InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Leaving ❯ I Don't Know What You Do To Me... But I Don't Want It To Stop ( Chapter 4 )

Chapter Four

Kagome woke up to the first rays of sunlight. She stirred and slowly cracked open an eye. Groggily she groaned and sat up, wiping the last effects of sleep from her smoky blue orbs. She crawled out of her sleeping bag and rolled it up. She hadn't changed into her pajamas the night before so she still had on her pants and her blouse… which had come undone during the night. Unfortunately, she hadn't seemed to notice.

Miroku opened his eyes when he heard someone stirring in the campgrounds. The first thing he saw was Kagome sitting up, her back to him. It wasn't unusual so he just watched not really wanting to move from his comfortable position. As she turned, he watched her roll up her sleeping bag and stand, tossing it to the side to join her yellow bag. His jaw dropped and his eyed widened. The girl certainly had grown over the time they'd spent together. His eyes raked down her front over her exposed skin. The flesh between her breasts looked silken to the touch; her stomach was flat and nicely muscled. He didn't see her breasts though… fortunately for Kagome, her blouse at least covered that much of her.

Inuyasha watched Kagome sit up from his spot in the trees. It was a normal occurrence for her to do so but so early… that was unusual. When he'd heard her come into he camp the night before, he'd smelled his brother's scent all over her. She seemed to know that he knew too because she'd refused to make eye contact with him. Another thing that had upset him was the fact that her shirt had been once again tied in the front, so her stomach was exposed. Her hair had been disheveled and her lips were swollen. There was also a big red mark on her neck… He looked down. His breath caught. She was standing there, oblivious to the show she was displaying. And it was quite a sight indeed. He heard a sigh come from below him and he looked down. Apparently, he wasn't the only one enjoying it.

Kagome felt the chilled wind hit her flesh and shivered. It was still chilly in the mornings. She glanced around. Everyone still looked to be asleep. Another draft hit her and she reached down to tie her shirt tighter around her… it wasn't tied. She looked down. At least now she knew why she felt so… cold. She tied her shirt; double knotting it to make sure it didn't come out. She'd have to put her bra on later. Thanks to Sesshoumaru, her shirt was ruined and she'd have to either sew the buttons back on or just start wearing regular T-shirts. Although, he'd probably just rip those… There was sudden landing from the tree where Miroku was lying. She turned and found Inuyasha holding the monk up by his collar, his hand around his throat. "Inuyasha! Put him down!"

Inuyasha tightened his grip on the monk's throat, a low growl vibrating through his chest in warning. He leaned in toward the monk, whispering low in his ear. "If she had been mated and you'd watched her like you did, you would be dead by now." He let Miroku drop onto the ground and made his way toward Kagome. "We need to talk." He grabbed her arm and started dragging her toward the thick of the forest. He heard her sigh, but she walked along with him.

As they neared the Goshinboku he let her go. He walked up to the tree and placed his hand over the place where he had been sealed. "Kagome…" He sighed. Why did she go to his brother, of all people she could go to? He turned and gathered up his courage. He walked toward her and pulled her into a crushing hug. "Kagome… if you decide to do this with him… don't let him break your heart… like I did." He pulled her tighter into his chest and buried his face in her hair. "You smell like him, you know?"

She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. "Inuyasha… if I had waited for you… would you have come to me after the final battle?" She heard him sigh and she hugged him tighter. "Don't lie to me… please don't. I want you to trust me."

He pulled back and looked her straight in the eye. "I do trust you… You were and still are the first person I trust since… her… Kagome, I don't know how to explain this to you. It's just that… Kikyou… I gave her my trust before everyone else because… in a way, we were the same." He stood up and leaned back against the Sacred God Tree, letting his memories flood through him. "Kikyou was not an ordinary woman. Because of her duty to keep the Shikon no Tama safe… she had to grow up different from the rest of the girls. Instead of putting rouge on her cheeks and lips like the other girls, she was forced to give up these things for the safety of the people around her. She wasn't accepted into her own world because of what she was forced to do… and she was hated by youkai because of what she did…"

Kagome nodded and walked over to him, resting her head on his chest. Things were different now, since that kiss at the well. It was the end of a long crush and the start of a new relationship, a better relationship. She listened to the steady beating of his heart and allowed him to take his few moments of silence before he continued.

