A/N Sept 14 2017 - Hello Everyone! I know it's been a long wait, but I have been working on advancing this story whenever time and emotional upheaval permits. I want to thank each and every one of you that takes the time to come and read my story whenever I (finally!) post something new, whether or not you leave a review, thank you! It keeps me writing knowing that you are still interested in this story and my crazy brain, lol.
Not sure when I'll be able to post again (but I am still writing so make sure you click on 'follow' if you want to be updated), so I made sure to make this chapter extra long! I really, really, really, hope you enjoy it. ~ Lady P. xoxo
-ooOooOooOoo-W&S-W&S-ooOooOooOoo-
Sitting at a safe distance on an outcropping of stone, Sango and Miroku watch spellbound as a large gathering of Kouga's wolves continue to gather immense bundles of youkai energy between their parted palms. As the power balls between their glowing hands, often joining with others, the accumulated energy is blast outwards towards the large hillside. It surges forward in a non-explosive yet metamorphosing way that effectively shapes and hollows the stone to the casters control. Rosario had tried to explain it to them by describing it as a combination of a wolf's power to transform combined with a very delicately spun web of youkai energy that acted as the catalyst allowing the wolves to alter the very substance of the stone.
Whatever it was they were doing, the group had accumulated such an incredible amount of youkai energy between them that it had knocked Miroku senseless when they had first done it, dropping the surprised monk on his ass as the wolves poured their power into the hillside. Sango had to half carry him to a safer distance as the demons continued their efficient and speedy work, and she'd only required the use of her trusty boomerang the one time as she helped Miroku to a boulder in the distance. They'd sat ever since, watching more than a little awed at the unusual and unexpected power of the wolves.
The wolves had settled on digging into the eastern face of a small outcropping of large hills, not quite large enough to be called a mountain but close, that straddled the main river, west of the magical Well. The river flowing past their back door would allow for a continuous source of fresh water and the range of rolling hills provided an excellent vantage point to view the Well and village in the distance. A mere 5 - 10 minutes journey, as the wolf runs of course, making it an ideal location strategically for the wolves. Under the careful supervision of Hakkaku, Ginta, and Rosario, the pack – with the exception of those few left on guard and messenger duty – have been busy helping with the construction of what the wolves were quickly calling, the wedding gift.
"Incredible, Sango," Miroku grins jubilantly, rubbing absentmindedly at the bump on the back of his head. "I've never felt such concentrated youkai before and to see it used in such a manner! Amazing!" he gazes at the transforming mountainous hillside in awe.
Sango's lips part in a wide smile, joining in his admiration. "It really is incredible to see," she agrees. Impressed with the wolves ingenuity and creativity, yet thankful to be at a distance from the blasting youkai energy. Not nearly as sensitive as Miroku to the demonic power, she can still feel it rippling across every hair on her body sending little shockwaves down her spine.
Miroku peeks at the beautiful demon slayer seated beside him from the corner of his eye. He watches curiously as another shiver runs through her, her body visibly trembling when another surge from the hillside goes off.
"Are you well, Sango?" Miroku turns concerned deep navy eyes on her, a wave of protectiveness washing through him at the thought of anything harming his dear sweet slayer. Sango with her dark flowing hair and tempting curves. His eyes follow the cascade of her ponytail, and the hand in Miroku's lap twitches as he follows the luscious curve of the slayer's back.
Smack!
"I'm fine, Miroku, thank you," Sango smiles innocently, having moved Hiraikotsu so fast that she is already sliding the boomerang back against the side of the boulder. Miroku grins happily and star-eyed, oblivious to the new welt forming on the side of his head.
Up near the entrance of the new den, Hozo looks up, smirking at the now familiar and echoing sound. He chuckles as he locks eyes with Hakkaku that shakes his head.
"Humans," the beta grunts before entering into the mouth of the new den. Several cut logs are hoisted over his slim but strong shoulders.
"Hey, Hozo!" A young wolf of the eastern den with pitch black short cropped hair jogs up to the omega. "Did you hear that?" he grins.
