Chapter 4

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The wind ripped at her, tugging at her clothes and snapping the loose ends. After yesterday's tangled mess, Kagome was at least glad she had thought to tie back her air. She clung to Inuyasha for dear life, pressing the side of her face against his back as she squeezed her eyes tightly shut.

It was happening again—the thick feeling of growing heavy that made the knot in the pit of her stomach sink lower of its own accord. She thought she might be sick. She was afraid to open her eyes; she knew what always happened when she felt heavy like this. Inuyasha called back for her to look.

She opened her eyes just a little, peeking through narrow, squinting slits. As she suspected, the world was tilted at a crazy angle. Her head spun sickeningly. Even though she had been with Inuyasha and the group for over two years now, Kagome could never get used to the feeling of riding on her crush's back and flying into the air. It was spectacular!

Inuyasha spun in midair and began to head back. She felt herself being pressed against the red fabric of his hoari. She didn't know why she wasn't falling off.

Inuyasha had told her he had figured out that it was just like when you swung a bucket of water around over your head and the water didn't fall out. She had never swung a bucket of water over her head and wasn't entirely sure he was telling the truth about the water not falling out. She looked longingly at the ground and saw what Inuyasha was pointing at—the Fire Fox's village.

Shippo squealed with glee from his place in between Inuyasha's back and Kagome's lap as the half-dog demon leaped high into the rushing wind again. As they plummeted earthward, the knot of Kagome's stomach felt as if it were coming up in her throat. She didn't understand how the boys could like doing this. They enjoyed it. They actually enjoyed it! Arms stuck up in the air, they were both laughing with delight, acting like little boys. Well, one was a little boy, and she guessed he had a right.

She suddenly smiled and then laughed herself. Not at flying on a friend, but at seeing how happy Inuyasha was. She would fly like this every day just to see him laughing and happy. It was definitely different from the serious, sullen Inuyasha she knew. She stretched up and tentatively kissed the back of his neck. He brought his hands down and rubbed one on each of her legs. She clasped them tighter around him and forgot a little about feeling sick. Inuyasha landed in the open field in the center of the village. The sun was almost down, making the tan, plastered, mud-bricked buildings in the circle of the village stand out brightly in the slanting light. Kagome could smell the sweet smoke from the cooking fires. The long shadows trailed the fox people running for cover. Women ran from the cooking shelters and men from their weapons making, all shouting and calling out.

Kagome looked down at the village and hoped the hunters didn't start shooting poison arrows before they saw whom it really was coming to the village.

At last, Shippo saw his true home. He pointed excitedly, and jabbered to Kagome in half English, and half of the language of the tribe he remembered like a dream. Inuyasha couldn't understand most of it but smiled and nodded and ruffled Shippo's hair. Kagome flung her arms around Inuyasha again as they pulled out of a steep descent. Dust swept up around them as they settled on to the ground.

Inuyasha swept Shippo and sat him on top of his broad shoulders, then stood up. The stiff, cold breeze carried the dust away to reveal a ragged ring of hunters, their bows drawn, poison arrows pointing up at the three of them. Kagome held her breath.

Grinning, Shippo waved both hands over his head, as Inuyasha had told him to. The hunters, astonished, cautiously lowered their bows. Kagome exhaled when she saw the tension come off the bowstrings.

A figure in ox-hide pants and scaly tunic stepped through the ring of hunters. Long mahogany hair hung down, spreading over his shoulders. It was the Fire Bringer, his sun-browned face a picture of shock.

"Well? It's me, Inuyasha! I have returned! With your help, I defeated Inutashio. And I have brought back Shippo back."

The Fire Bringer looked to Kagome as she translated what Inuyasha said into the local tongue. A beaming grin spread on his face. "We welcome you both back to your people with open arms. "

Women and children were gathering among the ring of hunters, their dark hair framing amazed faces. Inuyasha held Shippo in one arm as he slid Kagome off his back. He set Shippo down and twirled Kagome into his chest, where he grabbed her around the middle and held on to her tight. Kagome blushed and whispered to him, "later, Inu. Be patient." She reached up and gently pecked him on the cheek. "And as her lips gently brushed his, her arms wrapped around his waist, his own arms smoothly pressing the small of her back, forcing her more aggressively against his lips. And as his tongue ravaged her mouth, none of them noticed the lecherous tribe hunter tearfully giving out an narration…"

Inuyasha ripped away from Kagome and bashfully stared around for the narrating criminal. It was Prindin, the prank-puller and good friend of theirs. Nevertheless, this guy was worse than Miroku when talking about various mischievous things. Right now he was imitating Kagome's body, hands clasped in front of her chest, head bent upward, eyes shining, and lips slightly parted. Laughing nervously, Inuyasha punched him with his elbow. An impressive welt grew on the side of his head. Prindin sighed happily and sang in a singsong voice, "I was wondering when the next time Inuyasha would plant his mark on me." His cheeks reddening, Inuyasha booted Prindin into the air. Moments later, they heard the dull thunk of a body landing in the meadow. Nothing dangerous.

