The next morning Kagome awoke rather early, noticing the bundles of blankets surrounding her. She smiled at the remembrance of the previous night. Kagome assumed it was around 5:30-6ish, considering the sun was rising and everyone was still sleeping. "Inuyasha must have stayed up late," she thought out loud, squirming through the covers, otherwise he'd have heard me…"

"I did hear you," he mumbled, "although I was trying to sleep."

"Sorry! I mean, sorry," she rephrased, not wanting to wake the others up as well.

"Feh, whatever. Go back to sleep."

"I'm not tired. I'm going to take a walk."

"Oh no you're not. You are NOT wandering off."

"I am NOT wandering off," Kagome mimicked, "I'm taking a walk. And you owe it to me. Must I remind you of last night?"

At the tone of Kagome's voice, Inuyasha started to shrink back. The last thing he needed was for her to cry. "Yeah, yeah. Don't get attacked by a stupid demon. I'm not in the mood to save your life so early in the morning."

Kagome had already started leaving by the time he finished his sentence. She ignored all of his little comments of annoyance at her walking away, but smirked as she heard Miroku and Sango telling him to shut it and let them sleep.

About 10 minutes later, Kagome sat down on a nice flat boulder. She yawned. "Ok, so maybe I'm a little tired." It wasn't long before she heard a rustle in the bushes. She froze in her spot. It's all right. I'm ok… It's probably a little bunny in the bush, no big. Kagome relaxed a bit and peered into the bush. "All right, rabbit, just hop out so I can stop this mini paranoia.

"A rabbit? I'm not even close to being a rabbit, my dear," said a rather familiar voice.

Of course Inuyasha heard Kagome's shriek, as did Sango, Miroku, and Shippo. "Come on, Kirara!" shouted Sango.

Dammit, Kagome. What did you get yourself into this time? Inuyasha cursed, running towards her voice. Kagome's leisure walking distance of 10 minutes was equivalent to Inuyasha's 1 minute. "Kagome! Where are you? Are you o…"

"Yes, Koga, but you never told me why you're here," Kagome mentioned, blushing.

"I was around, thought I smelled a gorgeous scent in the air and found you. And I promise, I'll never leave you with that mutt again. That stupid half-dog…"

"Is standing right behind you!" Inuyasha yelled, cutting him off.

"Ah, Inuyasha!" Kagome jumped, pulling her hand out of Koga's. "Wh… where'd you come from?"

"I heard you scream so I came to save your butt!"

"She doesn't need any saving, mutt. I'm her man to protect her."

"Hah! Go chase your tail, wolf-boy. Kagome's with me! Not you!"

At this Kagome crimsoned. No WAY! She couldn't believe her ears. She stared at Inuyasha starry-eyed.

"Tell him, Kagome. Just admit your love for me and… why are you staring at dog-breath like that? Does he have a booger in his nose or what?"

Inuyasha covered his nose. "I do not! Kagome, please RE-INFORM… Kagome?"

Kagome snuggled next to Inuyasha. Inuyasha said he's with me. That's gotta mean something. She sighed happily.

Inuyasha glanced at Koga. Koga's face was priceless- jaw open, eyes wide. A smug smile fell on Inuyasha.

"You know, mutt, this doesn't mean you've won."

"You're not the one getting hugged, are you, wolf boy?" Inuyasha smirked.

Kagome pulled away, still in her happy place. "Would you like to stay for lunch, Koga?" she asked politely.

Now it was Inuyasha with the gaping mouth and wide eyes. "What do you think you're doing Kagome? He is NOT eating with us!"

Koga smiled pulling Kagome closer to him. "I'd love to."