I could probably go on for days listing excuses as to why it took me so long to update, but I won't. I'll list one main reason and that's all. My computer crashed because it's a DINOSAUR and so I lost EVERYTHING unfortunately. That includes this chapter, so when I finally revived my computer I really did NOT have the desire to retype it all. I finally pulled myself together for you all and did this. SORRY for the long wait. I'm truly ashamed of myself.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha & crew or "duck and run" by 3 doors down. I also don't claim Patrick and Kat from 10 Things I Hate About You. And in this chapter I don't claim rights to the song "What Am I To You?" by Norah Jones. I know she's a low-key performer, but I have to admit that I LOVE low-key music as well as rock. Weird, right?

Duck & Run

Inquisition

The after a few days they let the cops in and there was nothing he could do to protect her from them. He was doing a horrible job at protecting her, even if he hadn't fessed up to his feelings for her. He sat by her side as the cops read her all of her rights and such so she would understand that she had to answer truthfully.

He tried to stay silent in the beginning when they were questioning about who she was and such and where she came from. He even kept his mouth shut when they made a few sharp words in his general direction, but when they started questioning her about 'that half-demon over there' doing it to her, he started to get angry. They continued bantering her about it, trying to make her admit that he had done it, to the point of making her cry.

"Aha! So he's bullied you into denying that it was him who beat the living daylights out of you! I suppose he thought it looked true because he's got himself some mighty fine stabs. Suppose that was you, little woman." The first officer, a surly middle-aged man with a donut-gut and a name-tag declaring his name was Jared looked as if he had just solved some horrible murder case.

Kagome was tearing up even further as she cried out desperately, "I already told you, it wasn't Inuyasha! He came and defended me!" She was gripping the edges of her chair, her hair disheveled along with the deep circles beneath her eyes.

Inuyasha growled a bit and finally grabbed her hand to hold it and comfort her as he spoke with the officers, "Correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost positive that you're abusing your rights as officers by trying to make the witness admit to something untrue. That's called tampering with the evidence, in a way, right?" When both officers glared but looked ashamed he continued, "Go on with the real questions now."

Kagome sighed in relief and he felt her hand relax a bit in his as they started the real questioning, "Alright, little missy, who did this to you and why?"

Kagome steeled her jaw and looked away, "My stepfather because he… always did."

"Always did? Don't you mean always does, hun?" the officer looked at her quizzically and then over to the half demon next to her suspiciously.

"If I'm right, he's dead right now. Before you start questioning me let me just explain everything that happened. My mother, my brother, my stepfather and I moved to this town after he and his gang ran into too much suspicion. He killed many people there along with my closest friend, Eri. When we moved here, he planned to stay reclusive and out of the way, and told me if I made any friends then there would be greater consequences than just killing them. He beat me as usual, and for some reason I made friends here. Then he began to form a lust towards me and became more and more… Forceful." She looked down and quenched a tear, breathing deeply for a minute or two before she felt Inuyasha's comforting hand squeeze hers.

The officers were staring incredulously at her before they nodded to her to continue her story. She bit her lip and looked anywhere but at Inuyasha or the officers, "The more forceful he became in… Doing such things with me the more frightened I became so I avoided home. One night I avoided it too long and it cost my mother… Cost my mother her life…" She gasped and the sudden realization that her mother would never be there for her once again slammed full force on her soul. She began to cry in front of the strangers shamelessly and for a few moments she couldn't control it. But she regained her control soon enough so she could continue. With him dead she still faced the dangers of his gang members, but she no longer cared.

"He murdered my mother ruthlessly as he did my father years before and he buried her in the backyard the same as he'd done with my father. I cleaned it up and I was terrified that if I told of what happened my brother or I would be killed. I was mostly frightened for my brother's sake. Without my mother there to protect us a little his beatings became more frequent and more lust filled. The other night when I returned home, I was foolish enough to allow Inuyasha to drive me home. My stepfather found out, beat me harshly while Souta ran into town for help. When I thought my stepfather would have his way with me and then kill me like he did my mother, Inuyasha showed up and fought my stepfather off. I passed out after that and Inuyasha will have to tell you the rest." With that she stared down into her lap and fought the rest of the tears threatening to come to life.

