Hey guys! Sorry, long time no see! I actually was so busy with school and then i went on vacation for three weeks and then i was hit by a car. I really don't recommend doing that actually. It wasn't too fun. Broken arm, not cool. Anyways, that's why i haven't updated, hope that you guys can forgive me! Anyways, on with the show! And i hope, i swear i hope, that it won't be this long till another update.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

Chapter 11 Leisure

When Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo arrived back at the hut, it already appeared that Sango and Miroku were already there as well. However, also by this time, Inuyasha was thoroughly infuriated. He was silently fuming as he sat down in his favorite spot up against the wall, penetrating holes into the back of Shippo's head the entire time. The stupid kit had to have the most impeccable timing Inuyasha had ever seen. Shippo glared right back from his spot in Kagome's arms. He didn't know why Inuyasha was so upset with him, he really hadn't done anything. But if he wanted to glare at him and be a big meanie, than that was fine with him. He could take him. With Kagome's help, oh yeah, he could take him…but with the way he was glaring at him, perhaps he would stay a safe distance away, like at the other end of the village, just to be sure…

Sensing the tension in the air, Kagome sat down sighing, giving a side long glance towards the two. It sure had gotten a lot colder in that hut since they first arrived. She remembered back to the scene in the forest and blushed; she had come so close to kissing Inuyasha. The feeling in the pit of her stomach came back, something akin to having a million butterflies fluttering all over the place. She had certainly never felt that way before, and most defiantly not with any other of the male species. But the butterflies soon turned to guilt when she also remembered how she had to repeatedly sit Inuyasha several times, '9 I think', just so he wouldn't clobber Shippo. The guilt continued to churn inside of her and bubbled up even more considering she had been so close, so tempted, to just letting him do it, to letting him get away with hitting the child and not stopping him. Inuyasha was not the only one who was a little mad about how the scene had abruptly ended. That would have been her first kiss, after all, had Shippo not come along.

"Kagome I am so happy that you are well!" Sango decided it was time to intervene before things got even worse than they apparently already are. She had been watching the two glaring demons (one half-demon), and an uncomfortable, blushing Kagome, for quite some time and realized that something must have happened between them. It really wasn't any of her business, but she was curious. She knew Kagome would tell her when she was ready, and right now didn't seem like the best time to bring it up anyways. So instead, Sango ran over and gave Kagome a hug, silently telling her that everything would be alright without saying it. Kagome received the message, and hugged her back.

For the duration of the time that Inuyasha and Kagome had been away Kaede had notified both Sango and Miroku of Kagome's current condition and that they were not to mention anything to her about what had happened; that it would be best if she did not know about it for the time being.

"The poor child has so much that she is already worrying about, I suggest that ye not give her another burden to bare upon her shoulders right now." Kaede had been very concerned about what it would do to Kagome if she were to know, and about how much stress she was already under.

Sango and Miroku had readily agreed with Kaede, and approved that that certain subject would not be brought up into any of their conversations. Sango was a little uncomfortable, however, with keeping something from her best friend. It was not at all like them. She was not used to keeping secrets from Kagome; they always told each other everything. It was going to be difficult, but for Kagome, she was willing to sacrifice her own peace of mind, so that Kagome may have her own.

Moreover, all decided that a few days off from shard hunting was certainly in order. This way Kagome would have some more time in order to heal and the others could take a much needed break themselves. It worked out for both sides. It was already a known fact that this idea would certainly not settle well with Inuyasha, however, Miroku had quickly amended saying that if they use their "trump card" then he would not be able to say no. In the time that they had known Kagome, she would bring not only devices and snacks back from her world, but also that of certain words and phrases that were foreign to the group. Yet over time, most if not all of them were surely using these phrases, one of them being the "trump card"; the meaning of "trump card" is, to the extent of: a reason or thing that will always be used against a person in order to get another person's way. According to Miroku, though, the "Trump Card" was always Kagome, because whenever they used Kagome as an excuse, they could just about get the half-demon to do anything. And this situation was no different.