Weselin pushed through the throng, running to them, Savidlin right at her heels. She wailed her brother's second wife's son's name. Shippo held his arms out gleefully, and with an "AUNTIE!" practically leapt into her arms. Weselin alternated between crying and laughing as she tried to hug her nephew and Inuyasha and Kagome all at once. Savidlin rubbed his boy's back and looked to her and Inuyasha with wet eyes.

You see, the three had visited the tribe before, and discovered a horrifying truth: Shippo's parent's death was by Inuyasha's father's hand. By killing his own father, Inuyasha was by right a member of the Fire People's clan. Finding that Weselin and Savidlin were the last two people alive in Shippo's family, Inuyasha begged them to adopt the little fox demon. They did, and Shippo began a new life, made new friends, and even learned new abilities. He was happy here, with the rest of his kind.

"He was brave as any fully grown Fire Fox." Kagome told him.

He gave a single, firm, pride-filled nod, his orangish-brown mane sparkling in the sunlight. He appraised her for a moment and then stepped closer, giving her a gentle peck. It was the clan's policy to give a woman a kiss after she did you a favor or helped you or praised your son. Or just as a greeting. It was the rule to slap the men. "Strength to Miko Kagome."

Kagome returned the kiss and greeting, and then Savidlin threw his arms around her and squeezed nearly all the breath out of her. When he finished with hugging her, he straightened his elder's bear hide on his shoulders and looked up at Inuyasha. He shook his head in wonderment. And then he gave Inuyasha a powerfully hard whack across the jaw, a demonstration of his heartfelt respect for Inuyasha's strength. Inuyasha growled, not meanly, but not far from it.

"Strength to Inuyasha With The Temper."

Kagome wished Savidlin hadn't done that. She could tell by Inuyasha's eyes that he had a headache. He had it since yesterday, and she had hoped after a good sleep in the sleeping bag next to her it would be better. She was almost up the entire night listening to Inuyasha's labored breathing whenever his hands rummaged through her shirt, usually finding and kneading one of her tits, or one of his legs slipped between hers. She kept in moans as Inuyasha licked her neck and kissed her face. Sometimes his hands found her bottom, where they groped and rubbed her heated flesh, but for his sake, she didn't wake him up, instead enduring the sweet torture he put her through. She did smack him however when she learned the next morning that he wasn't asleep. Shippo had played with his wailing acorns (eww…. That sounds so wrong) until he was dead tired, and then had cuddled between the two and gone to sleep. Innocently, the little one didn't wake in the night while Inuyasha frisked with Kagome's body.

Having not slept for days, she thought she would have no trouble sleeping, but she found she didn't want to stop looking at Inuyasha. She had finally put her head on his shoulder, held his big, rough hand in both of hers, and fallen asleep smiling. They had all needed the rest.

Anyways, Inuyasha didn't let Savidlin's whack bother him, and returned his slap in kind.

"Strength to Savidlin. My friend."

Properly greeted, souls protected, Savidlin let his grins and backslaps fly. After they had exchanged greetings with the Fire Bringer, Inuyasha addressed the crowd. Telling them a slightly more dramatic account about what had taken place, Inuyasha was ushered to the Spirit Bathing Chambers to relieve his wounds' pain.

Meanwhile, Savidlin strode over and stood by Kagome. He glanced at her. "He is a rare person, this Inuyasha With The Temper."

She smiled and nodded. She gaze went across the way, to the man who wasn't cheering or happy. "Savidlin, who is he?"

"Kouga. Yes, he is a wolf demon, but after his village was burned to the ground, he managed to escape and now lives with us. He blames Inuyasha for his father coming here and killing people."

Kagome fired up at once. Furious, she spat a sentence at Savidlin. "If it wasn't for Inuyasha, Lord Inutashio would rule us all now, the same person who killed those people."

Savidlin shrugged. "Not everyone who has eyes can see. Remember the elder you killed? Toffalar? That was his uncle."

She nodded absently. "Wait here."

Kagome walked across the field, pulling the tie from her hair as she went. She was still dazed by the knowledge that Inuyasha loved her and that he couldn't be harmed by her miko powers. She replayed the happiest day of her life.

(Kagome's Flashback)

"Kagome, there's something I need to tell you." The young miko, with a daisy sticking out of her lips, turned around curiously and saw a nervous, fidgety Inuyasha. "Yeah?"

She rolled over on to her knees, supporting her weight by her elbows, beginning to get up from her former sitting position. Inuyasha quickly turned her shoulders around so that she plopped down the way she was before and sat around her, his legs forming an incomplete triangle around her slender legs. Kagome gasped at this outward showing of… affection? Did Inuyasha want to talk about this now? A knot grew in her throat as Inuyasha's arms reach between her elbows and encircle her chest. Inuyasha then put a little force on them so she would lean into him. He himself leaned back into the trunk of the tree they were sitting under, pulling Kagome along with him. He breathed deeply into her shiny black hair, smelling tangy 'sterhawbearees' and 'geraips' as she called them, gathering his guts for what came ahead. Kagome snuggled against his warm embrace and, grabbing his hands, wrapped them around her own waist.