Inuyasha's breathing had become rapid and strained as he himself struggled not to cry. She'd gone through so much and somehow summarized it into a speech that lasted less than ten minutes. He was sure there were far deeper scars beneath those dark blue eyes but he would leave that to later. The officers looked towards him and he realized that it was his turn to finish up the story.

"I found Souta within the town in trouble with some guy trying to attack him at a phone booth after he'd called my house only to receive my friend. I was on my way back to Kagome's house because my friend called me and alerted me and ended up saving him and getting into my car and rushing to her house. When we got there I made Souta stay in the car as I went inside to find her stepfather over her… Stripping her. I tore him away from her as soon as I could and we fought a bit and he stabbed me a few times as I tried to contain him. I ended up having to turn his knife on him in self defense. He's dead, lying in her living room right now I suppose. I picked Kagome up and she was near death when we reached the hospital."

The officers both nodded solemnly, realizing that the half demon's story fit the one the younger boy had given them. The first officer nodded towards them, "Thank you very much. We'll get some of the boys out to the location and check things out." He turned towards the girl and shook his head, "Pity. Sorry miss. That's all we'll be needing, good day."

They left and the room was suddenly incredibly oppressive. Kagome felt Inuyasha's hand on hers but she still stood up and tried to walk swiftly towards the window. For a moment he held onto her hand then let it go as she made her way over to the window, unhitching one of the old locks and then shoving the two windows out to let the fresh air into their room. She leaned out of it and breathed in deeply as if her life depended on her being able to get a good amount of fresh air into her lungs.

After a few moments Inuyasha made his way over to her and stood beside her, "Kagome…" She didn't respond to him and he shook his head, looking at the ground before walking back over to his bed and laying down. He knew there was nothing he could do at the moment to make her feel better so he left her alone to think. God knows she needed it.

Kagome looked over her shoulder to see him making his way back over to the bed and then looked out the windows again. The hospital was surrounded by many buildings and the whole town reeked of human inhabitance. It all seemed to weigh on her soul, to make her suffocate. Everything was too much, too big, too loud. Her fragile hands made their way carefully to her ears and plugged them up while breathing deeply. Soon all she could hear were her steady, deep breaths.

The world darkened and the temperature dropped but all she could do was stand at the window and gaze out. She felt trapped and as if she was going to die. What was it that seemed so wrong about this place? Why was it that she felt like she belonged in a different world, different era, different universe? Everything was wrong.

Too many thoughts crowded her mind and she began to pace shortly in front of the window. Her mother, her father, her stepfather, her best friend were all dead. Her little brother was growing up through things that would most likely hurt his future and her own. And now she was trapped in the confusing feelings he caused her. She turned around and leaned against the window frame to stare at him. The moon shone perfectly on his softened features.

He was a beautiful man, even though she knew he would deny the fact fervently. He'd been nothing but honest with her from the beginning, though a little rough and hard to get to know. His usual stoic, passionate features relaxed as he slept and for some reason she could picture herself being with him for eternity. Somehow they belonged together now, and had belonged together for a long time before.

She made her way timidly over to him and sat next to his bed, gently removing some hair from her view of his face. He had saved her life and that of her brother's without second thought. He placed his own life on the line so she could live on, and he so selflessly did so. The thought that he was there for her was what finally led her to sleep around 2 a.m., staring across the room at her sleeping companion. She loved him.

The next morning both of them woke up fairly early and began to cause trouble within the hospital. The nurses commented on how restless the two seemed, never settling down like caged animals. Their friends stopped coming by to say hello and check in on them since neither of their friends seemed in dire predicaments. And without the slight respite the nurses were being driven crazy by the two.

By the end of the day the doctor came in to see them, "Will both of you just sit down for a few moments?" He growled at even as he smiled at them. They sat down and fidgeted in the same sort of way that the other did and nothing could make him happier. This is what he lived for, what he worked for. To save the lives of those who were loved and loved others. For those that seemed destined to die from their injuries, only to come back twice as strong.

Once seated the doctor smiled and looked at his sheets, "You both seem to be healing rapidly and you can expect to leave here soon. Much to the excitement of my nurses, I might add."