"Ah, Kagome it is good to see that you are up and moving. You had us worried my friend." Miroku shook his head, trying to dispel the thoughts and images of Kagome and Sango hugging each other. His hand was twitching as it reached out on its own accord. 'Must Resist all temptation', but alas, the poor monk could not lift the curse from his perverted hand (or mind).

….

….

….

Kagome's startled scream split the air and Inuyasha was beside her in a flash, checking to make sure if she was alright, while Sango beat him to the punch, literally. Yet, that did not stop Inuyasha from adding another growing bump to the monk's already swollen noggin. Miroku slumped down to the ground and looked up at the trio impishly, grinning slightly. Why did his accursed hand always go for Kagome? It was Sango he wanted, not to mention, Inuyasha hit way harder. Did he have a death wish? It was a wonder that he didn't have any brain damage.

"Touch her again monk, and see what happens…" Inuyasha left the threat hanging in the air, Miroku frowned some what; that had been different. The whole reaction was entirely different actually. He knew for a fact that Inuyasha was protective of Kagome, yet, his ears were pinned back, and he had been snarling when he had threatened him. That was not the type of response he had been waiting for. The response with which he received was…actually kind of…frightening. Taking note of how close both Inuyasha and Kagome were standing to each other, their outward thighs resting against one another, and how neither seemed to notice, he had to ponder if they had somehow gotten closer while they had been gone in that short amount of time. 'I will question Inuyasha about my discovery later.' He glanced towards Sango and saw she was glaring even worse than Inuyasha…oh yeah…he would question Inuyasha much later.

"Inuyasha," deciding that ignoring the monk was the best way to try and not kill him, for if he opened his mouth he would surely regret it, Sango decided to pop the question, "I think it would be in Kagome's best interest if we rested here for a few days, so that she may heal properly." Mentally preparing herself for the fight she knew was about to break out, the "trump" card only pushed him so far; he was still Inuyasha, after all, she was surprised with his response.

"Fine. But no more than four days, Naraku's still out there. The longer we wait the closer he gets to having the whole jewel." The entire time he was talking, he was looking at Kagome with a look, that….you just didn't know what that look was, it was softer and more tame than anything anyone of them had seen before. Miroku and Sango were acting like fishes out of water, their mouths opening and closing like they couldn't breathe. That was certainly different than expected. Shippo just rolled his eyes, adults, he never would get them. One minute Kagome and Inuyasha are screaming at each other, the next they are looking all lovey-dovey. He put his paws up to his head, great, now he has a headache.

Kagome was also staring up at Inuyasha as well; they both seemed to be in their own little world, sort of speak. Miroku cleared his throat to get their attention. Kagome looked away blushing, while Inuyasha just smirked, looking as if he had just won some silent staring battle. This confused the occupants of the hut even more because his reaction was different as well. More often than not, when Inuyasha was caught staring at Kagome, or in a "moment" with her, he would start sputtering and go stomping off to pout. He would certainly not be looking like the cat that just got the canary.

'She looks so cute when she blushes' that was the only thought Inuyasha had as he sat back down in his usual corner, he wanted to sit closer to Kagome, yet he knew that he didn't want to rush things. It was better to leave them as they were. He was still confused as to what happened earlier, was she really going to let him kiss her? He growled silently realizing that now he would probably never know because of the stupid runt. He just has to ruin everything! Little brat….as he glanced back at Kagome though, his eyes softened and his anger left him. How could she do that? Make him feel pissed off one minute and then just by looking at her he turned into some sort of pansy! 'Great, I'm turning soft'. But if being soft meant that he could stay with Kagome, then maybe, just maybe, he didn't care so much about his tough-guy act after all….

The first few days of their resting time were actually quite hot, it seemed as if some sort of heat wave had decided to hit the area. It was absolutely miserable. The group had to spend all of their time outside of the hut considering it was so muggy and humid inside. Not to mention Kaede had many sick villagers to help and needed the occupants to leave when she had a patient. Mostly they would sit under the shade, talking idly about unimportant things. That was the whole point of resting after all, to try and sit back and not worry about the things to come; to try and relax.

