Disclaimer – Maaaybe…. Ha, as if!

Dedication – All of my faithful readers who keep staying with me!

Author's Note – While, I deleted the Author's Note chapter – I want to know I read and appreciated all the positive feedback I got from it!

Chapter Nine – Dance The Night Away

Ooo

Kagome had managed – barely – to return to her normal, carefree self by the time the sleek Porsche rolled through the gates of the estate she now tentatively called home. Glancing at Inuyasha as they waited for the garage door to open, she had to admit that he was wonderfully attractive, but that was obvious. Beyond obvious. Aside from that though, she had managed to force down Sango's words of flirting, as if. Inuyasha probably had dozens of women throw themselves at him all the time; surely he wouldn't even notice Kagome. She scoffed, like she would want him to notice her.

"Kikyo tends to scare them all away…"

How many realistic prospects could Inuyasha have when the crazy stalker was in his small circle of friends? Shaking her head as Inuyasha killed the engine she reached for her door handle but was surprised when Inuyasha cleared his throat and said in a humorous tone "Hey, what are my rules?"

Kagome frowned at him, confusion showing on her face "Huh?" In a flash, Inuyasha was out and around the car – wowing Kagome with his demonic abilities once again. He opened the door for her and held his hand out to assist her.

Kagome blushed "Right." She bit her lip "That is going to be a hard one to remember." 'Does he open Sango's door for her too?' The thought was fleeting, but had a strong impact. Shaking her head she grabbed Inuyasha's hand and climbed out of the car and followed him to the trunk to retrieve her bags "Today was awesome, thank-you. I mean, I know I was with Sango all day but it was you who introduced us and she is a great person." She shut her mouth when she realized she was rambling a bit.

Slamming the trunk Inuyasha shouldered the few bags he had carried from the mall and said "No, I'm glad you had fun. It's probably good for Sango too – her mom passed away when she was a little girl so she was raised by her father and alongside her brother, so she could use the feminine interaction."

Kagome smiled, but her mind was running. Sango too? Was that what brought these three together? The loss of their mothers? Clearing her throat as they walked outside – choosing their former route over the one that would take them directly into the house – "What about Miroku? Has he….lost anyone?"

Inuyasha shook his head sadly but said "Miroku lost his dad, none of us really talk about it. We were all really young; it just seems like ancient news. We all had it in common, so it seemed normal to us. I mean, we all knew it wasn't how every kid out there was raised – but we clung onto that similarity and it kinda solidified our friendship."

Kagome just stared at the half-demon, her mind reeling. Sometimes he was so able to just jump into these deep and profound ramblings that didn't seem to match him. Sighing she touched his shoulder, but tried for a lighter tone knowing he wouldn't like pity from her right now "At least you have all had someone who knew exactly what you were going through, it helped I'm sure."

Inuyasha turned the full power of his molten gold eyes on her and said softly "It'll help you too, you know. We may not be the most loving group, but we aren't cruel."

Kagome laughed softly, recalling Inuyasha's insults, Sango's threats and Miroku's pervasive ways. "I can tell. Thank you, I'm glad to know I'm not alone here either."

Inuyasha flashed a fang in his smile and turned back to the front steps and led the way into the house. Obviously hearing them as they chatted about a much lighter subject as they came through the front doors Inutashio smiled at the pair "Hello there kids; how was the mall?"

Kagome smiled in return "A lot of fun and Inuyasha's friends are great." She smiled at Inuyasha as she spoke, a glimmer of their shared secret shining in her eyes "I'm glad I got to meet them,"

Nodding his approval Inutashio said "I see it was a successful shopping mission," He gestured to Kagome's bags and she suddenly felt self-conscious about all of her purchases, but how could a man with well over a million dollars' worth of cars in his garage judge her about school clothes shopping?

Chastising herself about jumping to conclusions she smiled "I didn't realize how little I really had, back in Tokyo there was a school uniform." Shaking her head "It was hard to spend that much money, but I know it was needed."

Inutashio smiled at the pair "Well, again. I am glad everything went well, and that you are getting along so well with Sango and Miroku." Kagome arched an eyebrow, he didn't mention Kikyo's name.

She glanced at Inuyasha briefly, wondering how much he had told his father if the man didn't consider her one of his son's friends. "Me too, sir. I need to head upstairs though and get all this stuff put away and organized. Are we still going to go to the school tomorrow?"

Inutashio smiled "Of course, how does nine work for you?"

Kagome nodded "Whatever works for you." She smiled and headed for the stairs, but then stopped at the base and turned to the men, Inuyasha starting to follow her "If you don't have anything planned, work or social this evening. I would really like to make dinner for you guys." She let her eyes travel between the two demons. Inuyasha's expression was excited at the prospect of food, and Inutashio looked pleased at the offer.

"No, I have a few conference calls to make today and some other things to do, but they can all be done from home. We have a very well stocked fridge and pantry, but I'm sure Inuyasha can take you to the store if you need anything specific?"

He looked at his son who shrugged "Sure, if it means a good meal."

Kagome smiled happily "Great! Inuyasha, I can take those bags so you don't have to come all the way upstairs?"

Inuyasha laughed "I've got 'em." He motioned her to lead the way and Inutashio, with a father's knowing smile, watched them walk up the stairs. He knew his son could be up the stairs and back in about 10 seconds, but he stayed side-by-side with the young woman, it was nice but concerned the older man. Sighing at the soon to be complication, Inutashio returned to his office once more.

Ooo

Yawning, Kagome trudged up the steps suddenly regretting that she had a top-floor bedroom. Sighing she smiled at how silly she was being, it would take her body a few days to get used to the new time-zone, and jumping into a new work-out routine wasn't going to help. "It feels much later than it is, what time is it again? Almost 2?" Had the morning and afternoon really sped away from her?

Inuyasha pulled out his phone and checked the time "1:47, so yea almost 2. Why, you tired? We don't have to go back out with Sango and Miroku tonight if you don't want to?" They had stopped in the hallway of the second story to chat and Kagome leaned against the stair railing.

"No, I want to. Today was fun; I'm just still a bit jet-lagged and was up pretty early and then the whole swimming, then shopping. Maybe a small nap wouldn't kill me before we go out."

Inuyasha laughed at her "I thought you were trying to retain a normal sleep schedule?"

Kagome made a face at him and said "Yea, yea I know. I'm just…tired."

She sighed and Inuyasha was by her side, taking the bags from her hands and gestured her up the stairs "Go on, I can carry your bags for you." Nudging her shoulder with his own, Inuyasha grinned "A nap may not be a great idea, but you shouldn't tire yourself out by carrying all this stuff."

Kagome smiled and grasped the railing that led up the last flight of stairs "I could have carried all of the bags you know," She said defensively but without too much energy.

