A/N: I'm SO SORRY! I had a major case of writer's block, and methinks it's still going on. I'm not very happy with this chapter… anyway.

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha. If I did, (writer's block looming… looming… 76 percent looming… looming complete. You may now suffer in 0 reviews hell.) I don't know.

oOo

A Bit of Trouble in Paradise (Be thankful. I was actually considering "Encounter with the Kikyou kind."… Be very thankful.)

oOo

Kouga glared at Inuyasha. Kagome sighed. She had hoped to deal with Inuyasha at a later time than this, but luck didn't seem to be on her side. She stepped in front of Kouga. "He had to rest for a while." She said firmly. Inuyasha turned to glare at her.

"Really." Was all he said, and strode huffily towards Kaede's hut. Kagome hoisted up her backpack and walked after him, motioning Kouga to follow. He shook his head, but tagged along nonetheless.

The village was full of people going about their daily morning routines, cleaning up after breakfast or still having it, or tending to the fields. They all waved cheerfully at Kagome as she passed by, and congratulated Kouga on his quick recovery. Apparently news travelled very fast in this village. Kagome thought it was a wonder they didn't try to drive Kouga out of the village. After all, he was known to attack villages and feed the humans to his wolves.

But Kagome had noticed that Kouga had changed a long time back, ever since he asked her to be his mate after he kidnapped her. Either Kouga had given up eating human flesh, or he didn't eat unnecessarily. Kagome decided the subject wasn't very comfortable to ponder, and threw it out of her thoughts.

They reached Kaede's hut in no time. Inuyasha was now sitting on the ground outside the hut, leaning against the wooden wall. Kagome stopped when she reached him. "Where are the others?" she asked him. The hut was dark and quiet, and she could make out that no one was inside.

"Sango, Miroku and Shippou have gone off to ask the whereabouts of Kikyou. Kaede must be around somewhere." Inuyasha replied in an irritated tone, as if he had bestowed a great favour upon her by answering. Kagome was surprised that he hadn't accompanied them to search for Kikyou, but let it slide. It wouldn't do to argue with Inuyasha.

Kouga caught up with them, and bent a bit, gasping. Kagome immediately dropped her bag and went over to him, putting one hand on his back and the other on his bare chest. "Are you okay?" she asked him, concern and worry written all over her face. "Let's get you into the hut," she added in a tone that told Kouga not to argue.

He shrugged, and she helped him inside. He didn't lean much on her, since he still had a bit of energy left, but Kagome left nothing to chance. She let him go and he sat in the far corner of the hut, leaning against the wall.

Kagome saw Kouga's armour lying near where he had settled. It had been expertly cleaned by someone, and was shining in the light permeating through the bamboo curtain guarding the entrance. She picked it up, and held it to the light. Not a speck of dirt. Someone really knew how to clean armours.

She set it down, and sat beside Kouga. Besides admiring clean armours, she didn't have any idea what to do. Inuyasha was still outside, chuckling and muttering vile comments about Kouga's condition. Kagome could hear it clearly through the walls, and she frowned. Why was he here, anyway?

All thoughts flew out of her head as a hand snaked itself around her waist. She turned her head towards Kouga and smiled. As she opened her mouth to speak, Kouga claimed her lips with his own, taking advantage of her open mouth and slid his tongue inside. Well. Kouga has something for us to do, she thought wryly, kissing him back.

Inuyasha's mutterings stopped, and Kagome broke off the kiss immediately. She didn't want him to barge in and see her with Kouga like this. She knew it still angered him that she loved Kouga, and didn't want to add fuel to the fire. She was sure he'd crack again, and didn't want to repeat what had happened.

