No matter what Kagome said to vex Inuyasha, he would not relent, and his constant presence remained the same. There wasn't a moment of reprieve from the beast, almost as if he wanted never again to lose a second with her. Did he wish to make up for lost time? Foolish on his part. Nothing could make up for the past that was lost.

Still, she could not deny that his company was a form of comfort. Despite her heartache and stubbornness, she still loved Inuyasha. Perhaps now more than ever because of what he was doing. Every time he spoke, a crack formed on her wall. With each fissure, she would attempt to cover the scar with added strength, but she was growing tired of the constant battle.

Four days passed since she arrived home. Very little progress had been made; at least according to him. Kagome was too cold, too harsh, and it was bruising him. She could see it with every gaze. But didn't he understand? She had to be this way. If she let herself feel, it would be too much to handle.

Each day, she attempted to irk Inuyasha enough to have him leave her. Not forever, not even from the house, but at least from their room. But no. The man sought to sleep with her each night, coming to her bed while she "slept;" holding her close as if he couldn't sleep any other way.

No matter how rude or harsh she was, he would come to her, making sure that she never leave him, yes. But also ensuring that she knew he wasn't going to let her go no matter what was said. It honestly shocked her. Her old Inuyasha could handle such things very poorly. In fact, he wouldn't have handled it; would simply stomp away with umbrage. But this new person... This Inuyasha, she was beginning to understand, could take the heat. But why and for what reason? It wasn't as if he loved her. Her husband had come to feel amorous for her only years after their first meeting. This new version could not feel any more than that in so little a time.

Trapped, with nowhere to run, she had a lot of time to think, and it was on the fourth day when she realized that she failed to consider a few things about her husband. Since his memory of Kikyou and their relationship were gone, he didn't have that as an obstacle against him. Could that explain why he was acting this way? Was he falling in love with her, minute by minute, rather than by year?

She hadn't the strength to hope for such a thing, yet the damned glimmer sought its way through her crack, breaking even more of her precious wall.

The day was young and light seeped in from her room. Once again, Inuyasha was preparing a meal for them, as he had done for the past few days. Salted salmon, white rice and miso soup filled the house with their delicious aromas, and she patted her stomach when it grumbled with annoyance. Though Kagome was perfectly capable of cooking for them, Inuyasha never let her enter the pantry. Not that she even bothered to go there, but still. He took it upon himself to take care of all housing duties, and told Kagome to quote, "Take a break."

But she didn't want to take a break. She wanted to be as busy as he, since she found that it was his way of coping with her callous attitude. Guilt was beginning to needle its way through her wall. Damn it all! What wasn't? Inuyasha was being too nice, too accommodating, even when he thought he was being harsh with her. As if forcing her on his lap every time she denied to eat was a mean thing.

Curse him. He somehow knew the best ways to make her feel, and she was so close to becoming malleable enough to bend to his desires.

"Too nice," she grumbled, while throwing her blanket away from her body. Doing so caused her to rub her hand against her breasts and she hissed. They were tender. Had been for some time, a constant reminder of life's injustices.

With a scowl, she came to her feet and began to walk out of the room. But just as she was about to enter her hall, Inuyasha appeared, seemingly from nowhere, and startled a scream from her.

He had the nerve to smile contritely and say, "Sorry. Didn't mean to scare you."

She had no desire to offer a reply, focusing more on her racing heart.

He lifted a tray of food and her mouth immediately watered. "Hungry?"

Of course she was. She didn't know how, but while she was away, he managed to become a proper chef. Everything he concocted was made for emperors. That, or Kaede's food was simply sub-par.

She nodded her head and he stared, obviously waiting for her to move aside and let him through. She did so, and watched him walk into their room, appearing abnormally comfortable with the task. He crossed his legs and sat on the floor, then turned to look at her. "What are you waiting for?"

A moment of sanity.

Inuyasha was wearing a white shirt with no pants beneath. The attire was long, yet it revealed pale, strong legs meant for fighting and loving. She narrowed her eyes at them and he chortled. "What's with the glare?"

She looked at the ceiling. "Why are you naked?"

"I'm not friggin' naked. This shirt is practically a kimono."

"But it isn't."

He pointed at the window. "The day is scorching. I'll be damned if I wear anything else. Were we on better terms, I'd be naked."

Her mouth dropped.

