The Race For Kagome

By: LadySol

Rating: R

Disclaimer: I think this goes without saying, I don't own Inuyasha and Co. although I do own the good ol' boyz Korii, Mael, and Kentai and the Lady Maekomari. You may borrow them if you so wish, all I require is recognition, so don't go stealin' and claimin' em as yerz! Got that!? Umm, okay point made. Anyway, enjoy the ficcy.

Chapter 12: Words I Wish I Never Spoke

"Sango." Kagome lifted a tear filled gaze to look behind her. There Inuyasha stood, arms crossed and head drooped so Kagome couldn't see his eyes through his thick silver bangs.

"Yes, Inuyasha?" Kagome looked back to the demon slayer. Poor Sango looked terrified, as if she thought Inuyasha would tear her apart any second. How much had Inuyasha overheard anyway? Those ears of his were pretty good...

"Leave. Go to your monk and take Shippo with you."

"WHAT?! You mean I'm not coming with you?!?" The kit jumped out of his hole, squealing like a stuck pig.

"But you promised! You said you'd never leave me!" Shippo's became strained and tear began welling in the corner of his eyes at frightening pace. Inuyasha sighed and squatted down. Shippo lunged for his lap and wrapped his little paws around as much of Inuyasha's Haori as possible.

"Shippo, I'm totally on your side about this." Shippo sniffled and looked up.

"Y-you are?" He hiccupped slightly, burying his face deeper into Inuyasha.

"Definitely, thing is, I know how much trouble Miroku is when he's alone with Sango." Kagome had to hide her smile. She knew where this was going.

"So, I'm leaving you here with a very important job, okay?" Shippo rubbed at his eyes, chasing away all signs of sadness.

"What job?" Inuyasha grinned, flashing fang.

"Make sure Miroku doesn't go harassing Sango or any of these nice village girls. You think that's not too hard a job for someone as small as you?" Shippo puffed up indignantly.

"Of course I can do it! Where's Miroku? I'll go watch him now!" And that was all it took to send the kit scampering away. As soon as he was gone though, Inuyasha's dark look resumed itself. He had been hiding it for Shippo's benefit.

"I thought I told you to leave, Sango?" Sango nodded, slightly taken aback before walking away in the direction Shippo had fled in his search for the lecherous monk. Kagome fidgeted in her seated position. What should she say? Kagome waited till Sango was completely out of sight before speaking.

"Inuyasha, I-"

"Sango was right." Inuyasha looked up at her.

"I don't think she was, Inuyasha. You've protected me as long as I can remember, it seems. You've won practically all your battles and I-"

"Kagome, I love you." It was right then Kagome was sure the world froze. Everything stopped and nothing made a sound. He loved her? For real? Kagome opened her mouth to say something. What, she wasn't sure of, but it seemed that nothing would come out. The harder she tried the quieter she got. Apparently Inuyasha got tired of waiting because Kagome quickly found her mouth covered by his. Warmth flooded her body with the gentle kiss. Inuyasha's lips were soft and gentle, as if he was saying 'run if you wish, I won't hold you here'. Kagome sighed, content. She was about to lean in further when before she knew it, a strong gust of wind tore it's way towards them and with the sound of flesh hitting flesh Inuyasha was flying through the air.

"Hands off my woman, Dog Shit!" Kagome groaned and rolled over in the hay, covering her face. This was damn well not what she needed right now. Kagome shrieked as she felt herself lifted suddenly into the air. The Taiyoukai of the East stood grinning at her, his arms wrapped around her. Kagome blushed.

"Hello, Kouga."