Thank you for the reviews. =] I hope the second chapter doesn't disappoint! Enjoy!

Oh yes, I forgot to mention. I don't own Inuyasha. Sadly.

Chapter Two – Replay

Inuyasha muttered under his breath, cursing the hat that Kagome's mother made him wear to hide his ears. It was uncomfortable, to say the least, and his naturally good hearing was hindered by it. Luckily Kagome's mother hadn't made him change his clothes, so he at least had his protective outer wear to keep him comfortable. Inuyasha was about to ask her a question, but she put a finger to her lips in a signal to be quiet. He closed his mouth and nodded, remembering Kagome was still asleep.

They walked outside quietly, side by side. It wasn't until they were almost to the bottom of the shrine steps that Kagome's mother spoke. "Well, Inuyasha, the first thing we'll have to do is buy you some modern clothing. I know I let you wear your custom clothes today, but on a date a man is expected to dress nicely for the woman."

Inuyasha nodded, but inwardly cursed. He was not looking forward to wearing the modern clothes Kagome's mother spoke of. They looked severely uncomfortable, and tight.

Kagome's mom seemed to read his mind, and chuckled. "Don't worry Inuyasha, we'll look for some comfortable clothes, okay? We'll even have you try them on before we leave the store, so you know they'll be comfortable." She smiled at Inuyasha's relieved sigh. "Well now, we still need to discuss where you'll be going on your date…"

Bright… Ugh, why didn't I close those curtains last night? Kagome unwillingly opened her eyes against the light shining through her window. She let out a small groan and turned to face the wall, willing herself to fall back to sleep, to return to her pleasant dream. But the more she tried to go back, the more awake she became. Ugh. I give up. Kagome sat up, pushing the covers down. She yawned, stretching her arms to the ceiling. Who invented mornings, anyway? They suck!

Kagome noted it was well past ten, and with a pout realized she'd missed breakfast. Oh well, she'd find something. Grunting with sleep she pulled some clothes out of her dresser, and went to take a warm bath. After locking the door behind her, she turned the water on, waiting for the temperature to regulate. She slid her pajamas off, and stepped into the now steamy bathtub. Ahh, this feels great. I do love hot springs, but being able to have four walls to give you privacy is wonderful!

Kagome bounded down the stairs happily, her grumbling stomach urging her to find something to eat. She was shocked, to say the least, when she entered her kitchen and found her mother calmly stirring something in a pan, and Inuyasha sitting at the table, looking at her with wide eyes.

"Inuyasha?"

"Oh, good morning dear." Kagome's mother smiled at her. "Honey, I know you missed breakfast, but I was wondering if you'd run to the store for me? I have some things I need here, on a list. If you'd like I can give you a little extra, so you can find something for breakfast."

Kagome noted how her mother didn't phrase it as a question, but decided to push it aside. "Sure mom."

"Great, let me get my purse." Her mother left quickly, leaving Inuyasha and Kagome alone in the kitchen.

"Inuyasha, what are you doing here?" Kagome's tone was mildly irritated, and she stood with a hand on her hip, waiting for an explanation.

Inuyasha frowned, looking into her eyes. "I'm supposed to help your mom with something. She says I owe her."

Kagome felt her frown grow. Something's up. I can feel it. "What do you owe he-"

"Here we are Kagome." Her mother hurried back in, money pouch in hand. "Please, take your time, but do be careful." She handed her daughter the pouch and quickly shoed her out the door, handing her the list as she put her shoes on. "Goodbye dear."

Kagome's mother sighed softly, heading back into the kitchen. When Inuyasha confirmed for her, with his advanced hearing, that Kagome was indeed gone, she sat down at the table.

"Well Inuyasha, you only have one thing left to figure out. And that," she said softly. "-is how to ask her out."

Inuyasha felt a blush creep up his neck, his eyes looking anywhere but at Kagome's mother. "Uh… Yeah. How do I – uh… How do I do that?"

"Well," Kagome's mother looked up thoughtfully, contemplating their options. "You could write her a note, asking her to meet you somewhere. Or you could ask her out the old fashioned way, and ask her face to face." At the look on Inuyasha's face, obviously face-to-face was not the way to go. "I think a note would be nice. Yes. Now, you remember what you'll do once she gets there?"

Inuyasha nodded, his eyes full of determination, his mouth set in a firm line. A look similar to what he got when he approached a battle, when he was protecting Kagome's very life.

The girl's mother nodded in approval. "Wonderful. We'll start tonight."

Kagome yawned, her eyes popping open with tears gathering in the corners. She glanced from her desk to the small alarm clock on her side table. It's early… But I'm really tired… So maybe I'll just go to bed early tonight. Kagome slowly descended the stairs, looking for her mother. "Mom?"