It was my fault, Kagome thought suddenly. Kouga drew her closer to him, and she laid her head on his shoulder. If I hadn't given in and kissed Kouga, none of this would have happened. Kouga wouldn't be struggling to even breathe. Tears formed in her eyes and threatened to fall as she remembered the blood flowing from Kouga's head… there were no scars left on him owing to his demon blood, but she couldn't forget thinking he was going to die…

Kouga squeezed her harder, as if he knew what she was going through. Kagome calmed down enough to wipe her tears away. She lifted her head up to look into Kouga's eyes, and tried to force a smile on her face. It could've easily been done… if it was anyone other than Kouga. Instead, more tears formed and flowed down Kagome's cheeks. I can't. I can't pretend in front of Kouga!

Kouga patted her back awkwardly as she sobbed, not sure how to comfort people. Kagome calmed down after a while, and her crying stopped. Whenever she was left alone with her thoughts, she couldn't help but flashback a few days ago. That was why she always occupied herself with some work or the other…

She picked up the armour again. "Hey, why don't I help you put this on?" she said, smiling.

"What…? Oh yeah, my armour… alright, I wouldn't mind." Kouga said, looking at her as if to see if she was okay or not. Kagome stood up and slipped his armour on slowly. She went on her knees and tightened one strap, her face inches from his. She then moved closer to Kouga, his legs between hers, and put an arm around his neck to tighten the other strap, even though she could have just moved to his right.

Kagome could smell Kouga's scent even through her dull human senses. It was so good, so arousing…

Kouga moved his head, and brought his face closer to hers, but she bent her head and concentrated on the strap, even though it was done. She loved teasing Kouga… he was so impatient sometimes.

oOo

A low growl emanated from Kouga's throat as she evaded his lips yet again. He put his arms around her, then laid himself down, dragging Kagome along with him. She let out a surprised "Oh!" and put out her hands, taking care not to lean on his torso.

Kouga grinned. He had her where he wanted her. He knew the scent he was giving out was arousing to say the least. It could only be done in the mating season. After that, Kagome wouldn't be able to smell it anymore… until the next season.

He brought her closer, but she had put her hands on the floor and resisted, looking at the entrance to the hut pointedly. Kouga frowned, and tried to bring her close to him anyway, but she grinned and held firm. After a bit, he gave up. I would've been lucky if I was fully healed… oh well. Until next time, I guess.

He lay there like that, and Kagome got off of him. "I'm going to look for Kaede," she said, and stepped out of the hut. Kouga sighed and turned slowly to his side.

I wonder if Kagome'll come to live with me with my pack… he thought. She seems like she's used to comfort. I can't give her much of that… maybe it's time for a serious talk with her; about our future, Kouga thought sombrely.

Hmm. Our future… I wonder how our pups will look like. Maybe they'll have tails. I'll have to make sure they are trained properly… even if I have girls, I'd have loads of fun on our first human… no, - boar - hunt. I'd teach them personally how to skin them and which parts are the best… or maybe Kagome'll cook it for us when we get back to our den, and have food human style.

Kouga smiled as he daydreamed about his mate and their happy future. Ah, mating season. Now I know why the others like it. How could I have ever hated it so much…?

He drifted off to sleep, still smiling beatifically. After a while, he awoke from his light sleep, and groaned. He had slept with his armour on, and was now uncomfortably hot.

As Kouga shifted around trying to go back to sleep, he noticed that Inuyasha's scent had disappeared, leaving only a faint trace of a fresh scent. He frowned and sat up. The bastard must want to meet Kagome alone. Kouga knew that Inuyasha still had feelings for Kagome; it was so painfully obvious. No… he wouldn't let them be alone together.

Kouga stood up and peered out of the hut. His keen eyes caught the red blob which was Inuyasha jumping from tree to tree against the evening sun… out of his sight and senses. Kouga slowly picked up his sword which was lying on the floor, sheathing it and headed after him.

He walked slowly for quite a while, reaching the small bridge above the stream, and stopped. His chest pain was flaring up again, and he knew he had to stop before it got worse. He sat on the edge of the bridge, and put his legs in the water. He'd get up after a moment and follow Inuyasha's trace scent. Kagome's extremely faint scent was all over the village, and it would take a lot of time to follow hers. So following Inuyasha would be a better idea and would lead him to Kagome.

