Hey, it's me! Listen, I'm going to be focusing on this story until it is complete, then I will work on Lavender Dreams. It's easier for me to concentrate on one story. So I'm letting you guys know now! Okay, Here's another chapter- a really long one and one that many of you are waiting for! So enjoy!

Happy 4th of July!

Disclaimer: Do not own the inu hanyou we all know and love. Rumiko Takahashi does. I do own Chiisai, Toshio, and Akio though!

Chapter 8: Harvest Moon

The stench of cat permeated the massive Higurashi foyer. Inuyasha grimaced, stood stock still at the foot of the marble staircase across from the demon, just glaring dangerously. The boy introduced himself as Nakamura Toshio. He was a lion demon, with shaggy, shoulder length brown hair, eyes black as night holding so much arrogance and power. Inuyasha could tell that the black swirls on the demon's wrists indicate that he was from a powerful bloodline. The Inu hanyou hated anything that associated with cats and having encountered many neko demons before throughout his life; even lion demons, Inuyasha remained ever vigilant and kept his eyes focused on the full blooded lion who was taking his charge out.

Just the thought of Kagome going out with a powerful demon; particularly a lion demon; who were thought to be ruthless when provoked, made Inuyasha's blood boil. His nails dug into his hands, unknowingly drawing blood. His ears were pinned back against his skull and his amber eyes burned with rage and ferocity. His heart pounded, his blood roared with anger, his soul crying out to protect the girl he's come to cherish and possibly love more over the years. Even though Kagome had learned how to defend herself thanks to his teaching, she was still vulnerable and wouldn't be able to hold him off for very long. Lions were merciless, easily angered creatures and Inuyasha was fearful for Kagome's safety more than ever.

Toshio had the nerve to match his gaze. They both stood there, one smirking, one frowning with absolute hatred. Inuyasha did not like having another demon; coming onto his territory and challenge him. To Inuyasha, The Higurashi estate was his safe-haven, his territory to protect. This foolish lion was standing there, daring him to take him on. He knew what they were fighting for. The right for the girl that occupied the hanyou's heart.

'Fucking bastard! If he does anything to upset her or cause her to become uncomfortable, I'll fucking rip his spinal cord out! Hell, I'll beat him within an inch of his life if he dares to assault Kagome in any way!' His body was now tense, sensing the disgusting lust and danger coming from the feline. Inuyasha would not under any circumstances let this bastard touch Kagome now. He knew that Kagome was strong and very intelligent to know when the situation was becoming uncomfortable. But the mere thought of anything happening to her made his lips rise to reveal a small yet very powerful, dangerous warning snarl to sound from him. Toshio seemed to hear it and glared even more harshly.

Chiisai, who was settling on Inuyasha's shoulders; granting her a perfect view of the intruder, was also very agitated. Her small body was shaking yet very tense and the hanyou could hear low hissing from her. Her ears were also pinned back, her sharp teeth exposed to the threat that entered her domain.

Akio, as he entered the foyer from his office, could immediately feel the harsh and tense atmosphere. He looked over to see his bodyguard and Chiisai extremely tense yet very angry. Something was wrong and it more than likely had to do with the visitor that stood in the middle of the foyer. As the father, it was his job to inspect his daughter's date, and could tell that it was going to be a very bad night; judging by the inu hanyou and civet demon's rigid postures, along with their strained facial expressions.

"Sir." The lion politely bowed; obviously trying to get into Akio's good graces. Akio could tell it was just a show; having been able to interpret genuine and false introductions since he started his company over 25 years ago. The father put on a small grin, to remain calm. "I am Nakamura Toshio."

The father accepted the boy's hand and shook it firmly. "Nice to meet you, young man."

"Likewise, Higurashi-san."

Inuyasha was getting more irate the more time he had to remain in this lying asshole's stench. His whole body was now shaking due to his anger. He knew something horrible was going to happen and that made him all the more concerned for the young woman making her way down. What wouldn't he give to beat the living hell out of that guy so Kagome wouldn't be able to go out! But, while he was in the presence of his employer, the hanyou would not act so rashly.

Light footsteps could be heard now. All three heads turned to see the Higurashi heir making her way slowly down the steps. Feelings of anxiety went through the hanyou's stomach, sensing the waves of anxiety flowing from her. Her eyes were staring down; while he could see her hands fidgeting.

