InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Home for Kagome ❯ Together ( Chapter 9 )

DISCLAIMER: Rumiko Takahashi, now and forever, owns 'Inuyasha' and all characters involved. I, now and forever, own nothing but my own twisted plot and any original characters I might add. Hope this settles any confusion. Please don't sue me, I'm broke.

 

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Well here it is, the long awaited Lemon chapter! Enjoy!

 

Updated chapter, proofread by my wonderful beta, Chanda.

 

Chapter 9 - Together

 

It appeared that the Innkeeper was right; he did have plenty of rooms. It appeared that every single guest he had—had fled the village, after being freed from Naraku. The place was virtually empty, save for the innkeeper himself, his wife, and their two daughters. Still, dinner that night was a sight to behold, as every remaining person in the village chipped in, making it a feast worthy enough to honour their saviours. Kagome honestly couldn't remember the last time she felt so full. All of the food was delicious, and it appeared her friends all agreed — although Inuyasha predicably mumbled something about the food not being ramen. Fortunately, no one but Kagome — who was sitting right next to him, had heard. In all, dinner was a very pleasant affair.

 

Following dinner, the gang retired for the night, tired after a long day of travelling, and the battle at the end. The innkeeper was still trying to please, and felt the need to give each of the adults, their own room for the night. Although, they were used to sharing accommodations, and in fact rather preferred it that (this) way when in a strange place, they didn't want to offend the innkeeper after he'd been so generous. Besides, even Inuyasha felt that the villagers wouldn't try anything. All he could smell from them was a deep gratitude for their rescue, there wasn't even a hint of hostility from the townspeople.

 

Kagome had expected that Shippo would want to sleep in her room, but the kitsune pup surprised her, and asked if he could sleep with Sango. He explained that despite the fact that Sango seemed okay, he was worried she would still be sad over Kohaku's death, and might want some company tonight.

 

Shippo knew full well the pain that came with losing your family, and wanted to be close to Sango in case she needed anything. Having similar concerns herself and feeling rather proud of her young charge for his thoughtfulness, Kagome agreed!

 

Now though, as Kagome lay there in the dark silence of her room, she started to feel extremely lonely. She realised with something of a shock, that she hadn't been alone for more than maybe a few minutes at a time for months. Ever since her attack, her family and friends, most especially Inuyasha, had constantly surrounded her. Now that she was alone, she missed their presence. And yet (and this was another cause for surprise), she wasn't scared being alone as she had been, in the past. Maybe it was the battle today, and, how she'd successfully stood up to Naraku. But, now she felt more confident in herself than she had in a long time.

 

With this realisation, Kagome, had felt so much better than she had in a long time — but, she still missed her friend's company. After about half an hour, or more of lying there, she realised that she simply wasn't going to be getting any sleep if she continued to lie here alone. With a small sigh, she got up and headed to the door, wondering if Inuyasha might still be awake.

 

###

 

Inuyasha was indeed still awake and deep in thought. Their hosts had provided Inuyasha with a futon, which sat set up in the middle of the room, however, he wasn't using it. Instead, Inuyasha was in his usual position for when he slept indoors sitting Indian style against the far wall, Tetsusaiga resting comfortably against his shoulder.

 

Inuyasha's thoughts didn't rest — as one might suppose — on the battle with Naraku, or even with Kiyo's death; his thoughts were all focused on Kagome. He'd been so proud of her today. Not just because it was her arrow that weakened Naraku to the point that they could easily kill him, or because she'd single-handedly freed the villagers — though he did feel no small amount of pride in her for that. But what he was proudest of was how she had stood up to Naraku like she did, and shot down all his accusations of her. He knew all too well, that not so long ago, she would have likely broken down crying at such insinuations. Hell! Not to long ago, she would have believed them. Today however, it had simply filled her with a righteous anger that increased her powers tenfold. She was so brave and so strong today. Inuyasha half felt like he would've broken down crying, from tears of pure joy — had Naraku not still been alive at the time, that is. It had taken, six and a half long months, but it looked like the old Kagome was finally back.

