InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Comes with the Territory ❯ Adaptation ( Chapter 2 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Inuyasha. I simply enjoy placing Inu and co. in compromising situations. ^_^

Comes with the Territory

Ch. 1

By: Lara Winner

Something was pulling Kagome from the heavy depths of unconsciousness forcing the veils of silky darkness to slowly fall away in lieu of her growing awareness. It was there, painfully bright and prodding her to cast aside the last vestiges of sleep all the while mercilessly boring holes through her eyelids…

Damn sunlight.

With a disgruntled whimper Kagome tucked her face away from the window's intrusive glare and snuggled deeper into her pillow as if to escape the call of morning. But already the comfort of sleep was fading under the gentle onslaught of wakefulness allowing the physical world to impede on her dulled senses.

That was when Kagome realized her pillow had a heartbeat.

It was hard to focus on the implications if such a discovery when the solid warmth that encased her like a cocoon coaxed her to remain lazily in between being awake and asleep. But the soft rhythmic pulse echoing in her ears intrigued Kagome, urging her to take full stock of her surroundings.

Not only did her pillow have a heartbeat but it also rose and fell with shallow breathing. At some point it had grown arms, one of which was now draped over her waist in a possessive hold. A hand rested on the swell of her hip and its legs were somehow entangled with her own.

With each assessment Kagome's mind became less confused. The familiar sent of a forest after the rain was soothing so she breathed it in deeply as the feel of sleek muscles beneath her palm curled her fingers reflexively. With her nails raking lightly against bare flesh her body became acutely attune to the naked form she was pressed against.

Naked?

All traces of sleep vanished as Kagome's eyes sprang open in surprise. Inuyasha… well house… mating… sneaking him in through her window…

Blinking at the cruel sunlight that streamed into her bedroom, Kagome blushed to the roots of her hair. Slowly she raised her head off the hanyou's shoulder and peeked up at his face. He was turned toward her, eyes closed as his breathing remained slow and even. He looked so sweet she couldn't help but smile.

Inuyasha was beautiful.

Of course Kagome knew better than to tell him that. She could already imagine the tongue-lashing she'd receive. Inuyasha would consider it a threat to his masculinity to have his beauty admired. But what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him so she allowed herself a moment stare at him unabashed.

In sleep Inuyasha's brow was relaxed from it's perpetual frown. Dark lashes fanned his cheeks giving his face an almost boyish look. Kagome's gaze traveled farther down to his mouth and she stifled a nervous giggle. His lips looked kissably soft and as his mate she had every right to kiss those lips whenever she wished. Her blush deepened.

How could she feel embarrassed about a kiss when she was lying next to him naked?

It was silly to feel shy after what they'd done in the well house and even last night after he had climbed in through her window. The way she'd responded to his touch… A warn jolt of excitement flared to life in Kagome's abdomen and she grinned. Her hanyou was making a sex-starved wanton out of his mate and he didn't even realize it.

Not that it was a bad thing.

It was easy to give in to the temptation Inuyasha presented, almost too easy, and knowing that just widened the unrepentant smile Kagome wore. Dipping her head, she lightly brushed her lips over his. Almost instantly the arm around her waist tightened its hold as sleepy golden eyes blinked open and those kissable lips quirked up in a rare smile.

This time the feeling welling up inside Kagome tugged on her heartstrings. He looked completely adorable. Once again, she couldn't resist planting another kiss on her very willing victim. Inuyasha responded with a satisfied growl that rumbled deep in his throat but when he tried to deepen the kiss she pulled away, propping her chin on his chest and flashing him a cheeky grin. "Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you."

Inuyasha shrugged, "Don't be stupid. The sun is already up."

"So I noticed."

At the dry sarcasm in her voice Inuyasha smirked, "I'm not complaining or anything. Fuck, I could get used to waking up like this." To emphasize his point the hand resting on her hip began to slide up her back. As his claws lightly traced her skin, chill-bumps were left in their wake and Kagome shivered.

Unwilling to show just how much his touch affected her, she tried to imitate his careless shrug. "I guess it's okay."

