InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Courtship ❯ Chapter eleven ( Chapter 11 )

Inuyasha stood at the edge of the lake, taking in the view before him. It was twilight. He couldn't tell if it was dawn or dusk but since there was no steam rising from the water, he suspected it to be dusk but the sent of apple were in the air and the summer weather was probably keeping the water warm enough to keep steam from rising from forming. It didn't matter. What mattered was the girl in the lake.

Kagome was lying on her stomach on a half submerged bolder. Her lower half was still completely covered by the water but her upper half was completely bare. That didn't surprise him since he had seen her do that a couple times when she was bathing with Sango. He never understood why but decided it never mattered since he was granted a perfect few of her back and bottom, if she couldn't find a boulder that would let her remain somewhat in the water. What surprised him this time was the fact that she was asleep.

Kagome's arms were crossed under her head in a make shift pillow and her face was turned from him but he was able to see her back rise with each deep breath. (AN: for those of you wondering how she could sleep on a rock, it is actually really comfortable if you find a smooth enough one. I've done it twice at Yosemite. Those were probably the best naps I ever had) Inuyasha licked his lips as he watched her and felt his temperature rise with the heat of desire.

Slowly, he stepped into the water and made his way to her, barely realizing that he was naked but not taking the time think about how he came to be that way. His eyes were completely focused on the girl before him. The breeze danced through her hair, causing a few strands to float around her face, tickling her and causing her to sift slightly. Inuyasha's gaze drifted lower and he watched the water ripple around her waist, almost revealing her to him but she remained covered but the water was low enough to tease him.

Inuyasha's own breathing quickened when he reached her. A part of his mind was telling him to stop. Telling him that he was probably going to get himself killed but Inuyasha couldn't help but gently brush her hair aside, revealing her long neck. And he couldn't help but run his claws down the length of her spine.

Kagome took a sudden deep breath at the touch and after muttering his name; her eyes fluttered open and looked at him. Inuyasha didn't run away or even look guilty for his actions. He wasn't afraid and though a part of him was saying he should be, he couldn't help but feel that this was right.

Inuyasha gently caressed Kagome's shoulder before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss on the nape of her neck. Kagome moaned in relaxed pleasure and slowly, she turned to face him.

Inuyasha should have blushed at Kagome's boldness but this felt like it wasn't new to him. That he had done this before. Kagome watched him for a moment before giving him a soft smile and reaching for him. Inuyasha complied and cupped her face in his palms and kissed her. The kiss was gentle but deep and had no sign of stopping any time soon.

Inuyasha nibbled on her lips, taking delight in the sounds coming deep in Kagome's throat and he slowly lowered his hands from her face, to her breasts. She gasped in his mouth at the sudden contact arched against him, unintentionally pulling from the kiss to lean back against the rock.

Inuyasha didn't complain but rained kisses along her throat and jaw as his thumbs grazed over each nibble. But soon that became not enough and Inuyasha lowered his hands below the water and grabbed the back of her legs. He was still gentle as he lifted her farther out of the water but the urgency in his blood was getting harder to control but he held onto it with an iron fist, wanting-needing-to take his time and savior what was before him.

Again that part of him that kept saying something wasn't right, nagged that Kagome had all too willingly wrapped her legs around him but Inuyasha ignored it in favor of a soft growl. He could feel her against him and it made his blood run even hotter. He wasn't as gentle as he wanted to be when he took a nibble into his mouth with a strong pull of his teeth but the moan that was ripped from Kagome's throat told him she didn't mind.

Kagome arched against him and buried her hands in his hair, holding him to her as she begged to stop and continue at the same time. Inuyasha gave his attention to both breasts, strongly suckling, firmly nipping, and apologetically licking, making Kagome wither against him and pull at his hair.

Those frantic movements broke Inuyasha of his control and he moved her higher on the rock as he found more solid footing before slowly lowering her too him. He felt her heat touch the head of his shaft and groaned at the contact. For almost four years of fantasying, all that didn't even compare to what he was feeling now, one gentle touch almost threw him over the edge. But he held back. He didn't want to rush this, not after waiting so long. He wanted to savior it, to make it last as long as it could.

Forcing his eyes open as he forced himself to regain some of his control, Inuyasha looked at Kagome's face. Her eyes were closed, her cheeks were flushed and her lips parted in both surprise and want. She was the most erotic thing he had ever seen in his life. Forcing to keep his eyes open so he could watch her, Inuyasha tightened his grip…

He was going to have to get used to waking like this, Inuyasha decided as he choked back a harsh growl of frustration. After all, he had been waking almost everyday like this it seemed. But this time he had been so close. Never had the dreams, no matter how erotic or long they had been; had they ever taken him so close to his final goal of claiming Kagome.