Satisfaction claimed his countenance and he showcased it with a toothy grin.

Simmering from both lust and frustration, she masked her features and looked past him. Through him. She could tell it annoyed Inuyasha because he sucked his teeth and growled.

"Eat," he snapped.

When she sat beside him and began to eat, she made no move to take part in his small talk. He tried to ask her how she slept. But he knew that she hadn't done so in some time. Not when he held her. She simply couldn't do it, since his body was like caffeine, enlivening her core. Only when she took expedient naps after meals, did she get some much needed rest. They were enough for the time being, but she could only last so long this way without crashing.

"Miroku and Sango came by to ask how you were doing."

Kagome paused, her chopstick floating near her lips.

"They want to see you. Especially Sango. She worries. Do you want to visit them today?"

Without hesitation, she shook her head. No, she did not wish to see her friend. The woman held no small amount of guilt in her eyes, as she was the one who gave Kagome hope throughout her pregnancy. There were signs. So many signs, indicating that something was wrong, yet she failed to recognize them for herself. Sure, Sango claimed to have experienced them, but the two were different. Sango didn't have trouble conceiving like Kagome did. Every experience should have been met with a visit to Kaede.

Even though Kagome feared seeing her friend, she did not hold any hate nor malice toward her. In fact, she only felt sorry for the fact that Sango was going through so much guilt it showed in the shadows of her face. She wished she could comfort her friend, but how could she do so without even knowing how to comfort herself?

"Sango feels really bad," Inuyasha continued, almost as if he wished to needle a reaction from her. He did that a lot, the bounder. "Looks like it's eating away at her. Miroku told me you would speak to her about the baby. Apparently things were a little strange?"

Kagome looked at him sharply. What did he mean by that?

As if he read her mind, he said, "He says you were bleeding. For demons that's not a common occurrence, Kagome. Humans, sure, I guess. But it's different for a half breed. Or even a quarter breed. If something's wrong from the beginning, things are bound to go bad."

Finally, Kagome spoke, though it came from a hollow place. "So you're telling me, had I spoken to you about this, I would have known about the inevitable death of my child?"

"Our child." He paused. "And yes."

Kagome could feel her lips trembling. A tremor wracked through her, nausea rising, and before she knew what to do, Inuyasha dropped his bowl and held her in his arms. She did not cry; no, she was not yet so far gone as to do that, but all the hurt and pain she was holding back pressured in her mind in an attempt to push through, like water to a hose.

"I know you don't want to hear it, but you're pulling yourself too tight. You have to bend, Kagome."

She shook her head, vehemently withdrawing from him. He looked at her with no small amount of hurt, and it stung. It stung so badly she turned away from him. Images blurred.

A flurry of movement took place behind her. A sigh. Wood scraping against glass. The patter of footsteps. Inuyasha rose up and walked out, taking with him their abandoned plates. When he returned, Kagome felt a smidgen of control over herself and held onto it with a heavy grasp.

He leaned over her. She could feel nothing but his shadow, a dark, looming figure filling her view until there wasn't room for anything else.

"What?" she said.

"Get up."

Kagome stood, knowing that if she refused, Inuyasha would simply grab her. The world knew she couldn't handle his touch since it was a match to her flame. It caused her to remember things better left under the layers of ice and silence.

"We're going out," he said curtly.

She looked at him, noticing he was now donning a pair of red pants. "Where? I don't want to see them."

"We're not going there. I need to walk."

"I don't want to."

"Well, it's boring sitting here with your silence, so either we go for a walk or I'm running with you in my arms. I need to stretch. You choose."

"Can't you do this without me? I won't leave while you go out."

He didn't believe her for one second. But it was true. She wouldn't leave him. She'd changed her mind as soon as she came back home, realizing that a night without Inuyasha could not be handled no matter where she was. She hated to admit this, but she waited for his grasp when the darkness settled, yearning for it even while she yearned to remain cold. But how could she remain cold to so fiery a man? He simply wouldn't let her.

He gave her a sweet look, his dog ears pouting. "Humor me for a sec. I haven't hung out with my friend for too long."

Ice. Melting. No! "You can do it with Miroku."

"Nah. I'd rather run with you."

She gave him no response, and he took it as some form of affirmation, because he left the room. When she did not follow, he stood at the door frame and pointed at the hall. "Let's go."

