Hey everyone! Long time no see. I'm sorry to have put this story on hold for so long, but i will do my best to revive it. Thanks to everyone that kept leaving me messages telling me to continue.
AN: This is completely unedited so please message me as you find the mistakes. (if you would include a sentence before or after the area, i will be able to find it faster.)
Beta Anyone? let me know.
Disclaimer: if someone is making money from this it isnt me. I just wanna have fun.
"Alright Puppy, it's getting late. Tomorrow's another day," Kouga said as he and Inuyasha stood at the entrance to the medical chambers.
"Yeah..."
"What's wrong?"
"Nothing...It's just that...I've been in the med chambers ever since I've been here..."
"Well...you can sleep in my chambers..."
Inuyasha stared at Kouga as if his head was on backwards.
"Hey wait, it's not what you think" Kouga said raising his hands claiming innocence, "I have two beds in my chambers. You're welcome to it if you want."
Inuyasha took a minute to think it over, "Sure."
"GREAT! I mean, uh, follow me.
Moments later, the two entered Kouga's chambers. Inuyasha looked around the area in awe. It was simple yet very immaculate. Starting with the two beds, both covered with many furs. The walls had trophy skins from demons previously defeated by either Kouga or the wolf tribe as a whole.
"You can sleep here," Kouga said, pointing to the one bed furthest from the entrance of the room. He then headed over to his own bed. As he reached his bed, he turned and noticed Inuyasha standing over the bed. "Is there something wrong?"
"Huh...oh, nothing's wrong."
"If you're sure...I mean anything you want or need, just say it and I will..
"NO, really, I'm fine. I think I just need some sleep," Inuyasha said sitting down on the extra bed getting ready for sleep.
"Okay..." Kouga responded as he turned and began taking off his armor. At the same time Inuyasha began to stare at him unknowingly.
'I don't deserve this...I don't deserve him.' The hanyou thought as his eyes began gazing upon Kouga's well toned back. His muscles were well defined from years of battle. His legs were definitely that of a runner, and his smell...
"Mmm...Don't fuck up our chances with him..I'd submit to that..."
"Huh...you too?" the Inu questioned to himself, realizing that his demon found the wolf prince attractive as a mate.
Before he knew it, Kouga was dressed, or undressed, for bed.
"Alright, Puppy, let's get some sleep," With those words, Kouga laid down and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Inuyasha stayed up for a while longer. is mind running in circles trying to make sense of everything that's happened to him recently. For hours he tried to figure out what these new emotions were. Why was he excited to be near Kouga? Why didn't he have a terrible fear of being betrayed by Kouga?
'...trust your instincts when you are around us..."
With that last thought, he slowly got out of bed and quietly moved over to Kouga's bed. After a few moments of quietly laying in bed with Kouga...
"Puppy..." Kouga murmured in his sleep, and then slowly rolled over and wrapped his arm around Inuyasha's waist. At that moment the half demon felt safe for the first time since his mother had died. Moments later he was asleep in Kouga's arms.
Early the next morning Kouga had arisen to a wonderful surprise. There in his bed curled up next to him was none other than Inuyasha.
"He's finally starting to accept me."
"'Bout damn time! If you had listened to me he would be heavy with pups by now!"
"Shut up! If you had your way, he would never trust me, and I refuse to have a mate that can't trust me."
"Keh, you are weak...He came to you, he wants you. Rip that red monstrosity off him, hold him down and breed him. Make him scream your name!"
Though he didn't want to, he had to get up and leave Inuyasha to rest. he still had things to do before he assembled the pack to discuss the recent events that have taken place. He quietly got out of bed, so he wouldn't wake Inuyasha. As he put on his armor...
Kouga..don't leave..." Inuyasha murmured in his sleep.
The demon turned thinking the other was awake, only to see Inuyasha reaching out to grab hold of the remaining furs on the bed and curled up with them. Kouga reached down and wiped the hair from Inuyasha's face.
"Rest well, Puppy."
Later that morning, Inuyasha awakened to an empty bed. Kouga's scent still lingered in the air. It was enough to calm him. He yawned and slowly got out of bed. After stretching a bit, he wondered out into the den.
