Hey, it's me! I'M SO SORRY THAT I TOOK SO LONG! I'VE HAD MY HANDS FULL THE PAST TWO WEEKS WITH MY BROTHER'S GRADUATION, GRAD PARTY AND PLUS I WAS ON VACATION IN FLORIDA FOR A WEEK! BUT NOW I CAN START UPDATING AGAIN! YAY!

~Oh, this wonderful story has been nominated a second time by the Feudal Association; this time for Best AU/AR Fiction! I am so honored! Wish me luck!~

And thank you all for being so patient! This chapter is long and has been fun to write. I hope you guys enjoy the long awaited return of The Moon and Star!

Disclaimer: Don't own the sexy hanyou! Rumiko Takahashi has that pleasure! I do own Akio and the story plot though.

Chapter 7: Shining Star

The rain pelted the glass balcony doors on a gray and somber Saturday morning. The figure in the bed underneath soft lavender purple covers not moving an inch; covering her whole body except for her hair on the white pillow and an arm beside her.

A man watched her quietly; sneaking in a while ago to wake the sleeping teenager. His sunset eyes gazed at his charge, once a spry little girl now a full grown woman of 17 years. Inuyasha with his muscled arms crossed, leaned against her door frame with a pleasant grin. He knew Kagome was not a morning person-having learned ever since he was hit numerous times on the head by her pillow on several occasions. Being a half demon he could only take so much before his head began to throb. The girl was viscous when angry! But he loved tormenting her; it was funny to watch how her face grew red and yelled at him to get out. And on occasion he could have sworn he heard her growl in warning at him. Her brown eyes would light up, her chest would heave and her fists would clench at her sides. If the half dog demon didn't know any better, he would say that Kagome had adopted a lot of his traits over the years.

Glancing at her bedside clock, it was nearing the time for breakfast. The girl moaned in her sleep and now faced him; snuggling into her pillow. Inuyasha knew what he was in for, but having been her bodyguard for the past 12 to 13 years, he was used to Kagome and her moods.

With a wicked smile, he slowly walked across to her bed, got on and crawled over until he was above her on his hands and knees. And just waited until she turned over on her back.

Kagome knew something was going on but she didn't want to wake up. It was Saturday for kami's sake! That meant sleeping in. Then she felt something-or someone breathing on her face. And she felt weight around her too. After moaning in annoyance, she slowly opened her eyes and right into her bodyguard's golden gaze.

She gasped; almost jumping off the bed had Inuyasha not held her hands down. This position was making her heart beat; her skin heating up at his rough yet gentle touch,the ends of his his hair causing shivers along her bare arms. If only he knew what he did to her…His eyes were paralyzing; his touch; so pleasurable, his scent, intoxicating.

Inuyasha only continued to gaze down at her; only his chest moving due to his breathing. His heart rate was up and was immediately immersed in her tantalizing scent of lavender and cherry blossom. It was painful to have to hide the fact that he wanted to kiss her. Her eyes, shimmering mochas that caught him; her skin so delicate and soft like a dove's wing, her black hair long and silky. Every day he had to hide away his feelings-growing rather rapidly, from her and everyone else. Why did he want to love her, make her feel so good and cherish her like a porcelain doll? He didn't know why; all he knew was that he felt it.

It was silent in the bedroom; other than the rain outside. That is, until Kagome's eyes narrowed and her lips formed a frown.

"Inya, why are you on top of me?"

To answer her question, he shook his head; to clear any wandering thoughts. "So I could wake you up?" He answered innocently, although his smirk was anything but.

Despite her rapid heartbeat with her bodyguard so close, she kept up her annoyed look. She scoffed. "Yeah right. I know you better than that. Now why don't you get off before I rip your fuzzy little ears out?"

"You wouldn't do that, you love my ears too much." Boy that sounded weird sounding coming from his mouth.

He was right. She just loved his adorable puppy ears too much and that just made her flush in embarrassment; for that and other reasons. His hair was tickling her chest and it was hard to not shiver in pleasure. And it got her mad because she couldn't come up with anything else.

"You better get off before I do decide to do it." Since her hands were pinned, she was just huffing in anger. Her knees were also trapped in the sheets so she was immobile.

