Within The Temptation

by Elizabeth Vasser

Kagome is a humble miko in the Feudal Era. She is the protector of the Shikon no Tama, and desires nothing more than to get rid of it permanently. She comes across a hanyou who desires the jewel, but finds that she cannot kill him. But for what reason?

7. Chapter 7

Chapter seven

We found a village to lodge in that evening, and I had been keeping a close eye on Sango ever since the incident with Miroku earlier that day. She would occasionally look at him out of the corner of her eye, and if he caught her looking, she'd blush. I teased her about this to no end, and she would just deny it. Inuyasha ignored it all together.

Of course, when we reached the village, the minute Miroku spotted a pretty lady, he was off, asking her to bear his child with a new proposal. Sango looked enraged by his behavior, and, dragged him off in suit. I watched the scene play out with wide eyes. I wondered if Miroku would ever end his lecherous ways. Probably not.

"So Inuyasha, I'm curious." I said as Sango dragged Miroku away. "How come you never have any interest in women?"

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"Well, Miroku is all about the women, but you don't seem to care either way." I explained. "Don't you ever see women that you find attractive?

"Feh. I hardly pay attention to that kind of stuff." Inuyasha scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous, Kagome."

I shot him a look. "I'm not. It's simple human nature, to be physically attracted to someone."

"But I'm not human. At least not all human. So I don't work the same way." he said dryly.

"I forgot about that." I admitted. "So you don't find any women attractive?"

"I didn't say that. Don't jump to conclusions."

"So who do you find attractive?" I asked suspiciously, as we strolled through the village.

Inuyasha suddenly flushed red, and let out an aggravated growl as he rounded on me. "Do you always have to be so nosy! It's none of your business!"

"He's only like that because he finds you attractive, Kagome." Miroku replied, suddenly appearing at my side. I jumped, and then cried, "Don't do that!"

Inuyasha flushed further. "Hah, don't make me laugh! Her? As if!"

I turned to glare at him, and suddenly he looked as if he wished he could take the words back. "Well, I see." I settled back, eying him coldly. "I'm sorry I'm so terribly disgusting to you, Inuyasha."

"Aw, man . . . Miroku!" Inuyasha glared at the monk who had so obviously gotten him in trouble.

You know, I should put that necklace to good use right about now. What's a good word to use? It doesn't matter what it is, as long as I will it. It's gotta be something witty though . . . Hmm, that's perfect. I looked at Inuyasha. "Inuyasha, sit boy."

"NGH!" the necklace flashed and dragged him down, smacking his face violently into the ground. After a moment, he bolted up, grabbing at the necklace and trying to yank it off, but to no avail. "What the hell!"

"I guess it's too bad you can't take it off." I said snootily.

Inuyasha growled at me. "Kagome, take this thing off me right now, you stupid little annoying pipsqueak!"

"Inuyasha?" I asked sweetly.

He looked at me suspiciously. "What is it?"

"Sit boy."

"AGH!" I stomped off, and I wasn't surprised when Sango followed along beside me. Obviously I wasn't the only one who had had enough of our male companions.

"Ugh, the nerve of them." Sango muttered. "I'm going to go relax in the hot springs that the elders of the village said are near the woods. Do you want to come with me, Kagome?"

"I'd love to." I replied, just as snooty as her.

Once we were soaking in the hot springs, I decided to let my anger wash away. "Ugh, that stupid Inuyasha. He's such a jerk." I muttered.

"Don't even get me started. Miroku is nothing but a lecherous flirt." Sango said irritably, huffing.

I sighed as I laid back. "Those two are so stupid. It's a wonder we even travel with them at all, the way they treat us sometimes."

"You're telling me." Sango agreed. "And even now, we can't seem to relax in these hotsprings, without being spied on by PERVERTS!" Suddenly she grabbed a rock and hurled it into the bushes, and I heard Miroku's yelp of pain. I huffed.

"Inuyasha, sit!" I called, and heard his answering scream of pain.

Both guys surfaced from the bushes, rubbing their heads. "It was Miroku's idea!" Inuyasha whined. "And I wasn't even lookin'!"

"Ugh, you're such a pig!" I cried.

"It's not as if I even wanted to look at you!" Inuyasha snapped back.

"I wanted to look at both of you, and it's worth every bit of pain." Miroku sighed happily, even as Sango pelted him with another rock.

"Well, at least Miroku has good taste!" I screeched.

"He must be blind to have taste in you!" Inuyasha screeched back, and we were eye to eye and nose to nose, despite the fact that I was naked. I was too mad to care.

"I'm standing naked in front of you right now and you think I'm absolutely disgusting! If I didn't know any better I'd say you preferred men!"

Inuyasha's eyes widened. "WHY YOU-"

"SIT!"

After the ordeal with the hotsprings, I gave Inuyasha the cold shoulder for the rest of the evening. I was still angry at him, and my pride was hurt. I'd never had a man act as if I was outright hideous before, and it hurt. Sango understood my pain, and gave me sympathetic looks, along with Miroku.

While all of us were eating, Inuyasha scooted over to me, and gave a little huff. "You're still holdin' a grudge, aren't you?" He asked warily.

