What Could It Hurt

Chapter 5

Song of the day: Angel, by Nine Inch Nails (well if you don't know who Nine Inch Nails is, shame on you.)

Disclaimer: Sadly I really don't own anything… not even common sense

By the way if you haven't already shot me, I give you permission to do so now. Not Only did I make a fatal error then try to correct it, but now I have just realized my trying to fix a fatal error has caused another. Confused? Well remember how I forgot a certain cat demon… well it so happens that me being my stupid self added with lack of sleep gave a misspelled name. It's Kirara not Kilala. AND it's Hakkaku NOT Hakaku. I swear there's no hope for me… sorry about that… plus it took super long to get this out… eek don't hurt me too badly!

This is so dedicated to Nekozuki114, whom I found through some investigation is absolutely as crazed for fluff as I am, way to be!

It was early in the morning the following day and Kagome and Sango decided to take a bath in a near by hot spring. And the very curious Sango could take it no more "Kagome, spill, what happened yesterday night with you and Kouga? I mean you got back so late, something had to have happened!"

"We- I – well… nothing happened really." Kagome was pretty glad that hot springs were, well, hot, or Sango would have noticed that the faint pink tinge of her cheeks weren't from the hot springs.

Skeptically Sango eyed Kagome not quite believing what she was hearing, but she wouldn't press it; Kagome's not one to lie. "So, you found out about the Moon Festival then, right? Well? What's it all about?"

Kagome's eyes widened slightly and gave a shaky and hesitant laugh "A heh heh heh, well, actually, it never dawned on me to ask him." Kagome still laughed that rickety laugh while rubbing the back of her neck.

Sango eyed her suspiciously, Kagome wasn't telling her something. This wasn't like her, she generally confided in Sango for anything and everything, why not now? Then a horrific thought shot through her mind and she noticeably stiffened and she asked almost in a whisper in what seemed to be a terrified tone "Kagome, did you and -gulp- Kouga? Well you know… touch each other… and well, finally mate?"

Now it was Kagome's turn to be terrified and without a second thought she blurted out "Kami! No! Sango! I- never, and I swear to you all I did was pet his tail! Never would I-" however Sango completely stopped listening after the 'pet his tail' part. 'She pat his tail? Kagome pat Kouga's TAIL! What on earth? Could this mean?' that's when Sango ended her thoughts and she now had a knowledgeable smile as she watched her friend go through an array of emotions shooting across her face as she spoke, consisting of horror, shock, panic, thoughtfulness, a split second of longing, then to complete confusion, to self debate, and then to a worried face; as she had finally stopped blabbing incoherent sentences, that made no sense even to herself, as she saw that Sango had a smug smile with a slightly raised brow.

"So, you pat Kouga's tail?" Kagome shifted a little, never making eye contact, but nodded her head. Sango's smile grew at this "So… was it soft?"

That's when Kagome lifted her gaze to lock her eyes on Sango's; she had a very deep blush, and then sheepishly answered "yeah" with a meek smile.

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"OH! Kouga! That's the way to do it!" Kagome shouted. Kouga just beamed a million dollar smile "only for you my mate" he then shifted his gaze down to where his attention was needed, he would comply, and comply willingly. How he was enjoying this, he was in pure bliss. Kagome walked up behind Kouga and gave him a peck on the cheek as he wrapped an arm around his mate and he said, "So how does dinner look?" She looked at the spit, "Looks great! I should have let you roasted Inuyasha a long time ago!" Long and behold Inuyasha was indeed on the spit spinning rotisserie style. Kouga then took his mate in his arms and looked deep into her eyes with a cocky smile and she giggled "I love that cocky smile" In reply he just let his smile grow showing his pearly white fangs as he lowered his head to her level and inched forward until they were a mere inch away. Her eyelids fell, she was waiting, and he wasn't about to make her wait any longer. With that he-

"Hey you stupid wolf!" shrieked a very familiar yet annoying voice that belonged to none other then that damn hanyou; Inuyasha.