Exasperated, she followed him through the hall, until he took them to their yard. Kagome immediately noticed how tidy the landscape was. He must have spent hours sheering through the grass, cutting away while the sun bore down on his back. Her eyes widened when she saw the clay pots by the wall, holding up a few of her plants. She remembered how he mentioned that he created these things to protect them. The inevitable rise of fire warmed its way through her wall. It clung to stone and sought to climb.

Inuyasha stood by the green and red plants, arms spread out. "So what do you think?"

"Thank you," she whispered. "I appreciate it."

His chest puffed with obvious pride and he smiled. "Not bad right? I took care of things while you were gone. Did the past me do that?"

No. Often, she would have to beg him to fix anything in the house. Not to say that he was a lazy brute. Of course he wasn't. He often did most of the hunting and heavy lifting, but when it came to simple, menial tasks, he simply couldn't be bothered. Also, his job as a demon fighter stopped him from doing a lot of the work. Which reminded her…

"You used to work as a demon hunter outside of our village. Things like this weren't exactly on your agenda."

His humor went with the wind. "What?"

"You don't just police this village. You help others."

His nostrils flared and she thought this would be the straw that broke the camels back. Surely, he would be angry knowing that she willfully lied to him about his work. It had led to many a boring night for him, after all.

"I knew it!" he shouted to the sky. "I knew I had other things to do." He gave her an arched look, one she had not expected. "You were afraid I'd get hurt again so you tried to keep me from going, right? I get it."

Who the hell was this person? How could he be so understanding, so cooperative? She lied to him. They had many faults, but untruths were never a problem in their relationship because they simply did not happen.

"You're not... Upset?"

"Tiny bit." He shrugged. "I figured there had to be more since nothing ever happens here. But then I just didn't care anymore, cause we started hunting and that made up for a lot."

"But I lied to you."

Anger formed in his golden eyes, alerting her of the fact that it truly had filled him with displeasure, but he was giving her a pass. "Make sure you don't do it again."

Didn't she want him to feel this way though? It would separate them, finally giving her a chance to live in solitude to think by herself. To rebuild.

"I think-"

He waved her words away and turned toward the back gate. "On to the next walk." He gestured for her to follow. "Come."

Disgruntled and beyond peeved by her husband's antics, she followed behind him. "Where are we going now?"

He chose not to reply, moving further and further away from their home; far even from Kaede's. A paved path stretched before them, surrounded by trees and shrubbery. The air was clean, permeated with comforting fragrances of life and vitality. Mixtures of Sakura and Japanese maples abounded, leading them toward a plethora of green fauna with new scents to embrace.

The walk was turning into a balm for Kagome's spirit, and she managed to feel more at peace here than anywhere else. Such a thing confused her, but it made sense in a way; for the relationship of the two had been solidified while wandering the many roads of feudal Japan. It felt somewhat like another home to her, but only worked if he was near. As he was. In fact, he had fallen in step beside her, while saying nothing. A whistle or two passed his lips, music mixing with the sounds of day. His footprints patted the ground, marching to the same beat as her own.

She didn't know how to process him this way, and began to walk faster. But he did not wish to fall behind, and met her without qualm. When she picked up her speed, he matched it, again and again, until she found herself jogging. A smile teased at his lips, and she felt a rush of adrenaline flutter from within. A challenge was at the ready, and she took to it with a quickness.

Suddenly, Kagome was running. Where to, she hadn't a clue. She simply let herself run. And she ran past trees, their green and brown molds forming a picture that would not change. Not until she banked to the right of their path, and came to a fork, one side leading toward a hill; the other still straight. She chose the more taxing route, and pushed herself forward. Inuyasha remained beside her, never one to lag behind. They climbed that lengthy hill, her breath whooshing from her lips, yet providing a sense of clarity that could not fall away. She had a goal set; one that propelled her to the top. She embraced every kiss of the wind, every song that was sung by a bird on high.

When finally she came to it, she looked out toward the view ahead, and rested, taking in the satisfaction that came with this accomplishment.

Inuyasha stood close to her, arms crossed, breath relaxed. She would have envied his composure had the rush not satisfied her so much. She should have done this ages ago. Who knew running could make one feel at peace, even if it lasted merely a few seconds. She made sure to take a mental note to do this again some time. Maybe every day.

