GREAT NEWS!! All right. Here's the deal. Way back when I first started writing here on fan fiction with 'Stick to it' I wrote in my disclaimers, ya know? Well, I'd talk about how I had hurt my plushy of Inu, but then you all found out that I didn't have one. I HAVE ONE NOW!! My dearest friend, Tommy, went to Hawaii and got me one. Its great!! I don't go n e where without it now.

Lemon warning. I warn, you no turn in. Sounds good to me.

"A Hanyou in the Heart" by Inu Faceness

Chapter Twenty-Four: A Hanyou in the Heart

Kagome stood in her doorway. Moonlight danced through her room and dimly lit the ground she looked at. Scattered on her hardwood floor were what looked like flower petals. She slowly walked through the dark, still amazed that there were petals on her floor. 'Who would do this?' Kagome made her way to where she knew her dresser was. She ran her hand over the top, careful not to knock anything over. Her fingers touched paper and a smooth cup-like object before coming to a wooden box.

The sides were rough and, when she shook it, something rattled inside. She pushed one end and the other extended, allowing her access to what ever was inside. Her slender fingers picked up one of the objects and she held it close to her face. The light illuminated the small stick and showed it as a match. Striking it on the side of the matchbox, Kagome lit the match and looked around the room.

Unlit candles decorated her dresser; on the ground were red and white rose petals; the cup like object was a vase, holding a beautiful bloomed red rose and a small white one. The fire on the match burned the tip of her finger and she dropped the match. For a moment, she sucked on the burned fingertip.

Picking up another, Kagome began lighting the candles. She looked again at her dresser and saw a note, made with the same paper as the one before. "Inu Yasha," she whispered, lifting the paper and unfolding it. The dancing shadows created by the flickering flames danced on the paper as she read it out loud to herself.

"Higurashi Kagome

I don't say the right thing at the right time. I don't to the right thing in anyone's mind. And I am definitely not what you would call romantic. But there are some things I need to tell you. For one, I am sorry.

I'm sorry for keeping you waiting seven years to see me. I'm sorry for not respecting your decision to be with Koga. I'm sorry for being a child when it came to him. I didn't know how I felt about you so I didn't know how to take it. I'm sorry for not telling you how I felt in the first place. I'm sorry for tonight, and everything that happened. Even though as I write this nothing has happened, I know it will not turn out as I want it to. It's your birthday and I know for a fact I will probably act like a jerk if Koga tempts me. For that, I am also sorry. There is yet another thing I haven't told you. One more important than anything else.

I know I have told you this before, but it truly holds new meaning for me now that I have discovered something deep inside myself. You kept me going in America. Over the past seven years, something has developed in me. Kagome, I need to tell you. It wont be the most romantic thing you've ever heard. In fact, the way I am gonna say it, it will probably be the dumbest thing you've ever heard. But, it needs to be said.

Kagome, I love you.

If you realize tonight that Koga isn't for you. If you realize tonight that there may be something between us, I will be waiting for you. But, if Koga's what you want, I will live with that, I guess. As long as I can be your friend, Kagome. That's all I ask. I may not be strong enough to fully protect you, but I will try my damndest. I'm not human, I'm not demon, but I will be there for you. I will ask once.

A hanyou in the heart is what I am. Is that what you want?

I love you, Kagome. I always will and I want you to know that.

Songiya Inu Yasha."

She dropped the note so that it lay open on her dresser. Her hands went to the surface and tears spilled from her eyes to her cheeks to the paper, until they were absorbed by the material.

---

Inu Yasha jumped down onto her roof. The swirling wind shook his shirt and the cut from Koga's knife became seen. It was already beginning to heal. His feet were beginning to ache in his tennis shoes, so the hanyou disposed of them, tossing the shoes into the street. Then, he began his nimble decent to Kagome's window. His claws gripped the shingles on her roof as he tried no to slip and fall. Rain made this a difficult task to complete, even to the most talented climber. Three times he lost his footing and handle. Twice of which he came close to falling completely off. Inu Yasha dangled by his arms from the shingles.

He gulped and let go, landing in a crouched position on his knuckles and knees. The glass door was splattered with the still falling rain, sending a disfigured scene to his eyes. He could see the fire burning and he watched as Kagome dropped the letter. Taking in a deep breath, Inu Yasha opened the glass door and stepped into the young girl's room. After closing the door, he turned to face her, now getting a good look at her tear stained face. His heart began to ache as she sniffled and wiped her nose with the back of her hand. Her gaze finally met his after a few moments of looking at the ground.

"Hello, Inu Yasha," she whispered, not making a move. She wanted so desperately to sit, which would have been very easy. The bed was but three feet away, lit by the candlelight, and it looked so inviting. Her legs were wobbly, her head was foggy; Kagome just couldn't get over what she had just read.

