"3rd graders sure do grow up fast," Kagome murmured, looking away as her little brother embraced his new girlfriend in a quiet hug.

"Yeah," Inuyasha replied, the two of them looking away from each other as well.

He glanced toward Kagome and saw her looking back at him. He could feel the heat rising in his face, and saw his blush reflected on her features. He swallowed. He wanted to reach out to her and embrace her. He wanted to show her that he felt strongly towards her, that he saw her for who she was and not just some reincarnation of Kikyo.

Realizing they were staring Kagome looked away. He did as well at first, but then he turned back toward her, sliding a bit closer. She could feel how close he was, and the blush in her face deepened. She looked at him from the corner of her eyes, watching his hand tentatively move toward her.

Warmth shot through her and her nerves were on edge as he placed his hand against her cheek gently. She let him turn her toward him, and looked into his eyes despite her strong nervousness. She'd seen that look in his eyes once before, long ago, when she thought he was going to kiss her. There was something different about the gaze now though, and she knew he was no longer looking through her, no longer seeing someone else.

He leaned toward her, whispering her name softly. She closed her eyes and let him pull her close. The heat of his lips brushed against hers. Soft and inviting, sending jolts down her back as he moved in closer a second time, their lips pressing together more forcefully. The hand he had on her cheek slid the back of her head, and his other arm slipped around her waist. She leaned into him, letting him hold her upright, tasting his lips and melting in the kiss.

He leaned back looking down at her gently, his face nearly as red as hers. He'd never looked at her before with eyes so gentle… so emotional. He didn't need to speak, he didn't need to say the words in his heart, she could see them written all over his face.

"Inuyasha…" she breathed. Any questions, any words she may have wanted to speak were lost to the dying light of day. He embraced her more forcefully, kissing her deeply, passionately. She felt as though he was pulling the very air from her, and it made her light headed. The first boy to embrace her, was now the first one to kiss her, and she was far too happy to even know how to express it in words.

Her heart was racing as he loosened his grip. He could hear it pounding as well, feeling it reverberate through her pulse. Her scent was unlike any he'd ever known before. It was in turmoil, but happy, content. She wasn't angry at him, she was just a little confused, but there was no regret.

He smiled, stroking her hair and pulling her head to his chest, hugging her softly. "I'm sorry, Kagome."

"Huh?"

"I'm sorry I made you wait so long."

Kagome smiled kindly, the confusion in her scent dissipating, returning his embrace. "It's okay, Inuyasha. I'm glad."