"Kagome…" his voice crackled and he cleared his throat. "I was thinking, well, ya know, how we've known each other fer two summers now, and er, we're friends, right?" She nodded as he continued; sweat drops appearing at his hairline. "I know ya been through a lot with me, and I know ya have good reason to hate me sometimes, and I know you think I hate the prayer bead and the whole protect the miko thing, but I want to ask you… I need to tell you… I uh… Goddamn it! Kagome, I love you!"

His flushed face suddenly dropped onto his chest as he murmured his next words. Kagome was frozen in shock. "I understand if you don't like me, I don't care. I've always been alone my whole life and I know nobody wants to love a freak like me." His tone stabbed at her, pleading her to say something. "Go ahead, say it Kagome, it that you hate me too, like the rest of them, I don't care. But when you're ready to love, well, ya know…"Inuyasha was shocked to feel tears plopping onto his wrists and hands. Does she really hate me that much? He asked himself, unsure of what to do. Her hands were still gripping his, not willing to let him go. "I'll make you the happiest bride in all of Japan," Inuyasha pleaded, "please, say you love me! Please! I need to hear it! I need you to love me!"

Her tear-stained face slowly turned around to his own, terrifying him beyond belief. What if she did reject him? He couldn't live with himself then. Kagome's eyes widened as she twisted around and kneeled between his numb legs. His arms fell off her waist, landing gloomily over his stomach. His own eyes disappeared under his bangs, ready to jump onto the highest branch of the tree at Kagome's rejection. Her bangs covered her eyes.

"How dare you… you…" Kagome said, in a tone dead voice. Inuyasha's heart froze, and wilted away. He felt like dying. "How dare you believe that I wouldn't accept? Oh, Inuyasha, I was waiting for this to happen all my life! I love you, dear god, I love you, Inuyasha! " Arms flung themselves around his neck as she fell on him, toppling on top of him. Her lips crashed down on his without hesitation, meeting his. Inuyasha's heart exploded in happiness. Not only did the woman he loves love him, she also wasn't afraid to prove it. But then again, what was she afraid of? Nothing. Sweet, brave Kagome, able to love a thing like me.

Inuyasha grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down, her elbows slipping as she landed flat on her stomach on his stomach. "I love you! Oh Kami I love Kagome!" Inuyasha cried, making Kagome blush and smile and tears well up in her eyes. "And I love Inuyasha, now and forever." Kagome whispered before sliding her body up his and kissing him again. His tongue answered her lips this time, probing between them and delving into her mouth. Her first romantic kiss. Kagome felt her lips as Inuyasha rolled himself over so he was on top of her, supporting his weight by his hands, which were planted firmly one on each side of her head.

"Gggrrrllll…." Her stomach growled. They stared in each other in surprise, then, Inuyasha turned away, holding his sides, and trying to keep in the laughter. Kagome sighed to herself. Did I ruin the moment or what?

"You're just too funny." Inuyasha's forehead touched hers, then he gently kissed her again as his head went lower to nuzzle her neck. It tickled. Kagome giggled, and tried to escape from Inuyasha and his tickling licks. It didn't work.

"Kagome," he said, peering into her eyes. "This is my mark you can wear forever." He began sucking on her neck. Nipping and sucking all at once, Inuyasha's eyes closed for a moment as he imprinted this memory in his mind forever. A small oval-shaped mark appeared on her neck. 'Jeez, since when were hickeys invented?'

Inuyasha stuck out his tongue and licked her lips again before rolling himself off to the side. "It's time to go back," he whispered, "or else Shippo might try and follow us."

She got up on unsteady legs and almost fell again until Inuyasha's strong arm knocked her knees out from under her and smooshed her body into his. And then leapt into the air and landed back at the campsite. Kagome's chest was smooshed into Inuyasha's chest and she blushed and got out of his tender embrace. Shippo then leaped into her arms and sniffed her, inspecting. "Mommy?" He questioned, pointing to the swollen little mark on the side of her neck, "what's this?" Kagome waved him off, smiling a goofy smile. "That's a mark to tell you there's someone I love who loves me."

Shippo thought for a while. "Me?" Kagome's eyes bugged, and she replied, "Well, yes, but you have to be the same age as the person or near that to give them this gift." Kagome, still carrying Shippo, strolled to Inuyasha's side and whispered to him, "close your eyes for a moment." He did, shivering slightly with out-of-the-box thoughts.

She began breathing lightly on his neck, and then licked it. Shippo watching incredulously as Kagome began sucking the place she picked. Moments later, when she removed herself, a little hickey formed. Inuyasha sagged in relief. His sweet torture was over.

"Now Shippo, go and play for a while." Shippo obediently slipped off as Inuyasha grabbed her from behind again and kissed her.

(End Kagome's Memory—did you like it?)