He jumped when I slammed my bowl of rice down, and stood up. I stalked from the house and outside, into the cool night air. I heard his growl of frustration, and then I heard Miroku lecturing him. "Inuyasha, women are very sensitive. You've not only disrespected her as a person, but also as a woman. You made her feel as if she's unattractive and disgusting. Even I, being a lecher as I am, never make a woman feel as if she's unattractive."

"So what am I supposed to do about it?" Inuyasha demanded.

"Go compliment her." Miroku suggested.

"And actually mean it." Sango added helpfully. "If you don't mean the compliment, Kagome will see right through it."

"Feh! I'm not gonna go say mushy stuff to Kagome!" Inuyasha said, obviously too proud.

"Then she's going to be mad at you until you apologize and compliment her properly." Miroku said simply.

I heard Inuyasha give another sound of frustration, and a moment passed, before he muttered, "I don't know what to say."

"Tell her she's beautiful." Miroku offered.

"Or that you like her eyes." Sango butted in.

"Or that you love the way her cheeks flush in the sunlight."

"Or that you think she's the most beautiful woman you've ever seen."

"All right all right! That's too . . . Does that even sound like something I'd say?" Inuyasha demanded. "Ugh, women are too difficult!"

"Well, just make something up that sounds like something you would say." Miroku replied.

"That doesn't even make any sense!"

I sighed. I'd heard enough. Inuyasha wasn't going to come say things like that to me and I knew it. It's just not in his nature. Sure, he's blunt and straightforward, but he's by no means a romantic. I thought, as I leaned against the railing. It seemed Inuyasha and I were always aggravated at each other for one thing or another. But, I was used to feuding with him by now.

I looked over my shoulder as the door slid open, and Sango came outside. She slid the door closed, and came to stand beside me. "Hey there." she said softly.

"Hey. Aren't you going to stay inside with those two?" I asked. "I just came out to clear my head some."

"Well that's all right. I have a suggestion for you."

Miroku's P.O.V.

I dragged Inuyasha over to the door, and we both sat there, and began to listen in to the conversation. "Miroku, if we were meant to hear the conversation, don't ya think they'd be in here?" Inuyasha grumbled quietly, but I shushed him.

"Well that's all right. I have a suggestion for you." I heard Sango say.

"What's that?"

"I've been thinking . . . Ever since you start training to become a priestess when you were little, you haven't been able to be like other girls. You don't wear makeup, you aren't allowed to spend hours on your hair, you don't wear pretty clothing or put flowers in your hair . . ." Sango began.

"Where are you going with this?" Kagome asked wearily.

"I think you need some time to feel like a real woman." Sango replied. "Sometime to wear makeup, spend hours on your hair, and wear pretty clothing. You were always training, taking care of the village, or some other task. And now you protect the sacred jewel. I think you haven't left time to be a girl."

"So what do you suggest?" I could tell Sango had Kagome's interest.

"Why don't you go on a date?"

I knew it was coming before it was even out of Inuyasha's mouth, so I smacked my hand over his mouth when he began to shout, "WHAT!" I shushed him again, and he reluctantly subsided.

"A date?" Kagome sounded surprised. "Sango, you know I'm not allowed to have a relationship like that-"

"I know. But we aren't going to be in this village long, and one day with a random, handsome man won't lead to marriage. It will be something for you to just enjoy yourself. You can pretty yourself up and flirt and have him compliment you . . . it'll be perfect." Sango went on, sounding excited.

"Well, now that you mention it . . . I would like to do something like that." Kagome admitted. "It's not that I'm opposed to love at all; rather the opposite. I just haven't been allowed to do any of those things. I think it's a great idea Sango!" Kagome sounded happy.

"I do too. So we can wait another day or so and stay here in the village. I'll get Miroku to help me find you a proper man tomorrow, and we'll set everything up." Sango went on.

"Sango, this is really sweet of you . . . thank you for doing this. I think this is just what I need, to feel like an ordinary girl." Kagome was smiling, and that much I could sense just by her tone of voice.

I looked at Inuyasha beside me, and his ears were lowered. He didn't like this idea one bit, and it was obvious. He was glaring at the floor, ears laid back, evidently sulking. I sighed.

"Inuyasha, if you won't give Kagome the attention she needs, she's going to find it from someone else." I hissed at him.

His ears flicked at that. "It's not like I can, Miroku. She told me not to, and so did you."

I sighed. "That's true. But you can also refrain from insulting her. That's the last thing she needs. Kagome has never been allowed to let go and be like other women. Do you have any idea what that must be like, to never act like what you were born as?"

"As a matter of fact, I know just the feeling." he growled, and stood up, walking back to his previous spot and sitting down, indian style. And that was when I remembered the fact that he was half demon. He probably understood what Kagome went through more than anyone else.

I backed away from the door as Sango and Kagome came back inside, and Kagome looked like she was in a significantly better mood. "Have a nice chat?" I asked.

"Oh, don't pretend like you weren't listening in, Miroku." Sango chided. "So you're going to help me tomorrow to find Kagome a date." she looked to Inuyasha. "Do you want to help me? It's the least you can do."