He only chuckled that evil chuckle only he was capable of. She looked so cute when she turned angry. And it got even more so the older she got. It was all he could do to not lean down and kiss those cute lips of hers. But what they had was a brother-sister relationship right? It wasn't possible to love your boss's daughter; even though you desperately wanted to. But what would Kagome think? How does she feel? This baffled him to no end but there were times when he thought she did feel the same way.

That smirk, Kagome knew all too well. And she was in trouble. Her eyes widened and she gulped. His smirk sent not only evil thoughts to her mind but rather delicious ones too. Why? It was still confusing why she thought of him this way. Why did he look at her the same way she did-or she thought he did? Was it because he felt the same longing as her? It was wishful thinking but she desperately wanted it to be true; not only just in her dreams but in reality.

After only a few seconds after her initial shock; in one swift movement, he got off the bed; bringing her with him and onto his left shoulder. He held her legs together so she couldn't kick. She had a hard and wicked aim.

"Inuyasha, you jerk! Put me down this instant!" It was futile because he had her in his hard iron lock and she couldn't escape, no matter how hard she tried. Instead, she pounded repeatedly on his muscled back.

"No can do. I was told to tell you that breakfast is ready and to wake you up and bring you down." He smiled at how her growls and constant pounding grew. It was funny at how he could get her so riled up.

"I can walk there myself! You big idiot! Let me go or I'll seriously chop off those ears- no matter how cute they are!"

Inuyasha only grinned and chuckled as she delivered more threats and more hits to his back as he walked down the hall, down the stairs, and towards the dining room.

Akio could hear his daughter's screams and only shook his head in amusement. Kagome was not a morning person and could dish out the meanest threats. He sat back and sipped his coffee and listened to the rain outside while hearing the commotion upstairs.

"I hear that Miss Kagome is awake." Kaede said; walking into the dining room; holding a cup of sugar and placed it beside Akio's newspaper.

"Yep. That child has a powerful set of lungs in her. Always has; ever since she was a baby. Thanks Kaede." He moved the sugar over and spooned two small amounts before stirring his coffee.

"You're welcome, Akio-san." Kaede moved back and sighed. She was getting no younger and her bones reminded her of that, but she would stay and work for Akio-san and his precious daughter for as long as she was able. This was her only family left and she enjoyed each day to the fullest. It brought a smile to her face every day when she woke up. It was the life she wouldn't give up for anything. She had an excellent life here and Kaede was thankful.

The commotion from upstairs brought a rather interesting point into the old woman. She was very observant yet very discreet. Kaede knew that the hanyou bodyguard was possibly holding back stronger feelings for the young miss. And she thought that Kagome had that same problem. But was it love? Have the hanyou protector and the young Higurashi teenager been feeling more than a brother-sister bond? And has Akio-san noticed anything? Well, one could only find out.

"Akio-san, there's something I've noticed quite recently." The old attendant asked while looking out and up the main stairs outside the dinning room doors.

"What is it, Kaede?" He put down his newspaper and took his china cup of freshly brewed French roasted coffee he loved so much.

"Well sir, do you think it's possible that Miss Kagome and Inuyasha could possibly…"This is where she paused and chose her words carefully. No telling what her boss might say or do. "…could possibly fall in love?"

Akio would have spit out his coffee had he not swallowed it already. He took deep breaths, regained composure and looked quite shocked at the woman who helped his family. "Kaede…?" He didn't see that one coming and hoped that she would explain.

"Akio-san, I have noticed things; small but noticeable signs." Kaede turned and faced him; her russet eyes serious. "I have seen how Inuyasha looks at your daughter and I can plainly see that Kagome looks at him the same way. It's like longing, it's seems impossible and maybe unreachable for them. Who knows how long they have been hiding it? It seems that their deep connection to each other has shown them that they need each other much more than as brother and sister."

Akio could definitely hear the truth. He too has noticed how his daughter now acted around the hanyou: shy, silent but incredibly happy. And his bodyguard acted all tough and mighty but he faltered when Kagome entered the room. It was like he was drawn to her, stronger as more time went on.

Kaede spoke up once more. "So-and forgive me if I seem too brazen here sir, if it's indeed true, and they do hold suppressed feelings of love deep within their hearts, would you be willing to accept them- to allow your daughter and bodyguard to love freely?"