The sun was at an angle from the horizon. It was not yet noon, yet the sphere continued to climb, and its rays branched and arched. She followed one in particular as it caused a rock to shimmer. It stood close to her, almost beckoning. With brows furrowed, she went toward the object, then gasped at what she saw.

Inuyasha wasn't sure whether Kagome would be pleased with the place he'd buried their baby. When she fell unconscious after having that miscarriage, he had to decide where to place the tiny bundle of love. He thought long and hard about the prime location. It had to be somewhere they could visit any day; one, as well, filled with meaning. He'd managed to bring the list down to two settings: their yard and this place.

His decision came fairly swiftly when he visited the hill a few weeks ago, and noticed how the sun stretched out its golden rays, setting the area aglow. It appeared to him like a piece of heaven, and he knew instantly that it was the perfect place to put their child to rest.

He had waited for Kagome to awaken, but when she did, she was so empty and withdrawn, she did not wish to respond to anything he said, not even when he brought up their child. So he took things into his own hands, and carried their boy up the hill. He buried him at the heavenly spot where their first date took place. Where he'd first experienced a sense of euphoria with the angel who was his mother.

At this moment, her hands covered her mouth. She said nothing, but if he listened close, he could hear her throbbing heartbeat, pulsating strong and heavy. Her eyes roamed the silver slab and a suspicious sheen covered her orbs. He took a step toward her, then stopped, letting her have a moment to take in all that she could without any disturbance.

Suddenly, she fell to her knees and her body let loose a tremor with a force that worried him. He raced forward and knelt beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. He could see her eyes more clearly, but saw no tears. He knew that they threatened to fall from their precipice, but she continued to hold herself back for some odd reason.

He turned away from her and looked down, seeing the silver slab he'd marked. On its face, he'd written words, hoping at the time that she would appreciate it.

Herein lies the son of Inuyasha and Kagome:

Beloved on earth

He soars with stars and taught us

Death is not the end

"I didn't know what to call him so I just put what I could," he told her, though his voice was strained from emotion. "I wanted to set him in an area where our memories tied us together."

She had no words.

"I never knew him, Kagome. But I held him, and in that moment, a sense of clarity I never felt before surrounded me. For a moment- that one moment- a dream greater than anything I could have concocted became a reality. You gave that to me."

Finally, she lifted her gaze to meet his. Her heart was in her eyes, every broken piece of it waiting to fall. He would catch it all without fail.

"What did I give you?" she said, her voice a tremulous whisper.

"A family. A home. I've been alone for most of my life, but you changed all of that with your strength and your smile." He stopped to swallow. "I think I need those things in my life."

Kagome breathed slowly, fighting the downpour. "How do you know?"

His smile was bittersweet. "I've been without you for two weeks now, haven't I? And it's been hell. Like I've lost a damned foot. I've nowhere else to go. Nowhere to turn but to you."

Suddenly, all the sorrow he felt filled his gaze and he could not help what happened next, as tears quickly began to fall.

"You hurt me, Kagome." She gasped, but he continued. "I thought I'd lost you the day we lost our baby, but that wasn't true, was it? I've been slowly losing you each and every day with no way to save you from this hurt, and I can hardly stand it. I wanted that baby and I lost him, but I can't afford to lose you, too. You're my... You're my friend." He shook his head. "No. More than that. You're so much more. Can't you see?" he implored. "I've watched you hide yourself within some sort of barricade, fighting against the pain you've gone through, but I'm here. And I want in. I'm so sorry I failed you. But I won't- not again."

Kagome was undone. She'd assumed Inuyasha had not been terribly effected by their son's death. He hadn't known him. How could he? But now she realized how foolish and selfish she was to think that he did not suffer. Of course he loved their baby. Even if he couldn't remember their past, family meant everything to him for it was something he lacked for too long.

She was such a fool. A fool who lost sight of her husband's feelings simply because she could not handle her own. He must have felt so lonely during this time, having her abandon him the way she did. The idea of it simply tore her to pieces, and the wall she'd built came tumbling down with a crash, opening her to all emotion. Yet the feelings she had grown to fear did not engulf her, nor did they destroy. Instead, they were overpowered by the love and concern she felt for her husband: a strong, powerful half demon who stood here now, weeping at her feet.