Grinning Inuyasha followed her "I know."

ooo

Sitting on her floor, her back against the bed, Kagome looked at the bags sitting around her, tapping her chin with her finger in thought. Inuyasha was straddling the desk chair while she contemplated "If I stay in this room, I will fall asleep. That is all there is to it." Grasping the smooth wooden pole that held up her canopy, Kagome hauled herself to her feet and scooped up all of her bags.

Inuyasha watched with an amused expression as she dumped them all on her bed and untied the sheer veils, letting them fall and hide her purchases from sight. Brushing her hands together as if to remove dust from them, Kagome turned to Inuyasha looking triumphant and said with more vigor than she had had earlier "Out of sight, out of mind." Planting her hands on her hips she added "Now, onto something that will keep me awake." She frowned in thought and then her eyes landed on Inuyasha and they lit up.

The half-demon gulped, suddenly very nervous, finding it hard to meet her dark gaze "M-Me?" He mentally cursed himself, he was stuttering!? Clearing his throat he tried again "What can I do?"

Kagome simply smiled and leaned against the pole that had gotten her off the ground, her shoulder-blades fitting around the smooth wood easily. "Well, I find myself in need of assistance. I offered to make dinner, and yet I have no idea what you and your dad like and have no idea what you have in the fridge. So I need to know what you want for dinner, and if you don't have it I was hoping you would take me to the store to get it." Her eyes were wide and innocent, a hopeful gleam to their brown depths.

Inuyasha's shoulders drooped comically "More shopping?"

He heard the edge of a whine creep into his voice as Kagome laughed, clasping her hands behind her back like a young child might "Not if your kitchen is well stocked!" She said in a sing-song voice.

Reaching down, Kagome grabbed Inuyasha's hands and tried to haul him to his feet with little success.

"You realize I could just yank you right off your feet right now, correct?" He said watching her, impressed by her renewed energy.

Kagome pouted, chewing her lower lip "Well, yea but you don't need to show off about it. Just stand up you big oaf!" She tugged again and, with a grin, Inuyasha simply lifted his feet. Without him holding it in place, the wheeled chair he occupied slid forward across the polished floor and Kagome yelped, releasing Inuyasha to avoid the chair crushing her feet.

Glaring at the half-demon as he laughed she pointed an accusatory finger at him "That was not cool! That could have really hurt you know."

Inuyasha stood up and pushed the chair back to its rightful place before saying "It didn't hurt you, yes it could have and if it had I would have felt really bad and then you would be allowed to point and yell and whatever. Since nothing happened, you don't." He grinned in victory and Kagome's hand dropped, but a smile graced her lips.

"Come on, let's go." He said nodding towards her door.

Kagome followed him and said "Ok, so what do you guys like to eat? And before you begin I am terrible at cooking steak. BBQs and I have never gotten along. I can do, or learn how to do, just about anything else." She looked up at him as they marched down the stairs side-by-side once again.

Inuyasha thought for a moment "Well, we both like pasta I know. Other than that we have really different tastes. My dad is more refined – he has to eat out for business meetings a lot and they do more high-end places. Me personally, I could enjoy a good burger and milkshake every day."

Eyeing him, her mouth got away from her and she said "There is no way you eat junk every day and look like that." She blushed and snapped her eyes to her feet as Inuyasha grinned, gulping to try and hide his light blush.

"Heh, I just work out a lot." He grumbled.

They plunged into a moment of awkward silence before Kagome broke it "So…pasta."

Inuyasha breathed a sigh of relief "Yea, uh…any kind really. I can't think of a specific kind I like and I don't know if he cares either. We aren't too picky." Kagome smiled, already forming a meal plan in her head and mentally making a list of ingredients to look for. When they reached the kitchen, Inuyasha grabbed a bottle of water and sat at the small table while Kagome poked around the kitchen for what she would need as much as to acquaint herself with the location of everything.

Moving from the cupboards to the pantry, she drug the doors open and began digging around on every shelf. Reaching up to see the top most levels was hard for her, keeping his eyes averted when she looked at the lower most levels was hard for Inuyasha.

Finding a pen and paper in a junk drawer – she was surprised to see that even they had one – she jotted down the things she would need that they were lacking and was glad the list was pretty short. "Sorry Inuyasha, looks like there is some more shopping to be done."

Inuyasha made a big show of sighing as he stood up and Kagome rolled her eyes at his theatrics "You are such a big cry baby! I am going to make you a delicious meal so don't you dare complain!"

Inuyasha laughed and waved at her "Let me get the grocery card, you wanna tell my dad we're going?"

She tilted her head to the side in confusion and asked "Grocery card?"

Inuyasha scratched the back of his neck and said "It's uh the credit card the housekeeper uses to get groceries. My dad had started using it when one of the old house keepers was pocketing the cash she was given and just buying less food."

Kagome nodded as if she understood which of course she didn't fully. Her or her mother had usually done the grocery shopping and it was just another bill her parents accounted for every month like any other. While he began digging through a drawer she walked out into the hallway back to Inutashio's office where she heard soft voices. Hesitating only a moment, she knocked and the voice silence before saying "Come in?"

She opened the door sheepishly "Sorry to bother you, Inuyasha and I are going to go to the store and he wanted me to tell you. Is there anything you need?"

Inutashio smiled and said "Alright, drive safe and no, there is nothing I need. Thank you Kagome." The raven haired woman bobbed her head and smiled before shutting the door softly behind her.

Meeting her hanyou escort in the hallway she smiled "Alrighty then, ready to go?" Inuyasha nodded and opened the door for her.

ooo

"So how many things do you need?" Inuyasha asked as they pulled past the front gate and onto the main road. Kagome dug the slightly crumpled paper out of her pocket and eyed the list, silently counting the things "Like, 8 or so." Inuyasha arched a brow "What are you gonna make?"

Kagome simply beamed at him and replied "Something both of you will enjoy."

Ooo

Inuyasha walked gloomily beside Kagome who had a silver shopping car held before her, clasping her paper in one hand as she strolled the isles. Most supermarkets were set up in a similar fashion – no matter what country – so she was pretty quick. Glancing at the man beside her Kagome arched an eyebrow "Why do you look like someone just killed your puppy? We're grocery shopping. It is what normal people do. Don't tell me you are so unattached in your ivory towers that you have forgotten that."

Inuyasha just stared at her opened mouthed, it one of the boldest things she had ever said to him. He stepped up to her, looming over her by over a foot but she held her ground and smirked at him "Did I hit a nerve?" She asked very, very innocently. Too innocently.

Inuyasha simply laughed "Not at all sweetheart." He winked at her and tried to peek at her list but she simply flicked her fingers to fold it over onto its self.

"One, I am not your sweetheart. Two no peeking." She walked on leaving him staring after her with a dumbfounded expression on his face.

Their little shopping trip didn't take too long, but it confused the hell out of Inuyasha as he watched Kagome gather a few missing ingredients. "Shrimp? Potatoes? Cherry Tomatoes? I am a bit confused Kagome…what the hell are you going to be making tonight?"