"The least I can do?" he demanded. I noticed Kagome was just waiting for his reaction to all of this. Just as he opened his mouth to be difficult, I saw Sango was staring him down, clearing pleading with him with her eyes to not be an idiot about it. It was important to Kagome, and that much was obvious. Inuyasha looked at me for support, but I had the same look as Sango.

He huffed and looked away, glaring at the wall. "Fine." he ground out.

"Thank you." Sango replied, and she took Kagome's arm, pulling her to the room that had been prepared for all of us. "We're going to go to bed now."

Once those two were gone, I looked back to Inuyasha. "It's not that bad. It's just one date, Inuyasha." I told him.

"I can't believe you're encouraging this Miroku." he growled, ears flattened to his head.

"Inuyasha, what will you do if Kagome finds a genuine interest with whoever we set her up with?" I asked him.

"How am I supposed to answer that? I don't own Kagome! She can do whatever she wants." I sighed. He was obviously going to be difficult about this.

"Well, either way, it's our duty to pick out someone suitable for her. Someone that will appreciate her beauty and caress that flawless skin of hers . . ." I rubbed my chin thoughtfully. "Perhaps I should be the one to take on this task."

I felt a hand slam into the back of my head, and when I looked, I saw Sango there, obviously coming back to get something. "You are the last person I'd volunteer for the position." She growled. "Kagome needs a good time, not a nightmare."

"Just a little joke." I assured her, rubbing my sore head.

"I'm sure. We're going to have to get up first thing in the morning to find someone. It's going to take a while to find the perfect candidate." Sango replied, grabbing her bag before leaving the room again.

I looked to Inuyasha. "Remember Inuyasha, this is for Kagome's sake. So we need you to be as cooperative as possible."

"Yeah yeah, I know." he muttered, looking annoyed. I sighed and rose, deciding I would retire for the night as well.

"All right Kagome. Me, Miroku and Inuyasha are going to go get started searching for a candidate. So, you make sure that you don't spy! We want everything to be a surprise!" Sango announced the next morning when all of us were in the main room.

I sighed. "All right then. I'll probably see if I can't find any information on a weapon to break Hakudoushi's barrier for Inuyasha. That will take a while."

"Well, then you'll probably be busy for a while." Sango replied. "So we'll meet up here later. Come on guys." Sango left the house, and Miroku trailed along after her. Inuyasha cast me a fleeting glance, ears lowered slightly, and I could tell he still wasn't liking the entire 'date' ordeal. He left when I looked at him, obviously going to avoid my gaze. I sighed.

I left the house shortly after giving them a headstart, and made my way toward the library in the town. Once inside, I turned down the aid of the librarian, wanting to look around by myself. The library was large and peacefully quiet, and I knew it would be easy to lose myself in the tall shelves.

It wasn't long before I was seated at a table by myself, with a large book on demons. I was flipping through the pages, seeing if I could find any type of demon that was known for weapon-making, but I was having no such luck. The pictures grew increasingly grotesque until I finally tired of them and shut the book with a sigh.

"Excuse me, Priestess. I just happened to notice that you seem troubled." I looked over my shoulder, seeing the persistent librarian. I resisted the urge to sigh again. I guess asking for help won't hurt anything. I thought.

"Well, I actually can't find a particular demon in this book." I replied.

"Maybe I can help you. What demon are you searching for?"

"One that crafts powerful weapons." I replied, knowing it would sound crazy to anyone. But the librarian didn't seem worried.

"Well, you won't find a demon like that in this book, because this simply classifies species of demons." The librarian explained. "But I do happen to know of a demon who does such a thing. His name is Totosai, and he lives far atop a mountain a day's or so travel from here."

"Really?" I asked hopefully. "That's extremely helpful. You have no idea. Which mountain, specifically?"

Once the librarian had informed me, I even made sure to write the name of the mountain down, so I wouldn't forget. I located a map shortly after that, and saw that the mountain was indeed a day or so away, which wasn't bad. So after I went through my date tomorrow, we could leave the next day.

I was quite satisfied with my research, and I knew the others would be happy to view my findings. I strode from the library with a spring to my step, and into the fresh air.

I scanned the crowd in the village, and I spotted a group of girls over to the side, huddled in a group and giggling. All of them wore makeup, and their hair was pulled up in intricate styles, and they wore pretty, expensive and brightly colored kimonos. I looked down at my own priestess robes, the white top and red hakama, and could practically feel the white band holding my hair in a low ponytail, my uniform worn everyday, being a priestess. I felt so plain, suddenly, watching them, and my mood dropped. Sango was right. I hadn't ever realized how much it affected me, to not be able to be normal.

But things will be different tomorrow! I thought fiercely. I'll be able to be normal, and I can feel like a normal girl, and be with a man, and . . .

But the next day . . . I'll go back to being like this. I sighed, and decided I would head back to the house where we were staying and take a nap to relax.

After I laid down, it wasn't long before I was dozing off. My dreams were relatively normal, and I didn't think it had been long when someone was shaking me awake. When I opened my eyes, I was surprised to see it was Miroku.

"Miroku? Do you need something?" I asked, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I sat up.

