Hello again, lovelies! So good to be back. Needless to say, I'm so glad you all responded so positively to the last chapter. Most of you were surprised by the ending (and pleasantly so, hehe), which I'm thrilled about, since it's exactly what I was going for! I really wanted to do that crucial moment justice, since it's been such a long time coming, but also to the temple scene as well. So thanks as always for your lovely reviews and praise.

Without further ado, here's the next chapter! Enjoy.

Kagome could hear the cicadas chirping from her room.

Her heart hadn't stopped pounding since before she lay on her futon. Her cheeks were so warm. Her eyes were wide and she felt giddy.

She was curled onto her side, but she knew there was little chance of getting enough sleep.

I... I kissed Inuyasha.

No, not even that.

Inuyasha kissed me.

She tossed the covers over her head so that they hid her completely, and kicked her legs in uncontrollable excitement.

Ba-dump. Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

For the hundredth time, Kagome thought back to earlier. They had stood together, kissing in the night under the half-moon, their arms around each other. Inuyasha's long sleeves hung around either side of her body, enfolding her to him, almost as if protecting her. They'd shown no signs of releasing their holds, and Kagome was content with that.

Just then, the sound of hoofs clattering distracted her, and their lips parted, their embrace breaking. Looking towards the sound, they spotted the ox-drawn carts in the distance, and Kagome's heart sank.

Inuyasha had turned to her, his face inscrutable. He looked as though he wanted to tell her something. The blazing look hadn't left his eyes, but now he was anxious again. Kagome was, too: after what had just happened at the temple, what would the villagers do if they saw them together like this? Inuyasha had dealt with enough today as things were. He looked back at the approaching carts, then back at Kagome. She knew he was seeking her thoughts on what they ought to do now. There was still time: no one could have seen them yet; they were too far away.

With hardly any time left, Kagome nodded quickly, reassuring him that it was okay to leave. She mouthed the word go. She made sure to smile, despite how the expression threatened to take over her whole face.

Taking a few deliberate steps back, Inuyasha had nodded to her in turn, then leapt up into the night and vanished within seconds. Kagome was able to get back inside the shrine without anyone noticing. And she'd been replaying the moment in her mind ever since.

Raising a hand to her face, she touched her lips lightly.

Inuyasha's lips had been on hers barely hours ago. Her lips felt warm, which made her feel like the kiss still lingered on them. Her heart gave another funny beat.

She'd never been kissed like that before. The way Inuyasha had done it... it was like there was so much behind it, like there were endless things he was trying to convey to her through that one kiss. She thought back to how he had held her as they stood like that, and she felt her heart racing again. What had possessed him to do that? His lips had been so soft. He was so gentle. It had surprised her. At the same time, it was like he knew exactly what he was doing. He had kissed her with such purpose. Such feeling. He'd given her plenty of time to turn away or change her mind, she had sensed that. He hadn't wanted to do it if Kagome didn't want to as well.

Ironically, Kagome had had no idea that this would happen. She had been caught completely by surprise. But something inside of her had known, had trusted, that Inuyasha would never do anything to hurt her. And on some level, perhaps, when she'd looked at his face, at the longing in his eyes, she could feel what was coming even if she hadn't expected it. In short, she hadn't even known she wanted to do it until it actually happened.

What does this mean now? she thought, her cheeks still warm. Does this mean that Inuyasha... that he... does he...

She shut her eyes and shook her head vigorously, giddy again. She couldn't even bring herself to think the words. She wished they hadn't been cut off so suddenly. Things may have been clearer if they hadn't: they'd have had a chance to talk at least a little. But it was probably for the best. She didn't want Inuyasha to be caught in an incriminating situation of any kind. And he would come back tomorrow, she knew he would. They'd be able to talk then.

Kagome sighed. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

But, as she rolled over under the sheets, she felt a pang of conflict.

All this time, she'd been waiting for Tsuya. She'd hoped for so long that he'd come back. That he'd be the only one to kiss her. He had come back, but so briefly, and now her second hope would no longer remain fulfilled. Kagome tried to gauge how this made her feel. So much had happened today, and so fast, she was confused about her own feelings. Did this mean she no longer cared for Tsuya the way she used to? That didn't seem like the truth. She hadn't had time to sort through any of this. There was only one thing she was certain of, which kept coming back to the surface.