Hozo laughs, "How could you miss it, Kento?" The two young omegas had formed a fast bond when they had teamed up to work on the new den. Hozo had been overjoyed to meet someone that he had so much in common with and the two were becoming fast and inseparable friends.
"What's that make it now ya figure?" Kento smirks, moving to a pile of cut logs that some of the other wolves had gathered from the forest, piling several in his slender arms. They would use the logs to strengthen sections of the small maze of tunnels that were quickly forming under the stretch of hills. Using wood, skins, and other materials the wolves would be able to easily build tables, shelves, cooking fires, and anything else that a home away from home might need.
The corners of Hozo's eyes crinkle, his mouth quirking up as he considers his friends inquiry. They'd been trying to keep track of how many times the reverberating sound of Hiraikotsu had found the monks head over the last day, but before the wolf can answer, a sudden wave of warning tingles the omega's senses, causing every hair on Hozo's body to stand on end, freezing the red head in his tracks. His head swivels in the direction of a thick copse of red and green trees, the sound of logs being dropped behind him tells him that Kento has sensed it too. In a blink, the black-haired wolf is standing beside him, the youkai's voice barely above a whisper as he growls quietly next to Hozo.
**What is it?** Kento asks nervously.
**I'm not sure** Hozo growls back just as quietly.
The two demons stare into the depths of the forest, their eyes focused on a section of trees that is screaming at their senses. Something unnatural. Something not right. The wolves had been most fortunate in their choice of den, the small impromptu lair perfectly situated so that it lies far to the west of the small but growing village. Allowing for safe, private, and easy passage for the wolves – or so they had assumed.
A commotion from within the den stirs the two omega's from their frozen stance as they glance away from the suspicious copse of trees. A loud strange buzzing sound shakes the leaves just as they turn, their heads snapping back in time to see a flash of yellow and black go darting through the treeline as whatever it was fades farther into the distance. Hozo and Kento give themselves a shake, releasing the uncomfortable energy that had scratched across their senses by the peculiar encounter.
"No, no, no, no, no!" Rosario emerges from the hollow of the den, shaking her head in exasperation.
"What is it now?" Hakkaku asks tightly as he emerges from a nearby tunnel he'd had the northern twins reinforcing with logs. The series of rooms down that tunnel would be used for preparing kills and skins and had been constructed so that it opened out onto the river. The wolves had even stretched the stone partially outwards over the canal so that it created a small inlet of water where the wolves could access it with some cover and protection.
"It's not right," Rosario crosses her arms in frustration, tapping her foot in a very Kagome like fashion. She's lost count how many times she's had to reiterate to the various youkai working on the den that it could not be built in the traditional way. This, Rosario had emphasized, would be a most untraditional den for a most untraditional couple.
At first, the eastern wolves had not been happy with the prospect of a northern wolf being in charge of their project, even if it was alongside their trusted beta's. But Rosario had won them over in the end with her brilliant ideas and additions to the lair that considered Kagome's human and female physiology. Additions that the very male wolves would never have considered or thought of, including a private room for Kagome to bathe and care for herself in. Something the young miko had referred to as a bathroom. It is definitely a strange and foreign concept to the wolves that do most things with very little consideration for privacy, but having quickly realized that their human miko Alpha will require different amenities then they are accustomed too, the pack was only too happy to accept Rosario's help that seemed to have learned much from her time traveling with Kagome.
Hakkaku rubs at his forehead, wishing for the hundredth time that he'd switched jobs with Ginta. The wolf only popped his head in sporadically throughout the day to add his input before returning to the forests perimeter and the few wolves still left on guard duty.
"Could you be a little less vague, cousin?" Hakkaku asks with as much patience as he can muster.
Rosario does her best not to hit the stressed youkai with a bolt of icy-glare. She's usually not so nit-picky about things, and she knows she's been a bit . . . demanding, but this is for Kagome, and she wants everything to be perfect for her friend.
Sensing the mounting tensions between the two youkai, Hozo rushes quickly towards the pair, Kento on his heels, the strange brief encounter in the forest forgotten.
"Anything we can help with, sister?" Hozo smiles encouragingly at his tribeswomen. The omega's instincts urging him to create peace and harmony among his kinsmen, helping when needed, wherever possible.