 

A small, selfish part of him couldn't help but wonder if she was recovering so well…, when would she be ready to become his mate? Inuyasha forcibly pushed that thought aside though. He couldn't afford to think about that! Kagome said that she'd let him know when she was ready. He knew without a doubt by now that Kagome did want to become his mate, but that she still needed time — time, that he'd gladly give her! After all, she was more than worth the wait.

 

A moment later Inuyasha was pulled from his thoughts by the sound of a soft tapping on the door. Giving a quick sniff in the direction of the door, Inuyasha instantly recognised the scent as the one he would've known anywhere. He was somewhat surprised that he hadn't sensed her earlier

 

“Come on in, Kagome.” He called, loud enough for her weak human hearing to pick up, but also quiet enough that his voice wouldn't carry past her.

 

Kagome opened the door quietly, and entered the room with a soft smile on her face. Inuyasha smiled back, confused by why she was here but in no way unhappy to see her.

 

“What's up?” Inuyasha asked, as Kagome moved to sit against the wall, next to him.

 

“I couldn't sleep,” Kagome admitted. “I'm just not used to sleeping alone anymore. Would it be okay if I stayed here tonight?”

 

“Keh…, you have to ask?!” Inuyasha asked in a huff. Kagome smiled, snuggling comfortably into his shoulder while Inuyasha returned the smile and wrapped his arm lovingly around her.

 

The two sat there in companionable silence for a few minutes until something Kagome had been meaning to ask Inuyasha for a while now suddenly popped into her mind.

 

“Inuyasha…?”

 

“Yeah…”

 

“Exactly, how does, Inu Youkai mating work…?”

 

If Inuyasha hadn't already been sitting down, he felt like he would've fallen due to the abrupt question. “Uhh…?” He said, confused, before he managed to shake off his surprise and said gently. “We don't have to talk about this now, Kagome. I'm willing to wait as long as I need to for you! I don't want to put any kind of pressure on you.” He had felt the way Kagome had tensed up, as she asked that, and could easily smell how nervous she was.

 

Kagome, however, shook her head. “I want to know!” She said firmly. “I've been meaning to ask you for sometime now, but the timing never seemed right. Sango didn't know anything…other than, the fact that your kind mate for life.”

 

Hmm… so Sango's the one she'd gotten her information from? Inuyasha thought to himself. He debated with himself for a moment, before he decided to answer…

 

“You probably should know everything, before you make your final decision, on whether or not you want to be with me.” Inuyasha said, somewhat reluctantly. He was a little worried that what he was about to say might make Kagome change her mind about becoming his mate. “Each species of Youkai has their own special customs, and ceremonies, for taking a mate. Did Sango tell you that most Youkai exchange blood?”

 

Kagome gulped slightly and nodded; suddenly nervous again. Sango had previously explained that most higher-level Youkai had to bite each other during mating — exchanging blood. While Kagome wasn't exactly thrilled about the idea of having Inuyasha's fangs in her flesh, she knew that if Inuyasha had to do that he would try to be as gentle with her as he possibly could — she knew Inuyasha would never want to hurt her, and if he could, he'd avoid it.

 

“Inu Youkai don't do that!” Inuyasha continued, quickly. He had instantly noticed the increased scent of fear coming off her, and inwardly cursed himself for causing it. “Inu Youkai have instead a Soul Bond, in which I would have to consciously allow my aura to bond with yours. If you were a normal human, yours would bond with mine automatically, but because you're a Miko and have control over your aura I think you'd have to consciously allow this to happen as well.”

 

Kagome thought that over for a moment. That sounded fine to her, more than fine. Although she'd been willing to let Inuyasha bite he if that had been what was necessary for the two of them to be together she was thankful to be spared the experience. However, Inuyasha wasn't finished just yet.

 

“But Kagome, there is something you have to know about this.” He said his voice deadly serious. “A Soul Bond is far deeper than a Blood Bond. If you allowed your soul to bond with mine you would be bound to me for life! Neither of us could ever be with another, and if we tried… it would cause the both of us to experience great pain. Even if this weren't the case, I swear, I would always stay true to you Kagome — but you have to know! There would be no changing your mind later, and there's no `divorce' with a Youkai Mating! You would be mine forever, just as I would be yours. Even if one of us were to die, the bond would still be in place.”