Inuyasha sighed and hit his head on the roof, hoping the pain would force out the memory. It didn't work. He didn't even feel it but at least it calmed him down a little. Inuyasha folded his arms beneath his head and stared up at the stars. He was aroused, painfully so and thought about retreating to the forest to take care of it but decided against it. He wouldn't leave this roof. Not with Montaro sleeping only a few huts away. Inuyasha clenched his teeth at the thought of the bastard. He was pretty sure that the human would heed his warning and stay away from Kagome but Inuyasha didn't want to take his chances. Who knew, Montaro just might be the type to try and get even with him and the only way for him to do that was through Kagome. Inuyasha growled. He would make sure Montaro's death would be painfully slow if that happened.

Inuyasha couldn't take care of his erection here either. There was too much of a chance of someone seeing him and Shippo might smell the results and decide to investigate. Inuyasha knew he would have to answer a lot of questions if that happened, questions he wasn't ready to answer now or ever. Inuyasha grinned. Of course he could send the runt over to Miroku to ask and get even for that bonk the monk had given him with the plow but shook his head against it. No, the monk had been a big help and he couldn't thank him like that. Still, it would be funny to see his face after hearing Shippo's question. Actually, it would be seeing Sango's face. Miroku would probably be willing to answer but Sango would be red with both anger and embarrassment and she would end up doing some hitting of her own.

Inuyasha chuckled at the thought but he wouldn't do that. Sango couldn't use the added strain and Miroku could go without the lumps and he himself could go without the embarrassment since Shippo would probably tell Kagome about it. No, the only thing Inuyasha could do was will his erection away.

Taking a deep calming breath, Inuyasha thought about every thing that would make his blood run cold, Naraku succeeding in killing his friends, Kikyo trying to drag him to hell, he himself killing his friends. It worked in calming his blood but as he continued to think his thoughts kept drifting to Kagome. It wasn't enough to make him painfully hard again but it was enough to keep the tingling of desire coursing through his veins. Of course it didn't help that her sent was drifting out of the hut and up to him or that he could hear her mumbling nonsense in her sleep. Something about flower flavored ice cream. He would have to ask her about that in the morning if he remembered.

Inuyasha smiled to himself. Kagome had liked the shirts. More than liked them, in fact, she loved them. After thanking him a few dozen times, and after staring at them forever, she had raced to Sango and Miroku's bedroom. Miroku was all but thrown out and the room was filled with laughter. Miroku had complemented Inuyasha on his choice of a gift, saying that he was surprised Inuyasha had even thought about it and tried to ask who had been the seamstress. Inuyasha had completely ignored that question. Thinking of Taka still gave him the chills and he didn't want the others to know that she would be visiting the village shortly. He was afraid they would worry since she was such a strange youkai and he didn't want anyone to know about the kimonos. Inuyasha bit his lip. He hoped he picked the right material but he couldn't help but think he should have picked another red instead of the gold.

After Kagome had shown and tried on every shirt for Sango, she had changed back into her original outfit and had gone back to work in her garden after putting the shirts in a chest that one of the villagers had given her in honor of her work. Inuyasha would have been jealous of the man if he hadn't been so old and if he hadn't given one to Sango and Miroku as well. The man had offered one to Inuyasha but he refused since he didn't have a use for it.

Inuyasha had wondered why she hadn't worn one of the shirts but after watching her work, he understood why. Kagome hadn't just been weeding and watering like Miroku had been doing with his garden. She had pruned, planted, tended, and harvest. After doing all of that and wrestling with Shippo when he tried to sneak up on her, she had been filthy. Her clothes were covered in dirt and sporting a new hole thanks to one of Shippo's claws. Her hair was a mess and mud smudged her cheeks. She was still the most beautiful thing Inuyasha had ever seen.

After a quick bath, she wore one of the shirts, the red one with gold leaves that had first caught her eye. She looked beautiful in it. Taka had indeed done a good job considering she had only the ruined blouse to work from. But the shirt had hugged Kagome just right and colors seemed perfect.

Even thinking about Kagome in his shirts made Inuyasha beam with pride. His first attempt at courting Kagome with his own idea had been a success. Hopefully his others would be as well and just maybe, Kagome would forget her fears and become his mate.