With his arms folded across his chest, Kouga watched her come. His hunters stood behind him, leaning on spears planted butt-first in the ground. Apparently, they had just returned from a hunt, their lean bodies were still smeared with sticky mud. They stood easy but alert. Bows were slung over their shoulders and quivers hung at one side of their belts, long knives at the other. There were smears of blood on some of the men. Grass tied in bands at their upper arms and around their heads helped make them invisible in the surrounding grassland when they chose to be. Kagome stopped in front of Kouga, looking into his dark eyes.
She slapped him. "Strength to Kouga."

He pulled his glare from her; arms still folded, turned his head, and spat. His fierce eyes came back to hers. "What do you want, Kagome?"

The hunters' mud-streaked faces all took on small, tight smiles. The Fire People's land was probably the only place where it was an insult not to be slapped. "Richard With The Temper has sacrificed more than you could ever know to save our people from the former Lord Inutashio. Why do you hate him?"

"The two of you have brought trouble to my people. You will bring it again."

"Our people," she corrected. Kagome unbuttoned the cuff of her shirt and drew the sleeve up to her shoulder. She pushed her arm up in front of his face. "Toffalar cut me. This is the scar he left as he tried to kill me. That was before I killed him. Not after. He killed himself by attacking me. I did not go after him."

Kouga's gaze rose from the scar to her face without emotion. "Uncle was never very good with a knife. Pity."

Kagome's jaw clenched rigid. She couldn't back down now.

She leaned up and pressed her lips against Kouga's cheek for a long time, licking and sucking his scars. The hunters broke into angry whispers, yanking their spears from the ground. Kouga's face twisted into a hateful glare.

This was the worst insult you could give a hunter. He had given a disrespectful slight by not kissing her. It did not admit having no respect for her strength, only that he didn't wish to show it if he did. By placing a kiss where she had offered a slap of respect she had withdrawn her respect for his strength. The touch of the kiss said she had no respect for his strength and considered him no more than a foolish child. She had as much as spat on his honor publicly.

While this was a dangerous thing to do, it was more dangerous among the Fire People to show weakness to an enemy. That would be an invitation to be murdered in your sleep. Showing weakness denied you the right to face an adversary in the light. Honor required that strength be challenged openly. Since she had done this to him in the view of others, honor required any challenge from him be the same.

"From now on," she mocked, "if you want my respect, you have to earn it."

Kouga's white-knuckled fist jerked back to his ear, preparing to strike her. Kagome held her chin out for him. "So. You have decided to show your respect for my strength?"

His glare flicked to something behind her. His hunters flinched and reluctantly thrust the butts of their spears into the ground. Kagome turned and saw about fifty men with drawn bows. Every arrow was leveled at Kouga or one of his nine men.

"So," Kouga sneered, "you are not so strong. You must ask others to back you."

"Lower your weapons," she called back to the men. "No one is to raise a weapon to these men for me. No one. This is between Kouga and me only."

Respectfully, all the bows lowered, and the arrows rattled back into quivers.

Kouga folded his arms once more. "You are not so strong. You will hide behind Inuyasha's sword, too."

Kagome slapped her hand onto his forearm and gripped it tightly. Kouga's eyes widened a little as he froze. For a miko to place her hand on someone in this manner was an overt threat and he recognized it as such. Defiant or not, he knew better than to move a muscle; he couldn't move as fast as her thought, and that was all she needed.

Her voice was a low hiss. "In the last year, I have killed many demons than you have falsely boasted to have killed in the whole of your life. If you ever try to harm Inuyasha, I will kill you." She leaned closer. "If you even dare to express the thought out loud, and it reaches my ears—I will kill you."

She took in the hunters with a deliberate sweep of her gaze. "My hand will always be extended to each of you in friendship. If any hand extends to me with a knife, I will kill you as I killed Toffalar. I am a miko—don't think I can't. Or won't."

She held the gaze of each hunter in turn until they nodded in acknowledgment. Her hard eyes came at last to Kouga. Her grip tightened. He gulped. At last he, too, nodded.

"This is a matter between us. I will not speak to the Fire Bringer about this." In the distance, she could hear water being splashed about. Inuyasha was coming. "We are on the same side, Kouga. We both fight for the Fire People to live. The part of you, I respect."

She gave him a very small slap. She offered him no opportunity to return it, or to fail to, and instead turned her back to him. The slap had given him back a small amount of his respect in the eyes of his men, and would make him look foolish and weak if he chose to press an attack now. It was a small offering, but it had shown she acted honorably. She would leave it up to his men to decide if he had. Bullying a woman brought no honor.

But then, she was no mere woman; she was a miko.

Kagome let out a deep breath as she returned to Savidlin and turned to watch a damp Inuyasha, with only a towel about his waist and grass-woven sandals on his feet. His chest was bare expect for the water droplets dripping down from his thick, silvery-white hair. His image sent a deep longing into her chest. While Inuyasha was still a while away, Savidlin turned toward her and lifted an eyebrow. "You would make a good elder, Miko Kagome. You could give lessons in honor and leadership."

