So, I found out that when you push the 'enter' key more than once to show a break in the story, it doesn't show up. I will now make it more obvious by putting '…..' for future reference. Also, sorry this chapter took a few days to post. I would've had it up within two days after the first, but my link to the outside world (via Wi-Fi/internet) was not operational, thus my dilemma. Anywho, here is the second chapter thanks to those of you who reviewed. (^_^) I love you tons!

Chapter 2.

There was something quite strange about Kagome. Inuyasha still couldn't see it but knew it was there. He watched as she cleaned up her house, which was rather spacious for someone who lives by themselves, and very peaceful. Why ruin what's so perfect? Inuyasha kept thinking to himself. At around 2 in the afternoon she went to bed for only an hour or two, only to get up again and do chores around the house. Why have me here if I'm doing nothing?

"What would you like to do Inuyasha?" Kagome asked then. Inuyasha couldn't quite contain the shock, but it made Kagome giggle.

"Stop reading my mind!" Inuyasha 'hmphed', crossing his arms childishly. Kagome's smile only widened.

"I don't read minds." she went back to dusting the already clean tables. "I just see things." she paused. "Subtle things."

Inuyasha speculated on those words. "Like what?" apparently that's what Kagome was hoping for because she gave her full attention.

"Like how you're constantly watching me do chores, or sitting and staring out the window, or sighing under your breath when I pick up a new cleaning supply." At that, she picked up the mop and headed to the kitchen. "If you wait for 10 more minutes I can relieve your boredom and you can properly keep me company."

Inuyasha sighed and kept thinking to himself, at least this is better than at home. He took to hanging around the back deck. Kagome arrived 20 minutes later, a simple, blue dress on, basket in hand, and smile upon her face. Inuyasha tried to contain the little skip of his heart. Her eyes look so blue. His voice betrayed nothing of his feelings. "Ready now?" he asked irritably.

"You deny yourself happiness when you act like that." she skipped down the steps to the sandy shore and looked up to see him still standing in the deck. "C'mon!" she waved. Inuyasha jumped effortlessly from the deck onto the beach to smirk at Kagome's surprised face.

"Never seen a person jump before?" he asked smugly.

At that she just smiled. Nothing seems to faze her for long. Inuyasha thought sadly.

No fun...

"Thought we could eat dinner on the beach. What do ya say?"

"As long as there's no question game." He said mockingly. But he still needed some answers.

"But I'm guessing you still want answers, huh?" she offered her arm but Inuyasha ignored it and just came to walk along side. Who knows what she'll do to me if I touch her.

They walked in silence for some time, Kagome taking in the scenery and letting the breeze play with her hair, Inuyasha just taking in Kagome.

"Let's see, where to begin...any suggestions?" Kagome caught Inuyasha off guard since he was staring at her.

"I don't care. Your childhood?" he asked, bored. Inside he was bursting with questions.

"Well, I was born and raised in this house. Many family members came to visit and play on the beach with my brother and I all the time. I don't think I can remember a moment when the house wasn't bustling with people." she sighed. "Great food, laughs, and memories."

"So, where did they all go?"

Silence.

"Oh look! There's a shady spot!" Kagome scurried over to a shady tree and

Inuyasha came over to help her lay out a blanket. He watched as she kept her attention on bringing out all the food, not once looking at him as she handed him things.

"Well, my parents and brother were on their way to see a movie while I stayed home to study for an exam..." she took a deep breath; steadying herself. Inuyasha didn't think she would continue. "They were attacked by some rogue demons that were 'out late'." she swallowed and peeked at Inuyasha through her lashes to see his reaction.

His flat expression kept Kagome going seeing as how she wasn't offending him. "I've never been able to get over that I guess." she shrugged. "I think that's why I invited you over and asked you to stay." Again, Inuyasha could only be surprised by her straight forwardness on a topic so dramatic.

"That's your childhood?" he asked. "Isn't there some stuff missing?"

"Give or take a few years..." she waved her hand dismissively. "I'd like to hear something about YOUR childhood seeing as mine is so short."

Inuyasha gave a moments thought on how to respond. What can I say about my childhood? He shifted through various memories, as Kagome started to idly pick at her food, which she had to admit has been getting better. "I can't really say much." he started to pick at his food as well.

"Well, then why were you in the rain last night?"

"I was...running away." he said bitterly, bangs moving to cover his eyes.

"Is it something you want to talk about?" she asked carefully.

"I guess I have no choice seeing as how it'll come back up again." he looked up and smirked. Kagome couldn't help but feel a little color rise in her cheeks.