'Where is everybody?' he thought, noticing that the halls were quiet. He sniffed trying to find a scent. He then followed his nose to a large room. Before reaching the entrance, he could hear the voices of many other demons. 'Must be having a meeting,' he thought. Just then he could hear Kouga's voice above the rest.
"Alright, listen up! I'm gonna say a few things and I want all of you to listen well. First, you all remember our brother from the north coming to give me a message. Apparently, my father is dying and I will have to leave for a few days to visit the royal pack. While I'm there, I will speak about the second thing that I'm about to tell you."
The room fell silent.
"I am to e mated within the next few weeks."
Outside the room, Inuyasha's eyes went wide. He wanted to run, but something was telling him to stay and listen.
"Kouga, that's not fair! How can they expect you to mate with Ayame?" the first voice rang out.
"Do you even love her?"
"Wolves mate for life. It's not fair to force anyone to make that decision in such a short period of time."
"AND WHAT ABOUT INUYASHA?!?" a voice rang out clearly above the rest, followed by a wave of gasps and then silence.
Kouga smirked, "Apparently news still travels fast around here. I guess there's no point trying to keep it from you . Yes, I have feelings for the half demon, Inuyasha."
Hearing that proclamation, Inuyasha turned and went back to Kouga's chambers."
Back in the meeting, "It is because of Inuyasha, that I have decided to travel north. I am asking for more time before I am to make a decision. As you all know, half demons are considered outcasts in the world. Even for someone as powerful as Inuyasha, his life has been very trying. Though, I may be requesting an extension in my name, the real reason is that I do not wish to force myself on Inuyasha. I would rather be out casted from the pack before I put him through any more pain."
"When will you leave for the Northern Lands?"
"Today, sometime after mid day meal. Since Ginta and Hakkaku will remain here, I will be bringing, Maui, Zurui, and Inuyasha if he wishes to come. Now, if you will excuse me, Ginta and Hakkaku will finish this meeting. I must get ready to travel." With that Kouga left and headed back to his chambers.
When he arrived he found Inuyasha sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Morning, Puppy," he greeted the half demon.
"..."
"Inuyasha?"
"Did you really mean what you said in there?"
"Huh?"
"I listened to part of your meeting...Do you really have feelings for me, or are you just using me like everyone else?"
"Puppy..." Kouga began as he raced across the room. He reached out for the half demon, " I would never..."
"Stay away from me."
"Inuyasha...Puppy...I would never use you."
"Just like the rest! Just like Kagome didn't use me like some worthless animal to hunt for the Jewel. Just like Miroku and Sango didn't use me to help rebuild their village and dump me like I was no more that a piece of trash. Even Shippo...I treated him like a son...it was the greatest few weeks of my life. Not being judged, just traveling around hunting, and...They..."
"are not me," Kouga finished for him, "Inuyasha..." Kouga began again while using his hand to gently guide Inuyasha's face towards himself, "what you heard is true. I do care for you. When you first came here, I promised to never leave you alone again. I've lived up to that promise and now I'm saying that you are the most important person in my life and I want you to believe me."
"I want to believe you, but..." Kouga leaned in and gently kissed the half demon. When he backed away, he noticed the shocked and confused look on Inuyasha's face and smiled.
"Listen, I have to gather some provisions for the upcoming journey to the North. I'll be around the den. If you need me for anything, just give a howl."
Inuyasha was just coming down from the shock of the kiss. He could only nod his head at what Kouga was telling him.
"Also, I spoke to Ketsui and you are no longer on medical watch, so you are allowed to go wherever you want in the den. Explore a bit and get to know some of the others, and I'll see you at mid day meal."
After Kouga left, Inuyasha was once again left to ponder his new emotions. There was more to that kiss than just lust. He felt tenderness and longing and so many other things that he had yet to experience in his harsh life.
Unable to fully understand what had happened between Kouga and himself, he eventually decided to venture out into the den. With no determined destination, he wondered aimlessly. every now and again he would pass a busy demon that would stop to greet him. he would ask what they were doing and why, occasionally helping out and then bidding his farewell and moving on. The entire time he was, unknowingly, gaining the approval of the pack.
The half demon wondered around for the remainder of the morning until he stumbled upon Ginta.
"Ah, there you are. Kouga sent me to find you for mid day meal. Apparently you are quite the talk of the den."
"Huh? What do you mean?"