He looked up at the sky as he rested, and saw a speck in the distance. It grew larger and larger until he could make out that it was a cat with three tails. Oh good. They've returned. Hopefully without finding out where that priestess is.

Kouga waited patiently as the cat demon Kirara flew towards the village, Sango in the front and Miroku behind her, Shippou hanging onto his shoulder. Kirara turned her head directly towards Kouga as they neared the stream, and started circling it.

Finally Kirara touched down gently, and the travel-worn group got down from her. Sango strode happily over to Kouga. "Hey Kouga! Glad to see you're okay!" she chirped, and bent down, giving him a quick hug. They had grown a bit close since their encounter near this very stream, and were maybe on the way to a good friendship.

Kouga grinned cockily. "Yeah, well. It's hard to get rid of me." he said, getting up. Miroku walked towards them and handed Kirara to Sango. "Ah, Kouga. You look like you're in good health. Maybe we should celebrate later," he suggested, grinning along with Sango. "Yeah! That'll be great!" Shippou piped up enthusiastically.

Miroku went to Kouga's side and whispered in his ear. "I think once Sango has downed lots of sake, maybe she would look upon me favourably as a romantic partner," he said, hoping that even if Sango did hear him, maybe she wouldn't understand his choice of words.

It turned out that Sango wasn't dumb and could understand every word he said, as she sent Miroku splashing into the water, fists clenched. Shippou immediately leapt off his shoulder and landed on the bridge.

Sango's demeanour suddenly changed. "So, Kouga. Let's go look for Kagome, why don't we? Maybe she's in the forest with Kaede." She said. Kouga nodded and they both left Miroku in the water, who had a big grin on his face and a faraway look on his face. Sango's features softened for a second as they made their way to the forest, Shippou climbing on Kouga's shoulder.

oOo

Kagome was starting to sweat as she picked at the herbs Kaede had instructed her to collect. She had been wandering around the village, trying to busy herself as much as possible. So far, she had helped carry the radishes, practised archery, listened to an uninteresting story narrated by a lone traveller, played around with the children and was now picking medicinal herbs for Kaede.

It was almost unbearably hot, and her energy had all but run out. But it would get cooler in the evening. She heard a rustle in the bushes behind her, and Kagome quickly turned around, arrow strung in her bow. Kaede had wisely advised her to carry them wherever she went, and she was glad she had listened to her.

"Show yourself!" she yelled. The rustling stopped, and two figures jumped out. Kagome almost dropped her bow in surprise.

"Ginta…? Hakkaku? What are you two doing here?" she said, her voice still loud. The two wolf demons simultaneously winced. "Please, sister! Not so loud!" they said in unison. Kagome laughed nervously and apologised.

"So, what are you two doing here? And why weren't you with Kouga in the first place?" she questioned. Ginta and Hakkaku shared meaningful looks. "We were not allowed to." Ginta answered, and Hakkaku kicked him noticeably in the shin. Kagome frowned. It did not suit these two to be so vague.

"What do you mean?" she asked. Ginta glared at Hakkaku. "Um… you see…" unable to keep the secret in much longer, he rattled off the whole story, and acquiring many bruises along the way courtesy of Ginta.

Kagome had to sit down. As she sat on the herbs she had meticulously arranged according to their types, she began thinking. Poor Kouga… was all she could conclude. He didn't even tell her the reason he was thrown out. Hey… her eyes widened. Kouga didn't just come to me because he was forced to, did he?

She felt anger bubbling up inside her, and she stood up resolutely. Ginta and Hakkaku scrambled beside her. "He came to you, sister –" Hakkaku began, "– because you were his choice of mate since the beginning!" Ginta finished hurriedly. They seemed to have anticipated her anger.

