The den was hot, and it stank that it was hard to breathe. Shippo had gotten out and some how Kagome had survived slapping Koga. He had made it clear she was off limits and since 'claiming her' the humanoid wolves had kept their distance, the actual wolves had come closer. Two of them had taken to laying against her. Now they were calmer she actually couldn't help but think they were cute. Hesitantly, and very slowly she placed her hand on the head of the one on her lap. When the ear twitched and the wolf nuzzled closer she couldn't help the smile and began stroking its head.

"He likes you" came Koga's voice

"Well, I like him too" she admitted a flutter in her chest, making her smile wider. Here she was in a world of demons and murderers... stroking a real-life wolf. In comparison to everything, it wasn't that big a deal, but a year ago... well, this was something she'd consider impossible.

"What do I have to do to get such affection?" He asked sitting crossed legged next to her. His face was no longer red, his healing sorting it easily.

"Not kidnapping and claiming a girl goes a long way" she said flatly

"I admit my excitement got the better of me" he scrunched his nose slightly as he scratched his chin.

"And your superiority complex" she deadpanned he looked at her confused "I'm just a lowly human after all" she smirked up to him

"I see" he bowed his head "You're proud"

"No, I just prefer to be respected" she said calmly "I'm not a peice of property. And I'm certainly not just some seeing eye dog for you to get the sacred jewel shards"

"Is that not what you are for the Mutt?" He asked

Kagome had to keep her face neutral because he was right of course, that was the case but it was different.

"It's not the same. It's my responsibility to fix it, and he is good at keeping me safe"

"And you love him" he nodded causing her to flinch slightly "what if I took his place?" He offered and Kagome had to try and get her brain and body to work together again.

"I... uh you want to-" she cut off as the only very serious reason she had to say no was questioned. Quickly regaining her composure she sighed "you want the jewel for power"

"And the Mutt doesn't?" He scoffed

"He does" she admitted begrudgingly. Because it was the truth. She liked to think they were friends, and he protected her because he cared. But she knew he wanted the jewel, that he wanted it to become a full blooded demon and she was his ticket to that goal. "But I can stop that. I have measures in place to ensure when I get the last peice... I will have it"

"What would you use the wish for?" He asked and she frowned shaking her head. The idea to be granted a wish seemed too good to be true, and frankly she didn't trust it. It was dangerous, and even just a tiny shard has caused so many problems in this world.

"Nothing. I'd take it far away... protect it and make sure it doesn't end up in the hands of those who would abuse it"

"Like a priestess?" He asked his eyebrows shooting up in surprised

"Well, apparently I am one so I guess" she shrugged and wasn't entirely sure why she was talking to him about this. But he wasn't too bad to sit next to while talking and being a normal person.

"Are you a strong one?" He asked clearly curious "what is a priestess doing with demons?" He added on.

"They're my friends. Not all demons are evil, not all humans are good. I don't judge on species" she sighed noting she didn't answer his first question.

"So you won't be my woman because I want to use you, but you'll be the Mutts woman even though he is the same?" He asked and she frowned. Because when he put it like that she knew it was stupid. And it hurt her to realise he had a very good point.

"I'm not his woman, he isn't remotely interested" she admitted begrudgingly

"And you trust him, but have measures in place to stop him running off with the jewel" he clarified and even to her ears, her argument was pathetic "if you ask me I'm the better choice" he said in a tone so certain if she hadn't just been kidnapped, thrown over a cliff, threatened and claimed she'd have almost believed him

"Oh yeah? Why's that?" She asked giving him a sardonic smile. Her throat closed up as her heart hammered against her chest as he grazed the knuckled of his fingers over her cheek leaning in close.

"Because I'd appreciate your loyalty. I would love that fire that I saw burning in you to protect that cub" he leaned in close his cheek grazing hers causing goosebumps to raise across her body "and you're so beautiful I'm having trouble not falling to your feet. The moment you slapped me, my heart was stolen"

She had let her breath out forcefully, her lungs burning from the lack of oxygen. She tried not to pay attention to the way she had become so very hot. Or how much she liked his words. He'd kidnapped her. He wanted her gifts, and she couldn't let herself even entertain the idea of getting involved with him.

"Koga" she whispered as he leant back "I can't"

"Why?"

"Because you want the jewel. And, I need to return home one day"

"And if I decided on another jewel to pursue?" He asked "would that change your mind?" She frowned because as far as she was aware, there were no other jewels. And going for another potentially devastating jewel wouldn't change anything. He leant forward smirking at her confusion, his nose grazing her own "never seen a human jewel before" he said his voice was deep and it caused her heart to hammer in her chest. The realisation of his meaning was like a bulldozer and she honestly for a moment considered it. Because she could picture it, glimpses of that possibility. And she didn't doubt he'd be loyal, it was in his nature that much was clear this far. And she imagined he'd shower her with love and affection if he truly felt it. In the very short time she had met him, he'd already shown himself capable of letting himself accept and act on his feelings. In a way, she knew Inuyasha couldn't, not for her anyway.