I... I want to kiss Inuyasha again.

Kagome shuddered at the thought, her eyes misting over. They would sort it out tomorrow, she resolved again. Maybe if she got her wish, things would become clearer for her. And that was good enough for now. Rolling over again, she shut her eyes for sleep.

But Inuyasha didn't show up in the morning.

Kagome had risen early and sat outside of the shrine, expecting him to arrive as he often did. But the minutes went by and he showed no signs of appearing. So Kagome went about her duties, figuring that he'd turn up a little later. She started on her rounds of the village, certain that he'd come in time to accompany her on them again. But she completed those rounds without incident. Perplexed, she wondered if he'd run into any trouble.

Feeling a bit hollow, she made her way to the forest, since she needed more herbs around the Bone-Eater's Well again. She was a bit apprehensive going towards the well by herself, considering the incident with Mistress Centipede, but that wasn't what was foremost on her mind. Why wouldn't he come today, especially after what happened last night? It couldn't be that he didn't want to see her, could it?

Upon arriving at the well, she realized she'd not only forgotten her basket, but her bow and arrows as well. She'd been so consumed with her thoughts, she'd left them at the shrine. Well, there was no way she could chance an incident like that again. The centipede's bones still lay at the bottom of the well, and though Kagome had resolved not to let any part of herself touch the well again, she still needed to take every precaution.

She turned back to the shrine to retrieve what she'd forgotten. That very instant, Inuyasha was landing on his feet right in front of her.

Kagome almost staggered back, the force of her heartbeat threatening to tip her over. She had all but given up hope.

Inuyasha stood blinking in front of her, his hair still flowing in the breeze of his own landing. He looked as unsure of what to say as she did.

"Hey," he said at last.

"Hi," Kagome said breathlessly. She couldn't believe how shy she was feeling: she'd never felt as bashful as this before, she was sure of it. How was it possible for him to look even more handsome than usual?

She waited for him to respond, but he didn't. His gaze was fixed on her, but he looked nervous as well, now that she looked at his face carefully. And did he just swallow?

"I thought you'd show up earlier today," Kagome said at last, trying to speak at her usual volume.

He seemed to do a double take. "You did?" he asked.

"Yes, I was worried when you didn't." Why did her voice keep coming out in a whisper.

"Oh." He swallowed again, and averted her eyes. He raised a hand, scratching his head. "Thought you'd be upset."

Kagome blinked. "Wh..why would I be-"

"Nee-chan!"

The words stayed trapped in her throat as they both turned to see Sota running towards them, the usual group of children close behind.

Was there ever a time before this when Kagome was actually disappointed to see Sota? Not that it was seeing Sota that disappointed her, per se, she corrected herself, feeling guilty. It was the fact that he'd had to show up now, when she and Inuyasha were finally getting a chance to talk. Glancing at Inuyasha, Kagome could see that he looked slightly downcast as well.

"Hi Sota," Kagome said, smiling broadly as she hugged her brother.

"I was hoping I'd find you guys here," he said excitedly. "Hey, Inuyasha nii-chan! I heard you were so cool at the temple yesterday. I wish I coulda come with you and nee-chan to give my own testimony. I begged Mom, but she said I wouldn't do you much good."

Inuyasha managed a slight smile. Reaching out, he ruffled Sota's hair. "Don't worry 'bout it," he said. "Your sister had that covered."

Doing her best to avoid looking at him and making it obvious, Kagome blushed heavily.

Sota's pout turned into a smile. "I know, I heard that too. Betcha you'd have wanted me to come if you knew what I would've said, though! In fact," he said excitedly, looking around at his fellow schoolmates, "someone here has something they wanna say to you, too."

The crowd parted, amid hushed murmurings of anticipation, to reveal Chiaki. He was looking pointedly at his feet, looking mightily uncomfortable and pink in the face. Kagome was about to ask him what was wrong, until whispers of "Go on, Chiaki", and "It'll be okay, you'll see!" met her ears.

Chiaki glanced at Sota, who nodded at him eagerly, looking encouraging. Taking a deep breath, he walked up to Inuyasha shakily. Reaching him, he ducked his head in a deep bow.

