Enamored

Apparently I had time for one more before leaving for France.

Not beta-ed as usual. But this one wasn't writing in the middle of the night like the others, so hopefully it's a bit better, ahah.

Enamored

Chapter 4: Lost and Found

His nose twitched and his face cringed while he kept his eyes closed. It seemed that having Kagome in his arms was very comfortable and that he fell pray to the warmth and rested. Her little body was still firmly pressed against his and he felt her lips brushing against his chest. Their legs were tangled and his hand was fully resting on her bare hip. When he gave a gently squeeze, she leaned into him and he stiffened.

He thought it was a good idea last night. He was no longer certain.

Being asleep would make this whole situation easier - why did he wake up? Then, he felt that familiar, annoying presence again.

"Ya better not be in here watching me sleep with my woman."

Ginta squealed and Hakkaku's eyebrows dropped as he feared Kouga's reaction. "Well - ya told us to come see you if we found the cat…"

His eyes flashed opened. "Where is it?" Kagome was going to be thrilled. "Is it alive?"

"Barely," Ginta admitted. "Hayu is taking care of it."

"We ain't gonna tell her yet. If it dies, I don't need my woman even more upset, got it?"

They both nodded.

Now, he was going to have to go check it out by myself. Though he had to admit he had no desire to leave Kagome's side. Plus, he was not sure she would appreciate it. She seemed rather at ease all cuddle up against him and he did not want to disturb her rest.

"We can take care of it if ya want," Hakkaku suggested when Kouga did not move.

He sighed. "It's my job." He took Kagome as his woman and she became pack. It also meant that all her friends were under his protection as well. Also, he wanted to make sure everyone understood how important it was to save the cat.

Reluctantly, he pulled his legs away from her and then lifted his body on top of hers. He made sure not to touch her and disturb her and then, hopped on the other side, landing on his feet. He was about to walk past Ginta and Hakkaku when they stopped him by putting a hand on his shoulder.

"Ya might wanna wait."

Kouga arched an eyebrow. "Why would I wanna do that?"

Their cheeks colored red and they avoided his gaze. "Mm, well - " Awkwardly, and lacking the ability to use words, they pointed at his crotch.

He looked down at himself only to see a bulge in his fur. Fuck. "What are you two still doing in here? Go wait outside," he barked.

They did not need to be told twice and ran to obey. Although, it was difficult to hold back a few giggles as they did so and Kouga heard them. "Idiots," he mumbled.

He crouched down on the floor which hid his problem slightly. Really, it was to be expected; his Kagome was a beautiful woman and she spent the night touching him and tangling up with him. What other reaction was he supposed to have?He was not ashamed that his woman could get him like this.

Kouga took a few deep breaths, looking away from Kagome, until finally he settled down. He did though softly caress her cheek before leaving. He would appoint someone to stand in front of the den's entrance while he was gone. Her fever was not back yet but it did not mean she was healed. If anything happened while he was gone, he wanted to be informed of it.

While he exited the den, Kagome stirred from her sleep, feeling suddenly cold. She tried to reach out for warmth, like she did many times during the night but all she found was emptiness. She painfully opened her eyes on to see she was laying on fur. Yesterday was nothing more than a hazy memory in her mind. Although she felt like she went in… water? Her hair did feel wet and heavy.

A wince of pain escaped her as she turned to lay on her back. She choked up, trying to take deep breaths of air. Each time she inhaled it was as if a fire was igniting inside her lungs. The agony brought tears to her eyes and she felt her cold tears roll down her cheeks. It did not help that she felt alone and vulnerable. Her heart was ready to burst when suddenly the sound of footsteps caught her attention.

"Sis?"

"Sis, are ya a'right?" another voice asked.

She saw Ginta's hair as he kneeled by her side. "Is your fever back? Do ya want some water?"

"We could go get Kouga for you."

It broke their hearts to see her like this and not just because she was Kouga's woman. Kagome saved their lives and they grew to really like her in the short amount of time they knew her. Protecting her was also their duty and they owed her that much.

