Disclaimer- I don't own Inuyasha.

Title- Left Behind

Summary- She loved him. He loved her. One night changed everything and she ran away. Now she's back only to find the one thing she left behind was the thing she wished she didn't.

Genre- Romance/Drama

Note- They are ALL human. No demons or hanyous!

Chapter 17: So Close But So Far Away

Friends.

In a dictionary is a person with whom one has a bond of mutual affection.

"You pain in the ass!" Inuyasha growled.

"I'm a pain the ass?" Kagome growled. "What about you? You're so immature!"

Inuyasha grabbed a fist of his hair. "I'm not a kid anymore! I'm a grown ass man for God's sake!"

Kagome shook her head. "There you go again," she sighed. "Always complaining."

"I'm not complaining!"

"Sure you're not," Kagome rolled her eyes.

Jade watched the two adults argue with boredom. She sighed as she slumped back in the office chair and spun herself around.

"Jade, you're going to have a headache if you do that," Inuyasha warned.

Jade snorted. "I have one already by listening to you two argue all the time," she stopped spinning and looked at the adults. "Seriously, is that how it was before when you guys were younger?"

Kagome glared at Inuyasha. "Only because he was an egoistical jerk!"

Inuyasha stuck his tongue out. "I was hot before and I'm sexy now! And you know it!"

Jade let out a frustrated sigh. "Okay! Okay! Okay! Just shut up already!" she begged. She looked at Inuyasha. "Now can you give me a reason why you won't let me go out with Kohaku?" she asked aggravated.

Inuyasha bit the inside of his cheek and crossed his arms. "Because I said so," he said firmly.

Jade rolled her eyes. "That's not an answer," she said. "You said you're a grown man so give me your reason instead of acting like my age."

Inuyasha looked away. "I just don't think he's good enough for you," he said simply.

"Can you let me figure that out myself," she sighed.

Kagome just sat in her seat and observed the two discussing.

Inuyasha frowned. "Jade," he sighed. "You're too young to get your heart broken."

Jade raised an eye brow. "Who said I was going to get my heart broken?"

Inuyasha shot a glare at Kagome. "You never know," he whispered.

Kagome looked away, ashamed.

Jade studied the two of them and frowned. She screamed and that got the two people before her their attention.

"This is ridiculous!" she yelled and glared at Inuyasha. "What happened between you guys is between you guys, not me! Let me live my own life!"

Inuyasha sighed. "Whatever," he muttered. "Do what you want."

Jade sighed. "Thank you." She looked at her watch. "I have to go and finish my homework," her gaze met with the adults. "Later." They mumbled a farewell and she left.

Kagome sighed and stared at Inuyasha. "Is that why you didn't let her go out with Kohaku?" she asked softly.

Inuyasha felt a growl in his chest. "That and because I'm just a little over protective," he managed to say.

'That's for sure,' she told herself, remembering how he used to scare off boys who would only stare at her.

Inuyasha sighed and looked over at Kagome. "How about we leave early and hang out somewhere?" he suggested.

Kagome shrugged. "Sure, but where?"

Inuyasha smiled lightly. "Somewhere where we used to go," he said.

Kagome narrowed her eyes. "And where would that be?" she asked curiously.

Inuyasha shook his head. "You have to wait and see."

"I can't believe we're here," Kagome said in disbelieve.

Inuyasha smiled the same light smile he had. "Yeah," he whispered. "She's still a beaut, ain't she?"

Kagome smiled and nodded. She turned to face him. "Is she there?" she asked softly.

Inuyasha nodded. "Yeah, she should be. Let's know on the door."

Kagome smiled even more but she felt nervous. Inuyasha brought her back to his old home. His mother's home. The old cabin house.

Inuyasha knocked on the door and they waited for a couple of second until the door was opened.

Kagome gasped silently as the door opened and revealed a beautiful woman. Just like she remembered her, except she has grown a few wrinkles but they're light. But she's beautiful as ever. Her long, silky, black hair flowing, her slightly tan skin like her son's, and she still has the body of a model.

She opened the door with a kind smile like she always does, regardless of whom it is. Then her smile turned to an annoyed expression.

"I thought I told you, you don't have to knock if you have a key for this house," she said, like it was the hundredth time.

Inuyasha put his hands on the back of the head and huffed. "And you still can't greet me properly, can you, mom?" he sighed.

Kagome stood next to him nervously and felt her heart beat faster as the woman faced her.

"Kagome?" the woman asked in disbelieve.