"I'm sorry," he burst out. "I heard about what my dad said about you yesterday. It's my fault. I told him I was afraid of you before. But I never said you threatened me! I swear. I didn't lie. I just didn't trust you. But then you saved Sota, and then Kagome nee-sama, again. You even offered to let her control you so that we wouldn't have to be scared. I had you all wrong. I'm... I'm sorry, Inuyasha-sama."

Kagome's hand went to her lips, and her eyes misted over. So much growth and maturity from this child! Sota looked up at her proudly, and Kagome gave him another hug. She knew that this was partially his doing.

Inuyasha had been looking at Chiaki as he spoke, wide-eyed and surprised. He clearly didn't know how to respond. And then it suddenly occurred to Kagome: how often had anyone ever apologized to him?

Tentatively, Inuyasha reached out and placed his hand on Chiaki's kid as well. "Get up, kid," he said gruffly. "You don't gotta be this sorry."

Chiaki lifted his head tremulously, peeking up at Inuyasha from beneath his hand. His eyes looked glassy with tears. "You're really not mad?" he wheezed.

"Nah," Inuyasha said breezily. "You're just a kid. God knows I was a moron at your age."

Everyone around them laughed. Chiaki turned even pinker, but this time it wasn't with nerves, but with relief. "I'll tell Papa that you're good and there's nothing to worry about," he gushed excitedly. "And then, I'll... I'll..." he seemingly wracked his brains, trying to come up with the perfect way to repay this kindness, "I'll tell him off for lying about you!"

The kids laughed even harder. Even Kagome had to stifle her giggle behind her hand this time.

"Don't worry so much, Chiaki-kun," she said, walking over to him and stroking his head. "Juro-san was just looking out for your best interests. It's what we all want; Inuyasha, too." She looked up to smile at Inuyasha. Then quickly looked away upon seeing the look he was giving her, her heart speeding up again.

"Well, now that we're all here, I say we should play a game," Sota announced, thankfully oblivious to what had passed between Inuyasha and his sister. "How about hide and seek, guys? We should have time for one round before we have to go back to school!"

The kids tittered, nodding in agreement.

"Now, Sota," Kagome began.

"Aw, nee-chan, please? Everyone else wants to! And I bet Inuyasha nii-chan doesn't mind, right?" He turned to look at Inuyasha eagerly, who looked a bit bewildered.

"Do you... want to play, Inuyasha?" Kagome asked hesitantly. Something occurred to her. "Wait, you might not even know this game," she wondered aloud. "Sorry. I can explain it if you want."

Inuyasha cleared his throat. "I know the game," he said at last. "Just been ages since I played."

"Okay, I'm it!" Sota declared. "I'll count to a hundred. Everyone, get ready to hide!"

"Don't go far," Kagome said hurriedly, as all the kids rushed around in delight, squealing, Sota with his back to them as he counted against the trunk of the tree. "And stay away from the well!"

She lingered for a while, ensuring that all the children hid in safe areas close by. Within just seconds, she was the only one left out in the open. Sota was almost halfway through counting.

Rats, she thought, anxiously. He'll see me.

She scurried deeper into the forest, hoping there'd be a bush she could hide in. She could see clothes of the children's, jutting out here and there behind rocks and branches. All the best hiding places were already taken. Where was Inuyasha? It seemed like he'd vanished the instant Sota started counting. Come to think of it, he would be good at this game. He always disappeared so effortlessly, and she could never find him when he didn't want to be found.

"98... 99... 100! Ready or not, here I come!"

Uh-oh. I'm done for.

As she ran past the trees, panicking, something suddenly snatched her out of the path.

She hadn't time to exclaim in any way. She looked up to see Inuyasha staring down at her. His back was against a thick tree trunk, which was wide enough to shield him even with his fanned-out sleeves. He had pulled her out of the way and out of sight, Kagome realized.

However, though the tree was quite stout, it wasn't big enough to hide them both from view side by side. Which was why the only way they could both hide together was how they were now: Inuyasha standing against the tree, while Kagome was pressed up against him, the arm that had pulled her back now wrapped around her body.

Kagome's heart had started beating a li per minute. She swallowed hard as her cheeks flared, sweat beginning to bead on her forehead.