"I am neither human or demon. I am a mixture between the two… I am hanyou. I don't blame my father… or my mother. They loved each other very much. I am the result of that love, but… because of what I am, I can neither be accepted into either the ningen way of life, or the youkai way of life. Humans fear me because of my demon side. Youkai hate me because of my human side." He sighed and looked up into the trees. The wind played with the green leaves, rustling them and creating a melody. The sun cast shadows in areas of the quiet forest and the soft chirps of birds and insects could be heard in the dawn. He wrapped his arms around Kagome and planted a tender kiss on the top of her head.

"When I heard about the power the jewel possessed, I wanted to take it to become a youkai. It would offer me the kind of life I had always yearned for. It would give me the respect that I deserved. It would make others fear me. When Kikyou and I… when we… became close, she explained to me how we were alike. She told me that she could never be a normal woman just as I could never be a normal… man or youkai. She offered me the jewel to become human. She said that it would turn out good for the both of us. I'd become a human and be accepted in the ningen world. With the loss of the jewel's power… she'd be able to become a normal… human… a normal woman. She said that we could live together. We would be… together, like a normal family. We would be able to have children. I could be there for them. I could know my children like I had never known my father… I agreed… but things didn't go as we planned."

Kagome knew the story from there. Naraku had taken their forms and made them believe that they betrayed each other. Kikyou had died and Inuyasha had been sealed on this tree. Inuyasha sank down and brought Kagome with him, burying her deep in his embrace. "I gave her something… It was my mother's… It was the only other thing besides this fire rat fur that she had left me…" He sighed and rested his head on top of hers.

Kagome felt warm and fuzzy on the inside. Inuyasha had finally opened up to her. She understood now. She would let him choose even if it pained her. "What will you do after the final battle? Will you go with her?" She bit her lip and closed her eyes fighting back the tears that were welling in her eyes.

He looked at her. He could smell her sadness and fear. He knew what he was going to do. "Kagome… I do love Kikyou… But she died fifty years ago. All that's left is a memory of what used to be. Even though she's here… I can't be with her. It hurts too much. And I made a promise to her… but… I won't be going back with her. And after the battle… I don't think I could have gone with you either… Kagome… I… I'm sorry."

A tear rolled down her cheek. That's all she needed to hear. "I understand… Inuyasha. Thank you… for trusting me." She trailed off, closing her eyes. "You had better not die on me… or I'll kill you." She smiled and snuggled into his chest. Sesshoumaru was starting to rub off on her.

He chuckled and softly started to stroke her hair. "Don't let him hurt you. Okay?" She nodded but he tilted her chin up, making him look at her. "Promise… Kagome?"

She gave him a weak smile and wiped away the tears from her eyes. "I promise… Inuyasha." She leaned in and gave him a chaste kiss on his lips. "Our secret?"

He smiled and returned her kiss. "Our secret…"

…

Inuyasha and Kagome returned to the campgrounds and Kagome had started cooking breakfast. Inuyasha walked over to Miroku and dragged him to the side. "Listen, monk. Kagome has been with us for a while now. She is an asset to our… thing or whatever we call this little click we have here. We all know your antics and we're all used to it. But, someone may be checking up from time to time though. He will not take kindly to someone like you ogling at what he considers to be his… Understand?"

Miroku looked startled at Inuyasha's sudden seriousness but he nodded all the same. A wicked grin crossed his features. "So, Inuyasha… who's got interest in our Kagome-sama?" At the dark look that crossed said hanyou's face, Miroku quickly stood and walked over to where Sango was sitting. "Hey Sango…"

A few minutes later there was a loud slap and a shriek of "Hentai!" Kagome just shook her head and continued pouring the boiling water into the Ramen cups. Her mind started to drift and she vaguely remembered how… intimate she and Inuyasha had become. Now that they knew it wouldn't work out between them, things just seemed to progress between them. She mentally sighed. How would Sesshoumaru react if he found out that she'd kissed Inuyasha… again? Twice! She sighed. Well, it was their secret… there was no need to tell… she hoped. A little timer went off on her watch and she called out for everyone to get their food.

Breakfast was a simple affair. Not that much talking but the group sat in comfortable silence. The sun was shining and the breeze was relaxing. It was quiet and peaceful. If only things could stay that way… Unfortunately, things never did for long. Kagome looked up. "Oh no… Inuyasha! Two jewel shards headed this way very quickly…"

Inuyasha growled. "Kouga…" And sure enough, the wolf youkai spun into the campgrounds in his usual tornado.