Though tears came unbidden, she didn't care for them as much as she did his. So she lifted her hand and brushed away the water streaming down his cheeks. At her touch, Inuyasha gasped and stopped the current from flowing. Then he latched onto her hand, clasping it with his own. He kissed it ardently, reveling in the feel.

He tried to speak, but his emotions had taken a hold of him and he could hardly say a word past, "I feel..."

But she knew what he was trying to tell her and her blackened heart made way for something that felt foreign after all this time.

It felt like joy.

But how could she let herself feel this way while standing by the grave of their baby? How could you lose so much in life, yet still find a way to be happy?

Because that was life, she realized with a sense of awe. Each and every moment was as precious as the next, but none held a promise of constant euphoria. Like a roller coaster, experiences took you to new heights. Suddenly, they could undulate with the birth of a new moment, and bring you down, down below the surface. But she had always found a way to come back up, hadn't she? Always.

And here Inuyasha stood, despite all he had gone through, willing to go on that ride with her no matter the cost. Could she ask for anything more? It had always been what she wanted most; was the very reason she remained with him.

They'd lost so much, but perhaps... Perhaps they could find a way to gain new things. Wonderful things.

"I'm sorry," she wept. "So sorry."

"Don't," he pleaded. "Don't apologize."

"I was afraid. So afraid to open up. I don't want to let him go."

"You don't have to," he insisted. "He'll always be with us."

He was right. Oh, he was so very right. How had she ever let herself succumb to this bone numbing sorrow, letting it take control? It blinded her from seeing her husband's care and concern; not only that, it blinded her from rationalizing things properly.

Mourning did not exacerbate loss. Instead, it sought to assuage it.

When she moved her hand away from his cheek, he kept his grasp on it firm and placed it on his lap. Quietly, she rested her head on his shoulder. His breath hitched and he found himself humbled by her touch. If time could be frozen, he wanted it to stay in this frame forever. He wrapped an arm around her form and moved her close to him. She didn't push him away nor did she reject his touch, and he had to breathe slowly lest he let the tiny action destroy his sense of calm.

Shadows lifted as the sun reached its peak, and Kagome watched the colors that blanketed the grassy surface. She whispered about its beauty, witnessing how every darkened corner was brought to light. But Inuyasha reasoned, there was nothing more beautiful to him than this woman who was his and his alone.

They spent hours reveling in the quiet company of the earth, sky and each-other. Kagome didn't say much to Inuyasha, nor did he to her. Which was odd considering how her silence had been a bane for weeks. But now they were together, and so long as this continued, Inuyasha hadn't a qualm about a thing. He wanted to enjoy her in whatever way he could, and basked in the blissful afterglow that came with knowing he had finally done something right by her.

During some moments, she would caress the small mount, letting herself connect with the baby as best she could. He still could not imagine the hurt she felt, for a mother's love was something he would never understand, but he was so damned thankful that she let him take part in her mourning. He was able to hold her in his arms, and in turn, mourn himself for the loss of one he loved at first sight.

Suddenly, Inuyasha heard a grumble erupt from Kagome's stomach, alerting him of her hunger.

He laughed softly, amazed that he could feel so light and free despite all that passed, and said, "Looks like it's time to eat again."

Her lips twitched. She moved away from the stone and sat up. "I'm sorry. My appetite has become pretty voracious since the-" She stopped short, but forced herself to voice it. If Inuyasha could be strong despite everything, then so could she. Still, it took a lot to work pass the knot in her throat. She cleared it. "Uh. Baby."

"Ain't an issue. I'll cook up somethin'." He then jumped with excitement. "Or how about we go huntin'?"

She canted her head to one side. "Could we reschedule? I'd like to prepare myself for our date."

He floundered for words while turning crimson. The woman simply had no idea how much that meant to him.

"You don't have to get fancy or anything," he mumbled.

"I would like to freshen up though."

Once again, he was at a loss for words.

Her gaze was unrelenting and he wondered if she was teasing him when she asked, "Would you like to join me?" But she was all seriousness. Not a spec of humor swam in her eyes, and she seemed rather coy, almost hesitant.

He gulped. "Uh. What do you mean?"

"I wish to bathe."

"I-I... Uh. Should I have Rin tag along, that way you won't do it alone?"

"No."

"I see." Well, he would see.

"Don't worry, Inuyasha. I just want your company."

Or not.

He didn't exactly know how to feel about this. Yes, he wanted to see Kagome in all her naked glory, if that is what she meant by asking if he could join. But was he ready to?

