Hello, it is yours truly, ARF1990! I would like to thank: DiscipleofAnime, Inu'sgirl4ever, and katelynhonky for reviewing! I appreciate any and all reviews I get and it makes me feel so much better! Anyway, here's another chapter, so I hope you like!

Disclaimer: Me no own sexy hanyou. Rumiko Takahashi owns all characters; except for Papa Higurashi, a.k.a Akio


"I love you deeply, unconditionally, forever and beyond." -Gina Cianfarani

Chapter 7

The continuing summer heat didn't prevent Kagome from seeing her hanyou friend but the half demon knew that she, as a human, couldn't take the sweltering sun and humidity as well as he could. So, with the touching issue resolved, they decided it would be best if Inuyasha could go and pick her up from her window and they would go to their spot for the day.

As being the first day to try it out, Kagome was a little nervous. As she waited, any possibility of being caught seemed to increase tenfold. Either Rin or Souta could unexpectedly walk in or worse; her parents. And she told InuYasha that. The fear of being caught was real, and Kagome couldn't bear anything happening to her friend. If her father found out about this, it would mean an instant execution. That made several cold shivers run down her spine. The demons caught within the village would be paralyzed, beaten, and ultimately, a stabbing to the heart with a spiritually infused spear. And seeing Inuyasha like that…it was something she probably would be forced to witness, no matter how much she begged and pleaded for them to stop. She couldn't let that happen!

His familiar aura came rushing in; literally. When she turned her head, she saw him on her window sill with a gracefully executed landing.

The sunrise's pink light which inked his silver hair and his deeply tanned skin, was still beautiful to her, even if it caused a pink blush to rise on her cheeks.

"Are you ready?" He asked, his voice so low that she could barely hear it.

Turning her head towards her door, to make sure she could hear no one, she nodded. "I've never traveled on a demon's back before."

Inuyasha stepped into her room and approached her. Ever since they cleared up the physical contact problem, the hanyou was more brazen, more confident in coming near her. She wasn't ever afraid of him. He just had to be careful not to hurt her. Having little to no anxiety, he raised his hands and placed them on her delicate shoulders. They were small and delicate in his palms but it felt right.

"I will make sure nothing happens to you." He reassured her. His eyes never left hers, transferring that promise from his touch and his beautiful eyes to hers. "No matter what, I will make sure that nothing hurts you; or ever will hurt you."

"I trust you, Inuyasha." And she really meant it. With what's happened between them, it was impossible not to now. He's proven that she could trust him with her life…and her ever-slowly healing heart.

That was all InuYasha needed to hear. In the span of just nearly 4 months, this woman has come and brought him every day, closer and closer to the light and out of his protective shell. He was still apprehensive and nervous about things but thanks to Kagome, Inuyasha was smiling, feeling more confident, more powerful, just…happier than he's been in a long time. In time, he would tell her more about his dark past but now, the boy was just feeling better and better with ever day that came with this angel in front of him.

Kagome felt his hands on her shoulders. Every time he touched her, she could feel the power coursing through his body, the strength he possessed. It caused her to react in many ways, all of them without fear. It caused her heart to race rapidly, it caused her to look into his eyes and see the swirling suns of a hanyou's eyes and how deep they were, and it made her think of how handsome he truly was and how…good his heart was, even though it was beaten and bruised. But she could see that he was changing for the better, and that brought her more joy than anything. If he was happy, then she was too.

"I'll be careful." He declared. Turning around, he knelt down so his back facing her so she could get on.

Kagome saw the many wounds on his back as well. What if she accidentally hurt him?

"You wont hurt me. Those scars barely even hurt me anymore, so don't worry." His head peeked over his shoulder.

Nodding her head apprehensively, she tied a cloth with the snacks and gauze around her shoulders and lifted the dress to her knees and gently pressed against his back and grabbed his muscular shoulders. When he felt her hands gripping him, InuYasha, with a heavy blush, firmly grasped her thighs just above her knees and lifted her up.

The only sound in the room was the simultaneous beatings of two hearts. The male heart had a grip on his companion's legs; which were soft and firm. He's never touched her this far below before and what's worse it was close to where to her most sacred area was. And he thought he picked up a spicy, musty scent from her. Her body was pressed against his back, and he could feel the softness of her chest. It gave him goose bumps, and a very warm feeling beginning to stir in his gut. Inuyasha stood rigid for a few moments, letting the feel of her body become familiar while stirring some pleasant thoughts in his head.