A faint sent was carried on the breeze and Inuyasha instantly sat up and looked to the edge of the forest. They were here.

He saw Sesshoumaru first. That wasn't surprising since he was leading and since his silver hair and white clothes stood out against the darkness. Taka was a little harder to spot. Like before, she was wearing a black kimono like she had been when Inuyasha first met her and her under kimono was navy, giving her an appearance of an evil god. The dark material helped hide her but Inuyasha didn't think she was trying to hide. He believed she just liked wearing dark colors. She was walking behind Sesshoumaru at a slower pace, looking at everything with mild curiosity. Inuyasha thought she looked like she didn't know why she was there.

Inuyasha's first instinct was to grab Kagome and get the hell out of there but he fought against it and jumped from the roof. He waited in front of the door. Watching them as they slowly approached. And the closer they got, the more nervous Inuyasha became and it wasn't until they were right in front of him did he realize why. Taka was carrying a slight trace of blood.

"She just fed," Sesshoumaru explained, when he read the uncertainty in Inuyasha's eyes.

Inuyasha looked from Taka to Sesshoumaru though it took some effort since is instincts were tell him to not let Taka out of his sight.

"The blood is human." Inuyasha said it more like he was stating a fact than accusing but he figured that was better since he didn't know how Taka would react to that.

Sesshoumaru sighed and looked over his shoulder at Taka. She was still looking around, her eyes darting from one hut to another but her eyes seemed more aware then they did when Inuyasha first met her. But Sesshoumaru said that was to be expected.

"She was too hungry to care." Sesshoumaru seemed to be lecturing Taka instead of explaining to Inuyasha and Taka knew this for she focused her eyes on him.

"He didn't taste, good," she reasoned, "if that makes you feel better."

Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes, "Very few do."

Taka smiled, "Not true. Very few taste bad. You just don't know how to look." Her smile grew bigger, clearly teasing. "I can teach you, if you want."

Sesshoumaru gritted his teeth in response to her mocking tone.

"I don't eat humans," Sesshoumaru growled.

"Pity. They really are a treat."

Sesshoumaru sighed. He knew that Taka had the same thought as he did when it cam to eating humans. It was beneath them but Taka was usually too hungry to notice what she was hunting, whenever she did go hunting, and most likely, she forgot that she didn't like the taste of humans. That or she was just trying to rile him since she did eat one. Because of that, Sesshoumaru decided to remain silent. Continuing while she was in a playful mood would only encourage her to continue teasing him and if she was being serious, then continuing might cause her mood to change for the worst. That was not something Sesshoumaru wanted right now. Maybe when they were farther away from the village, he would continue but continuing in the middle of it would be a very stupid decision.

Inuyasha looked between Taka and Sesshoumaru, not really believing what he was seeing. He wasn't used to Sesshoumaru backing down so quick or so easily but after glancing back at Taka and hearing another mummer from Kagome, he understood why.

Taka's eyes glowed in victory when Sesshoumaru looked away from her and her eyes fell on Inuyasha. Her smile softened and she stepped forward. Inuyasha tensed. He had felt that she was dangerous when she was unaware of anything but her work but now that she seemed to have her thoughts straight, he realized that what he felt then was nothing. This youkai was radiating power. He didn't doubt that he could kill her but she seemed to be bringing forth his childhood fears. The shadows around him suddenly became bigger and darker, threatening to devour him, making him feel crowed and hunted. Inuyasha couldn't help but take a step back.

"I remember you," Taka said to him and gently stroked his cheek. Her black claws grazed his skin and her flesh was cold. Taka leaned forward, staring intensely at him before smiling and leaning back. "I like the color of your eyes. They're softer than your brothers."

Inuyasha had difficulty swallowing the lump in his throat.

"Thanks."

Taka bowed to him before looking over her shoulder at Sesshoumaru.

"Where's the girl."

Sesshoumaru looked at Inuyasha and Taka followed his gaze. The smile that was gone was back. Inuyasha straightened.

"She's in the hut but wait out here a moment," he explained. "There's something I must take care of."

Taka seemed to want to protest but Sesshoumaru growled a warning before nodding to Inuyasha. Inuyasha just caught the look of surprise on Taka's face when she turned to Sesshoumaru before he slipped into the hut and leaned against the wall to listen to Sesshoumaru explanation. Apparently, he understood the potential problem lying above Kagome's head.