Kagome leaned forward eagerly in her chair, "When may we go? This place is driving me insane! The smell is horrible, the food is disgusting, the beds are lumpy, and to finish it off this place is suffocating me!"

The doctor shook his head as he looked at the more seriously injured of the two, her eyes bright and brimming with excitement, "I wouldn't be as excited as you are if I were you. You still have stitches and broken bones mending! You'll be lucky if we let you leave within the month!"

Inuyasha laughed and pushed Kagome back into her seat when she tried to lunge at the doctor. She remained seated and began to yell, "WHAT?! Look at me! I'm perfectly healthy and fine! Look! I can jump and run and yell and RIP your throat out as good as any other!"

The doctor shook his head and raised his hand to pause her, "But, we've made an exception. You cause nothing but havoc within my hospital and I would like to be rid of you as soon as healthily possible. You're still pretty injured but I'm going to allow you to return to wherever you wish under strict rules. You cannot lift anything more than five pounds for the next two weeks, you need to rest extra, and I'm going to set up appointments for you to visit me often Ms. Higurashi. That way we can watch your health and progress and remove your stitches."

He waited until she nodded until he turned towards Inuyasha, "Now, for you, we're going to make the same sort of deal. Since you're half demon, you'll heal faster. We can remove your stitches by the end of this week most likely, so we'll set up an appointment for that. Now I'm going to ask you to keep a good watch over the girl and make sure she makes all her appointments and such. Sound like a deal?"

Inuyasha agreed willingly enough and Kagome nodded her head grudgingly. Both of them thanked the doctor and watched him walk out. After a few hours of tormenting the hospital they fell asleep. The next morning both were excited to leave and were just waiting for their ride from one of their friends.

Soon Patrick and Kat pulled up to let Souta burst out of the car and run to his sister's side. He hugged her tightly only to see her cringe and smile, "Hey Souta. They been nice to you?"

Souta's broad smile confirmed her question, "Yup! It's been so much fun! But I missed you too!" The sudden change in his voice alarmed her as he began to cry a bit, "I thought I'd lost you… Is it really true? Is he gone? Is it over?"

While the others talked she looked to Souta and then kneeled in front of him, pulling him down so his forehead was resting against her own. She held his hands and gave a shaky laugh, "Yah, it is. It's finally over." She then looked into his eyes, her own reflecting her brilliant smile for once, "We're free!" A few sparse tears filled her eyes and she picked up her little brother, swinging him around in a circle. Both of them were laughing joyfully and none in the parking lot could avoid looking at the pair.

Inuyasha turned towards the pair and grinned, "How about we go home?" The look of utter shock and happiness he received from the brother and sister made it worth while. Maybe living with the two wouldn't be so bad. He grunted as he was hit heavily with the force of both of them hugging him.

Patrick grinned and parked the car, "HUG FEST!" He leapt out of his car and joined the 'Hug fest', causing everybody to grunt and groan in protest. Soon enough Kat was joining them, and then the others of their group pulled up to the hospital as planned. So there they all stood in front of the hospital hugging, Kagome, Souta, Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, Kat, Patrick, Logan. Her world was pulling itself together.

They all loaded into the car soon and made their way to Inuyasha's house and when they got there Kagome was the first to burst out of the car. She grinned wildly and wooped happily and spun, "No more hospital beds! No more hospital food! YAY!"

The group all laughed at the energetic Kagome, but Inuyasha moved forward to pull her into a hug, "You can't be spinning, remember? If you do, I guarantee you'll end up back in the hospital. And I'm willing to do anything to keep you by my side." He whispered this all in her ear so none of the others could hear and he was rewarded with a blush from her.

Most of the group eyed the two curiously before Patrick threw up his hands and started doing crazy circles while yelling, "EATS! GRUB! PATRICK'S BELLY NEEDS SOME LOVE!" The break in the awkward tension caused them all to smile at his shenanigans and head into Inuyasha's house.

Once inside Patrick continued to repeat his little anthem until Kat grudgingly picked up the phone, "Alright, alright. I'm not sure if we should be letting those two eat take-out food…"

Inuyasha interrupted her with a short growl, "Of course we need some take-out! Hell of a lot healthier than the crap they've been serving in that place! ORDER! What would you like Kagome?" He turned to look at her as she gazed out one of the windows, her hands tracing something outside on the window.

