Hello I'm back... Yea I know I've been gone for a while blah blah blah... But I've got to say my life is so hectic right now that I almost gave up on this story but then I was like "Nope I can't" so here I am and well here is the long awaited addition to Swan Princess! Hope you enjoy and remember, read, comment, and recommend to others! 3

The Swan Princess

Chapter 7

Feelings Are Announced

Inuyasha couldn't sleep that night. He was afraid that Kagome would think he was kidding; or worse, that she didn't feel the same way. But still he needed to do this. He couldn't go through the rest of his life without her knowing, without his chance with her. He had to many times stop himself from walking to her room, he needed to get this off his chest. He finally dozed off at about five in the morning but was soon awaken by Miroku.

Kagome on the other hand was in her room slowly eating wanting to know what Inuyasha wanted to tell her. Though she didn't lose sleep over it like Inuyasha had she was still extremely curious and couldn't wait to find the Hanyou to confront him.

Sango, noticing the changes in Kagome and Inuyasha the last few days since the ball, had a theory that was close to the truth. She was just afraid of Kagome's reaction if she was right, or worse she was right about one but not the other and ruined her best friend's life. So she is going to keep her thoughts to herself for the time being and just be there for Kagome.

Miroku was having similar thoughts to Sango's but was more of afraid of Inuyasha's temper than anything else. So he was planning to ask Sango on her take on the whole situation. He was really starting to like that girl, she was beautiful but not a total ditz like all the other girls he has messed around with and she was her own person. As Inuyasha wolfed down his meal he was planning how to talk to Sango about everything.

Finally Inuyasha left the room and Miroku decided to go to Sango's room to her about their weird acting friends. On the way he walked past Sesshomaru who was looking for Inuyasha.

"Hey Monk, have you seen my idiotic, immature brother anywhere."

"No, Your Highness, but I think he is busy at the moment but if I see I'll let him know you are looking for him."

"What could that thick-headed boy be busy with?"

"I'm not sure but I am certain that whatever it is we will be informed soon."

"Yes I am sure. Well good day Monk." Sesshomaru then started out to the gardens and Miroku continued to see Sango.

As this was happened Inuyasha was walking in the gardens waiting for Kagome to come. He had sent her a message to meet him in the garden in five minutes from the present time. Inuyasha was really nervous. He wanted to get this over with but his fear of rejection was becoming stronger with each passing moment.

Suddenly about a minute before he was supposed to meet her, Sesshomaru started to walk to the stop where Inuyasha was standing.

"Hey little brother, father wants a word it you."

Inuyasha, annoyed with his brother monotonous commands, retorted, "Well I don't think the world will end if I can do something before I go."

"Well little brother, we don't have to choice to wait and see if that will happen. Father has summoned you and you are to come to him. He is your king and father and you are to respect him as such."

"Well I have important matters to attend to right now," Inuyasha said getting angrier with every word, "so if you don't mind I will speak to father when I take care of this."

Sesshomaru, not wanting to waste his time on this useless conversation, left his brother.

As Sesshomaru was leaving, Kagome had just arrived at the gardens.

Inuyasha, seeing Kagome who was wearing a green gown with the locket that was given to her by Inuyasha and his family (she doesn't seem to remember that his family had given it to her), did an emotional 180. "Hello, Princess. You look really nice."

"Thank you, My Lord." Kagome replied trying to figure out what Inuyasha could possibly want.

"You're welcome." He said and then offered his arm saying, "Would you mind going for a walk with me."

Accepting the invitation Kagome and Inuyasha walked to a beautiful rose garden that was planted by Queen Izayoi shortly before her death.

"These roses are beautiful." Kagome exclaimed as she looked at the closest bush near the bench they were sitting on.

"Yes they are. My mother planted them. I believe the seeds originally came from your country." Inuyasha said enjoying the look of happiness on Kagome's face.

"Yes they look familiar, but I think the air and soil from your country makes them stronger and better smelling."

Inuyasha, looking at the girl he couldn't get off his mind, picked the most perfect from the bush closest to him. He then used his claws to remove the thorns and slid back Kagome's hair and place it on her ear. "I don't know which flower is more beautiful."

Kagome blushed from this action. This gave Inuyasha a feeling of relief.

"I asked you here to tell you something. I just have one thing to ask, can you listen to me all the way 'til the end and then tell me what you think."

Kagome, confused, replied, "Of course. What is it?"

Inuyasha took a deep breath and said, "Kagome I think…" He paused, took a deep breath, and then started again, "Kagome I think I am in love with you. I know that it may seem weird but it's how I feel, and I need you know that I don't think I could live another day hiding it."

Kagome looked at him. She couldn't tell if he truly meant it or if he was messing with her head. She finally looked in his eyes and saw the fear and anxiety that clouded them and said, "Inuyasha… I don't know what to say. Yes I have feelings for you, but no I don't think after you put me through the last few years I can say I love you. I don't know if I am ready for this side of you."

Inuyasha took a sigh of relief, "I know now what I did to you was wrong, and I never wanted you to forgive me in a matter of seconds. I just needed to let you know how I feel before the summer was over."

Kagome sat looking at the boy next to her and realized she felt the exact same way about him. She then started to laugh.

Inuyasha totally confused asked, "What's so funny?"

"Nothing I just remembered how we used to hate each and wanted the summer to end. Now we're sitting here and we don't want the summer to ever be over."

"Wow that is kind of funny. Well I'm sorry to cut this short but my father needs to speak to me. Would you accompany me for lunch tomorrow evening?"

"Of course I would. Just send a messenger with the time and I would be delighted to accompany you."

Inuyasha then kissed her on the cheek and smiling back pedaled and then ran to his father's parlor office wondering what he wanted.

Kagome watched as Inuyasha ran off and took rose from her ear. Looking at it and smiling she smeWelled it and sighed, And of course I couldn't even say that I love him as well. Kagome then walked back into the castle though missing the dark shadow in the corner smirking.

Well hope you liked this and please comment... working on the next chappy as we speak... well technically not cause I am typing this...

Luvs Kai H. & Co. 3