"Thanks, but I would prefer the lessons weren't necessary."

Savidlin grunted his agreement. Kagome buttoned up her cuff.

Inuyasha now stood in front of her. He looked quite troubled, maybe angry. He pointed his chin across the clearing. "You want to tell me what that was all about with our friend over there?"

Kagome shrugged, unable to keep the smile off her face. The time was ripe for payback for him not inviting her to bathe with him.

"Well, Kouga's the best hunter of the clan. He's strong, smart, and his eyes and voice make my heart all fluttery." She faked with a hand over her heart, staring dreamily into nothing. Inuyasha began growling and whimpering, hoping that she would say something about him. "He tied me up and DID me!" Kagome now said with wet, big eyes. Inuyasha snarled. How dare the vile slime touch HIS Kagome! And even after he marked her! Didn't Kagome even struggle? She looked uncaring right now. Or maybe she wanted him over Inuyasha? Maybe Inuyasha wasn't good enough? Inuyasha swayed with the weight of the truth as he staggered and fell on his butt, dazed.

Kagome leaned over him, her cleavage showing slightly through her blouse. "Just kidding."

Inuyasha was angry now. "My MATE doesn't pull jokes like that! That wasn't funny, you could have seriously lost me!" Kagome accidentally tripped over something and fell on him. By this time, most of the villagers cleared off. Kouga and his men remained, watching them. Kagome landed on top of Inuyasha, who fell backwards and rolled over. The dust finally settled, revealing the two, Inuyasha on top, hugging Kagome tightly with one arm while the other one landed on her chest. His mouth had—by accident—connected with her other breast. So it looks like Inuyasha's finally forcing himself on Kagome, pawing at her bosom and all. How embarrassing!

Kagome looked down and saw the damage as Inuyasha nervously sat up and drew up his knees so he was straddling her. "Um…"

"SIT! HOLY LORD AND EVERYONE ABOVE, YOU SLIMY LECH! SIT SIT SIT SIT SIT!" A giant hole collapsed under them, taking both Inuyasha and Kagome down. They landed in a pile of arms and legs, Inuyasha frozen right on her chest—again. His hands somehow managed to grab her wrists so that she wouldn't struggle and both of her legs were mingled with his. Inuyasha's eyes shone with apology and hurt—and a bit of lust. After a few minutes of that, they clambered out of the hole in utter silence. Inuyasha said nothing, both a light blush attacked his cheeks and he had a ridiculous smile of his face. Kagome also didn't say anything, but blushed as she rearranged her blouse and shirt.

Yes, Inuyasha's headache was back again.

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A few hours later, Dusk was bringing a cozy, fading light to the impromptu feast. Inuyasha glanced around the grass-roofed shelter at the elders in their bear hides. They were all smiles and chatter. Their wives and a few children had joined the group. People were stopping by the shelter to welcome the two of them back, smiling and exchanging slaps and kisses.

Little children across the way were chasing brown chickens that wanted nothing more than to find a place to roost for the night. The chickens squawked as they made flapping escapes. She couldn't understand how the children could stand to be naked, as cold as it was. Women in bright dresses were bringing woven trays of tava bread and glazed pottery bowls of roasted peppers; rice cakes, long boiled beans, fish, cheese, and roasted meats.

Inuyasha had managed to apologize to Kagome that afternoon after what happened and she gracefully accepted. Now she was letting the thrill take her, slapping and kissing the men and women. Kouga had led her aside for a moment, his dark blue eyes surveying the surrounding to make sure they wouldn't be over heard.

"Sorry about today." He held her shoulders and gazed into her eyes. "It's just…"

"Yeah, I understand. You're really strong, and you didn't deserve that crap from me."

"No, it was my fault. I knew my uncle attacked you first, but to save my family and clan's face, I opposed you." He leaned closer, his breath brushing her neck. "Can we make it up with a kiss? Or at least you can slap me and I'll kiss you."

"Nah, it's ok." Kagome stood on her tiptoes and lightly brushed her lips to Kouga's, never thinking that she had sprung an invisible trap. Arms wrapped around her lower back, Kouga kissed her again with more aggression, almost forcing her lips apart and delving into her mouth. Kagome began to fight him, but stopped. His tongue was softly joining with hers, so tenderly and carefully it wanted to make her cry. She wrapped her arms around his neck. Holding it for a few seconds, they parted.

Kagome smiled coyly. "Now I have to hit you."

A few seconds later, a psyched Kagome cracked her knuckles as she walked away from an unconscious Kouga. She sat next to Inuyasha, who eyed her with interest. "Kouga again?"

"Yeah. He wanted to apologize for being so rough with me. He says that he hopes he didn't leave any scars anywhere."

Inuyasha snorted. He rolled a roasted pepper in a piece of fluffy bread and grinned as he skarfed it down. As she returned the smile, she saw two hunters approaching. Her back stiffened. Inuyasha noticed her reaction and sat up straighter. "Those are two of Kouga's men. I don't know what they want."