Akio looked from the lion demon to his bodyguard to his daughter. Toshio had just an unnerving smile on his face as he watched Kagome finally step down onto the floor. His daughter was very uneasy and more so, Inuyasha looked ready to burst. Chiisai, remained solely focused on her owner.

When she went to step towards her father and date, she felt a sudden grip on her forearm. The teen stood still, knowing that her bodyguard wanted to tell her something. She felt his breath on her neck as he whispered.

"Please be careful tonight. I don't want to see you hurt, Kagome." His voice was so low but she could hear it. All the warning, all the concern, she even thought she could hear the love in his tone.

"I will, I promise." She answered back, voice just as low. Kagome didn't want to leave anywhere if Inuyasha sounded so concerned about her. Since he had demon blood, he could pick up any danger, so she trusted him…always would trust him with anything.

He released his grip and stood back up again. He momentarily locked eyes with his boss before glaring right back at his target.

"Hi, Kagome. You look lovely tonight." Toshio complimented her, although he looked a bit frustrated because she was adequately covered.

"Thank you." She sounded calm but inside she couldn't stop her heart from pounding. Then she turned to her demon pet on Inuyasha's shoulders. She then stroked Chiisai's head and heard a content growling. "Chiisai, you stay here with daddy and Inya okay?"

Chiisai only nuzzled into her hand.

"Alright…" She turned to her date. "I'm ready to go." She then walked towards her father. "Bye daddy."

He gathered his daughter in a fierce hug and kissed her forehead. "Take care of yourself, baby girl, okay?" He felt her head nodding on his chest. Then he turned to the lion boy. "Have her home no later than 10, please."

Toshio only nodded.

"I have my cell with me and I'm bringing an umbrella." Kagome held up her closed blue umbrella as she and Toshio walked to the door. "Love you, dad, Chiisai, Inya!" She looked to all of them but lingered on a certain amber eyed hanyou. He stared right back at her. Both locked gazes for a while before she reluctantly turned away into the light, misty rain.

Once the door closed, Akio immediately turned to his bodyguard. "Inuyasha?"

"Sir?"

"I would like you to follow her and that lion. I don't trust him, not in the slightest. He gave me a bad feeling and it would make me feel more at peace if you trailed them."

"I would more than love to, sir. I didn't trust him either. I think he's got bad intentions." Inuyasha felt ready to go that instant. He had hoped that his feelings of concern and anxiety weren't his own. Fortunately, Akio felt it too.

"So do I. Follow them at your own pace and keep out of sight." Akio trusted the hanyou to make sure his daughter would be safe. And if what Kaede said this morning was true, Inuyasha would undoubtedly go to great lengths to protect her.

Chiisai hopped off the hanyou's shoulder and ran right onto Akio's. She could understand the situation and felt it best to protect the father of her owner.

Inuyasha, with his hair now tied back and cracking his knuckles, a sign that he was itching for a fight, he gave his boss a final nod and went to exit in the back off the house, all the while thinking that Kagome would be okay.

'I will be damned if anything happens to her! I vowed to protect her with my life the first day I saw her and that's what I intend to do! Now that I know I really love her, I want to be there and guard her from any evil that presents itself! And if the bastard gets in my way, there's going to be hell to pay!' He thought that and similar thoughts of pain as he dashed out into the rain and started to trail the woman he loved and that arrogant bastard demon that was with her.

The date was, to say the least…hell. Kagome still felt like she was being pressured, from the car ride from her home to the movie theater, where his hand kept grazing her thigh and now to the dinner at the small diner. He wouldn't stop gazing at her, his pure black eyes never strayed away from her. Even with her raincoat still on her, it was like the demon could still see what hid underneath. It made her cringe and it repulsed her. While she was in no mood to eat what was in front of her, she ate a few small bites to distract herself. Anything to keep her eyes from looking at Toshio.

The lion demon was a known playboy at her school. She has managed to avoid him at all costs, having either Sango or Miroku or both at her side to keep her mind at ease. But having science period alone, that's when it started. He was across from her but she could still feel that uneasy burning. Then he started following her and then started to feel her up- which she always got out of and walked the other way. But when he started pressuring her into going out with him, then she started to freak. And now because of her lack of strength and her incessant need to handle this on her own, she was forced to go out and bear the uncomfortable and lustful gaze of the Nakamura playboy.