Kagome cooled down somewhat. That's true, but… "So he had to wait until he was pushed out?" she snapped at them. They shrugged. "Beats me." Hakkaku said, and Ginta nodded earnestly.

Suddenly, the two jerked upright and started backing off. Kagome knitted her eyebrows, puzzled, until she felt a hand on her shoulder. She slowly looked behind, and saw Kouga, Sango and Shippou standing behind her. Kouga was looking at his two cohorts, an enraged look on his face.

"Er… looks like you're okay, Kouga! We'll be going now!" Ginta and Hakkaku yelled and scrambled away into the bushes, out of their sight. Kouga made no move to stop them.

"I just remembered, I have some work to do… Shippou, I'll need your help." Sango motioned Shippou to follow and quickly made her escape. Kouga was left alone with Kagome.

oOo

Kouga avoided her eyes as Kagome slowly stood up and turned to face him fully. "Kagome, I can explain…" he began, but was stopped as he saw silvery tears glinting on her cheeks.

Shit. "Kagome… don't cry! I love you, I really do!" Kouga said, moving towards her. He tried to hug her, but Kagome slapped away his hands. "You… you… you were never really serious about me, were you? You had to come running to me only when you were threatened, huh? You selfish bastard! And I believed you!"

Kouga's heart squeezed up as she said those words. He lowered his hands and dropped to the ground to sit down. Kagome started to walk away, but Kouga held on to her wrist. "Kagome… don't leave me. Please," he pleaded. Kagome stopped, but didn't look at him.

"Kagome, I love you so much… you don't know how much your words are hurting me. I have always loved you, but I was afraid. Every time I asked you to be my mate, I never really waited for you answer because I knew you loved that mutt." Kagome slowly sat down, but she was still avoiding his gaze.

"I came to you after my parents told me to, Kagome, because then I got enough courage to finally come and tell you that I really love you… if I was refused by you, my parents told me my pack would be absorbed into theirs, and I would be the lowest ranking wolf if I returned. And that wouldn't be as bad as being rejected…"

Kagome loosed up. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you the whole truth Kagome, but I didn't want you to think that I was… well, a selfish bastard." Kouga smiled a bit, but Kagome didn't follow his lead.

"I… don't know, Kouga. I'll have to think for a while. Leave me alone for some time." Kagome said abruptly and stood up again. Kouga sighed and cursed at himself, but he knew it was inevitable; Kagome would've come to know sooner or later.

She strode off into the forest, and disappeared quickly. It was evening and was getting quite dark. Kouga decided that he would follow Kagome to make sure she was safe.

Kouga made sure he was well hidden behind the bushes. His tail began twitching back and forth and he moved slowly, taking care not to step on dry leaves or branches.

Kagome walked along a path densely packed with brambles and low hanging branches. She cut them apart with one of her arrows and struggled onward. Kouga wondered why she chose this disused path, but followed her nonetheless, quieter than a mouse.

At last Kagome stopped, and so did Kouga. A small brook could be seen past the crack in between the trees. Kouga swiftly climbed a tree and settled down on a branch, breathing deep. Kagome walked till the bank and sat down, putting her feet in the water after removing her shoes.

Kouga's insides squeezed up as the smell of salty tears reached up to his perch. Dammit. This is happening too many times.

Suddenly, another scent invaded his nose, and Kouga almost jumped down from the tree. It was Inuyasha. It came as no surprise; Kouga knew that Inuyasha had been following Kagome in the first place. Inuyasha slowly walked till where Kagome sat. Kouga held back a growl and flexed his claws, his tail swishing as his anger rose.

He watched, enraged as Kagome put her arms around Inuyasha suddenly and bawled into his chest. Inuyasha patted her head as she shed tears on his haori, muttering comforting words.

After a while, Kagome stopped crying, but didn't let go of Inuyasha. Kouga was getting quite restless, but had to stay still otherwise the dog would come to know he was there.

oOo

Kagome took in a shuddering breath as her crying petered out, and she stared at the brook. Why am I crying…?

