Kagome burrowed herself deeper into her sleeping bag, but sleep just wouldn't come. She slowly climbed

out, gently laying the sleeping kitsune down. Glancing up, she saw Inuyasha in his usual perch in the tree.

The dark made it hard for her to tell if he was looking at her or not. "It's strange… I always feel so safe

around him… no matter where we are…" Shaking her head, she whispered, "Inuyasha?" With a flash of red

and white he was beside her, scowling, but she could see the concern in his eyes. He always tried to act so

tough, but he had feelings too… "What's wrong, wench?" Kagome looked down, grinning. She knew he

was going to say that. "I can't sleep. Would you stay down here for a while?" she asked shyly.

"Feh."

"Arigatou."

She sat down next to him. After a few minutes, Inuyasha felt her body slowly slump, her head falling on his

shoulder. He blushed, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her onto her lap.

"Kagome…a…ai…shiteru…" he said quietly, finally admitting his true feeling toward her to himself.

Maybe, someday he would tell her… but now… He glanced at the sleeping girl's face. A smile tugged at his

lips. For now, he would just sleep… and try not to think of what everyone thought when they woke up next

morning.