Her eyes turned slowly to them and she ducked her head a bit and asked timidly, "Chinese food?"

Logan, who was leaning back on the couch with his feet propped up on the coffee table pulled his legs back quickly and clapped his hands in an uncharacteristic show of energy and excitement, "CHINESE FOOD! The master of all foods, the king, the emperor, the RULER of the very earth of foods!"

Sango laughed and shook her head as she seated herself next to Logan and watched as Miroku plopped himself down next to her, "I take it that you like Chinese food? You've never told us that before."

"For one, you've never asked. Two, you guys always order the same things. Either pizza or that nastey burger place." He grinned and then went back to his laid back stance on the couch, closing his eyes thinking that the matter was settled.

Patrick clapped and started to bounce around Kat a bit, "Well, what are you waiting for woman? Order the damn Chinese food! NOW! EATS! GRUB! PATRICK'S BELLY NEEDS SOME LOVE!"

Kat gave him a playful shove to make him stop bouncing around her and dialed the number with one hand while looking at the number in the phone book. When the other line picked up and she started to ask the others what they wanted their yells of orders distracted herself from the person on the other side. She growled and glared at the others while saying to the other person, "Sorry, you'll have to excuse me a moment. Give me a minute or so to get all the orders straightened out." She then turned to the others and looked expectantly, getting a pen and paper out to order.

"LOTS OF CRAB RANGOON! And egg drop soup! And those little things that you dip in your egg drop soup! And egg rolls! And hot mustard, and sweet sauce, and fortune cookies! And that's just for all of us, now comes MY order!" Logan's eagerness couldn't help but put a smile on Kagome's face as he continued to spouting off his order, "I'd like some lo mein and fried rice and Mu Shu pork."

Sango looked at him skeptically, "Are you going to have enough money to pay for all of yours and part of the side orders?" When he nodded eagerly and smiled to himself she shook her head and turned to Kat, "I'd like General Tso's chicken and some white rice."

Miroku grinned, "Same for me."

Inuyasha looked towards Kagome before he ordered a bit hesitantly, "Umm, fried rice and maybe some Hunan beef. What about you Kagome? It was your idea."

Looking down at her hands nervously with everyone's attention on her she said quietly, "Orange chicken and fried rice?" She hadn't realized how self conscious she was around people, but after being in the hospital it had caused her to become even more self conscious.

They all just simply nodded and smiled as Souta said his order next, "Sesame chicken and lo mein!"

And of course the show boat of them all, Patrick bounced into the air and gave a power kick before yelling out, "TWO orders of KUNG PAO chicken! WITH a side order of fried rice!"

Once everyone's orders were in Kat went back on the phone and ordered all the food, ordering Teriyaki chicken and white rice for herself. She then turned towards everybody, "Wow, feels good for everyone to be back here and together. They said it'd take about forty five minutes for them to prepare it and get it out to us, so what do you guys want to do while we wait?"

Trying to defy her crippling shyness at the moment Kagome blurted out, "I want to play my guitar!" Her hands itched from not being able to play it in a week or two and there was nothing more that she wanted to do at the moment.

Patrick was the first to look at her and smile softly before replacing it with one of his usual crazed smile, "Why of course m'lady! I will go and fetch it at once!" He leapt up from his sitting place and started to run down the stairs to grab her guitar. When he came back up he was also carrying Inuyasha's guitar and handed them to both, "Alright, I don't know about you guys but I want a duet! Wouldn't it just be FABULOUSO if they sang together? I think it would be. And aren't you all just extremely impressed by my Spanish?"

Kat laughed as he sat down on her lap and she squeaked, "You're FAT and BONY at the same time! How is that possible? GET OFF YOU OAF!" She heard him laugh as he turned around to give her a quick peck on the lips just to piss her off. He knew she hated public displays of affection, and it took all of her will power to keep from shoving him violently off the small chair they were sharing and start pounding him. In a way he knew she liked it.

