A/N: So yeah…sorry for the late update!! I'm trying to work on an original story I'm getting published, so I've been sorta busy. ;
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Kagome waved back, and suddenly everything felt fine. Maybe it was because she was with her family, celebrating her younger brother's achievement. Maybe it was because she could feel the warmth that flowed through her and Inuyasha's entwined fingers. She had a feeling it was both.
Moonlight Café, Chapter 10:
"Kagome, Kagome!" Sota ran up to them, excitement radiating from his features as he jumped up and down. "Did you see it? Did you see my goal? We won!!"
"Great job, Sota!" Kagome scooped her brother up into her arms, squeezing him with enthusiasm. "Maybe Mom will let us all go get pizza to celebrate!" She chuckled as he began squirming in her grasp, and released him.
"You think so, Sis? Wow, I'm gonna go ask!" He jumped away from them, laughing with his friends as they all ran toward Kemari. Kagome felt Inuyasha's hand grip hers and turned to face him. He was staring at Sota, a sad look in his eyes.
"If you leave to go back to that life now," he said quietly, "you'll hurt them more."
"I know that," she hissed, her joy quickly fading. Inuyasha pulled her into his chest to ease her steadily growing discomfort. "I-Inuyasha?"
"Stay with me," he pleaded. "You can be with all of us again…like you never left."
Kagome hugged him tightly, fighting the tears that threatened to fall. She laughed. "I'd love to, Inuyasha."
"I…I love you, Kagome…It hurt so much when you disappeared…" He hugged her tighter. "I don't ever want that to happen again."
"I'm so sorry…I won't leave you again." She pulled away, smiling happily. "I love you, too, Inuyasha."
He leaned down and kissed her, his lips moving slowly against hers chastely, until they had to pull away for air. He kissed her again, this time more passionately, hungrily. Kagome pulled away as her mother's voice reached them.
"Aw! How sweet…Their first kiss!"
"Not even close," Inuyasha muttered under his breath. Kagome flushed and pulled away.
"About time," Sota grumbled. Inuyasha blushed, backing away slightly, and Kagome chuckled as her family gathered around them. "Sis, we're going out to eat pizza. Wanna come?"
"Sorry, Sota. Kagome still has some moving to do." Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's hand and squeezed it. "She's moving in with me."
"Oh, Kagome, that's wonderful!" Kemari hugged her daughter, and then Inuyasha. "Be sure to visit more often! Maybe with a child or two!" She waved and led Sota and his friends away.
"Mom!" Kagome blushed, and Inuyasha pulled her away before her mother could further humiliate them. But Kagome was laughing, and Inuyasha smiled at her, truly happy to have her back with him. He tilted his head to the side as she climbed into his convertible.
"Does this mean you're not mad at me anymore?"
"I wasn't mad at you," Kagome said softly. "I was mad at myself." She fastened her seat belt and turned to Inuyasha. "You promised me awhile ago that you'd take me to the park."
"I did," he said, starting the car. "Ready?"
"Yes."
The drive to their neighborhood playground was relatively quiet. When they got there, the playground was empty. Kagome eagerly stepped out of the car, waiting for Inuyasha to walk around the front of the car before running coyly among the playground equipment.
"Remember when we all used to play here, Inuyasha? We had so much fun!" She twirled, laughing when she caught her foot on a rock and nearly fell. Inuyasha shook his head, laughing with her.
"I remember…You haven't changed much," he said. "Still tripping over your own feet."
Kagome glared at him playfully and sat on a swing, jiggling the chain of the swing next to her, motioning for him to sit down. When he did, she smiled over at him.
"Hey, Inuyasha?"
"Yeah? What is it?"
"Tell me you love me again." He flushed slightly, looking at her oddly, but she just smiled at him, her stormy gaze sparkling.
"What? What for?"
"I like the way it sounds when you say it," she said, blushing. "It reminds me of high school…"
"I love you, Kagome." He smiled. "You can get used to hearing it," he added.
"Yeah…I love you, too, Inuyasha." She shoved off with her foot and began swinging. "Bet I can jump farther than you."
"I'm a half demon, Kagome. You're going down!" After a few minutes, Inuyasha leapt off his swing, lazily touching down in front of Kagome's. When she jumped off, he opened his arms, swinging her in circles as he caught her.
"Ha ha!" Inuyasha couldn't keep the grin from his face. His Kagome was back, and they were as carefree and happy as they had been before she left. No, before her father had died.
Soon it became dark, and Inuyasha bluntly told Kagome that it was time to go home. Home… Inuyasha liked the way it sounded. When they got back to Inuyasha's house, eager to share their news with Miroku and Sango, the house was empty. Kagome found a note from Miroku on the dining room table:
Hey guys,
We won't be here when you get back. Sango and I are…busy. Heheh…
The next couple lines were scribbled out, and neater handwriting followed.
Miroku is a pervert! Why am I dating him again? Anyway, I'm helping out at the Moonlight Café, and Miroku has to work tonight, so we'll see you guys in the morning!
Love ya,
Sango
Inuyasha read it over Kagome's shoulder, as her giggling had drawn his attention. "My friends are all freaks."
"Hey." Kagome turned in his arms, leaning up slightly. He leaned down to kiss her softly, and Kagome smirked. "I'm not a freak."
"No," Inuyasha agreed. "But you're not just a friend, either."
"Then what am I, Inuyasha?" Her smile was innocent, and he entwined their fingers, looking into her gray eyes.
"You're the love of my life," he said softly. Kagome grinned before claiming his lips in another heated kiss. When she pulled away, a yawn escaped her and she leaned against her half-demon's chest, blushing slightly.
"I'm tired, Inuyasha…Can we sleep with each other? Like we did before?"
"Of course," he said, and lifted her bridal-style into his arms, chuckling as she gave a soft squeak of surprise. He sprinted up the stairs and into his room, kicking the door shut behind him. When he lay her down on the bed, she reached around his neck and pulled him down on top of her, a soft smile on her lips.
"I won't leave you again," she said, moving a hand to cup his cheek. "I promise, Inuyasha."
"I love you," he said, leaning into her touch. He kissed her softly before rolling over her and curling against her back, his arm draped protectively around her waist. "Get some rest, Kagome… We have a big day tomorrow…"
Only her steady breathing answered him, and he smiled against her hair. He had many things to think about; for now, though, he would be content with lying beside his girlfriend and future wife while she slept peacefully in his arms.
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A/N: This is NOT the last chapter. One more! Thanks for all your patience, guys. PLEASE REVIEW!!