Pink Carnation

A/N: Heliotrope: Devotion

Thank you Daniella for Beta-Reading!

Pink Carnation

Chapter 6: Heliotrope

There had to be reason.

Anything.

Surely even he could come up with something.

He simply couldn't allow this dinner to happen. Granted he doubted Kagome would retrieve her memory because of a meal but he still had a bad feeling as if something was going to happen. Plus if they took subtle stabs at him, Kagome would eventually realize that something was up. Whatever they would do, he wouldn't allow them to push him away from Kagome.

After a year she was his again and he intended for things to remain that way.

Plus, since they couldn't tell her anything, how could they split them up? Kagome was too much in love with him to ever leave him. As long as no misunderstanding happened again.

He glanced at the time only to see the two bright red numbers staring back at him indicating it was 5:00pm. At this point he had no choice; unless he was to fall ill right now, they would have to go. After all they were all friends and it would look suspicious if he insisted on not going. However, he would keep his eyes on Sango and Sesshomaru the whole night.

Inuyasha quickly finished dressing up before grabbing his keys. Although Kagome was fine by now nobody wanted her driving and he had a feeling that she probably didn't wish to be at the wheel of a car, even if she didn't remember her accident. But that meant he had to pick her up and drive to the restaurant.

He sighed heavily as he headed for the door and once he got outside and in his car, he aimed for Kagome's apartment.

Oh how he despised that apartment.

Maybe because he had never been it, maybe because it felt like there was someone's presence lingering around. He hated that so much hence why he was trying to spend as much time as he could in it. He figured once he molded it a bit, maybe it wouldn't feel as estranged. Plus, Kagome shouldn't really care since she herself wasn't familiar with the place.

Perhaps he could get her to move? A new apartment. One far from the old life she had during the past year. He would say move in with her but he wasn't sure he was ready to go that far but just a nice new place would do. However, he was sure that if she ended up discussing it with Sango the idea would never work. For some reason, Sango felt the need to butt in everything including things that weren't any of her business.

His current rage towards his ex friends was higher than before since he knew what they would try to do. He wasn't one to keep his feelings for himself and usually during something such a dinner, he wouldn't be afraid to bite their heads off. Unfortunately, because of Kagome's presence, he would have to behave himself while they would not. His fingers clenched against the wheel as he wondered why he couldn't tell Kagome they shouldn't see their friends anymore.

If she loved him, it shouldn't matter that she had no one but him.

Wasn't he enough for her?

His driving suffered a bit as he did the final miles that separated him from his current location to Kagome's apartment. As soon as he arrived he took out his phone, texting her that he was waiting. He really didn't feel like going all the way up to her apartment, wait for her and go all the way back down. If she knew he was waiting in the car, she would hurry up a bit. Though he didn't know what could be slowing her down; it was no big thing, she didn't need to be dressed nice.

He furiously tapped his knuckles against the window while twitching his foot and feeling as if he was ready to explode. Stupid Sango. Stupid Sesshomaru.

Sesshomaru in particular.

The bastard still hadn't given him a reason why he knew Kagome and why he cared so much. Maybe the best way would be to corner him at the dinner. Yes. Maybe he could humiliate him, drive him into an uncomfortable situation where he wouldn't know how to get out. After all, his brother had really bad social skills which would affect him if he was put under pressure in front of people.

Suddenly, Inuyasha didn't have to undergo such intense irritability. Maybe the whole time he had been looking at the whole thing the wrong way and maybe there was away to turn it to his advantage. A smirk appeared on his face as he leaned into his seat, proud of himself for thinking about such a plan.

And then, as if on cue, Kagome appeared in his view walking down the little stairs that would lead her to the sidewalk. Her long black locks were flowing in the wind while she desperately held on to the collar of her black jacket for some warmth. She smiled at him once she took notice of his car and she hurried to reach the passenger seat's door. Because his car was in a parking space she didn't feel any fear and it was easy for her to walk around the car to get to the other side.

