CHAPTER 1

Everything was over, Naraku was finally dead, the pearl had been used to revive Kohaku and to establish the connection between the two eras because the desire of his friends and InuYasha for Kagome to stay by his side was so strong that the spirit of Midoriko had granted it. Peace was felt everywhere.

I don't understand why InuYasha is so distant...he has hardly spoken a word since we finished with Naraku, he keeps himself engrossed in his thoughts, is he thinking about her, it would be the most logical thing to do, I don't think he has had enough time to think about his loss. Since Kikyo left this world he tries to carry things as normal as possible, I must do something, it is painful to see him this way. Besides, I must find out if he still loves her. Kagome thought as she made her way through the bone-devouring well. Out of nowhere she felt a very familiar and firm grip that propelled her out of the well. She had been so lost in her thoughts that she hadn't noticed the presence of...

-InuYasha...- said a blushing Kagome, she was just inches away from the hanyou - I didn't expect you to come and find me - she said as she pulled away from the warmth of his body.

-Well...I...I was just passing by...'' said InuYasha, showing some nervousness. Something Kagome naturally noticed.

-Is something wrong InuYasha? - What's wrong with him? He doesn't usually act like this?

-Tsk! Of course not woman, you had already taken too long, you said you would stay 3 days and you spent a week in your time - he answered her quite irritatedly.

So you want to evade the subject... and why are you angry? we already finished with Naraku, you can't use the excuse of the shard detector... did you miss me? - Why are you getting angry InuYasha? we are done with Naraku, I think I can spend more time in my time don't you think, besides I had to finish my final exams, I'm about to graduate.

InuYasha was quite surprised, he had planned to tease her to get her to forget about his stupid questions as he called them, but she hadn't reacted as she usually did. Far from yelling at him, she remained calm and hadn't scolded him.

Surprised? Very good Kagome! this is the first step, if you want to move forward in this relationship you must stop getting upset about everything, there is no Naraku or shards to look for, there is no Kikyo to run away from, show him that you are not a simple little girl and that you have become a grown up woman.

-I assume you needed me for something important if you are so enraged by my absence, Has something happened to our friends? Did they attack the village? - Kagome asked him with false concern (something our hanyou didn't notice) Yes let's see what you do with that!

- Etto...no..ehh...nothing happened - Damn InuYasha always rushing, now what are you going to answer her? you will look like an idiot, will you tell her the truth? that you were dying to see her and that you went every night to watch her sleep? baka,baka,baka- thought a frustrated InuYasha.

-If he only knew how cute he looks when he doesn't know what to say - Kawaii! - Get a hold of yourself Kagome, this is your chance. - I see - Kagome continued - If nothing happened, what's the urgency for me to come back?

-Well I... -was trying to articulate a nervous hanyou when the blond made her first move.

InuYasha averted his gaze, so he didn't see how Kagome stood on her tiptoes and approached his face, he wasn't aware of the movement until her scent came too close accompanied by the warmth of lips pressed against his cheek. She tensed instantly and felt her face burn.

-I missed you too InuYasha," Kagome whispered sweetly in his ear and started on her way to the village, leaving a shocked hanyou behind.

-What was that...she kissed me? She did! - Thought a stunned InuYasha with his hand still on his cheek feeling the barely perceptible wetness of the trace of Kagome's lips. - Kagome kissed me! it's the first time she did something like that...well on second thought no, without counting what happened in Kaguya's castle - The blush intensified on his cheeks at such a memory - Wait, she said: -I missed you too...she knows I missed her! when did I tell her? Did she discover me one night while I was watching her sleep?

He was so lost in his internal dialogue that he didn't notice how Kagome had moved away considerably.

-Oe Kagome wait for me! - he shouted as he tried to catch up to the girl who was walking at a carefree pace towards the village.

-Hurry InuYasha or I'll leave you behind! - Said an amused Kagome as she gave him one of her characteristic smiles. For a moment InuYasha was mesmerized.