"In here, honey."

Kagome hesitantly poked her head around the corner, spying her mother sitting on their living room couch. "Mom?"

Her mother smiled up at her. "Yes dear?"

"I'm really tired, so I'm going to bed early tonight."

"Oh, alright Kagome." She paused. "Before I forget, someone left this for you." She handed her daughter an envelope with her name scrawled across the front. "Some young man left it for you."

Kagome raised an eyebrow, looking at her mom with doubt. "Some young man? Come on mom, you wouldn't take mail for me from someone I don't know."

Her mother shrugged. "I suppose not. Goodnight dear." Kagome opened her mouth to protest, but her mother shook her head. "All I will say, Kagome, is that I approve. You should do this, he's such a good man."

Kagome frowned. Do what? But she just watched her mother walk up the stairs, her eyebrow still slightly raised. Well, I guess I should know what mom's acting so weird about. Kagome plopped down on their couch and slowly tore the envelope open. She unfolded the paper and let her eyes scan the note.

Kagome,

Meet me at the fair tomorrow afternoon. My treat. I'll be waiting.

Me

Kagome frowned. Me? Who the hell is 'Me'? Well, her mother had told her she approved. Wait… The envelope was closed. How did mom know what it said? Kagome gathered the envelope and the letter in her hand before walking back to her room. She shut the door quietly, then flopped down on her bed, note still in hand. She re-read the note curiously. I know that handwriting… It was a little messy, but the elegant scrawls were familiar to her in a way she couldn't put her finger on. She stared up at the ceiling. Maybe it's Hojo. I don't want another date with Hojo though… Plus he wouldn't take me to the same place twice, especially not since tomorrow is Monday… He always asks me out on the weekend. And how did mom know?

Kagome glanced over at her clock again. Only ten minutes had passed, but she felt as though she'd been kept awake for hours. She quietly set the letter down on her desk and grabbed her pajamas from her dresser. As she slipped her comfortable pants on, she decided. She'd go on this 'date' since her mother had approved, which meant it had to be set up somehow. But with who? Koga is on the other side of the well, Hojo wouldn't ask me again so soon, and Inuyasha… Kagome frowned. Inuyasha wouldn't ask me out period. He still goes to see Kikyou, so I'm almost positive he's still in love with her. Her frown grew, and as she finished buttoning up her shirt she went to the window to look out to the sky, almost asking for answers. He's so confusing. One minute he's telling me he needs me by his side, and the next he's going to see Kikyou and telling me I need to stay for the jewel shards. I love him, but I can't do it anymore.

She walked back to bed, climbing in and slipping under the cold covers. She shivered a little, but quickly adjusted. I'll go on this 'mystery date'. I just hope it's not some creep…

It was a beautiful day, and Kagome was thrilled. Ahh, it's such a nice day out! Perfect… She looked out her open window with a small smile on her face. Her mind wandered to the letter she'd gotten the night before, and her smile quickly fell. She still had no idea who it was that she was supposed to be meeting, but it was irritating. Like a pebble in your shoe during a long walk, but you can't stop to take the pebble out, you just have to keep going. Kagome let out a long sigh, looking at her closet. What am I supposed to wear? Ugh, this is so frustrating! She slowly padded over to the closet, searching for something simple, something that was fun yet conservative. She eventually settled on a simple white tank top with beads around the deep neckline, and pink skirt that flared around her knees.

After plucking a towel from their hall closet she quickly claimed the bathroom, locking the door behind her so she could relax in the bath. Her pajamas were forgotten on the floor as she sunk into the steamy bath water. "Mmm…" Kagome rested her head on the tile behind her, allowing her muscles to fall limp in the tub. "I want to go back to sleep…"

I wonder how long I've been in here… Kagome looked at her fingers, realizing they were a bit pruny, before resting her head back against the tile. A soft knock on the door startled her, her eyes and ears suddenly alert. "Kagome?" The girl relaxed, realizing it was her mother's soothing voice.

"Yes mom?"

"Honey, I think Sota needs to use the bathroom."

"Okay mom, I'll be out in a few minutes."

"Thank you dear." Kagome could practically hear the smile on her mother's face as she listened to the padding footsteps fade away. She sighed, stepping out of the now cool bath water and wrapping a white towel around her body. She gathered her clothes in one arm and drained the tub with the other. After checking to make sure she hadn't forgotten anything, she exited the bathroom to see a 'dancing' Sota outside, his legs bouncing back and forth rapidly.

