A/N: Hello everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I updated. I am going to post a short chapter for you. Unfortunately the holidays were busy for me and I just couldn't find time to focus on my story. Then, unexpectedly, I contracted the Covid-19 virus. I came out of the illness okay. Though my case was semi-severe. Though luckily no hospital time, I am still experiencing effects from being sick so long, such as muscle loss and loss of energy. Therefore I want to get a small chapter out to say thank you for sticking by me with waiting. I definitely have some juicy drama and things coming in the next few chapters. So stay tuned and stay healthy! -KKB

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"So is this what you have been doing for a while or..?" Kagome asked as she handed him a rice ball.

"Heh, well, since spring at least." he nodded as he answered thoughtfully.

"On your own?" she continued her questions while sliding him the water canteen.

"Well- Ginta is occupied with his mate- they are planning for their pup-and I tend to leave Hakakku in charge of the pack while I am out patrolling. I've been trying to find their main nest before bringing some of my pack to help dispose of these nuisances." He nodded towards the trees as he easily explained his daily tasks.

He dipped his head in thanks as he took the water from her. "Well that was the plan anyway, until yesterday when I caught wind of the best smell ever…." he smiled coyly as Kagome blushed mid bite.

"Ah… yes, yesterday…" she remarked.

"I guess you got an eyeful and earful yesterday huh? You watched me for what, 7 hours?" she chided as she continued to eat.

Kouga puffed out his chest- as he prepared to answer with a cocky remark.

She prepared to roll her eyes at whatever upcoming remarks the wolf would give, until he quickly changed demeanor.

Releasing a long breath he tightened his pony tail with both hands and shook himself as if releasing his thoughts at the same time.

Crossing his arms he bowed his head as he answered.

"To be honest, when I first caught your scent I was swimming in the river, catching fish for a quick meal. I honestly thought my brain was playing tricks on me. And I kept diving under water to clear my head. But each time I came up- it was still there.

I got out of the water and just stood there for a long time just scenting where it was coming from."

He fidgeted a bit as he spoke. Unusual for the normally sure wolf.

"So then I followed the scent and then the second best thing happened. I heard your voice."

Kagome ducked her head as she thought back to the embarrassing things he had over heard. Her screams of anger… her heart stilled, as if trying to hide itself in shame.

"I heard you screaming and- I thought you were in trouble, but then I heard you screaming at Inuyasha, and I figured you wouldn't want me to bother you while...well you know…"

He looked over at Kagome and noticed her still form.

She looks so small, so defeated… He thought to himself.

He couldn't explain how he knew what she was feeling. There weren't any noticeable changes to her appearance…. But it felt as if she were a bird, who's feathers were down, instead of fluffed out as normal.

He paused. Wondering if he should continue.

"Anyway, I just sorta looked over you after realizing it was just you. Encouraged a few minor demons to take an alternate route while you slept. The rest… well you know… and now, I'm eating…." he sniffed the food in his hand, "...Rice and fish." he smiled at her.

Kagome smiled, her aura growing in size before his eyes, she seemed to shake away the small bird look as she returned his gaze.

She looked into his eyes, caught up in the clear blue that was...inhuman.

Blue eyes that, were in her dreams last night…

She felt herself getting warm before she broke their gaze and focused on the lunch in front of them.

So that's what he was doing. Disposing of these Tengu...

Kouga devoured his rice ball whole as the Miko handed him another.

"I'm glad you like them, I took your sense of taste into consideration when I made these before I left. My mom would have been appalled at not having any seasoning on the rice" she laughed at the memory.

"My mom always made the best rice balls… well food in general. Never over seasoned, even for Inuyasha's sensitive mouth!" she continued laughing.

Her small laugh filled the space between them, filling his ears like warm water.

I definitely prefer her laughing- instead of crying. The brief thought entered Kouga's mind.

"Speaking of-" he interrupted, "I've never learned what your family is like. I know the mutt has been around them, but I never have. What's it like having them around?"

Thinking back to his days in the den, scrapping with other pack mates and dog piling for sleep… he couldn't imagine taking enough time to season food, or create the intricate foods humans did.

"Well…." she began…

"My father passed when I was younger from an accident, and I was with my family up until a while ago when I came back." she answered plainly.

He nodded.

"I wish I could have met them, I wonder if they smell like you- or if they are as nice as you…..or as strong…"

She pondered on the last statement.

"Well…. My mother is probably the strongest person I know." she looked up at the sky as she began to talk.

"She had to deal with losing my father when my brother and I were so young. She raised us with Grandpa but she took on a lot of responsibilities. Things I didn't really understand until I was older.

She never wanted to worry us with how she felt, and she was always doing what was best for us, even if it left her with the short end of things…"

It may not be the life I imagined you would have- but it would be full of the love you deserve….and… I can live with that.

Words filled her mind as she thought of the things her mother gave up.

She could feel a sting run through her nose as she pursed her lips. Tears were forming behind her eyes as her nose turned red.