Kagome looked nervously towards Inuyasha, "Umm, what do you want to play? I kind of feel like playing some Norah Jones if you know any."

All of them were surprised when Inuyasha nodded and began to play on his acoustic guitar, surprised that he'd know such a girly song. Soon both of their voices floated softly through the night air in perfect harmony.

What am I to you? Tell me darling true. To me you are the sea, vast as you can be, and deep the shade of blue.

Deep blue and gold eyes met over their guitars and they knew for a few precious seconds that this was what they were meant to be doing. Life suddenly meant sense for a brief moment in their lives.

When you're feeling low, to whom else do you go? See I cry if you hurt, I'd give you my last shirt, because I love you so.

Both voices choked a bit on the last part, and none but they understood the true meaning of the song. No others in the room could comprehend what they were saying, because neither truly sang it aloud. But the fact that the four letter word even existed in the song spoke volumes to both hearts.
If my sky should fall, would you even call? Opened up my heart, I never want to part, I'm giving you the ball.

It was understanding that stretched between the pair now. They finally understood why they were put on this earth, why they were in the specific time that they were. They didn't belong in this time, but they belonged together, no matter when or where nor what dimension. For some reason both understood that they had been placed into this mess of a life so they could discover how much the other meant to them. So they could return to their true dimension as two in one.
When I look in your eyes, I can feel the butterflies. I love you when you're blue. Tell me darlin' true, what am I to you?

This time the question began to register more between them. They started to process the meaning and articulate their answers.
Yeah well if my sky should fall, would you even call? Opened up my heart, never wanna part. I'm giving you the ball.

Minds intertwined for a few moments as they eagerly agreed to be there when the other fell. They'd been there before and they would be there again.
When I look in your eyes, I can feel the butterflies. Could you find a love in me? Could you carve me in a tree? Don't fill my heart with lies.

Another silent agreement reached between the duo as they both agreed and realized that they could never truly lie to the other again. Their bond was now too great to break by mere falsities.
I will you love when you're blue. Tell me darlin' true, What am I to you? What am I to you? What am I to you?

Finally the meaning of the question hit home and they realized that the other meant everything to them. They couldn't survive with their other half now that they had found them and realized it. A twinkle in Kagome's eye for the briefest second made her realize that he made her feel again. He brought back all her emotions, both painful and happy.

As they set down their instruments the roomed remained silent for a few moments as they continued to stare at each other in full comprehension. After a few more minutes Logan spoke, his voice low and awed, "Man, that was deep."

All silently agreed as they somehow found their way to talking again for a while until the door bell rang with their food. This time Patrick got up to answer it, just in case Kouga appeared. When he didn't he was able to grab the food and pay with their combined piles of change and dollar bills. The delivery man was obviously not too happy with it, but left as Patrick closed the door and dumped the bags of food onto the counter, instantly grabbing his up.

Soon all of the group moved to their food and began to eat, talking and laughing finally once the silence was broken. Inuyasha and Kagome sat beside each other contentedly while they listened to everyone talk and laugh. After a while they began to file out the door to go their separate ways, finally all of them gone except Patrick and Kat.

Kat stood up and yawned, "I want to go home, I'm tired!" She eyed Patrick and he grinned at her, standing up and grabbing her into a hug while he kissed her. They both looked over to Inuyasha and Kagome who were staring dumbly back at them.

Patrick extended his hand to Kagome and she took it as he pulled her into a hug, whispering into her ear, "I'm glad your bag Kagome. Please don't scare your bestest bud like that again, ok? You made me cry and look like a woos."

A small gasp escaped her throat and she was touched that he cared so much. She seemed surprised and Kat responded to it, since she'd heard his whisper, "We all did Kagome. Both you and Inuyasha gave us a scare."

Kagome bit her lip and for the first time returned his hug and then giggled a bit as Kat hugged her also, which was rather unusual for her. The couple turned to Inuyasha and both gave him hugs as well, even though he complained the whole time. After that they left.

Both of them looked at the other momentarily before looking towards Souta, who hung off the side of the couch drowsily. Kagome smiled and walked towards him, smoothing back his hair, "Souta, you want to go sleep in a bed?"