" – enough courage to finally come and tell you that I really love you…" he said it himself… he repeated it so many times… and I love him too, that's for sure. So why aren't I trusting him? Kagome thought as Inuyasha stroked her hair. "… didn't think he was really into you in the first place…" Inuyasha rambled on, thinking this was all pleasant for Kagome to hear.

Kagome tuned him out again. He could have chosen another wolf demon for a mate, this thought occurred to her suddenly, and her face brightened up. Why didn't I think of this before? He did choose me, right? Ginta said it too! Kagome felt a warm feeling pervade her as she thought about the time Kouga had brought her the flowers, apologising for giving her the book… when she first read the note inside it… their first kiss, ended abruptly because of Inuyasha…

Kagome winced and tried to forget it, but the image refused to budge from her mind's eye. Inuyasha's rambling stopped and he lifted her up to meet his eyes. "What's wrong, Kagome?" he asked her worriedly. Kagome shook her head. "It's nothing… just… I realised…"

Without finishing her sentence, Kagome put on her shoes and started running back through the same path she had come through. I'm so stupid… so stupid… he really loves me… because he stuck with me even though I've caused him so much pain…

She heard rustling above her as she ran, but ignored it. There were more important things to be done. As she reached the clearing where she had collected the herbs, she saw Kouga still sitting there, but he had crossed his arms and was groaning slightly. Kagome hurried over to him and dropped to her knees.

"What's wrong, Kouga? What's happened to you?" she said, but Kouga didn't answer. As she extended a hand to touch him, he spasmed and she flinched back. "Tell me, Kouga! What's wrong?" she was getting frantic now.

At last, Kouga calmed down enough to shake his head. "Nothing. Just…" Kagome's tears returned and her chest welled up with emotions. Why does this keep happening…?

As she put her hand on his torso, pink light shot out of her fingers and enveloped them, lifting them up in the air. I wish I had to go through that pain… it's all my fault… it should be MY PAIN!

As soon as Kagome thought that, the pink glow grew and formed a sphere around them. A brown light, somehow mixed with back, emerged out of Kouga's chest, and entered hers. Kagome closed her eyes and threw back her head, allowing… willing the light to enter her.

As soon as the last of the pain was out of Kouga and into Kagome, the pink glow dissipated and they dropped back onto the ground. Kagome groaned as a jab of pain made itself felt in her chest. Her wish had been granted.

Kouga was holding her, brushing her hair out of her face. "Kagome… what did you do…" he muttered softly. Kagome smiled at him. "I should have done this before… I love you," she said, and brought up her face to kiss him.

oOo

Kikyou snickered to herself as she watched the whole scene from above. She was invisible, a new trick gifted to her by Naraku. She watched as the two lovesick fools were wrapped in Kagome's spiritual power, helped greatly by Kikyou's own.

She looked on delightedly as she saw Inuyasha flee from his perch on top of the tree. Perfect. Another scene witnessed by the dear half-demon we all love. Hope this pushes him over the edge.

She made herself scarce as soon as the whole thing ended. Now for part two.

Her soul gatherers carried her, following Inuyasha. He jumped from tree to tree, and finally returned to the brook. My. How repetitious. This is getting boring. She thought as she descended slowly down towards him.

"Hello Inuyasha. Have you changed your mind yet?" she said coldly as soon as she made sure she was visible. Inuyasha visibly started and turned around quickly. "Kikyou!" he croaked. "Kikyou! You're still alive! I was beginning to lose hope…"

He advanced towards her, and she fought the urge to shoot him with her arrows hard. It was getting harder and harder, and now she didn't know if she could stand to kiss him.