"Yo!" He stopped in front of Kagome, taking her hands in his. He stopped short and looked at her… then he sniffed her. He growled low in his throat and pulled her wrist forward. "Who?" He backed her up into a tree, his bright blue eyes taking a dangerous gleam.

Kagome looked startled. How the hell did he know? Maybe she could play it off… for now. "Kouga-kun… what are you talking about?" His claws collided with the bark of the tree and she gave a startled yelp. She looked up. The whites of his eyes were starting to turn red.

He growled and leaned toward her, sniffing her. He grabbed her chin and moved her head to the side, exposing her neck. He snarled and she whimpered. "His scent is all over you… and he left a mark. So now, Kagome… do you know what I'm talking about?" He moved her chin again so her eyes were facing him.

Inuyasha pulled out Tessaiga and pointed it at the wolf. "Let her go, wolf shit." The wolf turned and merely glanced at Inuyasha before returning his gaze to Kagome. His head lowered until their noses practically touched and his tongue darted out, licking Kagome's lips. Her eyes widened and she pulled back, pushing her hands against his chest.

Inuyasha barked and charged, but a blur of white beat him to it. Kouga was rammed in his side, the force of the blow sending him hurling into a tree. As he started to slide down, a clawed hand slid around his throat, pinning him there. Kouga's fists immediately clamped on the pale white hand that held him up as he struggled for air. A warning growl vibrated in the taiyoukai's chest as he stared at Kouga. His grip tightened around the wolf's throat and his eyes narrowed, the only sign of emotion that had crossed his face during the whole ordeal. The growl grew in volume, letting everyone in the area get his message clearly. Kagome belonged to him.

Kagome stared in shock at her future mate. She came to her senses when she heard Kouga start gasping for air. "Let him go! Please, Sesshoumaru. Don't kill him." He didn't even glance at the girl but he lessened his grip on the wolf's throat.

Kouga pulled in a strained breath and glanced at Kagome. This was the man… rather the youkai who had done that to her… Inuyasha's half-brother? He'd come across him when he was on his way to Mount Hakurei. The absolute grace and power that had flowed off the youkai was incredible so he'd avoided a fight with him. The youkai seemed completely devoid of any emotion and had it not been for that human girl that was traveling with him when they first met, he would've have thought that he hated all humans. He looked at Kagome through pained eyes. "I made my claim to you long ago. Why?"

Kagome stepped forward and placed a hand on Sesshoumaru's arm. He didn't even flinch but he let the wolf youkai drop callously to the ground. Sesshoumaru wrapped his tail around Kagome like he had done the night before and pulled her close to him. His jaw locked firmly over the red mark he'd left last night on her neck and he stayed that way. Kagome fought the rising blush on her cheeks and gave Sesshoumaru a stern glare. He merely held her gaze, his face lack of any emotion… as usual. "You're impossible, you realize?" She whispered the words low enough for only him to hear. He responded by biting down on her flesh. She gave a small cry and his grip loosened but never released. She glared at him again. Why did he have to be such a pain in the ass? The jerk! Sudden movement from in front of her brought her attention back to the reason for this whole situation.

Kouga looked up the pair before him, anger filling his thoughts. He'd always made sure that Kagome knew his claim. He looked up at her, his eyes alive with the hurt from her outright rejection. "Why?" He repeated in a strained whisper.

Kagome couldn't hold his gaze. She felt like she'd just ripped out his heart and fed it to him. She swallowed and looked at her feet. "I'm sorry, Kouga-kun…" Sesshoumaru growled and bit down slightly again, but she ignored him and slowly raised her eyes to meet Kouga's now dulled blue ones. "You truly are a great friend but… I just don't feel that way about you."

Kouga looked her straight in the eye and then to Sesshoumaru who still had his jaw clamped on the red mark from the night before. He gave a half-hearted snort. "You don't feel that way about me… but you feel that way about him?"

She was taken aback by the severity of his question. What did she feel for Sesshoumaru? Who knew? Two days ago changed everything… Last night changed everything. She thought back to how safe she felt wrapped up in Sesshoumaru's arms in his house in her time. She trusted him. She knew he loved her. He could tell by the way he looked at her… by his touch… his kiss. But this Sesshoumaru… he was so different. How did this idiot change into the caring man she knew back home? She looked at Kouga, confusion spilling over her face and said the only thing that came to mind. "In five hundred years you'll understand… until then… I'm sorry…"

Everyone was stunned by her answer. Inuyasha thought over her words. He knew that the well that led to her time was five hundred years ahead of his own time. He pushed the thought aside assuring himself that he'd ask the girl what she meant by that last comment. His eyes followed the scene intently and he mentally thanked the gods that Sesshoumaru hadn't seen, or chose to ignore, the day's earlier events. If all went well, he'd be able to keep that secret with him until death.

