Remember the time Chapter 4: Growing trust, an inuyasha fanfic

Title: Remember the time

Chapter 4: Growing trust

A/N: Ok, now is the time when the author gets down on her knees and begs for her readers forgiveness. I'm so sorry for taking nearly three months to update! I figured since I reached summer, i'd be able to update more often, but things got hectic. I've been visiting a lot of family members and they live far away, and without a computer.

But now that I'm finally back home, I should be able to update sooner. Just please don't forget to review guys, please thats all I ask! and to the ones that did, thank you so much! I love you all!

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and I had just endured a long boring day of work. The only break I was able to get was for lunch, and it had only been for an hour.

It was around five o'clock P.M. and I was driving towards my daughters preschool, I only had about an hour to kill before I would have to go to school since it started at six and I really wasn't looking forward to it.

I hummed the tune of a song that was playing softly on my radio and tried to keep myself from falling asleep. Work had taken a lot out of me and I was eager to pick up Akami and return home. I noticed the clouds were starting to darken, and I figured by the time I drove to my school it would be pouring outside.

When I reached the preschool, Akami was waiting for me near the front as usual. Except this time she didn't look as happy as she normally was when she greeted me. Her teacher looked equally as unhappy and she was fixing a stern look in my direction.

I parked the car, got out and walked over to the teacher, who looked like she had been waiting for me to arrive for a while. I glanced at Akami, silently asking her what was going on, but she avoided my gaze and looked at the floor. That's when I knew something was up.

"Is there something wrong?" I asked as soon as I had reached them. It was that same teacher I had spoken to before, Mrs. Anawa and she didn't look like she was in a good mood.

"Yes there is. May I speak with you in private?" Mrs. Anawa answered coldly. I blinked in confusion, nodding my head and grabbing Akami's hand, leading her into Mrs. Anawa's private office. Once we were inside she closed the door and had me sit down in a seat in front of her desk.

"Ms. Higurashi. I brought you here to talk about your daughter. We found out something about her in class that was rather . . interesting." She began, folding her hands unto her desk and staring at me expectantly.

"How so?" I asked, sneaking a glance at Akami who was shrinking back in her seat next to me, looking very guilty.

"You do know the rules of this school, don't you ma'am?" She asked, looking at me suspiciously. I quirked a brow and stared at her, oblivious to what she was trying to tell me.

"Of course I do. Akami hasn't broken any of the school rules has she? Because if she did I will handle everythi - " I was cut off by Mrs. Anawa's harsh voice.

"I don't believe this is something that can be handled over night. Akami has broken one of the biggest rules of them all. The number one rule." The teacher said, her dark brown eyes turning into ice.

I could feel my heart skip a beat as I searched my mind, trying to remember what the number one rule was. Something clicked, and suddenly it all fell together. Akami had never did anything wrong on purpose, there was only one rule that she could break. The number one rule . . but that meant . .

"You no longer need to hide it. We've figured it out. Your daughter has youkai blood. She had made it obvious today in class when we overheard her talking about it to her friend. As much as I care about Akami, you know the rules. That is not permitted in this school."

My eyes widened as I glanced at Akami. She looked back at me with sad fearful eyes, and I knew she probably didn't mean to discuss her heritage in class. She's only a little girl. She doesn't know better, even though I had told her countless times to never speak a word about her being one fourth dog demon.

"But that isn't fair! She's only one fourth youkai. That's hardly worth throwing her out! Please you can't do this, I work and go to school, I don't have enough time to watch her, besides, you can barely even tell that she's a demon." I spluttered out, suddenly I was sent in a whirlwind of panic. What would I do if Akami was pulled out of the school? Who would watch her? I would have to quit my job, and we'd become homeless and then . .

"What about her father? She must have one. Can't he watch her? I'm sorry Ms. Higurashi, but I will get fired if I keep her here. This is not just my decision, I think it's best for your daughter and the protection of those in this school, if you found her a better school that would fit her qualities. I'm sorry but this discussion is over. Akami has already packed up all her of her things. You may leave now." She ended our discussion with a sharp stare, but I wasn't ready to give up.

"You make her sound like a monster. She's only four for Christ's sake! You can't pull her out now!" I yelled, my voice mixed with frustration and anger. The teacher merely regarded my yells with a blank look as she guided me to the door. Akami trailed behind silently, carrying her small school bag in her hand.

"I'm sorry miss, but there's nothing I can do. It's best if you just leave calmly and think about your next actions wisely." Mrs. Anawa stated evenly and opened the door wide so we could step out. I let out a sigh of anger and defeat as I grabbed unto Akami's hand and stomped out of the door.

