Ayame's POV

When I woke up, my body felt heavy. My head was groggy and I felt like something heavy was on top of me. I turned my head, trying to find an easier way to breathe, but it wasn't any use.

I gave up and opened my eyes sleepily. The light was soft, but it still hurt my eyes and I squinted. Looking around the room, I realized I didn't know where I was and a rush of anxiety hit me. I could tell through the window that it was dark outside, the light that had hurt my eyes before had come from a single paper lantern that laid close to me.

I moved to sit up, a weight anchoring my stomach and hand to the mat where I laid. My cloths had been exchanged for a loose fitting kimono. I realized that underneath the Kimono my chest had been wrapped delicately with gaze. My long brown hair was braided gently to the side in an elegantly, but the weight on my stomach was what had caught the most of my attention.

Kyoga had fallen asleep at my side holding my hand, his head resting against my stomach. Then the memory of what had happened flash in front of my eyes. The village had been under attack by an unknown attacker. I had come to the village to help Kyoga, and to tell him that we were pregnant, but we ended up having a huge fight. Then I left the village and placed myself in danger. Kyoga found me and I spilled out all my hurt feelings to him in that meadow before I was captured by Reiji. I had put the village, the guys as well as myself and our unborn child in danger.

Tears gathered in my eyes. There was no way on earth that I deserved the man that was asleep next to me. Where he was strong I was weak, where he was together, I was nothing more than a child. I thought about all the things that made us different, and I couldn't help but feel useless next to all the things he does for this village. I looked down at his sleeping form, whisps of brown hair curled slightly around his eyes.

I was sure that once he got to my side, he never left, waiting for me to wake up. I bit my lip, but the tears kept coming. Kyoga still didn't know that I was pregnant, what if I had lost it already? With all that I had put body through, I must have lost the baby. My heart broke at the thought and something inside me snapped, I pulled my hand away from Kyoga's trying to smoother the sound of my cries.

No matter how hard I tried to silence my sobs, Kyoga stirred next to me. I begged internally for him to go back to sleep, I didn't want to show him this side of me, yet I couldn't stop crying. I felt shameful for everything that had lead up to this. As a mother, I should have been more careful, and now it was too late.

"Ayame? Ayame, what's wrong?!" Kyoga called out to me anxiously when he finally came to. I cried, my throat too constricted to even begin getting the words out. Kyoga cradled me in his strong arms, and I felt even more guilty. My cries turned to full blown out sobs.

"Are you in pain?" He asked me as he pushed my bangs away out of my face as he looked down at me with worry. I shock my head no, to which I heard him take as sigh of relief and buried me deeper into his chest. I clung to him with all my might as my body shook with grief.

Kyoga rocked me back and forth, saying things like "I was safe," that "Everything was going to be alright." His words, meant for comfort, only made me cry harder. Soon Kyoga got the gist that his words weren't helping me, and settled to just let me cry myself out as he held me in his arms.

I cried for a long time, all the emotions I had been feeling, the stress, the fear, I let everything that I had been holding back out in those moments. I never deserved a man like Kyoga, he was always supportive of me, and he protected me fearlessly whenever the time arose.

My attention soon turned to him. I looked up into his warm green eyes; I had thought I had seen the last of these eyes. I remember hearing the battle more so than seeing it. I remember being run trough with him.

I pushed myself away from him a bit as I looked him over, trying to find anything that I could heal, any pain that I could relieve him of.

"Are you hurt, anywhere?" I asked as I pulled his Kimono down to where I was sure that Reiji had run him through. I looked down at his flawless abs, and not even a scratch was visible. I looked back up into his green eyes begging to know if he was hurt anywhere else.

"I am fine, we were more concerned about you. I'd thought I had lost you." He said as he cupped my face, as he gazed lovingly back into my eyes. Tears gathered in my eyes again, the reality of it hitting me full force. I had caused him grief.

"I… I am sorry. Because I am not an Ayakashi I don't know much about this world of yours, and because of that I have caused you nothing but trouble." I said rubbing my arms, casting my eyes to the floor away from Kyoga. All of this was my fault. I felt Kyoga's finger hook under my chin, making me look back up at him.

"Ayame, I should be the one to apologize. I made you worry about me because I tried doing it all on my own without considering your feelings. I knew that you wanted to help, but I didn't want to worry you with it," Kyoga said holding my eyes with his. "And you never cause me too much trouble. Everything about you, Ayakashi or not, is always worth everything to me."

"But I was the one who went outside the village without considering the danger I was putting everyone in. Im too much trouble for a clan head." I cried out, trying to take the blame for the trouble my blood has caused.

"Then cause me trouble, I don't care. I'll take whatever comes after us, as long as you stay by my side." Kyoga said, his green eyes baring down into mine. I shook my head, he wasn't understanding, he could have so much more, a woman who wasn't as vulnerable, someone he didn't have to look after as much and could stand on her own a bit.

"But what Reiji said-" I began again, when Kyoga's eyes darkened slightly at the mention of Reiji's name. Kyoga's thumb sealed my lips.

