DISCLAIMER:I do NOT own any of the character ideas used in the following fan fiction. It is just an original story idea using the characters of the Manga/Anime.

"Kouga- it's you!" She cried out.

The tension from her bow dropping as she blew out a breath of relief.

She looked at the wolf demon as he emerged into the moon light.

His taught shoulders outlined by the moon- with a backdrop of hair drawing her attention.

"Kouga….your hair…."

Cascades of dark silk fell from his head, shimmering like water as he moved.

"It's so long…." she continued.

"Was it always this long?"

Kouga barked out a laugh- rubbing his head in disbelief.

"I haven't seen you in over THREE years, and the first comment you make is me not having my hair tied back." He continues to laugh.

A slight hue crossed her face. The first words from her mouth were about his HAIR.

Geeze Kagome! What a weird thing to say!

She lowered her bow to her side and felt it drop from her grip, her strength suddenly gone.

She dropped to her knees, a sudden lack of energy spreading through her.

"Kagome!" Kouga rushed to her side- pulling her hands into his.

"What's wrong? Are you hurt!?" anxiousness seeped into his voice.

She closed her eyes and lowered her head to their joined hands.

"I was expecting a fight- I think I was so anxious to face a demon alone-and then it was you."

She rubbed her forehead against the soft skin of his hands and sighed.

"I'm just relieved." she finally stated.

Kouga stiffened at the sudden touch.

First my hair...now this….what is going on?!… he thought to himself.

For a moment- no words were spoken, and once again, Kagome's mind was at ease. Totally numb to everything except breathing.

"K...Kagome, where are your friends? Where is the mutt?"

She stiffened slightly, her brows furrowing.

Dammit- I don't want to think about him! She could feel anger sparking through her veins.

A soft hum of reiki passed through the air- and Kouga leaned back- uncomfortable at the purified power emanating from the miko.

Kagome felt the shift in his weight and she jerked her head up. A soft spark of purple light flickering against his skin.

She gasped and jerked away.

"Kouga! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to do that! I didn't hurt you did I?!" she rapidly asked.

"It's been so long since I've had to control my powers! I-" his soft chuckle cut off her chatter.

"Kagome- that was nothing- I was just surprised."

He would never admit that she had made the hair rise off his arms.

"I haven't felt your presence in so long, and when I felt your energy at the river- I couldn't be sure, but now I know this isn't a dream."

"But uh- just don't send me to the heavens until I can enjoy this one." he smiled cheekily at her.

She blushed and punched him in the arm.

"Oh you! You haven't changed." she turned her head away in a fake pout.

"Oh on the contrary-" his baritone voice broke the night air. "I've changed. My hair grew longer, according to you." he smirked as his comment received the reaction he wanted.

She turned to him flustered.

"I only meant I've never seen your hair down!" she sputtered.

"Well it must be enough for you to mention it first- even before a proper Hello" he continued to tease, reaching for her hands again.

She didn't even resist the touch. Somehow comforted by the familiar gesture. She could really use some normalcy right now…

Kouga sobered. "So- why were you out here all alone?" his eyes relaying his true question.

She looked to the ground.

"How long have you been nearby?" she asked. Her heart racing at the idea that he heard her earlier outbursts.

He remained looking at her.

Finally closing his eyes-

"I heard everything." was his only response.

She flinched- as if being struck. Pulling her hands from his she tucked her knees into her chest, resting her head on her knees.

He joined her- one knee propped up for his arm to rest on.

She wasn't sure how long they stayed like that. All of her emotions rushing through her head. But mostly- embarrassment that HE was the one to hear her.

Well… it could have been worse- it could have been Sango, Rin, or…..HIM…. a flash of golden eyes filled her head.

She finally turned to face him, and realized he was watching her intently.

"Some reunion huh?" she muttered to him.

He smiled.

"Eh….it's not ideal, but I'm just glad to see you here, healthy. Safe."

"Though I thought I told you- If you ever got tired of Mutt Face, to come find me." he watched as he spoke. Noting the flair of purple as he mentioned the Mutt.

"Look- I'm not askin for details. I just need to know that HE didn't leave you here alone due to some fight." he continued gruffly.

"Cause if he did, I'm gonna have to teach that pup a lesson about leaving a beautiful girl on her own." he growled. A ring of red edging into his eyes.

