38 Ending-Two Hearts, One Mind

She couldn't believe him! He accused her of having feelings towards the man who kidnapped her and on top of that he told her he was tired of rescuing her like her kidnapping had been her fault. She could feel her anger rise in her as she listened to his response that he was apologizing for breaking her alarm clock only. She stood shaking with anger, opened her mouth to give him a sounding scolding but was rendered speechless when Sango and Miroku held her back and tried explaining how Inuyasha missed her. She felt her heart twinge and her anger dissipated as she watched as Inuyasha chase Miroku, Sango and Shippo around the meadow. She blinked, as he seemed genuinely angry as he continued to chase them but yet she knew he would never a lay a hand on them. At least not in the way that it would actually hurt them. It displayed how far he has come and how comfortable he is with them in order to joke with them this way.

"Forgive him. He's just excited. He's happy that you've returned, Kagome." Kaede heard behind her. She turned towards the older Priestess, blinking again in astonishment. Did her presence really affect Inuyasha that much? Was he really happy with her around him? Inuyasha had a bond with Kikyo but he always returned to Kagome so maybe he did so because she made him happy. Her mind continued to roll as she continued watching the show.

"This calls for the Wind Tunnel" Miroku yelled as he tripped.

"Try to suck me in!" Inuyasha retorted as he leapt towards the fallen Monk, flipping gracefully in the air then landing by his head.

"You were saying?" Inuyasha asked as he cracked his knuckles dangerously.

"We were just worried about you!" Sango exclaimed as she moved slightly in front of Miroku trying hard to keep the laughter out of her voice and the smile off her face. She felt no fear as she faced the half-demon. Although he crackled his knuckles and glared at her, she knew he would never hurt her. He had a fierce temper but he was loyal, kind and gentle especially with the young Priestess who was watching him chase them.

"Still, butt out of my life!" He said as he crossed his arms. Although, he looked fierce, Kagome knew based off of this body language that he had calm down. She could see the spark of amusement in his eyes although he did seem aggravated that they had been watching him. It still did her heart good knowing that he was making such close connections and that he was allowing them close enough to aggravate him.

Miroku sat back on his heels as he turned his head slightly looking for Kagome. Kagome giggled then held it back as she saw the golden eyes narrow at as they met hers. She approached the group and stopped in front of the Monk.

"Inuyasha." Kagome said as she smiled at him softly, her heart in her chocolate eyes. Her gaze was soft as she looked at him with gentleness, kindness and tenderness. It did her heart good to see them joking around and Kaede's words were still ringing in her ears.

Inuyasha found it hard to stay angry when he saw the look in her eyes. He huffed and looked off to the side as any anger he had felt towards his pack dissipated.

Approaching him gently, she laid a hand on his arm until his golden eyes met hers.

"I'm sorry, Inuyasha. You came to save me and I protected Koga."

Inuyasha blinked at her sincere apology and he could feel the heat rise in his face as he continued to look deep into her eyes and he could feel the warmth of her touch. He glanced off to the side and sighed. She always tended to pull the rug out from him. Everyone had treated him as though he was an abomination, yet this one woman seemed to accept him fully for what he was, a half-demon. She had cried when she thought he was going to die and now she apologized for protecting the young wolf demon.

"K-keh." He said again as he pulled away from her and started wandering on the path back to the village. After a second, he realized that he was walking by himself. Pausing he turned around and glanced behind him. The sight that met his eyes warmed his heart and reconfirmed that he was truly not alone. Kagome and Sango were helping Miroku stand up and the two girls were laughing at something the monk was saying. Shippo was on Kagome's shoulder laughing and then the young demon spoke and all three of the humans started laughing harder. Kaede stood slightly away and smiled at the young humans standing around for a second enjoying a brief moment of happiness. Even Kirara was bodily rubbing her back against the grass in contentment. As Kagome moved her head, the sun shown around her, illuminating her in complete light. His heart constricted more and he felt uncomfortable, worried and peaceful.

After a second in order to hide his discomfort, he yelled out "Hey get the lead out!"