Kagome smiled skittishly. "It's good to see you again, Ms. Takahashi?" she said shyly.

The woman smiled again and hugged the woman before her. She pulled back a little. "How many times have I told you to call me Izayoi?" she said.

Kagome bit her lip. "Sorry," she murmured.

Izayoi waved it off. Then she smacked Inuyasha on the head.

"Ow!"

Izayoi frowned. "That's for not bringing her sooner," she scolded.

Inuyasha looked away.

Izayoi rolled her eyes. She grabbed Kagome by the arm. "Let's go inside," she said, dragging the woman.

"Inu, close the door," she ordered.

Inuyasha sighed and scratched his head.

Kagome looked around the place and was surprised by how much it has changed. Before it was half empty. Now it's like a real home. There's sofas, rugs, pictures on the wall, and let's just say it's a lot more homeier. Especially with the fire place they have. And there was now a T.V.!

"Wow," Kagome said dumbly.

Izayoi looked at the girl in confusion and then smiled once she understood she was observing the house.

"It's a big difference from before, isn't it?" she asked.

Kagome could only nod. Then she blushed realizing she was caught observing. "Sorry," she murmured.

Izayoi waved it off. "It's all right. I would have done the same after twelve years," she said casually.

Kagome felt guilty and ashamed now. How can a woman be so kind and friendly to her after she broke her son's heart?

"I'm sorry, Izayoi. I should've visit sooner but . . ." Kagome trailed off. Actually she did want to visit her since she was one of the people she cared so deeply when she was young but she's Inuyasha's mother and wouldn't you wish to kill the woman who broke your child's heart?

Izayoi's face softened and smiled. "It's okay, sweetie," she said. Then she glared at her son who was leaning on the door with arms crossed, staring at them. "Probably because someone is working you too hard," she growled.

Inuyasha looked away with a blush.

Kagome looked back at Inuyasha and realized he talked about her to his mother.

"Inuyasha, why don't you go get some wood for the fire place while me and Kagome catch up?" she suggested.

And being the momma's boy that he is, Inuyasha sighed and nodded. Sure, mom," he said. He looked at Kagome. "I'll be back soon," he promised.

"Take your time," Kagome said softly.

Inuyasha nodded and went out the door.

Izayoi sighed. "I love that boy but he gets on my nerves," she said. "Let's go to the kitchen. I was about to have supper," she said walking to the location.

Kagome could only follow.

"Please sit down," Izayoi said, gesturing Kagome a chair.

"Thank you," she replied warmly.

Izayoi smiled and walked over to the stove. Kagome noticed she was cooking.

"Izayoi," she said. "Can I help you in anything?"

Izayoi faced her and shook her head. "None sense. You're my guest," she said.

Kagome shook her head. "No, I should at least help you in something," she offered.

Izayoi kept refusing. "Kagome" she said firmly. "Sit down. It's okay. I'm almost done."

Kagome sighed.

After a few moments of silence, Izayoi placed a bowl in front of Kagome.

"Eat up," she said.

Kagome looked down at the bowl. "Chicken soup," she said. She slowly took a spoonful of it and thought she almost dies and went to heaven.

"God," she gasped. "I forgot you were a terrific cook."

Izayoi laughed. "It's just soup, Kagome."

Kagome shook her head. "No, you're a great cook. I remember you would always cook the best dishes when we had parties. You should've open a catering business," she said.

Izayoi shook her head. "If I did, it would take time away from raising my son. The job I had at the restaurant was enough."

Kagome met her eyes.

Izayoi sat down, never leaving her gaze on Kagome. "We should talk," she said softly.

Kagome nodded. "I knew it was too good to be true without this conversation, Izayoi," she replied in the same tone of voice.

Izayoi smiled faintly. "Twelve years," she stressed out.

Kagome looked down on her lap but looked back up. "Yeah," she said quietly.

Izayoi placed her hands under her chin. "Leaving the way you did Kagome is very unlike you," she said.

Kagome's face softened.

"And I'm not talking about how you left town," she continued. "I'm talking about how you left Inuyasha."

Kagome bit her lip.

Izayoi sighed. "I'm not going to bad talk you, Kagome. But I want to talk to you as the young woman you were before. You've changed," she noted. "I can tell."

"I know," Kagome sighed.

Izayoi's face softened. "You went through a lot, didn't you?" she asked.

"You have no idea," Kagome chuckled bitterly.

"Inuyasha, tells me you to Shikon," she said. "How was it?"

