A/N: This chapter is 5600 words (that's like 2 chapters in 1 update). I tried to shorten it, but it's necessary. You'll see. I'll update in a month, so you have time to digest this one. Thanks again for reading!

Chapter 2: Past, Present, Future

At home, she packed essentials. Her brother walked by her room and noticed its disarray. "What are you doing?" He asked her, a melting ice cream sandwich in his hand. "I'm going on a trip." She replied like it was no big deal. She was busy going through her mental list of necessities.

"Really? With who?"

"By myself."

"Yeah, right."

"Fine. I'm going with Inuyasha just to get away, you know. Take a break."

"The security guard?! I mean, he's cool, but since when did you...two…?"

"It's not like he's a total stranger." She defended with a huff. She adjusted the strap of her sports bra and retied the knot in her oversized peach workout shirt at her hip. "But, who is he? What do you even know about him? When are you leaving? I haven't seen you two speak two words to each other, now you're running off together? What are you going to tell mom and grandpa?" Her brother tried to make sense of what was going on. "That I'm an adult, OK, that it's time for me to get out of here, travel, and discover myself. The business will be fine. They have you. You can get an intern or I can have Eri or someone take over. Get Hojo to pitch in." She said haughtily. "Sounds like you have it all figured out then. Bon Voyage." He said with a wave and stalked off. If I think about it, I won't do it. She thought silently as she finished packing.

Around 6pm there was a knock on the front door. Kagome's mother answered and was surprised to see a man standing on the porch. She recognized him from the plaza. In fact, he was still in his navy blue uniform. "Please, come in." She invited.

"Kagome mentioned to us that you're taking a trip. Do you have any plans?" Her mother asked, she looked at and spoke to him warmly. She motioned for him to sit on the couch in the living room. Inuyasha glanced around the room. He noticed the baby photos and other various childhood pictures on the walls. He thought it looked like a photo album had thrown up in here. It was kind of nice. He had never been very close to his own family.

"We're just going to see where the road takes us." He answered. "That's very exciting." Mrs. Higurashi commented as she sat across from him. Just then, Grandpa came in. "Here are some sacred prayer beads to protect you while you travel!" He said as he placed the item into Inuyasha's palms. "Are you and my sister like dating, or what's the deal?" Souta asked from behind him. The older guy's eyes widened and he stood up to look the kid in the eye. His cheeks flushed red as he stammered, "Wh-wh-well, no. She just asked me to go along with her."

"Oh, Inuyasha, I didn't expect you to come here." Kagome said from the stairs. "Well, we didn't exactly plan this out." He remarked, crossing his arms, and tilting his chin up to regain his composure. He stood tall over everyone. "I'm packed up, if you'd like to help me bring my things down." She requested. He followed her up the stairs. "Won't you stay for dinner?" Her mother called up. She wasn't met with a response.

"No way, Kagome, you can't bring all this stuff with you! It's a road trip!" Inuyasha complained. He smacked his hand on his forehead in protest. "I thought it was too much." She said, vexed. He ran his hand back through his hair. He glanced around her room. "Here, whatever you can fit into this backpack, that's what you can take." He resolved as he tossed the large, yellow bag to her.

She packed a few days' worth of clothes. She figured they would just wash or buy other things. "So, how are we traveling around?" His voice broke the silence. "I think public transportation is best. That way we don't have to worry about a car breaking down. We could always rent one, too, I suppose. Is there any place you've always wanted to visit?" She asked. He had a few places, but didn't want to share them yet. He didn't like being sentimental. He figured he'd let her seek out her heart's desires first. "Keh! This wasn't my idea. You're leading the way." He feigned disinterest. "Where's your stuff?" She inquired. "I don't need nothin' but the clothes on my back." He said, using his thumb to point for emphasis. Maybe he didn't have stuff, she deduced.

"I suppose we shouldn't ask when you'll be back." Her brother stated from the steps of the shrine. "Don't wait up!" Kagome jeered and waved.

She glanced down at her phone. She would tell Sango and Miroku when she was already out on the open road.

They sat at a café, checking the bus schedule. She really wanted to just close her eyes and point. They lived in a big city, so nature was definitely in order. A hot spring sounded so good. "The countryside!" She finally announced.