Kagome laughed again as she picked up a few of the bags while Inuyasha ran the card. The young woman behind the register was openly ogling the silver haired man. She batted long eyelashes at him and touched his hand when she returned the credit card. Inuyasha just kinda smiled, but his eyes drifted over to Kagome who simply lifted the bags into her hands not paying any attention.

The flirty cashier pouted prettily, upset that Inuyasha's deep gold eyes never lingered far from Kagome for more than a few moments. Kagome tucked her hair behind her ear and scanned the bags, making sure once more that everything was where it needed to be and that she hadn't forgotten anything crucial. Inuyasha came up behind her and reached over her shoulder to grab the other bags, startling Kagome who glanced up at him and smiled "See, this wasn't so bad huh?"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes dramatically and sighed deeply "Well, I guess."

She elbowed him playfully and laughed "You are such a drama queen. Come on, let's go."

As they were walking out of the store Inuyasha's pocket began to vibrate. He dug his keys out and handed them to Kagome and then pulled his phone out "Hello?"

Kagome unlocked the trunk and set the bags in while Inuyasha talked on the phone. She went up to him and grabbed the bags from him and he smiled "Yea that sounds like a good idea." He said into the sleek phone "Lemme ask her. Hold on."

Kagome looked up as she closed the trunk and arched her eyebrow "Ask me what?"

Covering the phone with his hand he asked "It's Miroku, Sango says a new nightclub just opened downtown and was wondering if we'd like to do that instead of a movie. It's an all ages thing so no drinking." He added seeing her worried look.

Kagome smiled and nodded her head "Yea, I love dancing that sounds like a blast."

Inuyasha confirmed with Miroku and then handed her the phone "Sango wants to talk to you."

They traded phone for keys and while Inuyasha opened her door for her she said "Hello?"

Sango's excited voice over the phone said "Kagome! We need to go back to the mall!"

Kagome laughed "Inuyasha would literally die."

Inuyasha looked at her oddly as he drove out of the parking lot "Why?" She continued ignoring him.

Sango sighed "We didn't get you anything to go clubbing in, and you are too short to wear my stuff."

Kagome ran through her clothes in her mind and laughed "I can make something work. Don't worry about it. I'm gonna make Inuyasha and his dad dinner, but do you want to come over and get ready with me after?"

Sango laughed on the other end "That sounds great, I think the boys have a pool tournament still standing. They can play a few rounds while we get ready." Kagome couldn't recall seeing a pool table anywhere but then she remembered there was still so much more to the house that she had yet to see.

"Alrighty, sounds like a plan. I'll give you a call when dinner is done then?" Sango agreed and the girls ended the call. Handing Inuyasha his phone back, Kagome couldn't wipe the happy grin from her face.

Inuyasha took note and commented lightly "You seem happy."

Kagome sighed, her smile fading a bit "Is that bad? To be so happy right now in light of things?" They drifted to a stop at a red light and Inuyasha settled his hand on her knee "Kagome, I don't know your parents but knowing that they raised you, and knowing you I doubt they would want you to be miserable. They are watching you right now and are probably ecstatic to see you living your life alright?"

Kagome felt tears in her eyes and shook her head to rid herself of them. Placing her hand on top of his she smiled at him "Thank-you Inuyasha." They stared at one another for a moment, something between them changing so subtly that neither of them even realized it.

Just then a horn blared and they jumped apart from each other "Oops," Inuyasha said as he drove forward "I wonder how long that light was green?" They grinned at each other.

They drove on in companionable silence until they reached the house "So what did Sango say that you thought would kill me?"

Kagome giggled as he parked the car "She wanted to go back to the mall to get an outfit for tonight."

Inuyasha laughed "I think she likes having another girl around."

Kagome grinned "I do too." She felt a twinge of guilt at how easily her old friends were being swept aside and vowed to stay up late enough one of the next weekends to talk to them. She would try her hardest to remain close to them, which she knew would be hard but moving on didn't mean forgetting them.

ooo

"I really wanna love somebody, I really wanna dance the night away…" Kagome sang softly under her breath. She had borrowed Inuyasha's iPod and was currently listening to Maroon 5. Sure it was an American band, but they had toured to countries all over the world – including to Tokyo and Kagome loved their deep lyrics and upbeat instrumentals.

She had one headphone in her ear, the other draping around her throat to keep out of the way. She had changed into a blue t-shirt and comfy pair of jean shorts, all of which was covered by an apron she found that belonged to the housekeeper "I hope she doesn't mind me wearing this."

She shrugged and continued cooking, singing and swinging her hips rhythmically – getting more excited about dancing that evening. She had never been to a nightclub, had only seen them on TV and was curious as to how a real one would stack up. Would it be like a high school dance where half the people lined the walls and watched a select few dance? Or would it be an energetic excursion, bodies pulsating to deep music and neon lights covering everything?

She laughed at herself and her vivid imagination as she stirred a thick red sauce in a bowl, which she promptly covered and stored in the fridge beside another set of dishes. The meal plan was pretty simple for her, but none of the foods seemed to go together which was exactly what she was going for. After Inuyasha told her that he and his father liked such varied foods, she knew she had to go all out.

Sprinkling some seasonings into a large pan of diced potatoes she added milk, ranch and a few types of cheeses and began mashing. It was more fun doing so to the beat of the song in her ears, which made her laugh.

ooo

"She sounds like she is enjoying herself." Inutashio said as he selected a pool stick and chalked the end while his son racked the balls on the ornate pool table in the middle of their game room. Inuyasha stood straight and listened, hearing a light laugh that made him smile.

"Well, as long as the food tastes good." He said gruffly, a different person with his father than with their female houseguest.

Inutashio chuckled and tossed the chalk to Inuyasha "Sure."

Inuyasha grabbed his own stick and looked at his father oddly "What?" He arched a thin silver brow at the man, confusion marring his face.

The older man laughed fully "I see a change in you when you are with her. It is very nice."

Inuyasha scoffed "I'm just trying to be nice." He said, but without much behind his words.

His father simply laughed again and said "I can tell this is a delicate subject, we don't talk girls often. So I won't push, go ahead and break Inuyasha."

Inuyasha just stared at his father, was the man implying that there was something romantic between Kagome and himself? Shaking his head he tried to recall what his father had seen of the two of them in the two short days she had been there...

Ooo

Kagome had decided to use the larger, more formal dining room table than the small kitchen nook. Having the table set she planted her hands on her hips and looked the table over. It was perfect. She smiled happily and replaced the apron where it belonged, with a silent thanks to the housekeeper for keeping it there.

Walking down the hall she heard the familiar thwack of balls that she had been hearing for the better part of an hour. Opening the door to the game room she looked around and smiled at the men. Inutashio was standing near the table, resting his weight on the pool stick. Inuyasha was bent over the table taking aim "6, corner pocket." He stuck the ball and it sailed smoothly into the called pocket and Kagome smiled. Inutashio cleared his throat and the younger demon turned "Hey, come to watch me whip my dad's butt?"