On the afternoon of their fourth day, however, the heat had finally gotten unbearable, almost to the point of where you could see it. Everyone was forced to strip down to lighter clothing. Miroku had to take off the top part of his monks robes, leaving the thinner, lighter blue part on. Sango had barrowed some clothing from Kagome considering all she had was her slayer outfit and her kimono, neither really all that lighter, so Kagome suggested that she use some of her own clothing, saying it was the least she could do considering all that Sango has done for her in the past.

Sango had been reluctant at first, she has seen what Kagome wears, and honestly, it is not too decent. From where Kagome comes from, it is an every day occurrence, or so Kagome says, yet she still finds it hard to believe that young women go around wearing such…provocative clothing. In this time, it would be considered rude, especially for a single woman. Yet, the heat was sweltering, and she did need cooler clothing, so at last, Sango gave in, borrowing some tan Capri's that went to her mid calf and a green tank top. She was blushing the whole time because never in her life had she shown this much skin. 'Kagome wears clothing like this all of the time, I don't know how she does it!' She swore her face was going to be a permanent red color for the rest of her life, even worse is when the monk noticed what she was wearing and had to knock him unconscious in order to keep his wandering hands away from her.

Inuyasha took off the top part of his haori along with his under shirt, only adorned in his pants. Kagome had to resist touching him, sure she had seen his top half before, but that was only when she was bandaging him….or when she accidentally caught him bathing, but that was only twice! She blushed realizing where her thoughts had taken her and glanced once more at Inuyasha who was currently lounging under a tree. She had never noticed how perfect his skin was, she wished that she had the ability to not scar…She wiped her sweaty palms off on her short blue jeans shorts that she was wearing. They were modest, along with her white tank top. She had decided to go Sango's route, though, and pull up her hair into a pony-tail so that it got off of the back of her neck.

She was unawares however, that Inuyasha was silently watching her too; she wasn't the only one with thoughts of seeing more skin….

"Whew, it is really burnin' up out here; today would be a perfect day for a swim." Of course, Kagome was just speaking figuratively, really it was too much of a hassle to try and get everyone to comply with going to the river and swimming. Not to mention, trying to help everyone get into their bathing suites that she had brought them from her time. Laughing to herself, she remembered what had happened the first time she decided to buy them bathing suites.

Flashback

"Hey guys! Look what I bought you!" Kagome pulled out 4 white boxes with an unfamiliar logo on the top of it. Her friends stared at her as she passed out the gifts.

"Oh, Kagome, you didn't have to get us anything." Sango had just received hers and was beginning to open it secretly excited that her best friend had gotten her another gift. Sango had always loved surprises when she was younger, and she still did to this very day. She would have to get Kagome something in return, now.

"Lady Kagome, is there another celebration that you are celebrating in your time? Is this the reason for the gifts?"

"Miroku, can't I just get something nice for all of my friends without having to have a reason?" Kagome handed Inuyasha his box, and sat down, eagerly awaiting the look on their faces. Yet, when she heard Inuyasha scream and throw the box away from him like he had been burned, she supposed that she would probably be getting a different reaction out of them than first expected.

"Kagome! That's Indecent! You can't go buying me under-things!" Inuyasha looked completely aghast, which soon turned to horror when he realized that she had bought some "under-things" for Miroku as well. He jumped over and snatched the box from the puzzled looking Monk.

"Wha-Hey! That's mine!" Miroku tried to jump and grab his box from the half-demon; he hadn't even got to look yet!

"Uh…Kagome?" Kagome looked away from the battling males only to start cracking up when she saw Shippo with his little, green swimming trunks on his head. He looked at her puzzled as to what he was supposed to do with them and wondering why she was laughing. He was the absolute picture of cuteness.

Hearing Sango gasp however, was what brought her attention to her other friend. Sango's face the brightest shade of red she had ever seen.

