Kagome sat in the car wondering where Hojo was taking her. He hasn't given any hints stating, "I want it to be a surprise". Kagome was glad he had worn jeans and a t- shirt. At last she knew she wouldn't look too out of place, wherever they went.
After 15 minutes off driving, Hojo pulled onto a small dirt road. Kagome was really curious about where they were going, and hoped there Wasn't hiking involved. She did not wear good hiking shoes.
Soon Hojo pulled into a small parking lot. It was a little park. He pulled out a picnic basket from the trunk. They walked over to the single picnic table and Hojo started unpacking the food.
"Wow, Hojo, this all looks delicious. I can't remember the last time I went on a picnic," Kagome exclaimed.
"I'm glad. I mean I'm not glad you haven't been on a picnic in so long, but that I was able to surprise you. This is a surprise right?" Hojo stammered.
"Yes, it's a surprise, a good surprise. How did you know about this place anyways? It's so quiet and peaceful. I'm sure not a lot of people know about it."
"I used to live up here. My dad built this playground for me to play on. I still like to come up here when I want to get away from the world. Now that you know about it, you can use it whenever you want to." Hojo blushed at his bold words. Then started dishing food onto a plate for Kagome.
"Thanks, that's really sweet of you."
Kagome and Hojo made small talk as they ate their food. When they were finished eating, Kagome helped Hojo put everything away. "Do you think the equipment is still safe enough to play on?"
"Oh yes. I make sure it's still safe, just in case someone stumbles upon it."
Kagome ran and sat on the swing. Hojo came up behind her and started pushing her. She laughed as she climbed higher and higher, her hair flying behind her each time she swung forward.
Eventually the sun started to set. Kagome slowed down on the swing. Hojo sat on the swing next to her. Together they quietly watched the sun set below the horizon.
"Come on Kagome, the sun is down, and soon the temperature will drop. Let's get you home before you catch a cold." Hojo grabbed Kagome's hand and pulled her to the car.
As they drove towards home Kagome turned to Hojo. "Thank you, Hojo. This really has been a fun night."
"I'm so glad. I had a lot of fun too. Maybe we could go out again soon?" he asked with a hopeful expression on his face.
"I think I might like that," Kagome replied cautiously. 'I still don't have any real feelings for him, but I really did have fun. He's not such a bad guy. One more date wouldn't hurt right? It's not like Inuyasha has any interest in me.'
When Hojo pulled up to Kagome's house he walked her to the door. "Thanks for going out with me Kagome. I'll call you later to make arrangements for another date."
Kagome smiled and nodded at Hojo. Before she opened the door Hojo stopped her. "Kagome," he blurted out turning bright red. "Would it be okay if I gave you a hug?"
Kagome sighed in relief to herself. She could handle a hug. She was sure she wasn't ready for a kiss, but a hug, she could do that. Kagome smiled a shy smile and gave her consent. Hojo wrapped his arms around her and gave her a warm embrace. He let her go, and walked back to his car. He made sure she was safely inside before he drove off smiling to himself. He was sure he was in love.