The Light in a Darkened Heart

(Chants disclaimer softly.)  Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. 
You guys are great and you have made this a really fun experience thus far. 
Let me know what you think.
 
 
Chapter Five - The First Kiss
 
 
Slowly, slowly, consciousness returned. Gently, fleetingly images rolled
through Kagome's mind as her eyes opened to...nothingness, the deep void. 
She sighed deeply, her sight had still not returned.  She raised her hand
to feel a warm object pressing into her neck, face, and all of her body. 
What she found shocked her.  Kagome could feel warm skin and soft, silky
hair against her.  As she moved her hands down she felt thin fabric
covering the warmest skin she'd ever felt.  "Oh, God." she groaned. 
Kouga smirked. He had been awake for at least an hour enjoying the warmth and
sensual comfort Kagome's body provided him pressed so intimately against his. 
Kagome could feel heat flare out from her lower belly with the sensation of
Kouga's body, so hot against her.  She had never really had the chance to
give Kouga's attentions to her any consideration, usually she was too busy
trying to keep he and Isha sha from killing each other.  They were all
alone now though and she could feel how smooth and warm he was under the little
clothing he wore.  Although he was muscular and tough, his skin was like
velvet covering steel and the fact that Kagome could only feel him and not see
him increased the effect that tactile sensation was having on her. 
 
 
Suddenly Kagome became aware that although he was partially covered, she was
almost naked.  All she could feel was her bra and panties covering her most
vital areas.  Her face must have belied her thoughts because Kouga covered
her lips with his finger and began to reassure her.  "Don't worry.  It
was late last night and I didn't have time to get some clothes for you.  
I kept my hands to myself last night and I will make sure you have clothing to
wear today.  Please don't be upset, I did the best I could."  Kagome
calmed down.&nbAfteAfter all, who could stay mad after such heartfelt pleas? 
"Kouga, can I get dressed, please?"  She asked.  "Certainly. 
Wait right here."  Kouga turned and raced out of the cave. 
 
 
He ran down the sloping path to a small den in a far corner of their
settlement.  The cave was bright with light and there were several small
wolf cubs playing on the floor, wrestling and tackling each other. 
Sunshine poured into the den and the smell of cooking meat and pickling spice
was in the air.  "Kiya." He called.  "Are those kimonos I asked for
ready?"  "Sure thing Kouga." Kiya answered.  "Although the pattern was
a little odd, I think they came out okay."  Kiya was a short dainty
wolf youkai with long brown hair and pixie-like features.  She was married
to one of Kouga's closest clan members, Naya.  Kiya had a gift with a
needle and thread and she was also a wonderful cook.  Many a happy night
for Kouga had been spent in the company of Naya, Kiya, and their children,
eating Kiya's scrumptious cooking and laughing.  Kiya was in charge of
armor repair and the sewing of clothing for the clan.  She had several
other pack women to assist her but she ran the group.  He had requested the
kimonos a while ago, and, knowing Kiya's effeciency, he was sure they were
finished.  
 
 
She handed him four kimonos, cut just below the knee and loosely fitting to allow freedom of movement. 
The patterns were varying and the material was the finest soft silk Kouga had
ever come across.  He wondered where Kiya had gotten it.  Kouga made a
mental note to ask her later so that he might be able to have more kimonos
commissioned for Kagome.  He had planned on giving them to Kagome as a gift, cementing his
intentions to make her his mate but they would really serve their purpose now. 
He had also hoped to encourage her to wear longer skirts around 'dog crap', as he
liked to call Inuyasha.  He certainly didn't want that dog staring at
Kagome's legs.  He carefully tucked the kimonos under his arm and
hurried back to Kagome. 
 
 
Kouga entered the den and proceeded back to his chambers.  He walked up
to Kagome and stopped directly in front of her.  He held out the first kimono
and told her to hold out her arms.  Warily she did so and he placed the
garment over her arms and wrapped it around her.  He stepped in close to
her and fastened the tie at the front.  As he did his arm gently brushed
across her breast and Kouga saw the color heighten in her cheeks and the
faintest hint of arousal touched his nose.
 
 
He shifted and softly kissed her forehead.  "How are you feeling this
morning?"  He asked.  "I still can't see.  I feel as though I'd like a bath, if that is
possible.  Did you manage to find medicine?"  Kagome's words came
tumbling out on top of each other.  Kouga laughed.  "You should regain
your sight in about two or three days.  Yes, you may have a bath.  Yes
I did manage to find medicine.  We should apply it right after you've
bathed.  You will probably need help to bathe."  Kagome raised an
eyebrow.  "Whom do you suggest?"  Kouga coughed nervously. "Well, if
you will hear me out before beating me into oblivion, I would suggest that you
wrap a cloth around yourself and let me wash your hair.  I can then give
you the soap and turn my back so you can finish cleaning yourself." 
 