Mild annoyance flashed across Inuyasha's features but it dissolved all too quickly in the wake of a jaw-splitting yawn that was promptly followed by a joint-popping stretch. "Keh, it's better than okay." He groaned, his furry ears twitching.

"Maybe for you." she quipped, wondering if he noticed the jump in her pulse as his body continued to shift against hers' causing the most delicious sensations with their bare skin. When his claws resumed their lazy caress down her back she had her answer. He knew exactly what he was doing and he was doing it damn well too.

"Don't bother lying bitch. You like this well enough. I can smell you remember."

He was giving her 'the look' and since yesterday she'd learned to interpret 'the look' with meaning 'I'm about to pounce on you'. Actually she had caught him giving her that look for a long time, she just never realized it meant he wanted sex. But now she knew and that smoldering expression was sending a hot flush through her entire body.

But for the sake of not giving in and getting ravished like she wanted, Kagome ignored the look and frowned. "I hardly got any sleep last night thanks to you. Geez, between hogging the bed and groping me every five seconds I was lucky I had the chance to close my eyes-"

Kagome's playful grouching was cut off with a started gasp when the hanyou suddenly switched their position by pushing her back against the mattress and settling himself half on top of her. He braced himself on his forearms careful not to crush her with his weight as he leaned his head down to nip at her throat.

"You talk too much." Inuyasha grumbled between nibbles.

A soft grunt of protest escaped Kagome but it was easily disregarded as she tilted her head giving Inuyasha better access to continue his ministrations. His fangs scraped against her flesh as he sucked her skin between his teeth creating a pool of growing warmth inside Kagome that turned her will to the equivalent of mush. When his tongue snaked out to soothe the bite she giggled throatily, sinking in the feelings.

"I think I just figured out how to shut you up." He mumbled against her neck, gloating.

Kagome knew his tactics all too well… and she wasn't taking the bait. As he trailed his kisses lower mouthing her collarbone she moved to stroke his ear tenderly. "That works both ways you know."

It hadn't taken Kagome long to figure out that Inuyasha's ears were his weakness. All she had to do was scratch the fur lightly and he was just like a puppy getting its tummy rubbed… hmm… a tummy rub? She smirked suddenly as a naughty idea blossomed in her mind.

Slipping her free hand in between their bodies, Kagome's fingers danced lightly over the hanyou's abdomen eliciting a sharp intake of breath that made her smile widen. His skin was hot beneath her touch and his firm muscles went taut as her fingertips moved higher over his stomach and up his chest. Then just as gently she curled her fingers and grazed her nails right back down again.

Inuyasha's head jerked up as he forgot to breathe.

Kagome watched happily as his golden eyes slid closed in ecstasy and could hardly contain the rush of excitement she felt at having that kind of control over an aggressive hanyou like Inuyasha. There was very little that made him loose his confident composure, so to know that her touch could do serious damage to his bravado was a giddy realization for Kagome. And when he began to whine deep in his throat while grinding himself against her hip she shifted her lower body allowing him to settle between her thighs.

Kagome's knees clamped to Inuyasha's waist drawing him closer against her. With her heels braced against the mattress she was able to meet his rocking rhythm and press herself into his erection. It was slow friction as they rubbed together and though it felt completely different from having him deep inside of her, the exquisite tingling taking over her senses was equally as stimulating.

So it was a very unwelcome disruption when the sound of approaching footsteps ended abruptly outside of her bedroom followed by a light knock on the door.

"Kagome are you in there?" called Mrs. Higurashi.

Both the miko and the hanyou froze, their gazes jerking toward the offending sound. A very low "Fuck!" erupted from Inuyasha as he turned to Kagome, highly frustrated. "Make her go away!" he whispered.

"I can't!" Kagome whispered back as her panicked gaze shifted back and forth between Inuyasha and the door. After another second of deliberation she pushed Inuyasha out of the bed and pointed to her closet. "Hide!"

"What-"

"Kagome!" Mrs. Higurashi called again, only this time turning the door handle to find it locked.

"I'm coming Mom!" she called hoping her voice sounded normal enough. Ignoring the murderous glare that was sent her way by her mate, Kagome followed him from the bed while grabbing his discarded clothing from the floor. Shoving the rumpled bundle into his arms she used all her might to push against his chest, sending him stumbling backward into the closet. "Just stay quiet and I'll get her to leave." She promised, then shut the door before he could protest.

