AN: Thanks everyone for so many reviews. I can't believe so many people like the last chapter when it isn't one of my favorites, so it made me beyond happy to get such positive reviews! True to my word, I have tried to dedicate as much time to writing as I can. I have an outline for the story done. But I admit I struggle with some parts of it. This chapter for example, I would sit at work and ideas in my phone to make it flow better. I think the final product came out well and I hope you all will agree with me.
I apologize in advance for any spelling/grammar errors. I tried to review a couple times. If anything is really bad just PM me and I will fix it. I'll also edit any small mistakes I catch when I look back later.
I hope you guys all like this chapter, and remember to review; it's what motivates me to write when I should be dedicating the time to something else.

The first week after Sesshomaru left was really hard on Kenichi. He was alright in the beginning but after only a few days he was restless to spend time with his father. True to his word, Sesshomaru called every night. There was a time difference of three hours but he tried his best to call before the child's bedtime. Each night it seemed as though Kenichi was becoming increasingly upset with his dad's absence. Talking on the phone was not enough. He had only just met his father, he wanted more than what he was getting. His displeasure was reflected throughout the day as well. Kenichi received more time outs than usual and he was getting cross with his mom and even Sango.

Kagome did her best to keep his mind busy and interested in other things. So she took him to a few museums and tried to have fun with him, but it didn't work. He was usually in a bad mood.

Kagome sighed as she relaxed into the corner of her sofa.

"I don't know what to do," she said quietly into the phone.

"I am sorry," the voice on the other end spoke, "neither do I."

"He keeps complaining that he wants to see you. Reminding him you'll be here in two weeks does nothing. He doesn't seem to comprehend time since he believes it's been a month at least. I swear it's like a few days of a new routine and he can never go back to normal."

"Normal?"

"Not normal," she shook her head. "I didn't mean it like that. What I mean is that he behaved just fine before you came into the picture. Even though you're not physically nearby, at least you guys talk every day."

"I understand. I do not know what to say, other than to hope that in time he will grow accustomed to the arrangements we have set forth."

Kagome sighed, Sesshomaru was right. T hey were already trying their best, there was nothing more to do but hope Kenichi would be satisfied with what they could give him.

"I'm gonna get to bed," Kagome said. "We're waking up early to go to the zoo. I'm pretty sure that should cheer him up."

"I'm sure it will. I will call tomorrow night then."

"Kay, goodnight."

"Hn," was all he said before hanging up.

Kagome pulled the phone away from her face and frowned. She hadn't realized before he left just how much of an impact Sesshomaru would make with such a small amount of time. Now that he was gone, she found herself having this feeling of lacking. She liked hanging out as a family; it was fun.

A sad ghost of a smile formed on her face and then she sighed.

"Guess I got caught up in the fantasy."

Kagome went to her bedroom to lie down; she would have trouble falling asleep. Instead of relaxing her mind would be busy thinking about the stranger turned friend who she actually missed. Little did she know, on the other side of the country, said friend was having similar thoughts.

Sesshomaru slid his phone into his jeans pocket, pondering on the conversation. He was unhappy with the negative affects his living situation had on his son. Kenichi was so well behaved and happy during their time together. Sesshomaru felt guilty; he was partially the cause of the child's dilemma.

When he first met the boy, he had not realized just how big of an impact they would be in each other's lives. Kenichi made all of his feelings known and Sesshomaru told the boy that he missed him, but that was as much as he revealed.

Nobody knew how Sesshomaru felt; he would keep it to himself until he sorted his emotions out better. He had not known just how much he would really miss his son. They only had a week together, but just like Kenichi, Sesshomaru yearned for more. He missed going out with his son and Kagome. He missed watching annoying children's movies with Kenichi snuggled under the crook of his arm. Sesshomaru finally realized how alone he was, how alone he had been, now that he knew what it was like to not be alone.

Inuyasha's voice broke through Sesshomaru's musings. "Who were you just talking too?" he asked with a teasing tone.

Sesshomaru turned around from his spot on the living room couch to glare at his younger brother.

"What are you doing here?"

Inuyasha smirked at he brought himself into the room.

"They're my parents too; I can hang out here as long as I want." He lazily sprawled out on a couch as Sesshomaru watched with a distrustful look.

"I had assumed you left." Sesshomaru stood up and rolled his neck. He was sore; he spent a majority of his time back home training. It was a good way to clear his head.