Rosario releases a breath, smiling as she shakes herself a little. "Yeah, sorry. I'm just a little –"
"Stressed?" Hakkaku grins at her while rubbing the side of his shaved mohawk capped head, immediately releasing his own frustration as the she-wolf grins back.
"Yeah," Rosario laughs, feeling her tension drain away.
"What's not working?" Kento inquires, intrigued by all the suggestions the northern she-wolf had brought forth. Wolves are terrible at staying angry with each other for very long. Their naturally playful and friendly demeanor amongst their own kind usually winning out in the end.
"Well . . ." Rosario eyes the three eager demons before her, "the biggest problem we have right now are the sleeping quarters."
"What do ya mean?" Hakkaku's right eyebrow rises. "I spaced those out myself," puffing his chest proudly. This isn't the first den he's ever helped build.
"Yes, well, that's the problem, cousin," Rosario's eyes flash with amusement, "Kagome's not a wolf. She needs more than just a bundle of furs in a corner with a hung hide," giving the beta a knowing look. She holds back her laughter when all three males turn bright red when they finally understand the she-wolf's meaning. "Not to mention as the mate of Lord Kouga, her rank will be higher than any other Alpha she-wolf," she reminds them, "and even if Lord Kouga does not care for such distinctions himself, he is a mated wolf now."
The demons nod their understanding. She has a point.
"So . . . um . . ." Hakkaku ignores the heat in his cheeks, coughing nervously. "What do you suggest?" The beta's voice is only slightly pitched. If Kouga's pack is certain about anything, it's that their Alpha wants his new mate taken care of by every possible means.
Rosario chuckles when she sees Hozo and Kento staring so intently at the ground at their feet, she's sure it's going to burst into flames at any moment. Men. They loved to pretend to be big and strong and indestructible, but just try and get them talking about anything intimate and watch them turn into a pile of useless goop.
"Well, I have an idea of what sister Kagome would like, but it will be a lot of work," Rosario looks at each of them seriously. It's the perfect tactic of course as the youkai all snap back to attention. Wolves are never afraid of hard work.
"Ha!" Hozo barks triumphantly, not in the least deterred. "Go ahead, sister, tells us what you need." Hakkaku and Kento bark enthusiastic agreement at the omega's words.
-ooOooOooOoo-
Somewhere not so very far away . . .
Seeing a tornado whirling across a giant tree-topped world might seem a little unusual, but not nearly as unusual as the bounding white spec that is actually keeping pace with the mass of whirling winds. Their speed had been incredible once Kouga and InuYasha had cleared the maze of tunnels, easily backtracking their trail, making sure to avoid killer scorpions and fall-away pitfalls along the way. Having already trekked the pass, the two unusual companions are able to make swift and excellent time.
Observing the dog demon with great interest, Kouga is more than a little surprised at how well InuYasha is keeping up with him. He is still trailing behind somewhat, but keeping pace. Kouga knows it has to be connected to whatever priestess Hikari had done to him before they had left the mountain, as normally the dog's stamina is only half that of his own. InuYasha's heart should have been pounding out of his rib cage with rivers of sweat beading down his face by now, if not completely passed out in a ditch somewhere. Instead, the hanyou's heart rate is nearly as calm and rhythmic as Kouga's with minimal to moderate signs of sweat or strain on his body. Kouga chuckles to himself when he turns his head and see's the wide eyed ecstatic expression on the hanyou's face as InuYasha takes a giant leap, much larger than he's ever been capable of before and lands at the top of a tree about a half mile down.
InuYasha can hardly believe the feeling of adrenaline and power coursing through his body since they'd left the mountains. Giggling to himself almost hysterically when he takes a surprisingly large leap, moving higher, farther, and faster than he's ever been able to do before. Obviously, whatever super juice Hikari had zapped him with is replenishing his energy resources almost like that of a full fledged demon. He has no idea how long this feeling is going to last, or what exactly the priestess had given him, but he has to admit he's rather enjoying the rush. InuYasha smirks confidently when he thinks on how easily he's been able to keep up with Kouga. Granted he can't actually out run him, but hell, the wolf has fucking jewel shards in his legs! He's just thrilled that he doesn't need carrying as he glances at the swift moving tornado ahead and to his left. His eyes narrow halfway when he sees Kouga suddenly step out of his rushing winds and begins leaping tree top to tree top towards him.