It took Kagome a moment to locate her robe but she slipped it on, drew in a deep breath to calm her heart and her ardor, then walked to the door. Fighting her internal panic she plastered and sleepy smile on her face and opened the door with a silent prayer that her mother would not notice the shredded school blouse that was lying by the foot of her bed.

"Morning Mom."

Mrs. Higurashi smiled brightly. "Morning dear. I thought I heard you bumping around so I came to investigate. I wasn't expecting you back so soon. Is everything all right between you and Inuyasha?"

Kagome tried not to blush, she really did, but she had the sinking suspicion that her cheeks turned the brightest shade of pink despite her effort. She heard and distinct "Keh" from within her closet and groaned silently.

"Everything's fine, really."

Like most mothers, Mrs. Higurashi was picking up on Kagome's nervousness and eyed her daughter with a skeptical look. "Are you certain dear? Lately you and Inuyasha have been inseparable," to emphasize her words she peered into Kagome's room curiously, "I'm surprised he didn't come with you."

This time there was a very clear "Of course I came with her…" from the direction of her closet and Kagome's grip on the doorknob tightened painfully. Her fake smile was starting to turn into a grimace as her mother's steady gaze began boring holes through her guilty charade. Suddenly she felt like a little girl getting caught red handed while misbehaving and found herself almost ready to confess everything.

Almost.

"I forgot one of my school books so I came back to get it and since it was so late I decided to sleep here." She lied putting every ounce of natural talent into her act. "Really Mom, everything is fine. In fact Inuyasha should be here any minute now to fetch me."

Another moment of silence passed as the older woman studied her daughter. Then Mrs. Higurashi smiled. "In that case I'll make breakfast for both of you. How does that sound?"

Kagome nodded enthusiastically. "Sounds great… Oh! I'd like to take a shower before I leave so if he comes tell him I'll be ready in a bit."

"Sure thing dear." And with that Mrs. Higurashi started toward the stairs none the wiser.

Kagome waited till her mother was out of sight before she closed the bedroom door and slumped against it. She hated lying to her mother. They had always had an honest relationship but in this case, until she could sit her mother down and have a heart to heart and explain the situation, it was best to twist the truth and avoid disaster. However, if the grumbling coming from her closet was any indication, she may just prefer her mother's calm disappointment to her mate's obvious wrath.

"Inuyasha…"

No sooner had his name left her lips in an exasperated plea when the closet door was flung open to reveal a very pissed off hanyou. If looks could kill Kagome was pretty sure she would have been scattered about the floor in little pieces. Trying to avoid the hell that was about to break loose, she flashed him a sheepish grin, "Sorry about that…"

It was obvious he wasn't buying it. "What the hell was that about?"

"I was trying not to make the situation worse." It was the truth and for once she willed him to understand without needing an explanation. When he continued to glower waiting for her to elaborate, Kagome walked back to her bed and sat down with a resigned sigh.

At least he had taken some pity on her and put his hakama back on.

Still Inuyasha looked quite formidable with his arms folded across his bare chest as he stepped forward towering over her. Not that she felt any fear, even without the prayer beads she truly doubted he'd do anything more than pitch a huge fit. But sometimes silence was golden…

"Why didn't you tell her I was here? I thought you wanted everyone to know," his tone conveyed equal amounts of confusion and annoyance as he asked, "or do I embarrass you?"

Kagome was more than a little stunned to hear those particular words tumble from his mouth. As their meaning took full effect she realized that his anger wasn't really anger. His defenses were up and he was hurt by the way she pushed him aside. Though she tried, sometimes she forgot about his past and how something trivial in her opinion was something very meaningful in his.

Holding out her hand in a silent bid for the hanyou to come closer, she let her heart shine in her eyes. "You know that's not true. I've never given a damn about what people think or say when it concerns you. They don't know you like I do. If they don't approve I couldn't care less."

"You say that now…" A far away look entered his eyes for and for a moment the clear gold was clouded over by an emotion she couldn't name but was still painful to see.