I didn't say a word to her, I just picked her up, put her in her car seat, and fastened her seat belt. I wanted to get away from that stupid school as soon as I could. Good riddance. I jumped into the drivers seat and started the car, and just as I presumed earlier, the sky opened up and it started to pour.

"Just my luck." I breathed angrily, slamming the door shut vigorously and gripping the stirring wheel with both hands. I backed out of the parking lot hastily and sped down the road, not caring if I was to get any speeding tickets.

My mind was in a blaze of thoughts, what was I supposed to do? Normally I would just drop Akami off at Sango's house after I picked her up from preschool and then I'd come back and pick her up after I finished school. Now I had no one to watch her during the day. Sango couldn't do it because she had work during the day and so did Kouga.

Who else do I trust enough to watch her? My question was answered by the sound of my cell ringing, I reached into my purse and pulled it out. As I read the caller id my eyes lit up with an idea. As much as I hated my idea . . I had no other choice, I was really desperate. So desperate I'd even . .

"Inuyasha?" I asked as I answered the phone. It was hard to hear him over the loud thudding of the rain as it pounded against my car. Thunder was even beginning to sound nearby and I could already see streaks of lightening spreading across the sky. Just great.

"Yea Kagome it's me. I just wanted to talk to you about last Sunday . ." His voice trailed off and I took the time to cut in.

"Don't even worry about that. Something happened. I need to ask you something." I replied. He was the only one left I could run too. There was no way to avoid this.

"What is it? Are you alright? Is Akami ok?" He asked, suddenly his voice was filled with concern, it made me smile for a second. But I snapped out of it when I remembered my situation.

"No we're fine. Is it alright if I swing by? I need to talk to you about something . ." I asked unsurely. I was trying to be as nice as possible. I really needed his help.

"Um, sure but I have someone over right now. You don't mind do you?" He asked hesitantly. I could tell he was bracing himself, getting himself prepared to be yelled at. That's probably why he was so surprised when I responded nicely.

"No it's fine. I don't mind. I'm coming over alone, I just need to drop Akami off at Sango's real quick. I'll be over soon ok?" I glanced in my rear view mirror to see how Akami was doing. She looked tense, as if she expected a long lecture when we got home, but other then that she was doing fine.

"Alright. See you soon." He replied, hanging up afterwards. I turned off my phone and threw it back in my purse. As I drove to Sango's house I couldn't help but wonder who his guest was. Was it one of his guy friends? Or was it his girlfriend . . I hoped it wasn't the latter. I didn't feel like dealing with a jealous girlfriend.

I arrived at Sango's house in due time. I dropped Akami off after I was finished giving Sango a brief explanation of my new problems and then I started my car and made my way towards Inuyasha's apartment.

It was almost six o'clock when I finally reached his apartment. I guess I didn't have time to go to school today. Now the professor was going to get on my case. Just what I needed. I noticed the familiar looking car in his driveway that belonged to his girlfriend and I let out an aggravated sigh.

"Your doing this for Akami." I whispered under my breath, willing myself to move forward and knock on his door. The rain hadn't stopped pouring, and as soon as I stepped out of the car I was drenched. My clothes were glued unto me, making me feel uncomfortable. My hair was dripping and my jeans felt sticky against my wet skin.

I ran straight to his front door and knocked loudly, waiting eagerly for him to let me inside so I could get shelter. As soon as he answered the door I jumped inside and greeted him tersely.

"Hey." I smiled, gathering a few of my wet locks and squeezing some of the water from it. For a moment all he did was stare at me, he wore a funny expression, and in his eyes was an emotion I could not read. I brushed it off and tried to ignore his intense stare as much as possible.

"Hey, um . . you look wet. Do you need a towel?" He asked, his eyes drifting to the clothes I wore that were soaked through. I shook my head.

"No I'm fine. Let's just talk in the living room." I replied and followed him as he led me to the other room. I couldn't see Kikyo anywhere, where was she?

As if reading my mind, Inuyasha spoke up. "I think Kikyo might be upstairs, taking a shower or something. She'll be down later."

My mouth formed an 'o' and I nodded my head. We made it to his living room where he sat on the couch and I followed suit, taking a seat next to him.

He turned his head and looked at me. "So what did you want to talk to me about?" He asked.

"Um well . . I need you to do me a favor. A big one." I said, staring at him with pleading eyes and his expression changed into a confused one. He narrowed his eyes at me suspiciously.

"If it has anything to do with extra money, you know I can't do tha -"

"No not at all!" I quickly cut off his assumptions with a wave of my hand.