"Well, Kagome, you were just mumbling in your sleep about a demon in the mountains. Totosai?" He raised his eyebrows, and I noticed Inuyasha and Sango giving me the same dumbfounded looks.

"Hmph. Totosai sounds familiar. The name, I mean." Inuyasha muttered, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back against the wall.

Miroku looked to him. "Have you met this Totosai before?"

Inuyasha's ears flicked a bit. "Like I said, the name sounds familiar, but that's it. I can't put a face to the name or anything."

Miroku turned back to me. "Well, either way, could you explain what that was all about?"

"Well, I went to the library and did some research on it, and I did find something out. There is a demon by the name of Totosai who can make weapons, even ones that can destroy demonic barriers. Look." I stood up and went to my pack, and pulled out a map. I rolled it out on the floor, and everyone gathered around to look as I pointed out the mountain. "He lives atop this mountain, and it wouldn't take long to get there."

"Hmph, perfect!" Inuyasha was grinning, his fangs exposed. "Then we can go there and get him to make us a weapon to take down Hakudoushi. That evil bastard."

"Well, don't be so hasty." I replied. "We don't have any other information than that. We don't know if this Totosai is hostile or what. There's no guarantees he'll even make a weapon. We might be out of luck when we reach him."

Inuyasha snorted. "Feh! Oh, he'll make a weapon all right, if he wants to live."

"Keep carrying on like that and you probably won't get one at all." Sango chided.

"Well, that's great news, nonetheless." Miroku interjected before those two could get started. "That gives us something to go on when we leave this village. So when we leave the day after tomorrow, we're going to head straight for that mountain and find this Totosai and see if he can't craft a weapon of that sort. I trust everyone is agreed?" When no one protested, Miroku rolled up the map and replaced it in my pack.

"Well, now that that's settled. Kagome," Sango turned to me, and smiled, "We've found you someone."

I was interested. "Oh really?"

Inuyasha growled a little, and the three of us watched as he stood up, fists clenched, and started heading for the door. "Where are you going?" I asked quietly, my heart aching a little by his actions. Why can't he just be happy for me? Why does he have to be so difficult about it?

"For a walk. I'll be back later." he muttered, and disappeared outside.

"Just excuse him, Kagome." Miroku said to me. "He's . . . not very agreed on the matter of your date."

"Don't have to tell me that." I muttered. "It's pretty obvious. Sheesh."

Sango just shook her head. "Anyway, we found someone. He's handsome and polite, and he's fairly wealthy. And he agreed to court you tomorrow."

"Well does he even know me?" I asked, surprised.

"He doesn't know you personally, but he knows who you is. He says he's seen you around the village, and that out of all the women in the village, you caught his eye. So he's perfect." Sango explained.

"Then what's his name?"

"Akitoki Hojo. He seems to have quite the thing for you." Miroku added.

"Hojo? Hmm. That's a pretty simple name." I replied. "Sounds safe enough to me. So when's the date start tomorrow, anyway?"

"At noon. I'm going to be getting you ready until then." Sango said. "So, you should be up early."

"I don't think it'll take that long to get me ready-" I began, surprised.

"Trust me, Kagome, these things take time." Sango waved her finger at me. "If you're going to have this experience once in a lifetime, I'm going to make it count. I want you to feel as girly as possible."

"Oh, Sango." I sighed, and then smiled at her. "Thank you for doing this. It really means a lot to me."

Sango reached forward and hugged me. "It's no problem at all, Kagome. I know how much it means."

"Kagome, I hate to ruin the moment, but . . . there is still the matter of Inuyasha's feelings." Miroku said quietly. I sobered up immediately simply at the mentioning of his name. "Believe it or not, he's upset about this entire ordeal."

"I don't understand it!" I suddenly burst out. "Why does it even matter to him? One minute, he tries to put a move on me, and the next, he swears up and down he doesn't care for me at all as more than a friend!"

"I think Inuyasha is too stubborn to acknowledge his feelings at the moment." Miroku replied. "But, it's quite obvious how he feels about you, Kagome. I won't say anything, for it's not my business to tell, but . . . perhaps you should go comfort him, Kagome. You're the only one who can make him feel better about this situation."

"Comfort him?" I demanded. "He shouldn't be so possessive and jealous and-and-"

"I hate to say it, but . . . Miroku is right. Maybe you should reassure him." Sango said hesitantly after a moment.

"How am I supposed to reassure him anyway? I mean, it's just one date."

"I think what Inuyasha fears the most is you falling in love with Akitoki Hojo." Miroku explained. "And, of course, the idea of you going on a date with someone else in the first place doesn't sit too well with him."

"Fall in love?" My eyebrows rose. "That's . . ." I shook my head. "I can't fall in love over one date. I mean, that's just ridiculous."

"Inuyasha doesn't seem to think so. Kagome, excuse me, but I'm going to be very blunt. Do you love Inuyasha?" Miroku looked me straight in the eye.

"Eh? What? Ehehe . . ." I laughed nervously, and when I saw both Sango and Miroku were waiting for an answer, my face began to flush with embarrassment. "I . . . I don't know! I mean, of course I don't! That's just . . . why would you ask me that anyway?"

"Kagome, even you've admitted at some point that you have feelings for Inuyasha. But . . . I think you're in love with him." Sango said sofly.