Inuyasha stared at Shippo for a moment, trying to think of how he was going to explain the situation without causing the kit to panic. Like him, the kit was protective of Kagome but aggravating Taka was not something Inuyasha wanted, especially with her so close to Kagome.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome and Kaede. They were both in deep sleep and most likely wouldn't wake at all as long at everything remained peaceful. It was just up to him to make sure that didn't happen.

Inuyasha made his way to Shippo and after making sure the others weren't disturbed by his presence, he shook the kit's shoulder.

Shippo grunted in protested and curled deeper into his blanket. Inuyasha narrowed his eyes and shook him harder. Shippo wrinkled his nose and slowly opened his eyes.

"Inuyasha?"

Inuyasha put a finger to his lips and looked back at the others. They were still asleep. Inuyasha looked back at Shippo and sat down next to him.

"I need to talk to you," he told him.

Shippo whimpered and curled deeper into the blanket, an action that completely surprised Inuyasha.

"What's your problem, runt?"

"You're mad at me," Shippo whispered and dug his tiny claws into the fabric.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes. Shippo was covered in the sent of fear and Inuyasha didn't like it and after hearing the low growl coming from outside, Sesshoumaru didn't like it either.

"Why would I be mad at you?"

"I didn't protect Kagome."

Inuyasha straightened and his eyes widened in awareness. So that explained why Shippo had been avoiding him ever since Kagome got the shirts.

Inuyasha smiled but hid it before Shippo saw it.

"I'm not mad at you, runt," he explained. "You protected Kagome to the best of your abilities and it was you that made that human let her go."

Shippo slowly raised his eyes.

"So you're not mad?"

Inuyasha shook his head, "No."

"Oh," Shippo immediately relaxed and sat in front of Inuyasha as his fear turned into curiosity. "Then why do you want to talk to me?"

Inuyasha looked again at the others before explaining.

"Outside the door are Sesshoumaru and the youkai seamstress that made the shirts."

Shippo smiled. "Really?"

"Don't be getting excited. There are some things you need to now. First of all, Kagome is not to know about this. It's a surprise. Second, this youkai is…strange. You're going to be frightened but she isn't here to harm Kagome. Just to get her measurements. You are to remain calm and silent and you are not to leave my side. Understand?"

Shippo stared at Inuyasha before slowly nodding.

"Can I ask a question though?"

Inuyasha sighed.

"Just one."

"Why are you giving Kagome all these gifts? I mean, it's not her `birthday' and don't lie to me or tell me I'm too young. I want to know."

Inuyasha gritted his teeth. He had suspected this to happen but he wasn't ready to explain to the kit. Inuyasha heard shuffling outside the hut. Taka wanted in. He was ready now.

"I'm courting Kagome," he explained.

Shippo's eyes brightened.

"You mean; you want her to be your mate?"

Inuyasha nodded. "But be quiet about it. I don't need the entire world knowing, and don't be getting excited. She hasn't accepted me yet."

Shippo smiled and climbed up to Inuyasha's shoulder.

"She will. I know she will."

Inuyasha couldn't help but smile at that but quickly hid it as he stood and went to the door. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, Inuyasha pushed aside the mate so Taka and Sesshoumaru could come in.

Sesshoumaru led the way and stepped to the left of the door so Taka could pass him. Sesshoumaru leaned against the wall and crossed his arms over his chest but kept his watch over Taka. Since he knew her better than anyone else, it would be up to him to warn Inuyasha if Taka's mood turned for the worst.

Inuyasha released the mat and leaned on the other side of the door but he was tenser then Sesshoumaru but he didn't want to appear that way. One reason was because he didn't want to aggravate Taka and the other was Shippo.

The moment Shippo had seen Taka he had started shaking. He too was able to feel Taka's power and since he was just a kit, it was affecting him more than Inuyasha. Before Inuyasha even realized what he was doing, he felt a soft growl in his throat. It was non-threatening and was meant to comfort pups and mates. Inuyasha was surprised he even knew how to make the sound but it seemed to help a little, for Shippo relaxed enough to stop trembling but when Taka looked over at him, Shippo dived into his hair and by judging by how tightly he grabbed the back of Inuyasha's hoari, he wasn't coming out any time soon.

Taka didn't waist much time looking around but focused her attention on the young girl sleeping by the hearth. Taka slowly made her way to her, her steps so light she hardly made a sound; Inuyasha could barely hear her. When she reached Kagome, she knelt next to her head but kept enough distance so Kagome wouldn't feel her presence and wake. Inuyasha tensed but forced down the threatening growl that was easing up his throat. Taka studied Kagome's face like she had studied the fabric she had when Inuyasha first met her, only her eyes were bright in curiosity instead of glee.