Kouga's eyebrows twitched at the very rude interruption to one of his favorite dreams, and it was just getting to the good part too. He opened his eyes, and saw Inuyasha who was standing before him with his arms crossed and eyes narrowed. 'Damn the mutt. Figure's he'd be the one to ruin my dream. But… I did enjoy the spit part, that was new-' Kouga inwardly chuckled at the thought, he really wished he could do that to Inuyasha one day.

" What are you going to do with Kagome? I better not find out that this whole festival thing is a hoax. If this is just a way to try and get Kagome to be your mate, I swear, I really will kill you." This was indeed odd; Inuyasha did not yell, screech, bellow, or scream. But rather, he spoke in a deadly calm voice with his stone hard eyes dead locked on that of Kouga's.

Kouga, to put it fairly, was a bit surprised at Inuyasha's moment of composure and intimidating manner. But too bad for the little hanyou, it wasn't to last. Kouga started "Inuyasha… –he let out an exasperated sigh- I thought you said you knew all about the Moon Festival. Now why are you asking me all these questions you already know the answers to?" Kouga now displayed a very cocky grin with a raised brow pretending to be serious, however it was a clear insult to Inuyasha's stupidity from the previous night.

Inuyasha lost his very short-lived composure to Kouga's remark as he began to shake in anger "You bastard! I'm gonna kill-"

"Sit boy" FWUMP! Indeed, Inuyasha was on the forest floor again. Sango and Kagome then walked out of the forest coming from their bath; and with a smile of satisfactory on her face Kagome walked up to Kouga in that wonderfully short uniform he loved so much and asked "So Kouga, should we get going?"

As a response Kouga quickly picked Kagome up, cradling her in her arms. He was, to put it lightly, a little eager. He looked onto her blushing face and smiled, yes his plan was working perfectly. "We'll be back by tomorrow night, that alright?"

"Uh…. Sure?" And with her almost consent; Kouga took off in his whirlwind in a mad dash trying to get back to his den as quickly as possible. 'He seems really excited, I wonder why?' she then looked up to Kouga and let out a little gasp 'Why is he smiling like that?' Kouga had a devilish smirk on, and it kept growing, as his fangs where revealed more and more as he ran along. Her eyes widened quite visibly as she thought'… did…did I somehow agree to mate with him by coming? Dear Kami!'

Kouga was also a little lost in thought 'this is when it truly begins…but what to do?… I could always…yes that could work… and then…naw that won't work… but I know what will, she's always seemed to like fluffy things…' as more and more ideas came into mind Kouga's smile really did grow into a devilish smirk, oh what he had planned for his woman. However, when he heard Kagome give a little gasp, his train of thoughts died as he stopped his sprint and looked at her with concern while raising a brow. "Something wrong?"

Kagome couldn't believe it; at one point she could've sworn that Kouga had a lecherous grin on, one that Miroku would display time and time again. "Uh, no… just um, well, what exactly happens at this Moon Festival?" she tried not to look nervous but she failed, and his response was NOT what she wanted to hear. As Kouga sped off again, all she could do was wonder about he had said. And it kept ringing through her head 'well, you'll just have to wait and see then won't you?' it wouldn't have been so bad if he had just said that, however he did not. He spoke with a hint of amusement and seduction, he had a wicked cocky grin with eyebrows that grew as if in delight, and eyes, his eyes were two blue pools, in which caused all sane thoughts to fly out the window, as he stared at her with some unknown suggestion. What he could be implying was beyond her, and then, the ideas started flowing through her head as she felt the familiar warmth brightening her cheeks, but also somewhere …lower? She didn't know how to place it nor could she explain it, so she tried to ignore it. Too bad for her, Kouga looked down towards her with a smile she had not seen before, all that she could do was gulp and feel the warmth intensify greatly in the two areas as he smiled that mysterious smile at her. He then looked back towards their destination with a new gleam in his eyes; she could only imagine what was going through his head.

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"I wonder what'll happen at this Moon Festival. Sango, did Kagome tell you anything?" Miroku looked to Sango hoping she had the answer; sadly she did not as she shook her head in response. However, he noticed that she had a smirk "Sango?" he asked, clearly wanting to know what she was thinking.

"Oh it's nothing." She said simply smiling, causing udder confusion throughout the remainder of the group.