"Nothing Reiji said, can hold true to the happiness, I find in 'coupling' you." Kyoga said, his voice final, leaving no room for argument. I starred at him, his words having consumed all of me in one sentence. Kyoga's finger slid over my bottom lip, the action causing my lips to blaze and tremble after his touch. Kyoga's lips slowly and gently touched mine as I thought to myself, There is no way that I could ever deserve this man.

"Don't ever thing that being too vulnerable is an issue for me. Vulnerability just makes things more precious… I really should just lock you up somewhere to where only I could see you." Kyoga whispered, his lips brushing softly against mine. His lips were gentle, kind, and loving... like I was breakable. I loved all these things about Kyoga but at this time…. I needed more.

I hesitated at first, and then I kissed him myself. Kyoga's arms tightened around me, I knew he needed this to. I listened as Kyoga's breathing hitched, his desire growing with mine. His hands danced across my skin, as my arms wrapped around his shoulders, each of us molding into each other.

Kyoga's fingers gently untied the kimono that was wrapped around me, and I felt the sensation of it falling from my shoulders. I brought my hand to cup Kyoga's face, as I pulled back to look into the eyes of the man who I whole heartedly loved.

Kyoga looked back at me, taking in my naked body that he had laid out in front of him. His eyes focusing of my wrapped chest. His fingers gently caressed the spot where Reiji had run me through. Being human, I was slow to heal and I would probably scar. Kyoga's eyes were locked on the spot, I watched as hate, and sorrow mixed in his dark green eyes.

I laid my hand over his. My wound pulsed, slightly underneath in irritation. As I laid my hand over Kyoga's, his tormented eyes met mine. There was no doubt that he blamed himself for what had happened to me.

"Kyoga, what happened was not your fault," I whispered, trying to take away his pain. His jaw locked and set into place, telling me he thought differently but I continued. "I jumped in front of you, I couldn't bare the thought of you dying. Don't hate this mark," I begged him, his eyes jumped back to mine seeking forgiveness that he didn't need but already had. "Even if the mark on my neck fades away one day, this scar will always tell the story of how deep my love for you is... its all the way through." I said,as Kyoga's eyes filled with unshed tears.

Kyoga, buried himself into my chest this time, with his shoulders quivering. For once I was at a loss of what to do, I had never before this seen him cry. Tears gathered in my eyes as I held him and ran my fingers through his hair, gently stoking his ears as he took refuge in my arms.

Kyoga calmed back down after a few minuets, but remained tucked away in my arms silently listening to my heart beat under his cheek. When he pulled away and readjusted my kimono I was confused, but then the door to the room slid open.

An okami woman stepped in after bowing first. I recognized her from the castle, however I had never met her before.

"My name is Momoe, miss Ayame. I've been taking care of your wounds." She politely introduced herself I nodded as she looked up at me.

"How are you feeling?" She asked. I told her that I was feeling fine and that I thanked her for looking after me. Her eyes moved between me and Kyoga as I thanked her. However I wasn't prepared for what happened next.

"Well, you should know that the baby is fine, and she shows no signs of complications." She said as if she believed we were aware. Kyoga, who had been sitting absent mindedly listening nearly chocked and the water he had been drinking.

"W-wait. What did you say?" He asked Momoe, not believing what his ears heard. I blushed, well this didn't turn out the way I had planned… well none of it had. But what Momoe had said took awhile for me to comprehend. She mentioned the baby, and said it was ok and no harm had befallen it. Tears gathered in my eyes yet again, that means, that I was still pregnant. Wait… did she just say 'she'?

Momoe was slightly taken aback by our reactions. As she repeated herself, and then apologized to me for ruining the surprise and that she believed that we both already knew. Kyoga had gone silent, staring at me. I slowly began panicking, as Momoe made sure that I was ok and left the room without adding anything else.

I blinked, and looked back up at Kyoga who had a blank look on his face. I felt guilty, but I really hadn't gotten the chance to tell him. I waited for him to say something, but he continued to stare at me, like he was looking at me for the first time… it made my hands sweat.

"How long have you known?" He asked, his voice on the harder side. I looked up at him, as the distance between us bothered me. This is defiantly not how I imagined telling him, I thought he'd be happier than this.

"I-I… The day after you left to come back to the village, Ikumi made me take a test at her place. I found out that day, but I really wanted to tell you, so I kept it to myself and I waited for you to come home. When I came to the village to tell you, the time just never was available. Kyoga, I am sorr-" I was cut short when Kyoga wrapped me in his arms again. From in his arms, I could feel him shaking again.

"Y-you really are pregnant?" He asked me, like he was afraid to believe it, but his voice was different… was he… happy? I smiled softly with happy tears gathering in my eyes.

"I am pregnant." I nodded and I felt Kyoga grasp my face in both of his before he roughly kissed me, happiness radiating from every inch of him as he held me close, kissing me over and over. Soon, Kyoga pulled back looking into my eyes, a question forming in his eyes.