"What's the matter, babe? You barely touched your food tonight." He asked, as they walked down to his car, which unfortunately was parked in a desolate area, making her shiver.

She knew this was planned out and hoped that she could get out of this mess. "Just not hungry." She murmured, her hands holding her purse securely while watching for any sudden moves he would probably make.

"Me neither. I wasn't hungry for food…but for something else quite…satisfying."

His tone and meaning stopped her cold. She knew what that meant. Her grip tightened on her purse, her breathing became shallow and she could feel her heart pounding against her chest. Here she was, on an empty street, the nearest street light many blocks over, with a possibly dangerous demon playboy and there was nobody around to help her. This startling horror paralyzed her more than the November chill did.

"And what I'm craving…" His voice right at her ear, his breath sending terrible sensations down her neck. She could feel his hand working his way up her arm. "…is something…" Then she felt his tongue against the flesh of her neck. "Absolutely beautiful."

That's it! Kagome could not let him get away with this. She wouldn't bow down and let him have his way. She was smarter and stronger than that.

Without warning, her hand went to strike his face, causing him to yelp more in surprise than in harm. The slap was hard, causing him to stagger as she carefully stepped back.

"Not this time, you asshole! You are not going to get me!" Her voice was as hard as steel, her adrenaline was up and her body was prepared for anything now. Her hands were clenched now should he strike her.

It was dark so she couldn't see very well, but she could make out his form and hear his movements. Having learned how to defend herself and to focus her attention from her bodyguard, Kagome was not a helpless female. She had to thank Inuyasha later, if she got out of this.

No sooner had she gone four steps, Toshio let out a fearsome roar and ran towards her, raising his hand and aiming at her face. Somewhat expecting this, the teen held her hand out to catch his arm, catching his wrist. She hissed a bit and staggered a bit from the force but she held firm. This lion was strong and he looked downright pissed, probably because he had never been denied and was slapped.

"Oh no, you don't, wench!" He growled out as his other hand went to hit her.

But Kagome predicted that too and raised her arm to block his hard fist. She was thankful for all those lessons in self defense over the years. She would not succumb to anyone and plead weakly. She was going to take this head on!

"Never." She whispered, her voice low and cold but full of determination. And without a second thought, she raised her leg and kicked him where she knew it would hurt: in his manhood.

Toshio now screamed in agony, reeling back. Thinking this was her chance, Kagome stepped back and ran the other way, as fast as she could. And she hauled like she never did before.

But then about ten seconds later, Toshio landed down right in front of her, about five feet away.

"What's the matter, bitch? Have nowhere to run?" He taunted as he slowly stalked towards her; his claws extended in front of him.

Kagome was now in trouble. Demons were stronger than humans and could easily recover from a blow; even where it counts and as hard as hers was. Full demons were powerful in strength. They were fast and not easily brought down. When she was sparring with Inuyasha, it looked so easy but now…as she put her skills to the test, against a playboy lion demon; who looked ready to rip her to shreds, Kagome didn't feel that hope so much anymore. Instead, she was shaking, trying to control her heart rate. But whatever she would do, this girl would not plead and beg. She would not be overpowered…ever.

Toshio licked his claws, growled dangerously at her and then within the blink of an eye, he was right in front of her, both her wrists now in his grasp.

"Let me go! I'm warning you!" She struggled, trying wretch away from him but his claws dug deeper into her flesh, causing her to hiss in severe pain.

"What can you do? We're all alone, no one is around and nobody can't hear you. So I take you now and no one will find you until morning." He sounded very serious, he must have done this before. His breath coated her skin, his tongue quickly licking his lips ready for a taste.

Kagome was sickened. This was not what she wanted to happen. Why did she have to act all tough and mighty, declaring and proving to everyone, including herself that she could do it on her own?

'You did it because you wanted Inuyasha to see that you could take care of yourself; to prove that you can't always rely on his protection.' But she did want his protection, more than anything else.

She closed her eyes, waited for what going to come, but then, she felt a very familiar presence and the sound of someone landing right behind Toshio.

