~Scene Ten~
She honestly didn't understand why she had been so adamant about this.
Kagome giggled as she climbed on top of another rock, keeping just out of reach out of the tiny, furry bundles below her. They barked and yipped, tails wagging and bodies practically vibrating in their excitement. She only waved at them and sat on her perch as she waited. It was a little game that she had started with them only a few days ago. She would do something to test them and wait for them to figure it out.
Right now, they had to find a way to get to her. When the pups were at least a foot away, she would just climb higher.
She was ripped from her musings when a shadow descended over her. Blinking, she tilted her head back and smiled. "Kouga-kun!"
He sat next to her, careful to keep out of reach of the brats. "I see your still taunting them."
"I am not!" She pouted, shoving at his shoulder playfully. "I'm teaching them how to overcome risky obstacles."
"Oh?" He rose a brow at her, expression disbelieving. His lips twitched when she giggled.
"Is that so hard for you to comprehend?" She teased, enjoying the slight breeze that bypassed them. Although it wasn't as rich in plant life this high up on the mountain, Kagome couldn't say it wasn't peaceful and that the scenery was beautiful. 'It's that and so much more.' She thought, peaking at the wolf demon next to her from beneath her lashes. He really was handsome. Of course, she had noticed before but back then, her attention had been previously occupied. She shook her head to keep from thinking anything disturbing like that.
Offhandedly, she waved off the concerned look her soon-to-be mate gave her. As he turned back to watch the pups that were still wriggling around below them, the miko continued to check him out. Knowing that she was actually doing that only made her blush. 'God; I am becoming way too much like Miroku.' Yet, there was no resentment or annoyance at admitting that.
Still, her eyes slid over a strong jaw, down a lean neck, and to two sturdy and set shoulders. The slight quiver in the muscle along his arms distracted her when he leaned forward and her mouth went dry when she imagined running her fingers down them. The fur cuffs on his wrists, as always, looked rough and abrasive. 'Looks can be deceiving though.' She thought with a hidden smile. With a small burst of courage, she slipped her hand into his, marveling at how much bigger his was than hers'. A factor that only served to enforce everything that was male about him.
Warm breath against her ear distracted her from her musings. "Like what you see, ai?"
Heat spread through every pore of her body and she squeaked in horror at knowing he caught her basically leering at him. "U-um, I, well, it wasn't-" She stuttered incoherently and tried to scoot away from him but he only gripped her hand tighter.
The small chuckle made her peek up at him and she bit her lip at the look in his eyes. Love, warmth, and happiness radiated off of his very being in waves. It made her relax, embarrassment forgotten, and she had to turn away or else she was going to do something to humiliate herself more.
"Kagome?"
Glancing back at him, her breath hitched when he leaned forward and brushed his lips across hers in a barely there caress. He was staring back at her, questioning her without saying anything. He was giving her the choice to respond, letting her know this would happen only if she wanted to. Tears burning in the back of her eyes at how considerate he was being, she closed them and leaned forward tentatively.
The kiss was soft, slow, and hesitant.
Nothing about it was rushed, harrowing, and she felt absolutely no pressure about her obvious inexperience. 'This… this is how it's supposed to feel.' The miko thought, brushing her free hand against the underline of his jaw before placing it on his leg. It was wonderful. The feel of his lips sliding along hers, each shaky breath they made, and most of all, the complete and unbelievable tenderness he showed.
A tear finally fell, splashing against their intertwined hands and Kouga pulled back. She was surprised at how swift he did it and for a second, she could do naught but blink stupidly at him. When he swept a finger along her cheek, something moist followed the small path. The hurt and almost troubled look on his face made everything click quickly.
"Kouga, I'm not-" Him leaning back made her panic and she reworded herself. "It's okay. It's not because I'm feeling pressured or anything." Her voice was rushed and breathy and she was startled to realize that she was actually panting a little. 'Wow…and that was with a slow kiss!'
"Then why are you crying?"
A part of her was almost at a loss of words so before he could say anything or take her silence the wrong way, she stopped thinking. She just reacted. "You care, that's why.
"Of course I do, mate. I love you." He spoke the words so easily but with so much emotion that it had her tearing up again. He kissed her forehead, brushing away each small drop of water that fell. His lips grazed her ear, hands coming to rest on her shoulders. "Aishiteru, Kagome. Forever and for always; aishiteru."
"Why?" The question had always bothered her and she had to know. Even though he had claimed her, she had spurned, shoved, and foolishly overlooked his advances believing that he was only joking. For four years, he kept up with her attitude, dealt with everything that came with knowing her and still, here he was ready and willing to stand by her side.
'If it had been any other demon, I bet they would have acted completely different.'
"You're fiery, you stand up for what you believe in, you don't take anyone's crap, and you protect those who are unable to do so themselves but most of all…" He tangled his fingers in her hair and pecked the juncture between her neck and shoulder before pulling back to continue. "You love unconditionally and wholly, without prejudice. There are so many things about you that I love but those… those are the most pronounced."
Her lips trembled as she stared up into his eyes and she would have hugged him but something small and furry suddenly barreled into her stomach. Breath leaving her in a 'whoosh', she looked down to see one of the pups curled up in her lap with the most smug expression on its cute little face. Realizing what just happened and noticing that the others were standing next to her, Kagome laughed.
Elated; that's how she felt. Completely elated.
'Yes…' She thought, happily gazing up at Kouga as he laughed from next to her. A few of the little runts were barking and bouncing around in his lap. 'Yes, you do love me and I think…' She twined her fingers with his and giggled a little when he paused to glance at her in question. 'That I am beginning to fall in love with you.'
End.