 

Kagome frowned a little at that. It wasn't that she was upset about the idea of only being with Inuyasha for the rest of her life. Like him, she couldn't imagine ever wanting to be with someone else. However, what he said left her feeling very confused about some things.

 

“Wait, if that's true…then what about Sesshomaru?” Kagome asked, her voice conveying her confusion. “How can you be here, after your father…?”

 

“Sesshomaru's mother was never our father's mate.” Inuyasha interrupted, knowing full well where this was going. He had asked Myouga that same question, when the old demon had insisted on telling Inuyasha all about Inu Youkai mating rituals nearly a century ago. At the time Inuyasha had tried to get out of the conversation as he believed he would never find anyone willing to become his mate, and he found the whole conversation an embarrassing and painful subject. Now though, he was rather glad that the old flea had for once refused to take no for an answer.

 

“Ha…?” Kagome asked, looking even more confused. “What do you mean?”

 

“Sesshomaru's mother was never our father's mate.” Inuyasha repeated. “Apparently, father's advisors at the time were worried about his lack of an heir, but he had no desire to take a mate at the time. Instead he entered into a `Contract Union' with the eldest daughter of one of his generals. The deal was, she would produce him a strong male heir, and she would be rewarded with her own estate. From what I hear, unions like that are fairly common with High Born Inu Youkai. Because of the Soul Bonding, Inu Youkai are especially unwilling to mate for anything less than love but they still recognise the need for heirs. I think that's another reason why Sesshomaru hates me. My parents loved each other, but his were only together as part of a business deal.”

 

Kagome never thought she would feel sorry for Sesshomaru, but now she did. Inuyasha was right, no wonder Sesshomaru was so bitter towards his brother.

 

Suddenly, another thought occurred to Kagome.

 

“But…wait a minute, Inuyasha!” She said worried, and more than a little sad. “I'm human and my life will be so much shorter than yours. Are you saying that you could never take another mate, or even be with another woman after I'm gone?” The thought of Inuyasha being alone forever, long after she died of old age, saddened her more than she could possibly say.

 

“Um…yeah…about that…” Inuyasha said, suddenly nervous. “The thing is Kagome, if you become my mate, if I join your soul to mine, you won't age like a human anymore. You'll gain my lifespan.”

 

Kagome was silent for a minute, as what Inuyasha had said, slowly sunk in. “Wait, are you saying that I'd become immortal?” Kagome asked, shocked.

 

Inuyasha shook his head. “I'm not immortal Kagome. All I can do is bond you to a hanyou's lifespan. You'll age slower, we'll probably live serval centuries at least. But we would still eventually die of old age.”

 

Kagome was silent as she thought all this over; it was a lot to take in — several hundred years of being with Inuyasha? Kagome could think of nothing that would make her happier.

 

Inuyasha, meanwhile, was growing increasingly worried by her silence. Why wasn't she saying anything? Was she having second thoughts? Just as he was thinking he couldn't take her silence anymore, her scent abruptly changed to happy and she turned to look at him with a huge smile on her face. Inuyasha smiled back, relieved. He had his answer.

 

Leaning down, he gave Kagome a gentle kiss on the lips. He had meant it to be short and sweet, but Kagome obviously had other ideas as she kissed him back with far more passion than Inuyasha was expecting. Surprised at first, Inuyasha quickly recovered and kissed her back with equal passion, all the while sternly reminding himself not to go too far. He didn't want to risk scaring her.

 

Kagome was quietly amazed by her own behaviour; it wasn't like her to be so forward. But this just felt so right, and she had waited far too long, that she didn't care. She felt a vague sense of desperation as she continued the kiss, needing to know whether he still wanted her after all this time. She even went one step further and started probing his lips with her tongue, pleading for entry. It was given.