"Yes… I'm going to perish soon, Inuyasha… bring me her soul…" Kikyou said faintly as she remembered her role. Inuyasha stopped. "You know I can't do that Kikyou… please… try to understand…"

Kikyou was slightly irritated, to say the most. "Inuyasha… she loves the wolf, does she not? Why would it matter to you anymore?" she said, deciding to give it one more shot before starting to execute another plan of Naraku's.

Inuyasha looked around and then stepped closer to Kikyou. She couldn't help but take a small step back. "I can't, Kikyou. Even I wanted to, that wolf shit is always by her side. Please… she said she'd meet you…"

Kikyou widened her eyes. This was unexpected. Hm… "Alright, Inuyasha. I'll meet her also. Bring her to me now. I will promise not to hurt her." she ordered him, and he immediately sped off.

She settled down on a low branch on the tree, feeding off of all the souls collected by her demons to while away the time.

She considered leaving when Inuyasha didn't return, when she heard leaves crackling as three people emerged from the path. One, who could only be the wolf, was carrying Kagome, and Inuyasha was ahead of them.

Kouga glared at Kikyou, and she glared back. He put Kagome down slowly, but still held her waist. Kikyou allowed a cold smile to grace her lips. Fools.

Kagome too was glaring at her. "Are you really going to… 'die'?" Kouga said sarcastically, breaking the silence. Kagome nudged him and he shut up. She looked back at Kikyou, waiting for her answer.

Kikyou nodded slowly, and Inuyasha lowered his head suddenly. "Yes." She said dramatically. I can't believe these idiots actually believe me. Kagome glanced at Inuyasha, then settled her gaze back on Kikyou.

"But aren't those souls…" she nodded at the demons hovering above Kikyou. Kikyou smiled slightly again. "They sustain me for some time, but I need my real soul back if I am to survive." This was a load of bullcrap, as Inuyasha would put it. But people these days were naïve beyond words, and she knew this excuse would work.

"She's not giving her soul to anyone." Kouga snapped, and hugged Kagome closer. Kikyou closed her eyes in irritation. He was getting on her last nerves, even though it was because of him that Inuyasha was on the verge of giving Kagome to her.

"Very well. I will leave now." She said, and watched amusedly as looks of surprise crossed over all three faces. She knew they must be wondering why she was so understanding all of a sudden, and she smiled evilly to herself as she allowed her demons to lift her up in the air.

The first plan was not enough – to the point that it was just a feeble poke. Maybe Naraku is slipping…? Kikyou thought, but shook her head. No, it is just preparation. Preparation for the next step.

Kikyou would have laughed evilly, but such things were beneath her. She merely contented herself with a small smile.

oOo

A/N: Ughy. I'm slipping. Anyways! Time to reply to reviews!

Kougafan4eva: Sesshoumaru keeps Rin around so that there would be many fights among fangirls… whether he is good or bad, and to make us wonder about his mysterious intentions… mwahaha. Think the commercial way, and you shall see.

TokiKoga: But doesn't allow lemon stories anymore… at least not supposed too… lemon stories are supposed to be rated NC-17… or whatever the hell the new rating system's equivalent is… Anyway, THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!

Black Metalmark: Thanks for watching out for mistakes… I really appreciate it!

animealyssa22: I accept what you say… but what's all that got to do with Kouga's age?

tori007otaku: I'm sorry, but this doesn't look like an ingenious chappie to me… or maybe it is? .:hopeful:. And I do enjoy all the reviews all of you all give me… I mean, why would I continue, dammit? I'm a-getting outta control… because Escaflowne ended… waah, boo hoo, etc. THANKS FOR YOUR REVIEW!

Hehehe…

And last but not the least:

LYN: HERE'S ANOTHER CHAPPIE! YAY!

Bishounen of the Day: Kai from Beyblade!

AND THANKS TO ALL THE OTHER PEOPLE WHO REVIEWED ME! IF YOU WANT ME TO RESPOND TO YOUR REVIEW, JUST TELL ME, OKAY? HAHAHA! BEYBLADE IS STARTING… EP. 2, HERE I COME!