-Why is she acting like nothing happened? - he thought as he reached the young priestess' side. - There is no one...Miroku went to see the monk Mushin to give him the news of Naraku's defeat and the elimination of his Kazaana, Sango took Kohaku to visit his village and pay his respects to his family and friends, Shippo accompanied them. The old woman decided it was time to rest and said she deserved a vacation from us, she went to visit some distant relatives in a village near here. There is no one, they left after the three days of your departure.

As he said this InuYasha's voice trailed off, Kagome imagined that he had to feel very lonely.

-Why didn't you go find me InuYasha? I would have come back to say goodbye and you could have stayed with me and my family so you wouldn't be alone. - Kagome addressed him with the same tenderness and patience she had shown before.

-I know Kagome, but I...I needed to be alone for a few days… - he replied with a serious look on his face.

-I understand InuYasha, do you know when our friends will be back? - Kagome asked.

-Taking into account the time it will take them to get to their destination and back, I guess they'll be back in a month.

-Well, a month is quite a long time - answered a thoughtful Kagome, while she felt her chin showing the typical meditation pose she always acquires when she starts planning something new.

-Will you leave again? - asked a dispirited hanyou. He wasn't ready to let her go, he had just gotten her back.

Taking advantage of the hanyou's state he ventured to encourage him to show his true feelings at the thought of her returning to her time she said -You want me to leave? - Kagome asked him with a disappointed face - Don't worry InuYasha, if you need more time alone I can go back to my time. It's not necessary....

InuYasha listened to her as the feeling of anguish started to grow in his chest - Damn it Inuyasha do something fast or she will leave again! - NO! I don't need time, I've already cleared my thoughts. Don't go! - InuYashas blurted out without much thought.

He didn't realize how desperate his response had sounded until he saw Kagome give him a dazzling smile accompanied by an adorable blush. She didn't know how to handle such exposure in front of the schoolgirl so she opted to let out one of her familiar Keh!'s and avert her eyes away from such a charming image.

-What will I do, if I took InuYasha to my time, with mom, sota and grandpa they won't let me move forward in our relationship, we need to spend time can I do...Suddenly the solution came to her in a it!

-InuYasha you said that elder Kaede went on a trip right? - The hanyou nodded - Well I was wondering if you wanted us to take a few days off too and travel just the two of us like before. What do you say? Between the battles and the quest I haven't appreciated the beauty of this epic as much as I'd like to. Let's take a vacation! - invited an excited Kagome.

Does she want to travel with me like we used to, just me and Kagome? - he thought nervously - but if I want to patch things up with her and tell her how I feel...maybe it's a good opportunity. Besides something tells me that this trip will be different, she's being nicer than usual to me. It might be an opportunity to pull in.

-I..th..ink..I think it's a good idea - he answered nervously. - How long would you like to travel?

-One month is fine, we return at the same time as our friends and within that period I should already have my high school certificate, besides it's the time I was planning to stay in sengoku before going back home.

-Okay, then tomorrow we will leave.

-Thank you InuYasha! - Kagome threw herself into the hanyou's arms out of excitement, she was happy to share time alone. When she realized that InuYasha left the initial shock of her sudden display of affection behind and reciprocated her embrace by gently circling her waist, she dared to deposit a tender kiss on the cheek opposite the first one. She wanted to see his reaction. What was her surprise when she felt him tighten his grip but pull her closer in a jealous manner as if he wanted to prolong the kiss a little longer. This encouraged the azabache to go through with her plan. Apparently InuYasha was also more receptive than usual, which boded well for a good start.

POV InuYasha

He hadn't expected that reaction from Kagome, when he least thought about it she was hugging him and he looked like a statue, good thing he reacted a few seconds later and slid his arms around the small waist pressed against him. - This is so nice - he thought.

If Kagome continued to show herself like this all the trip he would not know what to do, first the kiss on the cheek, the constant smiles that he knew were only for him, now her arms around him so affectionately, were too many emotions for his heart that was not used to so many displays of affection in such a short time- I must be strong - he thought - Kagome... I will show you how important you are to me... He was in his musings when he felt again the warmth of the girl's lips between his arms, she had kissed him again!