"Gooood Kagome I thought you'd never come out!" He hurriedly pushed past her, slamming the door shut behind him. She heard the toilet seat squeak up and laughed a little.

"You're a boy, why don't you just go outside?" After receiving no response she shrugged and walked to her bedroom, quietly shutting the door behind her. She glanced at her bedside clock and groaned. I should get ready to go. She dressed herself, and after brushing her thick raven locks she gave herself a once-over in her full length mirror, twisting her body to see every angle. Well, not too shabby. Kagome frowned a little. She was excited, but dreading it at the same time. Against her whole being, she was hoping it was Inuyasha. As much as she knew that were near impossible, she could still have her hopes. Her other hope was that it wasn't Hojo again, and that it wasn't some weirdo that her mom had accepted the letter from. Of course, she knew logically her mother wouldn't just accept a random letter for her from some man she'd never met. And of course, she'd known what was in the letter, but it hadn't been opened yet. For some reason I doubt it's her "motherly instincts" kicking in. Why do I have a feeling she's in on it?! Frustrated, she sat on her bed, thinking.

It wouldn't be Hojo, he said he'd see me in school today. Even though I'm not going… And Inuyasha wouldn't go through this trouble – he hates it here! Besides, he's still… in love with… Kagome shook her head, refusing to make her day depressing before it had to be. "Well," she said aloud, more or less talking to herself. "Let's get this over with!" She forced on a smile and left her room, pausing in the kitchen on the way. "Mom, I'm leaving!"

Her mom smiled, pleased. "Have fun dear." She paused. "But not too much fun, please."

Kagome felt her cheeks flush. "Mom, I'm too young for that!"

Her mother walked over to her, resting a hand on her daughter's cheek. "I know this may be awkward for you honey, but you need to know as a mother I just don't want you to do something in the 'heat of the moment' and regret it later."

Kagome nodded, still blushing profusely. "I know mom. You don't have to worry, I probably won't even like this guy! Whoever he is…" She left her sentence hanging, hoping her mother would clue her in as to what she was facing.

Her mother simply nodded. "Well, either way, remember what I said, okay?"

"Yes mom." Kagome slipped her shoes on and opened the door. "Bye!"

Inuyasha fingered the hem of the shirt Kagome's mother had helped him pick out. It was a bright red, nearly matching that of his fire-rat robes. It was a little tight, but Kagome's mother had told him it showed off his chest nicely, and Kagome would appreciate that. He smirked a little at that, his pride flaring up. His bottom half, as he looked down, was dressed in jeans that were big in the legs but fit in him nicely in the waist. He had to wear those stupid shoes, the closed-toe ones, but he'd deal with it for a day, only for Kagome. And, obviously, he donned a red ball cap on his head to hide his otherwise obvious white ears. The clothes were only slightly uncomfortable, yet Inuyasha continuously looked around, anxious. Why he was feeling so nervous about meeting Kagome, he didn't quite understand. Yes, this was different. A date. Something he'd never done before. And he really didn't want to screw this up; Kagome was more important to him than anything. She gave him a reason to live again, to love again.

His keen nose instantly picked up her scent moving towards him. He looked up, wide-eyed, to take in her appearance. She was… Beautiful… He suddenly felt a little underdressed. She was looking around intently, the note he'd left for her clutched tightly in her left hand. Eventually she stood still, looking as though she hoped her date would find her.

Which it did.

"Oi, Kagome!"

The girl turned her head to the voice, her eyes wide. I know that voice! She couldn't cover up her surprise when Inuyasha approached her, dressed in modern-day clothing, and in shoes no less! "I-Inuyasha?" She eyed him carefully. "What are you doing here?"

Inuyasha grinned, trying to look more confident than he felt. "I'm here for our date."

"Our date?" Kagome couldn't hold back the sudden smile that grew on her face. "You left me the note?"

"Yeah." The half-demon smiled, a bit sheepishly, before grabbing her hand in a bold show of confidence. "Come on, your mom said there was a lot to do here!"

Kagome giggled, realization dawning on her. "Mom helped you, didn't she?"

Inuyasha looked back, still walking. "Yeah. She kind of set the whole thing up."

"Set it up?"

"Uh, yeah. Like she picked out the clothes and stuff and uh- gave me the money and…" Inuyasha's eyes darted around frantically. "Oh look, there's that thing your mom was telling me about!" He pointed a clawed finger towards the giant contraption. "She said you liked it, so we should go on it."

Kagome couldn't hold back another small giggle. "Inuyasha, we don't have to go if you don't want to."