Kagome shrugged. "It was . . . stressful," she admitted. "So many things going through my mind at that time."

"Like Jade?"

Kagome bit her lip. "Yeah," she answered shakily.

Izayoi sighed. "I'm sorry you went through a lot of pain, Kagome."

Kagome rubbed her temples and shook her head. "You shouldn't apologize. You didn't do anything. I brought all this to myself and everyone else. It's my fault."

"Where did you go after that?" Izayoi asked. "After college, where did you go?"

Kagome stared at her. "I went to a lot of places."

Izayoi raised a brow. "Like where?"

Kagome thought for a moment. "America for two years. Then I traveled place to place. I went to Italy, Europe, Spain and then back to America. And now I'm here."

Izayoi tilted her head. "Traveling? Seems to me like you were in a lot of emotional stress."

Kagome chuckled. "After what happened . . . of course I was."

Izayoi narrowed her eyes. "You really did hurt my son, Kagome," she whispered.

"I know," she said trembling. "I know."

Izayoi's returned to her soft expression. "Despite what happened, I have always approved of you to be with Inuyasha," her face scrunched. "Unlike those sluts he dates."

Kagome took a deep breath to control her emotions. Then she looked at Izayoi in shock. "You know he's . . ." dare she say it?

Izayoi rolled her eyes. "That my son is a playboy. And to think I thought I raised him better than that but men will always be men!" she complained. "And he thinks I don't see those bit marks on his neck. Ugh!"

Kagome giggled. "Wow, it looks like you really don't like them."

Izayoi sighed. "He's changed a lot."

Kagome felt guilty. "I'm sorry."

Izayoi smiled softly at her. "It's nothing I can't stop. He is after all a grown man. He's doing a lot better then before. He was in a great depression but when he graduated college it's when he changed. I know he's told you about Sesshomaru and after entering the business world it seems the only way a business man could relieve himself from stress is to get laid," she said disapprovingly.

"Really?" Kagome started to feel uncomfortable.

Izayoi seems to notice this and she laughed. "Lighten up, Kagome! How many men have you dated?" she teased.

Kagome's face turned red. "I dated about seven men."

"And I'm sure you had sex with them," Izayoi continued. You could tell she was curious.

Kagome shook her head. "I can't lie to you, Izayoi. But I haven't had any sexual relationships with another man and the relationship doesn't last long."

Izayoi nodded. "I see. You can't find that spark?"

Kagome shook her head. "But I'm glad Inuyasha is on the dating scene, though," she said weakly.

Izayoi's eye narrowed. "Yeah," she whispered.

Kagome felt there was something she didn't know and it wasn't the first time.

"Kagome?" Izayoi sighed.

"Yes?"

Izayoi looked at the her pitifully. "You still have feelings for my son, don't you?" she asked delicately.

Kagome froze.

Izayoi bit her lip. "You don't have to hide it, sweetie," she said gently. "You know I'm not the type to gossip. I just want to know."

Kagome looked at her hesitatingly and sighed. "Yes, I do."

Izayoi rubbed her temples and sighed. It almost sounded like she was not hoping for this answer. "A woman travels the world over in search of what she needs, and returns home to find it," she whispered. (AN: Don't own this quote.)

Kagome stared at the woman in shock. She forgot that Izayoi loved to read and collect quotes. She remembers her saying something like that before.

Izayoi gave Kagome a look of sympathy. "Kagome," she whispered. "Just be careful, please."

Before Kagome could ask why, they heard the door open.

"I'm back!" Inuyasha called out, placing the wood on the floor next to the fire place. He went to the kitchen and said, "I'm starving."

Izayoi smiled. "Sit down and let's eat."

"You don't have to tell me twice," Inuyasha said as he sat down.

"Excited?" Inuyasha teased as he fiddled with the keys.

Kagome smiled and raised a brow. "I still don't get it. You take me to se your mom and now you drag me to your apartment?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "We're friends, right? So why not spend a little time together. Mom seemed happy to see you and I bet you want to see the place I live in," he said casually.

Kagome squealed. "You bet I want to see! I want to know if a approve," she teased.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and opened the door. "After you," he said.

"Thanks," Kagome smiled.

She walked in and all she can see was darkness. Then she heard Inuyasha close the door and clapped his hands. The lights turned on.

Kagome turned to face him. "You have the clapper?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "Yeah, so?"