Brazen...yes. Truthful, definitely so. Kaede did had a strong and valid point though. As Akio sipped his lukewarm drink, he looked out in the dining room windows in deep thought. It has crossed his mind every now and then. And Kaede was right; it was a definite possibility. He knew his little girl adored the hanyou ever since he stepped foot into his office nearly 13 years ago; and ever since then the two had an instant and impenetrable bond. Akio never thought it would evolve into something like this but… surprisingly, it didn't seem to bother him all that much.

"To tell the truth, Kaede, I have no qualms or negative thoughts about it. I completely trust my daughter and I trust Inuyasha to never pressure or intentionally hurt her. They would be able to love freely; as you stated, with my blessings. I want the best for my daughter and that includes her happiness. So if the time ever came when they want to be together and ask me for permission, I would definitely grant them that happiness."

Kaede had expected nothing less from her boss. Akio-san was indeed a rare man. He only wanted his daughter to be safe and happy. His one and only daughter in love with her bodyguard was something not unheard of but in most cases it was secret. But Akio was willing to allow Kagome and Inuyasha to show that bond outwardly. What this father does for his remaining family was completely selfless and heartwarming.

Kaede could only smile. "Akio-san, you never cease to amaze me."

The businessman only smiled back. "My daughter comes first; always. It's her life and her choices and I must accept them; whatever they may be."

"Yes sir."

Just then, a smiling hanyou and huffing teenager strolled in. Kagome had her arms crossed while Inuyasha continued to smile in triumph.

"Mission accomplished, Kaede." He finally set the irate girl on her feet and received a hard slap to his chest. He winced a bit. This girl could also hit.

"I am going to kill you when I get the chance; just you wait." She straightened out her p.j's and looked happily at her father. "Morning, dad!"

"Morning, baby girl. Have an interesting morning?"

She laughed irritably. "You could call it that. This jerk woke me up and held me prisoner all the way down here." Kagome crossed her arms and continued to glare at her bodyguard.

He only gave her that arrogant smirk of his.

"Okay, so do you have plans today, Kagome?" Akio looked up at his daughter; who only looked away.

"Well as you know I have that date tonight around 7, but other than that, no." She sounded more depressed and anxious. When they talked last night, her father looked surprised, Kaede was silent and Inuyasha, well, she figured he was boiling mad; judging by his furrowed eyebrows, nasty looking snarl and his ear pinned back in anger.

Akio could see that Kagome wasn't too thrilled about going out tonight. When she got all quiet and anxious like this, she wasn't too keen on the idea. He wanted to ask her about it but he didn't push her. She would most likely tell Inuyasha about it. Maybe she already has and that's why his hanyou bodyguard was deathly silent last night.

The father sat back and rubbed his shoulder. "I just hope you enjoy yourself and try not to think negatively." Although that was highly unlikely. He could see it in her eyes; all her emotions plain as day.

Kagome only grunted. She then looked out the window; seeing the rain fall down from the skies; like the angels were crying. "Hey dad, have you seen Chiisai anywhere? I haven't seen her since she went hunting last night and it looks horrible out there."

A few seconds later, a small cat looking creature jumped into her arms; cuddling into her master's arms.

"Hey, Chiisai. You been good for daddy?" She stroked the demon's soft fur while the creature growled in contentment.

Chiisai was in fact a rare kind of demon; found only in the central part of Africa. She was an African Civet demon; a cross between a weasel and a cat. Demon civets were smaller but much more powerful. On one of her dad's rare trips outside Japan a few years ago, He picked her up; wounded on the streets, nursed her back to health and brought her home as a 14th birthday present. Kagome named her Chiisai; for she was small; small enough to cling to her shoulders and carry. With soft, light tan fur, a long tail to help her balance in trees, black spots to help her blend in and powers only a demon could possess, the demon civet was a friendly creature but extremely protective. Her senses of smell and sight were among her best defenses and had sharp claws and teeth to tear into prey.

"Well, I think I'm going to take a two day vacation this weekend and just soak and relax all this stress away." Akio announced; sitting up and stretched his back and his arms. "Kaede, can you make sure to lock my office; even if I beg and plead mercilessly for you to open it? And if any of the harbor bosses call; unless they can't handle it themselves or if it's an extreme emergency, tell them not to disturb me for I will be in a state of total relaxation."