"May I?" He asked looking at my stomach. I broke out into a wide grin and nodded again. Kyoga laid down next to me, resting his head just below my stomach, his hand coming up to gently stroke my slightly distended tummy. We stayed like that, with my hand over his and my other hand running my fingers through his hair and rubbing his ears like he likes. For a moment, I was happy to just stay like this forever with Kyoga as he slowly dozed off talking to our child.

Our happy ending didn't last very long when a commotion could be heard through the door.

"Ayame, are you-" Miyabi said before he threw the door open. Kyoga who had fallen asleep on my stomach glared at the kitsune. Apparently word travels fast in the village. Miyabi eyed Kyoga laying on my stomach.

"Looks like that rumors are true," Shinra says obviously enjoying Miyabi's reaction as he looks between Kyoga and me. Well, this is an odd turn of events. "Seems as you're too late, Miyabi."

"Shinra, lets be nice. This is a cause for celebration," Yuki says, "Miyabi was really betting on Ayame falling for him anyways, even though the odds stacked against him." I had no idea what they were talking about, but Kyoga just silently glared back at Miyabi. Was there some kind of rival between the two of them, it wasn't too long ago that they had that big fight. Where they ready to be in the same room together with me?

Suddenly, Miyabi casted his gaze down from Kyoga's, his face crestfallen, before he switched back into his normal jest.

"As long as Ayame's happy that's all that matters." He said looking at me, a confident grin spreading over his face. I felt Kyoga's hand tighten around mine.

"But you were just denying all the rumors earlier. Saying things like, 'That can't be right'." Shinra said trying to stay under Miyabi's skin. Miyabi crossed his arms across his chest and hid his hands inside his kimono.

"Little oni's don't understand the sacrifices of true love." Miyabi said turning his attention to jesting back at Shinra, who was slowly but predictably bright red.

"Congratulations, Ayame." Samon said still standing in the door way. I smiled at him, but Kyoga had yet to say a word. I wondered what was wrong. Did something happen between him and the guys?

"I think we've over stayed our welcome, guys." Chikage signed, taking in Kyoga's nonverbal gestures. What has gotten into him?

"Chikage, you were the one who suggested we come." Shinra blurted out, a blush bloomed on Chikage's face. I giggled at the familiar sight, I missed times like these. These last few weeks had been lonely, I half way felt back to normal seeing all of them.

"I was simply concerned about Ayame's well being, you were reading too much into it." Chikage said, defusing the situation Shinra had built up. Nice cover Chikage.

"Chikage's right, I'm sure these two would like a little time alone." Samon spoke up, even though I was grateful, I still blushed slightly at his words, "Ayame, We'll return to the shrine, I'll look after everything there. Rest up here and when two ready to come back, I'll cook up something nice for us to celebrate with."

"Thanks Samon, I really appreciate it." I said smiling. Samon flashed me a smile and nodded towards Kyoga before he rounded up the guys. Then I remembered something.

"Wait a minute!" I called out to them. five pairs of eyes shifted to me again. I fumbled for the words I wanted to say.

"T-thank you guys for everything. I mean from before. I am sorry I put you guys in a dangerous situation." I finally said bowing my head slightly.

"Don't worry about that. That's what we're here for." Miyabi spoke up, something in his golden eyes flickering. I had no idea what it was, but Koyoga seemed to not notice it.

"Besides, we did get something out of it after all!" Shinra said. I looked at him in confusion, as I heard Kyoga growl slightly. Seems that the guys just couldn't get out of the room fast enough.

"Huh?" I asked despite myself. I really didn't understand just what they could have gotten from that. Just as Shinra was about to explain, Yuki cut him off.

"I'm sure Kyoga can explain it to you, for now we really should be getting back." He pressed. Bewildered by his response I nodded as they left. I turned towards Kyoga, a multitude of questions filled my eyes as he looked at me. Kyoga sighed as he explained everything. I sat in shock, so Akio did come. I looked down at the hands in my lap, I could still feel the power within me flow calmly through my veins, but would I loose control again?

Kyoga's hand grasped mine, our skin tingling from just the lightest contact. I could literally watch the energy dance as it radiated from my skin, I watched as it wrapped around Kyoga's hand and up his arm before it disappeared. The power of the special blood was truly amazing, and I couldn't believe that I couldn't see any of this before.

I looked up at Kyoga, his green eyes seeming to waver in nervousness for some reason. I wanted to reach out to him, to ask him what was wrong but something held me back as I held his hand in mine.

"Ayame, I've tried to do so much on my own. As clan head, there are certain things I have to do, things that I believed that I wanted to take on alone." He spoke, his voice thick. My heart picked up speed, what was he getting at?

"When I met you, I tried keeping our two worlds separate in fear that something you didn't understand would hurt you, but..." Kyoga said as he reached inside of his kimono and pulled out a small box. My heart raced, was this really what I was thinking this was?

"I can't keep doing that anymore... will you marry me, Ayame?"

:) LOL!