She gave him a wink and pecked him lightly. "Be a good boy. Let's not have an adventure."

Without smiling or answering, he turned and watched the two come. The hunters stopped in front of her at the edge of the platform. They planted the butts of their spears firmly in the ground, leaning on them with both hands. They both assessed her with slightly narrowed eyes and small, tight smiles that weren't entirely unfriendly. The one closest to her extended an open hand to her, palm up. It was Prindin.

She looked down at the hand. She knew what it meant—an open hand offered without a weapon in it. She glanced up at him in confusion. "Does Kouga approve of this?"

"We are Kouga's men. Not his children." He kept the hand out.

Kagome looked at it a moment and then stroked her palm over his. His smile widened a little and he gave her a corny smack on the lips.

"Strength to Kagome. This is my brother, Tossidin."

Tossidin nodded. He gave her a kiss on the cheek and added his wish of strength. He had a handsome smile that matched his brother's. Surprised by the greeting, she returned it and glanced at Inuyasha. He was growling.

"We wanted to tell that spoke with strength and honor today," Prindin said. "Kouga is a hard man, and a hard man to get to know, but he is not a bad man. He cares deeply for our people and wants only to protect them from harm. That is what we do—protect each other." Tossidin grinned. "It looks like Kouga's got an eye on you," he teased. "You've already kissed him twice. And he likes it." He and his brother burst into laughter. "You should've seen the look on his face when he came into the tent. It was… creepy. He couldn't stop smiling and his face was all twisted. He kept on calling all the women Kagome and tried to kiss them." Prindin shook his head and, in a mock fatherly voice, asked, "Do you crazy kids know whom you're doing these days?"

Kagome nodded. "Inuyasha and I are Fire People now, too."

The brothers smiled identically. "The elders have proclaimed it for all to know. We will protect you both, the same as any other of our people."

"Will Kouga?"

The two shrugged, pulled out their spears and left. Creepy.

Inuyasha's intense gaze made her smile until her jaws hurt. Smiling himself, he turned, pulled his pack across the plank floor, and took out an apple. He cut the apple in half, removed the seeds, and handed half to her.

"Enjoy the show," he said after a wink. He bit the apple.

The elders fidgeted nervously. In the Midlands, red fruit was poison, the result of an evil magic. They didn't know that in Westland, where Inuyasha was from, you could eat red things like apples. They had seen him eat an apple once before, when he had tricked them into not making him take a wife from their village by convincing them that his eating it might make his seed poisonous to his bride, but they sweated as they watched the two of them doing it again.

"Honored elders," Inuyasha began, as Kagome finished her apple and began to translate, "I have returned from stopping the threat against our people. Now that it is over, I would like to ask you permission for something. I hope you find me worthy. I would like to ask your permission to have a Fire Woman as my wife. As you can see, I have taught Kagome to eat these things as I do. I will not harm her by it, or, and in the same way, she cannot harm me because she is a miko. We could like to be together, and we would be wedded by our own people."

Kagome could hardly get the last of the words out past the tightness in her throat, and she could hardly keep from throwing her arms around. She could feel her eyes burning and filling with tears, and had to clear her throat noisily to finish the words. She put her arm around Inuyasha's waist to steady herself.

The elders suddenly beamed with surprise. The Fire Bringer wore a wide grin. "You two are finally learning to be Fire People," he cried. "Nothing could please us more than for you two to be wed."

Inuyasha didn't wait for the translation, but gave her a kiss that took her breath away. The elders and their wives applauded.

It was all the more special to her that they would be wedded before the Fire People. Kagome felt at home here. When they had come before, seeking help in their struggle to stop Inutashio, Inuyasha shown the Fire People how to make roofs that didn't leak. They had made friends, had fought battles together, with lives saved and lost. In the process, the two of them had bonded with these people. In honor of their sacrifices, the Fire Bringer had proclaimed them Fire People.

The Fire Bringer stood and gave Kagome a fatherly hug that felt as if he were saying that he understood everything she had been through and was happy she had at last found happiness. She shed a few tears against his shoulder as he held her in his strong arms. Their adventure, a long ordeal, had taken her from the depths of pain and despair to the heights of joy. The fight had ended only five days ago. It didn't seem possible it could be over at last.

As they went on with the feast, Kagome wished more than ever that it could end soon so she could be alone with Inuyasha. She hadn't even really had a chance to talk with him. Or hug him nearly enough.

Children danced and played around the small fire while adults gathers around torches, eating and talking and laughing. Weselin scooted down next to her, hugged her, and said she would make her a proper wedding dress. Savidlin kissed her cheek and slapped Inuyasha's back. She found it difficult to look away from Inuyasha's amber eyes. She didn't want to. Ever.

"Remember that night when I didn't come back?" Inuyasha whispered into her ear.

She turned her head again and kissed his lips. "I thought you wouldn't ever."

"I was attacked by a Shadrin. I barely managed to escape with my life."

Kagome hooked some hair behind an ear. "And was there really the beast? A Shadrin?"

He let out a deep breath as he looked across the open area.

