Every Heart( An InuYasha Fan fic Revived)

[Xhaiden]

Yay! I found it again!!





Every Heart
By: Rho



I do not own any of these characters?.Sadly?They are all the property of Rumiko the Queen of Anime



Chapter 1 Kagome?s dream



Snowflakes fell softly towards the cold damp earth, tiny diamonds of ice that glisten in the dimming sun. A young girl walked calmly through the snow, her green pants and white coat illuminating her form in the vast whiteness. Her long black hair flowed behind her; eyes of warm brown gazed peacefully ahead. Snow covered houses lined the sidewalk, an occasional car wizzing past, forcing her to shield her face from the wind.
?Hey Kagome! Wait up!? A young man called, running to catch up with her.

?Hojou-Kun?? She asked turning to face him and he slid to a stop in front of her.

He was taller then her, his short light brown hair waved lightly in the wind. He smiled happily, looking down at her with his green oculars.

?Hey Kagome?uh I know you probably don?t feel well enough but?. Maybe we could got do something tomorrow?like maybe finally go see a movie?? He asked.

?Tomorrow? Well?I don?t think I?m doing anything?..why not?.?She said finally, giving him her best fake smile.

?Alright!! See ya then!!? He exclaimed racing off.

??..Oh boy??She muttered under her breath.: Sheesh?.when will he give it up?.: She thought, continuing home.

: Gosh! It?s hard to believe that it has been a whole month since I have seen Inu-Yasha!: She thought. :I wonder if he misses me at all?.: She pondered, walking cautiously up the steps to the shrine, for fear of ice.

She walked a crossed the cement walkway that her younger brother Sota had cleared earlier.

?Mom! Grandpa, Sota! I?m home!? She called sliding open the door to her house,the warm air rushing out to greet her.

?Hmmm?.?She looked around closing the door behind her. :Must not be back from Sota?s school yet?..:She thought, slipping off her shoes and walking upstairs. :Thank the Goddess that it?s finally Christmas break!: She thought happily, opening the door to her room. She stopped suddenly, hearing a noise.

?Snore?peanut nutter butters?..snore!? A little voice muttered. A small furry ball sat on her bed, snoring lightly. She flipped on the light and it leapt from it?s sleep.

?Shippou!? What are you doing here?? She asked rushing over to the bed. He stood up, rubbing his green eyes werily, his tail twitching lightly. ?Kagome!!? He exclaimed leaping into her arms, nuzzling her lovingly. ?I missed you Kagome!? He explained, looking up at her.
?I missed you too Shippou??She replied hugging the little Kitsune. ?Where is Inu-Yasha?? She asked sitting down on the bed. ?As far as I know he?s still in that tree of his grumbling!? He replied sitting on her lap. ?Oh?..? Kagome said scratching his head. :I wonder what he?s up to?:She thought.

?Stupid snow??A angry voice grumbled.
A young man, (From what it looked like) Sat on the branch of a large tree, his red fire rat Haori rustling in the wind. Long silver hair drapped around his shoulders, harsh goldenrod oculars stared ahead in aggravation. :Curse the gods!: He thought angrily, silver dog ears swiveling atop his head. He pulled out a small green cloth from his robe, holding it gently in his clawed hands. :Kagome?: He thought, sniffing it deeply, taking in her scent.

?Keh?..Who needs that stupid girl!?? He yelled in anoyance, tossing the cloth at the ground. He watched it tumble towards the ground, eyeing it werily. :Curses?.:He growled, scrambling down the tree and snatching it up before it hit the ground. He sighed, stuffing it back into his kimono. It had been at least a month since he had been out of that tree, holding the cloth the whole time. His stomach growled at him angrily.

??.man?I could use some food?.?He said, rubbing his stomach.

?I bet that old Hag has something???He smirked, rushing off at top speed, bounding high into the air, leaping into the trees. He jumped from branch to branch, gaining speed. The village appeared ahead as the tree parted into a clearing. He leapt from his forest, running down the hill, his hair whipping wildly behind him. He jumped a crossed the large field of rice patty that had frozen over by now, landing hard on the other side. He jumped onto the roof of a wooden hut nearby, not wanting to be spotted by any humans. He moved quickly acrossed the rooftops, moving silently. He stopped at a rather large hut, leaping down to the ground. He crept up to the wooden door, poking his head inside. The scent of incense tickled his nose, engulfing him in warmth. :Ack!: He thought, covering his face. He tiptoed silently acrossed the room, the door shutting quietly behind him. ?And may I help Ye, Lord Inu-Yasha? ?A old raspy voice asked, a huddled form coming into view. ?How did you know it was me?!? He exclaimed.

?Ye smell could kill?..? She said stepping closer. She was a small stout old woman, her right eye covered with a black patch. She wore a traditional priestess kimono, her long gray hair bound tightly in a ponytail. ?Hey! I took a bath??.a month ago?.?He growled.