 

Inuyasha meanwhile, was shocked by her aggressive behaviour. When he allowed her tongue to enter into his mouth, he did so by instinct only. He could barely believe that his precious Kagome was kissing him like this. If it wasn't for the scent he knew as well as his own, he wouldn't believe it. He could sense the desperation in her as she deepened the kiss and he wasn't going to deny her. He was somewhat hesitant as he slipped his own tongue into her mouth, but he relaxed and become bolder as she moaned appreciatively. He was quickly finding himself becoming aroused, but promised himself that he would go no further than she wanted. Tonight, she would be the one calling all the shots.

 

Kagome felt like she was in pure heaven, as she pressed herself even closer to Inuyasha, trying to make them one. Here she was, embroiled in a passionate kiss with the man she loved! She couldn't believe just seven months ago, she had truly believed he would likely never want to be with her. She was so happy, so turned on, as she explored his mouth with her tongue while he in turn explored hers. She ran her tongue over his fangs carefully, loving the feel of them. All at once, she didn't want to wait anymore. She was ready to become his mate.

 

When Inuyasha felt Kagome pull away from him, at first he worried that he had inadvertently done something to scare her. However, there was no fear in her scent only joy and… was that AROUSAL!? He was trying to tell his body to calm down, that he must be mistaken, when he felt her gently take his hand and she pulled him over to the futon in the middle of the room.

 

“Ka- Kagome?” Inuyasha stuttered. He refused to let himself believe that this meant what his body hoped it meant. He would not assume anything.

 

“I'm ready Inuyasha…” Kagome said quietly, suddenly feeling shy, yet no less determined to go through with this. “I'm ready to become your mate!”

 

“Are…are you sure?” Inuyasha asked, worried. His body was more than willing to go ahead, but his heart and mind refused to go any further unless she was one hundred precent ready for this. “I don't want you to think you have to do anything you're not ready for. I don't want to push you.”

 

“You're not!” She said, firmly, yet she couldn't stop smiling; she was so touched by his concern for her. Of course, from Inuyasha she wouldn't expect anything less. “I really want this Inuyasha.”

 

That said; she leaned forward to capture his lips in another kiss. Though he was still worried, Inuyasha returned the kiss. As Kagome leaned back to lie on the futon, Inuyasha silently promised himself that he would back off the second he detected any fear or hesitation in his love, even if it killed him.

 

Lying besides her, slightly on top, Inuyasha somewhat hesitantly reached out to gently knead her left breast, his touch becoming more confident as she moaned with pleasure. Inuyasha's mouth left Kagome's, as he started to caress her neck with his lips. His kisses grew steadily lower, past her collarbone, and down to the top edges of her breasts — which, thanks to the tank top she had chosen to wear to bed were quite visible in this position.

 

Kagome was making sure that she did nothing that could be misunderstood as being a rejection. She was loving every minute of his attention, as she moaned his name and several non-verbal groans in pure pleasure. Raising her own hands, she reached within the folds of Inuyasha's haori and undershirt, parting them so she could caress the bare chest underneath. Deciding that it still wasn't enough, Kagome sat up slightly to remove her top.

 

Inuyasha felt like he was in heaven. The taste of Kagome, the scent of her arousal, the feel of her hands caressing his chest; it all threatened to overwhelm him. He felt a brief moment of panic when Kagome pushed him back slightly and sat up, wondering if she was having second thoughts. His worries were quickly (and happily) thrown out the window, however, when she simply removed her top before lying back down. She wasn't wearing a bra, having already removed it while getting ready for bed. The sight of her bare breasts was almost enough to make Inuyasha start drooling like a real dog. Inuyasha was just about to join her when he decided fair was fair, and removed his own shirts.

 

The sensation of skin against skin as Inuyasha lay back down instantly stroked the fires burning in both their desires. Inuyasha brought his mouth back up to ravage Kagome's, while his hands moved to once more gently yet firmly knead her breasts, this time without the barrier of her clothing in the way.