Kouga. Right, he was the one who looked after her since her injury. How many days went by? She was unable to keep track since she was constantly in and out of it. What about Inuyasha? Did he not worry about her? Last time he easily found her, why did he wait so long? What if - what if something happened to her friends which was why they did not come get her?

She was aware that she was not in danger; Kouga's pack would not harm her. Nonetheless, she needed her friends. She wanted to make sure they were safe and she wanted them to know she was well and alive.

"She's not talkin'! Maybe we oughta get Kouga."

When Ginta was about to get up, Kagome lifted her hand to cover his with it. He tensed for a brief instant before approaching his face to hers. "Sis? You gonna be okay?"

She managed to weakly nod. There was no need to bother Kouga - or anyone else for that matter. It was not as if anyone could help her. She could feel the tight bandages around her chest and she knew it was probably the best this era had to offer. Staying still and avoiding brusque movements was her safest option.

"T-thank y-ou," she croaked out.

"Anything for you, little sis."

At this point, she was fairly certain that she would never get used to the nickname. She shyly smiled back before closing her eyes once more; the light was hurting them.

"If ya get hungry, let me know. Kouga'll come feed ya again."

Feed her? She ate? Her heart began to pummel as she did her best to try and remember. It was all vain however since she had no recollection of the event. And what exactly did he mean by 'Kouga fed her'? How exactly did he do that?

When Ginta noticed a certain nervousness surround her, he offered her an apologetic smile. "I guess you humans don't do that a lot. Really, he had no other way to feed you."

Well… that did absolutely nothing to calm her down.

Eyes closed, she kept repeating to herself. She was stuck between wanting to know and wishing to be kept in the dark. It did not hurt her and that was the most important part right? He was clearly devoted to her recovery, then again how could he not be? According to him she was his woman. The thought made her blush. Kouga was… something. It would be a lie to say that his intense love declaration did not even swoon her a little.

It was romantic. She did not need to love him to admit that. If only Inuyasha could do the same.

Suddenly, a loud curse was heard from outside and Ginta winced. "I hope it's not the cat."

The cat? Were they talking about Kirara? It killed her that it hurt to speak; she had so many questions.

Ginta ran outside knowing that whatever pissed off Kouga, he had a good news for him. The more Kagome was awake, the better it was right?

"Oi, is everything a'right?"

Kouga was standing near the fire, covered in blood that was surely not his. "I slipped." He tried to get a better look of the wounds, never thinking the blood that stained the ground was slippery. Now he smelled like a fucking cat. Great.

"Oh. Hm, Kagome's awake," he said hoping to brighten Kouga's mood.

Kouga stilled and stopped trying to remove the blood from his body. "She hurt?"

"She ain't talking but…" He rubbed the back of his neck, unsure if he should tell Kouga the rest. It was no big deal and Kagome herself confirmed that she was not hurt but - well… Kouga probably wanted to know. "She was crying."

No wasting another moment, Kouga walked past Ginta and walked towards the den. He did not miss how Kagome's scent seemed to cover Ginta but he thought nothing of it. He watched over her. There was nothing to it. As he entered his den, Hakkaku came out of it.

"She still awake?"

"I think so. I mean her eyes are closed but I think she's awake."

He made sure to be quiet while he approached her. Regardless of how careful he was being, her eyes snapped open when he was near. He remained silent until he was right beside her. Then, he bent down and pressed a kiss to her forehead. Kouga frowned; she was warmer than when he left this morning. Beneath him, Kagome was unable to control her blush. Did- did he just kiss her?

"I'm gonna have the guys bring you some food and water."

Kagome was actually unable to tell if she was hungry or not. Perhaps it was because the pain numbed her body. Her throat did feel scorched and dry though.

"How ya feeling? Still in pain?"

She nodded. She did not think it was ever going to go away. What wouldn't she give to be back home in her own bed or the hospital.

"We found your friend." She was in a pretty bad shape but they stopped the bleeding. Since he was almost certain she would not die he felt like Kagome deserved a good news.

Her friend? Inuyasha? Sango? Miroku? Shippo?

"Kirara right?"