? Aye!?.What am I to do with ye?? She asked. ?An I bet ye want fed too?? She asked, crossing her arms.

?And why would I accept food from you?? He asked cockily.

?There be a stew over yonder there?.? She sighed, smirking lightly.

?Huh? Yeah!? He exclaimed, rushing over to a cast iron pot that hung over a small fire. He grabbed the lid, burning his hand. He merely ignored it, he was too hungry.

?Inu-Yasha?..Ye may need this?? The old woman said, dangling a bowl in front of his nose.

?Yeah, Yeah, Yeah?.?He grumbled snatching it from her and pouring himself a bowl.

He plopped down beside the fire, gulping down his stew hungrily. She watched him, rather amused, sitting down acrossed from him. He got himself another bowl, licking his lips.

?So Inu-Yasha?.How long have ye be holed up in that tree?? She asked. ??Oh?about a month?.?He said, eating happily.

??.Ye miss her don?t ye??She said, eyeing him curiously. ?Keh! Me miss that wench?! No way!? He growled. ??.Ah?.I see??She said with a chuckle. ??.Say?.Kaede?..Isn?t she supposed to come back soon?? He asked curiously. ??Aye?.Yes she is?. Tomarrow ye are to go and fetch her?.? She replied. ?I resent that?.? The dog demon said, slurping down the rest of his stew. ?Bath??Now?? Kaedea commanded. ?What? Are you frickin nuts!? It freezing out there!? He exclaimed. ?Aye! Ye be simple child! There be a tub in the back?.Fill it with water an light the fire beneath it??She said. ?I am not a child! As a matter of fact I happen to be twice your age?.?He said, sticking his nose up in the air. ?Ye look like ye be 18 an ye act like ye be three now get in that tub!? She commanded. ?Whatever??He grumbled, sulking into the next room. He sat watching the flames beneath the tub dance, his goldenrod eyes reflecting their warm embrace. : It?s been horrible without Kagome here?..but?.It?s gunna be worse then going to the seven hells put together when she is here?.: He thought. Her scent alone was enough to drive him mad, let alone her looks and her voice. Every day he is around her his control seems to slip just a little, as if once he is sure he can handle it, she merely smiles at him and his control shatters into a million pieces. ?Inu-Yasha! Ye had best be in that tub!!? Kaedea yelled from the other room. ?Oh give it a rest ya old Hag!!!!? He growled angerily. ?Aye! Why must I be stuck with such a arrogant Hanyou?? She muttered to her self. :?..:He shrugged off his robes, slipping into the warm water. His tense muscles relaxed slightly, his even gaze full of unrest. :Curse the Gods?.this must be some cruel joke?.I can?t stand to be around her but yet?.I need her?..:He thought, A little voice in his head teasing him. : Soon the nightmare will be over and I won?t be alone anymore..:
Kagome walked downstairs, Shippou perched on her shoulder. The smell for the kitchen enticing his hunger. ?Mmmm! That smells good!? He exclaimed, leaping down onto a little pillow beside Kagome?s. ?Did you have a nice nap little one?? Kagome?s mom asked the little Kitsune. ?Yeah! But I always sleep better when Kagome?s around!? He replied, eating happily. Kagome smiled at him, blushing lightly. After dinner she walked up towards her room, Shippou in her arms. He glanced around excitedly, trying to get a better look at his surroundings. She plopped down on her bed, figuring Inu-Yasha would be early and she wanted to get at least one good night of sleep. ?Hey Shippou?.what have you guys been up to since I left?? She asked curiously. ?Not much?.Miroku got tired of waiting and went off to find a shard dragging Sango along with him. I stayed with Inu-Yasha, I didn?t want to leave him alone?.well anyway like I said he spent the whole time in that tree staring into space like a zombie!? He explained, prancing around the bed with his arms stretched out in front of him making zombie noises. ?Shippou hahaha!? She laughed tossing a pillow at him. ?Hahaha!!? He laughed. ?We better get to sleep?I have a feeling Inu-Yasha will be here early??She said laying down. ?Aww?..?Shippou whined, laying down beside her. She pulled up her covers, the little Kitsune cuddling up in her arms. ?Goodnight..? She said. ?Night?..mommy?..?He muttered before dozing off. ?Huh?? She looked down at him curiously. :Probley just misses her..: She thought, letting sleep take her??..