"Found you, Sayo!" Sota's voice rang in the distance.

The tree's long branches cast shadows over the two of them. But Kagome could still see the redness spread across the bridge of Inuyasha's nose. His eyes bored into hers, and she could see perspiration on the side of his head, too.

Her heart was hammering in her chest; there was no way, Inuyasha couldn't feel it. And yet, he still didn't let go of her waist. His arm felt so protective around her, bizarre though it was to feel this way. He was just trying to help her hide. Why did this position feel so natural, so right?

He smelled so good. So warm. Kagome almost felt woozy. She'd lowered her head for a minute, out of unadulterated shyness so that she'd been only faced with his robe, but now she braved a glance at him again. He hadn't stopped looking at her. She was painfully aware of the thumping in her own chest. But then she realized that it was coming from outside of her, as well.

"There you are, Mayu, Satoru!" Sota was yelling gleefully.

In wonder, she raised a tentative hand and placed it on Inuyasha's chest. To her amazement, his heart was doing the same thing hers was. She barely had time to register this before she heard a sharp intake of breath from him.

Apologetically, she removed her hand from his chest. Had that really affected him so much? She looked at Inuyasha once more. His face looked as red as hers now. He was staring at her as though he couldn't bear to hold still anymore. Hardly in control of herself, Kagome raised herself on her toes, inching even closer to him.

If I could just have one more kiss, she thought eagerly.

She was taken aback when it seemed like Inuyasha was inching his head away from her. Didn't he want to kiss her? He'd wanted to last night for sure. Why did he hold back now?

Kagome lowered herself back on her heels, contrite, ducking her head. She didn't understand her own actions much in this moment, let alone Inuyasha's, but she realized she shouldn't be expecting anything from him. They hadn't even had a chance to talk. For all she knew, he regretted what had happened between them and had no idea what she'd been trying to do just now. It struck her, perhaps for the first time, just how inexperienced she was in all of this, whatever this was.

"Gotcha, Chiaki," Sota was saying triumphantly. Kagome had lost track of how many names he'd called out so far.

To her surprise, she felt Inuyasha's arm tighten just the slightest around her waist. Before she could respond, she could feel him lower his head. His nose brushed against her forehead. She felt him breathe in her hair. Her breath caught in her throat. What was this feeling? What was he doing? She was aware that his hand trembled momentarily. It was like it was all he could do to contain himself. She wished she could see the look on his face right now. She wanted to see him so much. But she didn't want him to stop what he was doing. She didn't want to interrupt him. He continued intermittently nuzzling her brow, his lips occasionally brushing over the top of her head. It was like he was allowing himself to give in momentarily, then holding back all over again. Her hands clutched at his robe, trying to steady herself from falling over, because her legs had all but turned to jelly.

Inuyasha...

"That's all of us! Now, where are nee-chan and Inuyasha nii-chan? They're really good! Let's split up and find 'em, guys."

Kagome gulped. There was no doubt that Inuyasha had heard that. Still, they didn't move. Daring to slightly pull back and glance at Inuyasha, Kagome was faced with the same hard, blazing look in his eyes.

Just one more kiss.

She raised her face and shut her eyes.

"There! I see a white sleeve sticking out behind that tree. It's nee-chan!"

Kagome stumbled out from behind the tree before anyone could approach any further.

"Okay, Sota, you found me!" she laughed breathlessly, doing her best to seem nonchalant. "Game over, then, right? You win."

"Aw, but we still haven't found Inuyasha nii-chan," Sota said, disappointed. "He didn't take off, did he? I thought he knew how to play this game."

"Well," Kagome said, eyes darting to the side. Sure enough, the tree stood innocuously, no one else to be seen. "He might just be really good at it."

The children laughed. "He's the real winner then," Sota said. "It was almost the both of you, nee-chan! We were just about to go back to school, we almost didn't find you, either."

Kagome laughed again. "Hurry back to school, then, Sota. I'll see you and Mama again soon." With a last parting hug, Kagome walked the kids out of the forest and waved them off to school.

As they disappeared, Kagome took a deep breath. She needed it, for what she anticipated was about to happen.

