Disclaimer: The characters of Inuyasha are owned by Rumiko Takahashi, but this story belongs to me.

It's ALIVE!

Dear Baby,

I wish you could have been there! True, technically you were there, but you weren't able to see the expression on your daddy's face. You remember when I wrote you when I had my first sonogram and he got his first look at you on the screen and he got kicked out for disruptive behavior? Well, this one tops even THAT.

You kicked!

Luckily I started carrying around a camera everywhere I go, because being able to catch the look of wonder on his face is priceless.

Oh, by the way, your daddy still looks over the sonogram pictures that he put in a scrapbook for you every single day. I'm surprised the pages aren't worn out. Please remember that he loves you THAT much when you start dating.

I love you always,

Mama.

There.

Wait for it... wait for it... THERE!

Kagome smiled as Inuyasha kept his ear pressed to her belly. They were alone in an abandoned hut for the evening. Sango had left them earlier on Kilala to be home in time to tuck in her children for the night. Shippo tagged along after being reminded of his promise to watch over the children for awhile so Sango and Miroku could take a stroll and have some time alone together.

Considering how much her belly seemed to have grown, walking all the way back was out of the question, and riding piggyback was becoming uncomfortable. Being carried bridal style made her queasy just thinking about it. In theory it was romantic, in reality…not so much.

Besides, she was looking forward to spending a little time alone with Inuyasha. In her time they always seemed to have her family around, or her friends coming for visits, and it was difficult to be alone. And in this time they generally spent their time with the others, and Shippo was nearly always there. She understood that their families in both eras missed them when they were gone and wanted to spend time with them, and she loved them all dearly. But there were times that she and Inuyasha wanted to spend with just them.

Gently she stroked Inuyasha's head as he lay next to her.

She wasn't sure what she expected him to react like at feeling their baby kick for the first time. But it wasn't this. It wasn't this quiet stillness. It would have worried her if she hadn't seen how warm his eyes her. Melted gold.

She didn't think it was possibly to love anyone more. Yes, there were things about him that sometimes drove her insane. But she loved him, even his temper. And moments like these... well, it was surprising she simply wasn't a puddle of goo. Just imagine... he loved her back. And even though there were things that scared him silly, scared both of them to be honest, he adored his child. Treasured them both. Because he was hard wired to act like a pack leader when they were all together he didn't often show his soft side. Instead of hurting her feelings like it used to when they were a little younger, she now chose to focus on those moments when he let down his guard. Sometimes it may just be the softening of his eyes while they traveled, or a proud smirk when she hit her mark with an arrow, or even just an extra high jump so he could have even just a moment of having her to himself.

She lived for those moments.

Inuyasha looked up from his spot on her belly and smiled warmly at her. Then he scooted up higher to embrace her, though keeping his hand on her belly. Every kick seemed to make him breathless. It tickled her. She hid her face against his neck to hide her grin. She didn't want him to think she was laughing at him.

"Does it hurt?" he whispered.

Kagome tilted her head up and smiled at him warmly. The concern in his voice was touching. "No. It just feels... odd..."

"Like... like aliens?" he asked nervously.

Kagome laughed and swatted at him half-heartedly. "No, not like aliens... probably... You need to stop watching all those science fiction movies with Souta." She didn't really mean that. After all, it was adorable watching her little brother and Inuyasha watch movies together. "It feels like... well, sometimes it is like a tickling. Or like something is tumbling in there. Teeny tiny little kicks. Considering who the father is, it wouldn't surprise me if the kid is practicing fighting techniques. Maybe some elbow jabs and punches."

"Kicks? Jabs? Punches? Are you in pain?"

"Does it hurt when I do this?" She flicked her finger at his nose and gave him a light thump.

He scoffed and wrinkled his nose at her, "Don't be an idiot."

Inuyasha leaned towards her and she felt her heart race. For a moment she wondered if kissing him would always make her heart race. Then he tensed and started growling. Well, now. That was new.

The growling intensified and Inuyasha (disappointingly) slowly drew away from her and crouched over her legs, facing the door. She hit the floor in frustration as she realized they were no longer alone. Couldn't demons attack later? Like in an hour or two or something? Why do they always seem to interrupt at the worst possible times? It's like they time it!

"Kagome!"

Kouga? You're kidding. Now? Kagome was tempted to grab her bow.

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"Stay away from them," snarled Inuyasha. His voice was barely distinguishable it was so rough and gravely. He could feel his demon blood burning in his veins. Instincts told him to kill anyone who came close to his mate and pup. He was inclined to go with his instincts.

"I thought I smelled something nasty," Kouga said as he leaned against a tree. "Figures her guard dog would be close by."

"Stay away from Kagome."