Kouga looked at the girl held in Sesshoumaru's embrace… the girl he'd begun to love. Time had truly changed his initial feelings for her. Whereas once he only wanted her for her ability to see the Shikon no Kakera, his want grew to undoubted affection and finally, love. Now after all this time and after the many fights with Inuyasha, he had come across an opponent who could truly look over his first love. He sighed in defeat and nodded at Kagome. She returned it with a sad smile. He turned his gaze to Sesshoumaru who had finally unclamped his jaws from Kagome's neck and was now licking the area. Kouga's eyes met his golden ones in a determined gaze. "Take care of her. She's strong… but she's still young. Don't break her heart like Dog shit, over there." A low growl came from the mentioned hanyou but nothing was said. Sesshoumaru stood up straight behind Kagome and ran his clawed fingertips through her hair. He looked at Kouga as his only reply. Kouga took his glance as an affirmative and turned to leave.

Kagome looked through saddened eyed at Kouga. He really was a sweet guy. She pulled out of Sesshoumaru's arms and gave him a short glance. He merely nodded and waited. She walked toward Kouga and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Wait…" He turned around and faced her. She bit her lip and brushed the back of her hand against his cheek. "Trust me… You will understand. I promise you." She pulled him into a firm hug and he returned the gesture, burying his head in her hair.

He'd never really gotten the chance to do this with anyone. It felt nice to be able to say goodbye to her like this. They'd see each other again. He was sure of that but for now, he'd savor their moment. "Don't let him hurt you, Kagome."

She pulled back and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She ignored the growl that came from behind her and looked up at her wolfish friend. "Arigatou… Kouga-kun. We'll see each other soon, I'm sure." She stepped back and watched him as he turned to leave.

He glanced back and nodded at the group before rushing off, the winds spinning around him in his familiar cyclone. "I'll be counting off the years, Kagome…" His last words echoed in the sudden breeze and she felt a weight lift from her shoulders. Things were steadily falling into place. She turned and glanced at the group that had become her second family… minus Sesshoumaru, of course. They were looking back and forth between her and Sesshoumaru, except for Inuyasha who had known about their intimacy since it started.

She giggled nervously and brought a hand up to scratch behind her head. "Uh… hey… everyone…" They all just glared at her, similar expressions on their faces. "I guess this means I have some explaining to… do?" They nodded and she sighed. It was going to be a long day.

…

Kagome was headed toward the lake nearby, her bag slung over her shoulder. She could sense Sesshoumaru's presence nearby and warily thought back to her conversation with her friends. They had all tried to get the answer of her comment about the future thing but she had always avoided the question, switching to a different topic or starting to explain only to drift of into a totally different subject. She didn't know what might happen if information were to be given out. She sighed as the lake came into view. She tried storing her thoughts for later and hastily brought out her bathing materials, but they wouldn't leave her. Sesshoumaru had made sure that she didn't tell them about what they did together so late at night. Of course she had also seen the look that had passed over Miroku's face when she first told them how she'd come into contact with the demon lord. Come to think of it, she'd left out a lot of information regarding their relationship… if one could call it that.

She hadn't told them the reason why she'd run to the bridge that first night and by the look on Inuyasha's face, he'd been relieved that she hadn't. Also she didn't tell anyone about that day back in her own time. She'd just said that she had taken time to gather her thoughts and relax. They'd all seemed skeptical about that one, including Sesshoumaru. But she stuck to her little fibs. It was for the better.

Everyone was wary about her choice of Sesshoumaru. He had attacked them countless times demanding the Tessaiga, but there had also been the time when they had found help in his mysterious ways. If he would fight with them, then Naraku wouldn't stand a chance. Unfortunately, he wasn't one to join with others. He seemed to like his solitude and it was proof enough in his demeanor. He barely spoke and that meant that his mind was always working. The demon lord was quiet, not stupid. If truth be told, Sesshoumaru was actually quite smart, not only in the academic sense but also when it came to others. His lack of emotion made him clearly see other's emotions and although he didn't seem one to experience such things, he knew much about them. Although one could also ponder whether he had felt these things but refused to acknowledge them for other demons did experience emotions, so why wouldn't he.