She reached out and grasped his wrist tightly, tugging him forward. When he stood before her she slipped her arms about his waist and rested her cheek against his stomach in a tight hug. Little by little she felt his tension drain away until he brought one to rest on her shoulder, squeezing reassuringly as the other ran over her hair. When he finally spoke, beneath the gruffness she caught the sadness laced within.

"People are going to talk shit Kagome so you had better be ready for it."

Not knowing how else to make him see that noting anyone could say would change how she felt about him, Kagome released her hold on his waist and kneeled up on the bed so that they were face to face. Draping her arms loosely about his neck, she gave him a quick peck on the lips.

"I chose to stay by your side all these years because I believe in you." she confessed softly, "I don't see a demon or a human when I look at you. What I see is the guy who has my heart and my life in his hands. And you know what? I trust him, even when he doesn't trust himself."

It was the truth and it came straight from Kagome's heart. For her it was enough to see the shadows leave Inuyasha's eyes as the shy beginnings of a smile crossed his lips. It was an added bonus when he leaned his forehead against hers and sighed, "You're too good Kagome."

"Actually I've been very bad." she giggled, "Good girls don't sneak boys into their bedrooms."

The hands positioned on Kagome's hips tightened their hold as Inuyasha leaned back and arched one brow with cocky curiosity. "So why did I have to sneak in here? If your not embarrassed then why not let your mom see us and get it over with?"

"Because its one thing to find the right time to explain it to her and it's another to let her catch us. She'd have a coronary."

"A what-a-nary?"

"It's a term, it means she'd get upset and it would not be pretty." Kagome explained airily.

Inuyasha's expression softened a bit as he realized what Kagome was worried about. "Oh you mean she'd go apeshit on us."

"Uh… yeah that's another way to put it."

"But your mom is so… nice," he looked at Kagome thoughtfully, as though he couldn't imagine Mrs. Higurashi being anything but the epitome of kindness. Then he shrugged. "Any woman who lets her daughter run around with a hentai like Miroku is probably okay with us fucking."

The bluntness of his statement had Kagome blushing in an instant. "We did not fuck. We made love." She stressed as a delicate frown marred her features.

"Same thing."

Kagome practically gaped in horror. "It is not the same thing."

"Is too."

"It is not and you know it!"

It was Inuyasha's turn to frown. "Yes it is. Having sex, fucking, rutting… it's all the same."

"We definitely did not rut." She insisted primly, "I'd know if we did."

A sudden grin, too manic to be considered charming, lit the hanyou's face and made Kagome instantly weary. It was never was good sign when he smiled like that. Usually it meant that he had something or someone right where he wanted them and completely at his mercy…

"Inuyasha…"

"Okay maybe we didn't rut," he conceded all to happily, "but we can."

Her Inuyasha looked so eager, the poor dear, that Kagome really hated to be bearer of reason and rationality. It wasn't like she would object to experimenting with the sexually creative ideas that popped up in his deviated mind, but unfortunately right now was not the time. It was risky and asking for trouble spending the night together when everyone was sound asleep. To try it again while everyone was up and about, especially after that last interruption, was pushing it a little too far.

"As much as I'd love to," Kagome landed another peck to his lips, "it will have to wait till later."

"That's the second time you've said that." He pointed out, slightly crestfallen. "You're not going to become one of those nagging mates that start complaining about headaches all the time, are you?"

Kagome couldn't help the startled laugh the burst forth due to his choice of words. To hear that particular worry coming form Inuyasha and not Miroku was enough to spark Kagome's mirth. She couldn't let the opportunity pass without teasing, "Does it matter? I thought you said you loved me?"

"I do." He said carefully, all of a sudden looking very stricken and uncomfortable. Trying not to smile, she continued watching him expectantly and he gulped. "And I still will, even when you become an old hag like Kaede-baba."

Well her hanyou did try… at least his heart was in the right place even if his head wasn't.

"Gee, you certainly have a way with words." She retorted. Inuyasha caught the teasing sparkle in her eyes and growled.

Kagome knew he was trying to prove a point when he grasped her chin firmly and kissed her. It was his nature to try and continuously get her worked up, whether angry or aroused didn't matter. But Inuyasha often seemed to forget that his methods usually backfired simply because he was too passionate. It was impossible for him to distance himself from his own antics.

