Deary, I feel like it's impossible for you to disapoint me in ANYTHING you write. You haven't so far and I don't expect that you'll be starting any time soon. Have more confidence in yourself. You can do it! :)

One question:
"It was then that Kagome realized she had been lost in her own thoughts and she raised her head to look at Sesshomaru."

Was that supposed to be Kouga? I don't usually knitpick about grammar and typos, especially when I can understand what's going on, but I just wanted to check...

About the chapter, my first thought was "Complications! Here we go on another ride!"
Basically, Kouga's thoughts are along the lines of what I thought they would be in a situation like this, but you articulated them much better in writing. I think his entrance really helps Kagome and Sesshoumaru analyze what they feel. They have all these musings and excuses prepared, but the most simple and probably most accurate answers are the ones they are aviding or think are impossible.

And I really like the last line (you have a knack for good last lines that aren't cliffhangers. Not everyone can do that so I applaud you). It's like she feels the need to justify wanting to stay, and then his reaction of relief to her "He's a friend" comment was just great. They were behaving almost like they were a real couple.

I'm really looking forward to where you go with this. Keep up the good work!

hmmm Its seems too me like Sessho is trying to convince himself its just the bond. You did a good job of explaining the bond, and it seems to me that even kagome's declaration wouldnt entirely ease how heavy he was feeling. But when kagome makes the declaration, the weight was lifted, which to me, and i could be wrong, that it was emotional to HIM not the bond. Seems both are developing feelings they dont fully accept or understand yet. love the angsty goodness.

Get rid of Kouga! Please! 

Um, when exactly in canon did this story diverge? I mean is Ayame there, or have Kagome and Kouga talked about only being friends yet? Though I take it those didn't happen in this story.

If you really want to, I suppose one idea is for Kouga's beast to over take him, just like Sesshoumaru's did back then, and he could kidnap her again, possibly overriding the mating mark and/or forcing her to miscarry. Then Sesshoumaru's beast could swoop in and save the day or maybe rage at her for 'betraying' him with Kouga. Endless possibilities. Though I kinda want Kouga to just disappear, OH and please have Sess mention how Kouga killed Rin the first time.

Just keep writing.

:D This is the most awesome story I've ever read I decided!!! Muhahaha.

Aw, that was really sweet.  Kagome gave Sesshoumaru what he didn't know he needed.  I'm really glad that Kouga is around and hope he doesn't mess it up because Kagome really needs a friend.  Perhaps, his presence will force Sesshoumaru to confront his emotions.  However, I can't see how that would help to draw Kagome closer to Sesshoumaru.  The bond sure can be confusing.  Can't wait to see how you work it all out.  ^_^

oooohh damn. this is getting goooooooood. i think kouga should.....stay, then go. Lol I like the effect his appearance is having on our favourite couple :) please keep up the lovely work!

ooo im curious now about the last line "And all of the sudden, he didn't feel as heavy within."

But im a little confused about the feelings that Sesshomaru had while Kagome was talking to Kouga. I guess they will be answered in the next chapter or in the furture.

See ya mate i look forward to the next update.

Cheers

Ahhhhh jealousy!!!  Whether he wants to admit it or not HE was jealous of Kouga and I don't think it had anything to do with his beast.  I am really proud of him for not using his youki I think that could have severely destroyed the small amount of growing trust Kagome has in him and he would have blown his second chance in a second. Bravo Sesshou I'm proud of you!

Now...about this pain thing...I have a theory...Kouga essentially laid claim to Kagome long before Sesshoumaru was in the picture.  Now even though he never offically placed a mark on her I do believe that, that formed a bond between the two of them.  That would explain why Kouga just could accept being Kagome's friend they were in some way connected.  When Sesshoumaru's beast claimed her, marked her and mated her that bond was severed or at least weakened and unkown to her it caused her pain.  Now that she was so close to him and the fact that Kouga still viewed her as his it is causing a rift between Sesshoumaru and Kagome's mating.  Sesshoumaru felt it because of his connection to Kagome and it's going to bother him as long as there is that chance that Kouga can find a way to break apart their union.  Now I could be totally wrong but you're hint at the beginning of the chapter had me thinking.

I'm glad that Kagome can count on Kouga if she needs him but I don't think it's a good idea for him to travel with them.  Sesshoumaru and Kagome have come so far already even though it doesn't seem like much they have and with him being there it is only going to serve as a distraction.  I am glad that he gave up his shard so easily to her but I didn't doubt that he would.  I hope that he doesn't find a way to break their mating because despite everything that happened they need eachother more than they both realize at this point in time.  They both need to learn and grow with eachother and that can only serve to bring them closer.