Still, Taka seemed to like what she saw for she smiled and looked at Inuyasha.

"Very pretty."

Inuyasha didn't say anything but nodded in agreement. Taka's smile got bigger and she turned back to Kagome. Pulling back her sleeve, she held up her finger and with a claw, pricked it. A single drop of blood appeared and Taka raised it to her lips and blew. The drop of blood turned into a powder and flew into the air. The red specks hovered for a moment before settling over Kagome and Kaede's faces. They didn't stir but seemed to go into a deeper sleep.

Inuyasha narrowed his eyes in suspicion and looked to Sesshoumaru for answers.

"It's a sleeping poison," he explained, never taking his eyes off Taka.

"Poison."

"It's harmless. It's to make sure they don't wake." Sesshoumaru spared a glance to his younger brother. "You did want it to be a surprise, correct?" Inuyasha nodded. "Then let her work."

Inuyasha thinned his lips and turned back to Taka who was slowly rising to her feet. Her eyes were no longer on Kagome but on the rafters above her. Her eyes were more serious now, and she studied the beams fully before nodding. Inuyasha watched as Taka closed her eyes and blew a kiss to the beams. His eyes widened when he watched dozens of delicates strands of silk float from her mouth and wrap around the beams before descending to Kagome. Inuyasha was now watching in curious fascination instead of concern. The webs held no threat. Though they appeared strong, they did not look sticky like the other webs he had encountered. These strands were just pure silk.

The strands floated to Kagome and worked their way under her. At one point, one side thickened and Kagome was pushed onto her back. When Inuyasha looked back to Taka, he saw that the end of the strands were wrapped around her hands that she was moving in slow rhythmic patterns. It reminded Inuyasha of Yura of the hair but like before, there was no threat.

The strands eased under Kagome and wrapped around various parts of her body, but most of the strands went under her head to form a cradle, while another cluster of others wrapped around her torso and whatever was left, wrapped around her wrist. When the strands had a complete hold on Kagome, Taka cut the strands from her fingers with her teeth and gave a strong pull on the main cord. Kagome slowly rose off the ground.

When Kagome was at the desired height, Taka gave another pull and the cords stopped. Taka then plucked a few and the strands worked to put Kagome in a standing position. Inuyasha blinked a couple of times. That position did not look comfortably but Kagome was sleeping like nothing had changed. She even snored a little.

Taka was looking at the beams again and after circling Kagome, nodded her satisfaction. Inuyasha now understood it was to make sure the beams could support the added weight. Inuyasha smirked. The beams could hold more weight then just Kagome's. He should know. The beams did support his bed.

From her sleeve, Taka pulled out a long belt with numbers on it and began circling Kagome and taking the measurements she needed. Occasionally, she would pluck a strand of silk and an arm would lift or lower. It didn't take long, only a few minutes, and when she was done, she gently lowered Kagome to the ground and removed the strands.

The strands floated in the air for a moment and Taka stared at them, as if not sure about what to do with them, but then smiled. It was the same smile she had when Inuyasha had shown her Kagome's blouse and Inuyasha couldn't help but wonder what Taka was up to and looking to Sesshoumaru, he realized he wondered as well.

Taka grabbed a strand of silk and gave it a gentle tug. Immediately, it began to grow and took hold of the others. Then the know long piece of silk began to circle and thicken until it looked like wisp of smoke floating in the air. As they watched, other strands began to form and weave into the main threads, until they were no longer able to see through to the other side. Then it began to take shape. Inuyasha's eyes widened when he saw that it was a yukata.

Taka circled the garment for a moment, her finger tapping her lips as she scanned every inch, looking for the slightest imperfection. When she decided that it had her approval, she ran a claw down the back. If Inuyasha had been able to see, he would have seen her claws glow a dark blue, like Sesshoumaru's claws glowed green when filled with poison. But the garment didn't melt away but got bathed in color instead.

The color washed over the garment as if had been carelessly spilt but as they watched, the colors retracted and a scene began to appear. When it was finished Taka turned the yukata so Inuyasha could see the back and they saw that it was a scene of a white dog sleeping with it's human female companion under the shelter of an old tree with the full moon shining brightly upon them. It wasn't the most beautiful scene Inuyasha had seen on a yukata or kimono but it was beautifully done and the natural glow of the silk, gave the garment a beautiful shine.