Kagome's heart wouldn't stop beating because she was practically glued to his body. She could feel the ripple of muscles on his back and shoulders. He was…astounding, breathtakingly beautiful in his own way. His life had hardened him to live and fight alone, because of his heritage. He was built, taut with muscle but battered with scars. Inuyasha was strong but he was also very shy and unsure. But Kagome knew he was getting better, all he needed was time, patience, and someone there to be by his side.

And Kagome knew she would be the one at his side.

"Are you okay?"

His voice made her blink back to reality. "I'm fine. I haven't been picked up like this since I was little, when my father would pick me up." Her hands tightened on his shoulders and made sure she was secure. "I'm ready."

Inuyasha jumped onto her window sill, and peeked over his shoulder once more. "Now hold on tight. I tend to run pretty fast."

"How fast?" She didn't see the smirk on his face and without another word, he bunched his legs up and took off in a high leap.

With a shocked gasp, Kagome tightened her legs around his hips and her arms went around his neck. She had her eyes closed but she could feel the silk of his hair and the roaring whip of the wind.

"Don't be afraid." She heard him say. "I won't drop you."

Her brown eyes slowly opened and peeked over his head to see a blur of green and brown. She looked in awe at how fast they were going. The wind felt good on her skin and her hair was whipping around her. Every time he landed on a branch, she made sure her hold was secure before he leaped off again.

It was strange to have someone on his back but Inuyasha realized that this was something he could get used to. He liked having his companion with him, to experience what he always enjoyed when he ran and how good it felt. Of course, after the initial embarrassment wore off, he quickly got used to feeling her skin and how smooth her legs were. Having her body pressed firmly against his was a bonus. It was a little nerve-racking at first because he wasn't sure how she would react. Not only did she like it, but she wrapped herself around him to hang on. With her alluring scent and that sharp, spicy scent coming from that intimate area of hers, Inuyasha felt guilty for thinking such dirty thoughts but not regretful for having her on his back.

It was quiet, with only the sounds of animals and the wind as the two dashed deeper into the woods. Kagome was enjoying the view and the safety her hanyou friend brought her. His hands were rough but they held such power that she couldn't deny was there. Those hands also brought some rather provocative images that made her face heat up. No man's hands had the power to bring such thoughts to her head. Sure, a few village boys were bold enough to touch her hand but after a glare that could scare a demon they wouldn't try it again. But with InuYasha, it was different.

"Where are we going, InuYasha?" The surroundings around them was none she recognized and so it sparked some curiosity in her.

"You'll see when we get there."

She frowned but gave in and laid her head on his shoulder and groaned. Her ears picked up a few chuckles and leaned over to talk. "What's so funny?"

"You. I've noticed you get impatient easily."

"I do not!" She huffed, denying it completely.

He snickered at her tone of voice. He jostled her a bit, unknowing to her his hands sneaked up a little higher.

For a reason unknown to him, teasing her was fun. It made him laugh, something that he hasn't done in a long time. Being with Kagome, he not only learned to gradually trust; but to also loosen up, not act so uncertain. He lived day by day, not knowing when it will be his last, but now with an angelic beauty on his back, the hanyou now understood that life was maybe worth living after all. If she was in it, InuYasha would be happy to live, if only to see her and everything that made her shine.

Kagome didn't want to admit it, but she was getting a little antsy. While it was true she had plenty of patience, Kagome could get impatient really easily when it came to certain things. They were going deeper than she ever planned on or having the guts to go this far. But she loved the company and how his hands seemed higher on her bare legs.

'That little sneak.' Her eyes narrowed at his head. But she would be lying if she didn't think that it felt really good. She was never touched so high on her legs before, where her sacred area was so close. The claws on her skin brought warm tingles down her spine. It was more than what she was used to, and frankly, she was a little nervous but it wasn't a bad nervous. She felt safe in those hands, how large, warm and gentle they were. She would put her faith in him, to not let her fall or get hurt, like he promised.

They continued in comfortable silence, letting the wind whip their hair, creating a silver-black curtain of silk. Her arms were hugging his strong neck and feeling his graceful movements, it was unlike anything she's ever experienced. It felt like she was flying with how fast he was going. It felt natural to just be with him like this. Just them, with nothing but forest and the calm that accompanied.