* Kagome climbed out of the well, into the warm sunlight. Glowing blue butterflies fluttered around her, beautiful flowers bloomed throughout the meadow. She sat on the edge of the wooden well, looking around. She had been in this clearing many times before?but for some reason this time was different?..She felt someone watching her, glancing around nervously. She spotted a pair of goldenrod eyes in the shadows.? Inu-Yasha?? She asked stepping forwards. ?No??you?re??Se?.Sesshomaru!? She stuttered, backing off, but ran into something hard behind her. A evil laugh echoed from behind her, her eyes wide with fear. She turned, facing him, a wide smirk on his face. ?I have come for two things?..?He chuckled, grabbing her wrist. ?Ahh!? She exclaimed. ?The Shikkon no Tama?.and??you??He sneered. ?Let go!? She yelled breaking free and running away from him, her legs going as fast as they could carry her. He was too quick for her, pinning her against a tree. ?Hahaha! I love it when you put up a fight! It makes you even more attractive!? He laughed., stroking her face with his claws.* ?Ahhhhh!!!!!? She screamed leaping up from her sleep, her body covered in a cold sweat, her heart pounding furiously. She burst into tears, pulling her knees up to her cheast. Shippou was sound asleep on her pillow mumbling about peanut nutter butters again. She felt it then, someone watching her. She glanced over to see a pair of Golden eyes shine. ?Uhh!? She yelped scooting to the other side of the bed. ?What? What is it?? A familiar voice asked. ?Inu-Yasha? ?She asked. ?Well who else would it be?? He asked stepping closer to her bed. ?Oh thank the gods!? She sighed relived, throwing her arms around his waist, tears streaming down her face. ?Ya mind fillin me in here?? He asked. ?Oh ?.sorry?.?She said, now feeling embarrassed. She released him, wiping her face. ?It was just a bad dream?..? She said, looking down at the bed. ?Sounded more then just a bad dream to me?.? He muttered, sitting down beside her. He sensed her fear, it washed over him like a tidal wave, nearly knocking him over. He wiped a lone tear from her cheek. She blushed uncontrollably, staring up at him. ?Uhh!? He relised what he had done and quickly pulled away, toying with his sleeve. ?I.. um.. Uh?I.. Was just?. ehh?.? He stuttered, scratching the back of his head. ? Inu-Yasha?..? She said softly, putting her hand on his shoulder. ?Huh?? He looked at her, his eyes quivering. ? Thanks??She said softly, smiling at him. :Curses!: He thought, his mouth agape, his defenses crashing to the ground in a firey boom. ?I?.don?t think I?ve ever seen you that afraid before?that?s all?.? He stated, satisfied with his recovery. ??It was?.Sesshomaru?..? She whispered. ?What!? Why would you dream about that?that?? He growled clutching his fist angerily, gritting his fangs. ??I don?t know??She whimpered, tears fighting to be released. ?What?.What happened?? He asked softly, her eyes making him melt. ? I?I was in your time?.and he was there?at the well?.He??She stopped, her voice breaking. ?It?s ok?.? He said pulling her onto his lap, not really sure what to do. She hugged him tightly, burying her face in his robe. He stroked her matted hair gently, trying to calm her, when actually it was driving him mad. Her scent danced around him, driving him to near insanity, teasing him. But he dared not to listen to the little voice in his head, his instincts trying to overpower him. :She?s gunna say it! She?s gunna say it!: The voice taunted in a sing song tone. :Shutup!!: He thought to himself. He cradled her gently. ?Sniff?.Inu-Yasha ??he?he told me?he wanted two things?..the Shikkon no tama and?..he??She whispered clutching his fire rat kimono, not able to say the other. ? Shh?.it?s alright?.I won?t let that Bastard get to you?.? He whispered, rocking her gently. She looked up at him through her tears, brushing her hair from her face. He stared back at her with his golden orbs that seemed to errupt into flame. His rage pulsed through his entire body, his anger peaking. He didn?t have to be told about the other thing, he already knew. : Why do I care? It?s just some dumb dream. And besides I could care less about Her.: He thought, but that was a lie and he knew it. It pained him to see her like this, to see her cry. ?Thank you Inu-Yasha?. But?I never took you for the sentimental type??She said,smiling jokingly. ?Me either?.?He replied. She hugged him tighter, as if afraid he would leave. Inu-Yasha blushed lightly, wanting to leap away but at the same time wanting to stay, to hold her. ? You better get some sleep?? He replied. ?You smell good?.did you take a bath?? She asked pulling away from him. ?Huh??The old Hag made me??He growled. ?Hahaha!? She laughed.: She can tell? She knows what I smell like? I didn?t think humans could do that?: He thought. She crawled back under the covers, snuggling next to Shippou.: So that?s where that dumb Kitsune has been?figures?.:He growled silently. Shippou scooted closer to her, curling up in her arms. A dark look crossed his face but he pushed it away.? Goodnight?..Inu-Yasha?..? Kagome mumbled before drifting to sleep again. ?Goodnight?..? He whispered, tucking the covers tightly around them. He walked over to the corner, plopping down, crossing his arms and legs. : There is no way I?m letting that baka brother of mine have Kagome.: He thought, watching her steady breathing. He had made a promise that he would protect her no matter what and he planned to keep it. He watched over her all night, straying to her bedside every now and then to watch her. He even stood atop her roof above her window watching. Jellousy plagued him all night, fueling his rage. :Why doesn?t she ever have dreams about me?: He thought.