"If you don't let go of her right now, I will rip your arms out!" Both heads turned to see the hanyou, his silver hair blowing in the cool air, his hands clenched, his deadly sharp teeth bared.

"Inuyasha!" She said in relief.

The lion growled, angry that he had been interrupted. "As if a impure half breed like yourself could possibly-"

He never finished his sentence because the bodyguard ran straight at him; getting Kagome out if his grip and right behind him. He felt his charge sagging against him, crying out of relief from what he smelt. Her hands gripped his shirt as she buried her head against him. Knowing that she was under his protection once more, Inuyasha turned back to the feline bastard, growling furiously.

"I warned you. If you even touch her again or even look at her…" He flexed his claws which had a trace of blood on them. "You'll lose more than your arms!" Oh he wanted to just tear him to bloody pieces here and now, but Kagome was behind him; shivering and crying, so he restrained himself...barely.

Toshio growled right back; feeling a slight ache on his forearm from where the half blood scratched him. "We'll see about that, pathetic half demon. You haven't seen the last of me. We will meet again." And with that declaration, the lion sped off into the darkness without another sound.

Making sure that he was really gone, Inuyasha turned around and held her to him. She was brave enough to last that long. Toshio had taken it too far and he couldn't stand being silent any longer. He inwardly praised her when she blocked both his attempts at striking her. She wasn't at all helpless. But now she was crying, her scent overwhelmed by tears and that feline stench.

Knowing he needed to get her home and away from this place, he picked her up bridal style, cradled her to his chest and ran in the direction of the Higurashi home. All the while he soothed her as best he could, trying to slow down her tears and ease her fears. It was all over and she was safe.

A few hours later, Kagome was standing silently at Inuyasha's door. She kept pondering if she should go in or not. After running up to her room and crying her eyes out for being so weak and putting Inuyasha through all her misery on the way home, the female felt guilty for making Inuyasha watching her cry. It was something, that for sure, hurt him as much as she hurt.

Gripping her blue flannel pants in anxiety, Kagome knew she had to go in, apologize to him for placing her burden on him. She was nervous because she was going into her bodyguard's room alone, and it was dark out, not to mention he would clearly smell her attraction to him.

'Would it really matter if it did?' She asked herself.

The thought made her blush. Sure she knew she was in love with him but she always wanted his feelings to come first. What if he didn't love her as more than a sister? Or what if he did? What then? Would she be able to act on her feelings?

'I'm making myself more nervous. If I keep asking all these questions, I'm never going in!' She paced back and forth a few times before stopping at his door. Taking a deep breath, she enclosed the brass door knob with her hand.

'I have to do this. There may never be a better time than now. If you want to be as strong as that man beyond that door, then prove that you can go in there and talk to him!' She told herself.

She raised her other hand, pulled herself together and knocked softly.

The hanyou, who was oblivious to the nervous pacing outside his bedroom door, couldn't help but think about Kagome and what happened tonight. After he set her down when they entered the front door, she looked like she wanted to say something but turned away and ran up the stairs, crying; with Chiisai on her heels. He wanted so desperately to follow her but knew that she wanted to be alone for a while. Plus, she always came to him when she wad ready to talk.

He stared up at his ceiling, only in his blue jeans; having taken off his shirt for the night. His hands were resting behind his silver head while he had a knee drawn up. It felt frustrating when you wanted to help the one person you cared about most but didn't know how. This was his first time feeling like he really loved someone and felt clueless on how to go about it. His mother was the last person to love him fully and so he only knew motherly love. She would know what to say in a situation like this. Although he was young when she was murdered, his mother would tell him often, before she was killed about things he was uncertain about:

'Just trust your heart, young one. It will never lead you astray. Follow where your heart is telling you to go. What you really want, it willl lead you there.'

He never fully understood those words until now. His eyes narrowed, his heart beating with uncertainty. Inuyasha knew what- or who he wanted and his heart told him to just tell her.

"Oh mom, what should I do? You always had the answers. My heart knows that I want Kagome but…why is it so hard?" He whispered to himself.

His chest rose with each silent breath he took, his ears twitched now and then. But, he snapped out of his daze when he caught the scent he loved above any other. He sat up on his forearms and looked to his door where lavender, cherry blossom and a hint of anxiety paced. Inuaysha knew it was her but why was it taking her so long?

