Author's Note:
First of all, I want to apologise for this delay, but there was no way I could update for the last three days. My Internet connection failed even to be established, then I could not find the time to wrk on this story, either because of individual projects and such trivial things or my brother working on his college assignment concerning computer security. *sigh*
I really am sorry and would like to do something in return for all of you out there that are still interested:
1. at least two chapters for this day!
2. longer chapters.

^-^

Chapter 4
Long time no see.

The swirling feeling subsided after a couple of seconds, leaving the two at the bottom of the dry well. As Inuyasha felt the familiar scent of the forest he grew up in, a slight feeling of excitement rose in his cheast. After all, however terrible incidents have occured in it, it would always be his homeland. 'And hometime...' he could not help himself but think. The grin that was crossing his face at the moment finally caught Kagome's attention.

"I have to agree with you in one thing, Inuyasha. This place is marvelous..."

"Keh. When would I say such a thing?" was Inuyasha's obviously mocking reply, playful and jovial... This relation had changed him in a very subtle way. Love does change rock-hard, strong or introvert people: it shows them that being of softer heart does not meen to be weak. Not when you are with those whom you love, at least.

Kagome could only giggle at his facial expression. Happy thoughts seeping through the weave of time... Memories of the company of them all, Shippou, Sango, Miroku, Inuyasha... The quest did start as a heck of a lot of trouble, that's true, but how miraculously had her life changed throughout it! 'Which reminds me I have to ask a lot of my friends about you, little one!'

Inuyasha closed in on her, smelling of her own sweet, entoxicating aroma spiking up and beyond the level, earthy odour of the well... Feeling a shudder run down his spine, he embraced her fervently, as if hanging on her for dear life, rubbing the crook of his neck at the top of her head, leaving off a content growl. Kagome simply leaned over, snuggling against his cheast, her head resting on his collarbone. Snapping himself off of it, he relaxed his hold on her, leaning down to kiss her forehead, only to scoop her up in his arms and jump out of the well. But there was something wrong for sure...

"Have you taken up a few pounds, Kagome, or should you put less stuff in your pack? From its weight I can figure out it won't be long before the seems burst!"

At that comment he felt her stiffen a bit and a slight nad short-lived scent of fear giving off her. He could only wonder why, so he didn't ask, not until, they were a bit more private... He was sure nothing had crept any closer, so why worry?

Kagome for her part was mentally smacking herself for eating so many crackers those last days... She surely had to lose some weight or he would notice her pregnancy too soon!

As the merry couple walked through the forest, a loud cry and an all too familiar youkai escaped the underbrush: "KAGOME-CHAN!" It would be unnecessary to point out that that brought a toothy- well, fangy more like it- grin to Inusyasha's face, as well as Kagome to the ground...

"Ungh! Hello there, Shippou-chan. I missed you too, little fellow..." Kagome's greeting escaped her lips, her voice more mellow than ever. Shippou's could only make her think of her child to be born, and that did make her melt. The two youkai noticed this sweetness, but since there was nothing wrong about it, neither of them chose to question her about it. After all, she had not come to Sengoku Jidai for some time, it was reasonable that she would emotional!

"Fine, Kagome. How are you Inuyasha? Everything is the same since the last time you two left. Except for a few things..." was the energetic kit's answer.

"Oi, twerp, did the two of them get together at last?" Inuyasha piped in.

"Yeah, in your dreams! Houshi-sama has hardly ever stopped gropping at Sango-chan at all!"

At that comment, both Inuyasha and Kagome rolled their eyes, saying "Figures!" at the same time. After a little chit-chat with the chibi-kitsune, all three of them headed once more for the village.

Only to receive a very uplifting greeting.

"HENTAI!" A loud wham then a dry thud were heard after that yelp...

Sango turned right then, ready to stomp off to some other direction were the lecherous monk would not irritate her so much with his perverted thoughts and actions. "Kagome-chan! Inuyasha!"

Kagome run to her friend and hugged her tightly. "Hello, Sango-chan. Nice to see you too!"

"I see the lecher over there has still to change... Keh. Buddha would expect so much more from you, monk!"

As Miroku's reply came from under the dirt his face was still dug in, no one could figure out what was he saying, so Inuyasha picked him up, flipping him on his back with a flick of his wrist.

"What did you say?"

"I said 'Long time no see, Lady and Lord Shirosenshi'..."

I do not know how this is, so please tell me what you think. Next chapter will be up asap, before 5 am hopefully ^_^