The sound of laughter followed him, as they started moving in his direction. Keeping his arms crossed, he walked ahead of the humans deep in thought. Even though he had been angry with Kagome, part of him realized that there was more to it then just that. He was afraid of losing her. If Koga really made her happy, he would…no he couldn't give her up. He sighed but as he glanced behind him, he saw she looked truly happy as she talked animatedly with Sango. He had to admit to himself that he was overcome by jealously at the thought of someone else having Kagome's love. He knew she didn't love him and he wasn't quite sure how he felt about her. He had to go to hell with Kikyo and he thought he was in love with her but now he felt his feelings growing for Kagome.

That night, he stayed quiet and gruff throughout dinner. As he continued to watch over the humans sleeping, his mind raced as he tried to figure out his feelings. He blinked in surprise as he felt Kagome come sit next to him. There was space between them but Inuyasha truly wanted to move until he felt her against him; however, he was scared to since he didn't think he deserved her. Crossing his arms, he glanced at her but remained quiet.

Kagome remained quiet for a few minutes as she looked at him. He seemed troubled but she had no idea what was causing him to be this upset. She wondered if he was worried about her leaving him but then she smiled, that was ridiculous. As the silence stretched on, Kagome started becoming uncomfortable.

"What's the matter?" Kagome asked gently as she glanced at him.

"Nothing."

"Yeah right."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Something obviously bothering you, so just tell me what it is."

"What if I don't want to?"

"Inuyasha!"

"Even I need time to think."

"I know but…"

"Whatever, this is stupid." He said as he turned even more away from her. He tried to calm himself. The thought that she preferred Koga was tearing up him inside. She has said he wasn't her type but then again Inuyasha never declared his emotions like that for her…but well for anyone. He would only admit it to himself but he was impressed with Koga for sharing his love like that.

Kagome sighed but remained next to him. She knew it was hard for him to share his emotions. Afterall, he had been alone for a long time so he was used to keeping everything bottled up inside. He didn't belong with humans or with demons and it had to be difficult growing up not feeling like he had a place to belong. He belonged with her now and Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Kirara. She was hoping he knew that.

"You should go get some sleep." Inuyasha said gently as Kagome yawned for the second time.

"Not until you tell me what's bothering you." She said as she crossed her arms and looked up at him. She could be as stubborn as he was especially when it came to his health and well-being. Inuyasha looked out for everyone else but he needed someone to watch over him and she was determined to be the person to do so.

Inuyasha glanced at Kagome and saw the stubborn look on her face and he sighed. He knew he could fight her if he wanted but he decided to concede because he wanted answers.

"Do..do you want to stay…with me?" He asked finally. His arms remained in his sleeves, he body tense.

"Inuyasha?" where is this coming from? Kagome thought as she glanced at his face. He stared at the fire, but she could feel the tension in him, the stillness that was caused by doubts and worry. "Is this because Koga said he loved me?" Kagome asked, glancing at him. He flinched and glowered; but his gaze remained on the fire. When he didn't say anything, she smiled to herself. For everything, he was, Inuyasha was not a liar.

"Yes, I want to stay with you." Kagome said after a minute. She felt him relax as she answered and it touched her heart. She could feel how much the answer meant to him. It must have really bothered him. Kagome smiled up at Inuyasha and as he met her eyes, something lit inside of him. Gently he placed a hand on her head, showing her the emotions that were deep inside. He had difficulty explaining himself in words but he saw the tears that were in Kagome's eyes as she closed her eyes and pushed her head into his hand. It was clear display of affection by him and she was so overwhelmed by emotion that a tear escaped and ran down her cheek. He had hugged her before but she thought it was to trick her into grabbing the Shikon Jewel shard.

Kagome didn't say anything but she raised her hand and put it on his hand to show him that his affection was returned. Once she let go of hand, he gently removed his and glanced around uncomfortable as though ensuring that everyone else especially Miroku was still asleep. Kagome chuckled silently to herself before standing up and moving quickly to her sleeping bag, her heart lighter. She wanted to remain by his side forever. There was more to Inuyasha, then many people get to see and she wanted to see all of his sides.