The old woman only laughed. "Yes, sir I will make sure to hide the keys and prevent you from even crossing your office." She was handed the keys and tucked them away. Her boss could sometimes get carried away with his work and luckily he had enough sense to take a breather once in a while.

"I will prepare your Jacuzzi and a fresh new cup of coffee along with your old record of The Rolling Stones right away."

"Thanks, Kaede." He then turned to the teens and small demon. "What about you two?"

"I'm calling Sango and Miroku over for some lunch and indoor swimming; to pass the time since it's a rainy day." Kagome, with her small demon in her arms and her bodyguard she adored behind her, she bid goodbye to her father and her nurse before making the calls and preparing for a swim day, Inuyasha following her.

"I believe that boy does have a strong connection to her. I think it's only a matter of time sir, before they realize what they truly mean to each other." Kaede watched the two disappear upstairs before gathering the semi-cool coffee and newspaper from the table.

"I think you may be right." But was he prepared for it when it did come? He decided it could wait and strolled out and prepared for some Rolling Stones, hot bubbling jets and some French Roast brewed to perfection, always prepared by his faithful attendant.

Around noon, it was still pouring rain outside. Kagome and Sango had left to change into their swimsuits upstairs while Inuyasha and Miroku, Kagome's only guy pal, lounged around in the pool area that smelt of chlorine and steam from the gargantuan hot tub beside the pool.

The pool was enclosed with a hard transparent exterior; so you could see the outside but completely blocked to an outside viewer. The outdoor-turned indoor pool was a good size; going as deep as 25 feet. It had two diving boards as well. The pool deck had everything a normal public swimming pool had: lounge chairs, plants, tables with umbrellas, and even a free soda machine. The necessary hot tub at the far end; where it was steaming and bubbling while the aqua blue pool remained quiet; not a ripple in sight.

"Ah, I can't wait to see our lovely ladies in nothing but those tight swimsuits." Miroku, a fellow 18 year old who had befriended the hanyou bodyguard, envisioned out loud. He sighed and laid back, his hands behind his head.

"I hope you're thinking about Sango, you lecher." Inuyasha sat beside him; his arms crossed and eyes shut. Of course he had wanted to see Kagome in a bathing suit. He has seen her wear many swimsuits over the years but now he tried not to get too excited.

Miroku turned his lecherous, amethyst eyes towards the overprotective bodyguard. He knew Inuyasha was possessive and very protective of Kagome and possibly even showed more then sibling affection for her. He was not naïve when it came to feelings of love. "Ah, my friend, but of course I am waiting for my lovely maiden to come out and show that curvaceous figure and that irresistible backside-"

"Maybe that's why you have one too many hits on the head. Sango beats you senseless, knocks you out on your ass every time and you still haven't learned a thing." Inuyasha has heard many detailed accounts of how the fiery 17 year old woman kept beating the clueless lecher and it was funny as hell to him. Miroku was a known pervert and has charmed many ladies…until Sango came along. She was not so easy to persuade and thus creating a challenge for Miroku.

"Ah but I just can't help myself, my friend."

Inuyasha snorted. Miroku was smart but also very stupid. He wondered why Sango hasn't killed him yet. Maybe he's too stubborn to quit and as a result; getting his ass kicked every five minutes. It was a mystery why Sango even let him anywhere near her. Kagome says Sango has had a crush on him since elementary school. Why, he had no idea.

The pool area was quiet until two voices approached the glass doors. When it was opening, as Inuyasha and Miroku looked over, Chiisai and Sango's two tailed demon cat, Kilala ran in, playing and running around. As the small demons frolicked, two feminine figures appeared; each carrying a towel coordinating with their swimsuit.

Miroku left his mouth wide open as he saw the most incredible female he's ever seen. Sango was a beauty beyond compare; having a firm, lean and muscled physique with her long dark brown hair gliding down her back. She had on a deep purple halter one piece outlined in black. It hugged every curve of her body. Miroku was entranced; caught by her outstanding beauty.

Inuyasha, on the other hand was also paralyzed to his seat. There, in a gorgeous navy blue bikini decorated with cherry blosssoms going down her right side, with her blue towel hanging on her arm, was Kagome. He has never seen her wear anything like that before! Usually she wore one pieces and she looked amazing in every single one but now…she was just…Inuyasha couldn't even think of anything good enough to call her. Was this the same girl-no woman he's come to know over the course of close to 13 years? It was unbelievable to the hanyou.