However, it was a different story for moving cars, or cars parked in the street. She had found out the previous day that even though she didn't remember the accident, her body would still react. She would either find herself unable to advance further, or she would jump and freeze or her body would start shaking. It wasn't a reaction she was able to control.

A well known scent invaded her noise as she slid herself into Inuyasha's car and somehow she found it safe. She had been so lost in her own things lately that it was nice to recognize something for once. Actually, Inuyasha was mostly her only anchor for the moment. He shared with her some missing pieces and he provided her with a feeling of home. It wasn't that Sango didn't make her feel better, but it was different with Inuyasha.

How? She couldn't explain she simply felt more emotions when he was around.

"Sorry about the wait," she said as she strapped her seatbelt on.

"Keh," he said, before slowly bending and capturing her lips in a kiss.

It was at that moment that he realized he would much prefer to spend the next couple of hours with Kagome in her apartment then at the stupid restaurant. He deepened the kiss, prolonging it for a little longer before he forced himself to pull away from her. A groan escaped his own lips as he repositioned himself in the driver seat while Kagome smiled at him.

He quickly put his hands back on the wheel, glad that she had been as enthusiastic about the kiss. Of course, perhaps if he had paid a bit more attention, he would have noticed the fakeness in her smile. Fact was she was relieved he didn't push the kiss into a make out session. She loved Inuyasha, there was no doubt about it and they had been together for so long…

But she feared that since a year had passed for him and not for her he was expecting more. She wasn't ready to cross that bridge, at least not in the state of mind she currently was in. Though, she would feel bad denying him everything especially since he had probably been waiting for so long… but it simply didn't feel right. She did her best to put on a happy face and forget her silly worries. After all, Inuyasha loved her and he wouldn't push her if she wasn't ready. Plus he was aware of her current complicated situation.

The ride to the restaurant was fairly silent especially since Inuyasha wasn't a big talker, though she did notice something was off with his attitude. Usually, he was perhaps angry or carefree, but he was currently in one of those rare thinking moods apparently. She found herself glancing in his direction often as if she was trying to catch a glimpse of what was going through his mind. He clearly looked uncomfortable with the whole dinner idea and she pondered if it was because of her.

Did he fear she would feel uneasy among her friends or perhaps he thought his brother's presence would trouble her? Granted she wasn't close to Sesshomaru, but that didn't mean he would bring fear upon her. He had driven her home from the hospital the other day and although he had been awfully quiet, he hadn't been mean or anything. He had even answered her silly questions without his tone being cold like she was accustomed to.

Granted it would be a bit strange to see everyone be so friendly with each other, but it was actually a good thing. She would rather have everyone get along then fighting. Though she could only imagine what kind of fight led to Inuyasha and Sesshomaru deciding to put their differences aside. Inuyasha had always wanted his older brother to act as a brother hence why he ended up pissing Sesshomaru off most of the time.

Maybe Sesshomaru had finally seen all of Inuyasha's efforts? Perhaps she could ask later on.

Respecting Inuyasha's wish of silence, she remained quiet for the rest of the trip until they reached the restaurant. It was her first real outing since her accident, since the only other thing she had done was go groceries shopping with Inuyasha. It felt good to act normal again. Now that her head was free from any bandages and that she wasn't on such an intense pain medication she could truly enjoy herself.

She wasn't allowed alcohol, but it hardly made a difference since she didn't drink in the first place.

They quickly arrived at the restaurant and once the car was parked Inuyasha rushed out to help her out of the car. Everyone was taking extra precautions with Kagome since a head injury could still affect her and cause things like her losing her balance. He had no desire for her to fall, and injure herself again. Of course, nobody told her why they were so worried and Kagome brushed it off as them just caring too much.

He wrapped his arm around Kagome's waist as they headed inside the restaurant. Sango had not told them under whose name it was but he had a feeling his brother would want to pay for everything since it would allow him to show off. Once they reached the podium, he only tightened his hold on Kagome.

"Reservation?" asked the waitress before lifting her eyes off her book.

"Taisho," said Inuyasha as he tried to glance inside to see if he could catch a peek of his friends.