Sesshoumaru's thoughts as he was driving around were wonderful.  He doesn't understand why he feels the way he does but no matter what it's there in some small way it's there.  No I wouldn't be so bold as to call it love, not yet but something more than him just trying to atone for what happened in the past.  He's so conflicted and the fact that he was confronted by the fact that she told him that Kouga was just a friend is more than proof that he cares more for her than he wants to admit.  Time will tell and I can only hope he has the courage to accept his changing feelings and she the same.

Thank you so much for making my Saturday night!  I know I say this every time but you have no idea how much I look forward to your updates.  They really do brighten my day or night no matter how busy I am, how stressed I am, or how horrible I'm feeling!!!  Please please update soon and as always all my very best wishes!  **Super Big Huggs**

Great chapter, just a little sad for Sess and Kag. I know what Sesshoumaru's beast did was wrong, but, Kagome is really acting like she is ready to use anybody and everybody. How can she not see the pain Sesshoumaru's in? I know what he did was wrong, but, for Kouga to want to think he has a possibility with Kagome and her carrying Sesshoumaru's heir, is he nuts? I hope Sesshoumaru straightens Kouga out, but, more importantly I hope Kagome sees through Kouga? Sess and Kag needs each other for more than the reason of the child, but, for each other and the pain BOTH are in.

Kouga. The Wolf Prince. WTF??????

Wait a minute he wouldnt know about the mating or the child ooooooo this is going to get INTERESTING!!!!!!!

But again a grea chapter as always mate.

First I have to say that even though I have read the part about were Sesshomaru has short black hair and doesn't look like a Sesshomaru anymore it been hard for me to picture I sometimes end up with the original in my head. For some reason I was expecting the shared to be located on something moving around town that may not even be alive. Though I am so happy to find out that Kogua is the one who has it and that he is still alive. My interest is peeked at how the introductions will go and why Kogua still has feelings for kagome being that it's been so long he should have forgotten all about her. This makes it a fairly nice twist to the story I think. Thanks for the great read! I stay up so late trying to read all my updates!

HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA! I absolutely loved the ending of this chapter. Will there be a show down between Sesshoumaru and Kouga? That would be funny hearing them throwe insult after insult towward ech other. Wow! I mean Kouga is actually alive. I cant belive it! This should prove to be an interesting next chapter. Thanky you for this chapter and PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!!

Sorry for not reviewing! I have been really busy, with finals and stuff! But I'm back and I just have to say the story is getting really exciting. And an unexpected turn of events, Kouga has appeared!!! I really can't wait to read the next chapter! KEEP UP THE FANTASTIC WORK!!!!

~ MoonFlower77 :)

Well, this should do it (lol)! Sesshoumaru will kill Kouga. The jealousy will be fantastic. Great chapter!

good job with the story so far...i cant wait to see how she gets out of this...lol...it is funny that kouga still has his shard or shards...i like the idea of the connection.  I am sorry for not leaving a review.  good job and update soon...

uhoh...kouga better ceases calling kagome his woman

even though *sesshoumaru* does not feel her to be his woman, it might not only be annoying for him, but it might be one reason more for his beast to fight his restrains...i'm sure it won't tolerate a rival XD

but i'm happy kouga nd co are still alive yay for cute little wolves XD

please update soon and keep up the great work

i cant wait to see what happens next.  i am absolutly i love with this story keep up the good work.

KOUGA!!! <3 <3 I like jealousy when it comes to Sesshy~~ ^.^

OMG, Kouga!  I wasn't expecting that, at all!  This was an intense chapter.  That shared remembering felt very painful!  You made me really believe that Sesshomaru, FINALLY, really FEELS the impact of the events of the past, as opposed to simply acknowledging it.  His desire to lay down beside Kagome was very poignantly written, as well.  Then, there was the abrupt transition to Kagome realizing she was alone and someone with a shard was approaching the hotel, circling the hotel, going to the hotel front desk...  very suspensful!  I could feel her stress and worry.  I kind of got a moment of humor about her hiding the jewel in the toilet tank...  the classic hiding place for drugs.  Then I resumed worrying about Kagome, with her big belly, attempting to hold off an unknown assailant with a shard.  As I mentioned, very suspensful!  Then, for the twist!  It turns out to be Kouga!  And Sesshomaru remembers him.  Wow.  Next chapter is going to be a doozy.  Can't wait!