Inutashio chuckled and shook his head "I believe I am winning."

Kagome eyed the table and saw that there were fewer solids that stripes, so she had to agree with the older man "Well, if I can take you away from the table for a moment, dinner is ready." She smiled at them as Inuyasha tossed his stick onto the table, scattering the balls across the felt top.

Inutashio replaced his pool stick more gracefully on the holder on the wall and gestured to Kagome "Please, lead the way."

Kagome nodded and walked back to the dining room. She had set plates at the head position for Inutashio and then at the places to his left and right for herself and Inuyasha. Spread out across the table was a delicious smelling feast.

As the men shuffled in and took their seats Kagome fiddled nervously with a lock of hair and explained "I asked Inuyasha what you liked, and he said that your taste was more refined while his was more casual. So for an appetizer I made a shrimp cocktail and twice baked potatoes. Then, for the main course, that is chicken parmesan bowtie pasta with basil and cherry tomatoes and a garden salad. Dessert is in the fridge still."

Biting her lip as they took in the meal, Kagome breathed a sigh of relief when Inutashio beamed at her "Kagome that was very thoughtful. It smells delicious. Though if I may?" Cocking her head in confusion as Inutashio walked over to a wooden cabinet that the girl had barely noticed, he opened it to reveal a handful of wine bottles, glasses and other things. He drew one out and a trio of cut crystal glasses. Setting them all on the table he opened the bottle and said "I usually don't condone underage drinking but…in honor of your arrival I think this is an alright exception. Besides," He grinned as he poured them all a glass "In Italy the children drink wine with their meals and the Russians call vodka coffee."

Kagome took her seat and they all began dishing up, she lifted the wine glass and sipped it – a delicious bold flavor exploded on her tongue and she smiled "This is wonderful." She commented setting the glass down.

Inuyasha swallowed a bite of food and said "No, this food is wonderful. I am never ordering take-out again."

Kagome arched a brow at him and said "Who said I am gonna cook for you all the time?" She laughed at the pouty look he gave and Inutashio smirked behind his wine glass at their antics.

"So, do you two have any plans for this evening?" Inutashio asked as he took another bite of the shrimp, humming his appreciation.

Inuyasha nodded as he chewed so Kagome answered for him "We are going to go out with Sango and Miroku, they wanna go dancing I guess."

Inuyasha nodded "Yea, originally it was gonna be a movie but Sango changed her mind, they're gonna be over after dinner so the girls can…well do whatever girls do. Miroku and I are gonna play some pool. Wanna join us dad?"

Inutashio smiled "And show you up in front of your friend? Thank-you, but I do have to do some more work tonight before it gets too late. We'll play again soon."

Inuyasha nodded and the trio chatted as they ate. Once the men were nearing the end of their meal Kagome excused herself to get the dessert from the kitchen. Walking back with a pitcher, three more glasses and then three small ramekins she set it all down the men looked at it all eagerly.

"Two different desserts," Kagome said much more comfortably "We have a crème brulee for the more refined tastes, and then chocolate milkshakes for the simpler palates." She beamed at them both and the men each took some of both desserts.

Kagome used her spoon to break the thin layer of cooked sugar that covered the custard and sighed at the sweet taste. Another half hour of light conversation later the meal was done and they were simply sipping wine and having a great time. Kagome stopped herself after two glasses, already feeling lightly fuzzy from the drink. Standing up, she began collecting plates, clearing his throat Inutashio stopped her "Let Inuyasha and I handle the clean-up. You have done so much already."

Inuyasha hopped up and took the plates from her "Yea, go call Sango and Miroku while we do this."

Kagome smiled and nodded "Alright." She left the dining room, pulling her phone from her pocket and called the other female and said "Hey there, we are all done. I'm gonna hop in the shower; just come on up whenever you get here. My room is right next to Inuyasha's." Once Sango had agreed to do just that, Kagome hung up and walked up the stairs feeling giddy from the wine and excited for the evening.

Ooo

"Kagome?" Sango called as she knocked on the door opening it at the same time. The boys were downstairs; Inuyasha had slipped upstairs to dress while Kagome showered. The black-haired woman was currently wearing a fluffy white robe and staring at a few articles of clothing that were spread across her bed and seeming to have a hard time.

She looked up at Sango and smiled "I am a little stuck, maybe we should have gone back to the mall. Anyways, I thought we were going to get ready together!" She worried the edge of her thumb nail and Sango laughed.

The older female was wearing a pair of very tight jeans that were made of dark denim and embedded with tiny rhinestones around the pockets and hem that would sparkle just right under the right lights. Her top was a bright purple halter top that was made of layers of drooping fabric that showed off her sleek back and arms. Her hair was let down and Kagome was surprised to see how long it was. She wore strappy purple and black sandals and silver jewelry. All in all, she looked amazing.

"Wow Sango, you look great." Kagome said wistfully, suddenly freaked out that she didn't own anything that would match up.

Sango smiled and tossed a black bag onto the bed "I was afraid this might happen, so I got ready ahead of time and called a girl I know and got some stuff from her. Her name is Ayame, she's another wolf demon like Koga. A cheerleader and kinda ditzy, but she is about the same build as you." She eyed Kagome "A little shorter but not by much. She let me borrow these." She opened the bag and drew out what Kagome assumed was a dress. It was a very small and slinky piece of black metallic material.

"Uh, Sango…" She said nervously. She would rather go out in her robe.

Sango laughed "It stretches, I saw you in that skirt yesterday, and you have fantastic legs. This will look awesome on you. Just try it on. If you don't like it then don't wear it." She smiled and Kagome untied her robe while Sango sat on the computer chair and began looking through Kagome's jewelry box that was sitting there open.

Kagome was wearing a matching set of black underwear and strapless bra, she drew the dress on and was relieved to see it was in fact a bit longer that it had originally seemed and it hugged her body like a glove. Sango looked up and smiled "See! Beautiful!" She jumped to her feet "Come on, I'll do your hair." She took Kagome's hand and pulled her into the bathroom where she not only attacked Kagome with hair products and a curling iron, but make-up as well.

Kagome didn't mind, she was so nervous she probably wouldn't have been able to do it herself. Besides, when she looked in the mirror she saw someone who looked 5 years older and drop-dead gorgeous. "Sango…" She began "I look…"

Sango grinned "Hot? Yea, I know."

Kagome's smooth ivory skin was accentuated by deep smoldering smoky eyes and a strong red lip. Her hair was curled lightly and left to fall in loose curls around her shoulders that were left bare. Sango helped her decide on the jewelry and ended up wearing a black and red choker and simple black onyx studs that her mother had left her in her will. A coat of red polish on her nails and pair of strappy black heels and she was ready. Grabbing her leather jacket from off her desk and slipped it on and let Sango examine her.

"Do I pass?" She asked nervously, trying not to chew her lip knowing that she would get the red lipstick on her teeth and look stupid.

Sango shrugged "I think we should let Inuyasha be the judge."