"Yo, InuYasha!" Kouga calls, a giant grin on his face as the wolf lands on the nearest adjacent tree top. Which given the giant stature of the trees leaves the two canines perched about 50 feet away from each other.
InuYasha's ears twitch at the friendly greeting, "What's up . . ." hey, if the wolf is willing to be civil, so can he, "Kouga?" not tripping over the wolf's name nearly as much as he thought he would.
Kouga's amused snort seems to indicate he knows exactly what's going through the dog's mind, but it's the playful glint in the wolf's eyes that has caught his rapt attention.
"Hungry?" Kouga asks, grinning like the fire cat that ate the bird of paradise.
Surprise splutters across InuYasha's face, that isn't what he'd been expecting.
"Uh, yeah, actually. Now that I think about it," curious that he doesn't feel more ravenous.
"Good. Me too." Kouga's eyes flash with an unnameable light. "How do you feel about stag?" he grins, motioning his head into the forest below them.
InuYasha's mouth falls open as he takes in their surroundings for the first time, noting the location of the river and the mountainous range inside the landscape of giant trees. With a sickening thud, he knows exactly where they are, which is surprising given that he'd been mostly unconscious at the time.
Kouga barks with laughter as he watches understanding dawn on the hanyou's face. Turning, he readies himself for hunting, his agile body moving into an alert and ready stance.
"I was thinking, stag steaks," Kouga smirks as he intentionally scents the air. The glint in his eyes matches the feeling growing in the dog demons chest.
InuYasha's wide grin radiates his immense satisfaction at the suggestion. "That's the best fucking thing I've ever heard you say, wolf!"
Kouga howls with genuine laughter as he leaps from the tree, descending into the forest below, InuYasha quick on his heels.
-ooOooOooOoo-
The Sun bends into the afternoon sky, its warm glow drifting lazily over an ordinary little village, sweep over a lone little hut located at its western borders. A patch of sunlight streams its way through the small window of the plain hut, its warm glow falling gently on the sleeping form of a very extraordinary woman.
"Oh, dear," Kaede hangs her head. Kagome is not looking well. Her skin is clammy and hot, and she's been moaning in varying degrees of pain on and off for hours. She had seemed alright for a little while, and then suddenly her body had gone into violent convulsions before finally tapering off again. The most Kaede had been able to do was to place the cold cloth she had just finished ringing out in the bowl of fresh herb water, placing it to the young miko's forehead. The old miko lets out a helpless sigh from between dry cracked lips, having never felt more useless in her long life as she carefully adjusts the damp cloth to Kagome's burning skin.
"Please, Lady Kaede," the little kitsune wines in distress beside her as he clutches the old miko's worn robes desperately in his tiny little fists. Shippou's voice is so soft and fearful that Kaede almost doesn't hear him, or maybe she just doesn't want too, not knowing what reassurances she can give the little fox. She forces her weary eyes to look on Shippou's innocent ones, desperate hope blazes through the little kit's gaze. Her heart breaking with sympathy for the forlorn look buried deep in the little one's eyes, the hidden fear of losing yet another mother.
"She's . . . she's getting worse, isn't she?" Shippou takes an audible swallow past his heart that is lodged securely in his throat, eyes trembling with unshed tears. Tears the fox refuses to let fall least it should mean he is giving up on Kagome in some way.
Kikyo that has been sitting silently, brewing various potions and salves that ultimately have failed to assist the future incarnation of herself, seems unusually pensive. She turns her gaze out the small window, unwilling to answer the young child. Kaede shakes her head slowly, she is never one to shy away from being honest and direct, yet she is loath to cause the little fox any more pain then he's already endured. Already he's suffered immense loss , but Kagome's painful cry interrupts the old miko's response.