'Her hair…so black that I can see streaks of blue shining on a bright sunny day glides down her back and down to her hips-which I've realized that they have developed quite nicely and it's hard for me to not put my hands on her. Her eyes that I love so much, a pure shade of deep mocha, are so full of life and spirit that they always sparkle when she's happy. I've also noticed not only have her hips developed but her breasts and that curvaceous backside of hers…it takes all my willpower to resist temptation to touch and feel those assets. This isn't the same small girl that I was hired to protect nearly 13 years ago, in her place is a beautiful woman, more gorgeous than any other. It has become more difficult for me to restrain myself when I inhale her intoxicating scent of lavender and cherry blossoms that my inner demon has recently started screaming for her. I don't know how much longer I can take, both my human and demon halves want her: to do more than just protect her- I want to hold her, kiss her, cherish her, to love her with every part of my being. She has become and always will be, my own shining star.'

While the boys were unintentionally staring at the lean, toned legs and the sexy, trim waists, the girls were doing some admiring of their own. Both the boys were in their swim trunks- bare chested and showing off that muscle! While Sango was glancing-although discreetly at Miroku, with his purple swim trunks showing off his legs that exuded strength from running on the track team, his hairless chest and his admirable six pack, Kagome was trying so hard not to stare-or worse, drool at the sight of her bodyguard.

When she was smaller, she and Inuyasha went swimming all the time so she knew what he looked like, but now she was a teenager with uncontrollable hormones. Her growing attraction for him was now way out of her hands, so out of her reach. It was impossible to not stare at his flawless-and very well muscled chest, that desirable 8 pack that she had always wanted to touch and feel since she began developing deeper feelings for him. The way her body reacts to him; just his voice or even his eyes- she was powerless to stop herself. Thinking about anything concerning his body- everything about him in fact and she was falling helplessly. Even his legs, showed off his power and strength-well, being hanyou, he worked out more and developed those muscular thighs… Now Kagome had to stop daydreaming about how handsome and built he was or else her arousal would reach his nose, and she knew better than anyone that Inuyasha had a very keen sense of smell. Besides, what would he think..or even say if he knew?

Inuyasha thought he picked up the scent of arousal coming from his charge. Very brief but still powerful enough for him to sense it. He looked at her and she quickly looked away, hearing her heartbeat drumming and smelling her luscious scent. He knew she was trying not to look his way but it was proving rather futile. But her arousal made him think. Did she harbor similar thoughts and feelings for him as he did her? Well, if so, that bit of info was enough to keep him optimistic.

"Well, we're heading to the hot tub to relax. Were you guys planning on using it?" Kagome asked; placing her towel on a table that sported a closed umbrella, Sango doing the same.

"Nah, you girls go ahead. I need to swim a few dozen laps around this baby." Miroku sat up, stretched his arms and back, unaware that his crush was eying him.

"Bet you can't beat me." When it came to challenges, especially when it came to sports, Inuyasha was all for it. The thrill of beating someone, even his dim-witted friend was enough for him. The hanyou loved the excitement, the pleasure and the thrill of kicking someone's butt.

"Oh?" Miroku raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge I hear, my friend?"

"Hell yeah!" Inuyasha now stood up; cracked his knuckles and his neck before giving Miroku his wicked smile.

The girls knew that it was their cue to leave. When it came to bets like this, the two guy pals would be at it for a while. Kagome and Sango quietly made their way to the hot tub on the other side of the deck, still able to see the boys, who were getting ready at the shallow end.

The two best friends slowly sunk into the hot bubbling water, each moaning at the feeling of having their muscles loosen in their backs and their legs.

"It's been a while since it was just only the two of us." Sango had her eyes closed and her head resting on the surface of the tub.

"I know. We need more girl time." Kagome agreed. Sighing, she closed her own eyes and just relaxed, the only sounds of the underwater jets and the splashes coming from the main pool echoing around the indoor deck.

After a while, Sango opened her eyes and smoothed her hair back. "How did it go yesterday?"