Kagome closed her eyes. These thoughts were only getting out of hand. Sesshoumaru loved her… in the future anyway. But what she really wanted to know was why. Why did he love her? Why was she so eager to find out? Why did she allow him to do these things to her? Why did he bring about emotions that she'd wanted to bury? Why, why, why? "Why, god damn it!" She swore aloud and buried her head in her hands. "Why do you torment me so?" She fingered the red mark on her neck and sighed. "And why do I let you?"

She slipped out of her clothes and folded them neatly on the rocks by the shore. She wrapped herself in a towel and walked slowly to the water's edge with her bathing supplies in hand. She sensed Sesshoumaru as he closed in on her. She groaned and turned, fully expecting to see him standing right behind her. Well… she was right about one thing. He was behind her, alright… A blush formed on her cheeks and she let out a silent gasp. The man had absolutely no modesty. She let out a squeak and quickly turned around, letting out a string of apologies. Of course she'd seen Inuyasha naked… And he was quite remarkable she might add. She snapped her thoughts together, mentally scolding herself. It wasn't right to think about her friend in that manner. Sesshoumaru on the other hand… she wanted to moan purely out of frustration. She'd only gotten a glimpse of him, but… wow…

Sesshoumaru had followed the girl into the forest and to the lake. He had known she was going to bathe. He had been the one to suggest it because of the smell of Kouga and Inuyasha lingering on her. It didn't sit well with him that she had so many male friends that were around her… especially that monk. The young man was a pervert. It was that simple. He'd been able to observe the monk and saw how he eyed both Kagome and that other woman in their little group. It also upset him how much skin Kagome was showing. Although he might have been the cause for her shirt due to previous actions, surely she had other ones… that would probably end up with a worse fate considering how fast things were moving.

He had watched the girl gather her things from the trees above and had heard her speak to herself. It was one of the reasons why he decided to join her in her bath. After she'd gotten her stuff ready for her bath, he'd left her to strip alone. He wasn't one to peep on young ladies regardless of whether or not he'd seen them naked before… well, half-naked rather. He'd quickly rid himself of his own clothing, and folded them. He didn't like wrinkles. They made him look dirty. After he placed them where he thought it would be appropriate, he sped toward the lake. That was when Kagome turned around and spotted him in his true glory. The look on her face was priceless and then her arousal scent spiked. It was quite humorous to the demon lord. He watched her turn, her embarrassment rolling off of her in waves. He smirked and walked toward her. This bath might not be so bad.

Kagome heard him walk toward her and quickly walked to the water's edge. She dipped in her toe and shivered. The water was somewhat cold but… better clean than dirty. An arm snaked around her waist and she froze. Her thoughts scrambled and all she could think about was that there was a totally naked man holding her. There was a totally naked, pretty man pulling her against his body. There was a totally naked Inu youkai who went by the name of Sesshoumaru who was slowly tugging at her towel while pressing her against his very nice naked body.

She gulped and quickly turned around to glare at him. She would not look down. She would not look down. She would not look down. The phrase was chanting in her head like a mantra. She met his gaze and slapped his hand from her towel. "I'm trying to take a bath here… alone!" One of her bottles fell out of her hand and landed between the two of them. Neither budged.

Sesshoumaru let the corner of his lips tug upward. This was funny. "Are you not going to get that?" The girl in front of him turned an interesting shade of red, but kept her gaze locked on his. She stepped back from him and turned around.

If he wasn't going to leave then she wasn't going to bathe. If only Sango had gone with her. "I'll come back later…" She gave a startled yelp when Sesshoumaru clamped his jaws on her neck. "You know, you really have to stop doing that… people might think you're trying to eat me…" She stifled a pained cry when he bit down. She obviously was not getting through to him.

Sesshoumaru lacked the patience to deal with her stubbornness at the moment. He removed his teeth from her neck and licked at the red flesh tenderly. "Either you get in of your own free will or…" He picked her up bridal style and carried her to a drop off where the waters were a bit deeper. "I will make you get in. Choose."

She looked up disbelievingly into his eyes. "You wouldn't dare…" He didn't say anything and she glanced at the water below. He wasn't kidding. Oh no. "I am not bathing with you! I am NOT!"

He mentally sighed. She was going to choose the difficult way. He set her down on her feet and abruptly pulled her towel from her, tossing it behind him. She yelped and did her best to cover herself. "You… you jerk!" He merely snorted at her.

