So, this is my new story…that I'm half regretting. If you happen to find this story, satisflying please tell me if it's something that should continue. I DO have chapter 2 written (somewhat) and just need to upload it. Chance it? Maybe…

Blah blah – Character thoughts

"Blah Blah" – Character speech

"Blah blah" – Giving the author the satisfaction of using the 'underline' tool for once. (^_~)

Chapter 1:

The air was cool, crisp, and fragrant with falling rain. It had dimmed to a light drizzle which created a little pitter patter on Kagome's umbrella. Nature's music. Tonight's walk really gave no inspiration. Kagome thought to herself as she made her way through old town Japan, back alleys kept to historical perfection, sandy walls which led through a maze network of temples and ancient homes. Kagome ran her hand against the wall to help guide her towards the main road, no bigger than two car lengths. Taking some pictures of scenes. After turning the next corner, there was a small figure, standing under a street lamp most likely waiting for the bus. She checked her watch, 2:30 am, I hope they know the buses have stopped for the night, as she walked closer, she could make out two points on the top of the person's head, barely noticeable, but still there. Demon her steps slowed. But they don't look dangerous. Kagome stopped and focused her breathing and faintly saw the demon's aura take shape within. It's so...empty, Kagome picked up her steps again. After coming closer, she saw that he, yes he, was soaked to the bone. A demon with long white hair with bangs that covered his eyes, his ears barely twitching to take her into account, clothes drenched and sticking to a tall and toned body. The pitter patter started to pick up. It's going to start raining again. Kagome moved her umbrella above his head, a reach that was almost uncomfortable for her. Almost.

"Excuse me." Kagome tried. No response. She spoke louder "the buses have stopped for the night." At that she saw his ear twitch and shoulders sag a little more. "do you need a place to stay?" she waited. A nod. Ok, a response. Kagome let out the breath that she didn't know she was holding. "ok, it's this way." Carefully, she grabbed his inner elbow to guide him, gentle but firm enough to move him.

They made their way through the main streets, maneuvering around parked cars, empty trash cans, dodging occasional cats trying to escape from the rain. Her umbrella was only big enough to cover one person, maybe half a person more, so she kept it above him even though it was at an uncomfortable angle. After a moment she felt a cold hand wrap around hers and take the umbrella from her and the other arm snake around her waist to keep her close. He's so... Kagome couldn't think of the word...maybe spontaneous? Thankfully, they came up to her gate.

"This is it." she motioned for him to come inside, hair still covering his face. "Take off your shoes and I can lead you to the bathroom. You look like you could use a hot bath." with that she skirted off and made it back to see he hadn't moved except that his shoes were off. "come on." she spoke as if to coax a frightened puppy. Did I just talk to him like I would a dog? She mentally shook her head. Focus. But she noticed that there was a little spark to his aura. At least I can get that out of him. He made his way carefully, as if the floor would break under him, and followed her to the bathroom. "so, everything is basically here. There's a towel on the counter, and take as long as you need." with that, she closed the door and let him be.

I guess I better make him a bed and some food. So she set to work.

Inuyasha didn't know what to make of the situation he was in. Some human decided to help you and now you're at her house. Still no conclusion. After coming up dry, he started to peel off his clothes and wash off not only the dirt, but the hate and problems and see them swirl down the drain, never to see him again. If only. He took an extra long time in the tub, trying to soak his pain. I'll leave as soon as I thank her. But the thought of going back home made his stomach churn at the thought. So he focused his thoughts on the other side of the door. He could hear her bustling around, some clanking, and some shuffling. What could she be doing at 3 am? The question only stuck with him momentarily before he started to drift off. Moments later he woke to his hand falling off the side of the tub and splashing warm water on his face. I wonder how long I've been out... Inuyasha made his way out and noticed that there was a plastic bag hanging on the door handle 'Here are some extra clothes. Hope they fit!' was scribbled on a note. A large blue shirt and pajama pants... the thought of putting on his wet clothes didn't seem any more appealing than putting on these; so he shrugged them on and walked towards what he hoped was the living room. Something smells good he though to himself.

"Hello?" Inuyasha tried. No response. He turned the corner and saw a low table with a plate of what looked like stew and rice along side a futon mattress on the floor. I wonder where she went. Since he couldn't really pin point her scent with this being her house he made his way towards the food. And almost tripped. What the hell? It was Kagome. Who had fallen asleep on the ground by his futon. This girl is either really trusting or really stupid to let a stranger in and then fall asleep. Inuyasha thought.

"Umm...miss, are you awake?"

Kagome let out a cute little groan but didn't awaken. Inuyasha shrugged to himself and thought staying the night didn't seem like a bad idea. After licking his plate clean, doing the dishes, and turning out all the lights, Inuyasha made his way into bed. I wonder if she'll even remember tonight? But that would have to wait until morning.

I had such a weird dream...who's that? Kagome rubbed the sleepiness from her eyes and almost yelped when she saw the figure sleeping in front of her. She couldn't keep completely quiet since her surprise caused her leg to knock against the table she was lying by.

"Mmm!" Kagome covered her mouth quickly to stifle the noise. Phew, it didn't wake him up. Quietly she got up and waited for...something. Maybe I should start on breakfast. But she found herself not moving and just watching him sleep. He looks almost...happy. Kagome focused on his aura and noticed that it was filled with gentle waves of blue and green. At least he's not empty anymore. It's dangerous to have such an empty aura for so long. Her trained eyes memorized the details of what could be another art piece; taking the gentle face, snow colored hair, and sleeping form. Maybe breakfast can wait. Next thing she knew, her easel was out and paint ready to form.

That should do it. Kagome had been painting for a good two hours and missed the feeling in her fingers.

