She didn't know when it started, wouldn't be able to pinpoint a specific moment if anyone asked, but Kagome had a feeling she'd always been drawn to him.
Why else would she have had the guts to stand up to him in his father's tomb? Or shatter his armour on the first try? Or felt such overwhelming relief when she'd woken inside Naraku to find him at her side?
She kissed him deeply, thoroughly, and when she finally pulled back again, the vibrations of his soft growls raising goosebumps on her skin, she smiled up at him, no longer afraid of the emotions bursting out of her chest.
"I love you."