His initial reaction was one of bewilderment, was he dreaming? Kagome had kissed him twice so far that day and it was such a pleasant sensation that it couldn't even compare to the two times he kissed Kikyo, these were even more chaste and sweet kisses than those times and yet they awakened in him the strongest sensations he had ever experienced before... Before the girl pulled back he grabbed her tighter against him, trying to prolong the contact.

-I'm sorry InuYasha, I just got excited," said a blushing Kagome, it was hard for her to be this demonstrative with InuYasha, but she understood that if she didn't take the first step, he would never do it.

-Yeah. well I...we'd better prepare the food and what we need for the trip, we should rest. Let's go to old Kaede's hut," he managed to answer.

-Sure...but...ahem...InuYasha, I can't walk if you still have me in your arms hehe...

InuYasha hadn't noticed that he still had her hugged, he had answered her just to divert her attention from him at that moment, he didn't want her to see his blush. He immediately released her and turned his back to her scratching his head in a display of his embarrassing behaviors. Kagome seemed amused by his actions, she let out a small laugh and encouraged him to follow her.

They both went with a big smile on their lips, this trip promised to resolve many things between them. They had both decided to clarify their relationship and each was unaware that the other had the same purpose.

Kagome was the first to enter the hut, it seemed that they had just finished cleaning it, she wondered if it had been InuYasha's or the old woman's work before leaving. She set out to light the fire to prepare some tea and accompany it with the food she and her mother had prepared for their friends, for a moment she thought about what to do with all the food they would have left over before laughing at the thought that came to her immediately - Kagome know perfectly well that Inuyasha doesn't leave leftovers, surely he will be happy to be able to eat without sharing the food with his friends. - The image of InuYasha enjoying the food crept into her memory and her amused laughter only increased in volume slightly.

InuYasha had followed her with his backpack and was watching her from the doorway. Kagome looked confident and familiar with every part of the small hut, he watched her move gracefully gathering the utensils to prepare the tea, lighting the fire and pulling in the cushions they would use to sit on to eat. For a moment he imagined Kagome taking charge of his household welcoming him home after a hard day of work/training, he shook his head as he felt the heat threaten to rise to his face.

Kagome sought his gaze from her place sitting on the wooden floor, she smiled at him and invited him to sit next to her - InuYasha come closer, pass me my backpack please, I bring something for you, I'm surprised you haven't demanded it yet- at that moment he noticed that the backpack contained food, he had been so focused on Kagome's scent that he hadn't noticed the scent of food, His stomach growled as he was reminded that it was time for lunch, embarrassing himself at Kagome's amused look, he put the backpack beside him and took out three huge bento boxes and handed them out side by side, he marveled at how perfectly positioned and decorated the food was, there were certain differences in the typical decoration that Mrs. Higurashi used So she asked curiously - Kagome... did you cook this? - Kagome blushed slightly as she nodded and finished pouring the water for the tea - I just helped mom more than usual, I know you don't love my home cooking, this one - pointing to one of the three containers - mom prepared it entirely so don't worry you can finish it all - she commented to him a bit discouraged. InuYasha noticed her depressed mood and mentally reprimanded himself - It's all your fault baka, if you hadn't belittled and commented on her food all those times just because you like her tantrums you wouldn't have hurt her so much. - The jet finished preparing the tea and passed him a set of chopsticks she brought from home, they both blushed at the small brush of their hands.

-Itadeikimasu - Kagome wished enthusiastically once in front of the hanyou encouraging him to start. She was about to take a bite when she was interrupted.

