Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. Sadly.
A/N: This was my first Inuyasha fanfic that I wrote back in college. It's not the best thing I've ever written, but I always enjoyed reading it, so I wanted to share it again. I hope you enjoy it as the cute one-shot it was intended to be.
The Night
As the night fell, his bright eyes glanced around the camp. His nose attuned to every scent. His ears twitched, following every noise. He would keep them safe.
Leaping into the tree, Inuyasha glanced down at Kagome and Shippo, who were cuddled together against the cold night air.
Miroku and Sango had stayed in Kaede's village while Inuyasha went to check on rumors of a youkai terrorizing a neighboring village. But not Kagome. She had gone with him, as she always had, and hopefully always would.
Soon the fight would be over. Kikyo would be avenged and could finally find peace in her rest. Soon Inuyasha would be able to ask Kagome to stay with him…forever.
But not yet. For now, he was not her mate. He could not be. Turning his amber eyes briefly to the stars before glancing back at the woman he loved and the kit he already considered a son, he smiled.
He was hers. By choice. It had nothing to do with the subjugation beads that connected them. For now he could only be her protector, her friend. But soon, he would be so much more.
Kagome awoke slowly, noticing that it was still very dark. Glancing at Shippo, she smiled, tucking him further into the sleeping bag before moving away. Standing, she looked around for Inuyasha. She knew he was near—he always was. Her protector and best friend never went far from her during these nights.
She had walked only two steps before she sensed him. Soon, he was beside her. Glancing into the eyes of the one she loved above all others—ningen and youkai—she smiled. He answered her with a smile of his own. They were able to read each other so often without words, which was why it frustrated them so much when they could not; it led to many misunderstandings and fights.
Sitting by the fire, she leaned into him as he draped his haori over her shoulders to ward off the chill. She was grateful for his warmth, and strength. It made him a wonderful person, a great friend, and a good provider. Kagome knew that when Inuyasha provided food and shelter for her during their travels he was claiming her. He did so for the rest of their group as well. It told others that they were his pack, and that he would defend them with his life—he would not lose as long as he had a reason to keep fighting.
She wasn't worried about him going to Hell with Kikyo anymore. Surprisingly she knew his decision without words. She could feel it. She still needed to hear him say it, and she knew he would in time, but not until Naraku was defeated.
For now, she was content to be with him. As she rested in his arms, she smiled slightly. Though he only held her like this in the dark of night, his every action showed how he felt about her.
His arms held her more closely as though sensing her thoughts. She was his. Always. No one could take her away from him. The only thing that could make her leave him was him. And they both knew he would never send her away.
She would stay with him until he told her to go. He would always give her the choice. They were stuck with each other. And the only thing that could make them happier was the defeat of Naraku—when they could be true mates. Forever.