They stood single file and loaded into the rickety bus. There was only one that went through the countryside. There were several other people on the bus, mostly elderly. Inuyasha had wanted the window seat. She didn't care because she'd had enough of this city to keep looking at it. She and her travel companion were shoulder to shoulder. She glanced around the cramped space. She wasn't sure how they were going to be able to sit like this for hours, but they were trying to save money. She heard an irritated huff come from Inuyasha as he rolled down the bus window to lean out of. She tried not to fidget because whenever she did, her knee would bump his and she would blush furiously. The bus started up with a loud roar. There was no turning back now. She was really looking forward to just seeing the stars.

About half an hour into their trip, she spoke up. "Maybe this is a good time to establish some ground rules." He looked at her from the corner of his eyes. His ear twitched, letting her know he was listening. She continued, "I just think since you're male and I'm female-" He interrupted, "I'm not concerned about that. I don't find you attractive or anything. Besides, you're the one pressing flesh." "Am not, there's no space on the bus!" Well, okay, then….She was irked by his attitude despite herself and the issue was settled, just the way he said it was so rough. She dropped that topic, pushing down her hurt pride. "Okay, next then, we should have a healthy amount of alone time, but since we are traveling together, let's not ditch each other or leave the other behind without saying anything." "Fair enough." He agreed. "Anything you want to add?" She tried to include him, so she didn't feel so bossy. "Pay everything fifty -fifty." He stated. That kind of went without saying, but she didn't want to nit pick. "I think that covers it." She surmised.

"Let's get to know each other." She suggested. "You're awfully chatty." He commented. He had his chin resting on his hand, arm hanging out the window, eyes closed. "Hey, you're going to have to be nicer to me." She scolded. He side-eyed her and twisted his mouth upward in disapproval like a bulldog, she thought that last part. "It's just this damn bus." He complained. "I'm trying to make the best of an uncomfortable situation." She muttered. She pouted and sat on her hands. He felt a pang of guilt in his chest. "I'm just not used to spending this much time with someone." He admitted.

She smiled up at him, "there. I feel like I know you a little bit more." She flashed her pearly whites at him. He felt a sensation like a butterfly between his stomach and chest for a moment. She actually looked happier now than he'd seen her before. He cracked a smile, too, just from one corner of his lips.

"Tell me about your mom. You met my family." What she said seemed to hit a sore spot. He flinched and he angrily replied, "She died when I was really young. I don't remember much about her. Now, get off it." Heads in the bus turned and she heard some of the passengers remarking how rude this youth was. She wondered if maybe she'd made a mistake asking him to go on a trip since he was so temperamental.

He switched from resting his right foot on his left knee to the other. There was hardly enough space for the adjustment. He watched her delicate features fall and felt bad, but he wasn't the sappy type.

"How about some music?" She changed the subject. She pulled out her MP3 player from her purse. He simply pointed to his dog ears. She laughed nervously and said, "sorry." He couldn't help but chuckle a little himself.

They finally arrived at the countryside inn Kagome had looked up. It had a hot spring and included breakfast. Inuyasha stretched on the side of the road. He shook his arms and legs. The last thing he wanted to do was sit down again. The moon was half full and bright, which disappointed Kagome a bit because it made seeing more stars difficult. Still, the sky was beautiful. It looked like blue velvet. They were surrounded by lush forest. The inn itself was quaint. It had a dragonfly design on the stain glass windows. A single porch light with similar stain glass greeted them. She admired the vegetable and herb garden in the front yard. Many fireflies danced around. It was deafly quiet.

Kagome's large bag hung off one shoulder, she shifted it and was about to ring the bell when Inuyasha took the backpack from her and easily hoisted it over his shoulder. She was about to thank him when they were greeted by a very old woman and a half demon with kind blue eyes. "This is Jinenji, my son. He'll take your things to your room." She said in a low, almost hushed tone. "So, you're a half demon, too." He acknowledged of Inuyasha. "Why don't you get settled. Join us for breakfast at sunrise." The old woman invited. Her countenance was rather solemn. The inn was very peaceful. The inside was simple, decorated in earthy tones.

"This is your room." The significantly larger half demon presented. "Oh, we aren't a couple." Kagome said shyly. Her traveling companion simply stood with his arms crossed and followed along, leaning on whatever wall was nearby. He was tired, but fighting it. "My apologies." The horse demon said softly. He then took them to separate rooms with an adjoining bathroom. "You're friends, so you should be able to at least easily reach each other." "Yeah, this is fine." Inuyasha stated as he waltzed right in and made himself at home.

