Hope you like! *vibrates with excitement*

~Sabichan~

*I POV*

>Eleven minutes and forty-two second later<

"All I'm saying is that you're insane. I mean, prove me wrong, please."

"And all I'm saying is that we got here in great time! Right Inuyasha?"

"Shut up and park." I muttered, gradually loosening my grip on the seat in front of me. I don't think he ever slowed down from the moment we had left her house. The normally twenty minute drive had taken us almost half that time.

"Aye, aye matey, we'll be dockin soon." He resumed his previous cheesy pirate accent. Kagome stared at him disbelievingly.

"What the hell was that? Were you trying to be a pirate?"

"Yar." He grinned wide.

She turned from the front seat to look at me.

"Is he always this...B-movie?"

"Yep." I nodded.

"No, matey. It's Yar."

She rolled her eyes as the car came to a stop. I jumped out and opened her door, holding out my hand to help her out.

"Someone's on their best behavior!" She quipped, taking my hand.

"Someone's being a bitch." She stuck her tongue out at me.

"Ladies, please no fighting!" Miroku called behind him. I glared at him and growled.

We walked to the front door of the restaurant and I could feel the nervousness begin to rise again. But how could you blame me? Sure I was in my element here, but then again, these were people who were not always that covert or low key. God knows what embarrassing things they might let slip! But I didn't have any choice. `It's for her, this is all for her...' I chanted silently. We stepped inside.

"Oh wow." I heard her gasp as she took in the scene before her. I just kinda flinched and let out a startled "huh?"

I guess as soon as I had left, they had closed the restaurant early. The lights were dimmed and candles adorned each table and counter. Two of the tables had been assembled into one large on in the middle of the main dining room and formally set. A small banner that read: "Happy Birthday Kagome" was draped across the host podium. Suddenly the kitchen door swung open and Faye, Mushin, Sango, and Shippo burst into the room.

"Happy Birthday!" They yelled in unison. Then they rushed towards us smiling excitedly. I continued to stand there pretty much dumbfounded as the `family' crowded around her.

"Ohhh! Thank you all so much!" She gushed.

"Oh it's our pleasure, Kagome! We never get a chance to do something like this, so this seemed like a good chance. Well, anyway I'm Faye Houshi and this is my husband Mushin." She said gesturing to him. They each shook hands and then

Kagome gasped when she caught sight of Shippo.

"Oh, he's even more adorable in person!"

"My youngest son Shippo. Go on baby, say `hi'." The kid just kind of stared at her nervously. I'd never seen him act so strangely. He took a step forward.

"Hi." he said in a small voice.

"Hi Shippo." She kneeled down in front of him and extended her hand. He shyly reached forward and shook it. Then he smiled. She smiled back and stood back up.

She locked eyes with Sango and I swear fireworks went off behind their eyes.

"Sango?!" she asked excitedly.

"Yeah!" She replied just as excited.

"I've heard so much about you!"

"Me too! I love your hair!"

"Thanks, I love that dress!"

They chatted girlishly for a moment before they both realized how silly they were

being.

"Well let's all have a seat and then we can have dinner! Oh Kagome I made something special just for you, Inuyasha told me how fond you were of Japanese food, and I was just dying to try it out. Come, sit, sit!"

We all walked over to the table. I pulled out her chair for her at the head.

"Is this like my place of honor or something?" She asked as she sat. I pushed it back in and muttered.

"Or ridicule, whatever..."

I sat to her right and Sango immediately gravitated to the seat on her left. As Faye disappeared into the kitchen, and Mushin and Miroku began arguing about the car and just how we got back so quickly, the girls started chatting again. I listened and watched in amusement when I suddenly felt something tug on my shirt sleeve.

Looking down I saw Shippo gazing up at me.

"What?"

"Ummm...how come you didn't tell us she was so pretty?" I was confused.

"Huh? Why, what's wrong, and what's with you being all shy? You're not your usual bratty self!"

"Shhh! Don't say that so loud! I don't want her to not like me!" His eyes were pleading. My expression softened at his reaction.

"Oi, kid. Calm down. Trust me she likes you. I can tell. And I didn't say nothing, `cuz I didn't think it was that important."

"Okay. Well just...I don't know, don't make me look like Miroku."

"You mean a dumb shit?"

"Yeah, that!"

"Alright. Go sit down and save the dumb shit, looks like Mushin's gonna wring his neck."

He nodded and bounded off to the chair between his father and brother. I watched them for a moment as Mushin took notice of the kid and the angry look on his face melted away. He looked back up to Miroku as he ruffled Shippo's hair.

"Just be more careful, that's all." I heard him say.

I felt a twinge of nostalgia at the scene in front of me. I could just barely remember what it was like having my father speak to me like that. I remembered what it was like to be in Shippo's place, Dad playfully messing my hair while he told us about some crazy adventure from when he was my age. I felt a warm hand over mine under the table. I looked up to see Kagome watching them with the same interest.