 

Kagome's hands were not ideal either, as she ran them up and down her soon-to-be-mate's back, relishing the feel of his muscular body. After a minute, her hands travelled further up, to the top of his head. There she did what she always wanted to do, as she started to firmly rub his ears. Part of her was expecting him to do what he always did, and pull out of her grasp, so she was surprised when instead he leaned into her hands and let out a low growl that sounded suspiciously like a purr.

 

Inuyasha could barely believe the pleasurable sensations that ran through him, as Kagome continued to rub his ears. Kami, how long had it been since someone had touched his ears like that? Certainly not since his mother had died. In the past, when people touched his ears it had always been to pull or twist them painfully. He had almost forgotten that they could also be a source of great pleasure as well. Kagome knew how to rub them just right, and he happily leaned further into her grasp to encourage her, unconsciously letting out a low growl of contentment.

 

Inuyasha was almost disappointed when her hands left his ears. He didn't stay that way for long though, as he felt her hands travel down his chest and then past his stomach. He couldn't help but gasp when he felt her hand caress his length through the fabric of his pants. When she pulled on him through his hakama, he almost lost it then and there. Unable to take much more, he found himself diving down to engulf her left breast in his mouth.

 

Kagome was surprised but in no way displeased when Inuyasha's mouth suddenly came down to cover her breast. Kagome let out another moan of pleasure as she arched her back to give him better access. Inuyasha was relieved that she was clearly not displeased by his actions, and continued to suckle on her breast until the nipple was swollen and red and he turned to give the same attention to her right breast. After a few minutes of this he backed off slightly, just enough so he could look at her. She was flushed with passion and panting slightly, already covered in a thin sheen of sweat. Inuyasha felt he had never seen anything more beautiful as he once more leaned down to kiss her again.

 

Kagome kissed him back with equal passion, but she still wanted more. Taking his hand in her own, she gently lead it down to the waistband of her pants and then within them. Feeling her wetness through her panties, Inuyasha couldn't help but feel a surge of pride that he had done this to her. No one could make themselves this wet if they weren't truly into it. Gently, he massaged her lower region through the cloth, until he realised just how desperately he wanted more. Praying she wouldn't become afraid by what he was planning, he tucked his hand under her panties to touch her directly, remembering to be careful of his claws. Far from objecting, Kagome spread her legs further and bent her knees to give him better access.

 

After a couple of minutes, Inuyasha removed his hand. Kagome couldn't help but give a low whine of disproval at his action, but quickly became excited again when she felt him gently pulling off her pants and underwear, and she happily lifted her hips in order to make it easier for him. When she was completely bare, he took another moment to fully relish her beauty before moving his hand to gently finger her again. He traced her edges until he found her nub, which was on its way to becoming erect as well. Gently, he rubbed it with his finger, examining the changing expressions on Kagome's face as he touched her in different ways. He explored Kagome to the fullest, placing a finger inside of her, all the while mindful not to hurt her with his claws. He soon joined his first finger with a second, and then wiggled them inside of her, feeling her inner muscles contract at her command. He used his thumb to continue to massage her nub, all the while staring at Kagome's face, reading her pleasure, and seeing her love.

 

Still, it wasn't enough. “Kami, Kagome.” He said, sounding somewhat breathless. “I, I want to taste you.”

 

“I'd like that.” She said, sounding breathless herself.

 

Barely able to believe she was consenting to this, Inuyasha removed his fingers and brought them to his mouth, licking off her juices. The taste instantly had him craving more, and he lowered his face to her opening. He took a moment to take a deep breath, relishing her scent, before making contact with his tongue. As she let out a gasp of pleasure, he wanted to come right then in his hakama. He started lapping at her frantically, swirling his tongue around her nub, and then delving it inside her depths. Placing his hands upon her inner thighs, he commanded her legs to stay open, as her muscles twitched and clinched at his tongue's caress. Kagome could feel the pressure build up inside of her, and he could tell she was close when her breathing became more shallow and her flinches more violent. All at once, she felt something break free inside her, and she had to grab and bite down on the nearest piece of clothing (Inuyasha's haori), to stop herself from screaming her pleasure at the top of her lungs.