She turned back around, to the Sacred Tree. There, not to her surprise, Inuyasha stood, waiting for her to notice him.

They sat at the base of the Sacred Tree, the Bone-Eater's Well relatively close by. Kagome knelt while Inuyasha sat cross-legged, as he often did. It was still hard to believe how he'd saved her life here not too long ago.

"You said you thought I'd be upset," Kagome said finally. "Why is that?" She was afraid it was because she'd told him to leave last night when the villagers showed up. She'd just been trying to look out for him. She never thought he would have taken it to mean that she didn't want him there.

"Well, y'know," Inuyasha answered. "You said that you already had someone. Figures you wouldn't be happy if anyone other than him... did that."

Kagome blinked. Her mouth dropped open slightly. Why hadn't she thought of that? Somehow, she'd forgotten that Inuyasha knew about Tsuya.

"Oh," she said, warmth rushing to her face. "That's not it at all. I'm not upset with you, Inuyasha."

His eyes flitted to her quickly.

"Really?"

"Yes. In fact I-" she looked away, cheeks warming again. "I... liked it."

Inuyasha did a double-take. He swallowed hard, feeling his face burning. "Don't you... don't you love him?" he said carefully.

He wanted to kick himself. What did he have to gain by asking that question? He was just setting himself up for all kinds of suspicion, not to mention angst.

Kagome frowned slightly. She wanted to be careful about how she answered this. But it was going to be hard to do, considering how she didn't even know if she knew the correct answer.

"The thing is, we met so briefly. We never really had a chance to get to know each other, not properly. If we had, maybe... maybe I'd know for sure. But," she said hurriedly, "but last night, when we were on the way back from the temple. The only thing I could think about was you, Inuyasha. And of how you've always been here for me." She looked at him eagerly, but his face was turned away.

This was so odd, Inuyasha thought. Hearing her words brought him only happiness and triumph. At the same time, the guilt over how little she truly knew ate away at him. What could he do to dispel all of that? He felt like he would do anything, but maybe it was best for her that he remained guilty and she remained in the dark.

"Can... can I ask you something?" Kagome asked timidly.

"Anything you want."

"Why... why did you do that?" she whispered.

At this, Inuyasha turned back to face her. Her lashes were lowered on very red cheeks as she awaited his answer. She looked positively angelic.

Why, indeed. The better question was, how could he not have? As his eyes roamed over her precious face, he played back the memories of yesterday. Of how she'd stood there, before perhaps the most powerful people that she was answerable to, and defended him unflinchingly. He'd watched her unbridled passion in her words, how she didn't waver once as she said she trusted him-him!-with her life. She wasn't wrong to, since, although he couldn't pinpoint exactly when, he'd already resolved that he would protect Kagome with everything he had. But what had he done to deserve such loyalty? He was a half-demon. And she didn't even know. He was deceiving her. He wasn't worthy of her.

But then, when she'd declared in front of everyone that she wouldn't let them place those Beads of Subjugation on him... Inuyasha was nothing if not honest with himself. He knew his own mind. He had loathed the idea of allowing them to put those on his person. After losing his mother and the only home he'd known, all he'd ever had was his freedom, after all. But if that was the only way that those people would regain some confidence back in Kagome and stop giving her such a hard time... he'd been prepared to accept it. If she was the only one who would wield this control over him, he could trust that she wouldn't abuse it. And maybe someday, the enchantment could be lifted. But then, when he heard her risk all of her credibility and respect for him, when she point-blank refused to allow anyone to bind him so! It was all he could do to stand there behind her once she'd uttered those words and not scoop her into his arms then and there.

And after it was all over, she'd turned around and announced that she wanted him to take her home... As they journeyed back to the village, her lovely scent had clouded his senses as she'd held him. He felt her wrap her arms around him and press herself close. These were definitely gestures that she was choosing to do: she had not had to touch him so tenderly. He couldn't have parted ways with her without at least saying something, anything, to acknowledge how much it had all meant to him.

