Kagome stood up and looked around her. Everyone else had gone to sleep; except, of course, Inu Yasha. She knew that if he thought that she went to sleep he would rest for the night, so she curled up in her sleeping bag. For a while she stayed like that until she knew Inu Yasha had fallen asleep.

' What is she doing?' Inu Yasha peered at her from his tree branch. She was silently getting out of her blankets and slipping on her shoes. He leaned a little forward, but she didn't notice.

Kagome sat up on a rock, looking out at the choppy sea. They had had a long day, but all the traveling was worth it. Only a few times she had been to the beach, but it was never as peaceful as this. Although the wind was blowing fiercely, she didn't shiver. There was a small smile on her pretty face and she watched the waves as they rolled and crashed into each other. She got up and walked out towards the water. Her feet were at the edge of the water.

Inu Yasha looked at her looking into nothing. The wind blew her hair and her skirt flapped lightly around her hips. He had seen her stand like that so many times. Whenever her knees were together, her left leg slightly outwards, her arms limp at her sides he knew that she was at peace. She looked like something from a picture. Like a woman awaiting her husband to return from a sea voyage.

Suddenly the tranquil girl felt two arms wrap around her waist and a head upon her shoulder. She jumped, which caused her loafers to get wet. But she knew that touch. She knew the breath on her neck.

"Inu Yasha, what are you doing? I thought you were asleep?" Her gentle voice slithered seductively through his ears. She turned toward him and he released his grip.

"I wanted to talk to you. You said this morning that you would listen any time. I want you to listen now."

"Okay. What's up?" her words were far too casual for his liking, but he wasn't going to snap at her.

"I thought about it, and I realized something. I love you."

Kagome took a step back from him. Her eyes had dilated and she suddenly felt her feet wet from walking right into the water. "W-what????"

"I love you. I don't love Kikyo at all. I can't stop thinking about you and I-"

Kagome leaned in and kissed him on the lips. It wasn't just a peck. She wouldn't let go and when he tried to pull back, she wrapped her arms around his neck. When she finally let go, she put her cheek up to his chest and collapsed into him. Unfortunately he wasn't expecting this and they both fell over. He found her on top of him and didn't know what to do.

"Inu Yasha, I love you too! I've been dreaming of those words for so long, but I never thought that I would ever hear them!" She looked down at him and he could see the joy in her eyes. She was so beautiful. Her nose was nice and small, and her lips were smooth. Her eyebrows were perfectly arched and they really suited her big brown eyes.

"Kagome, you're so beautiful." Now it was his turn to kiss her. He kissed so passionately and rolled her off of him without breaking it. They slowly opened their mouths and played with each other's tongues. Inu Yasha's glided over Kagome's and she felt a little tingle run through her body. She pushed him away for need of air, and he smiled at her as she panted. As he looked up at the stars he felt something thud on top of his stomach. It was Kagome, straddling him. She leaned down and kissed his neck, tempting him to take more. He could feel himself losing it again as she moved towards the base of his neck.

"Inu Yasha, don't lie to me. If you don't want me, tell me now. Don't you dare play games with me." She whispered into his ear, which sent a shiver up his spine. "And if you do, show me." He looked pushed her up and looked at her in surprise. Was this the same Kagome who he had protected throughout the year? What was she implying?

"Kagome, I want to be with you forever. I will never leave you. Not for Kikyo, or anyone else. You're all that I think about, and you make me happy. I once told you that I wasn't supposed to be happy and relaxed, but I want to be. You gave me life, and I want to share that life with you. I love you." Kagome had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face. She had never heard him talk like this before but she loved it.

"This is the best birthday ever!" She stood up, oblivious that he could see up her skirt and stepped off of him. She lay down on the ground beside him and he moved over to lay his head on her flat stomach. He could feel her breathing and her hand stroked his cheek. He reached up and held her hand. He never wanted to move; just stay this way. Eventually her breathing slowed and he felt that she had slept.

He got up slowly and saw that the tide was starting to come in. He picked her up in his strong arms and carried her back to the others. But instead of leaving her with her bed, he jumped into his tree with her and fell asleep, warming each other from the bitter cold of the night. He cradled her in his arms like a little child and his head rested on top of hers

A/N: Sorry, no lemon on her birthday, but it is coming! I am just trying to decide how to write it. –Nishimura Tsuki-