The girl ran her long nailed finger down the page until she came up to the name. She raised her head and offered him a smile, before grabbing two menus and moving away form her podium. "Your friends are waiting," she said before leading the way.

Inuyasha felt a small nervousness as his grip on Kagome loosened a bit while they followed the waitress to their table. Unfortunately, all too quickly did their table come in view causing him to sigh, which didn't go unnoticed by Kagome. But, she remained silent, deciding that she would ask later what was wrong. Perhaps he had been feeling sick and he hadn't said anything?

Was he forcing himself to be present for her sake?

Her eyes softened a bit as she grabbed his hand and squeezed it. For the wrong reasons, she boasted up his courage and it helped Inuyasha close the remaining distance between him and the table. Almost immediately his eyes fell upon Sesshomaru and even though Inuyasha glared at him, Sesshomaru never reacted.

It was probably because his own eyes were locked on Kagome. Her hands to be more precise. Her hands that were touching Inuyasha's. For a second, he felt a rage boil inside of him and he required a deep breath to not rise from his seat just to knock Inuyasha out cold on the floor. He clenched his fingers into a fist under the table before putting on his most neutral expression.

Kagome smiled at everyone before taking a sea; she was heading towards the one closer to Sango instead of Sesshomaru which caused a little alarm to go off in Sango's mind. Out of a lack of better option, Sango immediately spilled her glass of water on the seat.

"Oh gosh, I'm so sorry," she said when the water splashed on the chair and around the floor. She offered Kagome her best smile before reaching out for her serviette. "Why don't you sit there while I clean this?"

Kagome weakly nodded as she sat down beside Sesshomaru who nearly rolled his eyes at Sango's attempt. Miroku was holding back a chuckle while Inuyasha was glaring at her. Nonetheless, there wasn't much he could do so once the water was sponged from the seat, he sat down. He wasn't a big fan of having his Kagome sitting beside Sesshomaru, but he would have no other option than to put up with it for now.

Perhaps he had forgotten how conniving Sango was.

"So how are you feeling?" inquired Sango, starting the conversation.

She was aware that Sesshomaru might throw himself in the field of battle, but she couldn't do all the work for him. Unfortunately, he tended to be quite silent in public gatherings and she had a feeling Inuyasha might take advantage of the situation. Sango herself wasn't a big talker, but the situation required it. That, or she would have to make sure Kagome would be her usual chitchat personality.

"Better," was the only answer she could offer.

She still felt strange and out of place most of the time, but at least she didn't feel pain or anything of the sort anymore. The fact that she might never recover her missing year still bothered her, but she tried to not let it get to her too much. Kagome didn't share that information since she didn't want anyone concerned over her.

"So, what have you guys been up to for the past year?" she asked, her question dropping like a bomb.

Suddenly, the silence became awkward, as nobody was sure what was the proper way to answer the question.

"I re-became in charge of half the company," said Inuyasha proud of himself, even though he owed the honor to his father.

Kagome frowned. "Re-became? What happened, why weren't you anymore?"

Because I went to China for one month to be with Kikyo. Suddenly, Inuyasha found himself very uncomfortable and he pulled on the collar of his shirt as if his body heat had increased.

Sango couldn't help the smirk that grew on her lips. "Yes Inuyasha, you never did tell us what happened."

He was going to kill her. He was a horrible liar most of the time; how was he going to get out of that one? "I hm- I went to China." No wait. "For a couple of weeks." He felt sweat drip down his back, as all eyes were on him. "And hm, I was only in charge of the branch there while I was gone."

Kagome felt a strange feeling develop in her heart. Inuyasha went to China? Without her? She didn't have any kind of steady work; she could have done her art anywhere, especially if it was only for a couple of weeks. Had he wished to go on his own? Before, everywhere he went, though he had never gone so far before, he had taken her with him.

She found herself licking her dry lips as she tried to hide her disappointment. It would be unfair for her to confront him or be upset over something she didn't remember, especially since she wasn't aware of all the details. Yes, the best thing to do was to drop it.

