I never thought Id get so much feedback from such an off the wall fan fiction. From PM's to reviews you guys have really liked this story so I have decided to make it a full fledge work!

I will update as often as I can but in the mean time I'll try and keep the chapters long enough so you don't have to crave more.

Thanks for the support guys and I really hope you want in this for the long haul!

Enjoy!

Note For Review's :

Chiochios - Your wish, my command lol Enjoy!

Guest - Thank you so much! So glad to know you are such a fan of my work! It really motivates me to keep writing! Hope you like the newest Kou/Kag addition!

Roseybee - Well hopefully this makes the favorite cut! Lol Hope you enjoy the story!

Neko Gear Girl - As you wish lol

Kouga's Older Woman - Because you asked so nicely lol Here's to you!

OokamiSweeheart - Well it did come to me after watching jerry springier and cheaters. So yeah I guess you could chalk this up to tv drama :D Really hope you like the newest chapter!

Asseylum - Done and done! Enjoy!

Naruto4Sakura - Great to have you on board for another story! I always look forward to your reviews! Some but not all questions will be answered in this chapter. I have Kouga's full back story in mind but it might take a little while to come out fully. And I cant believe we thought of the same thing! How weird/cool! Really would love to read some of your work involving these two! Here to hoping!

WolfPrinceKouga - You know I've seen that fic around a lot lately I just never had the time to read through it. But, since it reminds you of my work I might just have to. Great minds think alike you know? Back to the story, you know me always want a little blood shed. I do love me some mean old Kouga. As for the drama, there might a plentifully amount coming soon, but not just yet kind making this up as I go after all.

The Kouga and Kagome relationship with her being prego and all is definitely going to be a struggle. You cant really just kick up the romance after a bomb like that so it will take some time and some serious maneuvering my part lol

And you know I might surprise you with the Ginta and Hakakku anguish this go around. Maybe I've picked on them enough :D

Bertabee - Here's to hope indeed. Hope I can update regularly :D

Guest - Thanks so much! Hope you continue to review!

Chapter Two

Differences


The steam from the swirling hazel liquid currently swirling inside the small porcelain cup reflected the hue of Kagome's orbs perfectly as she stared down at the heated brew.

The tea tasted delicious here. Surprising considering the slightly run down atmosphere. But, she supposed looks could be deceiving.

The outside appearance of the diner she currently sat inside did look a whole lot rougher then the inside. In all actually it was kind of cozy, sitting here in the red leather booth and staring down at the polished oak brown table.

Her thumbs nervously skimming the rim of her coffee mug as she gauged the silent wolf demons reaction from the opposite side of the table that divided them.

Who would have ever thought that one day she would be sitting in a restaurant in the early morning hours just having shared breakfast with Kouga, of all people.

It was almost to much to take in, but Kagome had counted her blessing amongst all the confusion. After losing herself temporarily in the relief that Kouga had actually recognized her after five centuries apart. She knew explanations were in order and she was eager to confess herself to the bewildered wolf demon.

It had been his suggestion to take some shelter from the outside cool air and get some much needed food, luckily this local diner hadn't been far.

It had taken a few hours but Kagome had finally managed to explain her entire situation. Excluding only a few minor details, for one, her current pregnancy.

She had no intention of hiding her condition, it was nothing she was ashamed of. But, she had dropped enough bombs on Kouga for one night and right now she just wanted to know how he was keeping together.

Time travel wasn't exactly an easy subject to explain.

"I-I just cant believe all this-" Kouga confessed palming his forehead in strain. His head felt like it was about to explode from all the information he had just taken in.

Kagome sighed a little more relaxed, at least he had finally broken the silence building between them.

"I mean I knew the mutt was gone. But you-" Kouga hesitated pinching the bridge of his nose in exhaustion.

It had been so many years since he had learned of Inuyasha demise and the memory was a little hazy to recall so suddenly.

He could remember going to Kagome's village centuries ago. Just to check up on the priestess he called his ally, only to discover she was no longer there.

The monk and demon slayer Kagome had lived along side were all that remained. They had explained that Inuyasha had died, and when he questioned about Kagome's sake they had merely stated she was also 'gone'.

He had naturally assumed she had died along side her mate. He had even mourned her. For months on end, he had blamed himself for not coming to see her sooner.

And now, to have her suddenly thrown back into his life and learn she had never truly been lost at all. It was a lot to take in.

The moment he had seen her just hours ago, he literally thought he had gone insane. Imagining phantoms of the past.

Kagome understood his disbelief all to well. She didn't blame him for thinking she had perished along side Inuyasha. Were situations a little different, she might have wanted too.

But that was before she discovered what the silver haired half demon had left behind, the very thing that was currently growing inside her.