Kagome slowly opened her eyes at the question. All her negative feelings about tonight's date surfaced. "Oh Sango, it was bad. Dad came off as shocked, Kaede was speechless and Inuyasha, well…I think you know…"

Sango nodded her head. "I bet he was pissed as hell."

"He was. Believe me, he was sore at the world." She turned to make sure no one was eavesdropping. Luckily, the boys were still swimming and were oblivious to anything and their demon pets were busy playing not too far from the hot tub .

Her best friend also turned their way. "Why did you even accept that bastard's date in the first place? You know he's a playboy and has one hell of a bad reputation."

"Because, if I didn't, he would've kept following me, kept pressuring me until I did say yes." Kagome felt all her morbid emotions and that unsuppressed anger bubbling within her. It was hard not to lash out and keep her tears in. "Sango, I tried to drive him away, act callous and cold towards him, threaten him, even warn him subtly about Inuyasha but he didn't let that stop him. Finally he drove me towards a wall, pinned me and I felt his breath down my neck; pressuring me until I finally caved."

"Have you told your dad-or even Inuyasha about this?" Sango was now worried about her friend and even angry at herself. Best friends fight and defend for each other. Where was she when this happened? "Have you told anyone?" She asked softly, hurt because her best friend was in a predicament that was horrifying and she couldn't stop it.

Kagome remained silent, her brown eyes staring down into the water. "I've told Inuyasha bits and pieces of it and has vowed to even strangle him if he eyes me the wrong way. If I told him the whole story, he would for sure, kill him. Dad and Kaede only know a fraction." Then she looked up into Sango's mahogany orbs. "You're the first person to get the full story, Sango."

The 17 year old was shocked, aghast at the young Higurashi's inner turmoil. They were oblivious to the splashing in the pool now. It was dead silent between them. Sango was at a loss for words-which rarely happens to her. She was a chatterbox- full of advise, warm words and the harshest threats to anyone who dared hurt anyone she cared about. "Why haven't you told anyone, Kagome? You could of asked me, or Miroku-I thought at least Inuyasha would be the first to defend you and ring that ass's neck."

The girl couldn't but chuckle at her friend's choice of words. "I thought I could handle it myself. Even though I have a bodyguard to defend me, I want to prove to myself that I could fight my own battles, be more independent, you know? Having Inuyasha around and seeing how hard he protects me, makes me want to prove at how strong I can be on my own."

"Wow, Kagome…that's…deep." Both chuckled; slowly breaking the negative aura around them. "But you know, Kaggie, if you need help, and I mean real help, don't hesitate to tell anyone. I know you're strong but you can't battle everything on your own. And I know that you want Inuyasha to be by your side; fighting along with you."

Sango knew her all too well. And she was right. While wanting to fight and prove to herself, she also wanted the one person that she fell hard and deep for, her secret moon, her Inuyasha, alongside her. "Thanks, Sango. You're a true pal." Sango was a one in a million and she was grateful that they met.

Sango's brilliant smile showed and stood up and hugged Kagome; who also stood up to hug back. "So are you, Kaggie. So are you."

The afternoon went on, the girls eventually joining the boys in the large pool and had some fun. Then Kaede came in with a homemade pizza pie, with cheese and sausage and with (free) sodas from the vending machine, the four dined and laughed while the rain continued to pour outside. But unfortunately, Miroku had to tempt fate once again. He put his sneaky hand on Sango's chair when she had to sit up for a second. But when she came back down, when she felt that damn hand; her face grew red, steam spouted from her ears and then viciously smacked him upside the head; causing him to fall out of his seat. Kagome and Inuyasha watched silently-while trying to keep in their laughter, as Sango gave the lecher an angry earful while threatening to cut off not only both his hands but also something more valuable and precious below. Needless to say, Miroku kept both his hands on his lunch and away from the temperamental Sango after that.

Now, the dreaded date grew ever closer as Kagome sat in her bath and just soaked. She wished she never accepted that date now. This bastard, this playboy wanted only one thing from her, she knew but she wasn't going to let that happen. Luckily, Inuyasha knew karate, judo and tae kwon do and has taught her over the years how to defend herself for whatever reason. Kagome was glad for it too. Just the thought of her bodyguard was enough to make her anger and stress melt away and she closed her eyes for a while and breathed in the lavender candles around her.

