"You have no reason to worry, Kagome. This is completely normal."

Sango was a blurry figure to Kagome's eyes, for she had feared the worst when she decided to consult with her about the smatterings of blood she'd found. Now, as relief swamped her, a weight lifted from her shoulders, and she wiped her eyes with her shirt.

"Really?" Kagome rasped. "It's normal?"

Sango nodded gently. "Would I lie to you? Trust me, Kagome. A lot of women go through this. In fact, I did before I had my children."

Kagome looked at her, her brown eyes intense. "But why does it happen? Surely, there must be something wrong. I had never been told that a woman could still bleed during her pregnancy. In fact, the opposite had always been said!"

"I honestly don't know why it happens. But please, rest assured, your baby is fine."

The tears which nearly fell from their precipice, dried up fairly quickly, and Kagome bit back a smile. Not only relief was present, but happiness, just the same. When she'd seen blood on her under-garments, terror struck her with the force of a tidal wave. She had feared the worst; the baby could not be living if she was able to bleed. Surely it was dead, or worst, she had believed herself pregnant and her body had conducted one of the most evil forms of deceptions: a false pregnancy. She'd heard of this type of thing happening to women in the future, but had never come across anyone who went through it personally.

Expecting the worst, she'd shut off all of the candles in her home and left the place with a quickness which rivaled the birds up high. She ran to Sango's home and, in her desperation, urged the woman to wake from her slumber. Sango had seen how distraught she was and gave her no pause. Kagome rambled and even showed her what occurred, feeling no shame toward her friend. Only fear.

What if the baby had died? What if it never was there?

Then she would be alone. So very alone.

But Sango was able to assuage Kagome's fears and informed her that, yes, women sometimes bled during their pregnancies. No, the baby was not dead, nor was her pregnancy false.

Kagome breathed slowly in an attempt to calm her heart which had been set aflutter. She combed her fingers through her hair.

"I just had the scare of my life."

Sango laughed. "You and me both."

Kagome bit her lip. "Sorry," she mumbled. Then she grabbed onto her friends hands and held them tight. "I don't know what I'd do without you. You have no idea how thankful I am to you."

Sango squeezed her hand just as fiercely and said, "What are friends for?"

"I wish I had been there for you when you were having kids."

Sango grinned. "I'm simply happy you came back to us."

Kagome had no words for such a statement, since her heart was near to bursting with happiness. She had such good friends in this world. Yes, she'd had wonderful companions in her time in the future, but her friendship with Sango simply surpassed all those girls. She could not have asked for a more noble person to stand by her side through this process.

Which reminded her. She had left her house in a flurry, without leaving even a note for Inuyasha to know that she was safe and well. She had better hurry back home before he decided to chase after her and cause some kind of commotion.

She made a move to stand and her friend did so as well, thinking that since she was already up, she may as well begin her daily tasks.

"I'd best let you get to work," Kagome told her. Then her brows furrowed, for in her haste to come inside, she had yet to notice that Miroku was not present. "By the way, where's Miroku?"

Sango shrugged. "He likes to walk around early in the morning. It's the strangest thing."

Kagome chuckled. "Perhaps he met up with Inuyasha. He wasn't home when I woke up next to him."

Sango arched her brow. "Ooh. Next to him? That implies so much to me, Kagome. Has the half breed opened up to you?"

She blushed. "Somewhat. I kissed him yesterday."

Sango gasped. "No! Seriously?"

"Seriously. Although it was on the cheek."

Sango sputtered and laughed hysterically. She wiped her eyes gingerly, and gasped. "Oh, that's funny."

Kagome rolled her eyes heavenward. "Hey, it's progress."

"True. True."

"I nearly made it to first base."

Sango blinked. "First base?"

"It's basically like a level. First base is kissing. Second base is touching. Third base is direct physical contact, without the sex. And home-run is, well... It's sex."

Kagome could see that Sango wanted to laugh again, but she managed to hold down her giggles and simply nodded. "I see."

"I hope to get to first base very soon," she told her.

Sango wiggled her eyebrows most annoyingly. "And when do you intend to get to home-run?"

Kagome gasped. "Sango! How could you?"

"Oh, relax. You and I both know how much you miss that aspect of your relationship."

"Yes, but I would rather not think of it right now," she bit out. "It makes me most uncomfortable."

"Ah. I see."

"Good."

Sango chuckled. "Home-run. What an idea. I should tell Miroku that."

Kagome shook her head, exasperated. After a few moments, she said farewell and told Sango that she needed to head back home or she'd have to deal with a concerned Inuyasha- not that she disliked this about him. She simply did not wish to make him worry.

She made her way back home, and made sure to say hello to her neighbors and the like. The weather was fair, with near-clear skies, as if the rain last night had never been. The air was fresh and so many prospects were set before her, she walked with a hop to her step.