Then as they faced each other, his eyes roved over her form. Her large, deep, warm tea-brown eyes. Her mouth, that beautiful mouth, which had just spoken the best things he'd ever heard anyone say about him. He knew that if he lingered, he'd probably do something stupid that she wouldn't like. So, as had become his go-to response, he'd taken off. But he'd only gotten as far as the trees. From the branches, he looked back. He could see her standing there still. She hadn't gone inside. He watched as she walked a few steps from where he'd left her, and stared up into the sky, at the moon. What was she thinking about? Had she wanted him to stay? He wanted to ask her. But what if she wanted to be alone?

Inuyasha couldn't make up his mind, so he watched her longer. She didn't move from her spot. Bizarrely, he wondered if she was waiting for something to happen. And then it occurred to him that he would forever regret it if he let her stay out there alone any longer. She couldn't go inside without knowing he was still there. He went back. She hadn't heard him land behind her at first. He stood there for almost a minute before she turned and saw him. He was nervous. He didn't even know what he'd come back here to do.

But then Kagome smiled, and it took his breath away. She was happy to see him. She was happy. And then it was as if his body knew what to do, even if he didn't. Every move he made towards her was welcomed by her smile. She didn't pull back from him. She waited for him. She even tilted her head up to him. And kissing her felt like the easiest, most natural, most right thing to do. Holding her precious, warm body. Kissing her beautiful mouth, which he couldn't look away from even now.

"There was nothing else I could do that would've expressed what I wanted to," Inuyasha said at last.

"So... so it was a way for you to thank me, then?" Kagome said helpfully.

Inuyasha sighed. "More than that. I was grateful, sure, but that was only part of it. I dunno. I'm not great with words, Kagome."

"You aren't that bad," Kagome said gently. "You're much better than you used to be when we first met."

If you only knew. "Anyway. I'm sorry if I've... confused you."

"No, don't be, Kagome insisted. "Actually," she went on, blushing furiously, "I wanted to ask you something. I wanted to ask if we could... do it again."

Inuyasha's eyes widened, and she watched as his face crimsoned to match hers. So, that was what she'd been trying to do while they'd hid behind the tree earlier?

Oh God, I can't believe I said it! He must think she was so weird.

"Just so it could clear things up for me," she said quickly. "That way, I might... might have a better answer to your question from before."

She waited with bated breath. Inuyasha cleared his throat. Well, he was one lucky bastard, wasn't he. All he had to do now was kiss her again. Every part of his body roared in victory and assent at Kagome's request. But he knew he didn't deserve to fulfill it. He was a scoundrel and a liar. Her heart was pure, honest and kind. He had no right to sway it, not like this. But she was still waiting for an answer.

He gave a shuddering sigh and looked away. "I'm not sure it's a great idea."

"Oh." Kagome felt crestfallen. "Even just... one kiss?"

He fixed her with his golden gaze, catching her off-guard with its intensity as he often did. He debated on whether to respond to this, because he could only do it with the truth.

"I won't be able to stop at just the one."

Kagome flushed, if possible, even more wildly at this.

"Oh." Her voice was barely a whisper now. She fidgeted incessantly with her hands. She noticed Inuyasha catching sight of this, and that he smiled slightly at her actions. One kiss, two, or three, what difference did it make, after all? "Well," she said, emboldened by his answer, "um. I'm sure that if I asked you to, you'd stop. Right?"

Inuyasha nodded.

"Then," Kagome said bravely, "then, if you're okay with it, then I..."

Inuyasha's eyes widened again. The bridge of his nose started reddening as before. "Are you... sure?"

There was a hunger in his gaze that he couldn't disguise. To her delight, Kagome realized that he was going to agree. "Yes," she said softly, her heart speeding up.

Oh, the hell with it. He couldn't say no to Kagome. And he didn't want to, either. So what if it was only to get closure for the man she believed was human, and not for him, Inuyasha, the man she knew as a demon? She deserved anything she wanted. So what if he just so happened to want to kiss her, too?

He shifted towards her so that he faced her properly. Kagome did the same, padding closer onto her palms, looking determined. Her heart wouldn't stop pounding. This was crazy. It wasn't as if she'd never kissed anyone before; she'd done so much more than that. It wasn't even like she'd never kissed him before! So why did it feel like it would be the first time? Why was everything feeling so... new?