His answer came swiftly. Yes. Hell yes.

Even now, he could imagine her skin dripping with water. Her pale, enlarged breasts would spread from their confines after discarding her shirt. She would lower the garment and all else to her toes. Her waist would reveal an access point toward heaven, pink and white skin pulsing for his connection.

"Okay," he rasped, his anticipation for what was to come a now feverish itch. "Let's go."

Inuyasha had no idea the village was within proximity of at least five cool springs. He'd ventured in and around it often, yet never caught sight of any springs to dip his toes in. Had he known, he would have spent more time out there while Kagome recovered. Would've done him some good to sit in the coolness of the blue instead of simmer in the heat.

Of course, he could not have found them if not for Kagome, for they were hidden in a way, behind the underbrush of a patch in the forest.

When they arrived, Inuyasha made sure to look away from Kagome, giving her time to undress, while also hating the fact that he could not find an ounce of bravery to view her nudity without acting like a teenager. If he had his memories, he would have probably helped his woman undress. Yes, definitely that's what he would have done. Or even better, he would have ripped the clothes off of her body and make love to her before they'd even enter the pool. They were enclosed in a circular fortress of green that none could see through. It was perfect.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the pool ripple at Kagome's entrance. He could hear the water lap over her body as she hummed gently with a soft murmur of satisfaction.

He realized then that he created a monster. One bent on the destruction of his pants, for surely they would rip from the hard-on he sported. Blood heated in his veins. Muscles hardened with pleasured strain. Should he sit cross legged in an attempt to hide his burden? Wasn't like she saw it anyway since his back was toward her. Yeah, if he stood this way, he'd be perfectly safe from her seductive probing.

His body seemed at odds with his head, because it ached to join Kagome. Even now, he could hear that odd voice telling him to jump into the pool and swim with Kagome's passion. The thoughts of what they could do enveloped his mind. Some even seemed like memories, and he snatched them, hoping they wouldn't pass through his fingers. Maybe if he kept this up, they'd all return.

One vision had Kagome on her back, holding him as he moved himself inside of her. She whispered his name gently, tugging on his hair. He could hear himself grunting, and almost let out a moan of agony. Another vision quickly came, this time with Kagome letting him take her in the back of their house. The sky was dark and none could see what they were doing, so he took advantage of his woman, bathing in her groans.

"Inuyasha?"

He blinked, his focus returning to the present. His eyes stared at bushes, but his body was attuned to her every move.

"Yeah?" he croaked.

"Would you like to join?"

Nah. That's okay. I'd rather stand here and have my cock explode.

Of course he wanted to join her! He nodded stiffly and slowly turned around.

He had few goals in life, but from here on forward, he would strive to remember this image of her for the rest of his days. If any sought to erase his memory, there would be hell to pay. Her body simply shimmered in the sunlight, her skin painted by white reflections. Her brown hair was let loose, covering the curve of her breasts, though half of it was already beneath the surface of the still waters. Until she moved her hand up and motioned for him to come closer. Ripples formed, waves reaching toward him, begging for a swim.

His knees went weak and his skin flared up with goosebumps. Water drops plopped onto the pool, meeting his pulse with equal rhythms. Plop-plop. Plop-plop. Plop-plop. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. Thump-thump. The sounds meshed with a rush of wind. Kagome shivered slightly, and a pink pointed nipple peaked above the undulating rolls.

He gulped. She was watching him as he stared, a slight question on her brows. His lips tilted, a shy smile tugging at the end. Without a word, she rolled her head back and turned her vision to the sky. She was giving him a chance to take off his clothes without her perusal. He was thankful for the gesture because it allowed him to undress with haste.

He dropped his clothes to the ground, then moved them to the side with his foot. He entered the water and gasped as the cold nipped his heated flesh.

"It's cold," he said aloud. So cold his raging hard-on had lost its, er, rage.

"You'll get used to it," she said.

He waded toward her, then rested against the rock wall, merely inches from her thigh. She turned her head toward him, and he noticed a shadow of red on her cheeks. Her lashes spiked and blinked slowly, looking down to his chest. Quiet descended between the two, as not a one had a thing to say. Then Kagome closed her eyes with a sigh.