((A/N: I am too lazy to use spaces right now...I will next chapter......sleepy sleepy sleepy))

 

[Xhaiden]

Chapter 2 Back to the Past??.again??.

?Curiosity killed the cat?..err?.Dog?.? A familiar flea chimed in.

Kagome awoke to the sound of a soft growl, she glanced over to see Inu-Yasha sound asleep. He was spralled out on the floor, his chest rising and falling with each deep breath, a peaceful look on his face.

:He must have been up all night?.:She thought. She took a blanket and covered his shivering form gently. He snuggle up inside of it, sighing lightly.

??I?ll?get?you?Sessho?.maru?..?He mumbled. She smiled lightly at him.

:He accually looks cute when he?s asleep?.: She thought, walking into her bathroom quietly. She slid the door closed, walking over to the shower. The sound of running water hummed lightly over the rising steam, Inu-Yasha?s ears twitching lightly.

?What on earth is that annoying sound?? He growled, his eyes fluttering open. He noticed that he had been covered up, cocking his head curiously. He crawled to his feet silently, creeping towards the sound, his curiosity overwhelming him. He poked his head inside the door, peering around. The strange tan colored tiles and fuzzy floor baffled him about as much as the strange array of objects. The room was filled with steam, carrying Kagome?s scent, making him all the more curious. Her form came into view through the mist, behind some sort of plastic curtain. He looked skeptically at the scene before him, obviously his first encounter with a shower. He crept closer, trying to figure out what was going on, the little annoying voice trying to warn him.

: She?s gunna say it!! Get outta there before it?s too late!!: It yelled.

He moved the thin curtain, slightly with his claw peaking inside. Kagome stood beneath some sort of waterfall, her bare skin making him blush uncontrollably.

?Huh?? She opened her eyes, feeling someone watching her.

?Eh!? He backed away quickly, trying to hide.

Too late?.

?Uh oh!!!? He exclaimed.

:I told you!: The little voice said in a sing song tone.

?Ahhh! SIT BOY!!!!!? She exclaimed.

?AHHHHHHH!!!!! Oof! Oww?.? He yelled, the necklace around his neck pulling him to the floor like a ton of bricks.

He groaned in pain, crawling away as fast as he could.

:Why don?t I ever listen?: He asked himself rubbing his face. He felt the blood rush to his cheeks, his eyes wide with shock. Kagome panted heavily, wrapping a towel around her. Her face flushed with embaresment, her wet skin shining dimly in the light from the ceiling.

:Oh?my god?.that?.pervert!?..he could have just been curious about the shower: A little voice in her mind chimed. :Yeah?.right?..as if Inu-Yasha wanted to see me! Please?.he hates me!: She concluded, slipping on her new winter kimono. Her mother had made it for her for Christmas but she gave it to her early. The top was dark blue dotted with sequined snowflakes, the pants black. She dried her hair quickly, walking out into her room.

Inu-Yasha sat beside her bed, a dazed look on his face. :Curses?: He thought. He looked over at her, cocking his head curiously at her wearing his usual dark expression. Shippou sat up, rubbing his eyes drowily.

?Inu-Yasha? When did you get here?? He asked.

???.? Inu-Yasha?s eyes never left Kagome, looking over her new outfit. The sequines and rhinestones mesmerizing him, as he glanced at her.

?Hello!? Shippou chimed happily to Kagome.

?Good morning !? She replied, scratching his head lovingly. :Why does he get all of the attintion!? Stupid fox?..: Inu-Yasha sulked.

?Are we leaving yet?? He asked impatantly.

??.?She looked at him, her face was still red with embaressment.

?Oh!?.uh?I?m sorry bout that???He added rubbing his head, his eyes glued to the floor. She plopped down on the bed, Shippou climbing onto her lap instantly, clinging to her like a child would it?s mother. Her scent had changed overnight, it was deeper? more intense then usual, it?s pureness calling to Inu-Yasha.

:That??smell??is she?: He thought.

?Don?t worry about it??She replied. He had to force his face to remain normal.

?Well are we going or not?? She asked, slinging a green pack over her shoulder. It was much smaller then her usual massive yellow one.

?Anxous are we?? He asked.

?Yes I am accually??I?ve missed you guys?and I kinda missed the past too!? She said, smiling happily. Shippou leapt onto his head.

?Yay! We?re together again!!? He exclaimed happily.

?Yeah, Yeah, yeah?.? Inu-Yasha grumbled.

? Oh come on Inu-Yasha! You know you missed me!? She said jokingly, poking him playfully. ?Eh!? He leapt away a step.