"Well that's great!" she expressed, hoping she sounded convincing. "Anyone else?"

Yes. You spent your last year completely engulfed into your own world with Sesshomaru, who saved you from your broken heart. Broken heart caused by the idiot sitting next to you.

"Not really, same old same," Miroku finally provided

Perhaps it was because of his natural charm, but he felt much more at ease than anyone else in this conversation. Maybe it was also due to the fact that he paid attention to the little details and he knew for a fact Inuyasha would screw up again. Granted he had no desire to see Kagome heart broken again, but it would be hard to stop.

Plus, he knew Sesshomaru could mend her heart.

Kagome twitched her toes while slightly biting on her bottom lip before deciding to speak with the one person who hadn't uttered a word. "What about you Sesshomaru?" she inquired, feeling nervous.

He had almost been a bit imposing and cold and though he seemed different, she didn't fully feel comfortable, not that his presence was making her nervous. It was just that being near him brought an unsettling feeling within her.

Sesshomaru snapped his head in her direction and appeared to almost be surprised that she was speaking to him. He clearly remembered his plan and what he intended to do. But seeing her with Inuyasha... it was clouding his mind. The worst of it all was that she didn't even look happy. He had seen her happier with a broken heart.

Bastard.

"I am in charge of the company."

"Half," corrected Inuyasha.

Half, plus your half makes up the whole company. "Half," he said, his tone scarily neutral.

"That's great," she offered in a weak attempt. "I'm sorry I don't remember much about you," she said, smiling apologetically.

You have no idea. "Not much has been forgotten." Just the only part that mattered.

Before another strange silence could fill the room, Sango clapped her hands together. "Well, let's order!"

-P-

The dinner was coming to an end as everyone was finishing their desserts. The meal had been quieter than Sango had hoped for but at least so far nothing bad had occurred; even Inuyasha had succeeded in keeping his mouth shut. The silence was quickly broken when Kagome rose to her feet which attracted everyone's attention.

She chuckled. "I'm only going to the restroom," she said before softly shaking her head.

It was sweet that they were all so concerned for her, but they didn't need to be. Granted something terrible had happened to her recently but she was recovering. And at least, she had made it out alive. Her steps were slow and small as she headed for the restroom, feeling as if she could finally breathe. There was something about being surrounded by them that was suffocating.

Truth was, she felt as if they were hiding something from her. They barely allowed full silence, but only made small talk filled with emptiness. Sometimes they were too quick to answer certain questions, and the fact that Inuyasha had gone to China without her was still vivid in her mind. Something wasn't right.

Or perhaps she was seeing too much into things. They were her friends; they wouldn't keep anything major from her would they? It was probably little things.

She hurried inside the washroom only to take too many rapid steps once she was out. Perhaps it was because of the fast movements, but she felt dizzy for an instant and found herself losing her footing. She cringed, her eyes tightly shut as she waited for the fall. But it never came.

When she finally opened her eyes she saw two arms wrapped around her waist holding her up as she was inches from hitting the ground. Kagome slowly raised her head, only to find herself staring into two amber eyes. Sesshomaru's. The tiniest blush appeared on her cheek as she got back up on her feet with his help.

As his arms left her, she felt the sudden warmth disappeared. "Thank you," she said, stuttering a bit.

Sesshomaru offered her a nod. He had to admit, he had been worried about her going somewhere alone. Perhaps it was insane, but he couldn't help himself. He had been protecting her for the last year and it was hard to let go of that instinct especially since she usually knew how to get herself in trouble. Though now, he was glad he had decided to act upon his doubts. A few more seconds and she would have made a collision with the floor.

He gestured for her to lead the way and began following from behind. Sesshomaru could tell she felt awkward around him and it did not please him. How was he supposed to gain her back if she could not feel comfortable in his presence? He sighed silently as he watched her regain her seat beside Inuyasha.

It would be a difficult task, there was no lying, but he couldn't give up could he? At first, he had thought so hard that he should and that she had forgotten him for a reason… but. Could he really leave her in his hands? Inuyasha couldn't even notice the sadness in her eyes or all her different expressions; he was oblivious to her feelings.