Kagome looked down solemnly at her tea. Reliving all this emotions wasn't exactly easy for her, but she tried to keep a strong façade.

She didn't want to fall apart again, she had done plenty of that in Kouga's arms a few hours ago. She honestly couldn't believe how much and for how long she had sobbed against him.

"I'm so sorry, Kagome." Kouga stated sincerely. What the priestess sitting across from him must've gone through, what she was still going through. It was crippling.

Kagome peered up to Kouga's gleaming azure orbs and quickly she forced herself to endure a light reassuring smile.

"I don't like to think about it." She admitted softly.

"Besides, Inuyasha would want me to stay positive." Though her words were true Kagome couldn't help but realize her blunt determination aside. She was hanging on by a thread.

"I bet he would." Kouga sighed running his calloused hand through his cropped raven locks.

Kagome swallowed down her growing anguish before reaching for her still steaming tea sipping it calmly trying to ease the building struggle raging inside her chest to discuss these troubling things out loud.

"Especially with you being pregnant." Kouga breathed loudly.

Kagome stopped mid sip. Forcing herself to choke down the warm drink before she began to cough.

"Y-You know?" She stammered still struggling with her throat full of tea.

Kouga knew?! How? How could he possibly know? She hadn't said a word about it. She couldn't possibly be showing, yet. Could she?

Instinctively Kagome felt her flatten navel. She didn't have an ounce of fat on her. So then-

"I smelled it. The moment I saw you." Kouga admitted boldly. Kagome's natural fragrance had wafted under his heighten nose, but so did the lingering scent of the mutt all radiating from one particular place.

"Oh." Kagome breathed. Well, that was surprising. She knew all demons had an amazing sense of smell, but she had never known it went beyond skin deep.

Kouga chuckled to himself at her stunned reaction to his discovery as he began to fish around in his brown leather coat for the crinkled pack of cigarettes he always kept handy.

He pulled one free from the cardboard box before setting the rest on his half of the chipped diner table skillfully placing the end between his peal teeth before beginning to search for his silver square lighter.

Kagome watched him silently but all the while preparing to inch herself away. She wasn't about to be judgmental of Kouga's behavior though on the inside she would have been lying if she didn't admit she wasn't slightly stunned.

She never thought Kouga would become a smoker. Then again, five hundred years could do a lot to a person. Obviously.

Kouga caught her slight recoil and paused in his actions.

"Do these bother you?" He asked automatically.

"No Kouga-" Kagome began politely despite her reluctance, but Kouga saw through her façade all to clearly.

Kouga instantly felt agitation at no other than himself flare under the surface. What the hell was he thinking? He shouldn't be smoking around Kagome! She was pregnant!

"I've officially kicked the habit." Kouga vowed taking hold of the carton and plucking the one from his lips before tossing them uncaring towards the nearest trash bin. Each one falling directly into the silver can perfectly out of sight.

Kagome fought the urge to protest a small sincere smile tugging at her pink lips.

She appreciated Kouga's gesture, but she didn't want him changing his life just for her. He was a grown man with his own decisions, she didn't want her situation to effect him.

Kouga sighed deeply before leaning forward his elbows coming to rest on the oak table steadily as he met her soften hazel gaze intensely.

"Kagome. In your condition. Who is taking care of you?" He asked bluntly. Now wasn't the time to beat around the bush, he needed to know Kagome was in good hands. Stable hands.

"I mean do you have family in the city?" He asked thinking that maybe Kagome did have ancestors in this present day. Or maybe descendants? He wasn't entirely sure how the whole time travel thing worked just yet.

"Actually their away right now. I don't really know when they'll be back." Kagome admitted reluctantly. Thinking back to her empty and slightly hollow home.

"You're alone?" Kouga asked concern thick in his hard voice.

"In a way." Kagome sighed skimming a hand over her hidden stomach, even with not a soul around her. She wasn't going to be 'alone' for some time.

Kouga groaned under his breath trying to contain his frustration. That damn mutt had some nerve. Up and dying on his pregnant mate.

"Kagome you cant go at this alone. Do you even know anything about pregnancy?" Kouga asked directly, not modest in the least of her delicate state.

"Of course I do!" Kagome shot back a little insulted at Kouga's boldness.

"I mean demon pregnancy. You're carrying the child of one after all." Kouga corrected his eyes falling momentarily to her blouse covered navel.

Kagome blinked. She hadn't thought about that. Was there a difference between the two? She felt to naïve to ask, but panic began to set in. What did this mean? That her and Inuyasha's child would develop differently than human children?

Once again Kouga saw through her silent disbelief and he was quick to think of a solution.

"Okay-" He began calmly reaching into his back pocket to pull out his aged leather wallet. He thumbed through the damaged cash and unknown cards until he found the one he sought.

He pulled out a small off white square before sliding it across the table in Kagome's direction.