Kagome shook her head. "What a spoiled guy," she muttered.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes and pulled off his coat and placed it on the coat rack. "Put your coat there," he said.

Kagome nodded. "If you don't mind, can I take off my blazer?"

Inuyasha raised his hands in the air. "If you want to strip for me then go ahead," he laughed as she smacked him on the arm. "I'm joking. Sure. If you want, take off your heels. I can tell your feet are killing you."

Kagome smiled. "Thanks." She took off her coat and placed it on the coat rack and along with her blazer. She sighed in relief as she took off her heels. She stood up and found Inuyasha not there. She shrugged and observed the apartment.

It was simple. A living room with a couch in my middle and facing the wide screen televison. The kitchen was next to it. She can tell it was the kitchen because she can see the fridge. And ahead of her was what seem to be a hallway. She's guessing the two doors are Inuyasha's room and the bathroom. And the decoration looked like a man has done it but with style.

"Hey?"

Kagome turned to where the voice was heard. Inuyasha was coming out from the kitchen with two glasses and a bottle of wine in his hands and walked over to the couch and placed them on the coffee table.

He spread his arms in the air. "So? Approve?" he asked playfully.

Kagome smirked. "It's all right. I think it still needs a woman's touch."

Inuyasha pouted. "What's wrong with my apartment?"

Kagome giggled. She walked over to him and placed her hands on his warm cheeks. "I'm joking," she said, squeezing his cheeks. "I like it." She removed her hands and sat down on the sofa. She didn't notice the golden eyes that stared at her intensely for a moment before they went back to normal.

She reached to grab a glass and hold up to Inuyasha. "A drink?"

Inuyasha grabbed the wine bottle and sat down.

"What kind is it?" Kagome asked, noticing it was wrapped in a blue paper.

Inuyasha smiled faintly. "You'll see," he said as he popped the cork out. He served Kagome some and then he served himself.

"If I didn't know any better, Inuyasha, I think you're trying to seduce me with wine?" Kagome teased.

Inuyasha smirked playfully. "Is it working?" he asked in a quiet, sexy tone.

Kagome fought the urge to blush. "We'll see," she whispered.

Inuyasha continued to smirk and raise his glass. "Friends," he said.

Kagome smiled and tapped her glass with his. She sipped on the wine and closed her eyes to savor the taste. It was like any other wine that was bittersweet but this one was just a little sweeter. She felt the bubbles tickle her tongue. It tasted like berries.

She gasped softly and opened her eyes. She faces Inuyasha who was staring at her.

"Remember," he whispered. "It's the same wine we drank together for the first time. It was when we were sixteen at your cousin wedding."

Kagome's eyes widen. "You still have the bottle?" she whispered.

Inuyasha nodded and grabbed the wine bottle. "I wrapped it in your favorite color, blue."

Kagome sighed. "Why did you keep it?"

Inuyasha shrugged and placed the bottle back. "You know I like to collect stuff I tried for the first time so yeah . . ."

Kagome took another sip of the wine. "I was always looking for this type of wine but no such luck."

Inuyasha took a sip, too. "You're the only girl I've drank this wine with," he said.

Kagome's eyes widen. "Only girl? So which guy did you drink this with? Miroku?" she teased.

Inuyasha rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean," he said irritated.

Kagome sniggered. Then she put on a straight face. "So you never had this wine with another girl? You should! They'll like it," she said. But of course she didn't mean it.

Inuyasha shook his head. "I don't need wine to impress a girl," he said confidently.

Kagome raised a brow. "So what do you do?"

Inuyasha smirked. "Actually they're the ones that come to me."

Kagome hit his shoulder playfully. "You have a big ego!"

Inuyasha chuckled.

"Seriously. Haven't you tried seducing a woman before?" Kagome asked.

"Yeah, I have," he said "It was very rewarding," he smirked.

"Ew! I didn't need to know that!"

Inuyasha raised an eye brow. "You're the one who asked," he said.

Kagome frowned. "It was a yes or no question."

Inuyasha shrugged.

"How'd you do it?"

Inuyasha's attention went back to Kagome. "What?"

Kagome looked at him innocently. "How'd you do it?"

"What? You're kidding me, right? Look at me. It's impossible for a woman not to get seduce by me," Inuyasha said cocky.

Kagome rolled her eyes. "Keep telling yourself that."

Inuyasha frowned.

"Hey!" Kagome complained when he took away her glass and placed it on the table, along with his.

She faced him and gasped when he stared at her with the most vivid eyes.