Inuyasha landed back on the ground, at the edge of a clearing sometime later. "We're here."

"What?" She opened her eyes and all she could do was gasp.

He felt her surprise and calmly set her down on her feet. "You like it?"

She looked back at him and then at the sight before her. They were in a clearing, where a beautiful waterfall cascaded down into a crystal clear pool where it rippled gently. The grass was a luscious green and the trees looked more full here. The combined sounds of the waterfall and the distant songs of birds created a peaceful atmosphere where the teenager felt completely at peace.

Inuyasha watched her walk and kneel beside the pool and cup water in her hands to drink. Then she splashed some water on her face and watched her head tilt to hit the sun. He was mesmerized how the sun highlighted her hair and the reflected water drops ran down her face and her throat. She was a stunning sight to behold, it left him unable to talk.

She opened her eyes and felt much better. "So, Inuyasha how did you find this place?"

Her talking made him rouse from his speechless state. "Uh…" He cleared his throat. "This is one of my favorite spots in the whole forest. " He strode over to her and sat down Indian-style. "When the hunters come, I come here because they never go this far into the woods. It's too deep for them and so on days when we can't meet, I come here."

"Well it certainly is beautiful here." She cupped her hands again and brought to her lips. This movement didn't go unnoticed by her hanyou friend; who was suddenly warm.

"Yeah. And if you look right there…" He pointed to the cliff. "You can see a few crystal formations and it looks like its looking into the water, like eyes. In fact, I call this place Silver Eyes. You can see it in the pool too."

Kagome did look into the water and indeed saw the crystallized rock on each side of the waterfall that looked like saddened eyes. The crystal she's never seen before so it made her awe. "Wow…now I can see why you come here." She turned to him. "It's absolutely breathtaking! I feel so safe here."

Her eyes conveyed everything she was currently feeling. There was security, comfort, and trust swirling in those beautiful eyes that cared for not what he was. Her hair swayed with the soft current, tickling her face and her neck. The neckline of her dress plunged to where he could see the unmarked flesh above her chest. Water still dripped from her face but it was the serene look on her face that made the hanyou blush.

"So do I." He whispered, knowing it was her that made him feel secure.

Before they knew it, the morning blended into late afternoon as the yellow faded into pinks and reds on the water. Inuyasha carried Kagome back, enjoying her company more as he knew she had to go home for the night. He promised her they would visit Silver Eyes again, whenever she wanted to. Kagome couldn't help but hug his neck and watched the forest fly by on the hanyou's shoulder.

It seemed like forever when they finally reached her home. Kagome felt disappointed that after a nice, relaxing day talking with her friend and munching on their snacks, it was time to end it. It started feeling like whenever they parted, it was like waking up from a wonderful dream and that InuYasha was only an illusion in her mind. But feeling his warm skin and smelling his intoxicated smell assured her that he was as real as her.

When he touched the floor of her room, Inuyasha reluctantly let her down. Her scent coated his skin and knew he would have her scent with him tonight. Sitting in a tree close by was nothing like having her wrapped around him. It would like she was there sleeping next to him. But he didn't know what he was about to receive...

"I had a really great time today, InuYasha."

"Me too." A light blush coated his cheeks, which made her giggle.

Noting his appearance, she asked, "You know it gets cold here at night even in the summertime. Do you've anyplace where you can keep warm?"

"My demon blood keeps me warm. Plus I sleep in a tree at night, so I have some peace of mind." He crossed his arms.

"Still…" Her voice stopped as her eyes roamed the vicinity of her room and came upon something. She walked quietly to pick up a bundle of cloth and came back to him.

"What's that?" It smelled highly of Kagome, as did her room. It was pleasantly sweet and highly alluring at the same time.

Kagome unfolded the blanket to its full length. She shook it out and held it. It started at her chest and ended just above the floor. It was a wide, soft purple blanket with sliver trims that sparkled. The hanyou could tell it was just as old as she was.

"This blanket was given to me when I was born. My mother and grandmother made it and has been with me every night since then. It keeps me from having nightmares and comforts me when I sleep. I've always kept it with me…" She folded it back and, with slow movements, she put it within reach of him.

"I want you to have it."

His eyes widened in shock at her words. Inuyasha was sure that she was giving him her blanket, but he couldn't. That was solely hers. Despite never receiving a gift before, the hanyou was adamant on taking something so precious.

