AN: DC, I'm sorry if you thought I was trying to prove you wrong! I was just saying what I thought/believed in. I can understand what you mean by it happens everywhere, I guess I kinda got sucked into the basic "girl needs rescuing" plot ^-^;; I'll try and steer away from it from now on.

I haven't updated in so long because, unlike many, I don't have a rough outline on where I want the story to go ^-^;; I kinda just make it up as I go along with a few ideas in mind. So, I apologize for making everyone wait so long, because even now I'm not exactly sure where it should go. I really need a beta reader ^-^

Then again, it would also help if I wasn't currently hooked on Gravitation or reading Sarah/Jareth Labyrinth stories either ^-^;; Both of which are very bad for my health XD

~*^-^*~

The trip back to the wolf youkai den seemed much longer than the ride to help Sango and Miroku. Well, at least to Kagome it did. She felt herself unwilling nodding off, only to be awakened by a slight jolt from Kouga as he moved through the woods. She didn't know where Inuyahsa or Kirara, Sango, and Miroku were. And oddly, at the moment, she didn't care. She knew Inuyasha could take care of himself and Sango was with Miroku, so she had no need to worry. A particularly violent jolt made her gasp and tighten her gold around Kouga' s neck.

"Gomen, I didn't see the branch until I almost ran into it." Kouga said sheepishly, still not showing any signs of slowing. Kagome smiled and pressed her face against his back and in his hair. She felt a strange warmth when she was with Kouga, something she had only found in Inuyasha before she had left.

It was soothing, and it told her that no matter what, Kouga would protect her. With a start, she realized that there were butterflies in her stomach. Why was she so nervous? This was Kouga she was thinking about. They were just friends, right? Right?

Who was she trying to convince, she wondered. Kouga had been nothing short of courteous and helpful since she had arrived, not that she had expected less of him. But when he had arrived in her world, announcing that he was there to pick her up, it had made her happy. Someone had remembered her! Someone cared enough to come and rescue her from the same boring life she had been living for two years.

"Kagome?"

"Hmm?" She pulled back slightly and was startled to find that they had stopped. They were back at the den, she realized. Blushing, she wondered just how long he had been standing there, waiting for her to get off his back.

"We're here." His voice was soft, and Kagome didn't know if it was because he was talking to her or if he was trying not to wake his wolves. She nodded and slowly slipped off his back, her hands lingering on his shoulders even after she was off.

"Looks like we beat everyone here." He chuckled and started forward, towards the cave. When he reached the mouth, he looked over his shoulder and found Kagome in the same spot he had left her, staring at him thoughtfully.

"Kagome? Daijoubu?"

"H-hai. I was just thinking." She forced a smile and looked down, scuffing her foot against the rocks. Kouga frowned, puzzled, and walked back over to her.

"Ka-"

He was cut off when Kagome leaned forward and pressed her lips to his. Saying he was startled was an understatement. Eye wide, he stood frozen, unsure of what to do. He had hoped that maybe one day Kagome would love him, but never so soon, so sudden.

As suddenly as it started it was over. Kagome had pulled back, a blush staining her cheeks. Kouga opened his mouth to say something, anything, but for once he found himself at a loss for words.

"G-gomen, but I…I don't know what happened. But I needed….I don't know how I feel, I'm so confused right now. All I know is that you make me feel safe, and I…." She was flustered, the blush intensifying from a pale pink to a deep red. How could she possibly explain herself now? She hadn't meant to get that out of hand, had she? But when he had approached her, all she could see was his mouth, moving, but she didn't hear anything.

A finger lifted her chin and she found herself unwilling face to face with Kouga. She opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her throat was dry and her heart thumped so loudly in her chest that she was almost positive he could hear it.

He looked grim and serious before a small smile formed on his face. Kagome blinked, confused. Sensing her confusion, Kouga leaned his forehead against hers'.

"I want you Kagome, I've wanted you for a long while now."

"How long?" Kagome rasped, her throat tightening.

"Before you left, when you were still hung up over that bastard."

Kagome's eyes widened. That long? He'd wanted her for that long? Then again, hadn't it been the same for her? Hadn't she wanted Inuyasha? And she couldn't have him, because Kikyou was always there. Always present whether in his thoughts, his heart, or physically standing before them.

"I won't abandon you, and I promise to protect you. I'll wait here, until you're ready, until you decide."