"Kagome!" Shippou cries, reaching for the unconscious miko. "Ouch!" flinching back when the touch of Kagome's skin singes his little fingers. It's a monumental effort to fight back the tremor of tears obscuring his gaze.
Kikyo rises quickly, kneeling next to Kagome. "Careful, little one," her soft reprimanding voice makes the kitsune blush, as if he'd been caught with his hand in the box of sweets Kagome keeps for him. He sniffs loudly, pulling the tears back in.
Hovering a hand over Kagome's forehead, Kikyo closes her eyes, pushing her senses towards the distressed woman that seems to be battling much harder with something. Her eyes snap open, her arm drawing back sharply as if she too has been burned though she had been careful not to make physical contact. Kikyo shares a worried look with her older, yet younger sister, each reading the others mind easily. This does not bode well. Kaede hangs her head, praying that somehow, someway, Kouga and InuYasha are finding a way to work together for Kagome's sake.
-ooOooOooOoo-
The large campfire burns long, licking flames at a massive section of haunch Kouga and InuYasha had secured with large branches and lots and lots of kindling. The meat had been an obscene amount of food, and definitely more than what both demons could possibly eat, but that little fact is well beyond the point as InuYasha chomps greedily onto another mouthful of his partially cooked venison steak a la giant stag.
"Oh, wow, this tastes sooo much fucking better than rabbit," he drools. Wishing only that they'd had more time to hunt down the miserable beast that had thrown his own attack back at him. The wolf and the dog had searched where they could but to no avail, having finally settled on a smaller, yet no less succulent, giant stag. Next time, InuYasha promises himself. Next time.
Kouga grunts in agreement on the other side of the fire, both canines having been thoroughly surprised at how tender and juicy the meat is. They are making such good time on their return trip, healing waters in hand that Kouga is feeling particularly positive and untouchable, even listening with unusually good humor to the dog exaggerate the story of their scorpion encounter as Kouga bites into his steak.
"Oh, man," InuYasha grins, still laughing at the memory. "You should have seen your face, wolf!" Remembering very clearly the image of Kouga's expression as he'd dangled from the tip of his Tessaiga, hundreds of feet above open air. "You were like, 'oh fuck, kami, don't drop me!'" InuYasha's eyes widen and bulge from his skull attempting a mocking impression of Kouga face before falling over on his side, howling with laughter, unable to keep back the tears that stream down his face.
Kouga mock glares his annoyance at the half-breed that is curled on his side, holding his ribs together, his steak momentarily forgotten beside him as he struggles to regain his breath. But the friendly and unguarded sight of the dog sends Kouga bursting into laughter as well, thankful that he's still alive to joke about it now.
"Fuck man," Kouga barks back with hilarity, "that was some scary ass shit! And I was relying on your fucked up arm to boot!" At that the two canines burst into renewed howls of laughter. InuYasha holds up his now remembered stag steak with a flourish and a lop-sided grin on his face that sends the two canines spiraling again.
It had been strange at first, how easily the two of them had fallen into an easy rhythm with each other. First with hunting down the stag, not the one they wanted granted, but hell, now that Kouga knows about this prime little hunting ground he knows exactly how he's going to get his pack through every winter from here on in. Especially where to come hunting when he really wants to celebrate! So chances are highly likely that they'll encounter their elusive prey at some point or another.
The stag they'd chosen in the end had been an easy enough kill for the two very healthy youkai. The poor thing had hardly known what hit it as a massive wolf and an unusually sharp blade had taken it down. At first, they'd argued about where to bring back their portion of the kill, not wanting to hang around for whatever else was in the forest that might make a meal of the enormous stag. By the time Kouga and InuYasha had taken down the deer, removed what portions they'd wanted, and found a clearing to build a fire, they were both so ravenous that they'd started eating before the flames had done any real work to the tender meat. Both canines enjoy the much more succulent taste of raw flesh anyways, but now that he's a mated wolf, there's a part of Kouga's brain that is constantly scanning his environment and always considering how it relates to or affects his mate. Already, his youkai rumbles with flaring instincts. Knowing that Kagome can only eat cooked meat has the wolf instinctively making it a part of his habit whether she's there or not.