"It's just that . ." I paused and shifted my gaze to the floor. "Akami was kicked out of her preschool. I have no other place to leave her during the day while I'm at work. Everyone else works and there's no way in hell I'm going to get her a babysitter, I don't trust strangers with my baby and I'm tight with money right now as it is, you were the only one I could think of." I explained, still keeping my gaze glued to the floor.

He was silent for a minute as he took everything in and then he cleared his throat, causing me to look at him.

"Why was she kicked out?" He looked surprised as he asked me.

"It was because of her youkai blood. You know that school is strictly for humans." I answered and he let out a deep sigh.

"That's a fucked up school anyways. You don't need it. Not when you have me." He was smiling now, his golden eyes warm and soft. He was giving me that reassuring look, the one that spoke to me and said everything would be alright and that he was here with me, handling my problems right beside me. It was the look he used to give me in highschool whenever I felt bad or was having problems with my life, and it made my heart beat faster.

"Are you sure?" I asked hesitantly and he blinked and gave me a weird look.

"Are you actually worried? Did you actually think that I wouldn't watch after my own daughter?" He asked incredulously.

"I'm her father, I'm not gonna let you quit your job and have you guys sleep in the streets. Do you remember the promise I made to you after Akami was born? I said I would always be here if you needed me. Nothing has changed. I'm here for you guys . . you know that." He stated softly, looking at me for my response.

I blew out my cheeks, running a hand through my damp locks and tucking a few strands behind my ear. "Well I don't know with you these days Inuyasha. We aren't in highschool anymore, you're a different man now then you were then. I wasn't sure if I could depend on you anymore . . " I told him honestly, hoping he wouldn't take it the wrong way.

He stared at me then, his smile fading and being replaced with a frown. "I haven't changed much since highschool. I'm still as devoted to Akami as I was then. And I still . . " He paused and after a moment decided to change subjects. "I know my life is a wreck and you probably have no reason to trust me, but I mean it when I say I do care for you guys and I am here. So don't worry. I'll watch Akami for you when you're at work and she'll be waiting for you when you come back."

I glanced up at him, trying to believe his words. Would he really do this for Akami and I? Were his words true? I wanted to believe him. Honest to god, with all of my heart, I wanted to believe his words. But how could I trust him after the way he had neglected us for years? It was like he was there when Akami was born, then he disappeared and as she started to get older he was there again. How was I supposed to know if he didn't mess up again?

But then again I had no other choice. It was either Inuyasha or sleeping on the streets.

I stared into his eyes, his face was so serious and determined, a look I wasn't familiar with and it brought a soft smile to my face.

"Thanks." I whispered after a small pause.

He smiled back and reached over to take my hand into his, giving it a small squeeze. Since when was he so caring? My eyes drifted to our locked hands and it reminded me of better times with him, making me happy and at the same time sad. I squeezed his hand back and our eyes locked gazes once again, making the butterflies in my stomach flutter.

"Inuyasha?" An unfamiliar voice reached my ears and I quickly released Inuyasha's hand, placing my hand in my lap and turning away from him. He did the same.

"Kikyo." I heard him say as he stood up from the couch and went to her.

"What are you doing? Who's that?" Kikyo asked as she glanced at me sitting on the couch and then back to Inuyasha.

"Kikyo this is a friend of mine, Kagome. Kagome this is my . . " He paused and Kikyo finished his sentence for him.

"I'm his girlfriend Kikyo, nice to meet you." She said, taking Inuyasha's hand in hers and sending me a smile although it didn't quite reach her eyes. I sent her a smile back half heartedly and nodded in her direction.

Kikyo led Inuyasha to a couch opposite of me and had him sat down first, then she sat down on his lap. I was getting the feeling she was trying to tell me Inuyasha belonged to her, just by the way she was holding him possessively. I saw his hands reach around her waist slowly, and I tried my best to ignore it. I mean after all, Inuyasha and I aren't dating so it shouldn't matter to me.

"So what were you guys talking about before I came in?" She asked, not even bothering to hide her nosiness. I wondered if Inuyasha had ever told Kikyo that he had a daughter. I decided to test this out.

"Oh we were just talking about my daughter Akami. She's going to be staying here with Inuyasha for a while until I can figure out what I'm going to do afterwards." I said, and I caught Inuyasha staring at me, his face looking worried.

"Why would your daughter be staying with Inuyasha? Why not drop him off to her father?" Kikyo asked, oblivious to the warning signs Inuyasha was sending me. 'You're busted mister.' I thought to myself. I ignored him and continued to answer Kikyo's questions with a smile.

