Apparently my beta has gone missing! So this isn't revised or edited. But I hope you enjoy the overdue chapter of JTTH!

For the readers who reveiwed last chapter:

Inu'sgirl4ever - I am not worthy! Lol! Sorry it took so long but my beta has gone off the planet apparently! But I hope you forgive me and enjoy reading more!

Coka Cookie Cola - Thanks so much! More fluff in the future is assured!

InuKaye31 - I know, cute aren't they? *squeels* Thanks so much for commenting!

Anonymous - I was considering updating this before you said it in your review but I kept waiting for my beta to get back to me...sighs... And thanks!

Disclaimer: InuYasha and Kagome don't belong to anyone but their creator Rumiko Takahashi! I only own my own ideas... :P

Reedited by* purduepup*-my temporary beta(Thanks so much!)

Peace: June 9th

Holding her small and fragile hand in his safe and confident grip was reassuring. It gave the man some semblance of hope that there may be a possible future between them. Were they ready for a relationship? Was he? He honestly didn't know.

But he wanted more than anything to try and chance it.

Right now, after waking up before the sunrise and catching the necessary trains for nearly two hours, he was breathing in the wondrous view and taking in the fresh smell of nature that was Mount Mitake. It was Kagome's idea to stop here. And he had to admit she picked a beautiful spot, considering the last few days consisted of walking, shopping, and plenty of noise.

And judging by the hold on her camera and the sparkle of anticipation in her eyes, she was looking forward to it as well.

Since both he and his companion grew up in the country—him out in the widespread green hills and her in a shrine away from any populated suburb—both agreed being out here with the peace and quiet of untouched nature and relishing in its natural tranquility.

Gazing at her, beautiful as the gentle mountain wind whipped her loose, black hair, InuYasha wanted to stroke that lustrous head of hair, run his claws through the long and wavy strands. Whenever his mother did that for him when he was younger, he immediately relaxed under her touch. But what would Kagome say? How would she react?

Kagome felt his heated gaze on her, and she couldn't help but suck in her breath. While her mind tried to reign in the calming affects of the mountain, her best friend's silent, interrogating eyes made herself conscious for a bit. What did he see when he looked at her? What did he think of her? He was never very open and was a terrible liar, but he was always blunt—not necessarily a good thing sometimes, but she understood him enough to know when he was blunt, he was truthful. He was always openly honest with her and trusted her enough to not let loose his innermost secrets.

She liked him just the way he was. And she was more happy than words could express that he was here with her, sharing the experiences on this trip.

Making sure they had everything set, the woman without another word grabbed her best friend's hand and began the journey down to the shrine. The hanyou followed quietly, secretly smiling to himself that Kagome might in fact harbor the same feelings for him as he did for her. Unspoken words, feelings that were lingering just beneath the surface yet couldn't be reached yet. When it was time, they would both know.

The air on the trail was moderately humid, but that didn't stop the ambitious woman from snapping up the beauty they passed. As they hiked to the famous and popular Musashi-Mitake shrine, they passed through the lone village that housed many Japanese-style inns and souvenir shops, which they stopped in for. It was also intriguing to learn that the shrine they were headed to, the shopkeeper explained, for over 2,000 years has served as a place of mountain worship.

When they reached the shrine, both took a water break, took out the map for the area, and decided what trail to take. The most popular led to the Rock Garden, known for its magnificent beauty.

The hanyou—the athlete in him—was capable of climbing the trail, but his companion—although eager to reach their destination—could hear the strain of her heart, and he could sense the telltale signs that the humidity was affecting her more than she let on. So, without thinking, he crouched down, shrugged his pack off, and offered her his back.

Kagome knew that stance. He hadn't done that since they were little. She remembered loving the feel of being safe and secure on his back, hugging his shoulders and loving the feel of his hands holding her up so she wouldn't fall. Without another thought, the girl climbed on.

She didn't realize how tired she was until she wasn't walking anymore. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she sighed. "We haven't done this in years. It still feels the same." As before, his steady pace and firm grip on her thighs reassured her that he wouldn't let her get hurt. But her mind strayed to rather uncharted territory at that moment, where she imagined his hands going where "other" places longed to be touched…

She internally groaned and let her head fall on his shoulder, not knowing whether or not to be ashamed of such inappropriate but tempting thoughts.

It did feel good to have her on his back again. He used to do this all the time when she was sleepy or had a bad day. Besides, her relaxing on him while walking through plenty of gorgeous and silent wilderness was like a picture perfect moment.

But he wasn't sure if his hands wanted to stay where they were or venture up and down those smooth and firm thighs…

They were silent for most of the hike. While riding on his back, Kagome still managed to take her camera and snap such beautiful, momentous shots. InuYasha, too, viewed the scenery around him, loving such a quiet and peaceful walk with his best friend…except that his libido reminded him of the smooth skin underneath his palms… He didn't know if the acclimating sweat was from the hike or from the pressure.

Luckily, when his ears located running water, he crouched down to let her know they were close. When they finally approached the Rock Garden, it was a stunning sight to take in.

Moss stones were buried under the gentle flow of the stream, nestled in a narrowed, forested valley. The hanyou's ears picked up the sounds of two nearby waterfalls. The air was rich and fresh, the sky was summer-blue clear, the breeze felt much cooler up there, and the running water made the two souls visiting ease away any stress they had.

Noticing the way his best friend held the camera, like she was unsure of what to take first, InuYasha quickly came up with one. He'd hardly taken any pictures at all, for fear of endangering his life if he ruined or broke the digital tool Kagome valued. He'd never hear the end of it. But seeing her sitting upon one of the giant moss-coated rocks with the forest background and the sun hitting her just right…

"Give me the camera. I'll take your picture."

Kagome looked at him, her eyebrows raised in question. He never asked for the camera before. But she didn't say anything, handing the camera to him, trusting him while curiosity ran around in her mind.

He directed her to the rock he wanted and asked her to sit in a cross-legged position, choosing to ignore the many scrutinizing stares he received. If he did, he wouldn't know if he could take the picture he could see perfectly in his head.

Kagome was having fun posing. She thought she could see the cute blush adorning his face. He was always so adorable when he blushed. Kagome kept her giggles to herself and smiled as she leaned back into the sun and crossed her legs like he wanted.

The hanyou was a bit weary at using such a delicate tool; with his claws, he could be careless at times. But he took great care with it as if he were holding Kagome herself. When he focused it, his mouth dropped at the sight. He knew she was a pretty woman, but in that moment by the river, she was breathtakingly beautiful.

And he took the picture, capturing a moment he'd cherish in his thoughts and dreams.

Maybe it was too soon, but Inuyasha's heart suddenly felt a stronger pull towards her…the "L" word leering ever closer…his hopes that one day, he could say the words and she would say them back.

As always, information on Mt. Mitake and on past and future places from www . japan - guide . com

Until next time...

Sayonara!