"My place is boring." Inuyasha said. "You didn't answer my question." Sesshomaru held back a sigh. He wasn't in the mood for Inuyasha. He felt exhausted. Something wasn't right, he felt like something was missing. Oh right, his son.

He didn't want to be in the presence of others any longer, so he decided to go home.

"This is our stop, Kenichi!" Kagome exclaimed enthusiastically. She and her son stood up and walked off the crowded bus. They would have no other transportation until she received a check in the mail from the insurance company of whoever totaled her car.

"Are you ready to see all the animals?" She asked as they walked down the street towards the zoo.

Kenichi only shrugged in response. He was still feeling depressed but Kagome knew that this outing would finally cheer him up.

After paying for their tickets they entered the large park. Kagome opened up the map to plan their route.

"Okay," she bent down to show her son what they would be doing. "First stop," she pointed towards a picture on the map, "the elephants."

"Elephants?" Kenichi's eyebrows rose and his head tilted.

"Mhmm." She smiled at the boy, she knew this would work.

They saw elephants, zebras, giraffes, and camels before taking a lunch break. After he had a full belly, Kenichi seemed to be back to his old self. It helped that Kagome would take a picture of the boy next to each animal exhibit. She told him they would send the pictures to his father later that night. Then they could talk about the pictures too. Kenichi was more than happy to do that. He insisted on Kagome taking pictures of him eating his lunch, just so that he could have more to send to his dad.

A couple more hours passed before they had finally completed their zoo visit. They had seen every animal, went inside each shop, bought a few things, and ate some snacks. It was a bit pricey over all, but Kenichi was happy and so was Kagome. Before they knew it, it was time to head back to the bus stop.

Kagome heard her name called as they were leaving the stopped and turned to look around.

'Did someone just call my name?'

"Kagome," A man with black hair and bright blue eyes ran up to her. "It is you!"

Shock was all over her face when she realized who it was. "Koga?"

"Good," he smiled, "you remember me."

"Oh my gosh!" She placed a hand over her mouth for a moment before pointing her hands out towards him. "How are you? What are you doing here?"

"I'm great. I was just here with my younger brothers." He pointed a thumb behind him and turned to look at them. He frowned when he realized they weren't there. Kagome looked over his shoulder as well.

"Oh no." She placed a hand over her mouth. "Did you lose them!?" Her voice was laced with worry.

"I guess they didn't follow me when I ran over here." He scratched the back of his head, confusion written on his face. "They'll be fine." He waved at her concern. "They're twelve year old twin boys."

Then he looked back at Kagome to appreciate her form. His eyes widened at the little boy beside her.

"Who's this?" He gave the boy a small smile.

"Oh," Kagome smiled, "this is Kenichi." She pushed the child in front of her. "He is my son."

"I should have guessed you'd be married with a family by now," Koga frowned and didn't notice Kagome's look of shock. "Hey there Kenichi," Koga said to the boy, holding his arm out.

"Hello." Kenichi smiled. He loved making new friends. They shook hands and Koga took a few seconds to study the boy. He just looked so familiar. Koga stood to his full height to speak to Kagome.

"So I guess you're here with your husband then?" He shook his head. "Just my luck."

"Husband?" Kagome couldn't help but laugh at his insinuation. "I'm not married, Koga."

His look of surprise and then victory made her blush.

"Kenichi's dad sure is missing out. You're so beautiful."

She blushed at his compliment. "Thank you."

"Go out with me."

"What?" His question caught her off guard and she didn't know if she heard him right.

"You know I've always admired you, Kagome." He gave a small smile while momentarily reminiscing. "Last I remember, you only had eyes for Inu-" he paused and looked at Kenichi.

Kagome frowned nervously, waiting for him to continue.

"Wait," he said looking back and forth between the child and the woman. "Is he…" Koga trailed off, he never got along with Inuyasha. This could be a problem.

"He isn't Inuyasha's." Kagome said definitely.

"Oh." Koga let out a breath. "The resemblance is crazy," he joked. He couldn't have cared less who her child's father was, as long as it wasn't that guy. "Well, like I was saying. You never gave me a chance all those years ago. I'd be honored to take you out on a date sometime. We could do whatever you want, what do you say?" He smiled wide and his blue eyes sparkled.

Kagome blushed.

"I don't know," she looked away. She wasn't sure if she was mentally prepared to go on any dates with all that had been going on in her life recently.

"Say yes." Koga told her confidently. "I promise you'll have a great time."

Kagome let out a breath and averted her eyes as she thought for a moment. Then she looked back at Koga to see his hopeful expression and she caved. She gave him a smile and spoke gently.