"Feh. Who cares?" Inuyasha stated; he'd been very agitated since Kagome left not long after sitting him. However, as cold as he may seem on the outside on the inside he was anything but; in fact he was worried, he feared about Kagome. He knew she wouldn't be hurt while with Kouga, and that was what he feared. Kouga would never let any harm come to her, Kouga would never cause her any pain, not like he had, and he was scared that Kagome would realize this 'Kagome, don't leave me.'

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Kouga had set Kagome down as they had finally reached the den after about ten or so minutes of his fast pace. Kagome who, during all the time being carried by Kouga, had been wondering and fearing what was awaiting her at the den, and to her relief, there were no wedding celebrations being held. But she did however look a little surprised at the sight; it was the same beautiful waterfall and valley she had seen when Kouga had first kidnapped her. However, there were wolves and wolf demons everywhere running around preparing for the up coming celebration. Some of the male demons were coming and going with animal carcasses thrown over their shoulders, obviously to eat later; then the others were carrying logs that were once tree trunks, to a large area where they were arranged into circles, to be of some sort of seating perhaps. Then, to her pleasure, she saw female wolf demons she had not seen before, that were either; skinning the game that the males had caught, cooking food, watching their wolf cubs, or helping some of the males with their tasks.

Kouga watched as Kagome stared in awe at the sight of his tribe, he had forgotten she had never actually seen his tribe, other than his regular hunting party; filled with demons who mostly had nothing but blood lust. But now, she was seeing the real part of tribe life and he couldn't help but be happy when he saw a smile grace her lips. "Come on Kagome, we need to see how Ginta and Hakkaku have faired since I left them in charge." He took hold of her hand and began to lead her towards the den where Ginta and Hakkaku surely were.

"You-you left those two in charge?" asked Kagome as she trailed behind and stared incredulously at Kouga, as they were getting closer to the cave, too much in shock to realize that he was holding her hand with their fingers entwined. He turned with a smile and gave her a nod, then continued to the mouth of the cave. She couldn't believe it 'Is he serious? Ginta and Hakkaku! Those two are really sweet, but to leave them in charge! That's like throwing a piece of meat into a den of lions! I hope they didn't screw up too much.'

As they entered the cave's mouth, both Kouga and Kagome stopped dead in their tracks; lying before them were two huge bear demon hides that were being tended to by some very ecstatic wolf demonesses. That's when their presence at the tribe was finally realized as an older wolf demoness called out, "Kouga, welcome back!" and with that the entire tribe stopped any and all activities they were performing to come to see their tribe leader's return and to give him and apparently his rumored mate-to-be a word of welcome before going back to their work.

Kagome was completely overwhelmed; she felt many eyes resting upon her with skeptical gazes, however she paid more attention to how kindly this tribe acted. It reminded her of a big family reunion, however Kouga was being treated with the utmost respect. As each one spoke to Kouga, she noted how formal they acted towards him, that's when she mentally kicked herself. 'How could I forget! Kouga's the leader of this wolf demon tribe… leader…- that's when she went into mental overdrive as her eyes widened and she gasped- he's their leader! He controls this entire pack! That would make him, like, a prince! Kagome was mentally beating herself, how could she forget such an important detail like this about Kouga. 'But, whenever I've been with him, I never saw this, and I never acted… Kami! And he let's me treat him that way!' As Kagome continued this kind of train of thought she realized something, 'But, why does he let me treat him that way? No one else does, so why me?' As Kagome's mind kept going in circles that would never be resolved unless she asked him herself; Kouga, himself, was having a mental go around as well.

As he continued to stare at the two bear demon hides, he almost completely tuned out those of his tribe who were greeting him. ' I usually go and get the bear hide, but where'd these come from? And there are two? Who on earth-' that's when he finally came back to his senses and demanded, "Where are Hakkaku and Ginta?" The cave cleared out at an unspoken demand, only to leave the two in question alone with their leader.

However, the usual joy of their leader's return was replaced by one of astonishment as both Hakkaku and Ginta stared at the intertwined fingers of their leader and his heart's obsession. "Well, what do ya know?" said the two demons that had goofy smiles as they looked at Kagome who had just realized the source of their amusement and started to blush a pretty pink as she gently slipped her hand out of Kouga's.