?Please! Why would I miss a stupid girl like you!?? He exclaimed, Kagome smirking happily at his remark.

?Come on!? He growled, grabbing her by the hand.

She blushed lightly, his grasp was firm but gentle. He opened her window, the cold air rushing in, as he pulled her onto his back. He leapt out into the air, Kagome gripping his shoulders tightly, Shippou holding onto his ears. He landed on the snow covered ground, bounding quickly, his legs moving faster then the eye. He leapt over a small building, sliding to a stop in front of an old shrine. He felt Kagome tense on his back, as he opened the old wooden doors. He stepped silently inside, jumping down the steps of the well house. The damp musky air surrounded them. She clung to him, her eyes filled with fear, staring at the old wooden well in front of them.

?Ready?? Inu-Yasha asked.

?As ready as I?ll ever be??She said, pushing away her fear.

He leapt over the side, falling into a multitude of colors, that danced around them as they spiraled downwards towards a brilliant white light at the bottom. He landed softly, hitting the bottom of the well. Snake like vines crawled up the stone sides of it, butterflies floating around it?s mouth. He crouched in the center of the well, taking in the familiar scents of the area. The fragrent smells of the forest filled his lungs, Kagome?s scent like a perfume, it?s tangy, yet sweet smell tickling his senses. He could smell her fear as her grip on his shoulders tightened. He leapt up into the daylight, the damp air rushing to greet their return.

Shippou ran happily through the meadow of fresh snow, dancing around in utter glee. Kagome smiled at the little kit as Inu-Yasha landed in his usual crouching position, glancing around the clearing. She slid off his back, taking a few steps forward. Her eyes trembled, tears collecting in them, a smile spreading on her lips.

: I?m ?back? Finally? after all this time I am back!: She thought, her gaze lifting to the sky of endless blue, sunlight streaming down through the trees, melting snow dripping off the leaves.

? What?s wrong now?? He asked, standing up, his hand crossing in opposite sleeves over his chest.

??nothing?.? She whimpered softly, facing him, a rouge tear escaping.

?Huh?? He looked at her in disbelief.

? I?m?just so happy?..ha ha ha!? She laughed smiling at him, whipping the tear from her cheek.

? I?just thought I would never see this place again?.I guess? It?s more like my home then my own time?.?She said. : She accually likes it here? I thought she hated this time?: He thought.

?Keh! Yeah, yeah, yeah! The sooner we get the rest of the jewel the better?.? He snarled as a cover up, one of his better ones.

She merely smirked at his remark, used to his rude comebacks he loved so much. Shippou leapt into her arms, climbing up onto her shoulder, nestling in her hair. Kagome began walking towards the large shadowed tree that rose up above all of the others in the heart of the forest. The familiar aura of it?s magic danced in the sky, a aura that only her eyes could see. Inu Yasha followed straying to her side, eyeing the surrounding forest.

He felt a soft, warm hand take his, delicate fingers entwining with his. He looked over at Kagome, confused and shocked. She stared straight ahead, her black hair flowing around her shoulders.

??.? He turned away from her, unable to look at her any longer, diverting his attintion towards the trees.

Her smile brightened at his response, amused by it from what he could gather. She released his hand casually, letting it fall to her side again. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted her smile, and couldn?t help but smirk at her innocence. They came to the tree, it?s now dead looking massive roots outstretched across the ground before sinking deep into the earth. It?s barren branches covered in glistening snow and ice, Inu Yasha?s favorite perch in the upper branches seeming untouched by the ice.

?it?s beautiful?..? Kagome whispered, staring at the large ancient tree.

??.Keh!?It?s just some old tree?.? He growled.

:Yeah?.it kinda is?: He added.

 

[Xhaiden]

Chapter 3 Snowball fight

? Inu Yasha doesn?t have a snowball?s chance in heck of winning this one!? The same flea remarks.

They made their way down the hill, towards the massive fields of rice that lay now coated in ice. A jumble of small wooden cabins stood behind the rice fields, nestled in the snow. Smoke billowed from chimneys, rising to greet the white flakes that began to float from the heavens again. Kagome spotted a old hunched form standing at the village?s edge waiting to greet them.

?Kaede-Ba-chan!? She exclaimed, breaking into a run acrossed the narrow path of dirt that snaked it?s way through the rice field.

Shippou clung to her hair, laughing happily, Inu Yasha trotting after her, his usual scowl across his face. The old woman smiled holding out her arms to Kagome, walking forward a few steps to greet them.

?Ha ha ha!? Kagome laughed, hugging Kaedea lovingly.

? Ah child! How be ye?? She asked rubbing Kagome?s back gently.

? I?ve missed you so much!? Kagome replied pulling away to look at her old friend.

?Ay.. We?ve missed ye aswell..isn?t that right lord Inu Yasha?? She asked, glancing at him.