"Alright, why not?"

"Are you sure about this Kagome?" Sango frowned as she sat down on her best friend's bed.

"Come on Sango," Kagome rolled her eyes. "When was the last time I went on a date?"

"Do the dates with Sesshomaru count?"

"No," Kagome crossed her arms for a moment, before continuing to dig through her dresser. "Those were him spending time with Kenichi."

"I guess," Sango shrugged. "You don't think Sesshomaru would get upset?"

"Ah, here it is." She said happily while pulling out a black skirt. Then she turned to her friend. "Why would he?"

"I don't know." Sango tilted her head. "I just figured maybe you guys would have wanted to start talking after everything…"

"Yeah right," Kagome smirked. "As if I had feelings for Sesshomaru," she said sarcastically. "Or even better," her eyes lit up; "like he would have feelings for me!" she started laughing.

"I don't know, Kagome." Sango smiled with mirth dancing in her eyes. "You two looked pretty happy together while he was here."

"Yeah but-" she was cut off as Sango continued her point.

"And let's not forget how much you've been moping around after he left."

"I have not!"

"It's so obvious." Sango's eyes widened as the full realization hit her. "You've got the hots for him!" She pointed a finger at Kagome. The young mother's face turned red and her mouth dropped open.

"I do not." Kagome put her hands on her hips before tilting her nose up.

"Don't lie to me." Sango gave her friend a stern look. Kagome frowned.

"Okay," she admitted, "maybe I'm a little attracted to him."

"Mhmm."

"Maybe a lot," she confessed, "but it doesn't go beyond physical attraction. I mean, we're so different. Even if I did like him, I'm definitely not the kind of girl he'd be into anyways. He wouldn't give me the time of day if it wasn't for Kenichi." She frowned and looked away.

Sensing her friend's discomfort, Sango decided not to push the matter any further.

"Alright well, I'll let you finish getting ready."

Koga took Kagome to a very nice restaurant. They spent most of their time catching up. Kagome did not reveal who Kenichi's father was nor did she disclose her exact job, the she did tell him she worked at a strip club. He assumed she was a waitress or door girl. Anyone who knew Kagome would never have expected her to have the gall to become a dancer. She learned that Koga owned a few sporting goods stores along with his other family members. He had a business degree and ran track when he was in college. They didn't have many mutual friends from high school since he was a year older than she was.

They were in the middle of dessert and Kagome was talking about her plans to go to school for dental hygiene when her phone went off for the tenth time in an hour.

"Kagome, you can get that." It was rude to do so, but Koga knew she had a child so it could have been Sango trying to get a hold of her. Although, if it was Sango, the woman wouldn't have ignored the previous calls.

"I guess I should." Kagome sighed. "Will you excuse me for a moment?" She hurried out of her seat and answered the phone.

"Hello?"

"Finally decided to pick up?" an angry voice spoke back. She opened the bathroom door and thanked the heavens that the room was empty.

"Did you not get my text earlier? It has Sango's number in it." she said, annoyed. She had sent him a message telling him that Sango was babysitting Kenichi.

"I did, and I called as soon as I left the gym."

She leaned her hands on the granite sink top and frowned into the mirror.

"Then why are you calling me, Sesshomaru?"

"She told me you were out with some friends."

"Okay?" She was getting frustrated.

"I asked Kenichi where you were. He told me you were on a date. Then he asked me what a date was."

Kagome's eyes widened. Apparently Kenichi had been eavesdropping on conversations.

Sesshomaru continued to speak and he didn't sound happy.

"So who is this man, Kagome? Has he been around my son?"

"It's an old friend, and honestly it's none of your business."

"You should be at home taking care of Kenichi." His tongue was sharp as he spoke.

"I take care of our son every day. Excuse me for wanting one night off to be treated to a romantic night out."

"Romantic," he mocked. "What does your date have to offer you that is so appealing? Does he wish to marry you? How will this romantic night end?"

"You know what?" Her voice started to raise a little. "You can do whatever you want, with whoever you want and I have no say in it. I don't even know what you do out there. Unlike you, all of my day is dedicated around Kenichi. So if I want to go on a date then I can go on a date. I think I deserve that."

She was breathing heavily from her little rant. She heard him exhale before responding.

"What more do you want from me Kagome?" He asked. "I know you deserve time to yourself. I have arranged to fly out monthly to spend time with our son, and I gave you that check which will cover over all of your expenses; I noticed you still haven't cashed it either."

"I know, it's too much money."