Kouga bristled visibly and began to stalk forward, causing Inuyasha's blood pressure to rise. He unsheathed his sword, and moved to fill the doorway of the hut. Hiding Kagome from the wolf demon's sight relieved some of the pressure building behind his eyes, but not enough for him to relax his guard. His sword glowed with energy, and he was aching to use it.

The wolf put up his hands and stopped as Inuyasha's growling turned into a roar.

"I was just coming to pay my respects, half breed."

"Half breed?" The words had always stung him a little, but now they sent him over the edge into pure rage. "Is that what you'll call MY CHILD?"

He barely heard Kagome squeak behind him.

"Uh... hey... I didn't mean... not the baby... I mean after all, any child of Kagome's is... uh..."

Inuyasha swung his sword and roared again. No one would insult his child. No one would call his child a half breed. No one was allowed to hurt Kagome or his pup. EVER!

He didn't recall charging at the wolf demon, exactly. Even without the shards the wolf was fast, and he barely missed getting sliced in half. Inuyasha's momentum carried him forward. Using a tree to spring off of, the dog demon flew at Kouga once again. This time the sword caught the edge of the wolf's arm. Flexing his fingers, Inuyasha dug his claws into the dirt to slow down enough to turn and charge once more.

"Inuyasha! Stop!"

His ear twitched in his mate's direction, but he didn't take his eyes off of the interloper. He didn't dare. He couldn't let anything hurt his family.

He snarled as he heard the word 'half-breed' echo in his head.

"Please stop, Inuyasha!"

Muscles bunched as he prepared to launch himself at the wolf demon again. This time he would not miss. Bones made a crunching sound as his fist connected with the demon's face. The kick he received to his stomach was worth it.

He growled, words escaping him. He would have to show this demon who was dealing with. Make it so he'd never even THINK of coming near his family again! The sword was too cumbersome for what his instincts were telling him to do, so he dropped it. Just as he running to make another leap at the enemy he heard his mate scream.

"SIT!"

"Oof!" The air knocked out of his lungs, and the red haze of his vision began to clear. "Kagome!"

He watched angrily as Kagome mumbled something about dealing with his anger issues later, then proceeded to ignore him and began talking cheerfully with Kouga. He did notice with satisfaction that they stayed at least an arm's length away. The wolf demon made no attempt to touch her. Irritably he tugged at the spell trying to sit up.

"How is Ayame?" Kagome asked.

"Oh, she and the cubs are fine. They keep her busy. She wanted me to ask you how you and the mutt there are doing. She's right beyond those trees if you want to say hi."

"How did you know I was there!" called out an angry female voice. For the first time since the wolf showed up, Inuyasha smiled. With Ayame around, Kouga was too afraid to step out of line. No wonder he didn't try to take Kagome's hand if he knew his own mate was skulking about. He has seen the she-wolf mad before, and he wouldn't want to be on the wrong side of her temper.

Kouga all but rolled his eyes. "I always know when you are near."

Kagome made a cooing sound that made Inuyasha flex his fists. The spell freed him and he quickly put himself between Kagome and Kouga. Ayame's face had gone all soft too at the stupid wolf's words. He didn't get it.

"The baby kicked!" Kagome announced as her hands flew to her belly.

Ayame asked for permission to feel, and Kagome nodded. The women giggled together. When Kouga's hand reached out, both Inuyasha and Ayame struck at the same time. The two simultaneous punches sent the wolf demon over the trees. He eventually came back rubbing his jaw. Inuyasha stood between him and the girls, but allowed Ayame and Kagome to chat together. Though he kept a very watchful eye on the red-haired wolf demon. He had not forgotten that she had once attacked Kagome years ago.

"I hope you have a girl," Kouga said fondly as the two wolves turned to leave. "Then we could arrange a marriage between her and our son."

"OVER MY DEAD BODY!" Inuyasha screamed as he raised his sword over his head threateningly.

Sadly, everyone ignored him.

Just as he was about to storm after that flea bitten wolf to make him take back such a horrible idea, Kagome made a gasping sound. He turned around and saw her hands on her belly. She looked up at him and smiled so lovingly that he thought his heart just may burst. It was surprising that he wasn't a puddle of melted goo at her feet. He went to her and put one hand on her stomach and held her with the other.

His family.

His.

The baby kicked and Kagome giggled. Then she leaned forward. He wondered if her kiss would always make his heart race. He was pretty sure the answer was yes.

Hey Kid,

I know you're probably not very comfortable all squashed up in there... but try not to kick your mama so hard. Okay?

Oh, and never trust a wolf.

Your Dad (Inuyasha)

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Author's Note:

I deleted a rather long rant about if you're going to call me names for misspelling, then don't misspell the insult. But I figured that there are better ways to spend my time. And no sense wasting everyone else's time.

I do appreciate your constructive reviews and comments, though.

Yes, there is a bunch of time skipping going on. More time skipping in the future, too. Hope you all stay tuned for the next chapter!