When she finally made it home, she heard Inuyasha moving things around in his room. When she came to, she found him holding onto his sword. He unsheathed the weapon and he appeared to marvel at the tool for some time.

"How long are you going to stand there?" he muttered, never once leaving contact with the sword.

Kagome smiled. "Oh, I think I can watch you for a little while longer. You do have such a fine figure, after all."

Inuyasha stiffened and slowly put his sword back into its sheath. He turned around, though his movements were without alacrity. He met Kagome's wide toothed grin with caution.

"You know," he said, "you sometimes make me feel really awkward around you."

His voice broke at the end and Kagome had to stop herself from cheesing too much. He did seem rather uncomfortable with her, and she didn't want him to feel this way so much so that he'd leave. She raised her hands in mock surrender and said, "Sorry, sorry. I'm only joking."

He continued to stare at her and she could not really help herself. "I hope I didn't cause any confusion. I wasn't joking about your fine figure. It truly is," she gave him a sweeping look, "a sight to behold."

Inuyasha then did the most childish thing she had ever witnessed from him-at least, in five years. He gagged.

Kagome had to blink a number of times before she could get over how much that insulted her. She glared at him and said, "Really, was that necassary?"

"It is when you're acting all weird and shit," he cracked. Then he gave her a most pointed look. "A woman should not be flirtin' the way you do. It simply ain't right."

She placed her hands on her hips and scowled. "So what does that mean, Inuyasha? Since you're the man, are you going to flirt?"

He fought for words but could say nothing so she continued. "Will you flirt with me? My husband used to do it all the time."

His face rivaled that of tomatoes in their color, and still he could not speak.

"Since things aren't as they used to be, I have to make due for my sanity."

Finally, he spoke. "Ain't right."

Kagome threw her hands up. Inuyasha could be the most insufferable prick in the world sometimes. Could he truly not see that she wanted him to give her affection?

She stopped as she thought this through some more. Of course he could not see. Inuyasha used to be so obtuse when it came to the inner workings of a woman and their needs. In his mind, he had never done anything with a woman except talk to them, however briefly.

She looked at him; really, truly looked at him and sighed. She loved this half demon so much, and she wanted him to feel the same, but it would have to take some time. After all, that's what it took for him to love her in the first place. It would be hard, but she could do it.

"I'm sorry, Inuyasha."

He hesitated, looking as though he did not trust her, before saying, "What's with the sudden change in attitude?"

"You're not the same Inuyasha I married, so I shouldn't expect you to do the things you used to. I have to take things slow."

He agreed. "Right."

"I have to treat you like a novice. A man who knows next to nothing about women-"

"Hey, now I feel like you're insulting me."

"-and make you like me."

He stared at her, unmoving.

Kagome was a smart girl. At least, she appeared to be so to Inuyasha, so he wondered now why she would even say such a thing. She must have known that he was growing attached to her. Hell, he remained here when he could have run away from her ages ago! And here she thought he didn't like her. Bah! The woman, in this regard, was bonkers, and, he thought ironically, it seemed that she was in need of a lesson on the sexes, too.

Who's the naive one now? Hmmm?

Despite feeling somewhat triumphant in this regard, he did sober up just a bit. If Kagome thought he did not like her, then clearly she must feel saddened by this. The thought did not sit well with him and he wanted to see if he could make her smile some more. He did like that very much.

When he found her watching him while he scrutinized his sword, he didn't know what to do, at first. He hoped that he appeared nonchalant, but in all truth, he kind of liked being watched by Kagome. He enjoyed the attention she gave him, and he wanted to experience more of it. Which reminded him about today's hunt. Miroku wanted them to hang out for the night, but he didn't invite Kagome.

Inuyasha wanted Kagome to attend; not simply because he knew her most, but also because she was his... His... Well, what was she? Even though they were married, to him they were in the initial stages of a relationship. No, not a relationship, a friendship. So what could he call her if not a friend? His partner?

His stomach fluttered at the notion, yet it somehow felt right. Kagome was his partner. It simply fit.

Kagome waved her hand in front of him and he blinked, not realizing he had gotten so lost in his thoughts.

"Sorry about that," he muttered.

Kagome waved her hand. "It's a man thing. I get it."

Inuyasha laughed. "You're weird, you know that?"

Kagome narrowed her eyes to tiny slits. "Is that a problem?"

"Nope." He was a brave half demon, was he not? He could say this. "I like that you're weird."

Kagome turned beat red, and Inuyasha nearly pounded his chest, feeling victorious for this act. She pouted a little, and he thought she looked insanely adorable. An odd thought, since such a thing had never crossed his mind before. She often had that effect on him, making him feel and experience new things. He couldn't say he didn't enjoy it.

"So where did my weird friend go so early in the morning?"