Was that the man he wanted protecting her? No.

Even if he had to shatter his pride in the process, he would her away from him. He would do it; he would stoop as low as seducing a taken woman. Though Kagome had never seemed interested in him in that fashion in the past… perhaps now, they could have a break through.

As soon as Sesshomaru sat back down, he felt Inuyasha's glare upon him but he decided to ignore it. The bastard wasn't worth his time and the only reason he was putting up with him was for Kagome's sake.

Inuyasha hadn't liked it when Sesshomaru had gotten up not too long after Kagome, and now he disliked the fact that they had come back at the same time.

"We'll be going soon," said Inuyasha, his tone betraying his current mood.

"Already?" said Sango, a bit ticked off.

She knew not everything was going according to plan, but he didn't have to make it worse. The biggest issue she was having was how little Sesshomaru was speaking. It was his chance to make friends with Kagome and he was ignoring it. Maybe Inuyasha's presence was ruining the whole thing? The best idea would be to not have him there.

Maybe a girl's night in disguise where Sesshomaru would happen to drop by? Though she would need a really good reason… and Sesshomaru would need some convincing. Good thing she was nowhere near giving up just yet.

"I don't want Kagome out too long." Lie. But he required a semi-believable excuse to get out of there.

"Why not?" she asked, frowning.

"'Cause, we dunno if there're problems with your head."

The slipping incident came back to her mind, and she found herself glancing in Sesshomaru's direction. It hadn't even crossed her mind to wonder how he had been there on time, but he had. Perhaps she had lots to learn about him, and maybe behind that cold façade he had always shown, there was a kind being. Kagome found herself wondering why he didn't put it out there more often.

"I guess," was her only answer as she refocused herself on Inuyasha.

But it was there, nagging her in the back of her mind. There was something. It was like when you try to remember something you were about to say. It's right there, but you can't recall it. What was it she wanted to remember so badly?

I won't. I'll never leave you.

"Kagome?"

Kagome tilted her head in the direction of Sango, confusion written all over her face. "What?" she inquired since her friend was looking at her so strangely.

"Are you okay? You look like you're about to cry."

She could indeed feel a sadness deep within but she could not explain it. Kagome was still able to hear the words echoed in her mind, burning inside her brain. She hated this. Every time something happened to her that felt similar to a memory, she felt pain. Was this how it was going to feel to recover her lost memories?

Because if it was, perhaps she didn't want to remember.

She felt hurt enough without adding more suffering. Then, before she knew it, the tears were spilling out of her eyes. "I'm just tired," she said, obviously lying.

The first arms she felt comforting her, were Inuyasha's. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru was hopeless, sitting down at the table, watching his half brother brush away the tears of the woman he loved. Not too long ago, he was the one who had been doing such things.

Except, he had done it better.

"Do you think it ever goes away?"

"Pain?"

"Yeah," said Kagome, as she snuggled into her knees. "Does the emptiness in your chest ever goes away?"

Sesshomaru turned his body slightly so he was looking at her profile. He then gently raised his hand before brushing her wet bangs out of her crying eyes. "Eventually, when you find something to fill that hole with."

"Like what?" she asked, no hope in her voice.

"Another love."

She violently shook her head. "I don't want to love again, it hurts too much."

Prior to her ceasing another wave of tears, she broke down. Slowly, she leaned her shoulder into his chest before her whole body crumbled into him. Lovingly he put a hand against her cheek, gently stroking it. She shouldn't be hurting like that, and it was all Inuyasha's fault.

Such a lovely, innocent girl experiencing such a sorrow, thinking she wasn't enough.

Her tears were dripping on his light gray shirt but he couldn't have cared less. He quickly he held her closer to his body and she enjoyed his warmth. When he had his arms wrapped around her she always felt protected. He had saved her once and in her heart she knew she could always run to him if she required help.

His own heart was beating faster as her words replayed in his mind. She didn't wish for someone to love again. Love. Was that the feeling he was experiencing? She had only been in his life for a month and yet he was so attached and concerned for her well being. How could two people become so close after such a short amount of time?