There was a commotion coming from the waterfall and Kagome was honestly glad for the interruption. She was losing her damned mind. No way did he mean it, he had a tribe to lead. And they wouldn't approve of a human priestess wife. She shook her head and tried to forget his declarations as he got up to see what was happening. Though, she had never had someone say such things to her and she couldn't deny she liked it. A warm, wet feeling came over her hand and she looked down at the wolf smiling softly

"Don't worry, I'll at least help find this bird" she promised a chuckle breaking at the wagging tail. Because she wanted to help them, she was always too kind for her own good.

-

Koga's confession for Kagome in front of everyone had her feeling lightheaded. The questioning looks from her friends had her nervous but the look of part disgust and questioning from Inuyasha had her panicking

"Forget about the Mutt, Kagome. I won't ever take you for granted and I will make you my wife" he called, and the tribe all cheered while Ginta came to put his arm over her shoulder

"Come on sis!" He encouraged and Kagome just couldn't speak. The memory of them in the cave not two hours ago had her feeling warm again. Was she blushing?

"You're deluded!" Inuyasha yelled taking off to chase the wolf up the cliff. The fight had been hard for Koga, and he had lost the shard from his arm. He was on her lap, cradling his arm and pushing his face into her thigh. He couldn't fight like this, and she didn't want to see them try. Koga was wild, and as much of a hot head as Inuyasha she honestly believed him when he said he would kill him. Her hands came to his bare shoulders feeling bad she couldn't help more.

"You're not gonna settle anything, you understand!" She snapped at Inuyasha leaning forward slightly protectively. She wasn't in the mood for a testosterone fueled match she was glad Koga couldn't try, though not by the reason why. She looked to Hakkaku when Inuyasha stepped closer, Tessaiga on his shoulder.

"Sit boy" she snapped ignoring the way he yelled and kicked off

"Get him out of here, quick" she told Hakkaku who wasted no time picking up Koga with another wolf and taking off

"Sis?" Ginta asked and she smiled at him

"It's okay, go. I'll see you guys again I'm sure" she waved and he took off.

Inuyasha was furious and she felt bad, he felt betrayed that she had taken Koga's side. But the fact was it wouldn't have been a fair fight. And while she had faith in Inuyasha's strength she didn't want to see him in a fight to the death with Koga.

"He wasn't a bad guy. He just wanted to help his people" Kagome said to Soungo, who had come to try and mediate the situation. Inuyasha had been worried, and Kagome sighed

"He was really worried and all he focused on was getting you back" Soungo explained. So Kagome sighed and went over to Inuyasha who was sulking at the edge of the cliff.

"Thank you for coming to get me" She said crouching down next to him "I'm sorry I let Koga go but it wasn't a time for a fight"

He turned his head lifting his nose with a grunt

"Bet you'd have preferred it if I didn't come at all" he snapped

She sighed because this was frustrating. She of course wanted him to come, but he was clearly jealous. Why was he jealous? He was in love with Kikyo, so what if a wolf demon confessed and essentially asked her to marry him, it shouldn't matter to him.

"Of course I'm glad you came. Not that I owe you any explanations, nothing happened with Koga, okay." It was technically the truth her moment of... whatever it was wasn't really something. She didn't know why she was even trying to reassure Inuyasha it wasn't like she owed him anything. He looked at her quickly eyes looking her over. Then his ears flattened a little

"So you're not interested?" He asked his ears perking up again and she rolled her eyes. She didn't know how she felt. A few flattering words had really rattled her, the one and only time Inuyasha had said something remotely nice was when he was delirious on spider venom and admitted he liked her scent.

"I just met him. Honestly, what would I have to be interested in" she deflected. Because if she was honest... other than his brazen attitude, he had good qualities, and he wasn't a sight for sore eyes either. But she wasn't about to go running off with a strange demon because of a few nice words. She willfully ignored how she had essentially done the exact same with Inuyasha, just minus the nice words. But he was a guy of actions, not words, and that was what had her so delusional about it. But she loved Inuyasha, and though she was sure one day she'd hurt enough to let him go, to leave and heal so she could move on. But today wasn't that day, and as nice as the fantasy of being loved, accepted, and someone's first choice felt. Her heart couldn't agree to let Inuyasha go and may never be. And it hurt. It made her want to cry, to scream out how it wasn't fair. But maybe Koga wasn't as serious as he sounded. Maybe he was being manipulative and trying to use her feelings to get what he wanted.

-

They were on the trail of Naraku's insects and when they stumbled into the trap set by Naraku. Koga was distraught, and blind with grief. She tried to tell him but he only took it as her betraying him too.

