Kouga ran through the rain. His loose hair whipping behind him. The tears finally stopped but he kept running. Minutes passed. Hours passed. He didn't know how long he was running and he didn't care.

The rain finally stopped with the sun peeking out when he came upon a familiar waterfall. Lush green grass, tall trees and flowers of different colors and varieties were scattered. As he approached, he noticed a small hut that was never there before. He thought to himself when was the last time he was here?

'That's right...it was when Kagome returned after three years from the final battle. No one knew what happened when she suddenly disappeared. I came back immediately when I felt her return. My undying devotion and love couldn't let me move on. I was determined to wait for her.'

Looking at the small garden with colorful lilies, Kouga clearly remembers that day...

'This spot was where I would always find her when she wanted to be alone or after that mutt would make her angry and cry. It seemed I was the only one who knew about this spot. Not even mutt knew. Instead of going to the village, I came to "our spot". She was there on her knees pulling the weeds from the small garden she tenderly took care of. When she stood up, she looked like a heavenly goddess. Her ebony hair much longer shining in the sunlight, she was a bit taller, her waist slimmer but breasts and hips fuller. Her scent of chamomile now had lavender mixed. A sign she has matured. She wore a pink kimono with white chrysanthemum flowers and bright pink obi. Her bow and arrows laid next to her feet.'

"Kouga!" she called out.

Hearing my name brought me out of the daze I was in. I ran straight to her and took her in my arms spinning her around. She circled her arms around my neck. Laughing and smiling. My nose was filled with her scent. Still pure as the day I met her.

"Kagome! You're real! I'm not dreaming!" as I let her go enough to see her beautiful face, wide sapphire eyes and plump pink lips with her sparkling smile at me. Just for me.

"No you're not! I'm real and back for good!"

"Where did ya go? You vanished! All I was told you went back to your home and will never come back but here ya are!"

"About that...I need to let you know about me and my secret." she tugged me to sit next to her under the tree.

'I was stunned and shocked when she told me she was 500 years from the future. Her whole story from beginning to end that involved the bone eaters well. I believed every word without doubting her. The gleam in her eyes told me she returned because this is where she belonged. My hopes grew as I felt she came back for me but I was wrong.'

"Kouga, I'm getting married to Inuyasha in a few days."

'Those words broke my heart. I came to declare my love for her once more and take her back as my mate and queen. She knew I loved her. I loved her from the moment I first saw her. Kagome imprinted my heart. She is my one and only.'

"I will not allow it Kagome! He doesn't love you like I love you. I've always loved you. Not because you are the shikon miko or some dead miko reincarnation. I never hurt you or made you cry. When you disappeared, my life fell apart. I was broken. Please give me a chance to prove myself to you." Holding on to her hand for dear life.

Kagome pulled away from him and stood up "Kouga you are my dearest and most loyal...friend. I came back because of Inuyasha. He loves me. Please don't do this. I came here because I knew you would come find me…"

"That should tell you something! Your heart called out to me just as mine called to you! I always know where to find you. Can't you feel and see that. I love you Kagome."

I stood up backing her up against the tree. Both of my arms are trapping her underneath me. I moved closer and kissed her for the first time. Kagome welcomed it. She pulled me closer. I felt her body pressed into mine. The heat flowing between us was undeniable. Until she broke away with tears in her eyes.

"I am sorry Kouga. I am promised to Inuyasha."

She walked away and left me there without looking back. My heart felt like it was torn from my chest.

I cried for her as she did for me.

My promise was as long as she's happy, I'm happy even if it's not with me.