"It's too early! And I can't! I can't love him! I'm not allowed to have relationships like that!" I protested, but my arguments were growing weaker.

"It's not too early, Kagome. You and Inuyasha have been through a lot together already, and he opens up to you so much more than anyone else." Miroku went on, siding with Sango. "You don't look at any other man the way you look at Inuyasha. I agree with Sango. I think you're in love with him."

"Don't . . . don't make me answer it." I whispered. "Even if it's true . . . even if it's possible that I have . . . I can't be with him. I can't acknowledge those feelings. I won't acknowledge them. Not until the jewel is gone, if I still have the chance after then."

"So if you're saying that if your priestess duties weren't in the way, you would acknowledge those feelings?" Sango persisted.

"Yes! No! Maybe . . ." I sighed. "I can't think about all those things right now. I have to focus on what I set out to do."

"It's understandable." Miroku reassured me. "I apologize for being so blunt, Kagome. But, like I said before, Inuyasha is upset. And you should probably go see him and reassure him."

"He probably won't believe me anyway, but fine." I stood up, and left the room.

It wasn't too hard to find Inuyasha. With his long, silvery white hair, red kimono, and adorable dog ears, he stood out like a shining beacon. He was standing in front of the pond, underneath the cherry blossom tree, and my heart was pounding a little just by looking at him.

Is it even possible? That I could be in love with Inuyasha? Even after such a short time . . . I understand him, and it's not hard at all for me to know what he's thinking. And he seems to know what's going through my mind. I thought. I moved over to where he stood, and when he saw me, he harrumphed and looked away from me.

"Inuyasha, did you actually help Miroku and Sango pick this Akitoki Hojo out for me?" I asked.

"Feh, as if I would get involved in that. I was just there for the ride." Inuyasha muttered.

"You do realize that this is a one time thing, don't you? I'm not going to be going on dates at every village we hit with a different guy. And I'm not going to fall in love with this Akitoki Hojo. There's no guarantee that I'll even like him." I said softly. "So you can stop worrying."

"Hmph! I'm not worried. Don't be ridiculous." but there was a deep blush on his face, and I knew it was the complete opposite.

Before I realized what I was doing, I moved in front of him, and wrapped my arms around his waist, leaning against him. I heard his sound of surprise, and then, after a moment, he hugged me back, and laid his cheek against my hair. "Kagome-" he started, but I leaned back and reached up, putting my finger over his lips and stopping him.

"I want you to stop worrying about this date. This is just . . . something that I need. I just want you to understand." I said, holding his golden eyes.

His ears lowered a little, and I could tell he felt guilty for acting how he had up until now. "Kagome . . ."

I leaned my head against his shoulder again. "Just hold me for now, ok?"

"If that's what you want." he said softly.

"Just hold still, Kagome." Sango complained, as I leaned back. I huffed and did so, allowed her to apply the rouge to my lips. She was going overboard with the makeup, I thought, but she said that I would look wonderful when she was finished. She had already done my hair up in an elegant bun, letting a few of the waves fall down to frame my face, and the kimono was next.

"There." She settled back proudly, and picked up the mirror she had on the table, showing me my reflection. My eyes widened.

I looked . . . beautiful. My eyes were large and defined, with long, curling lashes, and my skin was smooth and flushed lightly over my cheeks, and my lips were painted a light, delicate red. There was a light pink color on my eyelids.

"Sango, thank you." I said softly, still unable to recognize myself. I'd never seen myself this way. It was something new.

"You look great, Kagome. Miroku and Inuyasha are out there waiting, so as soon as we get your kimono on, we'll see what they think." She replied.

Sango helped me to tie the bow in the back, and I looked down over myself. The kimono was a light pink color, with yellow and blue flowers all over it. It was beautiful, and for the first time in my life, I really felt girly. I looked at my reflection in the mirror again, thinking, This is a only a once in a lifetime chance. A one time thing. I wonder what Inuyasha will think when he sees this.

"Well, let's go see what the boys think." Sango took my arm and guided me from the room, and out into the main room, where I saw Inuyasha and Miroku eating lunch, Kirara curled up on Miroku's lap as he ate.

When I stepped into the room and Inuyasha looked up, I saw his eyes widen and he dropped his chopsticks, his mouth opening a bit. Miroku looked up at me and also did a double take, clearing his throat before saying, "Why, Kagome, you look beautiful. Sango, you did quite the job."

"Thank you Miroku." I said shyly, blushing a little because Inuyasha was still staring at me. There was also a red flush across his face. "Yes, Inuyasha?"

That seemed to snap him out of it. He scoffed and looked away from me, ears laid back, the blush on his face increasing. "Hmph. Nothin'."

I felt a bit of disappointment. You would think he could suck up his pride and give me a compliment. I thought, annoyed as well. "That's all you have to say?"

Inuyasha opened his mouth, no doubtedly to say something stupid, and Miroku and Sango shot him looks. He huffed and then mumbled, "You look good, that's all."

I smiled. "Thank you Inuyasha."

"Stop thankin' me." he muttered, embarrassed. Sango and Miroku looked relieved.