Licking his fingers, InuYasha lets out a satisfied sigh, not able to eat another bite. He leans back on his arms feeling full and sated as he watches the wolf toss the remainder of his meat into the forest behind him. A wolf habit, he observes, never wasting their scraps if it might feed someone.
Kouga settles back against the massive tree that acts as their clearing. He closes his eyes and crosses one claw tipped foot over the other as he relaxes against the rough bark. They'd briefly discussed InuYasha's increased energy, not entirely sure what it means, but as nothing untoward had yet to happen the youkai are happy enough to leave it until the miko's can take a look at him.
InuYasha's gaze darts across to the wolf that has his hands crossed behind his head, thinking about whatever it is he's thinking that puts that contented smile on his face. Kagome most likely, he tells himself, his ears twitching at the thought. InuYasha tosses a twig into the fire, observing it being consumed by the flames that lick at the remainder of the now cooked meat hanging over the spit. A stampede of thoughts slice through his mind, but only one has been nagging at him consistently, clawing at his sanity.
InuYasha hesitant voice breaks the silence. "Can I ask you something?"
"Huh?" Kouga cracks open one sky-blue eye, noticing that the tone in InuYasha's voice has changed. "Surprised you'd even ask," knowing the hanyou often has very little restraint. When InuYasha doesn't respond, Kouga lets out a sigh. "Ask your question, InuYasha."
Velvety triangular ears twitch at the sound of his name. "Why . . ." he coughs nervously, pushing past the flurry of emotions that catch in his throat. He doesn't know why he cares so much, but he does. For some reason he just needs to know. "Why did you go back for me?" When Kouga looks strangely at him, he tries again. "With the stag I mean," he clarifies, "why save me?"
Kouga's mouth twitches. Not all that surprised that the dog has to ask. It's not his fault really, having never grown up around other canines, and he is finally starting to understand that. It's no wonder they're always grating against each other. Kouga's gaze is steady and sure as he speaks.
"Rule number one," he holds up his index finger, "don't leave anyone behind. That's how packs work." His tail flicks behind him for emphasis. His matter of fact statement shocking InuYasha to his core.
"But, I'm not part of your pack, wolf." There's no anger in InuYasha's words; no hate, no regret, simply fact.
Kouga watches the half-demon carefully, thinking before he responds. Oh, how to make the mutt understand? For him, everything has changed.
"Are you part of Kagome's pack?" he asks, a single eyebrow arching expectantly.
Again, InuYasha is surprised by the remark. He understands that Kagome is with the wolf now, but he doesn't care. Wherever Kagome goes, he goes. That is . . . if she'll have him. Kagome is his very best friend in the whole of Edo. She's his family, and Kouga will just have to find a way to deal with it.
InuYasha's gaze narrows on the wolf, "Yes," not caring how angry he may get.
Kouga grins, having expected the answer. He's been thinking about all of this for a while now, especially after everything that's happened between them and what priestess Hikari had revealed in that mountain chamber about the dog. In that moment, something had shifted between the two former rivals, and Kouga believes that. Whatever else has happened between him and the mutt, of that fact he feels certain – they are no longer rivals. Kouga leans forward, sky and sun colliding as the wolf stares intently at the hanyou. The intensity in his gaze making sure that the dog hears him. Discovering in that moment that Kouga needs him to hear him.
"Then you're part of mine, InuYasha." There is a stunned silence from said hanyou that makes Kouga chuckle inside.
"Keh," InuYasha finally regains his senses, crossing his arms into the wide sleeves of his haori as if the wolf's declaration hasn't deeply affected him. "You must still be hallucinating, wolf, if you think I'd follow you around like one of your mangy mutts." His gruff tone an attempt to cover his stirring emotions.
There's the beginning of a wide grin on Kouga's face as he stares at the dog. It only confuses the hanyou more. "That's not what I mean, InuYasha."