The half-demon's eyes met hers, amber against chocolate orbs. He felt himself blushing, and inwardly cursed himself. "Uh, yeah, but it does kinda look fun." He watched the girl's reaction, grinning when she smiled and nodded her okay. They stepped in line for the biggest roller coaster in the fair, Inuyasha feeling anxious and Kagome feeling a mix of happiness, confusion, and anticipation. Eventually they reached the front, and they stepped in the very last car, Kagome suggesting it, in case her date had to take his hat off. That way nobody would see it, since they were behind everyone else.

The bar came down, buckling them in. Inuyasha watched curiously as the girl beside him gripped the bar tightly, waiting the movement of the cars. He wanted to put his arm around her, as her mother had advised him to do, but he wasn't sure if this was a good time or not. He debated it, the thoughts rolling around in his head. But as he made up his mind, the ride started, jerking the riders slightly as it slowly accelerated forward. Kagome snuck a small glance at Inuyasha's face and couldn't contain the small giggles bubbling up in her throat. The half-demon's eyes were wide, and darting around in every which direction, one hand grasping the metal bar over their laps tightly. She let out a small gasp as Inuyasha's right hand suddenly grasped her own, his eyes turning to her in a silent question. Kagome gave him a smile.

"It's okay, Inuyasha, it's supposed to do this. It'll get much faster soon, anyway."

Inuyasha nodded, but didn't let go of her hand. He stared at her with an intensity Kagome had seen often during his battles. "I don't want you falling out," he said, sincerity lacing his words. The cars started to slowly make their first incline, signaling the speed was soon to happen.

Kagome clasped his hand in return, squeezing it. "I'll be okay. Just enjoy the ride. And if I scream, it's okay. It's fun!" She anxiously looked towards the top of the hill, her grin growing with her excitement. Inuyasha grinned with her – if she wasn't scared, then he wasn't worried.

"Haha, that was great!"

Kagome laughed, using her free hand to fix her hair, running her fingers through the tangles. She had yet to notice her other hand was still in Inuyasha's grasp, though it was Inuyasha's main focus at that point. After the ride, and her delighted screams, Inuyasha had helped her out of the car, and their hands had been interlocked since. He looked up at her, smiling. Something inside his chest was growing, supplying him with a pleasantly full feeling. He couldn't tear his eyes from her face… Her eyes were sparkling with pleasure, her cheeks flushed lightly, and her smile wide. She's beautiful… Gods, why haven't I seen it all this time? This feeling… I haven't felt this good, ever, I don't think.

Kagome noticed Inuyasha lagging, and stopped to look at him. "You alright, Inuyasha?"

The man beside her shook his head, his amber eyes never leaving her chocolate orbs. "I-Inuyasha?" Her eyes flickered to his lips momentarily, before she returned her gaze to his eyes. Inuyasha felt himself being pulled in. He suddenly wanted to be close to her, he needed to feel her, hold her. His free hand went up to lightly brush a stray strand of hair from her face, his finger brushing her cheek. Her eyes closed as she tilted her head up, leaning into his touch. Inuyasha watched, amazed, as she responded to his touch. He never would have imagined she liked being near him, regardless of her promise to stay by his side. He had always justified it by telling himself that it was only because she felt guilty about being the one to cause the whole fiasco, breaking the jewel and such. But now… His hand went to cup her cheek, thumb gently stroking her skin. She smiled, eyes still closed. Inuyasha slowly brought their entangled hands up to his chest, and leaned his forehead against Kagome's gently. He'd never remembered feeling the need to be so gentle with anyone before. It was something he wanted more than anything…

Inuyasha's lips pressed softly against Kagome's, his eyes closed. The feeling in his chest burst, his need to be close to her growing urgently. He used his free hand to pull her close, tilting his head slightly to deepen the kiss, needing to feel her. He ran his tongue slowly along her bottom lip, and at her small gasp dove into her mouth to taste her. He ran his tongue along her teeth, and felt his head start to spin when her own tongue touched his. He ran his hand through her hair, and broke the kiss only to kiss her again, feeling her own free hand reach up to curl around his neck. Sparks lit in his belly as she responded to his kiss. He felt her heart beating against his hand rapidly. Inuyasha ran his tongue along her teeth again, slowly tasting her, feeling his mind empty of all thoughts as she kissed him fervently back, her own tongue delving into his mouth to feel his fangs. He pulled back, resting his forehead against Kagome's once more, and watched Kagome gasp for air, taking in the sight of her flushed cheeks, red lips, everything. He didn't know what to expect – he'd only kissed Kikyou once, but that was so different. Her lips were cold, and his love for her had long faded into grief and guilt. He had felt empty during their kiss. Kagome…