Inu Yasha couldn't help but smirk. She looked so innocent, so young. Her damp hair, the way she used her hand as a tissue while dressed in an elegant evening gown. He held his gaze with hers. "Hello, Higurashi Kagome," he replied with a bow. She walked up to him and put her hands on his shoulders, making him stand straight. Kagome stood back.

"There is no need to bow." She looked at him for another long moment before raising a skeptical eyebrow. "Why were you talking with my mother at the graduation, Inu Yasha?" Kagome watched as a faint blush became visible in the candlelight.

"I was talking to her about Koga," he replied, changing his sight from her to a dripping candle on her dresser. Inu Yasha saw her try to move into his line of vision, encouraging him to continue. With a heavy sigh, he said, "I told her that he only wanted to fuck you." Kagome's eyes widened in horror. "Don't worry, I used better language," a small chuckle escaped him. "I told her he was planning on taking advantage of you tonight. Needless to say, she was very worried."

"But when Koga arrived tonight, she didn't mind him." Kagome thought out loud.

"That's because I told her I would look after you and protect you." Inu Yasha said, his blush becoming more pronounced. Kagome motioned to the dresser and floor.

"Did you do all of this then?" A simple nod was a reply. "When, Inu Yasha? When did you do this?" Again, he sighed heavily.

"I came over about eight o'clock tonight and did this. Your mom helped out with the room, and I got a little help for the letter. I couldn't come up with anything." He nervously rubbed the back of his head in the dark. "At first it was a simple note, but it didn't satisfy Miroku." Inu Yasha wearily smiled.

Kagome stood before the inu hanyou. She wanted to tell him. She wanted to scream out from the rooftops that she loved him and wanted to be with him forever. Looking into his intense auburn eyes, she took a step forward. "Inu Yasha," she wrapped her arms around his middle and laid her head on his chest. Her grip was loose. She knew the only other time he had been in the arms of another woman he had been taken advantage of. Kagome wanted to make sure he was comfortable. "Inu Yasha, I want you to know," she took a breath, taking in his aroma. "I love you too." His arms wrapped around her, pulling her small frame into his.

"Kagome, what I am about to ask is not to be taken lightly." Inu Yasha gulped and pushed Kagome away from him slowly as his right hand went to his pocket. He pulled out a violet velvet case. "I have the consent of your grandfather and mother. All I need now is your approval." The box opened to reveal a silver ring with five diamonds decorating the top. With shaky hands, he removed the ring and took Kagome's left hand. "Will you marry me and be my mate, Higurashi Kagome?"

"Hai, Songiya Inu Yasha," she whispered, lost in his deep love filled golden eyes. For seven years she had wanted to be by his side. For seven years she had dreamed and wished to be with him. Now she was, forever. But Inu Yasha still had doubt in his eyes.

"Kagome, once it happens, you cannot take it back, no matter what. Do you understand?" His voice shook slightly with his words. Kagome closed her eyes and nodded her head.

"I understand." He slipped the ring onto her finger and raised her hand to his lips. The small ring glittered in the light and he placed small kiss over it. On her face was a large grin and a tear rolled down her still pink cheeks. Inu Yasha wiped it away and Kagome stood on her tiptoes, pressing her lips softly to his.

Her hands slid down his abdomen slowly, tracing his body. Inu Yasha took a deep breath, kissing Kagome with a passion that had been suppressed for so long. Kagome grabbed the base of his button down shirt and broke the kiss. The lids of his eyes were half open as Kagome lifted his shirt, not bothering with the buttons. As the cloth passed his head, he hungrily attacked her lips. He could feel the silk dress against his bare skin, the touch of her soft hands on his chest just made him want her more. Undoing his pants, Kagome pushed his jeans down his legs. Inu Yasha stepped out of his denim jeans.

He placed tender kisses along her neck and collarbone. His hands went up her arms, sending goose bumps along her body. He pulled the straps of her dress down her shoulders; the gown fell lightly to the ground. The tips of Inu Yasha's fingers barely touched Kagome's skin, making her wrap her arms around his neck as he continued to kiss her neck. Small whimpers sounded from Kagome as her eyes shot open when Inu Yasha came to the junction of her neck and shoulders.

Slowly, she pulled away from Inu Yasha, taking his hand and leading him to her bed. She sat on the mattress in front of Inu Yasha and traced the top of his black boxers. He bent down to kiss her again as she removed his underpants. His strong arms propped him above her on the bed. Carefully, he grabbed her underwear with both hands, pulling them off her long legs before replacing his arms beside her.

With his right hand, he caressed her neck, traveling to her breasts slowly. His feather light touches were sending Kagome sky high as her hunger for his touch was filled. As his hand took her flesh in its grasp, she arched her back, allowing him to access as much as he wanted. Their lips parted slightly as she began taking deep gasps of air. His hand continued down, circling her belly button. The path of his lips was similar to that of his hand, sending open-mouthed kisses down her chest and belly.