 

As Kagome came down from the high of her organism (her first one ever inflicted by someone other than herself), Inuyasha moved back just enough to remove his own final article of clothing. Once his hakama had joined the rest of their clothing on the floor, he knelt there in all his glory, waiting for Kagome to give him some kind of sign as to whether he was allowed to continue or not.

 

As Kagome came back to herself and noticed that Inuyasha was now completely naked she couldn't help but gasp as she got a good look at him. She may have had glances of him naked in the past, but she had always been to embarrassed to actually look, and he certainly wasn't this aroused at those times. She had always suspected that Inuyasha would be large, but Kami, he wasn't large he was HUGE! She didn't know how all of that was going to fit inside her and found herself becoming nervous.

 

Unfortunately for Inuyasha, he instantly smelt her sudden fear at the sight of him. He was crushed, and more than disappointed, but he was determined to keep his promise to himself and only go as far as Kagome felt comfortable. Leaning over he gave her a gentle, chaste kiss on her forehead, meant to reassure her, before moving back slightly to grab his clothes.

 

Kagome was confused when he kissed her forehead, but when he reached for his clothes she instantly understood and scolded herself. Of course he would have smelt her sudden fear, and taken it as sign that she was having second thoughts. But she wasn't, she still wanted this. In fact, once the initial shock of seeing how large he was wore off, she found herself wanting this more than ever.

 

“Wait!” Kagome cried softly, placing her hands on top of his. “I still want this.”

 

Inuyasha looked at her in surprise. “Kagome, I can smell your fear. I don't want to do anything you're not ready for.” He insisted. Didn't she realise that she was making it that much harder for him to be honourable about this? He wanted her so badly, but he refused to push her into something she wasn't ready for. He loved her too much for that.

 

“I am ready.” Kagome insisted. “I'm just a little nervous, and you're not exactly small. But I know I'm ready, and that I truly want this.”

 

Inuyasha studied her closely for a long moment, desire warring with concern for her on his face.

 

“I'm ready.” Kagome said again, before lying back down her eyes never leaving his.

 

Gingerly, Inuyasha lay down on top of her and positioned himself at her entrance. Looking up her met her eyes once again before he moved to enter her.

 

“You're sure?” He asked seriously, giving her one last chance to back out before things went too far.

 

“I'm sure.” Kagome said. “Just…be gentle with me?”

 

Inuyasha kissed her softly. “I promise.”

 

Slowly, he pushed himself inside her, feeling her walls stretch to accommodate him. She was so wet, but also so tight and he was terrified he was hurting her, yet she didn't say a word. He kept pushing himself inside her slowly, until he was sheathed up to the hilt, at which point he paused in order to give her time to accommodate to his large size.

 

Kagome had been expecting to feel some pain, seeing as she was so inexperienced in this and Inuyasha was so large. However, she felt nothing but the feeling of being stretched and pleasantly filled.

 

“Kagome…?” Inuyasha asked worriedly once he was fully inside her. “Are you okay?” She felt absolutely amazing! His body desperately wanted to move, but he refused to do anything until she gave him some kind of response.

 

“Yes, I'm okay.” She said happily. “Really, I am.” She added, seeing his somewhat sceptical look. “It doesn't hurt at all. You can start whenever you're ready.”

 

Inuyasha was still worried, but he could smell no trace of insincerity in Kagome's scent. Slowly, he pulled out of her before pushing himself back in again just as slowly. He almost rolled his eyes at the sheer pleasure; he'd never imagined anything in life could feel this good. In the past, when he had relieved his tension by his own hand, it had never felt this amazing. His Youkai half wanted to pound into her as hard and as fast as he could, and find his own release, but his human half refused. He had promised Kagome he would be gentle with her, and he was going to keep that promise if it killed him. This had to be good for her too. Feeling wave after wave of pleasure wash over him, Inuyasha released his aura, to let it encompass Kagome and bind her to him.

