Hey everyone! My original plan was to post a new chapter every night, but work got ahold of that and I couldn't do so. :( sorry! But I've been writing more than I usually do! Usually, by this time I give up, but this story means a lot to me since I can somewhat relate to it, so I haven't givin up and I won't :). So please, read below!

CAUTION: THIS CHAPTER CONTAINS VERY EXPLICIT LANGUAGE.

Date: June 8th, 2014

Time: 6:00pm

Place: The hot springs

Chapter Four:

The gang approached the hot springs and Inuyasha and Miroku took the hint of the two girls shooing them away. They went a little deeper into the woods, but not too deep, so they could be in the area if something bad happens.

Kagome and Sango stripped nude as well as Shippo. They slowly got into the spring as they let out a sigh of relief. It has been a while since Kagome had had a nice bathe, since the last cleansing ended up with her on the floor with a bloody head.

"This is so nice...oh! I forgot! Shippo!" Said Kagome. She had forgotten the little float she got Shippo from her time, so he wouldn't drown in the water. She quickly got out of the spa, grabbed the floaty, and got back in. She flattened it out for the air to circulate better, opened the little plastic cap, and blew in. When it was done, she put it on the water and applied the Shippo. "There...better?" Asked Kagome. Shippo nodded. She didn't blow it up all the way, so Shippo would be halfway in the water. The little kitsune was having fun.

"So Kagome, how are you feeling?" Asked Sango.

"I'm fine, why?" Asked Kagome. Sango just smiled at her. She chuckled.

"Because you just gave our the biggest ass whooping of a lifetime!" said Sango. Kagome felt the blood rush to her cheeks. "Seriously, Kagome, I didn't know you had it in you! You've got some punches in you!" Said Sango.

"Heh...Thanks." Said Kagome. She slumped down so the the water was at her chest, covering her breasts.

"Why the long face?" Asked Sango. Kagome sighed.

"I don't really regret doing it, because it needed to be done. She had plans to ruin us all, including Inuyasha, I just know it. But I feel really bad for Inuyasha. It took everything in my power to keep fighting because I knew he was just standing there watching. I beat up his first love right in front of him!" Said Kagome. Sango rubbed her back for comfort.

"It's okay, he's not mad at you for it. He said himself it needed to be done! Was it her that started the fight?" Said Sango. Kagome nodded. Sango smiled and laughed cheerfully. "See? Then you have nothing to worry about!"

"How long are they gonna take in there?! I think I'm in need of relaxation more than those three!" Said Inuyasha, folding his arms.

"I don't think so, Inuyasha. Kagome was just in a physical fight. It's best if her muscles are relaxed before they start to get tense." Said Miroku. Inuyasha gave out one of his famous 'hmph's. "You're not mad at her for fighting Kikyo, are you?" Asked Miroku. Inuyasha looked down in deep thought.

"No, because I know Kikyo probably started the fight. Kagome wouldn't just start something with Kikyo for no reason." Said Inuyasha.

"You're lucky." said Miroku. Inuyasha looks at him in confused.

"How?" Asked the hanyou. Miroku folded his arms.

"After all that Kagome has been through with you and her, she still is by your side anytime you need her." Said Miroku. "I would sit down with her one day and just tell her how much you care for her." Said the monk. Inuyasha's face began to get red.

"N-No way! Why should I do that?" Asked Inuyasha.

"Just imagine what good things could come from that! Maybe you guys will stop fighting so much after that." Said Miroku.

'We do fight a lot...' Thought Inuyasah. He shook his head. "But still! I'm not just going to spill my heart out to her like that! What if she doesn't love me back?!" Asked Inuyasha. Miroku had a smirk on his face and he folded his arms again.

"I never said you loved her." Said Miroku. Inuyasha's face was as red as his Kimono. "Gotcha." Said the monk. Inuyasha put his hands on his head.

"Oh god. Oh god. You better not tell a soul! I will end you if you do!" Said Inuyasha.

"I won't. This will be between me and you. So, how long have you loved her?" Asked Miroku.

"For as long as I could remember..." Said Inuyasha. It was silent until Miroku hit the hanyou on the top of his head with his staff.

"You're kidding! You've loved her all this time and you still went to Kikyo knowing how much is hurts her?! What's wrong with you?!"

"You know I'm not open like-"

"You guys! We're done! Hot springs are all yours!" Said Sango and Kagome. The two men came out into the open. Inuyasha rubbing his head from the previous wack, and Miroku just smiling at the two ladies.