"This is a local. A doctor who takes care of my kind. They'll keep an eye on you." Kouga confirmed. Knowing he wouldn't recommend anyone but the best to look after Kagome and her growing child.

A little timidly Kagome picked up the slightly dented card reading over the well inked paper.

"You have a doctor?" She asked hesitantly. She had always known demons to hate the care of a physician and yet Kouga was referring her to one.

"Guys like me have to get stitched up every once in awhile." Kouga chuckled dryly his hand skimming over the hard darken trio of marks cutting down his neck.

Kagome looked at the aged scars silently. What had happened to Kouga in the time they had been apart? What he must've put his body through to receive such damage.

"As you've noticed." Kouga smirked unphased at her lingering stare.

"I-I'm sorry." Kagome tore her eyes away. She was instantly angry at herself she had been caught staring, she had probably made Kouga feel self conscious.

"It's alright Kagome. I know, I'm not as pretty as I use to be." He smirked unaffected. He may have lost a little bit of his looks, but his sense of humor remained untouched.

"That's not it." Kagome defended. Kouga wasn't unattractive in the least. He looked just as handsome as he had five hundred years in the past. Sure his hair was shorter and his skin marred with heavy scars, but he was otherwise the exact same.

"Kouga, since coming back-" Kagome began quietly, almost worriedly.

"You're the only person I know. I-I thought I was alone. I don't want anything to happened to you." Kagome confessed, she couldn't bare the idea of losing anyone else she called her friend.

She had been forced to leave behind enough, one more sacrifice would just push her over the edge.

"Hey don't worry about me." Kouga said reassuringly. His looks might have been a little deceiving but altogether he was doing okay for himself. Considering all he had been through in the past.

"Besides you have better things to focus on. For one. Where are you staying?" Kouga asked sincerely. Kagome may have filled him in on the past, but it was currently the future that held his concern.

"My families shrine." Kagome stated calmly.

Kouga nodded in acceptance. So she at least had a safe place to call home.

"What about money?" He asked.

Kagome hesitated for a response. It was a little strange talking finances with Kouga. Just another thing five hundred years had changed about him she guessed.

"I went looking for a job today." Kagome admitted, not daring to confess it had been that very job search that had led her here.

"A job? In your condition?" Kouga asked almost angrily. What was Kagome thinking? She shouldn't be working!

"I have to work Kouga." Kagome stated whole heartedly. How else was she going to provide for herself and her child?

"The hell you do!" Kouga growled, his hand leaving the diner table to fumble around in his torn jean pocket.

Kagome sat silently a little taken back by his flare of anger before watching him retract a golden colored card from his pocket and hand it directly towards her.

"This is my bank card. Anytime you need anything, don't hesitate to use it." Kouga said bluntly, his tone almost commanding.

Kagome felt her jaw slack in disbelief.

"No! Kouga, I'm not taking your money!" She protested! She didn't care how much she was currently struggling it was obviously nothing compared to Kouga's anguish.

Look what he was doing just to survive. Just the thought of taking his blood money made her feel nauseous.

"Yes you are. Kagome, I'm not arguing on this." Kouga declared uncaring of her refusal. He didn't care if he had to force his card into her hand, she wasn't leaving this diner empty handed.

Almost to prove his point he reached for her recoiled hand about to shove the plastic square into her palm but she tore her hand away angrily.

"There is no argument. The answer is no!" Kagome snapped. She may have wanted to reconnect the friendship she and the wolf demon once had but she was in no way his responsibility!

She wasn't a taking a cent from him! Her problems, were just that. Hers.

Kouga ran his calloused hand through his thick raven locks in aggravation. God he forget how stubborn she could be when she set her mind to it! He had witnessed it with the mutt all to many times.

But that didn't mean he was taking no for an answer. Not when it came to something this important.

"Kagome, Inuyasha is gone. Your families god knows where. Your all alone, and your pregnant. I'm not asking. Someone has to take care of you!" Kouga growled struggling to keep his voice even and not threatening.

Kagome felt her own temper flare at his words.

"I can take care of myself just fine thank you!" She shouted undoubtedly drawing unwanted attention from the staff and fellow customers scattered about the diner.

Beyond furious she fumbled for the strap of her purse hooking it over her shoulder before practically shoving herself out of the booth and onto her feet.

Not bothering to give the still seated wolf demon across the table a second glance she marched hell bent towards the door.

She didn't know what was coming over her but what she did know was if she met Kouga's gaze for one more moment she might explode! He had basically made her see red with his callous attitude!

It had been five hundred years! What made him think he had any right at all to just proclaim himself her provider!? She didn't need or want his help!

His company sure, but not if he was going to act like this!

Kagome had barely managed to make it over the diner entrance threshold hearing the cowbell attached overhead ring loudly before she stepped onto the cracked pavement side walk outside.