Kagome didn't know what to think with such a question. He said she was his "my," yet in the same breath, he called her his "friend." How she wanted to be so much more! But this would do. For now, this would definitely do. After all, if he could single her out in this regard, surely he would be able to do so much more in the near future. She relished the thought and held it close.

"I had to talk to Sango about women things. Are you interested?"

As she suspected, he grimaced and said, "No 'mam."

Without asking, she settled into his room and sat against the wall. Inuyasha remained standing for only a short moment, before he decided to put the sword away and sit across from her.

"So what are your plans for the day, Kagome?"

She yawned. "I'm off."

His eyes widened. If she was off then that meant that she had nothing to do for the day except stay with him. Unless she had plans. Did she?

"Are you going to see anyone today?"

"No. I just want to relax and stay in."

His shoulders sagged with relief. Then he frowned because he didn't need to make it so obvious that he was kind of happy to have her to himself for a while. And since when did he even want to do that?

Since the thought of kissing her crossed your mind.

It was her fault. She simply had to have the most kissable lips a man could dream of.

He scratched his ear. Was he losing his mind? He felt like he was. He almost laughed. What a stupid thought. He'd lost half his memory for god's sake.

"Do you have any plans for the day?"

He blinked, returning to the present. "I woke early to check out the village, so no," he lied.

"See anything interesting?"

"Nope." A truth.

"I see."

Silence filled the room.

Kagome sat, drumming her fingers against her thighs and he could hear the pitter and patter with ease. It should have vexed him, but the sight of her fingers so close to her thighs did strange things to his body. He wondered what they would feel like if they touched his thighs, and he swallowed thickly. It would feel wonderful, that's how it would feel, because he knew what they felt like on his head. If her hands could do wonders there, what else could they do close to his nether-regions?

He scowled. It was really friggin' irritating always feeling horny near this woman, while never having a way to find release. He blushed just thinking about how he would even be able to do so with her in the same house. He couldn't do it; simply couldn't. What if she heard him? What if she wanted to join in?

He stifled a groan. God, but he would love it if she joined in.

"So," he said. "What should we do?"

Kagome stopped drumming her fingers and looked up at him. He was looking at her, appearing expectant. His hands were on his knees, and he watched her ever so closely. She could see a light sheen of sweat forming on his forehead and she asked him if he was hot.

"No," his voice cracked. He cleared his throat, then said more deeply, "I mean, no."

"O-kay. Well, we can talk, if you want."

He didn't seem too excited about that so she thought hard and came up with a game. When she returned from the future, she had forgotten to take with her so many things. She wished she had brought more photos, books, and some games, at least. Even a television would've been wonderful, but, of course, that simply would have been impractical. Where would she plug the thing?

Though she'd forgotten some items, she managed to remember how to make a few of them. Like her games. She used to have a few deck of cards in her drawer at her home, and she was able to replicate a set for herself. They didn't look as nice as the ones in the future, but they made do. Inuyasha and her used to play games all the time, especially when days were slow and non-eventful.

"I have something that may interest you."

Inuyasha's brow rose. "Show me."

She left the room and went into her drawer. Behind a few papers, she felt for the deck. She pulled out a shirt and decided to change into it, that way she'd be more comfortable. Once done, she then searched again for her cards and caught it at the left side of the drawer. She took it out and held it tight, then sprinted back to his room, her feet patting lightly against the floor. "Check it out," she said, while holding out the small folds of paper.

Inuyasha stared at the object. It was white, wrapped with one red string. A sizable number of papers were stacked against each other, each one with various symbols and numbers. He cocked his head, while his ears perked up. "What's that?"

"They're cards."

"What do we do with them?"

Kagome smiled. "Play tons of games. I know a few that'll pass the time away. Care to learn one?"

Inuyasha shrugged. "Sure."

She then counted the cards, and split it in two, with twenty-six cards in one pile and twenty-six in the other. While she did this, she sat herself on her knees and began setting the cards toward them both. Inuyasha noticed that she had changed into one of his shirts again and he found that it distracted him from what she was doing.

"I made these cards myself," she told him, but the words took their time to register in his mind. He was too lost in the figure that now plagued him; an image of Kagome's breasts. His shirt was too big on her and had he been any other man, he could easily have reached out to those pale orbs and pull them out of their confines.

What would she do if he dared to do such a thing? Would she slap him, or would she cave into the desires which afflicted them both? Would she let him continue his perusal, and allow him to see the rest of her lithesome form?

He could do it. Maybe not now, but what about in the dark of night, when she slept? They were able to sleep together last night without any trouble. Perhaps this night could be different. Maybe he could surreptitiously pull down her shirt, while she rested, exposing a bit of her moon-kissed skin.

"I think I did okay," she said.

"Mhmm," he muttered.