"Did you enjoy it?" Asked Miroku.

"It was wonderful. I needed that." Said Kagome. Inuyasha pushed the two women out of his way.

"Yeah well I need it more!" Said Inuyasha. He quickly took off all his top clothes and began with the bottom.

"Inuyasha SIT!" Said Kagome. Inuyasha fell into the ground. "Couldn't you wait until we left first?!" Asked Kagome. Inuyasha sat up and rubbed his head.

"Yeah, yeah." Said Inuyasha.

"Well, we'll be leaving now! See you at Kaede's hut!" Said Sango. They were both about to leave. Inuyasha folded his arms, looked away, and let out another 'hmph'. Kagome rolled her eyes and walked up to him and bent down. She gave him a kiss on the cheek before getting back up.

"Cheer up, grumpy head." Said Kagome. Inuyasha blushed.

"Hehe...yeah." Said Inuyasha as she walked away.

"You two enjoy it! Take your time!" Said Kagome.

"We will, thank you Lady Kagome!" Said Miroku. After she left, he looked at Inuyasha, still on the ground.

"Can't get up yet?" Asked Inuyasha, implying that he was 'excited'.

"Shut up perv! I'm not like you." Said Inuyasha getting up. He brushed the dirt off of him before removing his clothing. Miroku did the same and they both got in. They both sighed a sigh of relief.

"This is something I could get used to." Said Miroku. Inuyasha nodded as he rested his head back against the edge of the spring.

"But really Inuyasha. Just think of what could happen if you and her got together! I know you're still grieving about Kikyo, but Kagome was right. The Kikyo you loved died 50 years ago. That was just a replica." Said Miroku. "Imagine all the cute babies you and her could have!" Said Miroku.

"Would you stop freaking out about this? When the right time comes, it will happen!" Said Inuyasha. Miroku laughed.

"You know, there have been many right times. You were the reason it didn't work out." Said Miroku. Inuyasha knew he was right.

"It's sounds easier than it really is." said Inuyasha. Miroku knew exactly what he was talking about, but he decided if he played along, he would get more out of him.

"What do you mean?" asked the monk. Inuyasha closed his eyes.

"...Kikyo…" said Inuyasha. Miroku knew that was what he was going to say, but it still got him very upset.

"Inuyasha you can't be serious right now. You do remember that Kagome and her literally got into a physical fight, right?" asked Miroku.

"I mean, yeah, but if I go with Kagome, how would she react? She'd be broken." said Inuyasha.

"So?! Inuyasha, you heard and saw her! She doesn't care how you feel about her! She nearly killed her in front of you! You know, what Inuyasha. If you're still hung over Kikyo after all this time, and after all what you put Kagome through, maybe it's right to say that you don't deserve Kagome, no matter how much she loves you." said Miroku. He was giving Inuyasha a deadly look. Inuyasha looked confused.

'Why is he so stuck up over this shit?' he just stared at Miroku. He got annoyed.

"Well? Aren't you going to say anything?!" asked the monk. Inuyasha just looked down at the water.

"I don't really know how to feel anymore." said Inuyasha. "Kagome changed me in so many ways. She made me realize that I can make friends, and that not everyone sees me as some half-breed mutt. She made me nicer, and stronger. But I can't just forget about Kikyo. She was my first love. Hell, I didn't even know that she died until Kagome came to our time." said Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha, you can't let things like this get to you! Kikyo died fifty years ago. The woman you keep seeing behind our backs is nothing but a doll. She doesn't have blood running through her veins, she doesn't feel warmth. She doesn't know happiness in her state. Do you really think her staying here with you is going to solve all of those problems? And besides, if I were you I would be hunting Kikyo down and ending it all right now!" said Miroku

"D-Don't say that! You don't know what we've been through!" shouted Inuyasha.

"Look at yourself! Inuyasha, she put her hands on Kagome! That alone should have set you off! So many demons have tried to kill Kagome and you slaughtered them all to bits! So because it's Kikyo this time, she get's a free pass to hurt Kagome? Open your eyes! She's nothing but trouble! She only knows jealousy, hate, and revenge!" said Miroku. Inuyasha finally got it. It finally sunk in. Kikyo isn't happy. With or without him. She's dead. The only thing keeping her going are those souls. He slowly slid down to where the water was under his chin. Miroku slid down as well.