"That there was. And more." As she put her hand on his shoulder, he took it and kissed the back of it, still staring off. "I thought I was going to die there, alone. I thought I would never see you again." He seemed to shake off the memory and leaned back on an elbow, gazing at her with a lopsided smile on his face.

"Well? Any scars?"

"The Shadrin left some scars that aren't healed yet. But I have to take off my pants to show them to you."

"Really?" Kagome gave a coy laugh. "I think I better take a look…to see if everything is all right."

As she looked deep into his eyes, she abruptly realized all the elders were watching them. Suddenly she felt her face warm. She snatched up a rice cake and took a quick bite, relieved to know they couldn't understand their words. She hoped others couldn't understand the look in their eyes. She chided herself to pay more attention to where she was. Inuyasha sat up again. Kagome reached over to a small bowl of roasted ribs that looked to be wild boar, and set it down in his lap.

"Here. Have some of these."

She looked over at the group of wives. She held up the half-eaten rice cake and smiled. "These are very good." They nodded their satisfaction. She looked back to Inuyasha. There were only bones left in his plate. Crumbs and juice covered his lips. Kagome licked them off for him, watching him smile slightly and pull her closer to him. She leaned her head on his shoulder and laid one of her hands on his chest. Inuyasha kissed the top of her head and leaned back, content.

He winced suddenly. "It's back." He said hoarsely, waving off Kagome's worried hands. "The head ache. It's back." He looked back at her. "I'm sorry, Kagome, but I need to go somewhere where it's quiet. My head is killing me."

She put her hand on his forehead. His skin was cold and clammy. He looked about ready to fall over. Her insides fluttered with worry.

She squatted in front of the Fire Bringer. "Inuyasha doesn't feel well. He needs to go somewhere quiet. Is that all right?"

At first he thought he knew why they wanted to leave. His smile faded when he saw the anxiety on her face. "Take him to the spirit house. It is quiet there. No one will bother him. Get Nissel, our healer, if you think there be need."

She nodded and said a quick good night to the others. Picking up both their packs, she put a hand under Inuyasha's arm and helped him to his feet. His eyes were squeezed shut, his eyebrows wrinkled together in pain. The pain seemed to pass a little, and he opened up his eyes, took a deep breath, and started off with her across the open area.

The shadows were thick among the buildings, but the moon was up, giving them enough light to see their way. The sounds of the feast faded into the background, leaving only the slow scrape of Inuyasha's sandals scuffing on the dry ground.

He straightened, ears twitching. "I think some of it has passed."

"Do you get headaches often?"

"Not like this." Inuyasha grimaced and brought a shaking hand to his forehead. It isn't the new moon, is it?"

Kagome looked into the sky. It was the waning crescent, a thin, white smile surrounded by pitch black. The stars were hidden behind dark clouds tonight.

"No. But a few days from now it will be."

They passed from the narrow passageways to the wide space around the spirit house. It sat by itself; moonlight reflecting off the tile roof Inuyasha had helped them build. Wisps of smoke rose from the chimney.

Around the side, by the door, a row of chickens roosted by a low wall. They watched as she pulled the door open for him, starting a little squeak at the hinges, and settled down as the two passed inside.

Inuyasha flopped down in front of the fireplace. Kagome pushed out a blanket and made him lie back, bunching the blanket under his head. He rested the back of his wrist over his eyes as she sat cross-legged, next to him.

Kagome felt helpless. "I think I should go get Nissel. Maybe a healer can do something for you."

He shook his head. "I'll be fine in a bit. I just need to be away from all that noise." He smiled, his arm still over his eyes. "Have you ever wondered how badly we do at parties? Every time we go are at a party something happens."

Kagome thought back to every gathering they had went to together. "I think you are right?" She rubbed a hand on his chest. "I think the only solution is for us to be alone."

Inuyasha kissed her hand. "I would like that."

She enfolded his big hand in both of hers, wanting to feel the warmth of him as she watched him rest. It was dead quiet in the spirit house, except for the slow crackling of the fire. She listened to his slow, steady breathing.

After a while, he slid his hand away, and looked up at her. Firelight reflected in his eyes. There was something about his face, his eyes; something her mind was trying to tell her. He looked like someone else she had met, but who? A name whispered in the back of her thoughts, but she couldn't quite hear it. She stroked his hair back off his forehead. His skin didn't feel quite so cold.

He sat up painfully. "I just thought of something. I asked the elder for permission to marry you, but I haven't really asked you."

Kagome smiled. "No kidding."

Suddenly he looked embarrassed and unsure of himself. His eyes wandered a little down to her midriff. "That was really stupid. I'm sorry. That wasn't the right way to do it. I hope you're not angry. I guess I'm not very good at this. I've never done it before."

"Me neither."

"And I guess this isn't the most romantic place to do it. It should be someplace beautiful."

"Wherever you are is the most romantic place in the world to me."

"And I guess I must look pretty silly asking you something like this when I'm lying here with a headache."