Oh - oh my god! Relief washed over her and it felt like a weight was taken off of her shoulders. Kirara most likely saved her life out there and also she was one of Sango's best friends. Kagome would never forgive herself if she died because of her.

"Tha-nk you."

"Hey, you don't gotta talk. Don't hurt yourself. I love you Kagome, I just wanna see ya happy."

As soon as he said love, she felt the atmosphere thicken and become edgy once more. He was not a bad guy and he was helping her, plus nobody ever really flirted or hit on her before. She did not know the first thing about letting someone down gently. She saw no reason to hurt Kouga's feelings; he did nothing to hurt her.

He grabbed her hand and intertwined their fingers. When he first brought her in he did not know much about her. He did like that she could see the jewel shards but it was not why he decided he would mate her. She was beautiful, strong and loyal. There was no way he could find a better woman than her. Her fingers were crisped but he assumed it was because it was difficult for her to move.

Kouga felt closer to her now more than ever. Unfortunately, Kagome was unconscious during most of their moments. How was she supposed to realize how much he truly loved her?

-E-

His heart was beating fast, the speed of it bringing him pain. He was sitting in the well house, his back pressed against the well. He wanted to go through - he had to go through but he could not bring himself to move. Kagome's mother's words echoed in his mind and refused to stop haunting him. 'Are you grabbing something for Kagome?' When he remained dumbfound, she even added more. 'She hasn't been home in so long but I know how you are all working so hard.' That part was the worse. How could Kagome not have been home?

She left, upset at him, he saw her! He watched her fly away on Kirara's back.

Oh yeah, Kirara. Who also was nowhere to be found.

He did not understand what could have happened. Kagome might not be the most powerful miko but she could somewhat handle herself. And she was with Kirara. The only person who could have taken them was - Naraku.

That was why he needed to go through the well and search for her. Yet, he was stuck. Tears were prickling his eyes and his hands were bawled into fists. He should have gone looking for her the first day, as soon as Kirara did not come back. Why did he not? Because he was too proud, because he rather be angry at her?

He knew nothing happened between Kagome and Kouga. She was not that kind of girl. It was not his fault the wolf upset him regardless. She did not understand - she was human. He was a dog and - goddamn it, she was pack. She was his. He blushed. Sort of. Just like Sango, Miroku and Shippo were his. They were under his protection. He should have made sure she came home safely.

He was a freaking idiot.

Inuyasha took another deep breath and finally rose to his feet. He could not waste any more time. If she was truly kidnapped by Naraku, there was no telling what he would do to her. He needed to find her before he hurt her.

Pain and guilt swirled inside of him as he jumped through the well, alone.

He hoped he would never have to do that again. It was not right without Kagome by his side.

-E-

To everyone's surprise, night came and Kagome remained awake. Granted, she did not do anything more than lay down but it was improvement and it made Kouga feel great. He knew he could take care of his woman and this was the proof. He was obviously worthy of her. His only problem left was Inuyasha. Mere days ago she claimed to be his and he doubted that fact changed. Especially since she called him that mutt's name a couple of times.

Nonetheless, he waited before bringing up the subject. He did not need her more upset or trying to move. He also had no desire to have her slap him again. Once was plenty enough.

Kagome did not eat but she did drink plenty of water. He figured that now that she was awake, she could feel the pain when she ate. Maybe once she would be out of it again, he would feed her. Somehow he doubted she would let him do it while she was awake. Not that what he did was wrong.

She did not speak much, instead she remained in the bed, looking at the ceiling. The silence killed him and nearly drove him inside but she was sick and he was trying to respect her wishes. Instead, he busied himself by tapping his feet against the ground or straightening the fur of his tail - all of it boring him beyond belief. How was she able to just lay there? He took another deep breath, keeping himself calm.

He missed her presence near his body, he missed holding her in his arms.

Meanwhile, Kagome was concerned.

Kouga was not speaking and she was not sure if she should try and ask her questions even if it hurts. She dared to tilt her head to the side and the moment she did so, he looked at her, hope gleaming in his eyes.

"I-nuy-asha," she managed to say.