"As if you don't know. Going around helping with the chores and other daily tasks. You've been very busy."
"They just looked like they needed a hand, and I had nothing better to do."
"Hmm...you are somethin' else," Ginta said as he began heading to the dining area.
"Hey! What's that supposed to mean?"
"Easy there, I didn't mean anything bad. All I'm saying is that, well...you are the first one from outside the pack that has even offered to help out around here, " he said continuing to mid day meal.
"But..."
"Talk to Kouga while we eat."
By this point, Inuyasha was totally confused. When the two entered the room, Ginta led them toward an area near the center of the room. On the way, they were greeted warmly by various demons and wolves. As Kouga came into view, Inuyasha noticed his mood.
'Wow, he seems very excited. I don't think I've ever seen his tail wag like that.'
"Inuyasha, come and sit," he said gesturing to the empty space next to him. "How was your morning?"
Inuyasha sat down next to Kouga, across from Ginta and Hakkaku, "Nothing really happened."
"Nonsense, everyone is saying you've been going around and helping everyone with their chores."
"Heh, if I knew it was going to be such a big deal, I wouldn't have done it."
"That's more like the Inuyasha I know," Kouga said grinning and placing a hand on the half demon's leg, "always putting on a tough front."
As the four continued eating and talking, a young wolf slowly made its way closer to them.
"Anyway, Inuyasha, as you've heard by now, I am leaving shortly to visit the Northern Pack and..."
"You're leaving?"
"You mean, you haven't heard?"
"I think we will make our rounds now," Hakkaku said while dragging Ginta with him."
After the two left, Inuyasha continued, "I Knew what you were saying earlier was all just a lie," he said keeping his voice calm.
"It's not like that, Puppy. I need to travel North to speak with my parents about some family business."
"Am I just stuck here...
"Well, if you didn't jump to conclusions, you would have found out that you are free to come with me."
"Right, you're just saying that hoping that I will refuse."
"Actually, I packed supplies for you hoping that you would want to come."
At that moment the wolf that was stalking them finally decided to pounce on Inuyasha.
"WHAT THE?!?!?" the half demon exclaimed.
Before anyone could say or do anything, the wolf was off Inuyasha and licking his face. Kouga then realized which particular wolf had taken a liking to Inuyasha. Needless to say he was shocked.
"Well that's interesting."
"What's interesting about me being pounce on by a hyperactive wolf?"
Kouga smiled, "Well Kyuumin has been, well, a loner since he joined the pack. Guess he's taken a liking to you."
"Great, that's just what I need."
"Well, anyway, do you want to travel north with me or stay here?"
"Like hell you are leaving me here!"
"Good, then let's get going."
As the two stood and began leaving the room. Small whines could be heard from behind them. When they turned around, Kyuumin was sitting there staring at them with he saddest look he could possibly make.
Kouga rolled his eyes and sighed, "You can come too."
Kyuumin's mood seemed to change and he quickly moved to Inuyasha's side as they headed to the entrance of the den.
+++Hours Later+++
"Alright this looks like a safe place to rest for the night. Maui and Zurui can go and catch some dinner, and I'll go and scout the area." Kouga stated.
As Maui and Zurui left Kouga looked to Inuyasha. "Puppy...umm..would you mind staying and guarding the cave for a few hours?" He asked, hoping the half demon would open up a bit now that the others were gone.
"Keh, whatever...," he said not even sparing the demon a glance."
Kouga's tail sagged a little more and his face saddened a bit as well. "Okay...well, we'll be back before nightfall," he said walking away. He turned briefly, but only saw Inuyasha with his back still facing away. HE then sped off to scout the area before it got too late.
"I think you really hurt him that time."
Inuyasha looked at the wolf, "What do you mean I hurt him?" Seconds later, Inuyasha jumped to his feet. "You talk!?!?!"
"Well, yea, " Kyuumin said. "I was talking to the others all afternoon. You mean you've just started to understanding me?"
"j-just...un-understand...started??" the hanyou stuttered.
I guess to anyone else, I sound like I'm making random noises. Anyway, you understand me, at least I know you weren't ignoring me earlier."
"I can't believe a wolf is talking to me..."
"Half wolf, but that's another story," Kyuumin interrupted, "anyway don't you think you are being a bit hard on Kouga?"