Stepping out of her bathtub some time later, the young Higurashi teen dried herself off and blew dry her long black hair. As the mirror reflected her image, she thought about many things. Mainly about what Sango had told her earlier. If she had only told someone sooner, maybe she wouldn't be doing this. Besides, there was only one person she wanted above all others and knew that he would rather die than let her get hurt by someone. Sighing sadly, she put on a blue robe and strolled out into her room and towards her walk in closet. Thank goodness it was raining because she had to put on a slicker or raincoat. The more she covered her body from that bastard the better. She pulled out a pair of blue jeans, a simple white blouse, and a long blue raincoat. No need for her date to see her in something provocative.

When she finally dressed, put on little make-up and pulled her hair into a low ponytail, she stood in front of her mirror, her pale face and her mocha eyes full of frustration and apprehension gazing back at her. She clenched her hand, trying not to let herself get too angry. All Kagome had to do was go to dinner, a movie and hightail it home. She'd even call Inuyasha to come pick her up. Kami knows he'd more than love to if it became too much for her.

"There I go again, thinking about him. How come he's always on my mind?" She knew the answer to that. It was clear as crystal, plain as day, pure and simple. She loved him. Kagome was in love with her hanyou bodyguard. With that realization coming to light, her heart started to pound faster, her body heating up so rapidly she couldn't even feel the air conditioner anymore.

"I'm in love with him." She whispered. Her hand went to her heart, and she tried to slow her breathing. Why did she admit this to herself, just minutes before her date? Why did it decide to rear its big head then and there?

'I know now. I know as I grow older, I can't help at how I look at him and notice things I've never seen before. He's always been there for me, taught me, helped me, protected me. Inuyasha is everything to me and so much more; not to mention that he's so handsome and hot as hell. I've always thought he was cute ever since I was small but now, I see him as a man, not as a brother. I've always loved his eyes; those gorgeous sunset eyes that now paralyzed me, captured me. His voice, a soothing sound to my ears, sent many shivers through me; causing my flesh to erupt in goosebumps. And his hair, oh I can't begin to think how many times I've played with his hair, and his cute puppy ears. He's told me many a time that I'm the only one allowed to touch them. Somehow I thought that made me special. Whenever I touched his ears, Inuyasha was laid back and relaxing. And his long hair that's always as pale and beautiful as the moon itself. Always so silky and soft as I ran my fingers through it. Now his body…all I can think about is how muscular he is. The man has lean muscle everywhere and it makes me want to just gaze at how gorgeous he is. His shoulders, arms, legs, even his chest and torso…It has been a rather constant-and naughty fantasy of mine to touch and feel that 8 pack of his. It's hard for me to look away whenever he works out bare-chested in only gym shorts. But that's not the only reason why I love him. To me, Inuyasha has always been my moon; a gentle, guiding light for me to see my way through anything. And now, I want him more than ever, my bodyguard, my Inya.'

She had to remain calm and in control. If she wanted to get through this disaster in the making, Kagome had to pull herself together.

"You can do this, girl. You can do this…oh hell what am I thinking? I'm already nervous as bloody hell." She laughed at herself, sounding exactly like her hanyou at times when he was frustrated. Her face was now a flush pink, due to her past reminiscing and her mochas were regaining some sparkle.

Hearing the door downstairs close and hearing the voices, the girl gazed at her watch. He was ten minutes early. Taking a deep breath, she straightened herself up and clenched her fists.

She was scared and very anxious now. No doubt Kaede was meeting him and even Inuyasha; who she could imagine with a fierce scowl on his flawless face, ears pinned back, arms crossed and inwardly very pissed; was seeing him.

"There's no turning back now. I got to do this." She tried to sound as positive and confident as possible; and not succeeding very well, she grabbed her purse and hesitantly opened her door and started to walk downstairs to meet the situation she wound up in.

'Oh please let me get through tonight, Kami. Please…' Her feet moved slowly as that same thought ran through her head over and over. All Kagome wanted was to get this over with and be with the one person who made her world brighter with his presence, Inuyasha.

Well, what do you think of this? Chiisai is mine; originally created for a high school art project, inspired by none other than Kilala. Just look up African Civet if you're still confused. Anyway, I can't wait to post the next chapter. Oh and the date mentioned, is also an original and so I own him as well. Okay? Anyway, I hoped you liked it and until next time...

Ja Ne for now!