It was nearly morning by the time Kagome and Koga reached the campsite. Sango was lying across from Miroku and Shippo sound asleep. Kirara was curled in a tiny ball at her feet and a little stream of smoke was rising from the put-out fire. It was peaceful, at least it was…

"AHHHHH!" came a scream and then a loud thump. Sango sat bolt upright and rubbed her eyes. Sprawled before her was a dazed Kagome, who had obviously tripped over her sleeping form. Sango was shocked and relieved to see her friend. Miroku was already on his feet and starring, while Shippo merely opened his eyes a tiny bit and then shut them. But suddenly they popped back open and Shippo was gaping.

"Kagome!" he cried happily, jumping up and rushing into Kagome's arms. "Oh, Kagome, I missed you! I missed you! I was so scared you had gotten eaten or killed!" Kagome was smiling and laughing and hugging Shippo.

"I missed you too Shippo! And in fact, I was almost killed!" Everyone gasped as Kagome explained: "Well, I mean, I was seriously injured and all but luckily Koga was around. He saved me from someone or some demon. I didn't actually see who it was because I was knocked unconscious. Koga cared me though and I'm almost perfectly normal again!" She squeezed Shippo's hand and then set him down.

Koga emerged from some bushes and smiled at the crowd. "Hey everyone. Long time no see." Sango nodded as if in a trance and Miroku walked over to Koga. "So you saved Lady Kagome? We are grateful!" He returned Koga's smile and the five of them sat down for breakfast. Kagome hardly ate which worried Sango.

"Kagome…are you still depressed about…well…" She looked at her plate and bit her lip. Kagome swallowed her mouthful of boar meat and grimaced. "I guess I'll never quite get over it Sango but for the time being let's all just drop it. Now, who's up for a walk?" Koga gobbled down the rest of his food and raised his hand. "'E! 'E!" he shouted, his mouth too full for him to talk straight. Kagome laughed and nodded.

About half way through their walk, Koga asked something completely astonishing. "Kagome…I know that this is something you wouldn't do and will probably turn down but…if you ever want to maybe…well…come and stay with me I wouldn't mind." Kagome blinked and her mouth opened slightly. "Now, before you say no, hear me out. I've got a nice pack and they're all fond of you. They are women also who have a cave all to themselves off the main one. And if you did live there you could relax all day and then at night enjoy a delicious meal! Please think about it!" His eyes softened and his face glowed.

Kagome starred at him in utter shock. Me live with Koga? She thought. In a cave? With his pack? No! I want to go home! But…he did save my life, and he is a good protector. She stood there thinking his offer over and finally came to a conclusion.

"Koga…I'll give it a try, but before you get too excited I want to tell my friends and go home to my family. I also need things from my era. Give me a week and then come and get me at the Bone Eaters Well. You know where it is right?" Koga was silent. She said yes. She said yes. SHE SAID YES! Koga howled with delight and shouted, "YES!"

"Good," Kagome smiled. "Now, let's get back to the others." She started back and Koga was so happy he forgot to ask her where the well was. Along the way, Kagome told Koga about her era and Koga described his life living in a cave behind a waterfall with a pack. They entered camp and Sango greeted them. Kagome informed her of the news and she was enthusiastic yet sad. "Oh Kagome! That's wonderful! Just promise you'll visit?"

"Every week," Kagome laughed. Miroku and Shippo returned with water and when they heard the news Shippo started to bawl. "K-Kagome! N-Not you t-t-too!" Kagome swooped him up into her arms and tried to calm him. "Oh, Shippo! I'll come to see you every week! Don't worry! You can even visit me too!"

The little fox demon immediately stopped crying and sniffed. "R-Really?" he asked. When Kagome nodded he grinned. Miroku was talking with Sango and later on the group settled down to lunch. Kagome and Koga agreed that she would leave first thing in the morning and return in exactly one week. Koga could hardly eat he was so excited. Dusk fell and finally night. Shippo cuddled up next to Kagome and the two fell asleep right away.

Koga watched Kagome breathe evenly and sighed. Only one more week. Only one more week…