 
Kagome seemed wary. 
 "You promise you won't peek?"  "I just want to
help you and I promise not to do a single thing that you don't want me to do." 
Kouga replied.  "Okay, lead the way"  Kagome said.  "I can do
better than that." He said.  Kouga picked her up and began walking toward
the entrance to the den.  When he reached the door Kagome realized she
could feel a balmy wind on her face and she could smell the scent of fresh
vegetables, probably being cooked for stew.   She could hear the
sounds of the wolf tribe going about their daily routines. 
 
 
Kouga held her close as he walked out of his den and down the narrow path that led to a
communal bathing area.  There was a special area, shielded from view that
was reserved for his use and other youkai nobles that might come to visit. 
He passed the other dens and finally reached the large, enclosed bathing area.
 
 
He set Kagome down like she was a piece of fine china and he placed a long
piece of cloth in her hands.  He then proceeded to turn his back and cross
his arms.  Kagome giggled and reached up to begin removing her clothing. 
When she was finished she wrapped the cloth entirely around her and announced
that she was ready.  Kouga turned and became very still. 
 
 
She looked exquisite standing there, wrapped only in a cloth.  He was reminded of his
arousal the previous night and his groin began to tighten.  He could not
suppress the small growl that was forced out at the sight of her.  Kagome
stepped back from Kouga and whimpered low in her throat.  Kouga smiled
slightly and decided to begin "Operation Kagome".  "I think I deserve a
reward for my heroic rescue of last evening. What do you think?"  Kagome
licked her lips nervously.  "What do you have in mind?", she
wondered.  
 
 
Kouga asked,  "Will you let me kiss you?"  Now the first thing on the tip
of Kagome's tongue was a refusal.  The wolf prince made her slightly
nervous and she did not want to encourage him after refusing his attentions
before.  However, she was curious as to why he made her nervous and her
curiosity spoke before her brain could process a refusal.  "...Okay" 
She said hesitantly.  Instantly Kouga's arms swept around her, gathering
her close.  His breath fanned out over her face just before his lips met
hers.  He gently pressed into her lips and opened his mouth slightly
encouraging her to do the same.  Her mouth was so sweet and hot. 
Added with his arousal of that morning,  Kouga
felt like his whole body was on fire. 
 
 
Kagome felt overwhelmed.  She had not expected the reaction her body was
having
to Kouga.  All she wanted was to get closer to him, to allow him to consume
her if he so desired.  Her lips parted on a sigh which was immediately
drawn into Kouga's mouth.  Kouga gently ran his tongue over her bottom lip
and then into her mouth and over her tongue.  Kagome moaned and shyly
brought her tongue out to meet his.  He tasted so wonderful, so alive. 
Everything was focused on her sensations of touch, smell, and taste.  Kouga
cupped her face in his hands and held her cheeks.  Kagome could feel
something hard pressing into her stomach and suddenly, realizing what it was,
broke the kiss and pulled herself from Kouga's arms.
 
 
She crossed her arms protectively over her chest and concentrated on calming
down her breathing.  Kouga stopped for a minute to gain some of his own
control back but also stepped closer to Kagome again.  "Kagome, I didn't
mean to make you uncomfortable but I know you enjoyed that.  I want to
bring you pleasure not pain.  I want to keep you close to me for always. 
I want to always make you smile and laugh.  Your happiness and laughter is
my happiness and laughter.  I would worship you if you would only allow me
too."  He paused and then began again. "Please, Kagome,  you at least
owe me the chance to try to make you happy, to make you laugh, to worship you
like I want to.  I promise, as soon as you are well I will return you to
Inuyasha if you still want to go back.  Consider this the final payment for
saving you and your friends lives and for saving your sight.  I know you
won't regret it, just let me try.  Please say you'll let me try, Kagome" 
 
 
Stunned at the impassioned plea from the wolf prince Kagome could only stare
sightlessly ahead of her.  So many thoughts whirling through her brain. 
Her obligation to her group, her love for Inuyasha, her responsibility to find
the rest of the jewel shards, her tenuous position in the feudal era, and her
life beyond the well.  All these things were valid reasons why the answer
should be 'no'.  Imagine her surprise then when the word that fell from her
lips was....'yes'.