? Wha?? He asked, his goldenrod eyes filled with anger.

?Feh!? He said, unable to come up with a better come back, turning away.

?As predictable as always ?? Kaede smirked.

?Oh come on Inu Yasha!? Kagome exclaimed, tugging on his robe coyly.

?eh?? He looked at her curiously.

?Ha ha ha!? She laughed following Kaede.

: Darn it?.: He thought following reluctantly. Kagome talked to them about various things that had occurred while in her time, Shippou firing questions at her non stop. Inu Yasha felt his body egnight into flame when she mentioned a certain boy who was constantly trying to win her over. He fought down a growl at the thought of another man even thinking about courting her.

? Sure he?s sweet and all but I don?t like him in that way?.Besides?.would you date a guy who gave you medicinal plants and stuff as a token of affection?? She asked laughing.

? Hahaha!? Kaede joined in her laughter, poor Shippou scratching his head in confusion.

? I?m lost! But who cares?? He exclaimed laughing. Inu Yasha sighed with relief, but still felt a tinge of jelousy. They came to Kaede?s house, the snow starting to pile up now.

? I think I?m just gunna walk around for a bit?.? Kagome said, setting her pack inside.

?Alright then?Inu Yasha go with her?Shippou can help me fix supper..? Kaede said smiling at the little Kit who pranced around happily. Inu Yasha followed her reluctantly but was relived that he was out of the line of fire for a while.

?Sigh! I?ve missed this place so much!? She said walking towards the forest once again. Several villagers waved and bowed their heads to her in greeting.

?Ugh?.can we walk somewhere away from these people? They are really givin me the creeps with this bowing stuff..? She asked, sweat drops forming on her forehead. ? Keh! Glad it?s you and not me!? He replied smirking.

? oh really?.? She said giving him a blank look, pointing at a group of bowing villagers.

? Thank you Lord Inu Yasha for protecting Lady Kagome and our village!? They all said simultaneously, bowing deeply.

?Eee! Ok, ok! We?ll walk some where else!? He exclaimed, grabbing her wrist and running away from the massing crowd of villagers.

?Ha ha ha!? She laughed struggling to keep up with him. They made it to the edge of the forest, away from the village, Kagome tugged on his arm, causing him to stop.

? What now? ?He growled, annoyed with how she had removed her grasp on his hand.

?Ha ha ha! I said I wanted to go for a walk not a run!? She laughed jokingly.

? Keh!? He growled, turning away. Kagome?s eyes gleamed with mischief, crouching to scoop up some snow. She threw it at him, hitting him square in the back.

? HEY!? He exclaimed turning around, snarling angerily.

?Haha!? She laughed, scooping up another ball of snow.

?Take this!? Inu Yasha yelled, throwing a large ball of snow at her.

?Ahh! Hahah!? She exclaimed running away, the snow landing a few feet from her. ?Come back here you!? He yelled, chasing her.

? Catch me if you can!? She replied, dodging into the forest.

? Do you accually think you can outrun me?? He asked, running alongside her.

? Yes?I do!? She yelled grinning evily.

?Huh? Oh no! Don?t you even think about it!? He exclaimed. She smirked.

?Sit boy!? She laughed, watching in glee as he fell face first into the snow.

?Muuuhhh!!? He mumbled, as she ran away.

?You?re mine!? He yelled, leaping up from the snow, tackling her to the ground. The two of them tumbled down a low slope, laughing the whole way down. Inu Yasha landed looking up at Kagome, her hair cascading down around their faces.

?Hahaha!? He laughed his arm going around her waist, as he attempted to sit up.

?So you got me anyway?? She smirked, looking down at him.

?And you thought different? Hehe!? He said Laughing, his golden orbs filled with joy. She smiled at him, her eyes glistening with happiness, but different then Inu Yasha had ever seen. He stared deeply into her innocence, his heartbeat pounding in his ears. He sat up, pulling her with him, feeling himself move towards her uncontrollably.

?Inu?Yasha?? She whispered as he rose his clawed hand to touch her face. She backed away slightly, trembling. Suddenly he found himself surrounded by white, his mouth full of snow.

?Plah!? He spat, shaking his head clear of the snow.

? Ha ha ha!!? Kagome laughed, flopping down in the snow again in a fit of laughter.

? Alright now you?re dead wench!? He growled, standing up with much difficulty.

?Do you know how many times I?ve heard that?? She asked, getting to her feet. She tried to take a step before her knees buckled and she fell down once again.

?Ha Ha Ha Ha *snort* Ha Ha!!!!? Inu Yasha laughed holding his sides.

?What?s wrong? Can?t even stand on your own two feet?? He mocked gasping for air.

?Ugh?? She tried again, trying with all of her might to still her shaking legs. She walked a few more steps before they gave way on her and she collapsed into the white powder. Inu Yasha rolled on his side, his laughter almost sending him to tears.