The cold before dawn air assaulting her heated skin in a hard gust.

Before she felt Kouga's grip lock down onto her shoulder halting her in place.

Jarringly Kagome jerked away to face the wolf demon now standing just behind her.

"Kagome-" He began in a heated pant. He hadn't meant to upset her, but he wasn't just about to let this go. She might not have wanted to admit it but she needed help.

And he wasn't letting her go without at least hearing what he had to offer.

But before the azure eyed wolf could even mange a single word more Kagome beat him to the punch.

"This was a mistake. Thank you for breakfast Kouga but I'll-" Kagome hesitated trying to maintain her nerve, her flatten palm falling to her hidden navel for strength.

"We'll be fine. Goodnight." Kagome corrected sharply. She was now part of a team after all. A team that didn't involve Kouga one way or the other.

Before Kouga could breathe a word more in protest the once priestess spun away angrily. Stomping her boot covered heels in the direction of the bus stop that just conveniently happened to be reloading at the end of the block.

Kouga fought the urge to follow after her. Knowing undoubtedly it would just lead to another argument, most likely a much more heated argument that would draw unwanted attention and unwanted attention usually brought authority.

Cops. That would be the last thing Kouga needed.

Furiously Kouga swore out loud lacing his fingers together to cup the back of his head in sheer aggravation.

This night wasn't going how he planned but that didn't mean he was even close to giving up. Kagome may have been stubborn, but she didn't have shit on him.

More determined now then when he started Kouga reached into the deep pocket of his coat before jerking out his unscratched cell phone.

Unthinking he punched in this numbers he had memorized before bringing the black laminated square to his pointed ear.

On the second ring a familiar voice answered.

"Hello?" The male on the other end of the phone chimed.

"It's me. I need an address now." Kouga said directly.

"Name?" The voice asked, all to willing to be compliant.

"I'll send you the info. I want a delivery made in less than an hour." Kouga demanded.

"The supplies?" The voice asked the sound of chattering from a keyboard strumming in Kouga's ear.

Kouga thumbed over the touch screen of his phone before sending the message to the very voice he currently spoke to.

"Sending the list now." Kouga confirmed.

"Done." The voice assured.

Then the line went dead.


Rain tapped on the fogged rear bus window, collected droplets of clear water skimming down the heavily scratched glass. Beyond exhausted Kagome rested her head against the cool surface watching the lights of the city swirl by as the bus rolled down the empty streets.

Defeated she brushed the back of her palm over her cheek wiping away the lone tear that had managed to spill over.

She was just so frustrated, at herself, at the entire situation that she felt like she had no control over.

When did everything become so hard? She thought meeting Kouga again was the light of hope she had been praying for. A familiar face, a friend when she couldn't remember a time that she needed one more.

And yet what had she done? Shoved him away.

It had been a few hours ago but still the disbelief at what she had done remained. She had just been so angry and blinded by Kouga's harshness on the most sensitive subjects of her life that she had just lost herself.

She knew how deep she was in, she hadn't needed the absent wolf demon to remind her. But, he had and unintentionally poured salt into her already gapping wounds.

Still, in the end he was just trying to help. Thinking back on it now Kagome couldn't help but mentally kick herself.

What was she going to do now? She was back at where she had started. Alone and without a friend in the world.

But maybe so was Kouga?

The thought made Kagome hesitate. Was that why Kouga had been so determined to take care of her? Was he alone too?

Back at the diner Kouga had been so insistent on knowing the ends and out of her life and what had happened the years they have been apart, she hadn't even had a chance to ask about him.

What had happened to lead him to place he currently was? Fighting to survive. That had always been Kouga's way of life, but now here in the modern era. Maybe things had changed, and not necessarily for the better.

Kagome sunk deeper into her seat. She didn't want to think about this, not right now. She was already sick enough with her emotions. Worrying about Kouga just added to her misery.

She didn't know how she would make things right between them, or even if she could. Though, she did want to try. Sometime in the future.

But, as for right now.

Tiredly Kagome rested her hand onto her stomach with a loving stroke of her thumb.

Only one life mattered.


Kouga could not remember the last time he had wanted a cigarette this damn badly.

Maybe it was the just before dawn hour or the lingering exhaustion from last nights fights, he didn't know or care for that matter. All he did care about was not giving in to his habit like urges and remaining planted and unmoving here on Kagome's doorstep.

His contact had sent him Kagome's home address an hour or so ago and Kouga hadn't wasted any time tracking the shrine down.

He had even beat the absent priestess here. Which is what led to his current craving for nicotine.

Sitting here on the concrete steps leading up towards her not to distant house watching as the sun slowly began to rise, it was driving him insane. He hated sitting still.