Kagome lay down to sleep, clutching her pillow. She felt lonely. She could hear Inuyasha rustling around in his room. The sky outside the window was lightening; deep blue was fading to gray to a slight yellow mixed with a rosy tint. It was twilight. She couldn't recall the last time she had stayed awake this late. She didn't want to miss the sunrise now.

She wandered out back and climbed a ladder to the roof. She was startled by Jinenji tending to the moss growing atop the inn. "I wanted to see the sunrise." She explained even though he hadn't asked. "This is an amazing and environmentally friendly place you've developed." She complimented. His cheeks flushed a bit and he whispered, "thank you." The colors of the sky were brilliant as the stars began to fade. Hues of pink and orange flared up the sky. The clouds were like horse tails racing about. She thought she should've invited Inuyasha out to witness it. His window was right below. She climbed halfway down the ladder to call to him. "Come watch the sunrise!" She beckoned. "There's one everyday." He muttered, uninterested. He turned to see her foot stepping onto his window pain. "Idiot! You're going to fall!" He scolded as he reached out to catch her as one foot slipped and the other stepped on the ledge.

He clutched her tightly against his chest, catching her and carried her princess style. She instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck to brace herself. "Thanks, that was close." She sighed with relief and looked into his face, strained with what she was sure was annoyance and was that worry? She felt her heart begin to speed up pace and her cheeks grew hot. Being this close to him, she could see just how handsome he was even with his brows furrowed and facial features contorted in irritation. His eyes were like golden lava in this lighting of the sunrise. His strands of hair that fell forward over his shoulders tickled the side of her cheek. His abruptly setting her down-practically tossing her like a hot potato- brought her out of her admiration. A slight blush graced his cheeks as well. "Let's finish watching the stupid sunrise safely." He suggested as he climbed out the window. He reached a hand down to help her up onto the ladder and roof.

His hands were rough against her petal-soft skin. His much larger hands enveloped the single small one that she had reached out to him. He pulled her up with such ease by one arm, placing one hand on her back to support her. Still, she almost stumbled on her own feet and fell into his arms again. He placed his hands on both her shoulders to steady her and spat "clutz!" She thought she really needed sleep as she swayed a bit and felt light headed.

She glanced up to thank him, but he was already sitting cross-legged away from her. She looked toward the East just in time to see the magnificent sun rising above beautiful, rolling mountains the color of indigo.

Kagome had inhaled her food and she rested her head on the table after nodding sleepily, almost falling forward a few times. She listened to the chirping of birds.

Strong arms carried her, she realized, as she stirred into consciousness. She felt too tired to open her eyes. The figure held her so securely she doubted she could move. Giving into the warmth that surrounded her, she nestled into the bend of the arm, nose pressing against a muscular chest. She sleepily moaned as she buried her face in his chest, the tufts of his hair mashing against her cheek and mingling with her own tresses.

The next thing she knew, she woke up in her rented room, a warm quilt covering her. She sunk into the plush pillow and felt she was becoming one with the bed. She vaguely recalled Inuyasha tucking her in. But, maybe she had been dreaming. Her cheeks warmed up again. She shook the thought away and buried her face into the pillow, forcing thoughts of him and the feelings of loneliness away.

The smell of fresh bread filled her nostrils. Her stomach rumbled. She groggily stood up. The wooden floors were alight with beams of sun filtering through the curtain.

Kagome could hear Inuyasha and the old woman's voices as she sauntered to the dining room.

"Your eyes have seen many battles."

"Yeah, what of it?"

"I've seen the same look in many of the other soldiers' eyes that have come through here."

"Feh!"

"You're a half-demon, that was a give away. They used you to fight their battles." Just then, Kagome's cell phone rang. The trio turned to look at her and she nervously smiled. She bowed briefly as a signal of apology. With a wave of her hand, she took the call in her room.

"Kagome! You left without telling any of your friends!" Eri cried.

"Yeah, what's up with that? Hojo went to visit you and your brother told him and Hojo told us you went on an impromptu trip." Ayumi explained.

"So, who's the guy?" Yuka's voice was sly and accusing.