"Kagome…I don't really…um…" The poor slayer was at a loss for words when she looked at the black, one peace bathing suite. She looked like she just wanted to throw it away from her, yet resisting the urge because she knew that it would probably hurt Kagome's feelings. So instead, she held the thing the farthest she could away from her, trying not to show just how uncomfortable she really was.

Kagome sighed, and looked at the mess she had created, she thought it was a good idea. Whenever it was too hot, swimming sounded like a perfect idea, yet, they had to do it alone because they didn't have the proper swimming wear. She wanted to have fun with her friends, not swim alone. So, she decided to buy them some bathing suites. Apparently, though, her friends did not know what to do with them. Glancing once more over at Inuyasha and a now, bruised looking Miroku, she decided it was time to explain.

"Hey!" Catching everyone's attention she started explaining the use of the bathing suite and that for the last time, it was not under-things! Sango still looked embarrassed and Inuyasha looked completely uncomfortable. Miroku got a perverted look on his face when he saw Sango's and Shippo still had his on his head. Whew…if it was all that trouble to just explain it to them…how much trouble was it going to be to actually have them try the suites on?

Kagome once again smiled to herself at the memory. She really loved them all, and remembering the first time they tried them on, it was priceless as well. She was just remembering how Inuyasha had come out with his shorts on, on-top ofhis regular clothing when Shippo decided he actually wanted to go.

"Oh yay! Can we go, can we go?" Shippo was thrilled to say the least, he had always loved to go swim in the river and to use the present Kagome had gotten for him. He never really understood why, but the adults had never seemed to use theirs. He always used his, but did they not like the present that Kagome had gotten for them?

"Well, do you guys want to go?" Kagome secretly wanted to go as well, but she knew how uncomfortable they all were with wearing the bathing clothes. That is why they really had never worn them before, except for once…and technically that didn't even count because after they saw each other, they blushed and ran the other way. Was it really worth it?

"I would really like to go!" Miroku waved his hands around frantically, knowing that swimming meant seeing Miss Sango in a depleted amount of clothing. Oh, how excited he was.

Sango looked over at Miroku warily, knowing his intention, but it was so hot. And swimming in the nice cold river sounded so refreshing. So, decision made, she told Kagome she would go. Inuyasha just "feh-ed" and with that they headed off to the river, Kagome grabbing their necessities along the way.

After arriving at the river, Kagome handed out to everyone their bathing suites. Going in separate directions, with a few threats from Sango aimed at Miroku, they went off to change.

Inuyasha was the first done, having remembered the last time to not put his swim trunks on top of his regular clothing. Having Kagome laugh at him that much made sure he never made the same mistake again. He was still unnerved though, he was never use to being this vulnerable. His fire-rat clothes were like armor. He doubted that this…red… thing could even hold up to a little poison from Sesshomaru. He sighed, knowing he would be uncomfortable all day.

Kagome came out next, wearing a two-piece yellow bathing suite. She had always loved the two-piece bathing suites, it always made her feel more free in the water. She loved the feeling of it, not being held back by anything. The straps criss-crossed in the front and then tied around the back of her neck; another tie was placed at the bottom of the first piece and tied behind her back to keep it in place. The bottom part of the suit was like short shorts. Inuyasha had to remind himself not to drool.

Miroku and Sango came out at the exact same time, Miroku with his lecherous grin, and Sango blushing all the way down to her toes. This was even worse than the clothes from earlier! She had never felt so embarrassed, she wondered if she ran away again if someone would catch her and drag her back. Her bathing suite certainly wasn't as revealing as Kagome's, for it was only a black one piece bathing suit that was normal cut with two straps, yet she was still undeniably uncomfortable. Especially with the way that Miroku was looking at her. She did have to admit though, glancing at him, he didn't look too bad in those purple swimming trunks he was wearing.

"Kagome, can we go in nowwwwwwww…?" Shippo had started whining, wanting to swim already. He didn't care if the older people wanted to act like idiots, gawking at each other, he just wanted to swim!