And Kouga's heart shattered. Every single god damn time. Fuck the mutt, fuck the claim she thought he had on her. His bottom lip quivered in anger and pain but he concealed the emotions from his eyes.

"He ain't here. I haven't seen him. I found ya and he was nowhere near and hasn't been since I found ya."

Oh.

Then it crossed her mind; he might be busy. Busy with Kikyo. He was known to disappear for a while when she came along. Who knew how long he might leave if he thought she was home. Days? She remembered the fire in his eyes when she was injured and he tried to save her. Naraku took her away and she felt like a part of Inuyasha died. Pain wrapped itself around her heart and each beat brought her agony. She should not think about this. It was not like they made each other any promises. It was not as if they were in a relationship.

What was the nature of her relationship with Inuyasha?

He insulted her and she kept coming back for me. He did save her too though. Oh, and well, she enjoyed his company. Inuyasha might be angry very often but she knew it was only because he was hurt. He lost his mother and father and his brother tried to kill him over a sword. His life was not easy - yelling was how he dealt with his emotions. She saw another side of him the night he became human.

Inuyasha had a lot of good in him. She did not want to lose him, she wanted him in her life.

She could not say she loved him - not truly. It was not because she did not want to but mostly because she never loved anyone before. Actually, Inuyasha was the first boy she got close to and all of this was new to her. They were together all the time; was that not what made couples… couples? They never kissed or anything but - oh god, the thought alone was bringing heat to her cheeks.

A different scent filled the room and Kouga sniffed. It was coming from Kagome.

He got closer to her, unexpectedly nuzzling his nose in her hair. If she could have found her voice, she would have yelped.

"K-kouga?" she tried.

He did not stop however, the scent intriguing him. His woman never smelled like that before. It took a few more minutes for him to realize where the spiciness in her scent came from; she was aroused. He arched an eyebrow, a smirk forming on his face as he pulled away. Moments ago she was upset about Inuyasha and now she was turned on? It was faint but it was there. He cupped her cheek and brought her face closer to his.

She held her breath as she watched his mouth come closer to hers. Her face tingled and then it happened - except not how she expected it. Instead of him kissing her lips, he brushed them against the corner of her mouth. They were warm, moist, much different from her own. Suddenly, her face was fire as all that remained was a puff of his breath against her skin. Her lips were trembling and she could take her eyes off of him.

He on the other hand was smiling. Her scent of arousal definitively increased. He did not want to push her or force himself on her but the temptation was too great. He did refrain himself from kissing her though he did get a small hint of her lips. He could hardly wait for her to be back on her feet so that he could show her what a real youkai could do.

Kouga loved the startled expression on her face and chuckled as he brushed her bangs away from her eyes. "You're my woman Kagome, I told ya. I'm gonna look after you."

He claimed his love many times and he was a bit pushy but - he never did anything this forward. The most he ever did was put his arm around her waist which in itself really was not a romantic gesture. This was a kiss - a semi-kiss. Oh god, did it count as her first kiss? Her first kiss… no, this was not how she pictured it. It was supposed to be romantic and blow her away. She was not supposed to be stuck in the Feudal Era, feeling like dying… it was all wrong.

It did not take Kouga very long to sense the disturbance in her scent.

Shit. "Kagome?" He was not trying to make her mad or sad - or nothing. That was why he did not actually kiss her. He could have… she was his woman. And really she might have slapped him but she never said no. She always only said there was sort of someone else.

Was she really going to be mad at him?

"I was just trying to make y-"

"It-s fine."

Maybe her usual reaction would be to get really mad and scream loudly but not today. First of all, she did not have the energy to do that. Second of all, she was most likely more embarrassed than anything else and shocked - oh and in terrible pain. She might have managed to stay awake today but it was costing her everything. She was dizzy, light headed and she wished the soreness would transform to numbness to prevent it from increasing her torment.

He felt like shit.

When they woke up, she was as much tangled with him as he was with her. She kept talking about Inuyasha but she had a fever… And he took good care of her. He loved her. He thought if he could show her he was a better male than Inuyasha, she would come to her senses and pick him.