"I don't mean to make you angry, but you really need to realize these things. Kagome has cried so many times over you going to see Kikyo. And believe it or not, she knew you went to see her every time." said Miroku.

"Really? Every time?" asked Inuyasha. Miroku nodded. Inuyasha looked angry. "Damn...I really dug my own grave here, huh?" said Inuyasha. Miroku sighed.

"Yes, but you can get yourself out easily. Just open up to her. You don't have to just go to her and tell her you love her, but just be more open to her. Show her that you're still not hung over Kikyo. Show her that you care for her and that you'll always be by her side."

~flashback~

"Kagome...I'm sorry about what happened. I wasn't there for you." said Inuyasha. Kagome didn't dare look at him.

"It's okay. Really." said Kagome, sadly.

"It is not okay! I let you get into serious danger!" said Inuyasha. He took a moment to realize something. 'Any later...and I would have lost Kagome, too.' he thought. There was a short silence. Kagome eyed him from the corner of her eye. She looked at him and gave him a sad smile.

"But, if you were to hear news...about Kikyo's whereabouts, you'd go off to look for her again, wouldn't you?"

"No I wouldn't! I will never leave you again, Kagome." exclaimed Inuyasha. She studied his face.

"You're a liar." said Kagome.

"I-I am not!"

"Just who do you think you're kidding? I've known you long enough to learn a few things about you, ya know! And you would definitely go!" shouted Kagome. Inuyasha looked angry. "...and if you do go, I'll be upset...but that's to be expected, right?" asked Kagome. Inuyasha's eyes softened.

"Kagome…" said Inuyasha. She scooted closer to him and rested her head on his shoulder. "Hey...you're really mad, aren't you?" asked the hanyou.

"Yes...I suppose I am." said the young priestess. She gave a long sigh before she closed her eyes.

~end of flashback~

The imaged flashed in Inuyasha's head so clear he could paint them. He remembered how hurt she was. He had almost lost her, because he was with Kikyo. He remembered the hurt in her eyes. He remembered how dumb he felt

'...and if you do go, I'll be upset...but that's to be expected of me, right?'

Her voice saying that kept repeating in his head. He cut her deep that day. He promised her he would never leave her to go see Kikyo again, and he went back on his word. Many times.

"Man, aren't I an idiot?" said Inuyasha.

"Inuyasha, I'm going to tell you something that you will never tell a soul." said Miroku. Inuyasha nodded. "Do you remember the day Kagome made us her spicy curry, in the plains, by Kaede's village?" asked Miroku. Inuyasha looked blank. "The day where you two got into a fight, and she stormed off and was gone all day?" asked Miroku.

"Oh, yeah, I remember that." said Inuyasha.

"Well, I know what she was doing…" said Miroku. "Near those plains, there's a cursed cave that makes all priestesses see a sad child, begging for help in front of that cave. When the priestesses go near it, the cave sucks them in and drains their power." said Miroku.

"I went to look for her and I didn't see any caves?" said Inuyasha.

"That's because it closes once it finds one." said Miroku. "The only way to get out of the cave is to defeat the heart and brain of the cave." said Miroku. "Kagome was in that cave…" said Miroku. "...and so was Kikyo.". Inuyasha's eyes went wide.

"You mean, they were both together?"

"Yes, and Kagome saved Kikyo's life. She carried her the whole way. And Kagome was the one who defeated the brain and heart. Kikyo was too weak to fight." said Miroku. "Kagome thought she was now friends with Kikyo, I guess she was wrong." said Miroku.

'After all that she's been through, she still saved Kikyo's life...for me…' thought Inuyasha. "I have to fix this." said Inuyasha. He got out of the springs and dried himself with one of the towels Kagome left them. He quickly dressed and waited for Miroku to dress as well.

"Fix what?" asked the monk.
"All the stupid mistakes I made. I should have never even went to Kikyo in the first place." said Inuyasha. Miroku smiled.

'It's about damn time.' thought the monk. Inuyasha and Miroku started walking back to the camp. They reached the camp and saw Kagome and Sango playing with the fire, they had long sticks and a couple white things attached to them.

"Hey Inuyasha! Miroku! Come quick!" said Kagome. Miroku sat down next to Sango, and Inuyasha next to Kagome.

"What are those?" asked Inuyasha. Kagome handed him the stick she was holding.