"Well, Akitoki should be here any minute." Sango interrupted, and she was cut off by a knocking on the door. "Speak of the devil."

She slid open the door, revealing a handsome young man with light brown hair pulled back in a neat ponytail, short locks framing his forehead, and friendly brown eyes. He was quite handsome, and even I had to admit that.

"Hello, Akitoki. Kagome is ready." Sango looked over her shoulder at me, and I stepped forward, so he could see me. When his eyes rested on me, I was surprised to see him blush, much like Inuyasha had.

"Why Kagome, this is the first time we've met face to face, and I already have to be so forward as to say that you look extraordinary." his voice was soft and friendly, just like his face, and I smiled, taking the compliment. But it didn't make me blush as it would have if Inuyasha had said it.

"Well, it's nice to finally meet you, Akitoki." I said to him. "So, shall we go?"

"Of course. I promise to show her a good time, like you asked." Akitoki said softly to Sango, and I gleaned that I wasn't supposed to have heard it, so I pretended like I hadn't, as he led me from the house. I heard Inuyasha grumbling as we left.

We began to walk through the village, and Akitoki was the one who started the conversation. "So, Kagome, you're a priestess, right?"

"That's right."

"And you're traveling with those three: the demon slayer, the half demon, and the monk?"

"Yes."

"They all seem like good, brave people. I couldn't ever see myself going on an adventure." Akitoki laughed. "I'm far too much of a coward for that."

"I'm sure you're braver than you think. It takes a lot to admit our faults." I assured him, smiling up at him. Inuyasha wouldn't have admitted that in a million years, even if it was true for him. But it's not. Inuyasha is anything but a coward. Then I caught myself. Oh, what am I thinking about him for? I'm on a date! Inuyasha should be the last thing on my mind!

"So Akitoki, tell me more about yourself." I said conversationally, as we walked. "You seem to know some things about me. So I want to know about you."

"Well, I work at the old shrine up on the hill top there. I keep it clean and get paid by the owner's. It's not much, but my family is rather wealthy anyway, so I guess I don't really need the money. I just like to help them out. I also am sort of like a doctor for this village. I know a lot of remedies and solutions to ailments and sicknesses, so I take care of most of the elderly and the people who need tending to." Akitoki explained. I felt my heart softening a bit as I listened to him talk. "I tried learning how to fence once upon a time, and I learned for two years, but my older brothers told me I was better off quitting. Fighting just isn't my style, I don't suppose. So, why don't you tell me about you, Kagome?"

He's very open about himself. And he seems to be able to accept the things about himself that aren't that great. I admire that. I thought, before I answered, "Well, my mother and father were killed by a demon named Hakudoushi, along with the rest of my village, when I was very little."

"That's terrible." Akidoushi exclaimed, looking truly sympathetic. I smiled at him.

"It's all right. Anyway, a priestess named Kaede found me, and took me under her care. When I was old enough, she asked me if I wanted to train to become a priestess, and I said yes, because I wanted to be something. I wanted to be able to fight and defend myself, and I wanted to take care of all the evil demons who might hurt our village. So I've been training to be a priestess ever since I was very little, and I'm an archer. Not a master, but I'm not too shabby at it." I didn't mention the part about the Shikon no Tama, because it would probably be best if Akitoki didn't know about that. I didn't want him to think I was a freak or something.

"You're life sounds more exciting than mine. I understand you're on a journey, as well? Your friend Sango didn't tell me much about it. She said it was best that the purpose to your journey remain confidential." Akitoki sounded curious, but I knew that he wasn't going to pester me about it, because he understood my space. He wasn't going to poke and prod and be nosy about it, like Inuyasha would.

"Well, it may sound exciting, but it's hard." I admitted. "Fighting demons isn't a walk in the park. I've had to do it a few times, and it's very dangerous, and definitely not fun."

"Sounds scary." Akitoki laughed. "Well, I'm sure you're probably hungry. Why don't we get something to eat? I'd like to treat you Kagome. You must work so hard on your adventure. So I want to make this special."

I blushed a little at his kindness. He was kind, too, and he seemed selfless and generous. Sango really had picked out a good one. "Well, thank you. I am pretty hungry."

Akitoki picked out the most expensive restaurant in the village, and even though I tried to convince him not to, he wouldn't take no for an answer. As we ate, he told me about his brothers and his childhood, and I told him about mine. We laughed over the stupid mistakes we'd made or the funny things we'd gotten in trouble for, and the more I talked to him, the more I grew to like him.

"Really? So did you come down from the tree?" Akitoki was laughing between words.

I smiled and shook my head. "No. Kaede had to come up there and get me. As old as she was, I didn't think she would do it, but she did. And when she got me down, she whipped me."

He snorted with laughter. "My father would have done the same thing. I would like to meet this Kaede. You seem very fond of her."

"I am." I said softly. "She's like my real grandmother. And even like my mom, sometimes. She raised me and took care of me. And that's more than I could ask for."

After we ate, Akitoki took me on a tour of the shrine that he worked at, and it was empty except for us. But I knew that he wouldn't make any type of move on me just because we were alone. He was a gentleman.

