I'm so so so sorry about the wait. I'd lost interest in writing in general for a while, and it might be a while before this story is updated again. If you read my live-journal you'd know why. I'm not going to bore you guys with an overly long author's note, so on with the story .

(Start)

Kagome blinked a few times, still grievously stunned from the appearance of her baby sister. In all the scenarios of her temporary reunification with her family, this was not expected. Realizing that Kyoko had spoken Kagome grasped the words that had left her sibling's mouth.

'Well that was uncalled for.' She thought silently. The cold glare that was still being directed at her did nothing to faze her; being used to such looks from a certain blood sucker that she was growing quite accustomed to. 'I've grown immune!'

All of this inner monologue took place in a matter of instances. Kagome eventually leveled a, perfected, colder gaze on Kyoko. The result of which having the desired effect; Kyoko shivered minutely, and given the intense heat that had yet to dissipate, Kagome knew that she hadn't lost her touch.

"I came to see Mom." Kagome answered, the question being all but forgotten.

"Well I guess you're a few years too late. Mom died about two years after you left." Kyoko's statement hit Kagome like a ton of bricks. She'd never get a chance to patch things up with the woman she admired. True Kagome and her mother had their differences and were often times at opposing ends of an argument, but she'd loved her mother very dearly.

Kagome's distress was so blatant and obviously Kyoko took this as a sign to press forward. Placing the squirming child on the floor and instructing her to return to her show, she took a step forward exiting the household fully.

"You know what Mom's last words were? "I wish Kagome was here so I could tell her how sorry I was." Souta and I were waiting on her hand and foot, and all she would think about was the one child that abandoned her!" Kyoko had her hands on her hips, in what was supposed to be an intimidating pose. It was futile, though, since under different circumstances; she would look quite comical what with her bulging belly.

"Don't you dare try and put me through a fucking guilt trip." Kagome's cold and level voice whispered, belying her inner rage. "You know as well as the rest of the family that I had to get out of this fucking place. I didn't abandon Mom, I abandoned this city!" Despite her rage, Kagome kept her outside appearance calm and collected; hoping vainly that it would seep in and calm her emotions. She would never forgive herself if she accidentally hurt a family member.

"By leaving town, you left us. It's as simple as that..." Kyoko left the implications of her accusation hanging in the air. "You know what hurts the most though?" She asked after some time...her cold glare giving way to silent tears. "Is that, after all that's happened with you leaving and Mom dying, Souta left too. The bastard never faulted you for a damn thing, and even defended you against people. He still hero-worships you, you know? And in case you're wondering; he left for college a month ago, and I haven't heard from him since."

"Where..." was all Kagome could get out. Her voice scratched from the amount of emotion she was experiencing.

"Corpus." With that, Kyoko turned on her heal and walked back into the house. Turning her back on her eldest sibling and never looking back. Kagome did the same. This was one bridge that had been burnt, and could never be crossed again. Though, Kagome wondered who the father of Kyoko's children was, and where the hell was he?

(Later)

Kagome sighed as she pulled into the parking lot of the hotel. That meeting had been a disaster that left her exhausted. Frustrated with her emotions, Kagome raked a shaky hand through her long tresses. This had been a long day, and she could only guess that tomorrow wouldn't be any better.

Once she locked her car doors, and reached her room; Kagome flopped onto her bed. Having slept for the better part of the past few days, sleep wouldn't give comfort.

Restless, Kagome flipped on the television, and began the long arduous process of channel surfing. She paused in her search when she came across a familiar scene. It was Dracula, with Bella Lugosi playing the role of the vampire. Kagome didn't know whether to laugh or cry with the absurdity of it all. It seemed like she'd never get a respite from these creatures, never mind that there was a werewolf sleeping in the room next to hers. Oh how fate loved to play with her life.

Kagome watched the movie till the end just for the novelty of the act.

When the movie was over, she checked the guide only to find that "An American Werewolf in London" was next. She cried.

(Next Day)

Kagome woke to cramps, bed-head, a headache, and a wolf pounding on her door. She decided in that moment that if she were ever to actually meet the fates, she'd wring their little necks.

Fates be damned for the moment, she half dragged, half fell out of bed, and trudged to the door.

There must have been something in the way she looked, or perhaps it was how the door almost blasted off it's hinges when she opened it, but Kouga's face took an ashen pallor, and he proceeded to tremble in her presence. It was definitely when an inhumane growl erupted out of her throat that he quickly threw his hands up in defeat, backed up a few paces, and asked if she wanted anything for breakfast.

For his troubles, he was awarded with the door slamming in his face.

Kagome flopped back onto the bed, and tiredly closed her eyes. She'd stayed up way too late, to be waking up at anytime before nine in the morning. Usually she'd be fine with so little sleep, but with her being on her period, jet-lag, emotional distress from meeting with her sister, and finally, just getting over her sickness; there was no way she'd be formally getting up without at least a cup of coffee, and half a bottle of midol!

After an hour of trying to return to the land of dreams, and failing spectacularly, she conceded that yes, she was awake, and yes, Kouga was probably still waiting for her outside her door. A quick aura check later, and she was proven correct on her theory.

Now feeling guilty, she rooted around in her travel bag for her period pills, and filled a glass of water from the tap. Once her meds were taken she left the room and waltzed passed Kouga who was still standing in the hallway outside her door, only now looking at her like she'd pull an "exorcist" and her head would start spinning. After he realized that such a thing wouldn't be happening in the 'near' future, he followed her.

(Time Skip)

Lunch was an interesting affair. Apparently Kouga had never had a Whataburger before. Kagome was glad she didn't go through the drive through or else she was sure there would've been trouble. As it was people had given Kouga and Kagome nasty looks because of how long it'd taken for him to decide what to get. After that debachle was over (Kouga had ended up getting chicken strips) they'd argued over what they were going to do next.

Kouga wanted to tour the area, Kagome wanted to sit back by the pool and rest. After some very colorful threats, followed by equally colorful words by Kouga, Kagome won the disagreement, and now she could be found kicking back in a pair of shorts, and a spaghetti- strap top lounging by the pool with a good book. (Purgatorio by Dante)

Kouga, determined to enjoy his "vacation", was swimming in the pool, and trying his best to get Kagome to look his direction as he performed a rather convincing drowning act. (complete with the floating body and everything.)

Too immersed in her book, Kagome didn't notice.

(End Chapter)

I didn't like how this chapter went. Honestly I'm just wasting a week...or a few days...I still don't know where I'm going with this, and it's been a while since I thought on it. I might do something different with this little break, I might not. I don't know yet. Anywho, thank you for not giving up on me yet, even though I know you guys are about ready to kill me now. TT gomen ne.

As always, I enjoy getting your reviews and I look forward to continuing to hear from you guys. Hopefully I'll get out of my funk soon...at least I hope so.