Then he heard the soft knocks after a while of her just standing there. He sat up, stretched his back and remained on his bed.

"Inuyasha, can I come in?" Her soft voice asked.

"Yeah Kagome, come on in." Although he sounded calm, his heart and pulse was racing faster than ever. And he could tell hers was just about the same.

There was a harvest moon tonight. It appeared from behind the misty rain clouds just a while ago and Inuyasha knew that there was an answer for his question. It was still hidden but it was there. So when the young female came in, in her sleepwear which revealed her nice tanned arms and a little of her stomach, the moon's tangerine orange glow hit her and it stunned the hanyou. Since his room had a ceiling-to-floor balcony window, the moon's light illuminated the room for him.

'She's…fucking gorgeous.' Kagome was a breathtaking sight. As she grew, she became leaner, taller and she filled out nicely. But the way the moon shined upon her, the hanyou could see how beautiful she really was. Kagome was fragile and delicate, always was.

The female noticed as she walked in, Inuyasha was staring at her with this intense stare. She was nervous about talking to him when he looked at her like this. Although she would be lying if she didn't want to stare at his bare chest. That and that 8 pack that made her hands itch. He was extremely handsome, no doubt about it.

The harvest moon's orange light covered the two silent occupants. Kagome had noticed it when she looked out on her balcony after her crying episode. The moon always made her really think. Plus it reminded her of someone's unique eyes. While Chiisai sat alongside her on the balcony rail, Kagome stroked her fur as she contemplated on what she should do.

Now she was here, in his room, in her pajamas, while he gazed at her like he's never seen a woman before. It made her heart flutter with excitement yet with utter suspense. She knew that something might happen in this room tonight but Kagome knew that she couldn't put this off any longer.

"Inuyasha…I uh…" She twiddled her fingers, seeming very timid now as she looked down. "I wanted…to apologize for tonight."

Now the half demon was confused. Why was she apologizing? "Kagome, why are you saying you're sorry? You didn't do anything wrong."

"For tonight…I wanted to…" She finally looked into his eyes, all serious. "Say I was sorry for crying on you tonight. I never meant for that to happen."

"Kagome…" He stood up, sensing that she was completely unhappy with herself and feeling guilty about this. "You don't need to apologize! You were crying from what happened tonight; it was perfectly alright-"

"NO! It wasn't alright! I should have been stronger than that!" She screamed out. Her eyes were glistening with more tears and turned her back to him. "I should have been stronger…"

Her sobbing and her confession really got to him. His ears now laid flat against his skull, his eyes staring directly at her shaking figure, and now his feet began to move towards her.

"I wanted to defend myself, without anyone's help. I wanted to prove that I could take care of myself." She then walked towards his window, staring at the misty moon she loved to gaze at. "I don't want to be some weak and cowardly girl who would run to anyone for protection. I wanted to know if I was strong and brave enough to handle this on my own. But look what happened…" Her hand went to swipe some stray tears from her saddened brown eyes. "Tonight I got overconfident and messed up. I was nearly violated because of my overpowering need to be someone who could conquer anything. I won't be helpless to anyone!"

Inuyasha was, to say the least, astonished. Her words stirred something in him. Kagome always wanted to become independent ever since she was small. She had the will and perseverance to become someone strong. But to hear her say that tonight was her fault, because she was overconfident in her own abilities to defend heself? The hanyou loathed when she downed herself like this. Her tears nearly made it unbearable for him. But he had to admit that wanting to protect herself made him proud of her, but that's what he was here for! To protect her!

She never heard him walk across to where she was. But when she felt his hand grasp hers; which were folded underneath her chest, her eyes met his.

"Kagome, listen to me."

His voice grabbed her. He sounded so serious, his eyes were blazing. His grip on her hand tightened as he led her so they could both sit down on the edge of his bed.

The teen found herself trapped by those eyes. Her own were still blurry but she could make out his golden eyes anywhere. She was breathing ragged from crying and gasping for breath. How come whenever she was sad and frustrated about something, that Inuyasha looked so serious? It was only times like this that he was completely serious about anything with her.

Inuyasha sat and held her hands in his, his eyes penetrating hers. He never liked being serious; except when he was doing his job. With Kagome, he was always firm, gentle, and loving. But hearing her bashing herself for not being strong enough, Inuyasha had to convince her any way he could.

