Chapter 21

"Hey … Inuyasha." Kagome said as the half demon sat down beside her.

"Yeah Kagome." he answered as she snuggled into his side.

"I wondered if … never mind." she said but changed the subject quickly.

"What is it?" he asked her.

"Nothing, forget it." she said but he grabbed her chin as she tried to look away.

"What Kagome? Tell me." he said and she gulped.

"Do … you think there would be a way for us to go back to my era for a day?" she asked and he growled.

"Why?" he asked.

"Just to see my family and get Izuma's present." she said. She gasped in surprise when he pulled her into his arms.

"I don't want to lose you again." he whimpered. He actually sounded scared.

Kagome kissed his neck and his hold grew tighter. He crushed her to his chest and fiercely locked his lips with hers. This kiss frightened her but she just went with it. He bit at her bottom lip and she ran her tongue over his teeth. He could taste blood her as he lifted her off the floor, the bitter, rosy liquid running down his lips. She moaned as they somehow ended up on the hut floor. Being careful not to scratch her delicate skin, his clawed hands explored her body.

With all of their clothes scattered around the warm room, Inuyasha hovered above her. When his lower body moved, she squealed in pleasure and he smiled. He was gentle at first but soon her body held rhythm with his. When she was about to scream, his mouth silenced hers. After what seemed like the longest time, they laid next to each other, gasping for air.

A smile crept on Kagome's face. "Is that a yes?" she asked with a laugh.

He chuckled and licked her cheek. "You know I always want you to be happy Kagome, and if trying to go back through the well is what it takes … then we will." he said and his ears dropped flat.

She kissed his hands as they wrapped around her middle. "Thank you Inuyasha." she said.

"Keh, whatever … and Thank you, for a hell of a night." he said and she blushed. He rubbed her back in gentle motions and pulled his kimono over them. She sighed and he grinned. He thought her sigh was the sweetest sound in the world, next to the noises she made when they mated for the first time. He shook his head and rested it head on hers. He could tell she was asleep by her gentle breathing. He nuzzled her neck and whispered in her ear. "I love you … so much." he said and closed his eyes.

~*Kagome ran through the woods in terror with a human Inuyasha's arm around her neck. He had been stabbed in the chest and blood dripped on to the ground below. He gasped for air as she pushed through the bushes toward the village. He fell to his knees in pain, clutching his chest.

Kagome knelt down next to him in panic, tears streaming down her face . "No! Inuyasha … C'mon, get up!" she wailed but to no avail.

Blood ran from the edges of his lips as he spoke. "Ka … ome, get away! R-Run!" he said as his voice faded. One last breath escaped his body and his eyes slid shut.

Kagome tried to carry him, but she wasn't strong enough. She fell to the ground and dropped her head to his chest. A thin layer of his blood coated her cheek as she lifted it. "Inuyasha! Inuyasha? No… no…" she cried but he didn't answer. She looked around in fear as she heard footsteps approaching. "Go away, leave us alone!" she yelled but her voice was cut short. A tall dark figure yanked with cold red eyes yanked her back. She stumbled and fell on to her elbows. The stranger just stared at her and looked back to Inuyasha. " Please, leave me alone." she whimpered.

The stranger drew his sword and ran his hand along the blade. Blood beaded on his finger and he pulled back in satisfaction. He put it to his mouth and licked the cut clean. His eyes burned as he raised the sword and pointed it at her. He swung it and it struck her quickly.

"NO!" she said as her blood covered the ground. She felt no pain but her vision turned from red to a deadly black. She could hear the man's evil laugh as she was swallowed by darkness.*~

"Kagome! Kagome, wake up!" Inuyasha yelled frantically.

He shook her and she awoke in a scared confusion. "Oh! Where am … Inuyasha!" she said and hugged him tightly. Tears spilled from her eyes and he wiped them away.

"Kagome? Did you have a nightmare?" he asked.

She nodded and his arms snaked around her. "It's okay… shh … shh, I'm here, its over." he said and she sniffed. He held her until she stopped shaking and looked up at him. "Are you okay. You were twitching and moaning in you sleep." he asked, his voice thick with concern. He licked her neck and tried to comfort her. When she hid her face in his chest, he cupped her chin and pulled it up to his face.

"It was horrible." she whimpered.

"Tell me about it." he said gently. When she was silent, he kissed her cheek. "Please Kagome." he said.

She hesitated and swallowed. "We … we were in the forest, and someone had killed you in your human form. It seemed so real …" she said and his arms constricted around her like iron snakes.

"I'm here …go back to sleep. I'll never leave you, never." he coed in her ear as she wormed back into her comfortable position in his warm, soft arms. He stayed up to watch her the whole night, stroking her soft face with his knuckles. She was still the rest of the night, but he didn't take his eyes off her, even for a moment.