"What guy?" Kagome played off. "Knock it off, Kagome." Yuka called out. She was always the most direct in the group. She appreciated that quality in her friend. "He's just a friend. A co-worker, actually. I thought he could use the getaway, too." She rattled off. "Bring me back cookies!" Her first friend to speak begged. She promised she would. "And keep in touch! Send pics!" Her second friend beguiled. "We want to see the guy."

Kagome hung up. She looked through her contacts and was about to text Sango. But, she wanted to wait until she had something to report. She hadn't done anything except sleep away the day. She sighed heavily. She wanted to stay here one more night to take advantage of the hot spring. Her mind ran over the details she heard about Inuyasha right before she got the call. She realized just how little she knew him.

"Hey, you should eat something." Came his soft voice from her doorway from behind her. She hadn't even heard him knock or push open the door. "Yeah, it smells so good." She genuinely smiled at him and stood up to follow him into the kitchen practically skipping.

"Hey, could we stay here one more night?" She asked, almost pleading in her voice. "Sure. It's up to you, really." He drawled. She wanted to ask him about his conversation she'd eavesdropped on, but decided against it.

"So, what are you running from?" Kagome nearly choked on her jammed toast at the question the old woman asked. She coughed and Jinenji patted her on the back gently. "…Monotony…." She said without expanding on the topic despite the loaded question. She glanced up at Inuyasha from the corner of her eye. He seemed like his issue was much more serious.

Kagome sat alone in the hot spring. No one else seemed to pass through here. She wondered how they managed the business at all. She contemplated her own state in life, sinking into the water up to her nose. It had been challenging enough just to get through high school and help her family with the shop. She was undecided about college and felt so overwhelmed by the paperwork of applications that she hadn't sent any in. She had filled out some documents. Her resume was up to date and she even had letters of recommendation. She considered going abroad. But, something was holding her back. Yeah, myself. She thought bitterly. She felt flushed from the heat and couldn't stay in much longer.

She wrapped the towel around her as she stepped out of the pool. The sun had long set. The moon was waning. This place was gorgeous and her heart leapt at the thought of the many sights that awaited her. After talking to her friends and how they were readying to start classes, she felt almost guilty for unwinding and relaxing. She was so used to working, she almost didn't know how to take time for herself and just have down time.

She worked to soak up the water from the ends of the dripping tresses of her raven locks. She could see the light was on in Inuyasha's room. She wondered what he did to relax. His frame passed the window.

The springs were surrounded by rocks and were a safe distance away. She didn't worry about him peeking at her. She blushed anyway, but then she thought that he probably wouldn't try anyway, much to her chagrin. Wait, do I want him to? She thought to herself. She pressed her lips together in embarrassment. Whatever she was feeling, she needed to get over it. They were going to be spending a lot of time together traveling; she couldn't have it getting complicated or awkward, especially on her part.

(-)

Inuyasha barged into the bathroom. "Hey!" She protested. He didn't even look over at her. He was shirtless and reaching for a towel from the linen closet. "Lock the door next time." He said simply. She pushed her lips into a pout. Dammit. He was right. She was already dressed in her pink and purple flannel pajamas. "There isn't anything to see anyway." He teased as he glanced at her from over his shoulder. "No one asked for your opinion!" She snapped. He chortled smugly for a second. He liked to get her all riled up over nothing. It was so easy to do and it was entertaining. This place, frankly, bored him. He'd just taken advantage of the hot springs, but being left to his own thoughts was something he always did. He wanted a distraction. She was it.

"What're you up to?" He asked, his voice back to its usual tone. She was still reeling from his picking on her a second ago and he was clearly unfazed, which furthered to annoy her. She ran the brush through her hair a little more roughly than she intended as a result and muttered an "ouch." "You really need to lighten up." He commented. She calmly placed the brush down. He was right, though she would not admit that aloud. "I was going to read. I can't sleep because I slept in earlier." She answered, flashing him a smile this time. "You?"

He shrugged. "Seeing what you're doing." "Let's play cards, then!" She exclaimed. Gods, she was so loud. Not that there was really anyone here. He tossed on a worn, red shirt (he didn't have anything of his own, but the old woman gave him what other travelers had left. He could smell they had been washed, but how long ago he wasn't sure) and followed her to her room.