"Oh! Uh…sure Shippo, go on ahead!" Sango hadn't been the only one looking; Kagome had been preoccupied as well with a certain hanyou. After he was given the "okay", Shippo immediately dove in the water with his little funnel tube.

Sango and Kagome gradually got into the water, noticing that it was a tad bit chilly, and not wanting to freeze decided to take it slow. Inuyasha and Miroku just dove right in, those two always being the daring type. The girls just shook their heads at the antics. Noticing movement out of the corner of her eye, Kagome realized Inuyasha was gone only leaving Miroku. 'I wonder where he went?' Kagome jolted out of her thoughts when she realized that Sango was talking to her.

"… really nice; this was a good idea Kagome." Kagome just smiled and nodded, hoping that she wouldn't be caught not paying attention. Currently, the two girls started to head towards the deeper part of the river, not too deep, where the rapids are, but just deep enough to where their shoulders could be submerged. Kagome glanced back at Shippo, who was in the shallow part of the river, making sure that she was okay. She felt more comfortable when she realized that Kirara was keeping an eye on Shippo while she was resting on the bank, not really liking the idea of getting wet. She was a cat demon, what do you expect?

"Yeah, I thought it would be ni--" Breaking off with a shriek, Kagome was suddenly dragged underneath the surface. Two hands were supporting her waste, her first instinct was too scream, yet being underwater that would not necessarily be a good idea. Unless she wanted to drown that is. So, she started fighting, wanting, needing, to get to the surface. Only when she saw a flash of red and silver did she calm down. Opening her eyes further, she had always been a good swimmer ever since she was younger; she looked into the amber eyes of Inuyasha. They stared at one another for a while longer, until he tilted his head, slowly bending forward, and only stopping when his lips had connected with hers.

Sango would have terrified for the safety of her friend had she not seen Inuyasha come up behind Kagome and then wink at her letting her know that he was up to something. So instead of doing anything to help, she just backed up a little bit, and thought of how much trouble the hanyou was going to be in. Miroku and her obviously thinking the same thing, started laughing at the pair who had yet to resurface.

Meanwhile, under the water, Inuyasha pulled back from Kagome and looked into her eyes. She had a dazed look on her face like she couldn't fully comprehend what had just happened. He smirked and ducked his head back down to kiss her again. Kagome responded eagerly this time, having been prepared for it. She didn't know what caused him to do this, but she wasn't complaining. It was the most wonderful thing in the world. But all good things must come to an end. They both became aware all too quickly that living things needed oxygen to breathe. The pulled apart and with Inuyasha's help, they both reached the surface, gasping for air, and not just from being underwater.

Miroku and Sango took one look at them and started laughing again. Not wanting to be too suspicious, and not really knowing if she wanted them to know that something was going on between her and Inuyasha, when in reality she didn't really know what was happening herself. She did the only thing she could think of at the moment. She yelled at him.

"What was that for you jerk! You could have drown me I can't believe you!" Even though her words seemed cruel though, Inuyasha didn't miss the sparkle in her eyes, or the way her face was still slightly red. Oh yeah, she had enjoyed the kiss just as much as he did.

"Oi wench, can't you just take a joke? I wouldn't have let you drown."

"Kagome….you should have…..seen your face!" Sango was gasping out between laughter her and Miroku were leaning on one another for support. 'It wasn't that funny' Kagome thought bitterly. Just then she looked back at Inuyasha and they both smirked and went over to the other two who obviously couldn't control themselves. In a flash Inuyasha grabbed both Miroku and Sango by their arms and lifted them up without breaking a sweat, then threw them back in the water. Now it was Kagome and Inuyasha's turn to crack up. For their faces of surprise were much more hilarious than Kagome's.

Miroku and Sango came back up coughing and sputtering, Miroku grabbing onto Sango for dear life. She just rolled her eyes and smiled at Inuyasha and Kagome. It was only fair, and water couldn't kill a person. Miroku however, apparently thought differently….

"That was certainly uncalled for Inuyasha." Miroku was obviously not too pleased that they had been thrown into the water.