- What section was it that only you prepared? - Kagome looked at him confused and then sad, imagining that he wanted to avoid what she prepared. He pointed his chopsticks at the perfect stuffed rice balls, the beautifully breaded fish, some vegetables and what looked like sushi rolls and without hesitation InuYasha selected a piece of each of the items Kagome had pointed at. He heard her make a sound of surprise at his action. The azabache watched him carefully as she savored the food without making any show of displeasure or letting out a comment about how her food did not compare to that of her mother, sango or the elder kaede. Quite the opposite, she seemed to sincerely enjoy it, she was even more surprised to hear him - Kagome...etto..it's good...thank you.- Shocked by the compliment she leaned towards the hanyou who was surprised by the girl's sudden closeness as she placed a hand on his forehead. - Inuyasha...are you feeling good? you just praised my food, surely something has bitten you...- she commented in a mocking tone - Keh! of course I'm fine woman - taking his hand to move it away from her forehead and exerting a little pressure to get his attention - You know I was telling you those things about your food in revenge because you sat me down and because I like to make you angry. ...Kagome... I have always liked your food...- he confessed with a tender blush while focusing his gaze on the delicate hand between his claws, unable to tell her the compliment looking her in the eyes.

The priestess' heart melted a little more as she heard those words coming from her half-demon, her eyes moistening with relief at the confession that her food had always pleased him. InuYasha looked up immediately upon catching the scent of salt, only to be met with a smiling, blushing and teary Kagome the sight was simply ravishing. He could sense through her scent how happy he had made her with those simple words and he chided himself for being so stubborn all this time about his feelings for the azabache.

-Thank you InuYasha, you don't know how much your words mean to me, I always thought you really hated my food and I could never compete with mom, knowing that you enjoy what I put so much effort into preparing for you makes me so happy - she shared with him as she smiled hugely. InuYasha nodded and let go of her hand gently, starting to eat again.

So between furtive glances and smiles from Kagome every time she caught him looking at her, they finished the food.

-All right now...let's see if I have everything I need for the trip - Kagome began to make an inventory of everything that her backpack was carrying at that moment and realized that she would need some things that she had left in her time. All this time InuYasha remained seated against the wall in his traditional Indian pose watching the azabache's every move carefully.

He would never tire of gazing at Kagome's beauty, he was amused watching her hair sway back and forth with the breeze coming through the door and carrying more of her delicious scent to his nose, when he saw her bend over more than usual in search of some item inside her giant bag granting him a spectacular view of her shapely legs and the beginnings of her strange underwear of the future . - Damn it Kagome, why are you doing that to me? - thought a frustrated hanyou- This will be harder than I thought, by fully accepting my feelings for Kagome my body has become much more receptive to hers- his hands clenched into a fist trying to control the intense desire to touch her- Get a hold of yourself, she's not intentionally provoking me, she can't even imagine what she's capable of causing in me! Besides, I will be able to touch her when I carry her on my back. I'll be able to feel the softness of her skin again, the brush of her breast and her breath on the back of my neck Gosh, I have to stop thinking about that! - arghh!" The growl escaped uncontrollably. Kagome turned quickly and found an InuYasha with closed eyes, frown and clenched hands - Inuyasha... are you okay? - The sound of Kagome's voice brought him back to reality, when he opened his eyes he saw the girl's worried look and his frustration disappeared - I'm fine Kagome it was just a bad memory, do you have everything you need to leave? - she tried to change the subject. - Ehh yeah..I mean..I'm not missing a few things from my time. Will you come with me to get them? I'm sure mom would love to see you and sota has asked for you - InuYasha stood up quickly and turning his back to her, he answered - Let's go-.

They walked to the well in a comfortable silence, when they reached the edge and without thinking too much InuYasha took her in his arms bridal style and jumped - aahh! - exclaimed Kagome in surprise, he had never taken the trouble to carry her this way before - the only one he always carried this way was Kikyo...- he always jumped beside her or took her lightly by the shoulders. Taking advantage of the moment and as the violet light enveloped them she snuggled her face into the half-demon's chest taking the opportunity and breathed in his scent deeply. She didn't know if InuYasha noticed but she tightened her grip. Coming out on the other side of the well he simply set her carefully on the ground and headed home.

Sota, Grandfather and Mrs. Higurashi greeted them enthusiastically and were happy to hear the news of their trip. Kagome excused herself to her room in search of the things missing from her luggage, while Mrs. Higurashi went out to sweep the leaves under the Goshinboku. InuYasha petted Buyo and played a game of video games with Sota always aware of the sounds coming from upstairs, he heard the sound of the shower from Kagome's room and the smell of her shampoo flooded his nose, he decided it would be best to go out and get some fresh air.

