After talking to Kagome's mother, Inuyasha began to be more openly affectionate to Kagome. It started out slowly. One afternoon he would hold her hand as they walked to the field where her miko training would take place. He blushed slightly as Kagome looked at him in surprise but said nothing. Then they began taking walks through the forest together. Sometimes they didn't even talk; they just enjoyed each other's company. Kagome had no idea what had gotten into Inuyasha but she was happy to be getting his attention and affection. Inuyasha was simply happy to have her at his side so much. He still had to share her with everyone else but he was pleased to have private time with her. His favorite time to go on walks with her was shortly before sunset. They would walk to the Goshinboku to sit on Inuyasha's favorite branch and watch the sunset. Inuyasha sometimes dozed off at these times, too relaxed to stay awake. Of course Kagome would notice this. She would feel his hands get a little looser on her waist and she would know he was sleeping. He never slept for more than a few minutes but she always stayed still, hoping he would rest a little longer.

The rest of the gang tried to stay quiet as they watched Inuyasha's subtle changes in affection. He was still gruff with everyone else but he was gentler towards Kagome. He didn't call her wench as much; they still fought but their fights lacked the fire they once had. But the gang finally broke their silence one night as Inuyasha pulled Kagome into his lap as she served dinner. Sango's eyes widened, Miroku's jaw dropped and poor Shippo nearly choked on his ramen. They all continued to stare as Inuyasha and Kagome ate their ramen, Kagome sitting comfortably in his lap.

"What?" Inuyasha asked, his mouth still full of ramen.

"Why are you being so weird?" Shippo asked bluntly. "Are you sick?"

Miroku covered Shippo's mouth, silencing the kitsune. "What Shippo means to say is we've noticed you've become more affectionate toward Kagome-sama and we were wondering why that was."

"Keh, it's none of your business," Inuyasha said as he and Kagome blushed. Kagome expected him to move her off his lap in embarrassment, but he just continued eating his dinner, avoiding everyone's looks.

A few days later...

"Kagome-chan," Sango said as they walked toward the market, "do you know why Inuyasha has been acting so differently toward you?" Kagome shook her head, looking up at the clear blue spring sky.

"No I don't know why. But I'm not going to complain about it; I like his affectionate side."

"Aw Kagome-chan you're blushing," Sango teased, happy for her best friend.

"No I'm not," she exclaimed, her hands covering her cheeks.

"Well I'm glad you and Inuyasha are so happy together; you guys have been through so much together. Between Koga claiming you as his woman and Kikyo coming back from the dead and Naraku trying to kill us all the time, it's finally time for you and him."

"I wonder if he feels the same way," Kagome sighed.

"If he didn't feel the same way, why would he be acting like this?"

Kagome shrugged her shoulders. She knew Sango was right, but she couldn't keep her old uncertainties from creeping into her mind.

Meanwhile across the village...

"Inuyasha, can I ask you something?" Miroku said as they sat alone in Kaede's hut.

"Keh, fine," he replied.

"Why are you acting so differently toward Kagome-sama?" Inuyasha blushed faintly, looking at the ceiling. "I've never seen you so affectionate to her before. You usually get like this if she's been injured in battle or when she's ill, but now you're like this all the time. What's going on?"

Inuyasha walked toward the doorway, checking to see if anyone was around before sitting back down. "If you tell anyone what I'm going to tell you, I will kill you," Inuyasha said, glaring at Miroku. Miroku nodded, wondering if his curiousity was going to get him killed. "I'm going to ask Kagome to be my mate," he said softly, blushing more.

"What?" Miroku nearly shouted.

"Shut up. God I don't want the whole village to come running, sheesh."

"When did you decide this?" Miroku asked, clearly in shock.

"After we defeated Naraku. I already asked her mom for her blessing and she gave it to me, but she said I have to wait till Kagome finishes school."

"When is that?"

"If she passes all her tests, 3 weeks."

"Whoa you're serious about this."

"Of course I am," he said angrily. "I want Kagome to be my mate."

Miroku stood up, shaking Inuyasha's hand. "Congradulations then."

"Don't congratulate me yet; she hasn't said yes yet. I don't know if she'll say yes at all."

"Why wouldn't she say yes? I mean sure you're aggressive and violent and hot tempered and don't listen-"

"Are you trying to make me feel better or worse?" he asked dryly.

"But Kagome loves you despite all this. She'll definitely say yes."

"I hope so," Inuyasha said worriedly, "I hope so."