The girl slowly opened her eyes, her breathing regulated. Inuyasha started to pull away, afraid of her reaction. After all, she'd pretty much been tricked into this 'date' with him. But his fear was replaced by shock when she leaned her head against his chest, a smile on her face. "Inuyasha…" The half-demon wrapped his arms around the girl, resting his cheek on her head. He heard her muffled voice and looked down, his eyes meeting with hers. "Inuyasha…" She paused, not sure how to finish. "What, uh… What does this mean?" She hated the idea of ruining the moment, but she had to know. Just as she was beginning to move on… Or trying to. What did he want from this? Was this a 'friend date' to make up for things before? Or…

Inuyasha paused, knowing how bad he was with words. He didn't want to mess this up, he was tired of hurting her. So he held her, his mouth by her ear. "Kagome… I think this means… No. I mean, this does mean that I…" He paused, taking a breath. "I love you." He let out a sigh. "I was afraid, I mean – uh… I don't want you going out with Hojo anymore!" He pulled her back, looking at her face. "Kagome I do, love you." He felt his cheeks heat up, but he wasn't going to stop now. He finally gained his inner courage to tell her, and he wasn't going to quit. "And I want to be with you. I don't want anyone else touching you like this. I just-" He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Dammit Kagome, I want you to be mine! I don't want Koga claiming you as his woman, and I don't want Hobo taking you on these dates anymore. I want those things to be for me. I'm probably being really selfish but dammit, I need you! From now on, I'll take you on dates, and I'll call you my woman, if you want me to! …If you'll let me." He closed his mouth, fearing he'd said too much. Kagome's eyes were wide, but before he could back out, or make up a lie to cover his feelings, she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, her face in his chest.

"Inuyasha!" She could feel the tears, but she couldn't stop them. "I want this, Inuyasha. I want you. Please tell me you meant all that. Please… Tell me the truth. The reason I…" she paused, frowning. "I went out on a date with Hojo because I'm tired of loving someone who still loves someone else! I mean Kikyou… You love her and…" She ended in a whisper, afraid she would wake up and find herself laying in her bed, surrounded by her pink things and utterly alone. Inuyasha could feel her grasp tighten, and hope surged through his chest.

"Kagome, you understand me better than anyone. Kikyou will always be in my heart, but I don't love her anymore. I do, Kagome, love you. I need you more than anything, I love you so much. Please don't leave me."

Kagome whimpered. "Only if you don't leave me."

Inuyasha squeezed his eyes shut, knowing if he didn't tears would fall. "Kagome…" He buried his nose in her hair, inhaling her scent. It calmed him, made him happy. "I'll never leave you. I'll protect you for the rest of my life."

Inuyasha's ear twitched under his hat. "Mommy, what's that?"

He jerked his head up and looked around, frantically feeling the hat on his head, reassuring himself it was still firmly in place. He found the source of the comment – a little girl with brown hair pointing up at Inuyasha. He blushed.

The mother holding her daughter's hand smiled. "That, honey, is love." She smiled at Inuyasha. "Now come on honey, we need to find someplace to eat lunch." She dragged her daughter away, the little girl giggling.

Inuyasha looked back down at Kagome, who was also watching the mother and daughter walk away. He pulled away from her, taking her hand in his again. "Uh…" He felt lighter than he had ever felt before. But he still wanted Kagome to have a good time, so they would finish this date. "You wanna eat lunch too?"

Kagome smiled and nodded, squeezing his hand. "Yeah, I'm hungry from all the exercise I've been getting today!" She suddenly blushed, her free hand rushing up to smack herself. Before Inuyasha could question, she just grinned. "Let's go there!" She pointed to a pizza stand. "I bet you'll like what they have there!" She started dragging Inuyasha away by the hand, and the half-demon couldn't have been happier about it.

From the bushes a voice whispered. "Mission accomplished!" There was a pause, then – "Mom, can I come home now?" Click. "Awesome!" Sota snuck out of the park, grinning all the way home to give his mom the camera he had used to take pictures for her.

Kagome sighed, falling back on her bed happily. She snuggled under the pink covers, curling her toes in pleasure. In her arms she held a small, red bear with a white bow and hearts printed all over it. Thank you Inuyasha. I think I'll keep him with me on my bed…

Haha! End! I hope you enjoyed it – My writing skills are quite rusty, but hopefully if I keep writing I'll soon get back into the groove of things! (Haha, that sounded laaaame.) Anyway, please leave me your reviews and comments; I'm considering writing a sequel to this, involving their relationship 'firsts'. Obviously besides the kiss. =] Or possibly an epilogue. Let me know what you think, and thank you for reading!