The day seemed to just fly by. It wasn't long before it was nighttime, and Akitoki and I were strolling down along the river stream. I bent down and picked up a smooth rock, and turned toward the river, flicking it with my wrist. Akitoki watched with fascination as it skipped a few times before sinking into the water.

"How did you do that?" he asked.

"Like this. Just find a smooth rock, and flick it with your wrist. Watch." I picked out a rock and flicked it, and it skipped three times before it sunk.

"Wow, that's amazing. Here, I'll try." Akitotki grabbed a rock and tried, but his rock just plopped into the water. His expression fell, and he sighed. "Well, guess I'm not good at it."

I laughed. "It takes some practice. Here." I grabbed him a rock, and put it in his hand, pulling his wrist back and flicking it for him, with my hands. It skipped four times, and then sunk.

"That's fascinating!" he exclaimed, and then looked down at me, and blushed. We were close, and when I saw him leaning down toward me, I realized he wanted to kiss me.

Is that what I really want? Akitoki is nice, sweet, and selfless, and he's fun, but . . . I feel as if . . . something is missing. I feel like . . . he's not what I need. He feels like a friend, a good friend. But something more? I . . . I don't know. He's not like Inuyasha.

Inuyasha is rude, crude, and arrogant. His ego is bigger than his head and he has a horrible temper, and he takes it out on everyone. He hides his emotions and is insensitive, and dense when it comes to women. He doesn't understand anything and he can be such a pervert! But . . . I can't stop thinking about him. Inuyasha is always on my mind, and he makes me feel better than anyone has ever made me feel before. I understand him, and he understands me. And . . . I . . . can't feel about anyone the way I feel about Inuyasha. I thought, and forced myself to move away.

"Akitoki, I've had a really great time tonight, but I have to leave tomorrow, and I don't want to give you something that I can't fulfill later on." I told him softly, trying to be gentle.

He looked embarrassed. "Of course, Kagome. I'm sorry. I should have known better than to try something. How rude of me."

"It's all right. I think it's better that I retire for the night now." I told him, and he began to lead me back to the house.

Once we were in front of the door, it was a little awkward. I hugged Akitoki, and said, "Thank for you everything, Akitoki. It was lovely."

"Of course Kagome. You deserve only the best." he replied, looking embarrassed again. "I know that you may not change your mind, but if you ever finish your adventure . . . you can always come back to me."

I blushed at his forwardness. "Oh, well, thank you for the offer. I'll keep it in mind. Goodnight, Akitoki." he waved to me as I slid the door open and went inside.

Sango, Miroku, and Inuyasha were all inside, sitting together and silent. I knew they'd been eavesdropping a minute ago. I wondered, briefly, if they'd spied on me during my date.

I ignored their looks and went to sit down beside Inuyasha. "So how did it go?" Sango asked me.

"It went fine. I had a good time. Akitoki was a perfect candidate." I allowed.

"Do you . . . like him?" Sango pressed, and I knew what she meant. I knew she and Miroku were holding their breaths, and Inuyasha stiffened beside me.

"No, not like that. He's sweet and everything, but . . . I don't think I do." I said softly. Inuyasha visibly relaxed, letting out a breath.

"What are you looking so relieved for?" I demanded, just to make him squirm. He recoiled from me, his eyes wide, before he scowled.

"I'm not! Don't be stupid!" he snapped back, blushing fiercely. "I don't care if you like that measly human or not!"

"You're not fooling anyone." I sniffed, turning my nose up at him.

"Hah!" He turned away, glaring at the wall, but I knew he was satisfied.

"Well, since everything was a success, Sango and I shall retire to bed. We've got a long day of travel ahead of us tomorrow." Miroku announced rather cheerfully, grabbing Sango's hand and tugging her from the room. She went rather easily, and I knew those two were probably going to spy on me and Inuyasha since we were alone now.

Inuyasha didn't seem to care about that fact. It was quiet for a moment, before he said, "So . . . you didn't . . . kiss him or anything, did you?"

"Ugh!" I let out a huff of frustration. "Inuyasha, what do you think? Of course I didn't! I just said I didn't like him!"

"Well you don't always have to like someone to kiss them!" he argued.

"Then who have you been kissing?" I demanded. The very thought of him kissing some girl made my heart wrench, and I couldn't stand the thought of it.

He flushed red. "That's-that's none of your business!"

"You haven't kissed anyone have you?" I crossed my arms over my chest, and he looked humiliated, ears lowered back against his head. "I'm not surprised."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He snarled. "Like you've kissed anyone either!"

Now it was my turn to blush. "Tch, of course I've kissed someone before." I've never been kissed. I've never even held hands with a boy, let alone kissed one. I thought sadly.

"Oh really?" he asked sarcastically. "And you say that I'm ridiculous. You haven't kissed anyone."

"I'm glad that you can tell."

"Tch, it's obvious. You go crazy whenever a guy even looks at you." Inuyasha snipped. I glared at him.

"And to think that I have any consideration for you at all, the way you treat me. Ugh. I'm going to bed." I stood up, and began to walk away.

Inuyasha stood up as well. "You're not goin' anywhere. I'm not done with you yet."

