Chapter 17, wow never could of imagined me getting that far in a story. So let's celebrate! Or not. Lol. Enjoy chappie 17 all.

Chapter 17

After a couple of days of rest and relaxation the group of now three headed out on their long dangerous journey. As Kagome walked beside the Hanyou she noticed how the tension and feeling of doubt was gone. For once in a great while it seemed like the mood was, in a way, happy. A small smile even seemed to poke it's way to her face. They even laughed a few times as Kagome told embarrassing stories about Inu Yasha. She could see the red line of blush on his cheeks as he looked away pretending not to hear.

"You still have that touch of arrogance Inu Yasha." She said with a giggle.

Inu Yasha looked down at his human companion and couldn't help but smile. The past few days had done them all some good. The game Kagome called "Ch-eck-errrs" had cleared all their minds of any bad thoughts. His mood had risen especially when he had finally beaten Kagome at the game. All seemed well. He knew that wouldn't last forever, but for now, it was grand.

"Kagome if you could use the Shikon Jewel to grant your deepest desire, what would it be?" Kouga asked suddenly.

Kagome stared over at the wolf demon. She had never actually thought of it. She stared ahead at the horizon. What would she wish for?

'To be with Inu Yasha forever, of course.'

Just as the thought had came to mind her face became red as a rose. Had she really just…..thought of that?

"Umm, I guess to umm. Well I don't know really. Something…lovely I suppose." She mumbled with a glance over to the Hanyou.

Kouga laughed softly. "Well that's a truthful answer."

"What about you dog boy?" He asked.

Inu Yasha made a soft playful growling in his throat at the nick name. However, he ignored it and went on to think of his own answer.

"I'd use it to make sure Kagome was never sad." He said with a smile.

Kagome stopped in her steps. She stared after the Hanyou in disbelief. The two men stopped and stared back at their human companion.

"What's wrong Kagome?" Inu Yasha asked.

Softly she shook her head and smiled brightly.

"Nothing at all." She sung and skipped ahead.

They began to walk again. Kouga stared up at the sky thinking silently to himself. Soon bringing it aloud.

"If I could use the Shikon No Tama I'd use it to bring back my old pack." He said with a small sigh.

"That's a wonderful wish Kouga." Kagome said softly.

Kouga chuckled to himself yet continued to stare out into the sky.

"Yea, I suppose."

"You know Wolfie, your were born into the right pack of demons. Just as a wolf is, your loyal to your friends." Inu Yasha said with a hint of a smile.

Kouga looked over at his long time ago enemy and laughed. For no real reason at all they all began to laugh. Maybe it was what Inu Yasha said, or perhaps it was just the joy that ran through them.

They traveled for a very long while. They had, after all, spent a lot of time resting. When they finally felt tired it was well into the night the stars and moon shining with their unearthly beauty. Kouga searched for some firewood, Inu Yasha went scouting to make sure no demons were about and Kagome set up her bed and pulled out her stash of ramen. She'd been saving it for just a special occasion.

Kouga returned soon with plenty of wood, Kagome lit it up with a match and began to cook the ramen in a small cauldron she'd taken from Keade's hut. She sighed softly remembering the old woman and her kind, yet weary smile.

"Is that what I think it is!" Inu Yasha's voice nearly screamed.

Kagome nodded her head softly while giggling.

"Indeed it is."

Inu Yasha took a seat beside his human friend and awaited his bowl of noodles. The smell drifted around him and swirled within his nostrils causing a light slip of drool slip down his chin.

Kouga as well couldn't help but enjoy the smell of the noodles. When given his own bowl of the delicious stuff he ate it greedily, and happily. Kagome had a single bowl while the two men finished it all off.

Once the food was gone and the cauldron put away Kagome nestled into her pallet. She yawned softly and stretched. She was tired, yes, but a tired that felt good. It wasn't one that made her feel drained of life, no, this tired told her she had accomplished something that day and now was her to time to rest as a reward.

Kouga lay sprawled out by the fire taking in it's warmth. Even though sleep plagued his thoughts he couldn't help but stare over at the woman of his…dreams. The thought struck him the way a pebble strikes water. Rippling out a hundred more thoughts in his mind. A small smile crept onto his face.

"Lady Kagome, goodnight." He said softly.

"Goodnight, Kouga, Inu Yasha." She added the hanyou so as not to make him feel left out.

"Night." Was the half breed's answer.

Inu Yasha slept for a very long while, however, he did awake before all the others, even before the sun had. He crept from his place close to Kagome and went to stand atop the hillside. He stared out at the world that was his home. For some reason it did not look as ugly and distorted as it once had in his feeble mind.

"It's because I have Kagome now to make things more beautiful…" He muttered.

"I do what now?" A soft voice, such as that of smooth silk, said.

Inu Yasha turned around to meet the gaze of a girl wrapped up in her blankets making her appearance quite bulky.

"Nothing." He laughed.

Kagome stepped forward to his side and stared out at what he had been looking out at. Without her even realizing it her body leaned over against the Hanyou's, her head resting upon his shoulder.

"Things are so much better now. I feel great. I feel happy…" She said as she looked up at him, "I'm glad I have you around."

"Kagome you are the one who awakens the happiness in me. Without you I'm nothing but the shell of a man with a broken heart."

Kagome turned her body around and stared directly up at him. Her heart was pounding within her chest. Her lips were screaming out "KISS HIM!!" Slowly she found herself rising on her tip toes growing closer to him.

Her soft velvet lips pressed gently against his cheek. He blinked in surprise and felt the heat of the red line cross his face. Kagome smiled softly and scampered off back to her pallet. It took a few moments for him to regain his senses. His heart was pounding faster then the foot of a dog as it's belly is scratched. He brought his hand up to where she had placed her kiss. He smiled to himself and chuckled. Without another word he returned to camp. The morning sun was just peaking over the hills ready to bring it's light to the world. However, eventually all lights, die out.

Hmm, not a bad chappie. Short, I know. But you must forgive me! I'm trying to drag it on a little longer to gather suspense for the ending, twill be great I promise!! R&R! I haven't been getting many reviews lately, do you guys not love me anymore? Holds back a tear. I would really appreciate a lot of reviews.