"Go fish." She said with a delighted laugh. Her laughter was so musical. Her feet danced on the mattress as she sat with her legs propped up. His hand was filled with cards and he looked down at the pile like he wanted to cut it down. "Do you know another game?" He asked, his tone agitated. He was a sore loser. "Welllll," she mulled over. "Actually, I can tell your fortune." "Keh, I got to see this." He threw the cards in the deck and shuffled. "You learn this from your grandfather?" He inquired. "Of course," she replied. "And don't get weirded out, I don't really tell people this, but I have powers." "What do you mean?" His voice raised an octave with interest. "Like psychic powers. Ever since I was a kid. Obviously, because of my name the kids always wanted to play. I always knew who was standing behind me every time. They thought I was cheating. That's when my grandfather recognized that I had talent and he taught me to use the cards as a tool to channel them. I hope you're not afraid."

"Afraid! C'mon." He said as he held out his palm. "Can you read my palm?" He asked. She took his large hand into her small one and studied the lines. She took the pad of her index finger and ran it along the "M" that rested on his upturned palm. She felt his muscles flex a little. As she concentrated, her brows knit together, a slight crease appeared in her otherwise flawless, smooth forehead. "You have three days to live," she jeered. He yanked his hand away and cursed under his breath. She giggled and spread the cards out for him. "I just interpret the cards using my intuition." Her voice was almost apologetic for her poor joke.

"What do you want to know?"

"What are my options?"

"Most people ask about health, money, and love."

"Can you do just a general reading?"

She nodded and a small smile graced her lips, which reminded him of sakura petals. There was a single lamp lighting the room, illuminating her dark eyes. "Inuyasha?" He had been staring, unblinking at her. "Pull ten cards, please." She repeated. He silently pulled the cards and she placed them in a specific pattern. She placed them face down. His lips parted open a bit in awe as he watched her arrange them.

She pointed to each one and explained each position. "Okay, so first I just wanted to see what's going on right now with you. We'll see what's going on like why I'm seeing these cards so I can tell you what will happen." His pulse picked up a bit. He was a bit nervous and swallowed in anticipation. He simply nodded for her to continue.

"Okay, so we have six of spades, which in a Tarot deck would be Six of Swords. This card is about "letting go" of past hurt or leaving something behind. Which, makes sense 'cause we are traveling, but this card is under this one. That means you're UNABLE to let go. So, what's blocking you from healing?" He only listened and watched her. "Three of spades," she continued. "This is the heartbreak card." She looked up into his gold depths, which were transfixed on the cards. He pursed his lips together. "I already know this." He complained. "Well, the cards often just confirm what we already know. Kind of like an affirmation for the path we are on. Or to guide us when we feel lost." She explained.

"Do you ever read yourself?" His curiosity was practically burning in his eyes. She looked down somberly, "it's not easy to do so. I've lost faith a bit. But, I can always read others if they let me." "Go on," he encouraged. "I mean, you're doing pretty good right now." Her lips turned up into a smile again. It felt good to make her smile. "So, in the past position, we have seven of spades. This means, you're running away form something. And someone didn't trust you or you were betrayed." He had a poker face on now. She went on:

"Under all of this is the Ten of spades. It looks bad, like you got stabbed in the back or hurt emotionally, but it's just a really big change in your life. From this, you will learn something that will change your life. The hardest part is behind you.

So, your "self" card is the Jack of Spades. Hmm. I would interpret this as don't overreact. Don't rush into a proverbial battle, watch what you say. Really slow down, stop and think.

Your environment is….the 2 of Hearts. The soulmate card. There's someone in your immediate environment….It could just be a sharing of feelings or mutual friendship. It doesn't have to be love, but it usually is.

Your hopes and fears…Five of diamonds. You're not alone. Ask for help when you need it.

Okay, these three are your future and are read together: Ace of hearts, Five of Hearts, and Two of swords. A new love will come into your life, focus on what you have instead of what you don't. Of course, it's all confusing and you're trying to balance everything right now. But, overall it looks really positive. You're going to have to make some kind of decision. Like, you'll be torn between two choices. Follow your heart."

She sat back on her heels, exhaling audibly, and had her eyes closed. She looked up at him with a smile and she eyed him from between her lashes, as if coming out of a trance. "Thanks, I hadn't read anyone in a while." She said. "Wow, that was amazing." He complimented. For the first time she saw a smile stretch on his face. His eyes practically glittered. "You should read yourself." He recommended. "I'll do it to humor you." She said as she shuffled the cards.