Inuyasha nodded his approval and Taka's smile got bigger. She took the yukata from the air and walked over to him. Without a word, she handed it to him, and then headed out the door. Inuyasha watched her go then looked down at the silk in his hand, or more importantly, the figures painted in the material.

The dog and girl were sleeping together with the dog protectively around the girl with his tail over her. Looking closely, Inuyasha thought the girl looked a lot like Kagome and he wondered if this was Taka's way of saying she wanted him and Kagome to be together. He didn't know, but he did know this. He would give this to Kagome at a latter date, after she accepted him. The scene was just too intimate to be given when he was still just courting her.

Inuyasha heard Sesshoumaru move and looked up to him.

"She'll awake late tomorrow morning," Sesshoumaru explained. "There shouldn't be any side effects that can't be explained as just sleeping late."

Inuyasha nodded, "If she can make the kimonos like she did this yukata, they should be done in a matter of minutes."

Sesshoumaru shook his head.

"No, making them like that takes a lot of energy. She can only make two like that in a day."

Inuyasha nodded his agreement and looked up at Sesshoumaru.

" Tell her thanks for me."

Sesshoumaru spared a small smile and shook his head.

"She already knows."

Inuyasha looked down to the garment in his hands.

"How can I repay her?"

Sesshoumaru chuckled.

"Send her more work and she'll gladly take that as payment."

Suddenly Taka poked her head through the door.

"I'm done," she told him. "We can go now."

Then she disappeared again.

Sesshoumaru sighed and shook his head. This time it was Inuyasha who chuckled.
"It appears she wants to go home."

Sesshoumaru shook his head.

"No, she's just wants to annoy me. Sometimes, I think I preferred her the way she is when she's stuck in her room. At least then, she just ignores me instead of tormenting me."

With another sigh, Sesshoumaru left the hunt. Inuyasha listened to them leave and only when their scents began to fade away, did he move from the wall. He stared at the garment, wondering what he was going to do with it until it was time to give it to Kagome. Inuyasha bit his lip. Maybe Miroku would hold it for him.

Inuyasha felt Shippo move and poke his head out of his hair.

"Is she gone?"

Inuyasha nodded.

Taking a deep breath of relief, Shippo climbed from Inuyasha's hair and onto his shoulder. His eyes widened when he saw the yukata.

"Wow, is that for Kagome?"

Inuyasha nodded.

"When are you going to give it to her?"

Inuyasha folded the yukata and set it aside.

"Later."

Reaching up, Inuyasha grabbed Shippo by the tail and set him on the ground next to Kagome. Shippo's eyes widened in surprise. That wasn't the usual plop he expected. It didn't hurt like it normally did. Sure, Inuyasha grabbing his tail like that hurt but it seemed that he had tried to be gentle this time.

Shippo looked up when Inuyasha knelt in front of him and gave him that "no nonsense stair."

"You remember what I said earlier, don't you?" Inuyasha threatened.

Shippo gulped and nodded.

"Don't tell Kagome."

"Good, now get some sleep. You're getting up early tomorrow."

Shippo jumped in surprise and he stared at Inuyasha like he was expecting a trick.

"Why?"

"Because it's time for you to start to learn the basics of hunting."

Shippo smiled.

"You mean, I'm going hunting with you tomorrow?"

Inuyasha nodded.

"Now go to sleep," Inuyasha ordered and watched as Shippo literally dove for his futon and buried himself under the covers. Inuyasha cracked a smile at the runt's enthusiasm and after grabbing the yukata, left the hut to return to the roof. Once up there, he stared at the figures in the garment. He only wished two things. One, that it was true. Two, that it was a hanyou in the scene instead a full-blooded youkai.

AN: I did it. I finally go this chapter done. This chapter was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I actually had five pages typed for several days but no matter what, there was something about it I didn't like. At first I ignored my feelings thinking I didn't like it because I wrote it but after reading it again Saturday, I realized, I didn't just not like it, I hated it. Thankfully, I got a whole other brainstorm Sunday and started working with it and after six hours of work. I'm finally done with it.

Mediaminer is still not working properly but I'm finally able to read my reviews thanks to Jaxxia7. Thank you so much for your help. And thank you everyone for your reviews and your help. And as for my typos, I think the secret is, for me to slow down and not drink so much soda and coffee.

Next chapter: not sure yet since I've been too focused on this chapter to really decide what I'm going to do next, but I have some ideas.