Inuyasha continued. "My parents are very wealthy. Plain as that. And are very...as you say picky about our family bloodline." He looked off into the ocean horizon as the sun started to paint its colors across the sky. "Who knows why seeing as how my mom is human and my dad is demon. Anyways, they arranged for me to get married and I refused, one thing led to another and here I am before you." All Kagome could register though was 'here I am before you'. Yes, yes you are. She agreed as she watched him eat quietly and watch the sunset; eyes pained but so beautiful. If only I could paint it. "Just tell me when you're done staring." He said, throwing her a sidelong glance.

"I'm sorry..." She tried to quickly recover. "And I'm sorry you had to go through that. Marriage is a scary deal and can't just be forced upon someone." she sighed again knowing full well what pain he was going through.

"By the way, this food is really good." he tried, after seeing her expression fall. "Who taught you how to cook?"

"Myself."

Inuyasha almost choked on his food. How long has she been taking care of herself?

"I've been alone for a very long time." she looked out into the open water and slightly wished she could go for a swim.

"Stop reading my mind!" Inuyasha pouted. But couldn't help staring at her as well as she looked off longingly.

"I'm not, I can see the question in your eyes." And feel it in your heart. She added to herself. Without even thinking, Kagome got up and walked to the water and dove right in. Inuyasha could only stare, as she was still just a mystery to him. "The water is great! Wanna join me?" Inuyasha stayed put, his dislike for swimming ruining the moment. "Suit yourself." Kagome then got out, her dress, which was flowing and loose, was clutching her body, taking form to her gentle curves.

Inuyasha had to look away and hide his small blush. "Is it time to go back yet?" he tried to give her some privacy as she cleaned up their dinner so she could use the blanket as a towel.

"I guess..." she hurried to pick up her things and they headed back towards the house. "I'm going to shower. Don't break anything." she called playfully while retreating into the bathroom.

"No promises!" he retorted. And heard her subtle giggle. He liked that sound; it was one of his new favorites. After standing for a good while, listening to the water running, Inuyasha set out to explore more of the house. He took into note that there were very few family pictures, no messes...anywhere. And there were various paintings spread out around the house; from being tucked away in between chairs, or leaning against random places. All seeming to have different themes and feelings tied to them. The ones that were more abstract where the ones hanging up, or in more noticeable places; whereas the picturesque paintings were hidden and slid into dark corners. Inuyasha couldn't really tell why. The picturesque ones looked almost like photographs, since they had a texture to the surface, but other than that, from a distance, it would look like any picture you take with a camera.

Then Inuyasha stumbled upon one that stunned him to his core. That was just last night… The painting showed the dark, damp street, hidden cat eyes peeking out from alleys, winding through buildings, and leading to a single street lamp with a lone figure standing underneath. And that's me! Inuyasha took a closer look and saw that every detail was taken into careful account; the color of his hair, though dampened by the rain, the soft ears, bent low with sadness, the slumped form, capturing the physical and emotional exhaustion.

"You like that one?" Kagome seeming to surprise him again.

Inuyasha could only nod and continue staring at the picture after his mini heart attack. The more he looked at it, the more he wanted to see if he could reach into the painting and feel the rain coming down, smell the crisp air, or more importantly, experience the moment that this girl had walked into his life again.

"You can have it." said object of his thoughts. At that he turned to her and saw that her hair was still a little wet but smelled like deep sandalwood rather than salty water, eyes bright and intensely blue, but now that he got a closer look, he noticed that there were ribbons of green laced within, and the baggy pajamas she wore seemed to swallow her whole. He chuckled at that.

"What's so funny?" She tilted her head like a confused puppy.

"It's just that you seem so small. It's cute." He said while patting her head so appropriately. Now it was Kagome's turn to take Inuyasha in. He just called me cute. She couldn't help but gush a little inside.

…

Two days and I still don't know what to conclude about her. Inuyasha thought again over his perfectly cooked breakfast. He eyed Kagome who was again playing with her food but with a more thoughtful stare. I wonder if she feels the same way… Just as he was about to ask-

"Wanna go for a walk today?" She asked quickly, eyes still on her food.

"Sure."

She finally looked up. "Good, because I want you to meet some friends." She smiled again, though it looked a little strained.

"They won't play the question game with me will they?" He inquired, half joking half serious.

All Kagome did was smile then return to her eggs.

Oh great…

And I leave it there. This chapter was originally going to stop at the end of their dinner on the beach, but I liked how it turned out this way. Oh! And big thank you to jellyfish'confetti,Breeluv,little25victor,FanGirl98578, Guest (EliteByDef), and sprout808! I hope that you continue to read this story and that it's to your liking. (Both the people named and whoever stumbles upon it) (^_^)

P.S. If you get the chance (or are SUPER bored) check out my profile and shtuff! (~_^) And don't be afraid to send me a message about suggestions. =)

~Hoku-lele