Part 13

Morning sunlight filtered through the canopy casting wonderful shadows over the couple. She hadn't let go of his hand the entire way, squeezing occasionally to get his attention for specific features of the forest. She wanted him to be able to navigate his way to Kaede's again, in case he came back for some reason. For her.

"Will you be okay getting back," Kagome asked as they approached the well.

His only answer was a slight "humm."

Kagome peered over the rim, judging the distance to the bottom. She'd never really thought about the jump, but then again she'd never made it while seriously injured. Maybe I should take him back, she thought. He could reopen the stitching if he landed wrong, or twist an ankle, or...

"Kagome."

The Shikon no Miko turned to him, her eyes showing the question in her mind. She was so beautiful, especially with a slight breeze calmly pushing her hair about. A stronger gust pulled some from behind her ear and it drifted across her face. He smiled, gently using the hand on his uninjured arm to scoop the silken strands back again. But his hand lingered, cupping her cheek, and bringing her closer.

"Come with me," Hojo said. "Come home and forget all this." He motioned with his eyes in the direction of the village while squeezing her hand. The two stood close enough to...

Kagome's eyes changed. She desperately wanted to go back, to be with him and have something of a life more normal than this yet more extraordinary then anything. She wanted to say 'yes' to him, to jump over the rim of the well, to leave all the pain she knew here for the peace she knew at home. She wanted to so badly.

"Hojo, you know I can't," Kagome lowered her head, allowing him to hug her closer. "I created this mess and to leave… it just wouldn't be fair."

"To hell with fair, Kagome! It's dangerous here, that creature especially. What happens once I'm gone, huh?"

He'd tipped her face up to his, maybe two inches apart. Somewhere in his mind, Hojo realized how close they were and how easy it would be, but that was passed by in his panic. "What if InuYasha seals the well with you here, what if he hurts you, takes you away? What if I lost you?" He had lowered his voice for the last bit, a sorrowful statement more than a question.

"Hojo," she knew how close they were, and it was audible in her voice. Kagome's cheeks pinked slightly from the intimacy of their contact, but she couldn't look away, couldn't move away from him. She liked it there. He smelt good so close, a distinguished and caressing scent, made all that more attractive by the slight hint of ointment still lingering about him. It was intoxicating.

"I…," Hojo stuttered as his libido caught up with him. Somewhere along the way he'd found the courage to touch her, to get close enough to hold her without feeling awkward. It was different than that first morning. Then he'd wanted to comfort, now he wanted something else.

Kagome wanted it to. Rising slightly on her toes, she came close enough to feel his breath on her lips when he moved the last little way to her. When they met she trembled slightly, lowering her eyes as she melted into him. The contact seared him and he felt the sensation travel through his entire being. It was his first, her's too though he had no way of knowing it, and her hesitation and innocence heightened the effect the kiss had on him.

Hojo unconsciously used his hand on her cheek to tilt her head slightly, giving him better access to her entire mouth. He carefully ran the tip of his tongue along the seam of her mouth, seeking entrance. Caught unaware, Kagome backed away just enough to break contact.

Her eyes fluttered open, her tongue quickly darting out along her lips to taste where he'd touched her. A slight blush heightened the color of her cheeks as she watched him watching her. Hojo also drew back; just enough though to rest with her forehead to forehead. They stayed like this for a moment, digesting what had happened before she snuggled against his chest, using her free arm to hug him and allowing herself to rest and just listen to his heartbeat.

Hojo sighed happily, the chaotic events of the previous evening a million miles away. His eyes came to rest on the well and his brows drew together in frustration. If only things were normal...

Giving the young woman in his arms a solid hug, he kissed her on the head, and mumbled a plea. "Come with me, Kagome. Please..."

Kagome leaned back in Hojo's arms and looked him straight in the eyes so that'd he would know how it was. So he could see the way both worlds, both responsibilities tore at her. She looked also at the well, thinking over how she could manage it, going back now. I'd have to run and tell Kaede and everyone good-bye, and I'd have to give them the Jewel, and Shippou... Oh Shippou you're the only thing that could really keep me here. But it would all be ruined if I ran into....

Kagome felt the half-demon as she thought about him. He was in the immediate area, probably watching them. If she left now Hojo might not live to see modern times again, might not even live long enough to think about any future they might have. InuYasha would kill him if he stayed. The dog demon had been deadly serious about it when he'd threatened this morning.

"What is it?" Hojo asked. Kagome had stiffened in his arms and was looking about the well's clearing as though searching for someone. Following her lead he looked about too, but saw InuYasha first. Hojo's instinctive reaction was to draw Kagome closer.

Now well away of his location, Kagome's vision locked on InuYasha's face, but the youkai's gaze was focused on Hojo. She could feel the testosterone fueled explosion coming so reached up to Hojo's face and pulled it back to her.

"Go, I'll come back tomorrow for a change of clothes and some supplies. We'll work out a schedule then, okay?" He looked skeptical. Kagome quickly kissed his cheek to reassure him then drew back, turning with Hojo to the well.

"Don't worry, and tell my mother not to worry either. I'll be..."

"Don't tell me you'll 'be fine'," Hojo interrupted. "Don't lie to me like that."

Kagome smiled softly, "Okay. But have faith in me, please."

Hojo nodded once and stepped up to the well. He threw one leg over and looked back at Kagome. Cupping her cheek in his hand, he ran his thumb along her lips and off her chin, giving her an affectionate knock to the jaw.

"Good luck and be careful." Her smile and shy nod the only answer he got. Looking past her slightly to InuYasha, Hojo glared what he hoped was a look of death then pushed off the rim and was gone.