If he wasn't moving then he was thinking about things that shouldn't be thought about. Memories mostly, memories that he tried day in and day out to forget.

At least this mission to reconnect with the hopefully no longer pissed priestess provided a good distraction.

He only hoped she would get here relatively soon before he had time to make a run to the local store and back.

Agitated Kouga ran his stiff fingers through his loose raven locks before cupping the back of his neck tiredly. God he was exhausted.

Today had taken him on a whirlwind of emotions. The most potent being disbelief.

He still couldn't believe this was real. Not only was Kagome alive, she was alive and pregnant, alive, pregnant, and drop dead gorgeous.

He hadn't really had time to sort out the shock that had radiated through him the few hours he had set across the table from her in the diner.

Five hundred years could really change a person. Or maybe it was just his memory of the raven haired beauty that had changed.

For one he never remembered her being so damn sexy. Sure, she was attractive even all that time ago. Her large eyes and blushing cheeks, she was appealing in an innocent sort of way.

But now. Time had been very good to her. She had grown a full figure, luscious curves and impressively large breast that hugged her slightly tight fitting cloths in all the right places.

Her hair was longer, more sleek and visibly soft then he remembered. Complimenting her porcelain skin and shimmering pink lips.

Her eyes had also been an alluring surprise. From a mellow sort of common brown hue to a glistening illuminating hazel.

He would say one thing for the mutt. He had apparently taken very good care of her over the years.

Thinking back to the half breed Kouga stilled.

It may have been centuries ago, but the knowledge of the half demons passing still weighed heavily on him. He never liked the dog, that would have been a stretch. But he had learned to respect him. It was kind of hard not too watching his determination for revenge against Naraku.

Kouga smirked at the memory. That seemed like a lifetime ago.

Back when the shikon jewel was really all he cared about, that and his rank amongst his tribe. Time could really change a person.

He wasn't the carefree sometimes obnoxious wolf demon he use to be, sure he had his moments but that runt of the eastern litter had died a long time ago.

Surprising enough though, Kagome hadn't seemed to notice.

That look in her eye, it was the same as it was five hundred years ago. Still just as caring and worrisome.

Kouga's bright azure eyes narrowed at the thought.

Not that shocking really, she hadn't gotten to see what his life was really like. Just a glimpse into the void of his existence. She probably thought the club was the worst of it all. Boy was she wrong.

Still his indiscretions aside his sense of duty remained. Kagome was and in some ways still was a comrade of his. Someone he had fought beside, and she needed support.

He was going to do everything in his power to see she was provided for. She might not like it but he didn't intend on going anywhere anytime soon.

Especially in her situation. She was carrying the mutt's kid and he was gone. Kouga knew he wouldn't be able to forgive himself if he left her alone to face this.

He owed it to her, to the mutt. To try and be there anyway he could.

Dragging him from his thoughts Kouga watched as he was overshadowed by a curved figure just on the step below him the familiar perfume like scent of cherry blossoms wafting under his nose.

"W-What are you doing here?" Kagome stammered in clear disbelief.

She couldn't believe this! Over an hour long bus ride mentally kicking herself for leaving the wolf demon the way she had, and all this time he had been sitting just outside her house?

How did he even know where she lived?

"We weren't finished talking." Kouga stated blatantly before climbing to his feet.

Kagome adjusted her still visibly shocked stance. This didn't sound like the beginning of a level and calm discussion. If anything Kouga's posture exuded cockiness and slight arrogance.

Not surprising, it was Kouga she was talking too.

So much for her theory of maybe he had thought over her refusal and decided to respect her wishes. She could tell already he wasn't willing to back down on his whole 'provide for her' thing.

Kagome took a deep breath. She wasn't going to let anything get under her skin. That was the only bright side to riding the bus as long as she had. She had used that time to get her emotions under control.

Especially her anger.

"We don't have anything left to talk about Kouga." Kagome said matter of factly before brushing past the wolf demon and over the last few steps leading towards her families home.

"I'm not taking charity from you." She said sternly reaching into her coat to grip a hold of her keys only pausing in her steps once she reached the small square porch of her front door.

Kouga followed her all the way watching as she turned to face him. Obviously she wasn't going to invite him, and Kouga got the hint all to clearly.

"I figured as much." He sighed combing a slightly nervous hand through his raven locks.

"You know for what its worth." He breathed only now realizing his determination for an argument until she saw things his way had vanished.

It was clear she wasn't going to listen to him, and that was fine actions spoke louder than words and for the past few hours he had been plenty busy doing what he had set out to accomplish in the first place.

"I really have missed you." He chuckled lowly, tiredly.

Kagome met his exuberant azure eyes and her slightly harden gaze softened. She could see the meaning behind his words and it made the last of her hidden agitation ebb away.