His drowsy eyes opened quickly in fright and he jerked up, only to find it was his sister. He hugged her tightly as he shook and then let go of her once he'd calmed down, "Alright… But where are we sleeping tomorrow night? And the next one? And the next? Will we move away again? I don't want to go back to living in that house… Not with mom… Not with mom in the backyard!"

He began to cry and she latched onto him, almost crying herself as she cooed softly to him, "I don't know where we'll go, but we'll be ok. We can pull through it together, like we always have. Don't worry."

His voice broke through them as he kneeled down a few feet away, "You'll stay with me of course. It's lonely here, and I can't have you both running off and getting into more trouble where I can't get to you and save your asses."

Her eyes turned towards his, glittering and she finally let a tear and a smile show upon her face. Both genuine and heart felt and she asked hopefully along with her brother, "Really?"

"Really." He felt his heart beat with joy at seeing her happy, knowing that he'd put the smile upon her beautiful face. Kagome leaned forward and hugged him along with Souta, and they all sat there for a while, Inuyasha's face buried in her raven lochs as he held back his own tears. They were finally together again, as fate had intended.

That's the end of that chapter, and as you all can tell, the moment when Inuyasha and Kagome are completely together is coming in quickly. I almost cringed while writing this chapter.

10 reviews?

Kouga's Archi: Sorry I didn't update sooner!

DepressedXSoulXWaiting: Yup, that's hospital visits for you.

Tinkies: Sorry for the wait!

Black Parade: Thank you! I'm sorry for the wait!

TopazChick08: Thanks! Sorry for the wait!

Lady Kcassandra: Ever been to a hospital? Hahah.

Pay Backs a Bitch: Sorry for the depressing chapter, it happens. Hope you like this one better, and sorry for the wait.

Lolopptt: Thanks! Sorry for the wait.

WallMagnet19: EXACTLY! Hospital baths are terrible! Sorry for the wait!

Shippo700: I'm glad you enjoyed the last chapter! I'm sorry for the wait!

Kmkoolj2010: Thanks and sorry for the wait!

Marufan: Thank you and sorry for the wait! I hope you like this 'cute' chapter.

Demented Angie: As you read at the beginning of this chap, I've dealt with the same computer melt-down type problems. And I love Patrick also! He's fun to write! Sorry for the wait!

Kagome.Is.Better: Well Khristina, thanks for the SUPER DUPER long review and criticism. I'm not being sarcastic, I was truly happy that somebody gave me some constructive criticism. I looked back on it and realized you were correct, but I suppose nobody else noticed it but you and I so I don't feel like fixing it. Also, the emotions and some of the situations are loosely based off of experience. As in, I've been through abuse and such. Next, I didn't even think about the whole Inuyasha seeing Kagome naked thing, but I'm just going to say he did during the abuse scene and didn't in the hospital. Woot. This is the longest reply I've given anybody. Feel special! (Get it, I was repeating your phrase! LOL!) Well, anyways I'm sorry for the wait, hope you don't stop reading it.

Inuyasha1818: Sorry for the wait!

Shippo700: Now that I see you reviewed again, I feel EXTRA guilty! MUCHO sorry for the long wait! Hope you don't stop reading!

To this world I'm unimportant Just because I have nothing to give. So you call this your free country, Tell me why it cost so much to live, Tell me why. This world can turn me down But I won't turn away, oh no I won't turn around. All my work and endless measures. Never seem to get me very far, Walk a mile just to move an inch Now even though I'm trying so damn hard I'm trying so hard. This world can turn me down but I Won't turn away, And I won't duck and run, cause I'm not built that way. When everything is gone there is Nothing there to fear. This world cannot bring me down, No cause I'm already here, oh no! I am already here, Down on my knees, I am already here, on no, I am Already here. I must have told you a thousand times, I am not running away. I won't duck and run I won't duck and run I won't duck and run No pass away. This world can turn me down but I Won't turn away And I won't duck and run, cause I'm not built that way. When everything is gone There is nothing there to fear. This world cannot bring me down No cause I'm already here. This world can turn me down. But I won't turn away, And I won't duck away Cause I'm not built that way. When everything is gone there Is nothing there to fear. This world cannot bring me down, No cause I'm already here.