?Inu Yasha?.I don?t think I can?..get up?? She said, her voice on the verge of panic.

?Huh?? He looked up at her, a grin still on his face. She stood again, this time managing to walk a few steps. She felt her strength dwindling. Her legs went stiff, tingling pain shot through her as she fell again.

?Ugh!? She gritted her teeth in frustration, she hated to appear weak and helpless in front of Inu Yasha.

:There is no way I am letting that dog boy help me??after all?. Kikyo would never ask for help!: She thought angrily, getting to her knees.

By this time Inu Yasha had stopped laughing, he moved over to her, watching curiously, trying to hide his concern. She crawled towards a large tree nearby, her arms sore from the effort.

: I am not weak!: She thought trying to modivate herself.

?Hey! Where are you going?? He asked, watching her his concern growing. She pulled herself up, using the tree for leverage, standing against it. She tried to take a step but instead found herself falling forwards again. She hit a soft warm form, glancing up to see Inu Yasha. He held her tightly to himself, making sure she wouldn?t fall.

?Kagome? Are you ok?? He asked, looking down at her.

??I?m fine?.? She said, looking away from him.

? Oh yeah?.as if I believe that one?? He said, picking her up.

?Put me down! I can walk!? She exclaimed.

?Yeah! And I?m a saint!? He Laughed, holding her closer to him, using the opportunity to his advantage. He started back towards Kaede?s house, holding the squirming Kagome in his arms. If Kagome wasn?t hurt it might have been enjoyable. ?Inu Yasha! I?ll say it!? She threatened, glaring at him.

?S!? She started but was cut off when Inu Yasha covered her mouth with his hand.

?Hey! I?m just tryin to help you!? He yelled, stopping.

? Do you promise you won?t say it? Cause if you don?t I?m gunna gag you until we get back!? He snarled. She nodded, staring at him angrily, her deep brown eyes piercing through him like daggers.

He had never seen her look at him that way, it accually hurt, not that he would ever admit it. That was one of the only things that made her not like Kikyo?.Her eyes. They where unlike any other?s, deep warm brown, a shining gateway to her soul. He could get lost in those eyes for all eternity and never escape their beauty. He stared down at her, his goldenrod eyes filled with worry, a emotion he had grown to know well.

: Those eyes?.dangit! I could never stay mad with him! Curse the gods? I hate it when he looks at me like that!: She thought, her expression softening. He sat her down beside a tree, crouching at her side.

? What happened?? He asked, trying to hide the concern in his voice with sarcasim, but failed horribly.

??I?m just tired I guess?? She whispered, looking down.

?Keh! Humans?.?He growled.

?Why don?t you just say it! I?m weak! I bet Kikyo never had these problems!? She yelled, pushing him away from her. She stumbled to her feet, and started to run away. He stood dumbstruck, confused.

?Kagome!? He called after her, not able to force himself to go after her.

:Is that what she thinks? Oh Kagome?.: He thought, leaping into the trees following her. She ran on, tears streaming down her face. She stopped at the edge of the well clearing, leaning against a tree. She looked out at the well, her eyes trembling. Inu Yasha stood in a nearby tree, looking down at her.

?Why do you keep following me?? She asked not looking at him.

?Because?.I made a promise to you?I told you I would protect you?And I plan on keeping that promise?? He said, landing behind her.
?Inu Yasha?? She whispered facing him.

??You are not Kikyo? You are Kagome? and there is nothing you have to prove?? He added, putting his hand on her shoulder.

??.you are wrong?.I have to prove something to myself?. In my eyes? I am still a child?? She said looking into his eyes.

??Kagome?? He said. ?? Proving something doesn?t mean killing yourself?? He said finally.

?Look who?s talkin mister I have to kill myself to avenge Kikyo?when in reality? it?s not yourself that you are killing?? She replied, looking down at the ground.

?Uhh?? He turned away, slightly hurt.

? If that?s what she wants?then that?s what I must do?? He whispered.

??What about what I want?? She asked, looking up at him angrily.

? Kagome?? He looked at her, shocked.

: She doesn?t want me to die? Why? I treat her so bad?.She cares?: He thought, hating himself even more.

??Come on?The others will be getting worried?? She said, walking past him.

?Kagome? at least let me carry you? the last thing I want right now is for you to get hurt?? He said in his usual tone, concealing his true nature.

?Argh! I take it you?re not giving up until I let you?? She said, crossing her arms.

?Nope! And if you still don?t let me, I?ll just throw you over my shoulder anyway!? He smirked.

?You do and I will use the word over and over until they have earthquakes in my time!? She exclaimed as he picked her up.

?Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!? He growled, leaping into the air. She smirked at his comment, looking down at the forest below. The wind tore at their soaked clothes, chilling them.

?Gosh! It?s getting cold?? Kagome stated, burying her face in his fire rat robe.