Kouga, however, was not amused. He wanted to know what had happened, so with a glare and a stern voice he said, "Alright you two, enough gawking. Mind telling me where'd these two bear demon hides have come from?"

Ginta and Hakkaku just looked back and forth between one another then to Kouga, both seeming to be a bit nervous, as the memory came back.

"Ginta?"

"Yeah Hakaku?"

"Why are we the one's who need to kill this bear demon? … Yikes!" Ginta just managed to ask before he dodged the attack of the assaulting bear demon.

"Because we need the hide for the festival and…." This time it was Hakaku who managed to dodge the bear's swipe that could have been fatal. "…We're in charge while Kouga's away… I know I'm proud that Kouga left us in charge but…" Hakaku's eyes widened as his mouth gaped. Now there were two bear demons!

"But I wish he would come back soon!" finished the now petrified Ginta. It was at this point where Ginta had decided it just wasn't worth it, and it would be best to leave this to Kouga, so he did the best thing that he could do; run away, with Hakkaku right behind him. However, as Ginta was making his way through the forestry away from the pursuing bear demons towards a near by cliff, he got his foot stuck in a vine. Hakkaku who was behind him, not really thinking on his feet, decided the best way to free Ginta was to take hold of his arms and try to pull his foot out of the vine. But as he kept pulling on Ginta he realized the vine must have been at least 25 feet long, so he kept pulling until the vine became taut. So, just as he was about to yank Ginta's foot out of the vine, the two bear demons that had been chasing them had finally caught up, only to come upon the vine that was attached to Ginta's foot and a tree some 25 feet away. The two bear demons had no time to react as they tripped over the vine and stumbled off the nearby cliff to their impending doom. As Ginta finally got his foot loose he joined Hakkaku who was staring over the cliff at the two now dead bear demons.

They both exchanged glances; they could never tell anyone this happened. That's when Hakkaku spoke up "We killed them in hand to hand combat" "Of course we did" agreed Ginta.

Kouga was getting very impatient now; he raised his voice in an annoyed tone "Well?"

Hakkaku finally found his voice and stated proudly "Well Kouga, as temporary leaders of the pack, we took the liberty of finding a bear demon hide for the festival and ended up with two." Ginta and Hakkaku beamed brightly as Kouga gave a pleased smile towards them, even if they bent the truth a little.

"Well, I must say boys I'm impressed. So… how'd you do it?" Kouga asked curious as to how these two managed to do such a task, all the while keeping a very pleased smile on his face; he couldn't be any more proud at how strong his pack has become. Taking on bear demons and all, that's some dangerous business, and to walk away without a scratch! That was truly amazing.

Kagome, not really wanting to hear the blow-by-blow descriptions on how Ginta and Hakkaku managed to pull off killing the two bear demons, decided to do a little exploring in the cave. 'It's not like anything can happen to me anyway, I'm sure Kouga won't mind' that was the only thought Kagome managed as she strolled down deeper into the cave until she heard a very strange noise. 'What in the blazes?' she couldn't resist, she had to know what that was, so she followed the noises deeper and deeper into the cave where the noises became more audible for her to determine 'that was definitely a YIP type of noise' yep she was the next Sherlock Holmes. As she made a turn at a corner in the cave, she let out a shriek at the sight before her eyes.

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"Then Ginta upper-cut the-" Hakkaku was interrupted as a loud ear-piercing screech came from the back of the cave, forcing all three demons to cover their sensitive ears. As the scream subsided "Um… where's Kagome?" Hakkaku asked with his gaze directed to where Kagome once stood but was now nowhere to be seen.

Kouga quickly made the connection, and before anyone could utter another word he raced off towards the source of the scream, which he knew to be as Kagome. And in no time flat, Kouga reached the back of the cave hoping to find a still intact Kagome. His heart was pounding 'let her be alright' he thought as he rounded the corner to where his prize lay, that's when his breathe hitched. Kagome was sitting on a bed of straw being 'attacked' by none other than a two month old litter of wolf pups.

