De Sidere: ch7: After Glow

Warning: Mention of sexual intimacy, though nothing graphically depicted.

Lying beside Kagome, Inuyasha listened to the rain's soft pitter-patter on the roof, and the occasional gust of wind howling low in the distance. The storm hadn't let up. And he didn't expect it to until well after sunrise or midafternoon.

They weren't too far from Kaede's village. While a part of him expected to hear their names being called by the others as they searched for them, the other part really hoped that their friends wouldn't bother.

He'd hear their calls carried on the wind long before they were within eyesight of the shack, though he doubted that any of them would trek through the storm when they knew perfectly well he could take care of Kagome just fine without them.

Inuyasha stroked the outside of Kagome's arm softly, carefully monitoring the pressure of his claws while revelling in the memory of the many times he'd made love with her. A part of him was still in awe that this had actually happened, while another part of him knew damn well that this was no dream.

He'd had those before, so many now that he'd lost count. And they held absolutely no comparison to the real thing. Tonight's love-making was far more intense, and so much better, hotter, than any fantasy he'd ever had.

Her skin was softer than he'd imagined it would be. He'd never been more grateful for his enhanced visual abilities than he had been tonight. Even in the darkness, he had still been able to see just how flawless her natural beauty really was.

She was vibrant as they made love, never once shielding her reactions and emotions, never withholding her vocalizations. He couldn't recall, in any of his prior imaginings, what she'd sounded like as they'd made love. But, after tonight, he knew he could never forget just how beautiful that resonance actually was.

There was no shame in her facade, no regret as she gazed up at him when he'd taken her the first time. There was no concern that anyone might hear her, nor any worry of being found or caught. She'd wanted to see him, had kept her eyes open, watching him watching her, completely uninhibited as they moved together, not only during their first time together, but in every shared intimacy thereafter.

Her taste had been so much sweeter than he could remember it being in his prior daydreams, too. She tasted better than any of the sweet things she'd brought to Shippo from her time, and better even than the ramen he craved so much of.

There was nothing that could compare, nothing he'd rather have in place of her. He would never tire of the way she tasted, and the way she smelled.

It was mouth-watering. Her fragrance was sweet, enhanced with a hint of the pomegranate soap she used in her hair when she bathed. But it was the essence of her body calling his that was indescribable! There was nothing in his era, or hers, that could compare to the spice that that called his body to hers.

To put it simply-

He was addicted. He was in love with Kagome. And she loved him, too. Lightning could strike him dead here and now, and he'd die a happy half demon… At least, until he realized what had happened and fought his way through every level of the afterlife to be back at her side.

Pulling Kagome closer, Inuyasha kissed her neck, nosing tenderly into her hair as he took in her scent, now covered immeasurably in his. Growling softly, he tucked in closer behind her, smiling smugly to himself when she giggled sweetly, her fingers sliding between his as she reached to pull their hands closer to her heart.

Inuyasha's growl tickled, bringing her out of her internal debate on whether or not to add wood to the glowing coals in the fire pit.

Swept gently into Inuyasha's warm embrace, Kagome huddled closer, finding contented comfort easily. The thought of building up the fire slipped away unnoticed, the heat of Inuyasha's body enough to keep the night's chill at bay.

Dying embers burned away to ash, the orangish glow fading slowly as sleep gently claimed her.

A/N: Thank you for the wonderful support of this story!

'De Sidere' has been my place to write fluff, lol, which is why I haven't rushed through Inuyasha and Kagome's alone time together. I am thrilled that you all are liking it!

Many thanks for the beautiful reviews you've sent my way! They brought much needed and appreciated smiles!

Another chapter for 'The Color of Hope' coming very soon!

Hugs.

Neisha