And his kisses proved to be no different.

The first brush if his lips was light and controlled, measured to gain her silence and keep her mouth occupied with something besides "nagging". She let it go and followed his lead using her own tactics by tightening her arms about his neck and leaning into him. It wasn't long till her eager response had his mouth moving against hers with added force.

Taking the initiative to beat Inuyasha at his own game, Kagome caught his bottom lip between her teeth and tugged gently. It was all the invitation he need. Suddenly the fingers grasping her chin slid along her neck to tangle in her hair as his tongue slid past her parted lips.

Warmth was pooling deep inside Kagome and it was only intensified by the deep growl muffled against her mouth. She was barely aware of anything beyond the hunger devouring her. She didn't even care when her robe fell open and her breasts were crushed against Inuyasha's hard chest.

It was only when clawed fingers began to move up her inner thigh that Kagome reluctantly allowed reality to intrude upon the moment. If he went any further she wouldn't want to stop and her bedroom door was currently unlocked…

With a frustrated groan, she broke their searing kiss as she gripped his wrist and pulled his hand away. Leaning back, she tried to catch her breath. "We have to stop."

The hanyou blinked, growling in annoyance. "Oi, what is it now?"

"My Mom is waiting for us…" she started to explain, but Inuyasha wasn't listening and she was forced to duck her head as he tried to capture her lips once again. "Come on Inuyasha, she could come up here at any second…" but again he moved in for a kiss and again she tried to avoid the contact but this time his grip tightened in her hair, rendering her immobile as he covered her mouth with his own.

Kagome held on to Inuyasha's shoulders helplessly as another wave of longing crashed over her. But despite their mutual frustration his tongue was slowly exploring her mouth making this kiss lazy and gentle, a far cry from the tension radiating through them. How was she supposed stick to her guns and make him stop when she was perfectly content right where she was?

Of course there was a reason Inuyasha was her mate. When she lost control he maintained his own. At some point her reasoning must have made sense because he licked at her lips one last time then leaned back and set her away from him, heaving a despondent sigh. "Go get ready. I'll meet you downstairs."

Punch drunk on his kisses, Kagome couldn't bring herself to move just yet. Instead she watched as Inuyasha put on his white kimono and then slipped on the red haori over it, deftly fastening the ties back in place. But as he turned to the window to make his exit, Kagome felt she had to make sure that he understood her feelings. Reaching out, she grasped his forearm halting him mid step.

Golden eyes peered at her from over his shoulder but their depths were unreadable. Still she had to make sure… "You understand why don't you?" she asked softly.

"I still think you should open your fat trap and tell her what's going on." He said honestly but without uncertainty.

"And I will as soon as we come back. I can't tell her that I'm sleeping with you and then leave through the well. She'd never understand. And I want her to see us together because I want her to see how much I love you."

Inuyasha's stoic expression didn't change but to Kagome's surprise he turned and leaned down, placing a light kiss to her cheek. His breath brushed her skin as he accepted her explanation with a simple one of his own, "I trust you." and with that he was gone through her window.

*******

Breakfast was uneventful. Kagome had come down to the kitchen to find Inuyasha contentedly chewing on a mouthful of ramen. Kagome took a seat beside the hanyou as she greeted Souta and Jii-chan. She dug into her breakfast realizing that her romps with her mate had worked up a serious appetite. Glancing at Inuyasha she flashed him a secretive smile. His knee bumped against hers under the table.

They left through the well with Kagome's family none the wiser to their altered relationship. However, once back in the Sengoku Jidai Inuyasha had no intention of hiding his claim. The moment they had exited the well he slung an arm over her shoulders tucking her against his side as they walked to the village.

It didn't take long for others to assess the situation. Upon arriving in the village Shippo came barreling toward Kagome having caught her scent. But the moment he jumped in her arms the little kitsune sniffed tentatively and went still, his emerald eyes going wide with surprise. Then they shifted to glare accusingly at Inuyasha.

"Kagome smells like you!"

"Keh. Of course she does."