"What? Did Inuyasha not tell you?" I glanced at Inuyasha and he was no longer looking at me, but looking at the floor. This will teach him for hiding Akami from her. "Inuyasha is Akami's father." I finished and watched as Kikyo's eyes grew wide.

She let out a small gasp and backed out of Inuyasha's lap, standing in front of him with a look of disbelief on her face.

"Inuyasha! Come talk to me in the kitchen real quick." She said through clenched teeth, and I sighed, feeling sort of bad for him but I decided this could have all been avoided if he would have just told her in the first place.

He blew out his cheeks and followed Kikyo into the kitchen, where I could hear Kikyo's loud hissing and Inuyasha's murmuring replies. When would he ever learn?

I sat awkwardly on the couch, waiting for them to finish their argument and return. I wanted to go home but they were taking forever. They emerged from the kitchen finally after several minutes and kikyo offered me a fake smile.

"Is everything alright?" I asked as Inuyasha trailed in after Kikyo and plopped down on the couch.

"Oh it's great. Thanks Kagome. You're so caring." Inuyasha said sarcastically, and I bit back a smile that was threatening to show.

"Well I better get going. It was nice chatting with you all." I said as I stood up and made my way towards the front door.

"Hey Kagome, you do have a boyfriend right?" Kikyo asked out of no where and I blinked before answering her question.

"Uh . . yeah." I replied slowly.

"Well then, why don't we get to know each other a little more? How about we all go out this weekend, you and your boyfriend and Inuyasha and I? So do you want too?" She asked and I stared at her incredulously for a moment. What was she trying to do? Was this some sort of trick?

In the end I decided to go along with it, it wouldn't hurt and I'm sure Kouga wouldn't mind.

"Sure I guess." I replied and she beamed and stepped forward to shake my hand. I was really confused by this point, but I guessed she was just trying to be nice so I shook her hand and smiled back.

"This Saturday then?" She asked. I snook a glance at Inuyasha who looked as lost as I did and slowly nodded my head.

"Alright see you then Kagome." She said and then made her way into the kitchen to do god knows what.

I looked at Inuyasha for an answer and he just shrugged and led me towards the front door. It was still pouring outside and I still didn't have an umbrella. Guess I would be running through the rain again.

"Inuyasha?" I began before we stepped outside and I sent him a sharp stare. He looked at me quizically. "What?"

"Why didn't you tell Kikyo about Akami?" I questioned, staring at him for his answer.

He sighed. "I was going to soon, but Kikyo is just . . well she didn't handle it very well. I wanted to give it time."

"You should never keep such secrets like that from your girlfriend Inuyasha. It must hurt her, and it hurts me to see you hesitant to talk about your daughter." I said, he frowned and his eyes met mine.

"I know I should have told her sooner. I'm sorry." He said, and my eyes softened as I took in his sad expression. He always gave me this look that made me feel bad. It always seemed to work.

I looked away from him to look outside, and sighed when I saw the rain that continued to pour.

"Feel like walking me to my car?" I asked, he took one glance outside and then he gave me a surprised look.

"Fuck no! Look at that rain! You're not worth it." He said jokingly and I gave him a light hit on the shoulder.

"Walk me to my car . . or die." I said and he laughed and opened his front door, allowing me to step into the rain first. I ran outside and he followed after me, both of us becoming drenched as we ran to my car.

By the time we reached my car, we were both soaking and becoming more soaked by the minute. Inuyasha was having troubles with his wet hair in his face and I couldn't help but laugh at him. He was smirking, even as he cursed his hair.

I don't know why, it's like I couldn't help myself. I held my hand out and brushed a few locks of hair that had stuck to his face with my fingers. My hand stayed there, on his cheek and trailed down to his moist chin.

His smirk had disappeared and he was looking at me intently now, watching for my next move. For a minute I just stared into his eyes, they looked so warm, a hot molten gold, despite the cold rain around us. I bent forward, my lips hovering close to his own and I moved my head slightly to the side and kissed him softly on the cheek.

When I pulled away he wore a confused, and somewhat disappointed expression, his fingers reaching for the spot I had just kissed.

"What was that for?" He asked and I bit my lip before sending him a small smile.

"For what you're doing for Akami. Thanks." I said and I stepped away from him and entered my car, closing the door so I could get away from the rain. I saw him standing there on the driveway, still touching the spot where I had kissed his cheek and I couldn't help but smile, remembering times when I had done that to him in the hallway at school.

It was only when I was driving back to Sango's house did I realize what I had actually done. Do I still have feelings for Inuyasha? Is it possible that something was still there? The thought seemed ridiculous and I tried my best to brush it away.

But still . . the feeling of his soft skin on my lips seemed to linger inside my mind and it scared me. What was happening?