"Will you at least think things over?" Kouga asked hopeful. Kagome might not have wanted his help, but it was there for the taking all the same.

Nothing was going to change that.

Kagome didn't respond, she really didn't know what she would say that didn't sound offending. She didn't want Kouga's financial support, at all. But his friendship, that was something she wouldn't give up for the world.

It was strange how Kouga seemed to get the hidden reluctance/acceptance in her eyes before he turned from her with a light smirk.

"I'll be back tomorrow to check on you." He promised with a slight wave over his shoulder.

He made it half way towards the shrine steps before Kagome finally found her voice.

"Kouga-" She said softly causing the wolf demon ahead to pause mid step.

He met her hazel eyes with an arched brow before she spoke.

"Get home safe?" She asked thoughtfully.

Kouga smirked, it was a small gesture of amends but he would take it.

"Sure." He replied reassuringly before stepping down the descending stairs out of sight.

Kagome watched him go with a half hearted smile. Time really could change a person, but some things always stayed the same.

Kouga still had that sweet nature that always made her feel warm and cared about. Honestly it was a feeling she missed.

Bringing her back to her current exhaustion Kagome yawned tiredly, she and Kouga would have to iron out their differences' tomorrow right now, she was exhausted and wanted to got to sleep.

Maneuvering her key into the lock she clicked the bolt back before stepping inside. To tired to really care about placement and cleanliness she kicked out of her boots and coat letting them hit the floor before she flicked on the light.

The overhead bulb burst with light and illuminated what Kagome thought would be the usual uncluttered surroundings she had left behind hours ago. But she was dead wrong.

Kagome felt her purse hit the floor at her feet almost completely sure her jaw was basically doing the exact same thing at the sight staring back at her.

Her entire living room and beyond was a mountain of boxes and decorative wrapping.

Boxes of diapers, toys, and cloths. It looked like a baby factory had blow up inside her house and riddled it with hundreds of brand new unopened packages.

Wide eyed in utter and total shock Kagome starred ahead to her as equally as packed kitchen only in place of baby items, fresh grocery's as far as the eye could see, of course she had too look past the out of place and clearly new refrigerator to do so.

A new refrigerator with a surprisingly large note attached to it, that even at this distance Kagome could clearly read.

Bold and slightly scratchy hand writing stared at Kagome with an inescapable mar.

"See? Told you I wasn't arguing."


A full day had came and went all to slowly. The post storm surroundings of the city were a little dreary maybe that is what made the time seem to drag out so lengthy.

It was only an hour or so until sun set and the what should have been bright orange sky was currently nothing but a dark ash hue.

Kouga grimaced at the sight, he hated spring. He sure as hell didn't miss winter, but with the in between months before summer it always seemed to rain.

He wasn't looking forward to trudging home in the down pour if the conversation he had been mentally preparing himself for was about to go as expected.

A little hesitantly Kouga took a reassuring breath before reaching forward and knocking loudly on the door separating him from the hopefully home priestess inside.

He waited a few seconds but no response or sound could be heard from within. He knocked again this time a little more motivated.

Kagome should have been home, right? Where else could she have gone? She had no reason to leave. He had made beyond extra arrangements to ensure all she might have needed would be stock piled into her home.

The thought of just walking inside crossed his mind but he hesitated to act. If Kagome was inside just having him barge inside could cause more of a problem then he was already preparing himself for.

While still mentally debating his next move Kouga's ears perked at the sound of the door handle in front of him twisting. He immediately looked up to see the barrier between him and the priestess he now knew was inside slid open.

Kouga's azure eyes met Kagome's orbs as soon as she stepped into view.

His lips parted to speak but the words died in his throat at Kagome's slightly altered appearance since he had last seen her.

Her sleek raven hair was bound high in a rubber band a slightly over sized shirt hanging loosely over her torso that conflicted with her tight fitting shorts that hugged her curves visibly well.

Kouga had to forcibly tear his eyes away once Kagome's slightly agitated voice broke the silence between them.

"We need to talk." She said flatly stepping aside signaling Kouga to cross over the threshold.

Kouga did as instructed walking inside the well lit and spotlessly clean confines of her home. No wonder Kagome had dressed so comfortably, she had obviously been busy putting away all the things he had packed her house full of.

"Shoes off." She instructed nodding towards the glass door where a row of shoes already remained planted.

Kouga knew better than to argue as he slid out of his worn down foot wear making sure they lined up perfectly with all the others just beside him.

He turned back to watch Kagome walking towards the kitchen all the while struggling to keep his eyes from wondering below waist level.

"You cleaned the place up nice." Kouga complimented planting his palms into the pockets of his slightly hole riddled jeans.

"It was a little difficult finding a place to put everything." Kagome added leaning her back against the island that centered her polished kitchen to face the standing wolf demon before her.