In one leap the tiny kit landed on top of Inuyasha's head and latched onto a furry ear gnawing as viscously as a small child could. "Grr…she's not supposed to smell like you…grr… until your nicer to her… grr… you big meanie!"

"And what the hell is that supposed to mean?" Inuyasha snarled, grabbing the kit by the tail and pulling him away.

Shippo tried his best to hold onto the hanyou's ear but the older boy was too strong. That still didn't stop the child from leaving welts and teeth marks on the attacked appendage and flailing his arms and legs wildly trying to get a good swipe at Inuyasha's face as the hanyou lifted the squirming fur-ball eye level.

"BAKA!"

"FUCKING BRAT!"

Green locked with gold and both boys growled, teeth bared.

The growls didn't stop until Kagome physically separated the two. Looking back and forth between them she tried to understand what exactly was going on. There was a serious edge to the bickering she'd just witnessed. This wasn't their usual play. Kagome had the sinking suspicion that if Shippo were older someone might have gotten hurt.

But before she could question what was going on Miroku and Sango emerged from Kaede's hut obviously drawn out by the commotion being caused.

Pouting, Shippo hopped out of her arms and scampered to perch on the houshi's shoulder. Inuyasha smirked spitefully and moved to stand behind her, wrapping both arms about her waist.

Kagome blushed. "Hi guys."

Miroku and Sango blinked in surprise, though the houshi was the first to recover. "I'm glad to see that you've returned to us Kagome-sama." he grinned. "I take it all is well between you and Inuyasha?"

"You got that right bouzu." The hanyou said proudly.

Possessiveness oozed from his voice and was stated clearly in his familiar hold on his mate. He was so intent on displaying his claim that he was near bursting with cocky pride. Kagome wondered if this was the part when he starting pissing on trees too.

Though amused by her hanyou's reaction, Kagome did not miss the shadow of doubt that shaded the warm chocolate of Sango's eyes. While Miroku seemed pleased at this new turn of events, the taiji-a held remained reserved offering only a weak smile. Kagome cast her friend a curious look but was met with a slight frown as Sango shook her head in a way that meant "we'll talk later'.

For Kagome there was little time to dwell on it. Kaede made her appearance and ushered the group inside the hut. As always, the race for shards took precedence as a new rumor was related and within the hour the group was once again prepared to travel.

But all was not entirely well. While Inuyasha warmed her heart with his open displays of affection, i.e. constantly touching some part of her body at all times, Shippo continued to cast evil looks in the hanyou's direction and Sango's concern only seemed to grow. It wasn't until the group set camp for the night that Kagome was able to find an excuse to get Sango alone.

With Inuyasha busy tending the fire, Miroku preparing the bedding and Shippo playing with Kirara, Kagome caught her friend's eye with a meaningful look. "Sango will you come with me to get water?"

"Of course Kagome-chan."

They set off into the brush and headed toward the stream. Once there they continued to walk along its banks, neither girl daring to speak until they were well out of Inuyasha's hearing range. It was Sango who took the initiative to break the silence.

"Kagome…"

She nearly flinched at the disapproving tone in Sango's voice. "Yes?"

"What happened while you and Inuyasha were gone?"

Kagome bushed. "Umm.. well… we uh… we…"

Her bumbling response made Sango's eyes widen. "Please tell me you didn't have sex with him?"

Kagome stiffened, her blush turning an even deeper shade of red at the blunt accusation. Wringing her hands nervously, she looked away from Sango's intense stare. "We made love."

"But Kagome-chan, he's a hanyou!"

Shock turned into a wave of cold dread that was swiftly followed by burning anger which flared to life inside the young miko as she turned to her horrified friend.

"Oh, so because Inuyasha's a hanyou he should be treated like dirt? Its okay for him to risk his life to protect us but heaven forbid that anyone should accept and love him for what he is!"

"That is not what I meant Kagome-chan."

"That's certainly what it sounded like." she whispered sadly.

Taking hold of the younger girl's shoulders, Sango reasoned, "Inuyasha is very dear to me Kagome, but so are you and I will not sit back and let him unintentionally hurt you. Do you realize what you've done? You didn't just make love, you mated with him."

"I know."

