New chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha...yet.

After finishing with the delicious meal that Miroku and Sango ever so thoughtfully went out and got, they all began to go to sleep. Kagome rolled out her sleeping bag, Miroku perched himself against a tree, Sango lay against Kilala, and Inuyasha was perched against a tree opposite from where Miroku sat. Shippo had fallen asleep moments after eating his fish, curled up next to the fire. Kagome didn't want to move him. He looked so peaceful. Plus, it was starting to get very hot these days, so a night without her sleepingbag can't be so bad for the kit. Kagome slid into her bag silently.

"Goodnight, everyone." She whispered. She got a 'goodnight', a 'uh-huh' and a 'keh' from her companions. Kagome began to shut her eyes. She sighed. She wasn't even close to being tired. Today just seemed to keep her awake. So, instead, she lay there, basking in the warm nights air as she listened to the even breathing of her friends she has grown to know and love.

Kagome didn't know what time it was, she just knew that it was a LONG time. She still couldn't sleep. She didn't know what it was. She slowly rose to a sitting position and looked around her. She didn't know how, she didn't know when, but she almost laughed aloud when she noticed that Miroku had scooted closer to Sango during the night. Instead, she just let a grin plaster her face. Her gaze averted to Shippo, who was now laying on his back, his arms and legs sprawled out around him, and his tounge lolled out of his mouth. Kagome could help but smile at that as well. Then she saw Inuyasha at his most peaceful moment. His eyes calmly shut, his ears twitching to the slightest sound, but what entrigued her the most was that little smile that seemed to brighten up his face. She loved that smile. It was so rare, but when it came, she couldn't help but smile and stare. But, oh, how badly she wanted to touch his ears. More than anything! They were so furry...so...so triangular. She was always amazed at how beautiful someones ears could be, especially since he was a half dog demon. His beautiful human features, but the fierce half-demon warrior that made those features even more wonderous. She couldn't help it. She gave in to her desire. She stood up as silently as she could and tip toed over to Inuyasha. She knelt in front of him, surprised that he still hasn't opened his eyes yet. She slowly extended a hand...she was so close...

RUB.

WHIP!

SNATCH!

GASP!

Inuyasha's eyes were now wide open, holding onto Kagome's wrist, a little curious, and a little disturbed from being woken up so abruptly from his nap.

"What in all hells do you think you are doing?" Inuyasha stated plainly.

"Eh...hehehe?" Kagome laughed nervously, extremely embarassed for being caught at such a bold movement.

"Don't...touch...-"

"The ears, yes, I know, but I couldn't help it!" Kagome rolled her eyes and smiled. Inuyasha turned a tiny, barely noticeable shade of red.

"Go back to sleep. We've still got to get to Kaede's."

"Um, well,-"

"Kagome! Go! I can't have you whining all day tomorrow!"

"Well, you see, Inuyasha, I-"

"Do I have to carry you over there?" Inuyasha was getting frustrated.

"Inuyasha, shut up and let me speak!"

His mouth closed instantly. Did Kagome just tell him to shut up? His temper was quickly rising.

"Hey, wench, don't use that lang-"

"Inuyasha! I would be able to go back to sleep if you would ever so kindly let go of my wrist!" Kagome took a deep breath. She said that quite fast, trying to beat Inuyasha before he could interupt again. Inuyasha blushed, this time an easy to see one. Kagome saw, and blushed as well. Inuyasha threw her wrist away, like it was a disgusting piece of junk.

"Go."

"Goodnight Inuyasha." Kagome took one last look at him, then left back to her sleepingbag.

Well that was close, and really embarassing

Another blush rose to her cheeks as she climbed in. She could feel Inuyasha watching her. Though most people would think this to be unnerving, she felt it to be comforting. Knowing that Inuyasha was watching her meant that he was protecting her, and looking out for her and the others. Kagome smiled. Her eyelids slowly closed as her last thoughts of the hanyou crossed her mind.