"Kagome…no I cant…" He stepped back shaking his head.

"Why not?" She matched his steps. "I'm giving it to you aren't I?" Why wasn't he accepting it?

"That's yours and I couldn't take something so valuable from you."

"Please…"She begged, trying to dissuade him from refusing. "It would give me some assurance that you can sleep well at night. It will keep you warm, I promise." Kagome was pleading now, her eyes never leaving the stubborn half demon.

After hearing that, what choice did he have? He wanted to see her happy right? To see her gorgeous smile, beaming with such joy and acceptance towards him? To hear her voice that made his insides melt and his heart beat with more life? Her eyes that paralyzed him beyond comprehension? All those things seemed more important than rejecting a gift and seeing her so disappointed and confused as she was now.

Making up his mind, he gently took the cloth away from her. Feeling the soft and silkiness and the smell that was distinctly hers engulfing him, Inuyasha didn't have to settle for smelling her from a tree now. It would be all around him. It would never fade since she imprinted on it since birth.

Then breaking the silence, a voice and footsteps coming up to her room, both were alarmed.

"I'll see you tomorrow, yes?" She whispered, as they hurried to her window.

"You want me to pick you up again?" His tone was hopeful and eager, making Kagome smile.

"Sure. Pick me up in the afternoon"

Seeing her face up close one more time, he gave her a heart stopping smile, and with her blanket which he held to his chest, with a sudden burst he leaped into the high canopy of the forest, making his exit swift and silent.

After feeling the pounding of her heart, after seeing him so happy with that dashing smile, she closed her window shades just in time to see Rin slide the door open.

"Hey Kaggie. We got to go, Kaede-san is waiting for us."

"Oh my Kami, I forgot about that!" After rushing to put her hair up, she grabbed her bow and arrows and followed her younger cousin down.

"Thanks for reminding me, Rin."

The girl grinned over her shoulder as they went down the stairs. "No problem, Kaggie. Besides, its supposed to be a good lesson tonight. She's going into depth about demons and all about their weaknesses and everything."

That sparked Kagome's interest. Maybe she could learn more valuable information about InuYasha, about his heritage and capabilities, although she's seen quite an array of them, Kagome wanted to know more.

As they exited the house, a sudden thought occurred to the teenager. "Where's Souta, and Mom and Dad?"

"Uncle Akio has been gone since the sun rose, to where he works, and Souta has been with Aunt Masako, shopping the village." The youngster then fell back to Kagome's side. "I could have gone, but I wanted to come with you, and see what you do."

Sparkling in a green kimono with koi fish encircling all around the cloth, Rin was a vibrant youth, now in her young teenage years. Kagome could remember when she used to babysit her. Now that she was growing up, Kagome could see the maturity in her cousin's light cinnamon eyes but still see the spryness in her acts. Kagome knew she would be okay, and that she would be able to live happy. Rin had a lot of common sense.

"Anyway, I heard Kaede-san talking about sensing more demons nearby again. We have it be on our guard."

Kagome's breath stilled as they neared the priestess's home. They passed silently through the hustling and bustling village. While Rin walked with carefree abandon, her older cousin looked deep in thought and very concerned.

'This is not good. Although I too have sensed more demon activity, it could be dangerous for Inuyasha. I just hope he stays away. I haven't felt any evil disturbance as of yet, but if Inuyasha is caught up in this, I don't know what will happen.' Maybe she was just overreacting. The demon activity was not even a mild threat. These disturbances happened at every season's peek and yet here she was thinking it could be the end of her secret meetings with InuYasha. 'That could happen if I'm not more careful and discreet.'

But, when she felt a slight demonic tugging at her mind, she knew it was him watching her from a safe distance in the woods. While she had her fears, she wouldn't let it deter her from seeing Inuyasha. So, with a gentle smile, walked along with her happy-go-lucky cousin while under the gaze of her handsome and trustworthy hanyou.


Three straight chapters in a row with Inu/Kag fluff! Now, it gets serious from here. But don't worry there will be more tender moments to come, including a kiss-oh did I just say that? Yes, there will be a kiss but how soon? You will know soon enough. And yes there will be a few lemons, as I have mentioned before but you will have to wait and see! Again, thank you to all who have supported me so far. Until next chapter...

Ja Ne for now!