"Hard on him? I haven't said or done anything."
"That's just it, you're ignoring him or just brushing him off. Rejection hurts, you should know about that very well, and right now, Kouga feels like you are rejecting him."
"I am not."
"Really? you realize that he sent the others off before he spoke to you? He was hoping that you would at least acknowledge him in private."
"Well what the hell am I supposed to do? It's not like I've done this before."
"Do what everyone has been telling you, follow your instincts."
"Follow my instincts, follow my instincts. How am I supposed to do that? Whenever he's around it's like I lose control of myself. It's all I can do to keep quiet. I feel like a pup all over again. Whenever he touches me, it's like my skin is on fire. Worst of all, there's this voice in my head demanding me to do things with Kouga that I would not have thought of doing."
Kyuumin laid down next to a rock inside the cave, "well it sounds like you are just as frustrated as Kouga. Listen, here's some advice from one half breed to another. when my father brought me back to the pack. I had a hard time fitting in. I acted like a pet more than a wolf. It wasn't until I realized that I needed to let go of what I was taught by humans, that started to fit in. Now I'm telling you to let go of your human side. Save it for when you deal with humans. Embrace what your demon blood tells you."
As he finished, Kouga and the others were returning with dinner and the sun was setting.
Later that evening, the four sat around the fire while Kyuumin slept in a corner. Inuyasha finally decided to speak.
"Listen, I'm sorry for being, I don't know, a fool, I guess. I didn't mean to come off as cold or anything."
"Inuyasha, you don't have to ..." Kouga interrupted.
"No, let me get this out. I've had a lot on my mind, and I'm just now coming to terms with it. Hopefully things will be better between us.
After hearing what Inuyasha had to say, Kouga seemed to be in a much better mood.
"I guess, apology accepted," Kouga responded.
"Yea, you didn't really need to apologize for anything. We figured you would start to come around eventually," Zurui said. "ANyway I need to grab some sleep."
"Yea it's getting late, I'll keep watch tonight, "Kouga said as he walked outside the cave. Inuyasha remained at the dwindling fire, not sure what he should do. After a while, something was telling him to go out and be near Kouga. Rather than fighting it,, he stood and walked outside.
Kouga was sitting up on a hill, overlooking the area. When he heard footsteps behind him, he quickly turned ounly to realize it was Inuyasha.
"Oh, it's you...I thought you were sleeping?" Kouga asked.
"Not tired," was Inuyasha response.
After a few moments, "so...what brings you out here?" Kouga asked.
"I'm not really sure," the half demon replied, "something jsut told me to come out here," he finished while sitting down next to Kouga.
After a few minutes, Kouga decided to speak again. "You really didn't need to apologize tonight, Puppy."
"Yes...I did. I gave everyone such a hard time. Especially you."
"It's okay. I'm just glad you're starting to come around."
"Yea..."
A few more minutes of silence. The two layed down on the hill staring into the clear night sky.
"You know, I'm glad you decided to come with us Inu..." Kouga then realized that Inuyasha had fallen asleep next to him. "Guess he was more worn out thatn he thought," the wolf prince said as he pulled the half demon closer to him.
The following morning, Inuyasha woke up feeling warm and safe.
"Rise and shine puppy, we need to make it to the Northern tribe before the storm blows in," Kouga said softly, while gently nudging Inuyasha awake..
"...nnn...mom, I don't wanna go out today, the villagers say man things and throw stuff at me," Inuyasha mumbled still half asleep.
Kouga felt an array of emotions listening to the hanyou, but chose to ignor them for the moment. "Hey, Mutt Face, I ain't your mommy, not get up," he said with a smile.
"I'm awake now damn it," Inuyasha growled, while opening his eyes to an out stretched hand. He grabbed hold and Kouga quickly pulled him up. Still a little drowsy, the hanyou stumbled forward and was caught by Kouga. After a few moments, Inuyasha felt his heart rate quicken. His skin was on fire, and he was finding it hard to breathe. He then quickly backed away from Kouga and cast his head down and away. "I-I'm sorry."
"Why are you sorry?" Kouga asked in a low voice. He gently pulled Inuyasha into another embrace. "I'm not."
Inuyasha's eyes widened and he began to blush, but then he began nuzzling into Kouga's neck.