`Oh right...she didn't have her father either...' She turned and smiled at me. I realized Sango was gone.

"Where'd she go?" I gestured toward the empty chair.

"She went to help in the kitchen...you okay?"

"Yeah...So you guys clicked huh? I told you."

"For once you were actually right. She's like another me! This is so great!" She gushed. I squeezed her hand and then looked up as Sango and Faye came back in the room.

We had a Japanese style dinner, since Faye had actually made Mushin take her to the same restaurant Kagome had taken me to. Just as I had expected, she wouldn't leave until she got one or two recipes. I wowed everyone with my newfound chopstick talent, although was quickly upstaged as Shippo asked Kagome to teach him.

Conversation flowed easily, and I could tell just how much everyone adored Kagome. Shippo had come out of his shyness and joined in. Laughter rang out and voices echoed comfortably through the near-empty dining room. I had to admit the atmosphere was perfect-I thanked whatever God had possessed them to decorate the restaurant let alone close it early just for this. The whole place and everyone in

it just seemed to be completely enchanted by her. I was no exception.

I touched her every chance I got, whether it was in teasing or an "accidental" bump with my knee. And each time I was left wanting more, wishing I could just get it over with and take her in my arms, then maybe kiss her. Yes I definitely wanted to kiss her.

Her eyes strayed to mine every once in a while, and I couldn't help but wonder if the feeling was mutual. Did she notice my touches, did she want me to kiss her?

Did she want me at all?

I had to find out. I needed to know so desperately, that I finally leaned over and whispered in Miroku's ear and asked perhaps the biggest favor ever of him. He nodded and leaned over to his father in turn, also whispering. I grinned as Shippo took notice and strained to hear what was being said. Mushin nodded and Miroku turned back to me.

"He says you can borrow his car if you're extra careful when you're putting the ah.. key in the ignition." I shot a look at his father. He tapped the side of his nose and winked.

I glanced at the chattering women who were paying no mind to us, then flipped him off. He countered by pointing at Kagome.

"Mushin!" I said in a loud whisper. Miroku just grinned evilly and nudged me.

"You're both disgusting..." I muttered. They both laughed drawing Kagome's attention the mean blush that had washed over my face.

"Wow that's a good impression of a tomato, do a beet next!"

Of course this drew only more laughs at my expense. I just sighed and shook my head.

`Gods...what a woman...'

Faye had also made a cake for her and she brought it out when the dishes had

been cleared.

"Here you go birthday girl! I wasn't sure what kind to make, so I just made Sango's favorite since you two seemed so much alike."

"Chocolate?" They asked in unison. They looked at each other and giggled for the millionth time.

"Yep!" `Gee, yet another thing they have in common...'

We sang Happy Birthday to her as loudly and off key as we could as she clapped excitedly. Then she closed her eyes and cocked her head to the side in her fashion, obviously deciding on what to wish for. She seemed to think for a moment.

Suddenly, she opened her eyes, and they met mine, sparkling with some

undecipherable emotion. My breath hitched in my throat with the intensity it bore.

She blew out the twenty candles.

She turned to Miroku with a disappointed look on her face.

"Hey it didn't come true! You're still here!"

Yet another bout of laughter, that even Miroku joined in. But I couldn't shake the overwhelming curiosity of what she had been thinking when she looked at me like that. What had she wished for? Her eyes once again met mine with a trace of that same look-and I had the distinct feeling I was going to find out.

As the night wore on, I waited patiently for the best moment and then excused myself from the table. I walked to the back room and opened the bottom cabinet. I picked up the black velvet box and began to leave when I had second thoughts. I hid the box behind my back, then walked out to the dining room. I sat back down as she looked at me questioningly.

"What're you up to?" I just grinned obnoxiously and looked away. The rest of the family was watching with similar curiosity. No one had known I had gotten her a present.

It had taken me a while to decide what to give her. It wasn't that I didn't know what she liked or anything. I just wasn't sure what would be the best present she had ever received. I wanted it to be perfect.

The idea had hit me the night I`d realized I was falling in love with her. I had thought about how excited she was about thrift stores, and especially the dress she was now wearing. The way she seemed so excited about something that had belonged to someone else, something with history.

In that case, it couldn't get anymore perfect than what I now held in my hands. I was nervous though. Extremely nervous.

I turned my gaze back to her. She looked ready to burst with anticipation. Finally, I placed the box on the table before her.

"This is for you."

Her eyes softened and she cooed.

"You're so sweet! You know you didn't have to get me anything. I mean this was more than enough and-"

"I know. But I wanted to. Open it."

She nodded, and slowly lifted the lid. Then her eyes went wide and her mouth formed a perfect O. She managed to tear her eyes from the open box to look at me.

"This is for me?" I nodded.

"What is it Kagome?" Shippo asked excitedly. I could tell everyone else was holding their breath. She picked it up and lifted it for everyone to see.

