Chapter 11:

It had been over a month and the gang still didn't find any jewel shards.

"Inu Yasha, can we practice fighting?"

"Again? Well, at least you're persevering." Shippo jumped off his shoulder and ran towards the clearing that they used for practice. Inu Yasha ruffled Kagome's long hair as he walked past her.

Lately all he could think of was her. He wanted her, but the only thing he could get was her hand in his. Sometimes she would cling to him or hug him when he looked sad, but what she didn't know was that he was sad because of her. She was well in her prime. It was now that he could smell her in heat. And he was so ready for her.

The month had gone by quickly and brought many changes to the young miko. Her hair had grown longer and she seemed to be a little taller too. Her whole body had matured more, and it drove his senses crazy every time she walked past him. And her beautiful smile melted his heart.

"Inu Yasha, would you like to go for a walk with me?"

He nodded in reply. Kagome's short skirt swayed with her hips and she glanced back at him with innocent eyes.

"Inu Yasha, I just wanted to apologize. I know that ever since my birthday we haven't really moved on in our relationship. But I think that we have time and I really want to be closer to you."

Inu Yasha smiled up at her. A rare smile, which she only saw once in a while. He leaned up to her and kissed her glossy lips. He savored the sweet flavor of vanilla and he felt her skinny arms wrap around the back of his neck. She was the one who pulled back, but she leaned into his chest and sighed contentedly.

"Can we spend some time together tonight?"

Kagome looked up at him with hurt in her eyes, but before she could respond he spoke again. " I just mean to spend time together. We won't do anything that you don't want to do." Her frown turned to a smile.

"I'll ask Sango to watch Shippo. Thank you."

"Anything for you."

"I love you."

"I love you more than you know."

Kagome grabbed onto the hanyou's rough hand as he led her through a field of flowers. He was acting strange all day, but she figured he was just excited.

"Right here. This is the spot."

"What spot?"

She saw two wide amber eyes looking at her. He pulled her into his lap and she leaned back on his muscular front. He was so warm. And safe. No matter what she knew that she was safe in his arms.

"I want to ask you something."

Her heart began to beat harder and she knew that he could hear it. "What is it?"

"I want you to be my mate."

"Mate?" She suddenly remembered that he was half dog demon. Sometimes it just didn't seem like he was any different that anyone else, but there was that dangerous "demon" side to him. He was slightly puzzled at the look on her face. It was one of worry, but also she was trying to hold back a smile. "Sorry, sometimes I just forget that people here use different terminology for things."

He smirked as her cheeks reddened for a moment. It was a bit blunt, but he wanted an answer. She nestled her head into the crook of his neck and turned toward the stars. He looked down at her with patience. He watched as her eyes drooped a little and widened.

"Inu Yasha, I love you. I don't know if fate has sent me here; perhaps we will never know. Perhaps it was just an accident, but I'd like to believe that it was the kami. They must be the ones who crossed our paths. I can't remember feeling so whole before I freed you from that tree, and when I first saw you, I knew that there was something pulling me toward you, which could be why I ran to you for help. Deep down, I know that we were meant to be. Inu Yasha, I wish to fulfill my destiny, but I have changed. I cannot be yours when I have been with another. I want to love you, but I know that I cannot be loved. I-"

The hanyou spun her around quickly and looked into her shocked face before kissing her deeply. He was not forceful, or passionate, or sexual. But that soft kiss told Kagome how wrong she was. Her palms rested on his shoulders for support, and slowly Inu Yasha fell backward into the fragrant flowers. True bliss was between the two and they both felt a surge of electricity flash deep within their bodies. Kagome broke for breath.

"Kagome, you are the reason that I am living. You are the reason that I want to live. You keep me going, and I want to keep you going. You will always be mine. I told you that I would love you until your pain was nothing. And I will."

Inu Yasha rolled her over and crawled on top of her. He leaned down, but this time he kissed her with passion. He could feel her body going limp beneath him and he slid his hand up her arm and down her side sensually. It felt so good to slide his hand across her silky curves. Her body was hot and he knew that his own was too. He released his lips from hers and looked down at her earnestly only to find that she had the same pleading look on her own. Her lips had swelled from the fiery kiss that had just provoked them. She could feel his breath clash with her own and her heart pound hard along with her lower half...

So, maybe I lied about always being able to update, but please give me a break. I have sooooo much homework and sooooo much Cross Country practice, that I have lost the few friends that I have and substituted them with textbooks. I have finally had a relaxing weekend, so I decided to write. I will do my best, but don't go checking the computer every day, cause it ain't gonna happen. If you would like to give me an input or if you have nothing to do, you can email me at . Please Read and review! Oh, and THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH FOR ALL THE REVIEWS YOU HAVE GIVEN. I really appreciate it, whether good or bad.