"I'm done talking to you! You're so dense and pigheaded!" I snapped, and turned away again, but his hand wrapped around my wrist and stopped me. My skin tingled where he touched me, and I looked over my shoulder at him.

His expression was angry and fierce. "That Akitoki guy . . . did he even try to kiss you?"

"That's not really any of your business." I sniffed, and gasped as Inuyasha seized my shoulders with his hands and pulled me forward, so I had to look into his eyes.

"Then maybe I'll make it my business." he threatened.

My heart was pounding. How would he make it his business? It's hardly as if it isn't his business already, the way he's acting. "You're not going to do anything. Let go of me, Inuyasha."

"Answer my question, Kagome." he ordered.

"Why do you want to know so badly?" I demanded.

"Just answer the question!" his tone was rough and angry, and I had to admit, something about how he wanted to know so badly touched something inside of me. He cared, whether he would admit it or not.

"Fine, he tried to kiss me." I snapped. "Happy?"

He growled a little, and pulled me against him, and my breath caught. My breasts snuggled into his chest, and my hips pressed into his. My mouth was dry, and my body was tingling with desire and attraction, being this close to him. "Did you let him?"

"No, I didn't let him. Inuyasha, why does it matter so much to you?" I repeated, staring straight into his eyes. I knew this was a moment of truth. I knew that I wasn't going to let this go. He wasn't going to make me. I wasn't going to deal with these games anymore. I wanted to know what went on inside his head when it came to me, and I wanted to hear from his own mouth.

He growled again, and I could feel it rumble through his chest. "Because if I can't even kiss you, he sure as hell better not have!"

My eyes widened, and then I felt it, the blood rushing to my face, signaling that I was blushing. My heart skipped a beat, and I held Inuyasha's eyes, unable to look away. He was staring at me, as well, and his golden eyes grew softer, and his angry expression melted away. We were pressed tightly against each other, and I wasn't pulling away from him. I wasn't even trying. I knew that I should, that I should do it now, but my feet wouldn't move. I didn't want to pull away from him. That was the last thing I wanted.

Inuyasha's eyes lowered, looking at my lips, and before I could even react, he had leaned down, and he had kissed me. I gave a soft sound of surprise against his lips, but my eyes closed and my blush deepened, as his lips pressed against mine. He was holding me, and my heart was racing, and I couldn't stop. Everything was warm, including his lips, and his mouth was soft and gentle on mine. It didn't matter that I'd never kissed anyone before and neither had he, because the fact that it was Inuyasha kissing me made up for all of that. It felt good, and his arms around me made me feel safe and secure. There was passion as his mouth moved against mine, and my lips moved in synchronization with his, and I felt as if this was where I had always been meant to be.

When he finally pulled away, his breathing was fast, as mine was. "Kagome . . ." he whispered, his breath sweet and fresh against my face.

"Inuyasha, I . . ." What do I do? I've already broken that rule. I can't really turn around. I don't want to break his heart. Because it would break mine too. I don't want to deny this. "Inuyasha, maybe I should-" he leaned down and kissed me again, and I stopped trying to think, and focused on the feeling of his mouth on mine.

We parted after a few long moments, and Inuyasha cradled my head to his shoulder, and I could hear his heartbeat. Like mine, it was fast. "Kagome, I will destroy Hakudoushi, and find a way to get rid of the sacred jewel. So you can be a normal woman. So you can have what you want."

My heart was touched by his words. "Inuyasha . . ."

"I'm not just saying this, Kagome. Even if . . . even if you don't want to be with me afterwards . . . I'll do it. I'll do it for you. So you won't be bound by this jewel anymore." Inuyasha went on, his voice fierce.

I closed my eyes. "Inuyasha, if . . . if we succeed. If the jewel is destroyed . . ." I pulled back, and looked into his eyes. "If we win . . . I do want you. I want to be with you. I don't want anyone else."

His eyes shone, and his gaze softened. "Kagome . . . if we manage to destroy the jewel . . . you'll be with me? You'll . . . marry me?"

"I will. I'll bind myself to you, Inuyasha." I reached up, and cupped his cheek, feeling the warm, smooth skin. I'm not going to deny this any longer. I won't deny my heart or his. Because I can't stop the way I feel. My heart will always belong to Inuyasha, even if he decides he doesn't want me anymore.

"You don't have to worry about anything, Kagome. I'll do it. If it takes months or years, I will destroy the jewel, and take care of you. No one else will protect you like me. I promise to protect you and to set you free. I really am in-"

I moved my hand, and laid a finger over his lips. "Stop, Inuyasha," I said softly. "That's all I need to hear." I held his eyes, and leaned up, and kissed him. He kissed me back, and I wrapped my arms around his neck. After tonight, we'll have to go back to the way we were, to prevent distractions. But just for now . . . Hold me Inuyasha, so I know that this is all true . . . So I have something to hope for . . .

Ok, more than likely, I prob won't get a very good response to this chapter. I'm not really satisfied with the scene between Inuyasha and Kagome, and I'm sure there are a lot of you who won't be either. But oh well. I tried. I actually deleted the first time I wrote it and re did it. If enough of you ask, when I'm done posting this story, I'll post the deleted scene for you to read, if you like. :P Read and review, if you like.