Kagome blushed, and Sango grinned again "Mmhm, that's what I thought."

She lifted her own black jacket from the bed and wandered out of the room "Come on; let's go show you off to the boys."

Inuyasha obviously had heard their decent and so he and Miroku were waiting for the women when they came down the stairs. Both men had already seen and complimented Sango, so their eyes went to Kagome and Inuyasha's jaw nearly hit the floor when he took on her outfit "Wow… K-Kagome you look…you look great."

Kagome hesitated on the steps near the bottom but Sango walked right down and nudged the demon "Your drooling a bit," She commented softly with a wicked gleam in her brown eyes.

Inuyasha snapped his mouth shut and glared at her, but when Kagome joined then in the foyer he looked at her and smiled, she returned it "Thank-you, so do you." She smiled at Miroku softly "You look good too Miroku."

Inuyasha was wearing a loose long-sleeved white shirt with the top few buttons undone and a pair of worn jeans and white tennis shoes. Miroku was dressed similarly, though his shirt was deep purple and had short sleeves and his shoes black. Kagome had never noticed that Miroku had lightly defined muscles as well.

With a flourish, Miroku bowed to Sango and offered her his arm "My dear lady, may I accompany you this evening?"

Sango laughed, but she placed her arm through his with a mock curtsy and grinned "Of course, sir." Kagome watched them with a smile. Whatever Sango said about Kagome and Inuyasha, she was blind to her own doings with Miroku.

Inuyasha cleared his throat and Kagome looked at him, he held his arm out for her and she smiled. Slipping her own arm through it she said "I get my very own escort?"

Inuyasha nodded shyly and called "See ya later dad!" There was no reply, but Kagome knew the man had heard his son. He was probably on the phone again. He seemed to work a lot.

"What are we taking tonight?" Kagome asked, recalling Inuyasha saying that the Porshe was more of a 2-seater.

He looked down at her and grinned "Mercedes tonight. My dad said it was ok for us to use it as long as we didn't like damage it, which honestly I have never crashed a car I'm driving. Demon reflexes and all."

He winked at Kagome who simply rolled her eyes at him and asked the other pair beside them "Is he always like this?"

Sango and Miroku both nodded and laughed at the injured pout Inuyasha replied with "Oh come on Yash, we love you and your cockiness!" Sango protested. It might have meant more if she hadn't been leaning against Miroku trying not to laugh while she said it.

Inuyasha waved them away and kept walking, leaving the laughing teens behind. At the garage door he called "You are getting to the club how again?" That stopped their laughter and they ran to catch up, which Kagome had to admit was impressive since they were still linked arm in arm as they did so. Inuyasha seemed to have no desire to release his hold on Kagome's leather clad arm as he unlocked the door and flipped on the light.

Weaving through the cars, they didn't hesitate to admire any of them again though Kagome did find her eyes going for the pretty red paint job that held her attention earlier. At the Mercedes, Inuyasha disengaged the alarm and opened Kagome's door for her finally releasing her. She smiled and slipped into the passenger seat. Glancing back she saw that Miroku was doing the same for Kagome. Kagome flipped her mirror down and focused it on Sango who arched an eyebrow at Kagome in question 'What was up with her normally brutish friends?'

Kagome shrugged and as the boys entered the silver car from the other side she pretended to be fixing her hair before closing the mirror and smiling at the half demon as he started the engine. Kagome clipped the seatbelt as he pulled out of the garage and glanced at him once more and then prodded his side causing him to jump and look at her "What?" He said, glancing back at the windshield and maneuvering down the driveway a bit slower in the dark.

"Put your seatbelt on." She said softly.

Inuyasha looked over at her and arched a thin silver brow and laughed "You serious? Kagome I'm a half demon."

She crossed her arms across her torso and said "If you are launched out of the windshield and hit the pavement going 80 miles an hour are your demon abilities going to save you?" Her voice was far too serious.

Inuyasha thought for a moment while the front gate opened, Kagome's eyes didn't leave him and the pair in the back seat were silent watching the exchange. Finally Inuyasha pulled up the memory he was searching for. How exactly had her parents been killed?

Her mother's chest had been nearly crushed in from the impact of the car smashing into their side, her lungs collapsed en route to the hospital his father told him. They had been unsuccessful in reviving her. Her father though…

He had been launched out the windshield.

Suddenly it made sense. Nodding at her he reached over and pulled the seatbelt over his shoulder and buckled it. He could hear both Sango and Miroku do the same in the back seat. Kagome smiled and relaxed against her seat as he pulled onto the road. They only remained in silence for a heartbeat before Kagome sat up and turned to look at Sango in the dull light of the front display "So, this club what's the deal with it?"

Sango, who was sitting in the middle seat leaned forward and rested her arms on the center console and grinned, her white teeth flashing under the neon lights in an eerie way "It is awesome. I guess it is the hottest place right now for some reason. It is always packed…so we are in for a treat. Since it is a long weekend more people are looking for things to do. So, ya know." She shrugged and leaned back into the inky darkness of the back seat.

Kagome was bouncing with excited energy as Inuyasha took the car into the heart of the city; weaving around all sorts of cars and people "This place is amazing." She said looking out the window. Sure Tokyo was huge but, there was something about its difference. Tokyo had a depressing kind of coldness to it. There was no life, no energy. Here the energy among the people was tangible.

"There it is Inuyasha, pull over…oh damn. Look at that line we'll be out here all night." Sango murmured looking worried. Inuyasha chuckled and pulled right into the front of the club, letting his purring engine idle for a moment to get attention. It was working.

"Stick close you guys. I'll get us in." He winked and leveled a serious look at Kagome "Remember my rules," then at Sango as well "Now play along girls." He hopped out once the engine was killed to the curious murmuring of the under-21 crowd in line. At an actual club a Mercedes was nothing to blink at, but here where most of them walked, took the bus or something akin to it a nice car was a big deal. Even the bouncer seemed mildly impressed, though you couldn't tell very well what he was thinking behind his reflective glasses.

Inuyasha came around to get Kagome's door as Miroku did the same for Sango and they escorted the women to the front of the line, hearing the curiosity turn to outrage. The bouncer held up a hand to them "No special treatment kids, back of the line. You can wait like everyone else."

Inuyasha let his jaw drop and sputtered, which Kagome had yet to see "D-do you even know who this is?!" He hissed to the bouncer gesturing to Kagome who blinked up at the man grateful that her make-up and attire made her look older. She only wished she knew what Inuyasha was playing at.

Crossing his huge arms, the man looked her over "Should I?"

Just then Sango jumped in and laughed a loud laugh "Do you even listen to music man, this is the Kagome Higurashi. She is literally the biggest name in J-Pop right now over in Tokyo. She is here getting ready to promote her tour."