Inuyasha leaned in so that his face was inches from hers. What should I do with my hands, she thought, suddenly panicked. They were just in her lap as she knelt. But Inuyasha gently took her face in his hands, and her nerves began to ebb away. She looked into the warm, beautiful eyes she trusted. And all of a sudden, it struck her again that this felt so real. This felt so right. Whatever happened after this, she realized that there was nowhere she'd rather be in the world than right here, like this, with Inuyasha.

She closed her eyes. She felt Inuyasha's lips just barely come into contact with hers.

"Welcome back, High Priestess Kaede!"

Both Inuyasha and Kagome bolted upright and broke apart, Kagome even falling over onto her side. Her face flushed with embarrassment, she struggled to get to her feet, hoping no one had seen. Thankfully, Inuyasha reached over and pulled her up by the hand. She got up just in time to see a trail of villagers rushing over to a carriage nearby, out of which Kaede was being helped.

Glancing at Inuyasha, she saw that he was scratching his head again, eyes pointed to his toes as she was starting to learn he tended to do when nervous or caught off-guard, as rare as that was.

She cleared her throat. "Should... we?" She knew there was no chance of resuming what they'd attempted to do, not with so many onlookers. Besides, Kagome had absently wondered all morning when Kaede would return, and had hoped that all was well.

Inuyasha nodded readily. "Sure."

They made their way through the crowd to greet Kaede, who was accompanied by Rikichi.

"Welcome home, baa-chan," Kagome said cheerfully. "Was your journey comfortable?"

"Indeed," Kaede said, nodding in joint thanks and farewell to Rikichi, as she, Kagome and Inuyasha began making their way to the shrine together. She drew a familiar silk pouch from her sleeve, handing it to Kagome. "That's for ye," she said briskly. "They purified it through the night just for good measure."

Kagome nodded gratefully, stowing the Jewel away in her own sleeve. It came to her that this was the longest she'd ever been parted from it since receiving it. In fact, it was the first time since she'd become the Shikon Miko that she hadn't been able to sense it nearby at all times. It was a peculiar feeling. She realized that not once had she thought of, much less missed the Shikon Jewel the whole time it had been away from her. Should she feel guilty about that? There wasn't time to mull that over right now, at any rate.

"Did everything go well with the Council, baa-chan?" she asked warily.

"Let me get my bearings," Kaede said heavily. "I have much to tell both of ye once I am ready."

Inuyasha and Kagome glanced at each other, then looked away. Kagome hoped nothing betrayed what had happened between them earlier. Kaede, for one, had looked completely unfazed to see them approaching her together. It was as though she'd expected it now.

Once they reached the shrine, they waited on the steps for her. Presently, Kaede emerged, and before long, they were all sitting much like they had after Mistress Centipede's attack: with Kaede kneeling before Kagome and Inuyasha, who sat side by side.

"The Council deliberated for a long time," Kaede began. "They concluded once more that the Jewel must not be taken from ye, Kagome. So we can be assured of that much."

Kagome nodded, though something told her that there had been at least one dissenting voice about that. "What else did they say?" she said, hoping that the matter of forcing Inuyasha to leave had been put to rest.

"Listen very carefully to me, Kagome," Kaede said gravely. "I've always thought it remarkable that ye have such an affinity with the Jewel. No priestess has ever been able to purify it so well. The Holy Council could see this straight away. They examined it further, and we discussed things well into the night. And it has become clear that Shikon no Tama has formed an unusual attachment to ye."

Kagome's breath caught in her throat. "Formed... an attachment to me?"

"Yes. It is for this reason that Mistress Centipede was able to revive just by coming into contact with ye. For an instant, ye served as a conduit for the Jewel's power, due to the bond that has been growing between ye two."

"Hold on," Inuyasha said suddenly, as Kagome swallowed hard. "You're makin' it sound like the Jewel's a person or something. Like it's got feelings."

Kaede drew in a long sigh. "It is clear to those of us familiar with the Jewel's history that it is not merely a lifeless object. They call it the Jewel of Four Souls with good reason. Within the Jewel, a battle between good and evil rages on endlessly. This is why miko throughout the centuries have striven to purify it. For as long as the Jewel is pure, Naohi has the upper hand over Magatsuhi. Kagome, your powers of purification seem to have awoken something within the Jewel that had not previously been observed in living memory."

"Does... does that mean it's a good thing that the Jewel's become attached to me?" Kagome said slowly.