She held her breath as e wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her closed to his strong chest.

Inuyasha's eyes studied her delicate face and slowly down her body.

"Inuyasha," Kagome whispered. She tried to push away but he held her firmly. "Inuyasha," she whispered again.

But he just continued to take in her body with his eyes, eventually his eyes went back to her face and he traced her lips with his eyes. With the other hand, he cupped her soft cheek and gently rubbed his thumb in a circular motion. He gently pulled her head closer to his and their nose gently brushed.

Her heart was beating a million miles per hour and she felt her cheeks flush. She shouldn't be feeling this but she couldn't deny the excitement that was building inside her. She closed her eyes half way and leaned into his warm touch. She felt his warm breath on her lips and almost tasting his sweet taste. She leaned her head further into his hand as it began to pull away, making her to tilt her head. She gasped softly as she felt his warm breath on her neck. She could feel goose bumps forming. She bit her lip to fought the urge to moan as she felt him brush his soft lips on her flesh. Her grip on his shirt tightens in anticipation. She heard him chuckled lightly against her skin. She could have smack him for that but only shivered when she felt his hot breath on her again. His breath caressed her skin and he rubbed his against her jaw line. He brought his lips to her ear. Gently licking the shell and biting her lobe, she couldn't help but whimper.

He brought her head back up and brushed his lips around hers. He kept teasing her until he brought his hand to the back of her neck. "Kagome," he whispered against her cheek.

She was too lost in the moment to actually notice. But she heard him when he called her again.

"Mmm," was her response.

"Look at me," he ordered in a quiet whisper.

Kagome slowly opened her eyes to find dark, golden, hungry eyes staring back at her.

"Do you want me?" he whispered so dangerously hungry.

She felt him brush his fingers against her spine causing a wave of pleasure through her body.

"Yes," she answered quieter then a whispered.

He brought his forehead against hers. "Good," he breathed out. "Cause I want you, too."

She thought she was heaven when he brought his lips against hers. At first it was a soft brush, gently pressing pressure each time their lips touch. Until their lips finally molded together into a chaste kiss slowly turning into a hungry passion.

She brought her hands to his scalp and grabbed a fist of his hair. She moaned as he growled. She felt him push her back gently on the sofa and his body on top of hers. They pulled back for a second until their lips were connected into another fiery dance.

He bit her bottom lip and groaned as she arched her soft, small body. One of his hands caressed her cheek and the other on the hem of her shirt. He slowly brought his lips away from hers causing her to whimper at the loss. His mouth gave hot open-mouth kisses down her jaw line to her collar bone. He gently nipped on it and heard her gasp as he bit on her soft spot.

Kagome opened her mouth slightly in the pleasure his lips brought to her. It amazes her that after twelve years, he can still set her whole body on fire with one touch. How much she craved for this pleasure and was never able to get it until now . . .

She gasped as she felt his slightly cold hands go up her shirt and rub her heated skin. His mouth still kissing and nibbling on her neck. She closed her eyes in pure pleasure. She was starting to feel some friction and heat between her legs. She continued to massage his scalp causing him to moan against her. She chocked on soft mews and moans as he kept attacking her soft spots. Only he can know how to pleasure her. And she craves more . . .

Inuyasha sighed against her neck and continued to torture her sweetly. Enjoying her womanly sounds coming from her slightly swollen lips. He gently pushed his hand further on her torso tracing her bra underneath. She moaned as his thumb went underneath her bra and traced the outline of her soft breast. He growled as he gently placed his hand on her left breast. He teased the hardened bead by rubbing it against his palm. The two of them groaned as he squeezed it firmly but gentle enough to not hurting her.

"Kagome," Inuyasha breathed out on her hot skin. He brought his face to hers and almost moan as he saw her open her ocean eyes filled with heavy lust.

He cursed and brought his lips against hers once again. She returned it and brushed her tongue against his lips. He opened his mouth and let her explore but then he started sucking on her tongue and massaging it. She moaned loudly.

He pulled away slowly. Their gaze penetrating each other.

"This is the first time I've touch you," he whispered.

Kagome's eyes softened. "Yeah," her voice soft. He's never felt her body before.

"Do you like it?" he whispered as he pinched the bead between his thumb and forefinger.

She hissed and nodded. "Yes," she moaned.

He brought his lips to hers and brushed them lightly in a feather touch and whispered against them, "Me, too." He captured her lips once again.