Kagome giggled and squealed in delight as the pups began to jump all over her, causing her to fall back, as they began to lick all over her face. They were so cute, and so soft, and they were playing with her, she was a very happy Kagome.

Kouga looked on the site as the pups playfully knocked down Kagome, and what was better yet, she allowed them to do so, and she was enjoying it. All the panic he had melted away as he saw her laugh and smile with glee. His perfect Kagome seemed even more perfect, now it seems that even his wolves have even excepted her as well as his tribe. Kouga was one happy demon that could only smile as he imagined the sight of her playing like such with his pups that they surely would have.

I am terribly sorry this took so long, but you'll be happy to know I did not go unpunished. Not only did I scrape both my elbows on the Astroturf, but I also have; over 20 bruises throughout my body including my chin, pulled my quad muscle, pulled the inner thigh muscle, land wrong on my bad knee, jam my thumb AND I even landed wrong on one of my dives thus landing on my neck so I can only turn it to the right… you've got to love goal keeping camp. Plus this would have come out yesterday but we lost our power, isn't that just peachy?

I would just love to say that in one of the newest episodes "Bankotsu revealed and blah blah blah" Kouga says the funniest thing I have ever heard on the series thus far… he said "KA-HOOTS!" I Loved it! It's the funniest thing I have ever heard come out of his mouth!

Also my awesome amigos I would like you all to visit InuKochan's Travels of the confused and the Mateless it's funny as hell, and it's KougaxKagome

ALL hail the reviewers:

Re-o-ko: about my one shot THANKS EVER SO MUCH! I'm glad you liked it soo much! Oh and the whole moon goddess story, yeah I don't know how but somehow I managed to come up with it, it was just one of those glorious moments when your struck with an idea. But apparently there is a story somewhat like that, I dunno at least animeprincess143 says, some sorta myth. Well that kinda puts a damper on it, guess I just need to be a bit more creative.

Starrchick101: Honestly, I'm not really sure what a talito is. Lol I know, but I'm pretty sure it's a Mexican wrap O.o I think… ah well, I say that sometimes so I just decided to put it on in the story. Oh and the tricked out bat-mobile Rocks my socks! The hydraulics, very cool, bouncing when I'm sugar high is like one of my favorite things to do! And yes anime music will so make the ride so much cooler, personally I like all the Gundam Seed music, and the song Aura from Hack/sign I think it was? But no worries! There really has been a plot all along, (in my mind at least) and it shall begin at the very end of the next chapter!

Black-rose23: Personally I think Inuyasha doesn't even deserve Kikyo, I say he should suffer. At many a times in the show Inuyasha really just ticks me off doing something rather stupid or another… but that's just at times, other times I say, poor Inuyasha… does that make me bipolar just as he is? Crud! Any way…. But indeed, Kouga really is far better for Kagome and her mental health. Considering the fact Inuyasha is the source of all her problems. But I have decided that! Dun dun dun! Next chapter is dedicated to you, where there shall be Super Fluff! Lol thanks so much for even considering writing a one-shot, and for me? That's really, I mean really nice, thanks so much! You are super awesome!

Puffin: Ya know I love your pen name, puffin, lol those birds are crazy cool! Anyway, back to what matters … yeah I've decided to incorporate some action to my plot, which will finally be revealed next chapter at the end . how I love to prolong things! Any who thanks for the review! (lol that rhymed!)

FlowersFromHell: EEGAD! Indeed I shall write more! I love the enthusiasm! Thanks for the review!

Everqueen: Hey anytime you can help redirect my focus back to the big picture and not my ranting I'll dedicate the chapters to you, thanks again for that . But yes the checking out of the material of Kagome's uniform was one of my favorite parts, it brought out the letch in myself so to speak, I had fun writing it! It was a sight to behold because as I wrote and proofread it I laughed, Hmn… I'm so lame, oh well I'm glad you liked it though .

Foreveraloneb1: Whoever told you that was wise like Yoda, thanks for that though, it was truly appreciated, and it made me feel better. Thanks a bunch! I'd -glomp- you like one of my buddies does to me, but I think that would be rude so… –sends a virtual hug- . there I think that's better!