She gave up so much for us to be happy- she gave up ever seeing me again… so that I would be happy… and yet...I'm not happy!

The reality of her mothers' unnecessary sacrifice came to light in that moment.

Tears welled in her eyes...

Was this REALLY worth never seeing my mother again!?

Her heart beat firmly in her chest, and tears began to fall down her cheeks.

She could sense Kouga's still form- knowing he was aware of her distress. She refused to look at him. Keeping her gaze towards the sky. She didn't want to see the look of pity he would surely give her as she cried.

She was breathing heavily as she let her tears fall. She clenched her eyes shut as she felt sadness overcome her.

Knowing she had not control of her emotions as of late, she felt a hint of embarrassment come forward as Kouga sat nearby watching her. She heard a whimper, so soft she couldn't be sure she actually heard it.

Suddenly a soft clawed hand was on her shoulder. He moved from her shoulder and placed his hand over her balled up fist.

She opened her eyes and looked down at their hands. Taking in the gesture, wiping her tears with her free hand, not taking her eyes off of the unexpected touch.

She understood in that moment, that there was no pity, no judgment coming from the wolf at her side. Merely the offer of comfort. Her thoughts again raced back to the future, to the times when she was with her friends, and they provided the same comfort and support.

Fresh tears began to fall and try as she might no amount of wiping could keep her face dry. She continued to look down, avoiding his direction as she cried.

After a moment he moved even closer and with his free hand, encouraged her to lean her head on his shoulder moving to wrap an arm around her in a soft gesture. She could see his tail swishing calmly- and she heard him breath, releasing a deep rumble in his chest.

They stayed like that for a while, as Kagome worked through her sadness at missing her mom, and brother, Grandpa, and her friends. Things she had willingly given up only to question her choices. Feeling like she betrayed her family… family…..

Sango's face flashed in her mind. Followed by Shippo, Kaede, and unexpectedly, Kouga.

She straightened her posture, finally her tears pausing.

She unconsciously wiped her tears as she thought of the family she had here. Of their relationship. And of the sadness she felt when she was apart from them. NOT just Inuyasha.

...I thought of you and everyone else every day I was away.

Wondering what you guys were up to- how the weather was during the winters-thinking back on the long walks we had between villages- just talking...nothing in my time could replace you guys.

And I missed everyone so much every day, and it only got worse when I had more time to think on it.

In a way, I had already started my life here with everyone. It was a part of me- and I think… the well opening up- was my last opportunity to come back and live in the life I had built…

Again, her memory of yet another recent conversation with Inuyasha came forward. Silencing her grief.

That's right. I was miserable. I missed my friends. I missed my life here. THAT is what my mom could sense!

With these thoughts the tears stopped completely, and the pain in her heart seemed to revert to a dull bruise.

Finally a small smile crept upon her face. She took in a deep breath and let out all the sadness. Turning to Kouga with a smile.

"Thanks. Sorry my emotions are all over the place. Not just my spiritual powers…."

His tail wagged behind him as he smiled softly.

"Eh no worries. I know when to listen and when to speak. The women of my tribe are great teachers." he thought back to his days as a youngster, slightly grimacing at the memories of the elder women "teaching" the boys about feelings.

It has definitely saved my ass a few times… he thought to himself.

"Well I didn't know you were such a softy.." Kagome teased, sticking out her tongue.

"Kagome.." she paused as his smooth voice filled the space between them.

"There is a lot about me that you have yet to see." he finished. The inhuman blue eyes looking into hers.

He moved his arm from around her shoulders and again grabbed her hands in his.

She could feel the sparks of her Reiki flaring and she looked down expecting to see purple sparks.

But to her surprise… there were none. Just a tingle in her fingers as he held her hands.

She blushed as she looked up at the wolf leader.

He smiles and stands, stretching and looking around.

"Well, this has been an nice afternoon. Do you feel like meditating still, or would you like a distraction?" he winked at her.

She tilted her head in question…. Squinting her eyes at her demon companion.

"Okay, I'll bite. What did you have in mind?"

A spark of electricity ran through her as she saw a coy smile cross his face.

"Oh, you'll see." he replied, extending his hand towards her.

Suspicious but curious, she reached out and accepted his offer. He pulled her to his chest, scooping her up unexpectedly. She grabbed onto the front of his armor to secure herself, and let out a tiny squeak at the sudden loss of ground.

She could hear Kouga laugh above her as he adjusted her in his arms and took off running.

Well again… more like gliding. And suddenly, they were air born, as he jumped over the river, and began his ascent up the rocks toward the top of the waterfall.

A/N: SOoooO what do you think the surprise is? As a heads up, the next chapter will focus on Inuyasha and what happened after he left Kagome. Depending on my writing schedule I may also include the surprise for Kagome in the next chapter. Get ready, we are going on a feels trip! Thanks for being here and I hope to hear good things from you!

-KKB