"You may not be so much physically, but you're stronger emotionally and mentally than anyone I know. You let nothing stop you, you have so much love and so much life and you let everyone see it." He was struggling to not touch her but that proved impossible when he lifted one of his hands to brush her cheek with the back of his fingers.

The girl's heart was thundering and with the slightest of touches on her face, it increased. Kagome was so touched when he said those words. It was like he cared for her, that she was worth more to him than anything.

"And the way you handled yourself tonight, proves that you have just as much courage and spirit, more than you've ever realized before." Then his hand went to feel the soft warm, flesh of her cheek by cupping it. "You are strong, Kagome! And that's one of the things I love about you."

Her eyes closed at the careful and loving touch he had on her cheek. She then held it to her face, wanting it to last forever. When she did open her eyes, they were blurry; from more tears. "Inuyasha…" She murmured.

Both were nervous about where this was going. Neither have traveled down this path before so they didn't know what to do. Their hearts were thundering rapidly at the same time while loving sunsets met the teary yet amazed mocha browns.

A strand of hair swept down on her opposite cheek and Inuyasha gently brushed it away behind her ear. Kagome brought both their hands down onto her lap. Maybe it was the pent up frustration, the way the moon glistened on their skin, or the passion their eyes held; but neither the bodyguard nor the Higurashi heir was going to stop what was coming.

Slowly, Kagome closed her eyes and leaned her head down until she felt his cheek. Her hands went to touch his chest while his went to her face and the other to her back. This felt so right, so perfect, so magical that it was like dreaming the impossible.

The hanyou knew what he wanted to do next but was afraid to. What if she pulled away, saying she wasn't ready yet? Or what if she thought this something that shouldn't be pursued? Why must all these continuing thoughts plague his mind! Why can't he just answer those damn questions and prove what he thought was true and was real?

So, with all the courage he could summon, he took a few deep breaths and began to lower his lips. It seemed that she sensed it too because she was now moving her face towards him. His thumb caressed her soft skin, hoping to relax her, making sure that she was okay with this. She had been nearly hurt tonight and he didn't want to make her suffer even more. Licking his bottom lip and swallowing all his bravery, his lips finally made contact with hers.

At that single touch, billions of sparks were sent through both of them. It was futile to describe how this felt. Inuyasha finally had a taste of the woman he loved and watched over. She tasted so sweet and so pleasant that Inuyasha could barely move at all. He was paralyzed by what exactly was happening between them. But the hanyou didn't regeret a single moment of it.

Kagome was in heaven; it was that…exhilarating and joyous feeling of having the one person you sought after for so long. This was what love tasted like for her. This was sheer bliss and if Kagome woke up, she would have cried.

Even though it was brief, they pulled back a bit, their hot breath fanning the other. Then Inuyasha pulled her face back in to kiss her again. Kagome didn't protest. The heat in the room got hotter as the kiss progressed. It was like they couldn't stop themselves. Both have wanted this for so long and it would be like hell to seprate them now.

Without thinking too much, the hanyou moved her onto his lap; his hands gripping her hips. Kagome went to cup his face as she was now a bit taller than him and plundered his mouth. The harder they tried to swallow the other, the harder it was for them to let go.

Inuyasha wasn't fully aware of what he was doing but he felt it, in his heart and soul, that this was right. What he felt for this young woman was so many feelings that it was a wonder he hadn't overloaded yet. Hanyous were rare now and there is a reason for that; Nor human or demon cared about them and left them to die. Hanyous were mixed blood, so people thought they were incapable of love and kindness because they looked like monsters. That was what Inuyasha always believed. His mother sheltered him from the pain and hardships of growing up different. So, when she died, he became a loner and often was a figure of ridicule and hatred. But now, with a woman, as beautiful and loving as Kagome, Inuyasha could say that it was possible for someone to love somebody like him. He was a mixed blood but this woman on his lap; who willingly kissed him and begged for more, made him feel like he was the luckiest bastard that graced the planet.