Kagome could only take so much and she grabbed his shoulders, bringing his face back to hers. She was drowning in the sensations his touch and kisses had thrown her into. The tangled webs of thousands of feelings all occurring at once had wrapped her in it. She began her assault on his mouth, darting her tongue all around the cavern. He pushed back with equal force as their bodies twisted together, joining as one.

Kagome's eyes shot open as he entered her slowly. At the same time, Inu Yasha had broken the kiss, his lips going to the spot on her neck where he had gotten the most reaction. When his manhood went into her, he had bit down on that spot. He smelled the tears forming in her eyes, so he lapped up the blood and went to kissing her tears away. Her arms here wrapped around his shoulders, slightly tightly gripped as she adjusted to the feeling of him inside her. He didn't move, but waited for her to start. Inu Yasha hated causing her pain, and the simplicity of his mating mark had almost killed him when he knew she was crying. Kagome's face was in the crook of his neck as she wrapped her legs around his body, making as much contact as possible.

The moonlight cast a blue haze over their bodies as the two began their dance. Their shadows flickered in the candlelight. Inu Yasha looked into her deep stormy eyes, never wanting to ever leave her. She bit her lip and closed her eyes tight as he slowly went inside her again and again. The sweat began to drip from their bodies lightly. Kagome's arm lock around Inu Yasha's shoulders tightened as he moved. She didn't ever want to leave this place. This was her home now, here with Inu Yasha. She would always be at his side and make sure he would never be hurt again.

Inu Yasha's molten gold eyes closed slightly as he felt Kagome tighten around him. Her scream pierced his ears as his name was called, half breathless. He buried his head in her neck before howling deep in his throat, joining her in ecstasy. She grabbed his hands and held them tight, letting him fall onto her lightly. Both of their breaths came short and strained. The rain slowly stopped as the two laid together, perfectly content on each others presence.

Inu Yasha lay between her legs, relaxing his whole body to cooling off. Kagome ran her fingers through his long sliver hair as he set his chin on her chest, looking up at her. In his left hand was her right, tangled together on the bed, and with his right hand he fingered the necklace around her neck. He heard Kagome sigh happily and he smiled.

"Daisuki," he whispered, kissing the area between her breasts affectionately. Inu Yasha looked at her face again, the light layer of sweat making her shine in the fading candlelight. Her lips mouthed the words 'I love you too'. "Get some sleep, koiishi." Her hand traveled to his ear and scratched the base of it. He leaned into her touch and slowly her motion stopped and her breaths became even.

He closed his eyes, listening to the gentle rhythm of her beating heart. The sound of three car doors slamming caught his attention. Slowly, as so not to disturb his new mate, Inu Yasha stood and gabbed a blanket from the floor, laying it over her and kissing her forehead. He quickly slipped into his boxers and jeans, not bothering to zip or button them. Searching frantically for something to write on, he opened the drawer of her side table. The front door opened and shut after a few moments and he heard voices. Inu Yasha grabbed her journal to move it out of the way and a small flower fell from it. He picked it up and recognized its old and fragile form.

He couldn't help but smirk at the sight of the daisy he gave her that day. Slipping it back into the book, he grabbed a piece of stationary and a pen from the drawer, placing the journal back. He scribbled a small note, placed it on her pillow and went to the curtain dressed glass door. He gave her one last look. Her body shifted to her side, her hand landing on top of the note. With that, he left the room as Kagome's family made their way up the stairs.

---

Kagome lazily opened her eyes, bringing her hand up to wipe the sleepiness from her face. She sat up, the blanket falling from her body, sending waves of coldness through her as she hastily curled up again. Wrapping the blanket around her, she looked around the room for her one and only love. Something crinkled under her hand and she grasped it, lifting it to her still tired eyes.

Good morning, sunshine. I had to leave last night. Your family came home. Cant forget what your mom said, she doesn't want any of "that" under her roof, right? I will see you later today, I promise. First I gotta see what happened to that damn wolf... I may get to beat the shit out of him. Well, I love you and I can hear them coming into the house. Inu Yasha.

She laughed at his words and stood up, walking over to her dresser. The wax had dried while dripping from the candles, creating beautiful designs on her dresser top. She dug through her drawers, finding a pair of underwear and some pajamas. Dropping the blanket, she quickly dressed. Kagome turned around and was about to go down stairs when she spotted a red silk dress shirt lying on her floor. Smirking, she picked it up and traded hers for it before going down to eat breakfast with her family.

END CHAPTER

Ah, so nice they are FINALLY together! You are all like "It's about fucking time! Damn, bitch, how long do you have to keep us waiting?!?" Hehe... I am evil, no? ::angel face:: well, next chapter is the epilogue. That's it. Then the story is done. Tear...

OK!! IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT THINGY!!!!

Now, you all need to do this or I am gonna be kinda mad, k? "Love Till Death Do Us Part", "When Water Freezes It Becomes...", and "Hoops N' Kisses" all have four votes each. You guys need to vote between these three so I know which to start!!

Inu Face