She was so fragile in his hold, comparable to a porcelain doll he was preventing from shattering. That day, he had made a promise he could not break. Now, he had to focus on making sure she would not shed any more tears. To see her so distressed made him feel disturbed and agitated. He wished he could take it all away.

"Sesshomaru" came her voice, weak and muffled.

"Hn?"

"Don't leave okay?"

She felt weak for asking but she couldn't help it. Her heart was broken in a million pieces and he was the only thing holding her back from drowning. She should be the one getting herself back on her feet, but for now, she wanted to lean on him, depend on him. As long as he would offer her support she would take it. But, she was afraid.

Inuyasha had left her to rot, what if Sesshomaru did the same thing?

Up until recently, they had been complete strangers. But he cared for her, did he not?

However, so had Inuyasha.

"I will not."

As if he could ever leave her. From the first glance that night, she had wrapped herself around his heart. He could not explain it; he had been struck by her. Even if he wished to, he couldn't leave her behind. She was his to protect against the world.

A part of him deep inside almost wished they could go back to that time. Granted, back then she had been hurt and broken, but she had been all his. It was at him that she had looked up for smiles, laughs, and comfort. Anything she had ever required, he had provided her with in a blink of an eye.

Now, he had to start from scratch.

It had been easier last time since an event had jumped started their friendship, but this time around he actually needed to create something for them to be friends. He watched carefully as Inuyasha took her away, words dying to be spoken.

This was more difficult than expected, especially with Inuyasha constantly in the way. Obviously the bastard wouldn't allow him a chance to speak with Kagome. However, Inuyasha had forgotten that when it came to the power game, Sesshomaru was always the winner. If he wanted to play dirty, so could Sesshomaru.

He had expected them to keep walking off but surprisingly, he saw Kagome turn her head around for a brief instant and he could swear she glanced in his direction. There was no smile upon her lips, no light dancing in her eyes; it had been a gaze, and nothing more.

"That's you're A game?" asked Sango, as soon as Inuyasha and Kagome were out of hearing reach. "You barely said a word to her!"

He was in no way appreciative of the tone Sango was using, but he controlled his legendary temper. "She does not know me."

Sango's chocolate eyes widened. "Hence why you need to talk."

"About what?"

Conversations with Kagome had always involved sharing, and a certain complicity which was perhaps why he had felt good in her presence. He hated small talk, and usually he despised conversations. Yet she made it different. Most of the time he hadn't been required to speak, only to listen to her. She had so many emotions going through her with everything she said and so many different gestures as she spoke.

From the very first day, it had been as if she had always been in his life.

Now that it had been taken away, how was he supposed to start this? He didn't doubt his skills with women, since if he so wished to, he could take any woman he wished home with him. But Kagome was different; she could not be picked up. Now that he was a stranger in her eyes he realized that more than ever. Even though she was warm, friendly, and welcoming, she was hard to reach, she kept her real heart locked away.

For the first time, he felt a feeling of defeat wash over him.

He was a proud man who had been able to do much in his lifetime so far but currently, he was unsure of himself. He remembered how devoted to Inuyasha Kagome was, and he didn't know if her being slightly unhappy would be enough to tear her away from him. Sesshomaru was familiar with her quality and fidelity was one of them. She would never hurt someone she cared for.

Sesshomaru wanted to scoff at his own attitude. Earlier, he had been ready to try to take away a taken woman, and now that he had spent three hours sitting beside Kagome, all his self confidence had left him. Perhaps it was because he was reminded of how much he cared for her.

If he was to try and win her heart, stealing her from Inuyasha in the process, he would put her in a hard place –if it was to work-. Could he really make her struggle and suffer? No. He had vowed to protect her and if he went along with this, he would be breaking every single promise he made her.

It didn't matter that she didn't remember them, because he did.

He would be her friend, he could be nothing more.

And he felt the sting in his heart.