"Did he tell you that Inu-youkai mate for life? Did he tell you that when a demon chooses a mate there is a joining of souls that can not be undone? Did he tell you that because of this the two you can never be separated?"

Kagome's heart gave a giddy leap but Sango's next words killed the happy feeling instantly.

"What happens when the jewel is complete? Are you prepared to give up your family and your era to be with him?"

She hadn't thought about that. In fact, now that the initial surprise at the last days events was beginning to fade one by one that unresolved problems that still remained wedged between herself and Inuyasha began to rear their ugly heads.

Was she ready to leave her family behind for good?

That made Kagome pause. She liked the Feudal Era and sometimes she felt more at home in past than she did in the future. But there was always the option to go home. She could always return to see her family. So what would she do if the well closed?

And what about the jewel? If Inuyasha remained intent on making his wish then that could very well seal her here forever. Or worse, it could reverse the wrinkle created in time and send her back to the future never to return.

The reality of both outcomes and the favorable chance of their inevitability gave way to bottomless void of panic that nearly consumed the miko. Seeing Kagome's face turn ashen, Sango patted her shoulder comfortingly.

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news but perhaps this wasn't the right time for you to take such a big step in your relationship. There is so much that remains uncertain. There's Naraku, the jewel, the well, children that you can create by mating, and…"

When the taiji-a trailed of Kagome asked, "And what?"

"Kikyo."

Ahh there it is, Kagome thought. She knew it was only a matter of time before someone mentioned the walking corpse. It always came down to which one Inuyasha would choose. Considering that he was now her mate and he had willingly confessed his love to her, not Kikyo, it should be quite obvious where his heart lie. But she knew Sango was right. Had Inuyasha truly found closure with his former love? All he had said was "they talked about it".

Did that mean they talked about his feelings for her? Or did they talk about their feelings and now he was only settling for what he could have?

Fear ate at her insides and the measure of her uncertainty was enough to bring tears to her eyes. But there was only thing she could say in her defense, the same thing that made all of this bearable when it threatened to become too much.

Looking Sango in the eye, Kagome mustered a brave smile. "You right. We should have waited before taking on this kind of commitment, but I can't regret it. I love him and I trust him. No matter what happens I'll deal with it. All I can do is hope for the best and enjoy what time I have with him."

To Kagome's relief Sango gave her shoulder a light squeeze and let the subject drop. She filled the makeshift bucket with water and allowed the thoughtful silence envelop them as they walked back to camp.

As they neared the welcoming glow of a cozy fire flickering through the trees, Sango paused and placed a hand on Kagome's arm gaining her attention. She smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry Kagome-chan. I can't help but worry… for both of you."

Kagome nodded. "I understand and it's okay, really."

As they entered the camp the tension that coiled between the two girls eased as if it had never been. But neither did Sango or Kagome notice the curious looks cast their way by their dog-eared companion. Nor did Kagome realize that her inner distress was quite apparent in her scent.

She tried to hide it and she thought she did a good job too. All through dinner she kept her pleasant smile in place and contented herself with being by Inuyasha's side.

Kagome's reprieve from the worries that plagued her finally came when everyone bedded down for the night. Inuyasha insisted that Shippo sleep with Kirara as he scooped up Kagome in his arms and leapt into the nearest tree. Settling against the rough bark, he pulled her into his lap and held her close, tucking her head beneath his chin.

The comfort of his embrace was like a balm to her soul and she closed her eyes as he stroked his claws through her hair. Within moments she was on the edge of sleep and just beginning to drift off.

Thinking her asleep, Inuyasha lowered his gruff guard and dropped a light kiss to her brow. Softly he whispered, "I love you."

With that knowledge secure in her heart, Kagome fell into a dreamless sleep.

A.N. - Okay this is officially the sequel to "Like a Dog After a Bone". It is multiple chapters and as of right now I'm estimating ten but there may be more if I throw some S/M smut in there as well. For those of you who do not like graphic sex I suggest you don't read because this fic because it will contain explicit sexual scenes. For those of you who are hentai like me, kick back and enjoy. Don't worry, I do have a plot for this. It's going to be my preferable ending to the anime. ^_^