She was hiding it well but Kouga could feel the slight frustration radiating off of her crossed armed figure.

"Yeah, sorry about that. I might have gone a little overboard." Kouga admitted running a nervous hand through his cropped raven locks.

He would be the first to admit he might have slight problem when it came to over preparing for something unexpected. But, he had never had any experience with children especially with this day in age. He didn't know what they did or didn't need.

"Kouga. I cant accept all these things. You cant afford to buy this much stuff-" Kagome began repeating the words she had rehearsed over and over again in her head.

But before she could continue on with her speech about boundaries and gratitude for his efforts he cut her off all to quickly.

"I can afford a lot more than you think. Besides, I didn't get anything you didn't need." Or at least he didn't think he had.

"I needed an entirely new refrigerator full of nothing but meat?" Kagome questioned with a disbelieving brow. She couldn't begin to describe how taken back she had been to discover the new ice box still out of place in her kitchen wasn't just for show. But stocked piled of every kind of beef, chicken and fish she could think of.

"You're pregnant. Proteins important." Kouga defended.

"Kouga-" Kagome began already exhausted from the trying day and night she had endured.

"Kagome-" Kouga interrupted pleadingly.

"Please, hear me out?" He asked almost apologetically.

Kagome watched his azure eyes shift from determined to explanatory and against her better judgment she bit her lip.

She sighed in agreeance while walking towards the living room taking a quiet seat on the recently fluffed sofa.

Kouga breathed deeply a little less a nerved by her willingness to hear him out.

He followed her into the living space until he stood a comfortable few steps away, then he began explaining the words he had prepared the whole way over here.

"I know I'm being a little pushy. And I'm not trying to invade your life. Or force you into any kind of decisions. But, I just barely found you were even alive." Kouga began the sincerity of his tone catching Kagome off guard.

"So forgive me for going the extra mile to make sure you are provided for." He continued but hesitated once he watched Kagome's mouth open in undoubted protest.

He raised his hands a silent surrender and a slight hopeful gesture she would at least let him finish. Which reluctantly she did.

"I know this isn't my place. Your child has absolutely nothing to do with me. But, I'm not leaving you alone like this." Kouga promised.

"If your cold or your hungry or you need to cry. Or hell even if you just want someone to push around when your hormonal. I want to be here." Kouga confessed.

Kagome felt her eyes soften at his declaration. Did Kouga really care this much?

"I'm not doing this out of obligation or some blind commitment-" Kouga reassured with a shrug of his shoulders.

"But as your friend." He vowed sincerely.

Kagome felt her reply fade in her throat at the look of dedication in his azure eyes. It was clear no matter how much she protested he wanted to help her through this. And to be honest she was grateful for it.

She had never needed a friend more than she did now. She just never thought Kouga would be that person.

"Am I asking too much?" Kouga asked taking a daring step to close the distance between them so he could kneel directly in front of her.

Kagome looked down at his pleading illuminating orbs and she couldn't help but feel the threat of tears begin to haze her eyes.

Taking a steadying breath to compose herself she shook her head silently from side to side.

Kouga wasn't asking to much. He wanted to help her through this and she couldn't have been more thankful to have someone like him to rely on.

It made all the difference in the world.

Kouga watched her sniffle away her tears with a sympathetic smirk before reassuringly he reached forward to cup his hand over hers.

"Hormones already huh?" He teased.

Kagome laughed lightly before squeezing his hand appreciatively.

"Thank you. For being here." She whispered.

She had become so use to doing things herself and trying to put on a brave face she really had forgotten how much she wanted to let people in.

With Kouga, it just came as natural as breathing.

"Now. Can I take you to lunch?" Kouga asked calmly before taking a seat at Kagome's side. The weather might not be all that great today, but he could see sunshine for sure in the future.

Kagome used the back of her palm to brush away the stragglers of her tears before climbing to her bare feet.

"How about I just cook something here? I have a feeling I should start if I want to empty that fridge by next year." Kagome smiled

Kouga chuckled lowly, her words were noted next time he wouldn't go so crazy on the grocery list.

He climbed to his feet before walking after her towards the kitchen. He never saw himself as the home making type but if this is what it took to help Kagome through this all.

Hand him an apron.


Kagome yawned tiredly as she cuddled herself deeper into her throw blanket from her end of the couch watching comfortably as the Tv flicked from one channel to the other.

She peeked over to Kouga who currently thumbed the remote his elbow propped on the arm rest of the sofa as his palmed his chin with the other.

At the sight Kagome couldn't help but smile. She supposed this was another thing checked off her impossible reality list. That one day she would be sitting watching television of all things with Kouga.

She supposed she would get use to it soon enough though. After all Kouga had lived in the modern era even longer than she had now.