"Shit, Kagome. I didn't wanna hurt you. I love you," he said almost sheepishly.

She managed to look into his eyes, recognized an emotion close to pain. He was even avoiding her glance. She knew he meant no wrong and really she owed him for everything he was doing to her.

He buried his face in his hand, ashamed. He liked to think that he was skilled when it came to this sort of stuff and he had a lot going for himself, perhaps just no in a human's perspective. What did Inuyasha have? He was a hanyou with no family, he had no place to call his own. Kouga was a prince, the youngest leader of the wolves' pack. He was strong, fast and handsome. Kagome should want a full youkai like him.

Was he not acting right? What did human females want? He was ashamed to admit the only time he was around one before her was during meal time. But he changed, because he loved her and she made him see that humans could be good and loyal, not just worthless.

Did that not mean anything to her? He changed his entire lifestyle!

Out of the blue, he was surprised by a soft touch. Her little finger grazed against his, soothing him.

His aura was driving her insane, almost suffocating her. Inuyasha had felt sorry many times but it was nothing like this. Kouga was dwelling in remorse. It was not like he hurt her or anything. He was about to make her feel bad for her reaction. She had to do something and this was about as much movements as she could manage.

"Not mad," she whispered.

A smile tugged at his lips and he nodded. He fully grabbed her hand and covered it with both of his. "I'll wait for ya to realize ya love me, Kagome. But I'll always take care of ya, no matter what."

If she could have, she would have rolled her eyes. There was the cocky, confident Kouga she sort of knew. She saw him mad, she saw him full of pride. She never saw him sad or hurt before. Then again, she only met him today… or rather… oh she was confused in her days and thinking made her heart hurt. She was simply going to be thankful she was no longer drowsy.

"Do ya wanna eat?"

Now that he knew she was not mad at him, his hopes were up again. Perhaps she was never mad to being with, maybe she acted nervous and angry because it was expected of her. She did touch him to comfort him. Strangers did not do that. He did not grab another female's hand simply because she was upset. He only did that to his Kagome. And she just did it to him.

"It's cooked meat! I made sure they did it the way ya like."

She truly had no appetite but she supposed that eating was required if she wanted to gain some strength back. If she ever wanted to make it home again, she needed food. Kagome offered Kouga weak nod and he nearly bolted out of the den to get her some meat.

Kagome rose her shaky arm and touched the corner of her mouth with her fingertips before dropping her arm back by her side. Her heart skipped a beat. She thought if she was going to kiss anyone anytime soon it would be Inuyasha. Instead, it was Kouga. Butterflies fluttered in her stomach as she recalled the feeling of his lips on her. Warm and yet rough. It almost left her wondering what it was like to truly kiss someone. She was so set on Inuyasha she did not consider anyone else - she would not.

And she prayed her stomach would stop tightening the way it was.

Kouga returned very rapidly, the scent of food invading her nostrils. She thought he would put a piece of meat in her hand but instead, he pressed it to her lips. He- he was going to feed her? Slight uneasiness filled her but after a moment, she parted her lips. He slid the food in her mouth and she closed it once his fingers were out of the way. Then it happened. She tried to chew but the meat was not soft like the one she was used to in her time. She groaned, pain jolting through her. No, no, no. Now that the food was in her mouth, the delicious juices sliding down her throat, she was hungry.

She wanted it.

The salty scent of tears attacked his nose and he frowned. He was right, she was unable to chew on her own. He did try to cut them up as small as he could but it was apparently not enough, it needed to be chewed. It was no surprise really; even though she was doing better today, she still struggled to speak. She did hit herself on the head. Some injuries were too be expected. He fucked hated those goddamn birds.

"Here," he said as he approached his fingers to her mouth once more.

Bafflement hit her as he pushed his digits against her lips, almost forcing her to open her mouth. When she did, he retrieved the piece of meat and pulled it out. She blinked, hoping he would explain. Instead, she laid there as he shoved the very same piece in his own mouth and began to chew. W-what was he doing? Was food precious? Were they running out and he was afraid it was going to be wasted?