"Are you done?" Inuyasha called out, making Kagome fall off her stool and land on the floor.

"Owee!" Kagome rubbed her bum. It'll probably hurt to sit for a while.

"You ok?" Inuyasha couldn't help but chuckle a little, even though he was genuinely concerned.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Sorry about all that." Kagome looked up and finally got to look this stranger in the eyes. Like the purest sunset... I wonder if I could attain that color. Inuyasha could feel her eyes searching for something in his, something he didn't know, but he couldn't take his eyes away from her either.

"Well" Inuyasha coughed. "I better get going."

"Don't you want breakfast?" Kagome asked, a little too quickly. "I mean, I can make you something to eat while your clothes wash and dry." she said every word carefully so not to seem off putting.

"Umm..." I guess I can't really go home in dirty clothes. "Ok."

"Don't be so tense. I'm not scary." Kagome smiled. "I'll go get that started. Feel free to explore if you like." with that she picked up her art supplies and made her way down the hallway. Inuyasha waited until she was completely out of sight to start 'exploring'. Smells kind of salty here; like the ocean. After walking a ways, Inuyasha found the back deck, which over looked a roaring beach. The breeze was just enough to lift his spirits and the waves created a soothing atmosphere, for the soul. This place is so-

"Beautiful isn't it?" Kagome asked. Inuyasha jumped a little at her voice, not even hearing her approach; which is saying something.

"Don't tell me you're a demon who can read minds and is disguised as a human to eat stranger's brains..."

"Haha! That's a new one!" Kagome felt herself loosen a little. She didn't even know that she was on edge around him. "I'll have to remember that. But in all seriousness, no I'm not." she smiled again.

Her smiles seem so carefree, but different somehow Inuyasha thought. "Just thought I'd ask." he said flatly.

"Well, breakfast is ready and I just loaded your clothes into the washer." she left him at that.

I guess she doesn't seem so bad. With that note, he left the deck and made his way toward the smell of eggs, sausage, rice, and bread.

"So why were you out so late in the rain?" Kagome started, not even letting Inuyasha take two bites.

"I could ask you the same thing." he countered. Kagome paused at that while feeding more rice to herself. He didn't mean to be rude, he just didn't want to pour out everything over breakfast.

"How about we start at the beginning? Hi, my name is Kagome." she gave him that carefree grin again.

"I'm Inuyasha." he said, a little too quietly. She must have heard it since the smile stayed.

"Inuyasha, hmmm?" she seemed to be trying it out. Tasting the word as she would with her food. "inu-yasha" breaking it in half said the meaning. "Inuyasha" she spoke it as a sigh, a breeze, a secret. "I like it!" she finally said. He had to admit that he liked how she said it too.

"Ok. My turn." Inuyasha stated. At Kagome's puzzled look he continued. "Are you sure you're not a demon?"

"No." she paused as if to think it over. "At least the last time I checked." she pat herself down for emphasis then winked at him. Inuyasha felt a smile creep its way into his heart.

"Alright, I believe it's my turn." Kagome clapped her hands together and focused in on Inuyasha. Staring straight at him again. "Why are you so empty inside?" her eyes filled with honest curiosity.

Inuyasha sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "I've been this way for a while. I feel...lost." he looked at her then. Her dark blue eyes calculating but soft and understanding; as if she could see everything and know what to do about it. "Can we not talk about it?"

"Sure..." she paused. Giving Inuyasha the impression they were done. "My turn again!"

"I didn't ask a question though."

"Yes you did." at his blank stare she clarified. "'Can we not talk about it' is a valid question." she grinned. "Ergo, my turn."

"Fine."

"Would you like to stay a little longer?" she asked straight forward.

"Why?" he asked, a little quickly.

Kagome didn't seem hurt though. "Ah ah ah! Can't answer a question with a question. That's not how it works." she grinned again.

He just stared blankly at her, waiting for the answer he wanted. She waited as well. After a good five minutes, he couldn't take her stare anymore lest he not come out from whatever spell she kept on him. "I don't know." he paused. "Can I ask why now?"

"Depends. Is that your question? Or is why your question?" she winked.

"Now that was two questions answering my one question." he had to admit, this was quite fun.

"But I did answer. 'Depends.' is a valid answer."

"What were we talking about?" Inuyasha stuffed another piece of bread into his mouth.

"I still haven't received an answer on if you would like to stay or not." Kagome replied plainly.

Inuyasha took some time to think it over; poking and eating his food as if he could find the answer like some fortune cookie. Kagome was polite enough to leave him to his thoughts. If I go home, I'll have to face 'them'. But if I stay here, I can prolong it a little longer, but deal with a bigger punishment. Inuyasha looked over at Kagome who was making some sort of ketchup face on her eggs. He smiled and knew exactly the answer. "Sure."

At that, Kagome's head snapped up and she looked at him as if he just swallowed a bowling ball. "Really?"

"With the question game aside, may I ask my previous question...why?" he waited as she mulled over her own answer as he did.

"I'm lonely here." she said it as she would a simple fact like 'the sky is blue' or 'a circle is round'. "If you don't mind, I could also use some inspiration for my work and you happened to spark some new ideas." Inuyasha tried to look at her as she does him, analyzing his inner depths. But she seemed to be a locked case, a closed book, one way glass; keeping everything to herself.

"Is it going to be much trouble having me here?" he sighed knowing he couldn't get anything deep out of her, yet.

She shook her head playfully and just smiled.

"Alright then." he tried smiling back...it felt nice.

So, there it is…thoughts? I care to know. Please! I'm begging you!...Ahh…did that sound too desperate? I wonder…. =/ well…there you go! (^_^)