Oh how much fun this was going to be! "You have chosen. Hold your breath."

She didn't even get to take a breath because he quite suddenly picked her up and jumped into the water. They hit the water with a big splash, sending water flying every which way. Her arms instinctively went around his neck as he brought them to the surface. She started to sputter and angrily glared at Sesshoumaru through her wet bangs. She was naked and cold and held by an equally naked demon. Oh life was fun… She let him go and struggled out of his arms, swimming to the shallower waters. Well, since she was already in the water. She reached for her body wash and poured some into a cloth. She made a lather and stared to wash. Soon the smell permeated the whole area and she felt her body relaxing. She finally remembered why she had taken Sesshoumaru's advice for a bath. The said youkai silently swam up behind her and took the cloth from her hands. She turned to glare at him but her anger quickly vanished when he started to softly wash her back. It was nice…

His hands worked over her skin, gently rubbing the dirt and smells from her body. Soon enough she was clean and the cloth was laid out in the grass. She reached onto the shore for her shampoo but Sesshoumaru grabbed the bottle from her hands. He looked at her, waiting for her to tell him what to do with it. "It's for hair." He nodded and poured some into his hand. The bottle was dropped back onto the shore and his fingers delved into her wet hair, lavishing her scalp with relaxing strokes. He was mindful of his claws and soon her eyes closed with the relaxing movement of his hands. She was gently pulled back and his fingers worked out the last of the shampoo from her hair. He didn't stop there though. His hands slowly traveled down and his touches became passages of fire on her back. He started out slow, leisurely working out the tense muscles in her neck. She let a low moan escape from her parted lips and leaned into his gentle touches.

It ended too soon for her. She turned around and gave him a shy glance. "Arigatou… that felt… nice." He nodded and turned starting to head back to the other side of the lake where he could wash himself but her hand landed on his shoulder. He stopped and waited for her. "It's your turn…" Her sexy whisper sent a shiver down his spine and his eyes widened in disbelief. She wasn't serious… A wet, soapy cloth met with his back. She was serious. He mentally groaned. This girl would be the death of him.

The soothing circular motion on his body felt really nice. Her strokes were firm but soft and she made sure she got every spot. It had been a while since he had been bathed… at least since he was but a child. She steadily worked over the muscles in his back, gently coaxing them from their tensed state. She moved around him, not really aware of where she was headed. She cloth rolled over his skin, like cool silk. She gently washed his chest tracing her fingers down the lines that his muscles made. They rippled under her touch and she sighed. The demon lord definitely had a nice body. She worked around his neck and cleaned gingerly behind his ears. Her movements were precise as if practiced. Slowly, she brought the cloth to his face. She leaned forward and carefully brought the cloth over his skin. "Close your eyes…" She whispered, half aware of the fact that she was still washing Sesshoumaru.

He did as he was told and felt the cloth slowly trail down over his eyes, ever so gently. It was maddening to know the extent of her touch without being able to do the same back to her. He vaguely heard the sound of the water splashing between them and he cracked open his eye. She was rinsing the rag. After she had it as she wanted, she brought it back up, watching him watch her. "Close… the soap stings if it gets into your eyes." She leaned forward again and her breasts came into contact with his chest. He closed his eyes and waited. Water poured down his face as she squeezed the rag, washing away the soap. She hadn't noticed how close she had gotten to him yet. Her fingertips wiped away the water droplets from his face and she slowly whispered that it was okay for him to open them again.

He watched her repeat the process with the cloth over the soapy areas of his body. But in time all the soap had washed away. The wet cloth slipped from her hands, lading with a plop into the still waters. She hardly noticed. Her hands cupped his face and she leaned forward, brushing her lips daringly over his. "I don't know what you do to me… but I don't want it to stop…" Her eyes lingered on his lips and then briefly flicked to his eyes. Her breath caught as she waited for his approval.

He didn't wait long before he leaned forward, closing the space between them. Her hands delved into his hair, tracing the fair strands in her fingertips. She vaguely realized that he wasn't completely washed. She pulled back and rested her forehead against his. Her breathing was somewhat ragged and a blush tinted her cheeks. "Your hair… I still need to wash it…" Her comment was left unfinished as he molded his lips over hers again.

He pulled back briefly. "Later." She nodded and he kissed her again; their bodies melding together. The cloth had long since sunk to the bed of the lake and the shampoo was forgotten…