"If you don't ask me pretty soon, Inuyasha Taisho," she whispered, "I'm going to choke it out of you."

His eyes finally found hers, found hers so intently it nearly took her breath away. "Kagome Higarashi, will you marry me?"

Quite unexpectedly, she found she couldn't speak. She closed her eyes and kissed his soft lips as a tear rolled down her cheek. His arms closed around her, hugging her tight against the heat of him. She pulled back breathlessly. Her voice at last returned. "Yes." She kissed him again. "Please, yes."

Kagome laid her head against his shoulder. Inuyasha gently stroked her hair as she listened to his breathing and the crackle of the fire. He held her tenderly and kissed the top of her head, there being no need for words. She felt safe in his arms.

Kagome let loose her pain: the pain of loving him more than life itself and thinking he was tortured to death by that evil Shadrin before she couldn't tell him how much she loved him; the pain of having thought she could never have him because she was a miko and her power would destroy him; the hurt of how much she needed him, how uncontrollably she loved him.

As her anguish expended itself, it was replaced by her joy in what lay ahead: a lifetime, together. The breathless excitement of it seeped into her. She clutched him, wanting to melt into him, wanting to be one with him.

Kagome smiled. That was what being married to him would be; being one with him, as Basaku had once told her—like finding the other half of herself.

When she finally looked up, there was a tear on his face. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, and he did the same. She hoped his tears meant he let his sorrows go too.

"I love you," she whispered.

Inuyasha pulled her tight against him. His fingers traced a trail down the bumps of her spine.

"I feel so frustrated that there aren't any better words that I love you," he said. "It doesn't seem enough for the way I feel about you. I'm sorry there aren't any better words to tell you."

"They are words enough for me."

"Then, I love you, Kagome. A thousand times, a million times, I love you. Forever."

She listened to the snap and pop of the fire, and to his heart beating. To her own heartbeat. He rocked her gently. She wanted to stay there in his arms forever. Suddenly the world was a wonderful place.

Inuyasha grasped her shoulders and held her away to better see her. A wonderful smile spread across his face. "I can't believe how beautiful you are. I have never seen anyone as beautiful as you." He ran a hand through her hair. "I'm so glad you didn't cut your hair. You have beautiful hair."

Spluttering, she quickly changed the subject. "Will you miss your forest?" she asked. "Will you miss being carefree and simple?" Kagome thought for a moment for, and added coquettishly, "and single?"

Inuyasha grinned. "Single?" He asked incredulously. "Not with you as my mate. But the woods? Maybe a little." He stared off into the fire.

"It seemed a lot simpler when it was just you, me, the slayer, and the pervert. And the quirt. We practically had the whole woods to ourselves, and I cooked you dinner on a stick over an open fire." He gave her a sidelong glance. "You are still going to let me cook, aren't you, my wench?"

"Aww… calling me names again? I don't think Mistress Tota would like that. She frets something awful when anyone is in her kitchens."

"You have your own cook?"

"Well, I've never seen her cook anything, come to think of it. Mostly she just whisks all about, ruling her domain with a wooden spoon she wields like a scepter, tasting food and scolding cooks, assistants, and scullions. She is the head cook.

She worries when I come down to the kitchen to cook. Mistress Tota begs me to take up another interest. She says I scare her people. She says they shake for the rest of the day whenever I come down to the kitchens and ask for pots. I try not to do it too often. But I do so like to cook."

Inuyasha smiled, nodding. "She's a smart cook. You know why I didn't let you cook back in the woods?" She shook her head. "It's because you don't know what your food will do to other people's stomach. You never heard of the term, taste-testing, did you?"

She blushed and answered with a quiet no.

"That's ok, wench. I'll teach ya how to cook."

Kagome smiled at the memory of Mistress Tota. It was long months since she had been home.

"Cooks," Inuyasha muttered to himself. "I've never had a cook for me. My mother died when I was young, and I hated other people's cooking, so I taught myself how to cook." His smile returned. "Well, I guess this Mistress Tota will be able to make a little room for me if I want to cook you something special."

"I would wager that you would soon have her doing whatever it is you wish."

He squeezed her hand. "Will you promise me one thing? Promise me that one day you will let me take you back to Westland and show you some of the beautiful places in my woods that only I know of. I've dreamed of taking you to them."

"I would like that," Kagome whispered.

Inuyasha leaned forward to kiss her. Before his lips touched hers, before his arms could embrace her, he winced in pain. His head sagged forward against her shoulder as he moaned. Kagome clasped him to her in fear, then laid him back down as he clamped his arms to his head, unable to breathe. Panic gripped her. He pulled his knees up to his chest as he rolled onto his side. "I'm gonna get Nissel."

He could only nod as he shook.

Kagome ran to the door, pushing it open, out into the still night. She could see her ragged breaths in the frigid air as she pushed the door closed. Her eyes flicked over the short wall. Moonlight washed the top of it with a silver cast.

The chickens were gone.

A dark shape hunched, still, behind the wall. It moved a little in the moonlight, and there was a quick flash of shiny, golden eyes.