped you." Inuyasha let out a breathy laugh. "I'd have been the biggest idiot in the world if I had." Hearing Kagome laugh made him smile. "I feel bad though. You didn't…ah…"

They both froze, knowing exactly what he was trying to say. All the joking aside, it had finally occurred to them what had happened. Maybe it was better that Sango called after all.

"It's okay," she said softly. Kagome sighed, leaning forward to lay her forehead on his shoulder. "We've got time to get there. Tonight just wasn't it. It was nice – I mean, really nice." She lightly snorted. How could she even get to that place when she could barely say what she meant half the time?

"Kagome?" He hated what he was about to say. He was enjoying this closeness with her, but he had to.

"Yeah?"

"I…uh…need to go change."

"Right. Sorry."

Inuyasha couldn't help but grin at how flustered Kagome looked as she crawled out of his lap. She muttered about needing "to get ready for bed" despite already being in her sleep clothes as she headed into the kitchen. If she was that frazzled just from what little happened that evening, he could only imagine what it might be like if… He shook his head to clear those thoughts. Now was not the time to think about that. He was already having to do his own walk of shame up the stairs to change his pants.