"No… he wasn't here…" she cut through his thoughts.

A confused look crossed his face.

"But I heard you yelling at him…" he began to say- cutting his words short when she tensed and looked away.

So why was she yelling all of that stuff? Did mutt face really ditch her for someone else?

The thoughts ran through his mind.

"That idiot." he spat out. He stood. Anger coursing through him.

"How can he leave you here. No matter the excuse! You shouldn't be alone. What if something happened to you?"

He began to pace back and forth.

"Kagome- I know you are strong- but falling asleep in the middle of a demon riddled forest?"

"I assumed SOMEONE was with you- so I kept my distance. But I was so curious to see you- I just had to get closer, and I find you- asleep, and alone."

His claws tensed as he moved, his hair swishing behind him with each turn.

"Your hair is really pretty you know." the comment barely audible.

The abrupt comment made him falter.

"Eh?! Ka- what?" he faltered in his pacing, turning to look at her.

"How come you wear it down now?" was her response.

The pack leader tilted his head at the seemingly random question.

They stared at each other. She rose to her feet, clasping her hands in front of her- awaiting his response.

He let out a sigh- noting the stiffness in her movements.

Ah- she's changing the subject.

His eyes moved over her- looking for any injuries she might be hiding. A tact he always did routinely when happening upon his woman.

"I went for a swim. Before I came here-down stream. I sometimes swim with my hair down. I just haven't thought to put it up."

" Guess I was too shocked that it was you. I didn't know you were back." he answered.

She nodded in agreement.

"Well, I like it down- and yea- Just got back. It's really a miracle I was able to be here at all."

Moving closer he reached for her hands again, needing to touch her, to make sure she was real.

"How long will you be here?" he asked solemnly.

She then looked to the sky- breathing deep.

"Ah… Kouga…. I don't think I can go back even if I wanted to." closing her eyes as she spoke.

She stood there for a moment. Head tilted to the sky, her fingers held by his.

Finally- swinging her head down she smiled at him.

He smiled back- just happy to see her beauty against the moon light.

"Um- would you mind walking me back to Kaede's?"

Her fingers squeezing his in anticipation of his response.

His tail wagged behind him as he nodded in agreement. She grabbed her bow and tucked it over her shoulder.

Turning towards the village she began to walk- but suddenly felt herself being grabbed and pulled into strong arms.

"ah!" she cried out-wrapping her arms around his neck as the wolf scooped her up and held her against him.

"Kouga!" she cried as he peered down at her surprised face, a sly smile and hungry blue eyes meeting her shocked screams.

"I love it when you scream my name." he teased.

Blood pooled into her face as a warmth spread through her. She opened her mouth to speak but he began to run and she in turn tightened her grip- as he began the journey.

A few moments in she relaxed as she realized the hold he had on her. His taught muscles held her securely against him, but were unbelievably comfortable to be wrapped in.

Was it always this comfortable being carried by him? She thought to herself.

Too soon he slowed as they approached the final bend in the path- signaling their approach to the village.

Confidently he lowered her- sliding her down the front of his armored torso and fur pelt. Smirking at her blushing face.

She turned away from him in an attempt to calm her heated nerves. She cleared her throat.

"A hem- Thanks…" she finally said, turning back to her friend.

"I can take it from here."

He crossed his arms and looked at her.

"Can I come for you in the morning?" he asked.

This time she tilted her head at the question. "In the morning?"

"Yea- I figure it might do you some good to get out of the village and train a bit. Considering you need to remember how to control your powers and such." he nodded.

"Unless you have plans with your friends?" he asked.

She thought back to Sango and the others. Not having to lie for the day sounded appealing.

"Okay. In the morning then." she replied.

She turned and walked back to her friends, back to the silent village. Where her thoughts would run wild in her mind until she gave in to the relief of sleep.

Her dreams even tormented her. Until a final dream- of a wolf demon with blue eyes spread warmth through her.

The night had passed, and today- she would get to escape the questions. She rose and got dressed.

Prepping some food for her outing, she headed out to meet the pack leader of the Eastern Dens.

A/N:

Hope you are enjoying the story so far! Sorry for the longer than usual wait! Halloween happened.

I hope you are doing well in your personal lives as well!

Until next time!

-KKB