His ears twitch at the sound of his name again. It sounds so strange coming from Kouga, and yet he realizes that the wolf has been using it more frequently since they'd left the mountains. InuYasha shakes his head, not really sure how to process a non-sarcastic wolf. He isn't even certain if such a thing is possible. Still, he thinks he understands what Kouga is trying to say, their silent thoughts mirroring each other. Despite all the history, loathing, and hatred that has existed between them, the two demons have quite literally overcome insurmountable prejudice and odds to not only save each other's lives, but the woman they both love. For better or worse, the wolf and the dog have forged the beginnings of an unlikely friendship, one that might very well test the barriers of time and wolf tradition.
InuYasha nods his understanding, not really sure how else to respond.
Kouga sees the acceptance flash in the hanyou's gaze, and he hopes that he really does understand what he's trying to tell him, but if he doesn't, he will in time. Too much has changed for Kouga for anything to ever be as it was; more than just mating Kagome, and finding out about a future world, and magical Wells. This half-breed canine who'd been his greatest and most infuriating rival, had time and time again not only proven his loyalty and worth to Kagome over the years, but he's also proven himself to Kouga that never forgets a debt of loyalty. The two canines stare at each other across the burning flames, each finding a new respect and camaraderie with the other that has been most unexpected.
A slow moving grin creeps its way across InuYasha's face as a thought comes to him, a way to dispel the thick tangible wave of unspoken emotions.
"Okay, so now you have to show me," InuYasha smirks.
"Huh?" Kouga quirks a confused and slightly panicked eyebrow at the dog. "What the hell are you talking about, mutt? Show you what?" Not entirely trusting the look in the hanyou's eye.
InuYasha snorts, "What else?" he replies without pause, "Your most precious treasure of course."
It takes a minute for Kouga to understand what InuYasha is talking about, and when he does, his eyes flash with amusement. Maybe the dog does understand after all.
When Kouga actually pulls in his legs and scoots closer to the fire, placing himself next to him, InuYasha is truly, yet pleasantly, surprised. Without saying a word, the wolf reaches beneath his chest plate, retrieving the small delicate item in his hands. Kouga leans closer to the surprised hanyou, holding out his closed fist before him. The two canines lock eyes, each understanding the deep – unexpected – significance of the moment.
A slow grin builds on Kouga's face, and his eyes flicker down to his palm, drawing InuYasha's wide golden gaze with him. Slowly, he unfolds his fingers to reveal the stunning little portrait beneath of him and Kagome kissing. The one link to his woman that is holding everything inside him together.
A glow of red burns on InuYasha's cheeks, ears folding back and wide at the sight of the picture, followed by a twisting in his heart. But the sheer joy and contentment radiating from the wolf somehow soothes the ragged feelings scratching inside him. Understanding that Kouga's just shared something incredibly important with him – something that he wouldn't share with just anyone.
Kouga smirks at the stunned hanyou before tucking the picture back in its customary place. He leans forward again, just to give the dog a quick shake to his shoulder, snapping him out of his daze.
"Yeah, that was pretty much my reaction the first time I saw it too," he chuckles lightly. Sitting back, Kouga curls one leg around himself and rests his forearm atop a bent knee.
InuYasha flushes with a surge of strange sensations at the wolf's friendly behavior. "Well, at least now I know why you're obsessed with that thing," he rumbles with as much of his usual sarcasm as he can muster. Feigning as casual a manner as his stirred up emotions will allow.
"Shit, mutt, that kissing booth was nuts!" Kouga laughs to himself, unaware of the hanyou's internal struggle. "People were lining up to use it!" He can't help but shake his head at some of the strange idea's the humans had come up with in the future.
"Keh, wait till you have to go shopping with Kagome on Krissmiss Sale Day," InuYasha grunts at the memory. Every year he swore he wouldn't go with her, and every year she somehow managed to drag him into going. "You'll think you've ended up in a youkai fucking circus," rolling his eyes at the many strange memories.
"Krissmiss?" Kouga repeats the strange word.
"Yeah, some weird holiday they have in winter. They make each other crazy buying presents for everyone they know, so they can put them under a tree, and then they eat and drink until they pass out," InuYasha barks with laughter.
"You're fucking with me," Kouga's skeptical gaze clearly not believing a single thing that's coming out of the dog's mouth.