"Hold this for a sec." said Kagome. She out the bag of marshmallows from her bag and stuck two on a nearby stick. "Here" said Kagome, handing it to Inuyasha. She made another one and handed it to Miroku. Kagome took hers back and started to explain.

"Okay, these are called marshmallows. They're sweet, fluffy, and sugary!" said Kagome.

"Now, were going to make something called 's'mores'. It's when you take two crackers, put a melted marshmallow and chocolate on it and make it into a sandwich! Were all gonna have some!" said Kagome, smiling wide. Inuyasha had no idea what she was talking about but he just went along with it. He stuck the stick above the fire. He saw it turn slightly golden before Kagome pulled it back.

"It's done!" said Kagome. She took his stick and pulled the marshmallows off of it, she stuck it on a graham cracker and put a piece of chocolate on it and closed it with another graham cracker. She handed it to Inuyasha with a wide smile. Inuyasha wasn't too sure about this, but he wasn't going to turn that smile upside down. He took it and took a bite out of it. Kagome watched eagerly to see if he liked it. He looked at it and looked at her. Then back at it. Then back at her.

"Kagome." said Inuyasha. Kagome nodded. "These...are...really good." said Inuyasha, taking another huge bite. "C-Can I make more?" he asked. She giggled and put two more marshmallows on his stick. She handed him it and started to make hers.

"How's everyone elses' doing?" asked Kagome. They all replied with 'mhmm.' and put up

a thumbs up. She giggled and took a bite out of hers. She looked at Inuyasha and he was already done with both of his! "Jeez, Inuyasha! You sure were hungry!" said Kagome.

"Heh, not really. I just haven't had something sweet in a long time." said Inuyasha. Kagome just smiled and took another bite out of hers.
"So, what took you and Miroku so long?" asked Kagome, with her mouth full of food.

"We just got too relaxed. It was well needed, I can tell you that." said Miroku.

"Well I'm glad we all got refreshed!" said Sango. Everyone else nodded.

"Kagome, can I talk to you?" asked Inuyasha. Kagome's face got serious. She nodded and got up. Inuyasha walked with her into Kaede's hut. He closed the door behind him and they both sat down.

"Is everything okay, Inuyasha?" asked Kagome. She was a bit worried.

"Yeah, everythings okay. So, while me and Miroku were in the springs, we had a long talk and...he told me about that time you saved Kikyo." said Inuyasha. Kagome's eyes widened.
"H-He did?" she asked. Inuyasha nodded.

"Don't tell him I told you though. Kagome, why did you save her life? I thought you hated her?" asked Kagome.

"I don't. It was just that she was in the water and I couldn't just leave her in there!" said Kagome. Inuyasha was confused.

"What? What do you mean water? Was there a lake by the cave?" asked Inuyasha. Kagome paused until she realized they were talking about two different times. She slapped a hand on her mouth. "Kagome, was there another time when you saved her?" asked Inuyasha. Kagome put her hand down. She let out a deep sigh.

"Yes. It was in the cave the day I made you the spicy curry, and another day, the day I told you I...hated you." said Kagome. Inuyasha's ears flattened on his head.

"Why did you help her?" asked Inuyasha. "and why didn't you want anyone to tell me?"

"Well...if they told you, you would think it's okay to keep seeing her."

"No I wouldn't! I knew how much that hurt you!"

"Yeah? So why did you keep going?" asked Kagome. Inuyasha was silent. He didn't know the answer.

"I...I don't know." said Inuyasha.

"It's okay if you still love her. I understand." said Kagome. 'That idiot! This night was going perfectly! Why would he bring her back up?!' thought Kagome.

"Kagome...I don't love her. I'm not going to see her anymore." said Inuyasha. Kagome looked at him like he was crazy. Almost a frightening look. He gulped and waited for what was to come.

"What happened the last time you said that?" asked Kagome. Inuyasha looked down. He hid his eyes. How could he be so stupid? All these months of hurt and he's just now realizing it. She looked him in the eye. "You went back on your word. That's what happened. I knew it was coming, that's why I didn't say anything and just went home." said Kagome.

"Kagome, I didn't-"

"Inuyasha I don't think you want to start this right now." said Kagome. She got up and was on her way to leave the hut. Inuyasha smacked his head and gripped his hair.

"Dammit...I did it again." he said to himself. She stopped in her tracks. She looked at him. He was sitting cross-legged. He had his head down, the hair on top of his head was in a tight grip and his teeth were clenched.