He took an opportunity to observe her better, marveling at the sight he beheld. She was beauty personified, all he could ever wish for. In a moment, she would be his. Had he the temerity to bring up the subject, of course. His body soon began to grow accustomed to the temperature and blood flowed down to his groin, bringing to life his cock once more.

She opened one eye and peaked at him, asking, "Now you're the quiet one?"

He smiled sheepishly. "I don't know what to say."

"Does the water feel good?"

"Getting used to it."

"It's relaxing."

There was nothing less relaxing than bathing with Kagome.

"Sure."

She closed her eyes again and breathed. Then she raised her legs to her chest and wrapped her arms around them, clasping the two together. What was she thinking? "You okay?"

One eye opened. "As good as I can be."

"What can I do to help?"

She opened her mouth, then closed it. Opened. Closed. He smiled because it reminded him of a fish. Then she grimaced and said, "I'm kind of sore."

He frowned. "Where?" He hadn't noticed anything ailing her before. She seemed relatively healthy, all things considered.

She lowered her mouth to her knees. Water leveled on her lips and she blew, setting up bubbles. "Kagome?"

"Legs. Shoulders. Brrst."

The last was cut off by the water she bubbled and he gave her a bemused look. "What?"

"Brrst," she said again.

"Kagome, I can't understand. What do you-"

"Breast," she told him. "Breast. My breast are tender."

He had no words, his ability to speak somewhere lost in space. Her face was flushed, red suffusing itself into her cheeks. In fact, the more he stared, the more he saw how red the whole of her became. "H-how do we fix this?"

"Massage, I guess?"

He gave her a curt nod and she turned her back to him, giving him full access to the curvature of her spine. He lifted his hands slowly, feeling himself trembling. He shook them before he touched her, forcing himself to calm, yet finding the task to be futile in effort. Thankfully, when his fingers met her cool, soft shoulders, the shaking stopped and he was able to move his hands softly along her back, letting his palm scavenge the places he thought seemed most tense. And there were many. With reason. With all that occurred, she was sure to be hardened. Was it possible to melt her? He would find out.

He continued his ministrations, quickly finding a sense of calm with what he was doing. It felt familiar, even the curves of her figure, and when he felt her release the stress that came from her ordeals, he stopped his massaging, and began to caress her skin, moving his fingers tenderly, reverently, around her flesh. She had a number of birth marks strewn across her back, and he slid his fingers along each one, continuing this process until he heard her moan.

She turned around then, her face flushed with pleasure and a whirlwind of passion. His hands were left midair but she held onto one and moved it slowly, torturously toward the curve of her breast. She whispered to him, "Touch me here?"

"Kagome," he breathed. "I don't know."

At his hesitation, she dropped his hand and it plopped into the water. Embarrassed, she turned away. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's too early."

But that wasn't true! His mind knew it and his heart definitely felt it. He was ready for Kagome. So very ready to begin anew with this woman. But he hesitated. Why did he hesitate? Because he couldn't help but wonder if she was ready for him. An image claimed him, one he could never seem to run from. Her on the cot, skin ashen, eyes closed. Blood between her thighs. Kaede weeping.

He rested his hands on his thighs and clenched his fingers. He wanted Kagome so desperately but he had to take her trauma into consideration. Surely, she needed more time to heal. He didn't want to muck this up.

Why not ask?

Okay. "Is this okay? Are you sure you want this?"

She met his gaze with brown orbs that warmed him from the top of his head to the soles of his feet and said, "Always."

There's your answer. Go.

He relented and touched her, cupping her breast with one hand. His breath came harsh, emotion laden on his tongue. "How's this?" He let his finger circle a nipple and it perked while he stroked. "Does it feel better?"

"Yes," was her husky reply. "I've been pretty sore there because of the-"

"I understand."

He reached for the other breast and marveled at the feel of her skin in his hands. Sure enough, they were sore, yet unbelievably tender, for every circle caused her to emit a moan which made him shiver with unquenched lust.

He took them both in one hand and drew her into him, moving his other hand along the ridge of her spine. Up and down he moved, side to side he roamed, until she trembled from his touch so much, her legs lost their balance and she toppled to his chest. But he caught her, keeping his promise to never let her go.

She looked up at him then, brown meeting gold, this time lost in the fervor and fire he somehow managed to ignite. But she burned him far more intensely when she told him with a whisper:

"Take me home, Inuyasha... Take me home."