"Then how are you supporting yourself?"

"I have savings!" she cut in tersely. "We're getting off track." She pulled the phone away from her face to look at the call time and placed it back on her ear. "What's the point of this conversation Sesshomaru? Kenichi is with Sango if you need to talk to him."

He did not respond for a few seconds, unsure of what his point really was.

"I do not know."

"What, are you jealous?" she offered sarcastically.

"No," he answered too quickly. "I just think I should know about another male being brought around my son."

"Fine." She frowned, wanting this conversation to end. "Just make sure you let me know about any females you might bring around him then."

"Of course." She couldn't see him, but she knew there was a smirk on his face.

"You're so difficult." She told him. "I'm gonna get back to Koga. He's been patiently waiting for me the whole time we were having this pointless conversation."

"I'd like to know more about this guy."

"Then I'll tell you about him tomorrow. Good bye."

"Enjoy your date." He said with a fake sincerity.

"Thanks." She said the same way. "I will."

He managed to hang up right before she even pulled the phone away from her face.

"Jerk." She glared at the device. "Trying to ruin my date."

Then she turned to the mirror to get herself together. Pushing a few stray hairs into place, she took a deep calming breath. Then she left the bathroom, and with good timing too. An older woman was on her way in.

Sesshomaru frowned as he drove his car. He was upset.

His day had been progressing as usual, but when he left the gym he turned his phone on to find a text from Kagome. She told him that Sango would be babysitting Kenichi. Sango's number had been provided for him to call.

He called seconds later, curious as to why Kagome was without their son. He hoped she wasn't working.

When Kenichi revealed Kagome's true activity, Sesshomaru found himself angered.

So that's when he called Kagome. Why? He was not entirely sure, but deep down he hoped to upset her enough to sabotage her date. Whatever guy she was out with… it wouldn't work. He just knew it. He couldn't picture Kagome finding someone else to be there for Kenichi when he wasn't. No man could measure up to half as much of the person he was. Kagome would ultimately be disappointed and she deserved more than whoever she was with.

'I do sound jealous.' He thought. 'I am not jealous! I do not care for her that way.'

Just to prove his own words true, he pressed the phone button on his car.

"Call Sara." He spoke clearly so that the electronic would understand his request.

"Calling Sara." A robotic voice answered back as his car was filled with ringing sounds.

Koga was more than happy when Kagome returned to their table. He confessed his minor fear that she had snuck out the bathroom window or something as the time passed. She apologized and he waved it off. Koga was very laid back, and in his eyes Kagome could do no wrong.

In no time, her mood was back to where it was before the phone call. They had managed to drink a whole bottle of wine while there. She was glad that he had money. Not because she wanted to spend it, but because the food and drink was expensive and she would have felt guilty if she put a dent in his pocket.

Koga was the perfect gentleman throughout the night. He had placed Kagome on a pedestal and she was more than aware; she loved it. He constantly praised her personality and looks, and he kept saying how lucky he was to be out with her. He sure knew how to make a girl feel appreciated.

When the date was over and he walked her to her door, he did not hesitate in going in for the kiss.

Slowly his tongue made its way into her mouth and they started to make out. His hands on her hips, pulling her close to his lean body. She wrapped her arms around his neck as their kisses became more passionate.

When he had her flush against him she was hit with an overwhelming sensation in the pit of her stomach, but it was not pleasurable. Almost like that foreboding feeling a person gets when they're doing something they are not supposed to be doing.

The intensity off it was becoming too much for Kagome so she pulled away, breaking the kiss. She could tell he was disappointed.

"I'm sorry, Koga…" she trailed off trying to think of a good way to explain.

"Don't be," he kissed her on the forehead. "Goodnight, Kagome."

She smiled at him. "Goodnight, Koga."

Then he walked down the hall to leave as she entered her apartment.

Kagome quietly walked through to get to her room and made her way over to Kenichi's bed to check on him.

He was sleeping peacefully; like a little angel.

She smiled at him and bent down to kiss him on the cheek before crawling into bed herself.

The last thing Kagome pictured before drifting off to sleep was a pair of amber eyes. If anyone could read her mind she would insist that they were Kenichi's eyes.

That was a lie; but she would never admit it.

AN: Yes this is a Sesshomaru/Kagome story. Throughout my personal experiences though, I've come to the conclusion that one of the best ways to make you want something is when you can't have it. So don't get mad at me about the Koga/Kagome make out session. I didn't enjoy writing that part, but it had to be done! Please review :)