"W-What?" she asked. There was a silence. "Inuyasha, what do you mean you did-"

"I fucked up! I fucked up again, okay!" he said, looking at her again. Kagome didn't believe it at first, but she swore there was pools of tears in his eyes. She was shocked. He got up and walked in front of her. He grabbed her by the shoulders and looked her in the eye. "I fucked up. I knew how hurt you were when I went to Kikyo, but I still went. I knew how hurt you were when I brought her up, but I still did. I knew how hurt you were when I told you I wouldn't leave you again, and you caught me with her, but I still kept going! I know I fucked up a lot, but just hear me out, okay?!" he said. She was paying full attention to him. He grabbed her hands and put them together in his hands.

"I'm done with Kikyo. I'm completely done. No more talking about her, no more going to her, no more saying her name, no more comparing you to her, no more secret meetups, none of that! I'm not hurting you anymore! I know I've said these things in the past, but this time I mean it. I want to see you happy, Kagome. I want to see you smile the way you just were outside, but all the time. I want to be able to gain your trust, so you can actually let me go places by myself without you being worried on where I'll actually go. I don't want to hear you cry at night because you feel like you're just a shard detector or a replacement. I know I've done you wrong so much in this past year, but if you just give me one more chance, I promise to make you the happiest girl in the world." said Inuyasha. Kagome was in utter shock. She never thought he would open up like this. "Kagome...I did love Kikyo, but I was born for someone else. For you." said Inuyasha. Kagome's eyes were wider than the ocean. Tears fell down from her face. She smiled.

"Inuyasha. I've waited so long for you to say those words to me." said Kagome.

"I know, and it's all my fault. I'm so sorry Kagome. I'm so sorry." said Inuyasha. "Please...just give me one more chance. I'll make it up to you, I promise." said Inuyasha. Kagome looked at him and smiled. She nodded and he lifted her up and spun her around from happiness. She giggled and he hugged her tightly. "Thank you, so much. I love you." said Inuyasha. She hugged him back and another tear fell.

"I love you so much more." she replied. He nuzzled her neck and hid his face in her hair. She smiled and let the hug break. He frowned and pulled her back in.

"Not yet." said Inuyasha. Kagome giggled and hugged him back once more. They stood in that position for a couple minutes before they broke the hug. He looked at her and smiled. He bent down and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss was passionate and when it broke, they both were amazed.

"That was…" said Inuyasha.

"Magical." replied Kagome. Inuyasha nodded. He took her hand and let her outside.

Sango and Miroku looked at them in a weird way.

"Is everything okay…?" asked Sango. The couple smiled from ear to ear. Miroku got the hint and his eyes widened.

"Are you guys…?" asked Miroku. Kagome nodded with that same cheeky smile. Sango jumped up in the air and ran to hug Kagome. Kagome hugged her back. Sango hugged Inuyasha and he hugged her back.

"I'm so happy for you two! It's about time!" said Sango.

"You're telling me!" said Kagome. Inuyasha blushed in embarrassment.

"So, Inuyasha, you finally cracked, eh?" said Miroku.
"S-Shut up." said Inuyasha. Kagome walked over to Miroku.

"I don't know what you told him, but it worked." she said, hugging him. He hugged her back and smiled.
"I just talked some sense into him." said Miroku. Inuyasha grunted in annoyance.

"Well, it's getting late, we should be getting to bed." said Inuyasha. They all agreed. Kagome picked up Shippo, who was sound asleep on the ground the whole time. The poor thing didn't even get to eat smores. They all went into Kaede's hut, and got in their sleeping bags.
"Inuyasha, do you want me to sleep with you?" asked Kagome. Sango and Miroku watched them naturally. Inuyasha smiled. He wrapped his arms around her waist and layed his forehead on hers.

"What do you think?" said Inuyasha. Kagome giggled as she gave him a peck on the lips. Sango blushed and put her hands on her cheeks.

"They're so cute together!" said Sango to herself. They all got into bed and blew out the fire. Inuyasha and Kagome were cuddled together and they were finally together for real. The future is theirs now. Kagome's dreams came true, she found her Prince Charming and Inuyasha found his soul-mate. Never will Kagome ever be in the pain she was in before. Never will Inuyasha ever feel alone. He finally was with someone he felt accepted with. This, was the beginning of the future.

The End

Well? How did you like it? Reviews are greatly appreciated! It's not my best work, but I'm very proud of it! I literally made this story up as I went! More stories are to come soon!