As they kissed passionately, with his other hand, he brought it to her thigh. Lucky for him, Kagome was wearing a shirt. He brought it up to her waist. Bringing his hand down, he caressed her smooth leg.

Kagome sighed against his moving lips. She enjoyed his kisses, his touch, everything. She didn't want him to stop. She wanted more. She craved for more. She yearned for more.

She hissed as he grinded his hips against hers. Her eyes shot wide open and gasped as she felt something hard against her. It hit her from her panties. She heard Inuyasha moaned lustfully as he grinded.

"Damn it," he cursed as he buried his face against her neck.

Kagome felt her mind go fuzzy and pleasure took over her whole senses. She gripped his hair even more. She brought her legs around his waist. She moaned as the friction teased them.

"Inuyasha," she gasped.

Inuyasha brought his face back up and glared at Kagome with lust and desire.

"I want you," he growled.

Kagome tilted her head up and moaned. "Please," she panted.

He pinched her breast again.

She hissed.

DING DONG!

DING DONG!

Inuyasha let out a frustrated growl and chose to ignore it.

Someone was pounding on the door now.

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

KNOCK!

Inuyasha pulled his hands way from Kagome and his lips hovered over hers.

"We'll finish this later," he growled in sexual frustration.

Kagome closed her eyes and nodded. She tried to catch her breath.

Inuyasha got up from Kagome and they quickly straighten up their clothes.

With a stern face, he opened the door but his expression changed.

Kagome studied his shocked face and wondered what was so shocking.

"Hey there, stranger," a smooth voice said.

Inuyasha cleared his throat. "I thought you weren't coming back for another two months," he said surprised.

Kagome's brow furrowed and she saw a woman enter the apartment. The woman was gorgeous. Plain but simply beautiful. She had the straightest, silky, black hair Kagome has ever seen. High cheek bones, slightly flat and small nose, thin, glossy lips, defined brows and emotionless, brown eyes. From her coat she looked very thin and slender but shaped. Her skin was so clear and pale.

'Who is she?' Kagome asked herself.

As if she was heard, the woman looked over Inuyasha's shoulder and smiled.

"You have a visitor and yet you haven't introduced me to her?' she asked in a soft, monotone voice.

Inuyasha looked back at Kagome and his feature went blank. He didn't know what to do.

Kagome stood up and walked over to the woman and smile, sticking her hand out. "Hello, I'm Kagome Higurashi," she introduced herself.

The woman raised an elegant brow and stuck out her left hand, gracefully, and placed it on Kagome's hand she didn't shake it. It looked like she wanted Kagome to kiss it.

Kagome looked at the hand in confusion.

The woman smiled again and said a few words that made Kagome feel like her world crash down.

"Hello. I'm Kikyo Hiromi. I'm Inuyasha's fiance."

That would explain the diamond ring on her finger. She didn't shake Kagome's hand because she was showing of her ring.

Friend.

In a dictionary it is also a person who supports a particular cause.

It took Kagome a moment to learn how to breathe again.

Kikyo pulled her and away and placed it on Kagome's shoulder. "Are you okay, sweetheart?" she asked in a concern, monotone voice.

Kagome stared at her and then at Inuyasha, who was looking at none of them. Her eyes stared to water and stared back at Kikyo. She forced a smile.

"I'm fine," she lied.

She grabbed her coat and blazer and quickly put on her shoes. She looked at the woman. "I'm sorry but I have to go," she said faintly. "Congratulations on your engagement."

She didn't even let them say goodbye to her as she ran out of the apartment.

She kept running down the stairs, not bothering getting the elevator, until she reached outside.

'It's raining?' she asked herself.

It was raining pretty hard.

She didn't care and kept running. She furiously wiped her face, her lips, her neck, and body.

Kagome let out loud sobs. What was she thinking? She wasn't suppose to let herself into temptation!

'He's engaged,' she told herself bitterly.

Then it hit her.

Is that why everyone gave her pity looks when she was around Inuyasha?

She screamed and continued to sob and cry as she let the tears of heaven cry with her. Her whole body soaked.

That's when a taxi pulled over to her.

"Hey lady! Need a ride?" the cab driver called out.

Kagome stared at him, grateful he couldn't see her tear with the heavy rain. She nodded and quickly ran inside the car.

"63rd in Albany, please," she spoke softly.

The cab driver nodded and drove.

Kagome rested her head against the window.

'We're just friends . . .'

Another fast update! Yay! Hope you guys enjoy this one!

Stay tuned for more!

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Tootles!

Crystal