"Okay, just a simple, past, present, future." She stated. "For love." He added. She turned a deep shade of crimson. "I mean, you don't have any health or money questions. You're good in that department, I take it. We're on this trip after all." He explained. "So my love life must be a mess…?" She said with a slight laugh. "Every woman wants to ask about love, I'm sure." He egged on. She pulled three cards out after fanning them out. "Fine, my love life in the past was 10 of clubs. A burden." She couldn't control the laughter that shook her body. "That's so accurate!" She hiccupped between breaths. He didn't see what was so funny and just gawked at her like she was losing her mind. Tears ran down her cheeks and she wrapped her arms around her stomach.

She composed herself finally and said a gasped "sorry" as she caught her breath. She flipped over the present and the two of hearts greeted her. "Hah, you have a lover or a soulmate." He tapped it accusingly. "You learn quick," she quipped. "Okay, the future is the two of diamonds. Just me trying to balance my life. Makes sense." "You already seem like you got it together to me." He complimented. She beamed up at him and thanked him for saying that.

"So, why was your love life such a weight on your shoulders?" He suddenly asked, sitting back against the headboard and crossing his arms and legs. "Oh, I had gone on a terrible date that day you were asleep in front of my shop. Then, there's a guy from school who pursued me, but I just wasn't interested. I just felt pressured to date even though I wasn't interested in anyone." She confessed. She picked the cards back up and shuffled them together. "It's rough, that's for sure." His voice was low and he looked off out the window. "Hey, you got to let that pain go!" She chirped as she playfully shoved his shoulder.

He hooked his hands around her wrists to stop her onslaught. "Let go!" She ordered with a wide smile and laughter shook her chest. She pretended to kick him. Then tried to stand up. That was a mistake. She fell right onto his lap, straddling him, their noses brushing each other as she fell forward. He released her and she pushed herself off of him as quickly as she could, having to push off his muscular shoulders. She could feel the curve of his biceps under her soft palms. Muttering a "sorry" and stepping off of him, she slid to the foot of the bed away from him. She couldn't slow down her heart rate and she felt her cheeks flush. Only a slight blush tinted his cheeks briefly before he appeared unfazed yet again.

"Stupid girl." He berated lightheartedly. She ran her hands through her hair absent-mindedly. "Let's play war." She said, dividing up the cards, not yet looking at him.

She won again. "Hey, let's play 52 pick up." He proposed as he tossed up all the cards and let them rain down. They fluttered noisily all around them and some scattered on the wood floor with a smack. "Very funny!" She scolded as she scooped them up in her hands and threw them in his direction. "Missed me!" He taunted. She attempted to thwack him with a few cards, but he dodged them with ease. He laughed triumphantly, standing over her with his hands on his hips. "Don't stand on the mattress." She hissed. He jumped down and turned to leave the room. "Help me clean up!" She called after him.

"You were the one who wanted to play." He blamed as he stretched out in his own bed. She protested and shook his shoulder, trying to get him to turn to face her. He leaned on one elbow, propping himself up, looking rather comfortable, even crossed his ankles. "I'll just have to sleep HERE then!" She declared as she jumped over him and into his personal space. "Ah, hell, no." He objected and tried to roll her out of bed. "You're such a softie." She jeered and clutched his sheets, pulling them with her. "You're messing up my bed!" He roared. "DUH!" She shot back. "What are you five years old?!" His voice got higher.

He finally gave in, reluctantly, and went to pick up the cards from her room. She rolled around in his bed to ensure he would clean up and not just wreck her bed, too.

He returned with the cards back in the deck and dropped them in her lap with a grumble. She smugly held them to her chest and waltzed back to her room. "Goodnight." She said, his bed sheets still twisted. She heard him cursing her under his breath, but she didn't care.

That night, her scent overwhelmed him. He tossed and turned. He wanted to hate it. His heart ached from old wounds. He wasn't ready to start feeling again for another woman, but it looked like he didn't have a choice. He forced the thoughts from his mind, deciding to count sheep, which he knew was cliché, but it worked. It's nothing, he told himself. He just hadn't spent this much time with someone…not since his ex…. Not very many people were kind to him. That's all this was. She was just nice to him. He cursed how human he felt-the part of himself he had tried to deny most of his life.

-o-o-o-TO BE CONTINUED-o-o-o-