He reduced it to a paste as best he could and once it felt like it would go down her throat without her even having to masticate he lowered himself so that their noses touched. "Open ya mouth."

What.

"I'm gonna feed ya."

What in the world was he trying to pull off? He chewed that food! She was not going to eat it! She kept her mouth firmly closed, her lips glued together so tightly they were turning white.

"Ya need to eat. Ya know you're hungry."

Yes, she was but she was not that hungry.

He lifted one of his hands and took hold of her chin. "I'm only trying to help. I want ya to get better, Kagome."

She felt her guts twist and a wave of nauseous washed over her. If she was to do this - oh god she could not do this. Out of her own will or not, she was not sure, her lips opened and Kouga wasted no time. He put his mouth on hers and filled it with the meat paste. She gulped, doing her best not to throw up. She quickly swallowed it while his lips were still against her, afraid that if she did not get it over with quickly, it would end up badly.

Kagome waited as it made its way down her throat, like something was caught in it, until finally, she could no longer sense it. Then, she went to close her mouth with his lips still on hers. He did the same.

This one was a kiss, a real kiss. Except her eyes were wide open and - wait so were his. He did not intend for this to happen. He almost looked as shocked as she did.

He held his breath as he pulled away and quickly rose to his feet. He did not say a word, instead he went to sit right by the entrance of the den, gazing outside. Fuck, Kagome was too innocent for her own good and she did not know how to stop her emotions from showing through her scent. She liked it, he smelled it. Yet, the first time when he was actually trying to kiss her, she got upset.

Woman made no sense to him.

Kagome somewhat curled up into a ball, at least as good of one as the pain would allow her, many emotions rushing through her. What was happening? She had no feelings for Kouga. She stood in between him and Inuyasha because she did not think he deserved to die. She barely knew him and only called him a friend because of everything he did for her. Now that man, that wolf, had kissed her twice in about ten minutes.

Neither time she got upset, neither time she flipped out.

She loved Inuyasha. Why did she blush when Kouga kissed her? It was not fair. The one she wanted to kiss was not here and now, she was stuck with Kouga. Persistent, head over heels in love with her Kouga. She meant what she said before her little incident. Kouga was much nicer and he did treat her right. Both men were different, they could not be compared.

However, the one who had her heart was Inuyasha.

-E-

Sango was leading the group, her heart pounding. Kirara was all she had left from her people, her family - her father. She was her best friend and she grew up with her. It was also her link to her brother. She needed to find her - alive. And Kagome, they were close and she cared for the girl a lot. There were not many people Sango could trust and Kagome was one of them. Naraku already took everything from her and she would not let him take Kirara and Kagome too.

"Are you certain Naraku is behind this?" Miroku inquired as he inspected their surroundings.

"Ya. Who else would have taken Kagome? She's not stupid enough to have gone somewhere. If she said she was going home, then she was going home."

They faced Naraku a few times and they lost - or actually the coward ran away but not this time. Inuyasha failed Kikyo and he refused to fail Kagome as well.

"Do we know where to find him?" Miroku hated Naraku just as much as anybody else but he did not find it wise to head into battle without a plan. Also, he was not sure this was the work of Naraku. He would have revealed his intentions by now, he always did. What was the point of capturing Kagome and Kirara without demanding anything?

"I'm gonna spot his scent as soon as we come across it."

"What if we do not?"

"We will! He took them."

"Blood."

Inuyasha's ears perked up and his heart stopped beating. "What?"

He left Miroku behind and rushed to catch up to Sango. When he reached her side, he looked down where she was glancing. Blood. Lots of it, tainting the grass. He dropped to his nose and shoved his nose right down into it. At first, he experienced relief but then guilt, a lot of it.

"It's not Kagome's." He paused. "It's Kirara's."

Sango's eyes filled with tears and she found herself choking up. "Any other scent?"

He shook his head. There was nothing that stood out. Kirara already carried many scents because of all their battles. They sort of all mingled together.

"Then we keep going," Sango said as she walked past Inuyasha.

She would find her friends, no matter the cost. Nobody else would die because of Naraku.

-E-