A devilish light sparks in InuYasha's gaze, his eyes narrowing, "Just wait."
"Why do they put presents under the tree?" Kouga asks, curious in spite of himself.
"I dunno," InuYasha shrugs, "I think it's to appease one of their gods or somethen," tossing a bit of twig into the burning fire. "Some big red fat guy that stuffs bad kids into a sack, I think," having never really understood the tradition.
Kouga half grunts, half barks with amusement. Kagome's world is certainly full of a lot of strange things. His gaze focuses on InuYasha that sits crossed legged next to him, tossing bits of debris into the fire.
"You've spent a lot of time with Kagome on her side of the Well, haven't you?" The non-threatening tone of the wolf's question surprises InuYasha that can't help but suddenly feel a little awkward under Kouga's scrutinizing look.
InuYasha's gaze holds steadily on the wolf's, making sure to keep his tone neutral. "Yeah, well, we've known each other a long time." For some reason, he suddenly feels like he's standing nose to nose with a being his youkai instincts are struggling to decode as either friend or foe.
Kouga nods his silent understanding. The rumbling of his youkai takes in the information regarding his mate with more composure and control then he's sure he could have managed only a few days before.
"You wanna know why I went over there that night?" Kouga's question surprises InuYasha, but the wolf isn't even looking at him, focused instead on the fire before him. Something in the subtle change of Kouga's energy stirs the fine white hairs on his skin.
InuYasha's eyebrows draw together. "I dunno, do I?" Not exactly interested in hearing any of the intimate details about him and Kagome – he's learned more than enough as it is.
Kouga grunts in a repressed bark of laughter, knowing exactly what the mutt is thinking. Crossing his arms across his chest, he holds the hanyou's gaze with dark, serious intent.
"Actually, no, InuYasha. I don't think you do." Kouga's expression is flat, his face void of any emotion.
The hackles on the hanyou's body prickle to full alert at the wolf's dark tone. Immediately understanding that sexual conquest had not been Kouga's reason for crossing the Well like he had originally believed.
The rage in Kouga's chest rises fresh and anew, seeping into the dark hum of his youkai as the wolf thinks on the events of that night. His aura flares erratically around him, making InuYasha pull back a little in surprise.
"Kouga?" It's all he has to say, the tone in the one word demanding the wolf spill whatever he has to say.
A low angry growl rumbles at the back of Kouga's throat. "Four human meat bags ambushed her in the forest and tried to take what wasn't theirs to take," the dark heated drawl of the wolf's voice and the impact of his words sends waves of shock and outrage instantly boiling through InuYasha's blood. A deep primal fire that roars to life in his heart and burns savagely in his gut.
"What the fuck do ya mean they tried to take?" InuYasha doesn't even recognize the sound of his own voice, filled with so much barely repressed rage.
"I mean . . ." Kouga's eyes narrow hard on the dog, his own furious energy rising in tandem with InuYasha's as understanding dawns on the hanyou. "I was lucky I got there in time to mash those assholes into the ground," he rumbles hoarsely. Some part of him feeling gratified to share this dark heavy secret with someone.
InuYasha's fists curl and uncurl in front of him. The fury blazing inside him is going to set the entire forest on fire, he's absolutely certain. Of all the things he'd been prepared to hear fall from Kouga's mouth that had definitely not been on the fucking list.
"Are they still alive?" It's the only thought rampaging in his mind.
Kouga growls in frustration, his brows knitting, "Yes." Not at all pleased with his own answer. "Mostly," that one makes him feel a little better.
InuYasha nods his understanding. He's doing his best to find a semblance of calm in the exploding fury of his emotions and the deep howls of his youkai that demands blood, justice, and retribution. And then more blood.
"Another hunting trip?" he rumbles darkly, brows drawing to a hard point. For the first time in his life, InuYasha feels a deep and primal desire to utterly eviscerate the beings that had dared to touch the woman they love.
A dark gleam burns from deep within Kouga's predatory gaze. His maw pulls back, revealing long sharp canines that drip with anticipation, "Abso-fucking-loutely."