Menolly Harper: Thanks for the advice, I rather like how it's mellow as well, but however, it needs some sort of plot… -sighs-… but no worries! It shall not hinder the FLUFF! And between you, me, and whoever else might be reading this… -shifty eyes- there's going to be some serious fluff next chapter . oh yes, and I do believe I have some lemon in store, but not yet! I can't get ahead of myself.

Lyn: … write more? Lol what do you mean by that? Write more in each chapter? Or just update sooner? Anyway, thanks for the review it's greatly appreciated, and that of the one on my one-shot that really made me happy, thanks!

Kogasgirl142: and update I did, and shall a lot sooner next time might I add. By the by love the penname! -

Joey/soy.saucE: Laziness all the way! Yes logging in can be a pain in the donkey (you know what I mean . just watching out in case a little one stumbles upon this… but honestly they would have seen all the other stuff in this M section, but I've decided, just this once to be kid friendly!) wow I need a life if I actually consider this stuff. Lol anyway, the next update will be a lot sooner, I promise!

Regretfully-yours-cassy-chan: I'm totally psyched that you like it! Thanks for the review again!

The Violent Tomboy: oh! Jeez! I never meant it like that! Ok sorry my bad! Bad choice of words, my friends don't actually beat me up, I meant like the 'you're a crazed nut job ya'know that?' type of stuff and a playful noogie that last a whole 2 seconds. Sorry if that worried you, I appreciate the concern though! .

Nekozuki114: you love Kouga and Kagome fluff too! Yarg! Me too! . -goes all hyper active and bounces on the bed- I love the fluff stuff!

IfearKanna: O.O now I'm really glad I didn't leave it at that spot lol just kidding glad you enjoyed it! I know I did when I thought of that!

Articunese: thanks for the love on the story, and you know what I have discovered? Not many people even comment on that site anyway! I'm glad I have great reviewers like you on this awesome site!

Sailorgirl16: hey thanks for all the comments! But totally though, Inuyasha really is a crazed-nut-meg! Anyway I hope you enjoyed the chapter!

Rena Moon: hey! Ho! Whoa! No! There's no need to apologize for reviewing 'late!' totally I'm just glad you review! Besides I'm the one who should be sorry! It took like almost 2 weeks to update! "Unacceptable!" is what it is! A direct quote from Sam from the Muppets. (The blue bald eagle incase you don't know) lol jeez I love those guys! Thanks again for the review!

TurboTwistedFire: yes indeedy! This is my first fanfic! The reason for all the

detail… I go far into detail when I write essays for school; mine are always at least 3

or 4 pages longer then everybody else's, but that's ok I guess, but what really gets

me, if you haven't already guessed are run-on sentences! Always get points off for

those. But no worries! I have no intention to bring Kikyo into this… she annoys me.

As for the Miroku and Sango situation, dually noted thanks . Thanks for the

spelling tip! Spelling always was my worst subject. But Kouga is so my all

time favorite anime character of all time too! But no it's not sad that you know

when his tail twitches, I knew when it happens too and! I know his every line from

episode 34-36! . those are my favorite episodes! I watch them on DVD with

subtitles which are actually different from what they say, and then on tape… when I

recorded it off TV –shifty eyes-… yep! So I'm so glad you like my story and I'm

glad you find it funny, it was intended. At least I know it works now .

Slytherinbookworm: yah know, now that you bring it up and I think about it, that

site really is into yaoi stuff… I usually just ignored it up to this point. And the

suggestions are so dually noted! And I'd like to revise or edit or what not because

there are some slight things I'd want to change, but I have no bloody idea how to do

it! Plus! I have to admit it, I'm a really lazy person 3 but totally thanks for the

review, honesty is always the best policy, so I like to hear what people have in mind

as the read, I know the idea was far fetched but hey, it was worth a try!

Animeprincess143: wow! Just… wow! Thanks! You're so nice . I appreciate

that! And as for my one-shot; I'm super happy you liked it! But alas I didn't know

that there was a similar myth… well I guess I'll just have to work harder in my

creativity! Thanks for the review!