Chapter Two

Always by your Side

Nightfall came quickly. The group found a nice meadow and set up camp. They set up their blankets and fell asleep around the warm fire. Everyone slept soundly. Everyone except Kagome. She was still bothered by her conversation with InuYasha earlier that day.

She couldn't sleep. She eased slowly out of her sleeping bag. She didn't want to wake Shippo, he was sleeping so soundly. She got up and crept away from the campsite. She walked over to a nearby willow tree and sat down at its base.

"What am I doing? He'll never love me. Kikyo means too much to him, even if she is dead," Kagome whispered to herself. A silent tear rolled down her cheek.

She loved him. There was no denying it. But, even if he felt the same way he would never admit. InuYasha rolled over, but he awoke from a strange feeling. He could sense a feeling immense worry and sorrow. He sat up and he spotted Kagome off in the distance.

Kagome was so deep in thought she didn't hear InuYasha sit down next to her.

"Kagome, are you alright?" InuYasha asked gently and put a hand on her shoulder.

Kagome jumped and gasped, "Oh, InuYasha you scared me."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to," InuYasha apologized.

"It's okay, I was just thinking," she replied.

InuYasha gave her a puzzled look, "Are you sure? You look worried and upset."

"I have a lot on my mind," she explained.

"It's not about Kikyo, is it," he asked.

"Uh, well," Kagome didn't know what to say.

InuYasha sighed, "I'm sorry that I think about her all the time. But I want you to know, I always think of you too."

"You do?" Kagome was taken aback.

"Yes, I think about you all the time. Even more when you go back home. And, I will always be here to protect you and keep you safe. You mean so much to me Kagome," InuYasha replied.

"Oh InuYasha, I will never leave your side," Kagome smiled.

Kagome hugged him and he actually hugged her back. With worry out of her mind Kagome fell asleep in InuYasha's arms. For the first time in a long time, InuYasha felt pure happiness.

Oh Kagome, I meant every word. I will never leave you, I will always be by your side, InuYasha thought to himself.