'There is no way they haven't done this before.' Kagome thought as Sango shook her head and slipped out of Miroku's hold shushing him with a word of "No, you won't need to use force my dear." When the bouncer began to look suspicious Sango sighed, and as if she were talking to a child she said slowly "You think she is going to walk around with a big meat head and draw attention? Please, both of these young men are 4th degree Dans, you know martial arts? They blend in more." Miroku crossed his arms and smirked at the man.

Still unsure, the man looked around and said "A pop star. You must be kidding me. I've never even heard of Kagome Higurashi." His voice was a bit louder, and a few in the line heard him.

It was then the murmuring began and someone called out "Oh my god look who it is! It's Kagome!"

A few people cheered and began calling for autographs and Kagome tried to keep her face blank 'Wow, pack mentality is a huge thing I guess. They just think I might be famous so they want to talk to me.'

The man looked nervous and Kagome sighed deeply, looking bored and examined her nails. Looking at Inuyasha she spoke to him in fluent Japanese and pointed an accusing finger at the man. Just in case he didn't actually know the language, then he would know what she was at least trying to say.

Inuyasha smirked, and the bouncer, now obviously concerned, said "Wh-what did she say?"

Inuyasha scratched his head and said "Well, she wants to know why you aren't letting her in. And that she wants to call her manager and make sure you are unable to play her newest single in the club when it's released." He gave the man a sympathetic look "A club that doesn't play the latest and greatest. Not good for business. She specifically chose this place for the age restriction. She doesn't want drunken men slobbering over her all night."

Batting her long lashes Kagome smiled sweetly and turned on her heel to march back to the car when the man called out "Al-alright! You can go in! Just, don't call the manager ok?" Inuyasha relayed the message in Japanese and Kagome pouted, trying to pull off the spoiled pop-star.

Inuyasha reached out and stroked her cheek and spoke lowly in Japanese to her and she smiled, blushing at the contact and then giggled and clasped his hand trying to reign in her trembles and then nodded and danced into the club blowing a kiss to the line of people.

Once the door was shut behind them and they were alone in the coat-room that separated the club from the outside world they fell over themselves laughing "I cannot believe we did that!" Kagome gasped.

Sango hugged her "Nice touch with the Japanese being thrown in there, Inuyasha I didn't know you were fluent in Japanese."

Kagome grinned sheepishly "Neither did I, I was playing a hunch."

Miroku shrugged his coat off and said "What were you guys saying?"

Kagome and Inuyasha looked at one another for a breath before Kagome answered "Exactly what was translated, I couldn't be sure someone near-by didn't know Japanese and might give us away."

Miroku nodded, but Sango looked at them for a moment before handing her coat to the offering Miroku "Well it worked all the same. Now, before he wises up, let's get in there and enjoy the party!"

Kagome and Inuyasha hung their coats up as well and followed the others through the sound-proof door and into an almost deafening roar of noise. Inuyasha winced and backed right back into the coat room clamping his hands over his sensitive ears. Kagome followed him and when Miroku and Sango tried to follow Kagome waved them off "Get us a table and we'll find you." With a nod, they let the door swing shut blocking the painful sound.

Inuyasha removed his hands with a wince and Kagome reached up and gently massaged the base of the fluffy appendages until Inuyasha sighed in contentment "I didn't think about the music, I'm sorry. I don't know if I can go in there."

Kagome chewed her lip for a moment and then fetched a small purse tucked into the coat and dug around for a moment while Inuyasha brooded. "Here, this will help." She walked up to him with two cotton balls "I keep them in there for make-up emergencies. In case you didn't notice, Sango used a lot and that is a recipe for disaster." She chuckled and stretched to put the fluffy white objects into his ears.

With them pressed against each other Inuyasha murmured "Of course I noticed." She looked up into his eyes, the cotton balls in place to shield him from the worst noise. She blushed thinking about his whispered Japanese, his hand on her skin "You really do look beautiful tonight..."

Stepping away she brushed some hair behind her ear and looked down "Oh, well…yeah." She pressed her lips together to compose herself and then smiled a bright smile at him "There that should help. Brace yourself, I'm gonna open the door ok?" He nodded, feeling as if he had just missed something big. As if he has held a winning lotto ticket in his hand then let it blow away in the wind. He could still see it drifting away slowly on the breeze and could choose to catch it or let it slip between his fingers.

He hesitated a moment too long and she opened the door, turning their quiet and private moment into a swirl of loud music and voices. At first it was a dramatic and painful change, but after that he adjusted pretty well and smiled at Kagome "Yea, it works great. Thanks, you have saved the night once more." He looped an arm over her bare shoulders and said "I do not want to lose a famous pop-star in there."

He gestured to the club that Kagome hadn't had a chance to examine before; it was a large open floor plan with a pulsing multi-colored checkerboard floor. A long bar lined the left side and tables were around the large dance floor. There was also a loft-like area around three-sides of the room where more tables and even couches were set up for those who grew tired of the dancing and wished to observe instead. She watched many people go up and down the tightly spiraling black metal staircase.

Aside from the stairs catching the color of anything was impossible under the flashing neon lights that painted everything in a new color every few seconds.

"Wow…" She said softly and grinned at Inuyasha, shouting so he could hear her she added "It is…amazing!" She laughed at how she could barely hear her own voice and looked around "How are we going to find them in here?" She reached her arm around Inuyasha's middle to hold onto him actually afraid of being separated from him.

Tapping her shoulder, Inuyasha pointed up and when she following his gesture she saw Sango leaning as far over the railing as she dared and waving at them with a big grin on her face that read 'Can you believe this place?'

Moving his arm from her shoulders to grasp her hand, Inuyasha led her towards the stairs. They skirted the edge of the dance floor and made it up the stairs in a decent amount of time. Coming to the table and few black leather couches that Sango and Miroku laid claim to Kagome smiled "I fixed his ears, so we are all good to go! Why not abandon the table and go dance?"

Miroku's eyes lit up and he slipped up behind Sango "My dear Sango, would you like to dance with me?"

Sango rolled her eyes but Kagome saw her smile "Who else am I gonna dance with Miroku? Come on, let's go. But keep your hands away from my ass or I will beat yours!"

Miroku sighed dreamily as he followed her the way Kagome and Inuyasha had just come. Inuyasha and Kagome looked at each other and shrugged before following them, theirs fingers intertwining as they went. Kagome gulped as they mixed into the dance floor – feeling nervous all of a sudden. Was in her fingers held tightly amid his that made her heart pound? The concept of their dancing together? She couldn't tell, but for as nervous as she was she was equally excited.

As she turned to face Inuyasha, reclaiming her hand in the process, a techno rock song started and they just looked at each other a moment before she tilted her head and smiled singing along with the words. Although he couldn't hear her voice, her singing along in the packed club played havoc with his insides.

Her hips began to swing almost of their own accord in time with the beat and her eyes fell closed. Her whole body began to move in time with the music, she spun on her feet in the small space that her and Inuyasha occupied. She tossed her head when the deep bass guitar strummed a two-note undertone every few beats, her dark locks licking Inuyasha's torso. The intro lightened up, still heavy and rocking but a bit more airy in vocals.