In the past he had kept his hopes high since she had been a free woman but now, he couldn't. He would protect her from afar, have a long talk with Inuyasha, but he wouldn't try to make her his. Any way he could have her in his life, while having her be happy, he would take it. Even if it hurt, even if they were never as close again.

She was his to protect, even if his own feelings had to be sacrificed.

Quickly he rose to his feet before taking out his wallet. He threw money on the table causing Sango to be slightly confused. He was going to leave, while completely ignoring everything she had been saying? She wasn't even sure he had heard her talk.

"You can't leave!" she protested.

Sesshomaru put his wallet back in his pocket, before peering at her. "Don't you wish to see her happy, instead of suffering?"

He didn't allow Sango a chance to answer as he grabbed his jacket and headed for the door, the tiniest smile on his lips. He knew he was going to regret this and later he would wish he hadn't given up on her love. But perhaps, he loved her enough to let her go. He would always be lurking in the shadows, just to make sure she wasn't going to get hurt and perhaps they would even be friends.

But just friends.

Sesshomaru set foot outside, the sole of his shoe clicking against the cement. He was about to cross when he saw a car coming his way so he stopped. As the car came closer he recognized it as Inuyasha's so he took another step back. The car slowly went by him and before it was too far, he raised his hand up to his chest, doing a small, quick wave.

And she didn't miss it.

Kagome had seen him before they had gone passed him and she had found herself staring in the side mirror looking at him. She saw his little gesture and it was then that she glanced away. He had a longing gaze in his eyes that she could not explain.

"You al'right?" asked Inuyasha, as he put one of his hands on her knee.

She nodded. "Yeah I'm fine, just dozing off."

Kagome focused on the road ahead as the unsettling feeling in her stomach kept growing. Her mind was funny and she was confused. Kagome knew her friends wouldn't keep anything from her, but things didn't feel right.

"Inuyasha?"

"What?"

She paused, hesitating a bit. "You wouldn't lie to me would you?"

He exhaled slowly, forgetting to breath in. Why was she asking that now out of all times? Had his idiot brother said something to her at the restaurant?

"What the hell ya talkin' 'bout?" He removed his hand from her knee. "You think I'm lyin' to ya?"

"No." She didn't mean to accuse him, especially of something she didn't know he had done, but she couldn't help what she felt.

"I just – something feels off."

Why shouldn't she explain the situation to him calmly? Inuyasha had always been able to understand her after all. They had been friends their whole lives, and there was no reason to keep secrets from each other.

Inuyasha began clicking his tongue against his teeth as he pondered on the way to fix this situation. He had known from the start that the supper would be a bad idea. Yet, he hadn't tried harder to stop it. At first, he thought it to be not so horrible since nobody had attempted to pull some dirty trick, but now, he realized the whole thing had just confused Kagome.

Was it everyone's attitude? Had she seen through the charade? How could he find the perfect way to explain everything to her with the perfect lie? At the moment, she looked so unhappy and it wasn't what he wished for. They were supposed to be together and joyful. It was his second chance at making it right.

What did women like? What shut them up and made them happy?

For a second, his thoughts drifted to Kikyo and why they had broken up. It was then that the perfect idea hit him. Rapidly, he pulled in to the first parking lot he saw, smirking brightly. Once this would be dealt with, Sango and Sesshomaru would be completely powerless against him.

He parked the car before undoing his seatbelt and turning around to face Kagome. She found herself caught off guard by the look in his eyes and immediately, her features saddened. At first he had seemed a bit happy but now he looked heartbroken. Had she started a subject that should have been avoided?

"Inuyasha, I'm sorry I-"

He cut her off. "Kagome, I gotta tell you something."

All she could do was nod, the intensity of his eyes affecting her. Slowly, he reached out for her hands, enveloping them with his own. "We lied to ya 'bout things. We didn't wanna tell you, we thought you were gonna remember."

She bit on her bottom lip, nervousness filling her.

"We weren't sure it was a good idea to keep it from ya, but I don't want ya worried or nothing." He took a deep breath.

"A little bit before your accident, we got engaged."

-P-

Yup. Kill me now.