Mrs. Higurashi was sitting on the bench next to the sacred tree, when she saw him she invited him to join her - Darling could you join me for a moment? - InuYasha nodded and sat next to her - I am very happy that you and Kagome spend more time together, I know I don't have to ask you but as a mother you know that I can't stop worrying that's why I want to ask you to take care of her in this trip even if it's just for fun, I know that in your world there are still demons that can hurt her, you have always been a faithful companion and protector of Kagome and I am very grateful for that - she finished offering him a little bow.

-Mrs. Higurashi, you don't have to ask me, I...will always protect Kagome with my life - he replied passionately with a bow. Mrs. Higurashi only smiled maternally.

-Tell me InuYasha now that the search is over and when your rest trip comes to an end, what do you plan to do? - The direct question came as a bit of a surprise to the hanyou but he plucked up his courage and hesitating a bit began - Mrs. Higurashi, I..want to be by Kagome's side...forever...if she accepts me...where she is...that's my home.- he finished completely blushing.

-I see dear, nothing would make me happier than to see you two together, but...have you talked it over with Kagome yet? InuYasha tensed up and continued.

- I...still don't know...if she..once told me that she would always stay by my side...but many things happened and I'm not sure...if her feelings have changed...I would like on this trip to find out if Kagome would accept me as her... partner. - he finished telling her still furiously blushing.

- But InuYasha you have always been partners, you mean your girlfriend? - InuYasha looked at her confused.

- I...I don't know how it is in this time but for the InuYoukai being partners means to share your life with that person until death - Mrs. Higurashi shouted excitedly surprising the hanyou.

- You mean you want to marry my Kagome? - She asked him hopefully.

InuYasha nodded - You humans call it that, but for my race it goes beyond a ceremony, we only have one mate for life and the bond cannot be broken. If you allow me I would like to court Kagome and ask her to be my mate - He begged her getting on his knees and bowing deeply. Mrs. Higurashi could not hold back her tears and took his hands giving them a squeeze trying to transmit him security. She looked into his eyes and could see the deep love he had for her daughter and how happy they would be together.

-InuYasha dear, you have always had my approval, if my Kagome accepts you nothing would make me happier than to have grandchildren with beautiful little ears like yours - If InuYasha thought his face couldn't burn more, there it was, Mrs. Higurashi had already imagined her puppies.

At that moment Kagome came out and was surprised by the scene, she ran to her mother when she saw her crying - mom! is everything ok, what's wrong? - she asked worriedly while she saw a blushing InuYasa who couldn't hold her gaze. Mrs. Higurashi, amused by the scene, reassured her - don't worry daughter, I was just sharing with InuYasha some memories of your father and I got sentimental, don't mind me. Do you have everything ready? - Kagome nodded, not very convinced of her mother's words, later she would ask InuYasha what had happened.

-I'm ready InuYasha, we can go- she smiled inviting him to follow her to the well. After saying goodbye with a hug from her mother, InuYasha helped her with the backpack and as he closed the door of the well it happened again. He took her in his arms bridal style and hopped over the edge of the wood, amidst the astonishment, Kagome wasn't quite sure but she could have sworn he had sniffed her before he jumped.

INUYASHA'S POV

InuYasha didn't know where such confidence had come from to have asked Mrs. Higurashi's permission to take Kagome as his it was done and he didn't regret it in the least. He was going to prove to Kagome that he could be a good mate, but first he had to find out if the feelings the girl had confessed to him years ago had not turned into friendship only. Remembering the girl's last displays of affection gave him hope - he couldn't do that with any friend could he?

Seeing her walk out of his house still with her hair wet and wearing that outfit had wreaked havoc on his body and thoughts - God, you smell delicious Kagome - he fleetingly closed his eyes to concentrate on her scent, as he opened them his heart raced - She was wearing an outfit he had not seen her in before, she was wearing a hakama that looked like a second skin, just like her blouse that exposed her neck and shoulders, with those clothes he could perfectly see every curve of her body and it made his stomach tingle.