What if when he did so, she did not react? Instead, she would remain asleep. He could take his time removing the rest of her shirt. It would be so easy, considering that the damned things were so big on her, barely clinging to her body, like a sack.

"I tried to remember each symbol, but when I couldn't, I simply created my own."

He'd touch her tender flesh. It was soft. Had to be, since what he could see now had not been marred by any kinds of callouses or scars.

"I even made the paper; with Kaede's help, of course."

If she woke, he would tell her she had a bug and he was simply wiping the creature away. If she asked why his hands were on her breasts, he would tell her the creature went far.

"Inuyasha, are you even listening to me?"

He stared. "You were talking about your cards."

"Yes. What do you think?" She splayed her fingers and he looked at them, but his mind could hardly focus. He blinked again and tried to process the pieces of paper, having no clue as to why she was showing them to him at this moment. He lifted his gaze.

"They're nice."

Air escaped her nostrils, the action reminding him of a bull. "That's all you have to say? No compliments on my memory? I pretty much got them all right, except for maybe two."

He shot her an odd look. "How would I know? I've never seen them before."

"Right," she mumbled. "Well, okay. Let's get to it."

Inuyasha was spared from his thoughts when she took up his attention with her cards. He was happy to find that the game she chose was pretty entertaining since it entailed that they wait in suspense whenever each player flipped their card. Whoever had the highest number, took the deck. At the end, whoever had all the cards, won the game. Inuyasha even liked the name of it: War.

They spent a decent amount of time playing this game, until they were ready for lunch. Together they were able to cook a quick meal of fish and eggs. Inuyasha took pleasure in these moments with Kagome, despite their being quiet while eating. The scents that wafted throughout the house filled his nostrils, and he took them in with relish; including hers.

Hell. He was beginning to enjoy himself way too much, but was it so very wrong to feel this way? Most of his life had been spent in miserable solitude. Few shining beacons ever considered to reach him. He would take these moments like a morsel provided to a starving man.

Later that day, Inuyasha decided to tell Kagome about his plans for the night. He didn't know how she'd react to him leaving her for a hunt with the man, so he took his time doing so.

The sun was just about to set, and Kagome was in her room looking through some scrolls. He caught her writing into one of them with a small black brush. He couldn't see the words she wrote, they were too small for him to read. But he took this moment to watch her as she worked. There were a few splotches of black on her cheek and eye brow, yet her eyes were deeply concentrated on whatever she composed. He noticed that her hair was up in a strange kind of form, wrapped on top of her head with a string. It allowed him to better see things he had never really noticed about her. The curve of her neck was enticing, as if seeking a brush with his lips. And her ears, they were pink, not like the rest of her skin, but they were small and sweet; he wanted to touch them and enjoy the feel of her skin on his.

She then sat up and let out a long breath. He stepped into the room, and she turned around at the sound of his entrance.

"Hi, Inuyasha. What's up?"

He leaned onto the wall and rested one foot above the floor. "Just wanted to tell you that Miroku invited me to go outside for a hunt. I figured I'd give you a rest from my company and have a go with the guys."

Kagome smiled brightly. "Really? That's wonderful."

He had to stymie the bit of annoyance that sprang up at her reaction. Though he delighted in her smile, he didn't want her to be happy to have him leave her. He wanted her to come along. Why couldn't he simply ask her? He was brave as hell.

But not brave enough, it seemed, for he said nothing else about it.

"When are you guys leaving?"

"As soon as I smell him."

Kagome chuckled. "I'm pretty happy that you're opening up to our friend. You guys are very close. I hope that you will give him a chance."

"Guess so."

At that moment, the man's scent came into his nose and he sucked his teeth. He hadn't expected him to come before the day's end.

"Anybody home?" he called out from the doorway.

Kagome turned to Inuyasha. "Looks like he's here. Have fun!"

She returned to her writings and he frowned at the crown of her black head.

He didn't want to leave her.

He was being ridiculous. They had all the time in the world to spend more time with each-other. A few hours away from her would do him no harm. Irritated beyond imagining with himself, Miroku and his new burden, he whirled around and called out to Miroku, "Coming out!"

But when he walked close to the frame, Kagome said his name. He looked at her, and found her watching him with dark, intense eyes. He swallowed. "Yeah, Kagome?"

"Please, be safe," she said, her voice as soft as the summer's wind.

"Of course."

She smiled and it nearly broke his heart with its sincerity. "Come back to me?"

He nodded, saying nothing, yet somewhere deep in his mind he could hear a voice, a whisper...

Always. It said. Always.

I'm really enjoying writing this romance, devising ways to make these guys fall in love with each-other more and more. I'd never written about Inuyasha and Kagome before, but I hope I'm doing okay. Their love deserves the best! Whelp! Onto the next chapter!