 

Kagome felt like she was in pure heaven. She couldn't believe how good this felt, and could barely remember why she had waited until now to experience it. After a few blissful moments, she felt a new warmth envelop her, and saw the flickering of deep, dark red lights appear around her and Inuyasha. She quickly realised it must be Inuyasha's aura and released her own soft pink aura to bond with his. She couldn't help but let out a gasp once she did so. As soon as their auras were touching, it felt like her pleasure had doubled. Judging by Inuyasha's own gasp, he was feeling the same thing. The two aura's swirled around each other, quickly merging into a bright blood-red.

 

“Kami, Inuyasha!” Kagome managed to gasp. “Faster!”

 

Still trying his best to be gentle, Inuyasha complied, slowly increasing his tempo to give Kagome a chance to adjust. Inuyasha could feel his release approaching, but didn't want to let go until he felt Kagome do the same. Just as he thought he couldn't take it anymore, he felt Kagome's walls clench around his member. Inuyasha quickly captured her lips in his own to muffle her scream of pleasure, and thrust into her one last time before he reached his own climax, releasing his seed to coat her womb. Spent, he collapsed on top of her more exhausted than he could remember being in a long time.

 

As Kagome lay under him, desperately trying to regain her breath, she felt complete in a way she hadn't in a long time if ever. She was so happy that she couldn't help but cry a few tears of joy.

 

Above her, Inuyasha smelt her tears and stiffened (and not in a good way). Why was she crying? Had he hurt her somehow and not realised it? Was she regretting becoming his mate now that the passion was gone?

 

“Kagome…?” He asked worriedly, moving just enough so that he could look her in the eyes. “What's wrong?” Please, don't let her regret this, he silently begged any gods that might be listening. What he had told Kagome about Inu Youkai mating was completely true, she wouldn't be able to back out now if she was having second thoughts. Besides his own broken heart, he couldn't stand the thought of Kagome being forced into a mating she didn't want.

 

“Nothings wrong.” Kagome said, giving Inuyasha a look of pure love and joy. “Everything's right. I'm just, just so happy.”

 

Realising she was telling the truth, and that her tears were happy ones, Inuyasha smiled back. “Yeah, me too,” he said softly.

 

Realising she couldn't be comfortable squashed under him as she was, Inuyasha rolled off her and onto his back. He smiled to himself, as she rolled over herself to snuggle into his chest. Reaching over, he grabbed his haori and pulled it over the two of them to be used as a blanket.

 

Kagome yawned, obviously exhausted. “I love you, Inuyasha.” She said softly, as she started to drift off to sleep.

 

“I love you too, my mate.” Inuyasha replied just as softly, leaning over to give her a gentle kiss goodnight on her forehead. Kagome smiled to herself as she fell into a pleasant sleep. Inuyasha watched for a minute before he let himself relax, and follow her into dreamland. Tomorrow would come soon enough to throw whole new challenges at them, but right now he was safe, and he had his beautiful new mate. In addition, his future was looking bright. Right now, he was happy.

 

 

Author's Note: Well, the last chapter was my first ever attempt at a major battle scene, and this is my first ever attempt at a lemon. I seem to be having a lot of firsts in this story. People seemed to like my battle scene well enough; hopefully, they'll think my lemon was okay too. Once again, I'd appreciate any comments you might want to give on what you did or didn't like so that I can hopefully improve in the future.

 

I wasn't sure about having a lemon at this point in the story, as I was worried if maybe it was still too soon for Kagome to have recovered so much. However, once I started thinking about it, I realised that Kagome must be feeling at an all time high at this point. It has been over six months and she has been recovering well. She knows without a doubt that Inuyasha loves her and that he has chosen her over Kikyo, which had always been one of the biggest problems to their relationship in the past. And to top it all off, she was pivotal in the takedown of their greatest enemy. I felt that the high level of joy and confidence she would no doubt be feeling at this point could be enough to make her feel ready to become Inuyasha's mate, and would not be likely to be found again (at least not in the timeframe I'm hoping to keep this story confined to).

 

I've made a couple of changes to this chapter since I posted it, aside from fixing some spelling and grammar mistakes. There were a couple of small areas, such as the bonding of Inuyasha and Kagome's auras, that I felt I needed to go into more detail on. The main content of the chapter is the same though.