He watched her rush towards them, he guessed she would have been alarmed by her mother's condition. After their goodbyes they headed for the well and he could not restrain the impulse that coursed through him again to have her close by. He took her in his arms ignoring her surprise, only to puff out his chest in satisfaction as he felt her relax and press herself more against him, tightening her grip on his ahori, he allowed himself to inhale her sweet scent again and jumped up.

On the other side of the well a reddish warm sunset greeted them. The sun was about to set, feeling Kagome's grip on his ahori and still with her hand resting on his waist, he allowed himself to enjoy the spectacle.

-Sengoku sunsets will always be my favorite - he heard her sigh - it's the most beautiful sight.

Meanwhile he enjoyed his own favorite sight, a happy Kagome, eyes closed, wide smile, porcelain skin. He watched as she tilted her head to feel the warm breeze using his shoulder for rest.

-It is, -he replied, looking at her in rapt attention, at which point Kagome decided to open her eyes, causing an inevitable blush to appear on her face.

KAGOME'S POV

She could get used to this, enjoying these beautiful sunsets by InuYasha's side, feeling his calm and warmth protecting her.

-It is- she heard him respond to her affirmation. She smiled knowing that he was also enjoying the moment and opened her eyes to smile at him, deep golden eyes returned her gaze. Immediately she saw how the color began to color his cheeks and decided to break the connection embarrassed by the sudden intensity in his gaze.

-We must rest very well to start tomorrow with energy,- she commented nervously as she made her way to the village, feeling the rapid beating of her heart and the silent approach of the noon demon at her back.

For some reason the journey to the hut seemed slower than usual, yet more pleasant, she could feel a slight tension in the air, a flow of energy she had not experienced before and could not quite identify. By the time they arrived the sky had darkened and the stars were beginning to show clearly.

Still in silence they entered the cabin. She set about preparing her sleeping bag. - Should I put it to the test? - he thought as he evaluated whether to take out his new pajamas to try to provoke a reaction in InuYasha - Maybe I should wait for a better occasion, besides these clothes are very comfortable to sleep in. -This time she had decided to wear sportswear since it wasn't necessary to be ready to go back to school - I don't understand why I haven't worn it all this time, the uniform certainly wasn't very practical- she was mentally laughing at her recent discovery when she heard him call her.

-Kagome...why are you wearing that? - she asked, pointing at his clothes.

-It's more practical InuYasha, in my time it's customary to dress like this when you're on vacation, why?

-Etto...you just never wore it before - he looked at him a little confused.

-Well InuYasha, it's not like we've been on vacation, ne? Besides, it's much more comfortable than my school uniform and less exposed, don't you think?

-That's not true,- she heard him say with a sigh.

-And why is that? - she asked curious about his strange answer.

InuYasha looked at her surprised and embarrassed -What, what? What were you saying?

- I asked you why you don't think these clothes are less comfortable? - he watched as her ears flicked nervously on top of her head and her gaze was glued to the floor.

-I...I didn't mean it wasn't comfortable...I just...I meant that, Dammit! -he heard him curse under his breath- -you...body...I mean...your form...aggh your figure is more exposed-.

- You think so? - She asked, holding back his nervousness, as he ran his hands around her waist smoothing the fabric. She noticed how InuYasha gave her a look she hadn't seen before, she didn't know how to describe it, it was a little bit like when she was hungry.

- Come on Kagome you know that all the men will stare at you if you wear that - she heard him complain.

- Who are "all of them"? If on this trip there will only be you and me InuYasha, besides I doubt you are going to take me to villages full of people, are you? - the hanyou tensed up when he knew he was discovered - with how little you like to socialize with others, I would be surprised.

- Let's go to sleep, tomorrow we should be rested - she encouraged him.

She watched him sit in his favorite space and close his eyes. Kagome got inside the sack and with a low voice sighed -Oyasuminasai InuYasha-.

-Rest Kagome-

Thus with the anticipation of their journey the next day they went to sleep.