The more she tasted him and what he had to offer, Kagome merely begged and moaned for more. Maybe this was moving a little fast but Kagome knew that this was the right choice. She wanted to love him, to hold and to kiss him, to stand beside him and hold his hand through the rough times ahead. This was a man-although half, that had the biggest heart and the most caring personality of any demon or human out there. Throughout the years as she grew from child to adolescent to young adult, her love for him continued to flourish and expand; along with the bond that held them together. She didn't know why she developed these feelings for him at all. She loved him as a brother since he arrived nearly thirteen years ago but now all she knew was that this new love could make them stronger than ever. There were many types of love in the world but this one, was one that felt so powerful to her, it overwhelmed her senses.

Both only felt the need to intensify the kiss, so were not aware when Inuyasha's back hit the bed; with Kagome on top of him; her hips still straddling him. Inuyasha's claws immediately felt the urge to rub up and down her back and even lightly squeezing her backside every now and then. It made her jump but the heat enveloping her body just increased. Her hands still cupped his beautiful face, feeling the skin that was tougher than hers. Then they strayed down to his chest; his bare and flawless chest that felt really good underneath her palms and finally…to where she always got in her fantasy, that luscious 8 pack. It felt even better than in her dreams. The ripples of muscles she could feel spurred her on to blindly explore his torso; but was still shy about going down any further.

Not wanting to be in the submissive position anymore, Inuyasha flipped them over; his hips now between her legs; which were bent at the knees. He could clearly feel her pulsing heat and had an undeniable urge to grind against her. He did a small quick one; causing Kagome to break away and gasp for breath, not to mention that it felt incredibly good.

Sweat could be seen glistening off the two bodies. The orange light made Inuyasha's natural tanned skin glow, causing Kagome to gaze admirably. She always thought of him as some type of god; although this was impossible, she couldn't help connect him to the moon somehow. He was always there to help her, to guide her. His silver locks just as unique as he was, the sun yellow eyes the reflected so much care and concern for her. As far as she was concerned, he was the moon itself…her own personal silver light.

His blazing deep sunset orbs opened up to gaze into the blissful eyes of dark chocolate that he loved so much. Both were gasping for air, their chests moving simultaneously as their hands settled at their current place. Then his sweaty forehead rested on hers, while their hips were barely rocking against the other. The feeling to love the other was unbearable but they had to stop before things got out of hand.

"You have…no idea how bad…I want to…make love to you." The words came pouring from his mouth before he knew it but, as he realized it, that's what he really wanted to say. The hanyou desired her; her mind, body and soul, even her touches that made him feel so desirable to her.

"Then show me. Please Inuyasha, I've needed you for so long." She has craved him, more than he'll ever know. How often had she dreamed of submitting to him? To have him above her and gazing at her with such intensity that it scorched her? That his touches would send her spiraling down into oblivion? That his kisses could sear her lips and her skin that ached for his attention alone? They were now so close and the girl could feel her insides heating up, excited that her protector was on top of her, caressing her, like she always imagined him doing.

Her plea was impossible to ignore but reason was slowly coming back and knew that this had to stop. He kissed her nose then slowly kissed his way down to her succulent lips. He finished when he kissed the corner of her lips and stared at her once more.

"Believe me, Kagome, I want to, more than anything right now. I've waited almost five years for this." His claws traced her cheek and her delicate jaw line. "You don't know what you do to me."

He was shaking, his forearms on either side of her with his hips rocking-although barely under control, against hers. His silver hair curtained them from the world into their own. Her hand cupped one side of his burning face before asking. "I know you're afraid and so am I. What's stopping you, Inya?"

Two words came right to his mind. "Your father."

He was right. What would her father think of this? They were within reach, their wandering hands touching whatever part they could reach. Apprehensive amber met concerned mocha. Kagome could feel the tension in his body. She knew he was too nervous, too afraid to continue any further. Inuyasha would never admit that he was but the teenager knew him better than anyone else ever could. She could feel the hesitancy in his fingertips as they caressed her arm; which sent intolerable shivers down to her aching core, which Inuyasha could no doubt feel and smell. To him, her arousal was so intoxicating his demon was close to the surface, but he wouldn't release his demon. Not now at least.

"We have to stop, no matter how much we both want this." He growled out.

She only nodded reluctantly. "You're right."

Inuyasha then moved himself to her right side and just laid there; trying to get his demon and urge to love her back under his control. Kagome sat up and swiped her damp bangs from her forehead.