? Yeah? to you maybe?weakling!? He commented, leaping to the ground.

?You are cold and you know it you stupid Dog!? She yelled, tugging on one of his ears.

?OW! Watch it! Do that again and I?ll drop you Wench!? He exclaimed running across one of the paths. He leapt over the field of rice, landing hard on the other side. Kaede was waiting for them outside, the last rays of the sun were disappearing rapidly.

? Ye two came just in time! There be a storm a brewin! An Ye be soaked to the bone!? She exclaimed, herding them inside.

Kagome went into the back room, digging through her pack for a change of clothes, shivering lightly as she got used to the warmth of the house. Inu Yasha sat in the corner away from them, his mind filled with thoughts.

:?she cares if I die?but?why? Why would she care for a stupid Hanyou like me?: He asked himself.

??Here?? She said holding out a black robe in front of him.

?Huh?? He looked up at her, now dressed in strange clothes that she often called jeans.

? Kaede got them out for you?.the last thing I need is for my so called protector to get sick!? She said, smirking.

??Feh! Whatever?? He growled, snatching it from her.

??.? She turned away, walking over to Kaede.

: You would think I would be used to his attitude by now?.I guess not?: She thought, glancing over her shoulder at him as he pulled off his robe, tossing it beside him.

He then shed his white cloth shirt leaving his bare chest exposed. She felt her face flush as he fiddled with the new robe.

: Uh! He?.wow!: She thought, her thoughts racing wildly. His slightly tanned skin gleamed in the dim firelight, finely toned muscles flexing with each movement. He glanced over at her, her face turning even redder. She turned away quickly, staring at the fire, toying with the sleeve of her green sweater. He walked over, plopping down beside her casually, itching at the new fabric.

?Curses?..? He muttered fussing with it. ?Hahaha!? Kagome laughed.

?Here?it goes like this?? She explained, turning the black t shirt around.

?eh?? He blinked as she straightened it.

??Oh?..I knew that?.? He growled. She chuckled, watching Kaede walk into the room, Shippou in tow, carrying trays of food.

?Kagome!? The little fox exclaimed leaping into her arms. He nuzzled her happily, sticking his tongue out at Inu Yasha.

?..Grrr?.Keh?? He growled, turning away.

?I got to make ginger cakes! And Kaede let me put icing on them too!? The Fox said, sitting in her lap.

? Really! That sounds like fun!? She said smiling at the child happily. Kaede sat a platter of roast, and a plate of ginger cakes on the low table next to the fire.

?Come eat up!? She said, sitting down on a old red pillow at the head of the table. Inu Yasha was quick to follow suit and plopped down at the other end. Kagome sat happily, Shippou leaping onto her lap.

Inu Yasha shot him a death glare before shrugging in discust. They ate, talking about where they might start searching for Naraku, among other things.

??don?t you think we should find Sango and Miroku first?? Kagome asked Inu Yasha.

?Keh! What you don?t think I can?t handle him on my own?!? Inu Yasha asked, baring his fangs. She gave him a dull look.

? No I don?t?? She replied flatly, sipping her tea.

?Gah!? He exclaimed in anguish, flopping back in traditional manga style.

?Ha Ha! She told you!? Shippou leered from her lap, grinning at the hanyou.

?Grrrr?.Why you stupid little brat!? He growled reaching forwards, to snatch the kit.

?Sit?? Kagome said half heartedly.

?Ughh!? Inu Yasha exclaimed, slamming down onto the wood floor.

?Darn it!? He snarled angrily, sitting upright again.

?Whew! All that excitement in one day has gotten me worn out! I?m just gunna go to bed?? Kagome said, standing shakily, holding the kitsune in her arms.

?Sleep well child!? Kaede said, cleaning up the table. Kagome crouched beside her pack, slipping the black sleeping bag from it. She busied herself with unfolding it as Iun Yasha watched intently, confused by her behavior.

: I really hope I don?t have another dream?.: She thought, unzipping it. She slipped inside, yawning lightly. He scooted back into the corner again, his back to the wall, folding his arms and legs.

:What?s with the sudden change in attitude?: He asked himself, watching as she turned on her side facing the fire, the elastic bed outlining her delicate curves. He found himself unable to remove his gaze from her, his heart pounding in his ears.

He watched silently as sleep took her and the kit, Kaede walking back into her room. Once he was sure that she was asleep, he crept closer, staring down at her sleeping form. He listened to her soft breathing, a quiet moan escaping her mouth at some dream.

: What am I doing?: He asked himself, turning away, but he soon found himself gazing at her once more. He took in her beauty, her soft frail skin. He leaned forwards slightly, a uncontrolled movement, pressing his lips to her forehead in a tender kiss. He leapt back quickly, shocked at his actions.

:Curse the Gods!: He thought, slumping against the wall.