Still something's never changed especially in the kitchen. Kouga had proven he knew his way around a stove and seasonings but when it came time to actually eat he had taken his meat completely raw. It had been a little difficult to watch but at the same time filled her with a homely feeling.

Kouga was still a wolf after all.

At least he had taken the time to prepare her food just right. He was seriously proving this renewed friendship had perks.

Breaking her train of thought Kouga groaned under his breath while flicking past the local animal network. Kagome felt her eyes widen in surprise, she would have thought Kouga of all people would like the nature channel.

"Something wrong?" Kagome asked intrigued.

Kouga peered in her direction a little surprised she had caught his dislike of that particular program.

"Oh nothing. Ginta and Hakkaku burned me out on that show is all." He sighed remembering just how many hours of his life he had wasted indulging his right and left hand men's fascination with televised nature.

Kagome felt herself instinctively straighten up at the mention of Kouga's counterparts.

She hadn't even thought to ask about the absent duo until this point.

"Ginta and Hakkaku? How are they?" She thought out loud.

Kouga watched her interest peak as he paused in his slightly endless mashing of her remote buttons.

"Those two idiots are the same as always." Kouga chuckled dryly, but the look in Kagome's still questioning gaze told him that answer wasn't satisfying enough.

"Last I heard their backpacking around the country. They check in every once in awhile. Two of them never did like being tied down." Kouga gruffed lowly.

His loyal henchmen still held their title of right and left hand men but god knows they didn't deserve it. Always skipping out of town whenever real work needed to be done. Convenient how they only visited when things had settled down around the city. Lazy runts.

"Do you live here? In the city I mean?" Kagome questioned. She had finally gotten a window into Kouga's life and she wanted to learn more while she could.

"I do." Kouga said casually.

"A few places actually." He smirked a fangy grin.

Kagome felt her face morph into a more worrisome expression. Was Kouga joking? Or did he really live in more than one place? It didn't seem possible with the income he sustained himself with.

Then a thought crossed Kagome mind that made her heart ach silently in her chest. Maybe Kouga did live more than one place. Under bridges or just openly on the streets? Was he homeless?

Kagome couldn't stand the idea of it. Him all alone in the cold night shivering under whatever served as his shelter.

Surprisingly Kouga didn't pick up on her distress as he slowly began to climb to his feet. Stretching groggily he tried to fight off a lasting yawn.

"It's getting late." He said lowly peering in the direction of the large bay window just to his right. The sun had faded and the weather had temporarily broke. A good as time as any to trudge home.

"I should leave." He suggested turning to meet Kagome slightly more composed gaze.

"Y-You don't have to." She began reassuringly. If Kouga didn't really have anywhere to call home he was more than welcome to stay with her.

It was the least she could do after all he had given.

But she couldn't bring herself to muster such a bold invitation.

"I mean if you don't feel like traveling." She added. She didn't want to pry into Kouga's life, but she would have been lying if she didn't admit her curiosity and worry was killing her on the inside.

Kouga smirked in response.

"I'm a demon. Getting around fast is one the perks." He said his usually cocky tone thick in his voice.

Kagome resided herself to surrender. She couldn't force him to stay, not without confronting his no doubt dire situation.

For now she would just have to bite her tongue about the subject.

Hesitantly she climbed to her feet walking side by side with Kouga towards the door until they reached the sealed threshold.

Kouga reached for the handle taking a single step outwards before Kagome's voice made him halt.

"Kouga-" She began a sliver of her deeply rooted concern beginning to weave its way through her tone.

"When will you come back?" She asked almost fearful of his response.

Kouga only smiled reassuringly in response.

"Whenever you want me too. I left my number on the fridge." He confirmed.

Kagome blinked in surprise.

"You have a phone?" She couldn't help but ask.

Kouga arched a questioning brow a little bit of silent teasing written on his handsome face.

Kagome swallowed her slight embarrassment that she had asked such an obvious question.

"Of coarse you do." She sighed.

Kouga chuckled to himself.

"Call me if you need anything, alright?" He asked lowly but a hidden seriousness lingered in his words.

Kagome nodded in agreement.

"Kouga, I know I said this before but-" She began sweetly.

"Thank you." She breathed with a grateful smile. She really didn't think she would be able to do this alone, but thankfully she didn't have to anymore.

Kouga ran a calloused hand through his raven locks.

"You don't have to thank me Kagome. I would do anything for you. Now, or five hundred years ago." He promised with a glimmering hue of his azure eyes.

Kagome smiled to herself in reply. Kouga really was someone she could still count on.

"Ill call you tomorrow." Kouga said reassuringly before stepping fully outside waving over his broad shoulder while heading towards the shrine steps.

Kagome watched him go with a smile.

Maybe she would be able to survive this, after all.


Off to a good start I think? Let me know how I'm doing! Much love!