Inuyasha reacted to her presence and let his hands settle on her hips. She looked up in a panic but simply blushed when she saw Inuyasha was the one who touched her. She smiled and they began to make their movements mirror one another. Kagome placed her palms flat on Inuyasha's chest and he grinned, gently pulling her closer to him until very little space was between them. She giggled and let her hands slide up and around his neck.

Now fully touching and swinging together, both were singing and laughing along to the music. Inuyasha took one of her hands in his and ended up spinning her around in s few twists before pulling her back up against him, her back flushed against his chest. The song changed then to a hip-hop song with a thumping beat and a sultry message.

Pulling her hair over one shoulder, Kagome looked up at Inuyasha over her bare shoulder as he ran both of his hands down her arms and held his arms over hers, their entwined hands resting on her smooth stomach. She smiled shyly as they began to sway again. Slower this time because of how much closer they were.

Leaning down, Inuyasha began to sing along softly to the rap – his voice deep and husky in her ear. Hearing him sing the words of the song made Kagome's cheeks flame but their movements kept in beat with the music. She had to admit that he had amazing rhythm; he held her in place against him and guided their bodies back and forth in easy time. Nothing was rushed with them and she loved it. Everything with Inuyasha just…happened.

She smiled and looked up at him when he stopped singing and saw he was looking down at her as well, he gave her a lopsided grin and she giggled. Squeezing his arm lightly she leaned her head back against his chest and closed her eyes in bliss.

The song rolled to a perfect ending, the understated piano adding the final flourish. Kagome turned around as it ended and smiled up into the half demon's face, her eyes lighting up in serenity. Suddenly the music changed dramatically, a crackling came from the speakers followed by a recorded cheer.

"The French are glad to die for love…"

A big band orchestra exploded followed by a beautiful female voice singing about love and money and how nothing helped a woman in life better than diamonds. Kagome laughed out loud and Inuyasha took her hands and pulled her close before stepping away from her. While most of the crowd seemed confused by the lack of bump and grind music, Inuyasha handled the transition perfectly.

Spinning her around the floor pressed against him and twirling around him, Inuyasha led Kagome through the complex but invigorating steps that when put together made a beautiful swing dance. Kagome stumbled a few times but Inuyasha's strong arms kept her up and moving and she was glad because she felt weak in the knees.

About half-way through the song, Kagome was comfortable on her own feet and began to twist around him with more gusto and enthusiasm. The few people around them stepped back to give them space and without their knowledge they had a crowd. Inuyasha blew her and them away by lifting her at the middle and swinging her to his left side and then his right and then up high into the air and back down, a leg on either side of his middle. Kagome wrapped her legs around him and they twirled in a circle before he placed her back on her feet.

Spinning as the crescendo sounded, Inuyasha pulled her to him and dipped her deeply. As the song ended the crowd roared and they stared up at each other each of their chests heaving from the dance. "You…are amazing." Kagome said softly as he pulled her back up onto her feet. She stumbled and he caught her and they laughed as Sango and Miroku pushed through to them "Holy hell you guys, that was awesome!" Sango cried.

Kagome blushed and said "It was all Inuyasha really, he led."

Inuyasha shrugged "It takes two to tango,"

Kagome giggled "We weren't tangoing we were swinging, but I bet you we can try that sometime." She grinned at him and fanned herself "I'm heating up, you guys wanna see if we can get that couch back?"

Miroku nodded "Let's get some drinks first. I'm parched!"

The four of them weaved through the crowd and ended up at the bar where the bartended came and grinned "Look at you two dancing stars, what can I get you? I have this fantastic bottle of aged Crown Royale that you will love. Mix it with a red bull and you'll be dancing all night!"

The four teens simply looked at each other and Sango asked smoothly "Yea? How much you charging for it?"

The bartender grinned, obviously thinking they were chill with the concept of drinking "Well for you pretty thing…"

Miroku growled and stepped up between Sango and the bar, a dark look on his normally kind face "How about you tell me how much I'll pay."

The man held his hands up in defense "Whoa, sorry bro – didn't know she was spoken for. Can you blame a guy for trying?" Sango fidgeted, uncomfortable with the situation. The bartender rubbed the back of his neck and said "10 for a tall, 6 for a short."

Miroku nodded and he glanced at the others, should they get a round?

Surprisingly, it was Kagome who spoke "Have any good wine?"

The man eyed her for a moment "Got a nice bottle of Dom here, but I don't know if you can afford it lovely. It's a Cuvee, vintage 1995." Kagome arched an eyebrow "Did you see me blink?" She drew out her card and set the plastic on the counter "Four glasses, if you please."

The man whistled and swiped the card before returning a few moments later with the bottle in an ice bucket to bring it to temperature. Inuyasha took the bucket while Kagome slid her card away and Miroku took the four white flutes and they made their way back up to their couch – which had been left vacant.

"Kagome that was probably a very expensive bottle of wine." Sango murmured as they sat down. Kagome picked up the bottle opener and inserted it into the soft cork before twisting it and popping it out with a light snap.

Kagome grinned "Nobody here is commenting on the fact that a 16 year old just bought a 200 dollar of wine, just the fact that it was 200 dollars. No wonder this club is so popular, you can get drunk here underage." She began pouring out the wine for her friends.

Miroku laughed "She has a good point," He lifted the sparkling wine in his hand and said "A toast, to finding a damn good nightclub. Here's to hoping it doesn't get raided by the police!" They all laughed and clanked their glasses together before sipping the amazing bottle of wine.

"I do not need to get drunk tonight," Sango said a few moments later after their toast ended "But this is so smooth, I can see why it goes for a couple hundred a bottle."

Inuyasha chuckled "Yea, the bottle my dad served with dinner was nice. Something red. Valpolicella?"

"You guys have already been drinking? And without us!?" Miroku asked with mock outrage causing the pair to laugh.

"She made a good dinner and my dad decided it needed a good wine." Inuyasha defended.

Kagome sipped her Dom and nodded "That he did."

The conversation carried on for a while as the quartet toasted to various things and people, and before they knew it….the bottle was gone. Kagome lifted the empty bottle and giggled "Oops?" She said shoving the cork back inside "We…probably should go."

Sango's eyes were lightly glazed at the amount of wine she had consumed and said "This sucks…wine gives terrible hangovers."

Miroku, slightly less buzzed than Sango chimed in "Drink some water?" He tried for helpful but she waved his words away.

Sighing, a worried look crossing her face Sango "Inuyasha…we can't drive like this."

The half-demon shook his head "I'm alright to drive; you humans absorb the alcohol so easily it's funny. I'll take you guys home and have someone bring your car to you tomorrow Sango." The brunette nodded her head, not knowing what else to do.

Kagome was twirling the now-empty bottle of wine between her hands and said "You sure?" Being as small as she was, the two glasses of Dom, coupled with the few she had at dinner and the lack of tolerance she had, Kagome was obviously drunk and very obviously trying to hide it.