"Are you okay with this?" He asked.

"With us?" She looked down to him to see him nod. "I'm more than okay with this. It's you I'm worried about."

His eyes caught hers. "You know how hard it was to not tell you how much you mean to me? I was afraid that you wouldn't think of me as more than a brother to you."

She grinned and grabbed his hand. "That's what I thought too. I mean, we've been together for like, almost thirteen years and I wondered why I developed such feelings for you."

"It baffled me for a while too. I'm still questioning myself as to why this happened. But I don't regret a damn minute of it." He took her hand and kissed it, then laid it against his chest.

Kagome could only giggle at his words. "Nor do I." Feeling a little exhausted from all the night's events, she went down and rested her head on his shoulder. "Where do we go from here, Inuyasha?"

That was a good question. The hanyou sighed and clicked his tongue in thought. He put his arm around her waist to pull her closer. This position they were familiar with, having been sleeping like this together until Kagome reached puberty. "Well, I think it would be best to keep this between us. We'll act normal around your father and Kaede-although I suspect that old hag knows something and it drives me damn nuts!" He heard her laugh at that one. He loved to make her laugh and sought to kiss her forehead before continuing. "But when we're alone, I don't see any problem with it."

"It will be weird though." Her fingers started to play with his, carefully touching his razor sharp claws. She wasn't afraid of them; or any part of him for that matter. "This is all happening so fast it's making my head spin. But I know it was mean to happen."

"Yeah." The hanyou let her play with his claws and watched at how she wasn't afraid. She was never scared of him; even when they first met. She was just fascinated and curious at why he looked so different. "I never thought that we would end up like this. It's a little scary to tell the truth. You know the last person that loved me was my mother and I don't know…how or what to do…"

Kagome could hear how depressed he sounded when he mentioned his mother and afraid of loving another. She needed to assure him that he was not alone. Ever since he arrived here, he hasn't been alone. He had a home with her, her father and even Kaede. They were his family. She couldn't begin to understand the idea of being alone but she knew what it felt like to lose a part of your family. Kagome wanted to guide him through it all and she would be damned if she didn't try.

She lifted her head to softly peck his lips. "Believe me, I'm scared too but we'll just let it play out. We may not know what will happen but love will help us along. It's always has, even before we realized our deeper feelings for each other."

His claws ran through her damp black hair and only smiled. "You've always been a hopeless romantic you know; having read millions of romance novels over the years."

She laughed and then hit him on his shoulder. "Oh quiet you! Yes that's true, but I can really feel it now, instead of imagining it in books. I now know what it's like to truly care about someone, to hold and to love them."

Inuyasha couldn't help but agree. Before he arrived here, he was emotionless, or at least angry and unreachable. But since he found a spot in the Higurashi household, he's learned to feel again. Happiness, sadness, concern, caring for others, being selfless when needed to be and most importantly, to love. Because of this family, mostly because of this woman in his arms, on his chest, who wanted to love him freely, Inuyasha would say he would have been a lost soul without her.

"Get some sleep, Little Iris, it's been a long night for you. I'll be here when you wake up." Inuyasha whispered; combing through her soft silky locks of black.

Kagome only cuddled further into the warmth of his muscled chest and closed her eyes. "I didn't plan on leaving you. And I wouldn't let you leave."

The hanyou smirked and draped the red silk comforter over them and wrapped his arms around her. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Goodnight, Kagome. I love you."

"Love you too, Inya. Goodnight."

When they said it before, it was only meant as brother and sister love but now it was much deeper than that, for the bodyguard and the Higurashi teenager have strengthened that love into one for lovers; a deep connection that was even stronger than ever.

Unaware of anything but the warmth and love around them, the old attendant had witnessed everything, from the blowout to the first kiss to the questions. Kaede could only smile happily and let the sleeping couple be. She closed the door softly and walked away, glad that the young miss and her protector have finally admitted a new love for each other, one that was always lingering beneath the surface.

So, was this good? I thought it turned out great; really close to what I had planned for a long time! All this hard work and thinking about what sounds good has finally paid off! I hope you hopeless romantics out there enjoyed this one! This chapter was a long one because everything has now begun: the romance, action, you name it! It's about to finally rock and roll! Until next time...

Ja Ne for now!