"Yes….it….was…." Kagome replied all the while trying to subdue the laughter she was overcome with. Inuyasha finally stopped his own chuckling in order to look down at her. The sun was reflecting off of her wet hair and body, it looked like she was glowing. It was if she was untouchable, and that if anyone dared she would just shatter. She literally took his breath away. Finally noticing that he must have been staring he started blushing; also realizing Miroku was snapping his fingers in front of his face. He growled.

"Inuyasha…hello…? Is anyone in there?" Inuyasha thumped his head and pushed him in the water.

"Oi! Got a problem you stupid Monk?" Miroku came back up again, laughing because of the slightly red hue that adorned the hanyou's face.

After much delay, everyone finally got themselves under control, and the rest of the time just flew by without warning. All too soon was it time for them to start heading back. It wasn't a good thing to be caught in the forest at night, especially with so many demons lurking about. They gathered their things and headed back to the hut. Unknowingly, Inuyasha and Kagome had been walking at a slower pace which forced Sango into figuring that they wanted some alone time. Sango being a pro at getting Inuyasha and Kagome alone, some how accomplished this again, for soon enough it was only her and Inuyasha walking in the forest. She began to feel nervous. What was she supposed to say to him considering what had happened between them? Would everything be different now? And what was the kiss for? Was it because he liked her or was it because he was in love with Kikyo?

Kagome was walking in the midst of her own thoughts, when a sudden tug on her hand stopped her, she looked at her hand only to find that it was attached to a clawed one. She looked up at Inuyasha with a questioning gaze, not really wanting to have this conversation.

"I just wanted to let you know that none of the things Kikyo said were true." That was abrupt and to the point. Inuyasha…always the blunt one. Yet, there was something about his tone that made her believe him, even if she didn't really want to for fear of being hurt.

"…I know" She replied just as softly. She of course still had her doubts, but in all honesty she really did not want to ruin their day with the subject of Kikyo, they had had a perfect day, she was going to make it stay that way at all costs.

He stepped closer to her, now just in front of her, she looked up and he could feel her breath on his lips.

"I also want you to know, that I don't love her anymore, I don't think I ever did…I.." Her heart immediately jumped up into her throat as he continued to ramble on. She really didn't even hear what he was saying anymore. And all of a sudden his lips were upon hers. It was a soft, gentle, kiss, almost as if he was unsure about how she felt about him. She kissed him back, and heard him sigh against her lips. It was a sigh of relief, almost as if he was glad that he didn't have to talk anymore, he had never liked talking to begin with. Her arms went and circled around his neck, dropping the towels on the ground, as they kissed deeper. He licked her lips while he silently asked for entrance. She granted it as they both explored each others' mouths. She couldn't believe that they were here kissing in the middle of the forest. 'A perfect ending to a perfect day' She sighed against his lips, she loved the feel of it. While on the other hand, Inuyasha was just in a completely different world. She tasted so good and he was enjoying every minute of it. They broke apart, both panting for air, and slightly blushing.

He wanted to ask her, he wanted to tell her. There were so many things inside of his head at the moment; he just needed to get them out. But where would he start? Was there even a beginning anymore? He was never good with words, never had been and never will be. And for a brief moment, he almost admitted that he was scared shitless. Maybe he didn't want to talk about it today, he was sure Kagome wouldn't mind. It could wait until later on. For right now, he just wanted to be happy, to be focused on one thing only, Kagome.

Kagome grabbed onto his hand, not really wanting to talk anymore this night, yes she still had millions of questions popping into her head, and yes there still needed to be things discussed. However, today had been…magical. And she didn't want to end it with something that would make her feel horrible once more. As they started walking back towards the village, hand in hand, she was happy, happy that if even if it was only for today, just for today, Inuyasha was hers…and hers alone.

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Okay! End of another chapter! Yes! Review if you can! I always (try) to update quicker when i get lots of reviews! Let's shoot for...40? Can we do that? Thanks! Till Next time!