Inuyasha tweaked her nose "I'm sure, not like you would be the best judge anyways. Come on, time you get you lushes home. Remember to be cool when we see the bouncer ok? You're a pop-star and we're your entourage."

Kagome lightly smacked him and stood, stumbling in the height of her heels. Inuyasha caught her elbow and she grinned at him before reaching down and undoing the straps and slipping out of the heels.

She dropped a few inches shorter but slung the black shoes over her shoulder and said "Lead on."

The four of them meandered down the steps where the party raged on full force, with perhaps some more drunkenness to it. Kagome waved to the bartender with the empty bottle and he nodded with a grin as they passed.

They composed themselves in the coat-room, and Inuyasha was glad to see nobody had made off with their jackets. Without her heels on, Kagome was actually alright on her feet despite her inebriated state. When Inuyasha opened the front door, Kagome held her head high and smiled at the bouncer and waved to him saying brightly in overly-accented and broken English "Much fun!" She left it at that and sashayed to the car where Inuyasha opened the door for her. The other pair tumbled into the back seat and then Inuyasha was behind the wheel and they were off.

Kagome turned the radio on as Inuyasha pulled the cotton from his ears, buckling up at the same time. Butterfly by Jason Mraz blew through the speakers and Kagome, obviously not done dancing, swayed in her seat and sang with the very erotic but beautiful words that poured from the man's throat. Hearing the young and seemingly innocent girl sing along with such a song made Inuyasha cough and shift in his seat.

"And bend your back and ask those hips if I can touch, 'cause they're the perfect jumping off point to get me closer to your butterfly…"

Inuyasha watched her from the corner of his eye, smiling slightly. She had no idea what she was doing did she? He shook his head and focused on the road and less on his house-mate and just how short her dress was, and just how soft her skin had felt against his, and just how much he wanted to feel those lips she sang so beautifully with. Soon enough they were pulling up in front of Sango's house and the pair in the back climbed out "I'm crashing on her couch tonight," Miroku declared as Kagome rolled her window down.

Sango leaned in the window and the girls hugged "I approve of you Kagome, have a good night and I hope you feel alright in the morning."

Kagome nodded her head "You too. I can't be hung over when I go to register for school!" She laughed and Miroku and Sango waved as they walked up Sango's front lawn.

As they drove off, the song that started playing next was a bit softer and Kagome yawned behind her hand. Inuyasha glanced at her and smiled "Tired?"

She nodded "Tired, and honestly…a little drunk."

Inuyasha reached over and patted her knee in what he thought was a sympathetic manner, but when she shivered under his touch he glanced at her and lightly rubbed her knee with his thumb. She smiled at him and he put his hands back on the wheel and focused on not taking the car into a ditch.

He remained quiet, very deep in thought as they drove and by the time he slowed to enter the gate code he glanced over and saw Kagome was fast asleep against the window, her warm breath fogging the mirror on every exhale.

Smiling as he pulled the car into the garage Inuyasha removed the key and looked over at the sleeping woman. He didn't want to wake her.

Reaching over he pressed the button on her seatbelt and pulled it over her head, only having to move her a fraction. With that out of the way he wondered how to get her out, if he opened her door she would fall. Getting an idea he pushed his own door open and reached over to pick her up, one arm sliding behind her shoulders and the other going behind her knees.

Sliding himself out of the car, and taking her with him he was careful not to jostle her too much and was actually pretty good at it.

Carrying her bridal style, he hoped his father was asleep or very busy because if he came out and saw Kagome like this and smelled the alcohol – he would be in so much trouble.

Entering the house silently, Inuyasha made a bee-line for the stairs and climbed them quickly. Kagome nuzzled closer to him and mumbled in her sleep. Inuyasha smiled at her as he opened her bedroom door. One of the windows was open and the breeze made her canopy blow.

Moving the wispy curtains aside, Inuyasha pulled the blankets back and laid Kagome down in her party dress, grateful that she had already taken off her shoes before she slept. He had remembered to grab them, and they were currently sitting on the floor beside her closet.

Pulling the blanket up to her shoulders, Inuyasha brushed a dark piece of hair from her eyes and without thinking, he leaned down and kissed her forehead.

Moving away from the bed, he felt a hand grasp his and turned – a face full of surprise – to see a sleepy Kagome holding his hand saying "Sorry I got drunk," He smiled at her and shook his head "Nah, you aren't that bad. You'll be better in the morning. Sleep tight Kagome."

She tightened her grasp on his hand and said "Stay?" Both his and her eyes widened as the tiny word left her lips. She bit her lip suddenly shy and nervous, wondering why she had asked him that.

Inuyasha sighed and sat on the edge of her bed and touched her face gently "Kagome, you are very drunk and I don't want you to wake up ever to me feeling regret ok?" He lightly kissed the hand he held and released it onto the bed spread before standing.

Kagome watched him go with sad eyes before he turned the light off and shut the door. He stood in the hall for a moment and rubbed his hands over his face, she had really just asked him to stay with her? Not sleep with her in a sexual manner…just to share her bed for the night. To literally sleep beside her.

However innocent it was meant to be, Inuyasha didn't want to get that kind of request from her with glazed eyes and wine on her breath. He stopped and dropped his hands; did that mean he wanted her to make the request when she was sober?

He groaned and went into his room, needing sleep to clear his head.

ooo

Kagome curled around a pillow, her drunken mind not fully logical. 'He doesn't want to wake up to me, ever.' She mentally paraphrased what he had said before he left 'But he kissed my forehead, and then my hand…why?'

Grumbling, Kagome eventually fell into a fitful sleep.

ooo

Inuyasha lay on his bed; his arm tossed across his eyes the other across his bare stomach. His mind was assaulting him with images of his house mate and neighbor. Of her striking body in her bathing suit from the night before, of her shyly sipping her coffee after defending him against his father. The way she looked tonight and how they danced together. How she pressed against him, her body fitting with his like a puzzle.

He sighed deeply "Knock it off brain."

Rolling onto his stomach and burying his face in his pillow the distracted half-demon finally found sleep, but images of the raven haired beauty haunted him even in his dreams.

ooo

Yay! I did it! For the last week I've been saying "You will finish this chapter tonight!" Then get distracted. I know it is like 8 months late and I am so sorry but this chapter has given me a very good direction as to where I want a lot of things to go! I hope this long and lovely chapter tides you all over long enough for me to churn out another one, and taking the advice of one of my reviewers I will try to make them shorter and post sooner! Thank you to everyone who is sticking with me!

P.S. The songs they are dancing to? I had 3 songs playing that I wrote to during that scene and they are:

1. The techno-rock song – It's My Turn to Fly by The Urge & Cosmic Castaway by Electrasy

2. The hip-hop song – Body on Me by Nelly

3. The swing-dance song – Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend (Moulin Rouge Version) by Nicole Kidman