"We cannot say for certain. What is clear, Kagome, is that the Jewel wants to be with ye. Only time will tell which part of it is drawn to ye the most, and why. Whether Naohi or Magatsuhi... I do not know."

Kagome's temples throbbed, and she reached up to press a hand against them. "Are we any closer to purifying it for good, Kaede baa-chan?" she asked wearily.

"For good?" Inuyasha asked, his ears pricking as he watched Kagome's fatigued face. "There's a way to do that?"

"I'm sure ye would be none too pleased about that, Inuyasha, considering that ye had been vying for it when ye first appeared here," Kaede said dryly. Inuyasha coughed in embarrassment and looked away. He supposed he shouldn't be showing so much interest in the fate of the Jewel just yet.

Thankfully, Kagome hadn't appeared to have heard. She exhaled loudly. "Baa-chan, back at the Council yesterday. You said that my purification was stronger whenever I'd been with Inuyasha. Did you really mean that?"

"Yes," Kaede said solemnly. "I cannot explain why for certain, child. But I have seen it firsthand. Every time ye have worked on the Jewel right after seeing Inuyasha, it is purer than it usually is. Not that this the reason for your affinity with it, Kagome. I believe that, along with the Jewel's current state, is very much a cumulative effect of your powers. But it cannot be denied that Inuyasha bears some responsibility for it."

Kagome turned to look at Inuyasha speechlessly. Her expression was one of wonder, and there was no indication that this revelation brought her any grief. It mirrored quite well how Inuyasha was feeling himself.

"So what does this mean, then?" he asked at last. "Do they still want me outta here?"

"Not just yet," Kaede answered. "They decided that they would send an envoy here to the village every so often, to monitor the happenings and ensure that your presence was not creating more havoc than stability. They are not yet fully convinced that ye are safe for the Jewel. They think it wise to keep an eye on ye for as long as ye stay here."

"Right," Inuyasha laughed dryly, "and I bet that at the first sign of any trouble from me, they'd come for my hide, is that it? Hope you know I ain't gonna take that lying down."

He had a nasty feeling about that one priestess in the dark navy robes. He wouldn't have been surprised if she was the one they'd decided to send. Not that he planned on starting anything, but if she threw the first punch, Inuyasha fully intended to respond in kind. Just thinking about her sneering face and she'd gone out of her way to demean Kagome filled him with anger. It had taken all his restraint not to shut up her taunts back then. He knew it would only make things worse for Kagome.

"Please, Inuyasha," came Kagome's small voice. "Don't think like that. I'm sure they're doing everything they can to make all this easier for us."

Kaede smiled approvingly as Kagome reached over and gently placed a hand on Inuyasha's shoulder. "They won't make you leave if I can help it," she promised. "I haven't forgotten that you still have unfinished business here, after all."

She gave him a smile, but Inuyasha couldn't miss how careworn it looked now, as opposed to the smiles she'd been giving him all day long. It tore at him to see her so troubled.

"Well," she went on, retrieving the pouch from her sleeve. "It'll be dark soon. Guess I'd better go purify the Jewel, then. Thanks for everything, Kaede baa-chan."

There's no end to this, after all. There never will be. She'd enjoyed a brief respite of less than a day. Now it was back to reality without any more fantasies.

Kagome rose to her feet heavily and disappeared into the shrine. Inuyasha watched after her, unmoving and unblinking, for minutes, well after she'd disappeared. He thought of all that had transpired over the last few days. Over the last few months. He replayed Kaede's words in his head. Everything kept coming back to the same image: of Kagome, looking up at him with trust in her eyes, time and time again. Of Kagome's carefree smile, the handful of times he'd been able to see it, and he realized how important it had become to him to keep seeing it there in her lovely face. No matter what it cost.

Finally, he tore his eyes away from the shrine, and back to Kaede. He got to his feet and walked towards her purposefully.

The old woman had been watching him silently herself. There was no animosity nor trepidation in her face whatsoever. She was dead calm. As though she knew better than he what he was about to say.

"I'm telling her, Kaede."

I haven't been hearing from some of my regular readers lately. I'd love to know that you're all right, and still here! Hope everyone enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you in the next one ^.^