A thin silver chain draped over her long, graceful fingers, and at the end rested a marble sized iridescent pink jewel. It caught the light from the candles and seemed to give off an ethereal glow.

"It's called the Shikon no Tama. It was my grandmother's, and my father named his company after it."

I heard Faye gasp lightly. She knew full well about what I had given Kagome. Only she knew the importance and the symbolism of my gift- that this wasn't just a simple present. This really meant something important.

Even after I'd found it, I'd thought long and hard about the step I would be taking, giving this to her. Even though at first, she'd just think it was a beautiful antique, she would soon learn that the Shikon no Tama was so much more. And when she did finally learn just what it was...I only hoped she would still want it.

"It's ...oh Inuyasha it's so beautiful!" she finally stammered out. I grinned with pride at the sincerity in her voice. She really did like it.

"Here." I said and gently took it from her hand as I stood. I walked behind her and she lifted her hair. I placed it around her neck and closed the clasp. She held it between her fingertips and looked at me again. That look, she had that look again, the one she had right before she had made her wish. That alone boosted my confidence sky high.

"You've really outdone yourself Inu. What a wonderful gift!" Faye gushed suddenly. Everyone seemed to break out of their stupor and conversation once again began to stir up. I noticed the soft look Faye was giving me every time she caught my eye. I winked at her mischievously.

Soon midnight came around, and Kagome announced that she should be getting home. We all agreed and Faye and Sango began to clear the dishes. Kagome also got up to help but Faye stopped her.

"Oh don't even think of lifting a finger! This is your night! We'll clean up here and Inuyasha will take you home."

They all said their goodbyes, the women and Shippo making sure to give her a big hug.

"I'll come visit soon! Call me Sango!"

Mushin and Miroku cleared their throats to get my attention. I glared at them and the perverted grins on each of their faces.

"Not a word. Either of you." They nodded and Mushin dropped the keys into my open palm.

"Drive carefully, Inu!" Faye called from the kitchen. They both broke into childish laughter then ran into the kitchen before I had the chance to retaliate.

I led Kagome outside, opening her door for her. Then I ran around and slid into the driver's seat.

"Please tell me you don't drive like Miroku!" She joked.

"Nope, worse." I started the car and tried to get my bearings. I didn't actually drive too often.

"Hmm, you know this is a really nice car. Who's is it?"

"Mushin's-it's his pride and joy."

"So why's he letting you drive it?"

"I told him I'd wax it tomorrow."

"Oh, making a deal with the devil huh?"

"No, not really. I think I'll just blackmail Miroku into doing it."

"You are evil."

"Yar." I retorted. She rolled her eyes. I noticed her fingering the jewel around her neck.

"Thank you." She said after a brief comfortable silence.

"Huh?" As I reached a stoplight, I turned to her. Her eyes were warm and bright.

"For agreeing to this. I mean I really just kinda sprung it on you, and you didn't make any fuss or anything. I just...really appreciate tonight. I had such a good time."

"Well that was the plan. I'm glad you and Sango got along so well. I've never seen her be such a ..girl."

"She's awesome! I can't wait to see her again! And Shippo! He's so adorable and so sweet, and he acts so mature for his age, like he's a miniature person. Faye is such a great cook, I'm so jealous-no wonder she has her own restaurant, and Mushin is just hilarious. I swear him and Miroku are just like carbon copies..." She rambled on about my family, and I bit back the huge stupid grin that was threatening to appear. This night had been an absolute success. I had made her happy.

"So how come Sango gets your number and I never have? I was your friend first you know." I asked as the thought struck me.

"You never asked for it." I rolled my eyes and muttered.

"Brat."

"Yeah, well it's my birthday mister, I can be whatever I want to be."

"Your kindergarten teacher tell you that?"

"No." She stuck her tongue out at me. "It was my preschool teacher, asshole."

We quipped at each other back and forth for a few minutes, then finally reached her house. I pulled in and stopped the car. I began to feel the nervousness settling

back in. She seemed fine though as she turned to me.

"Hey come up to the shrine with me. I wanna show you something."

Tbc…

I bet you all thought I wouldn't put the Shikon no Tama in here! Nope, it plays a very big part in my story, and don't worry if the explanation of what it means is vague in this chapter, it will be thoroughly explained soon.

I know the meeting with the "family" wasn't all that descriptive, but just know that within the first ten minutes, everyone in that room fell in love with Kagome. Shippo already adores her! YAY SHIPPO! Anyway, I just didn't want to dwell on the supporting characters too much.

To help you understand why Kagome's givin him those looks...She loves him, you baka! She's just coming to realize it, and for once, she isn't afraid. You'll see, oh yes you will see!!

The next chapter was my favorite to write. I'm givin ya a little citrus splash, just a tease, and then the big .....well just read it!!!

*vibrating with anticipation!*