Yet again he was lay in her lap, arm recovering from the effects of the fake shard. She looked to the group, knowing Inuyasha especially wouldn't like her next words.

"Can we have a minute please?" She asked

"No damn way!" Inuyasha yelled

"Inuyasha" Kagome gritted out trying to keep her calm. She didn't want to get irate and jostle Koga. Inuyasha growled and stormed off into the mansion. The others smiled sympathetically before walking in. She looked down to her friend, he looked better already, but still clearly in pain.

"I'm sorry I thought you were lying for him" Koga apologised rewarding him with a smile as she brushed the hair from his sweaty head.

"It's okay" she soothed "I couldn't imagine the pain seeing your family... and then Inuyasha covered in their blood. I knew before I tried to intervene, you wouldn't be able to see past it. But I had to try" she rested her hand on his hair, thumb slowly stroking him.

He didn't speak, he only watched her as she kept up the comforting ministration. Wincing he lifted up his good arm to take her hand bringing it to his lips.

"You saved my life, again" He spoked "I promise, I'll get stronger. Be worthy of you"

"It's not someone's strength I care about, Koga" she had to hold in the chuckle. But of course this was how men these days felt they contributed and what the women (well most) these days wanted. It was dangerous and everyday was a fight for survival.

"Then what keeps you with him and not me?" He asked his lips brushing against her palm as he spoke. She pressed her lips into a line looking toward the mansion.

"He pretends he only cares about power... but he cares, and he values human life even those who may not deserve to be called human. He is prickly, wants to keep everyone at a distance but he'd never abandon them" she sighed "not that I think you would" she smiled down to Koga "I know you're incredibly loyal and protective. But going from one man who wants the power I can get to another-"

"I don't care about the Shikon Jewel" he blurted squeezing her hand eyes burning. There was such intense sincerity that took her breath away "I told you. I found another Jewel I want"

She believed him, there was no doubt niggling at the back of her mind at his words.

"Kagome I want you to be my wife. And I can help you with your mission, for you and not what it could give me"

Her heart was barely contained in her chest, her head was becoming light headed as she still hadn't taken a breath. Pulling in a long breath she let out and incredulous laugh

"Gee Koga" she gasped out trying to keep her head, was this swooning? She thought so.

"Consider me, Kagome. I love you, and I know you could grow to love me too" his hand raised up still holding hers, his finger lifting to brush her cheekbone. A part of her wanted to accept, but she didn't trust she wasn't just overwhelmed. "Until then I'll be here, watching over you. We all will"

"All?" She asked frowning softly her hand holding his a little tighter

"Your pack" he smirked up at her. But the warmth that sent through her was surprising, as was how much she liked the sound of it. Leaning forward her back feeling tight at the angle she pressed her lips to his cheek, lingering for a moment.

"I don't like the idea of you waiting around" she whispered sitting up again

"Too late. You stole my heart Kagome, and I don't want it back without you"

There was growling that was increasing in volume from the mansion. Inuyasha was getting angry and she again couldn't understand why he was so bothered.

"And you said he wasn't interested" he chuckled and was rewarded with another growl.

She realised he still had her hand holding it against his chest. "You should go" he sighed "I will recover and head back home. I have work to do"

"Naraku isn't just another enemy, Koga. Do not go after him unprepared" she warned "we have been after him for almost a year. And we have almost died a few times"

"I'll be careful" he promised

The others came out of the mansion staying a little ways away.

"We can stay until you can move" she offered "I don't like the idea of leaving you here unprotected"

"Ginta and Hakkaku are coming" he smiled tightly

"Then we will wait"

"Come on Kagome, he wants to die for his pride let him!" Inuyasha yelled causing her to glare up at him

"No need" Koga reassured her causing her to look down to him. "I'll be just fine" he lifted her hand to kiss it again "I only ask you consider my proposal"

She hesitated because she wasn't sure she could, and she didn't want to lie to him. She slowly took her hand back to lift his head, laying it on the floor. Moving to his side to see him properly and leaning over his head

"I'll see you soon?" She asked

"Of course you will" He scoffed, so she leant down her chest over his to awkwardly hug him. His good arm came round her waist and held on as tightly as he could, letting out a small wince

"Then I'll try" she whispered before reluctantly getting up, looking back to him once more before leaving him on the floor, alone, defenceless.

She didn't like it.

"He certainly is persistant" Soungo stated as they could no longer see the mansion "what will you do?"

"Hope he will be okay, unrequited love is hard" she sighed and tried to ignore the glares from the man she was currently in love with, who didn't love her. He loved another woman, with her face and part of her soul. She didn't understand how Kikyo was so different and cruel when they apparently shared the same soul. But if it showed her one thing, it was that Inuyasha loved for the person and not what they looked like. Which was what everyone wanted, right?

--

Had Inuyasha on recently, and this came whilst watching the episodes Koga was introduced. Not planned and written on a whim.