Chapter Twelve: Your Embrace

Kagome tried searching Kouga's eyes…those eyes that offered warmth and a promise of a happy life that would be worth living for…no matter what. Kouga slowly edged his way closer to Kagome, like a little boy trying not to frighten the lost, scared kitten. Slowly, very slowly, he reached out and took her hand. Like a frightened kitten would, Kagome pulled away.

Inuyasha. That name was still chained to Kagome's heart. That name was nailed down to her and always would be. Kouga could do nothing about it.

Kouga decided to try to break this cruel silence. "Kagome. Please don't be like this. Please don't be sad!"

Kouga. A name that would be fighting for a place in Kagome's heart. A name that has tried so hard to gain her love. Kagome had left Inuyasha. She came back to Kouga. Yes. Inuyasha would forever more be chained to her heart. But now she would make room for a certain wolf. A new name that would shine with brilliance just as Inuyasha's had. Kouga.

"Kouga…I…I'm sorry." Kagome embraced Kouga who, of course, returned the favor.

Kouga didn't exactly know the reason to why Kagome suddenly forgot about Inuyasha, but he knew that he could make her happy. He swore to himself that he would make Kagome that happiest woman alive.

"What about…the mutt?" Kouga looked down at Kagome and studied her features.

"I don't know. Can we just…leave him out until I leave?" Kagome asked, sadness still roaming her eyes.

"Are you really going to leave me? Are you going to leave me forever?" Kouga hugged Kagome tighter, afraid to let her go. For he felt if he did, she would suddenly disappear.

"No. Of course not!"

Kouga grinned. "Good," he whispered into Kagome's ear.

ooo

Kagome opened her eyes and tried to adjust her vision to the darkness surrounding her. Sitting up, she looked around in a daze, still half asleep.

"What's wrong?"

Kagome turned to see Kouga lying next to her on his side, his delicate eyes watching her. She smiled and said, "Nothing." She lay herself back down and scooted herself close enough to Kouga so that she could press herself up against his warm, strong chest. "Kouga. Can I ask you a question?"

Kouga ran his fingers through Kagome's hair. "Sure. You can ask me anything you want."

"Would you leave me for someone else…Like Ayame for example?" Kagome pressed herself against Kouga even harder.

"What?" Kouga suddenly sat up. "Why the hell would I do that?" Kagome stayed silent and Kouga's question remained unanswered. Kouga continued. "Kagome, you know I wouldn't do that! Sure that stupid mutt might, but he's just an ass! Yes, I may have promised Ayame that I'd marry her, but screw that! I don't love her anymore. Why would I want to go off and mate with a girl that I don't even love?" He then lowered his voice and smiled. "Your face never leaves my mind for one moment. You're everything to me, Kagome." Kagome's name slid over Kouga's tongue as if it were the most precious thing of all.

Kagome couldn't help but smile…and blush a little. Her gaze stayed connected with Kouga's for some time before she closed her eyes and silently said, "Thank you, Kouga." Thank you…for everything.

Kouga laid back down and pulled Kagome to him, his arms wrapped around the sleeping girl's body. He then closed his eyes, too. "No problem." No problem at all.

A/N: So. There's chapter twelve. A very, very short chapter, yes. Sorry about that. It was late when I finished this one yesterday. I'm not in a very good mood at all right now. But I still have to leave my thanks. (Thanks for all of the comments everyone!)

Iamokibiinuyashaslover,

I am REALLY sorry for spelling your name wrong in the little big thanks chapter! So sorry! So sorry! I'm sorry for almost getting you kicked out of the library, too! I just make your life worse and worse. I'm sooooo sorry! (Thanx for the comment!)

Zovesta,

I wanna read your book! And thanks for being a good fan and friend to me! (Thanks for the comment!)