"Kouga…." Kagome felt tears fill her eyes. She reached out and hugged him, her head buried in his chest, hands clutching to the thin armor he wore.

"Even after all I've done, all the times I ignored you, you're still willing to…" She let out something that was half a sob and half a laugh of relief. Kouga smiled and reassuringly ran his hand along her back, offering her what comfort he could. They stayed that way until she shivered against a breeze.

"Come on, let's go inside." He ushered her into the cave, one arm still wrapped protectively around her waist.

~*^-^*~

Inuyasha hid in a tree nearby so he was able to see what was happening. He had hurried here so he could hide and watch. Sango and Miroku were still far behind, taking it easy so as not to open Miroku's wounds further. That was fine with him, because he had every intention of finding out what Kagome saw in that wolf.

Even with his keen hearing, he couldn't hear what was being said. Kouga walked towards the cave then turned around to look at Kagome, who had yet to follow.

"Go inside, go inside." He growled. Kouga walked towards Kagome and Inuyasha cursed silently. What he saw next made his heart stop and his eyes widen. Kagome stood on her toes and leaned into Kouga, her lips meeting his. It only lasted for a few moments, but Inuyasha knew that image would be burned into his mind forever.

They pulled apart and Kagome looked almost frantic, her hands moving as she tried to explain exactly what had happened. Kouga leaned forward and pressed his forehead to hers', murmuring something that made her eyes well up with tears until she launched herself into his arms.

He had seen enough. Disgusted, Inuyasha ran into the night, needing to clear his mind, needing to let loose. He found a clearing and threw Tetsuaiga aside, not caring how stupid it was. His eyes flickered red and he howled, a long and powerful sound that spoke more than words.

He would worry about everything else later For now, he hunted.

~*^-^*~

"Houhsi-sama, we're here." Sango yawned and carefully slid off Kirara while keeping one hand on Miroku to keep him from falling. He mumbled something before his eyes opened a crack.

"We're back at the wolf youkai den. We should go inside, it's cold out here. You able to walk?"

"I think so." He yawned and stretched, wincing when he felt the pain in his back. Sango looked away, ashamed. It had been her own stupidity that caused his injuries. Miroku seemed to sense her guilt and frowned.

He stood and shook his head, startling Sango when he was suddenly standing before her.

"I don't like that look on your face and I don't want to know. Let's just go sleep and forget this whole thing, ne?" He wrapped an arm around her shoulder, only partly because he was still weak.

Sango looked surprised. Had she been that transparent? Nodding at his request, she started forward, Kirara following obediently at her heels. It didn't take too long to reach the back of the cave, away from most of the wolves. She had just helped Miroku sit down when he nudged her leg. She looked at him questioningly, but he only nodded his head towards the far corner of the cave.

Confused, she turned, and let a small smile play on her lips. Kagome was curled up against Kouga's chest, on of his arms pulled protectively around her shoulders. For a moment, Sango felt strangely envious. It must have shown on her face because Miroku frowned.

"Daijoubu?'

"H-hai. If Inuyasha were here, he'd have a fit." She nervously tucked some hair behind her ear as she attempted to change to subject. Thankfully, Miroku didn't press, but by the look in his eyes, he wasn't too happy that she wasn't saying what was on her mind.

"He probably would." Miroku patted the spot next to him and Sango blushed slightly before obliging. A hand snaked its' way across her back and she stiffened, waiting for it to move lower. When it didn't move, she allowed herself to relax.

"You should sleep, Sango. You've had a long day."

"So have you." She protested, stifling a yawn. He chuckled and gently pulled her towards him so her head was on his shoulder. She might have protested, but Miroku shook his head. Finally giving in, she fell asleep, her last thought lingering on how nice it felt to be spooned against his body.

~*^-^*~

AN: Okay, this is basically a filler chapter ^-^;; Not really necessary, but it contained fluff in an attempt to keep my readers content until I can think up a plot ^-^;;

I got tired of dragging out Kagome and Kouga's "friendship". Well, at least now Kagome admitted she feels something for Kouga. ^-~ And they finally kissed! Yay! Although I'm not very good at describing, gomen. I will work on that for the next time though. Promise!

Review Please!

Daijoubu- Are you okay? or confirming you are okay

Hai- Yes

Iie- No

Youkai- monster, demon, something evil ^-^

Houshi-sama- What Sango calls Miroku. Roughly "Mr.Monk". Very polite.

Gomen- Sorry

~Neoshipper~