"Let's wake the others and get going bfore that storm catches us," Kouga said as he released the half demon. He grabbed the Inu's hand and began guiding him to the cave where the others were. When they entered, Kyuumin ran over to Inuaysha and tackled him to the ground. Inuyasha didn't even protest as the half wolf began licking him.
"Hmmm, you have Kouga's scent all over you, and you seem happier than you did yesterday."
"I dont really know what's happening. Last night something told me to go to him. I ended up sleeping with him Then, this morning I was one step from making out with him."
"That 'voice' would be your instincts. Your demon blood recognizes Kouga as a potential mate."
"But Kouga doesn't have the same kind of scent Hakkaku does..."
"Huh??? OH! THat's different. Hakkaku's in heat. He's letting out a mating pheromone that cause all unmated males to 'lose it' so to speak."
"So then how does my demon half recognize Kouga?"
"I can't tell you for sure. It's different for everyone. It could be, power, submissiveness, looks, scent or any combination of things."
"Are you two down laying around?" Kouga asked as he and the others came walking out of the cave.
Ice yipped eagarly and started heading North again.
"I guess that means yes," Inuyasha stated as he got up.
"Good. Are you up for a run?" We can make it to the Northern Pack before mid day if we run, and we should beat the storm"
"Lead the way."
A few hours later found the small group just outside of the Northern Pack's territory. Kyuumin was leading the way, Inuyasha was behind him. Mazui and Zurui were running next to each other a few meters apart, and Kouga was in the rear to keep an eye on everyone.
They were making good time. Kyuumin stopped at a river to take a short drink. The others decided to take a short rest as well. Inuyasha sat by Kyuumin at the water's edge. Mazui and Zurui stood off on their own and Kouga leaned against a nearby tree, away from everyone.
"Do you smell that?" Mazui asked his mate.
"Only a lot," she answered. "He's been like that for the past few hours."
"Wonder if Kouga has noticed?" he questioned as the two looked over to Kouga.
Kouga's eyes were covered by his bangs. His nostrils were flaring, his breathing was heavy, his muscles were taught, and his skin was covered in a fine layer of sweat.
"Judging by his looks...I'd say he's more than noticed," Zurui smiled.
"I can't believe of all the times this could have happened, he goes into heat now," Mazui sighed.
"I have a feeling that Kouga's gonna have to deal with some things soon than he had liked," Zurui stated.
After a few more minutes, they continued on to the Northern Pack's den.
Upon their arrival, they received a mixed greeting. They were happy to see their kin, but this was the first time seeing Inuyasha. Not only was he not a wolf, but a half demon as well. There were also a few that could smell the beginning stages of the hanyou's heat cycle, and were a little on edge.
"Welcome brothers and sister...and friend," one of the pack elders greeted them hesitantly. "We've been expecting you. Please follow me inside."
As the gorup went in, a few of the males came over to Inuyasha.
"Hey there, I'm Kumori...," one of them began.
"And I'm Kemuri," another interrupted.
Kumori shoved Kemuri a little for interrupting. "What's your name?"
"Umm...Inuyasha," he replied a bit flustered by the fact that demons were actually acknowledging him.
Kouga kept an eye on Inuyasha. He knew those two could smell the Hanyou's heat, and he did all he could to keep from threatening them.
'Go over there and claim what's yours!' his demon demanded.
'He's not mine. He can protect himself and make his own decisions. AND I'm pretty sure he doesn't know he's in heat yet, so he won't let anyone come onto him yet.'
'You are so fuckin' stuborn. Mark my words. Before he is through this heat cycle, we will claim him. If you don't do it soon, I will. And I promise it will be long and rough. When I'm done with him, he won't know up from down and half demon or not, he will not be walking for a few days.'
'Okay! I'll take care of it as soon as I deal with my parents and this pack situation.
"Hey, Inuyasha, let's go," Kouga said calmly while gesturing for the half demon to follow him.
Inuyasha said his goodbye's to the two demons that were showing him way too much asttention.
As he caught up with Kouga, "that was odd."
"What was?" Kouga asked pretending he didn't notice the attention the other was getting.
"Those two back there, were a little too friendly." He then shrugged it off. "Oh well...so where are we headed?"
"To see my parents."