Okay for the sake of my dignity I'm going to get this out of the way quickly...THIS CHAPTER WAS ABSOFREAKINLUTELY THE MOST AMAZING THING I HAVE READ IN A VERY LONG TIME AND YOU ARE THE WOMAN!!!!!!!!!  So many things in this chapter I don't even know where to begin.

Sesshoumaru needs to come to terms with his jealousy but I don't even think he realizes that he is jealous.  He can't deny that no matter what they are mates and they are connected and despite what he tells himself it's going to bother him to see her with someone else whether it be in a friendship sort of was way or in a romantic way.  I'm actually very proud of him for the conversation with Kouga.  I actually expected him to be a little more aggressive with Kouga but he was rather laid back about it.  He can't deny his instincts and what he feels and yet he did just that practially offering Kagome to Kouga without having to say anything. 

Boy Kouga is sure confident isn't he?  LoL.  He always was but the way you wrote him was just priceless.  He was, without a doubt, so positive that Kagome would accept him by her side that it wasn't even funny lol.  I understand what he was feeling and what he wanted but he had to realize that his decision would not be good for Kagome. I'm glad he respected her choice the way he did and it does show that he's grown up quite a bit.  In the past he would have completely ignored it and went after her anyway.  Something tells me we haven't quite seen the last of him but I will wait and see.

I am so very proud of Kagome.  The steps she made in this chapter were huge. Their "normal" conversation in the morning was  phenomenal.  It was nice to see that she could get out and do real world things for once even if it was something so simple as going to the movies.  I don't think she's as broken as she feels she is.  She has been through so much in such a short amount of time that it is only natural she would have major reservations about having a relationship of anykind.  I think she was feeling that way with Kouga because she had no real romantic attatchment to him in the first place so his advanced just made her more uncomfortable.  I think if it was someone that she was interested in she would be able to get over her fears and have a normal relationship.

I have to admit I gave a little chuckle at the bathroom incident.  Neither one of them seemed to know how to react and it was amusing to see how they were going to deal with it.  I can only imagine what it would have been like if the situation were reversed LoL. 

Sesshoumaru's thoughts while he sat next to her on the bed were so endearing.  All he wanted was to have contact with his child like a normal father and I think with how relaxed the two of them ended up that Kagome may have let him if he really wanted to.  It's a natural instinct for any man and he can't keep denying that fact.  I do hope we see another scene like two chapters ago when he fell asleep next to her because he WANTED to be there...no he NEEDED to be there next to her.  Something tells me that little Kiyoshi is going to be making his entrance into the world very soon and neither one of them are going to be prepared for it.  I am patiently waiting for that!!!  Though I do have to agree with another reviewer that I would have loved it if Sesshoumaru had used Kagome's name but I think that step is coming soon too.

I think while I'm laid up this next week after surgery I'm going to go back and read this whole story again.  It's been so long since I've read the beginning that I need to go do it.  I can't wait for your next update and btw I didn't review but I loved the end to "It's Only Kinky the First Time."  Best wishes to you and **Big Huggs** as always!!

That was a really good chapter. :D

This is why I love you, seriously. You always come by when I am feeling so down, and make me happy again. Imagine how joyous I was when I saw the alert for an update of Blood Stained! It made my day, and took my mind off the unhappier things in life (which you already know by now).

This chapter was fantastic; I loved how you could portray two sides of Kouga with your amazing skills. You could make us love him and feel thankful for his presence from Kagome's pespective, yet you managed to turn the tables skillfully by making us dislike him from Sesshoumaru's perspective. It takes a skilled writer to portray different sides to one character, and you did it beautifully. Kouga is such a sweetheart around Kagome, but around Sesshoumaru...gosh, I wanted to kick him. LOL.

Anyway, Kagome is being such a dear here! She is doing everything so rationally and I find myself respecting the way she handled the situation with Kouga. Somehow, whether she had already noticed it or not, she was growing to be more and more dependent on Sesshoumaru. And he too, is getting so used to having her by his side. The movie part was soooo sweet; being greedy, I was praying for a little more interaction, but alas, there wasn't. But then again, it is not hard to see why, and I should be realistic instead of being so greedy! LOL. And then they said Good Night to each other!! That was an 'AWWWW' moment. For so many other fics, good night between Kagome and Sesshoumaru probably means nothing (such as my Happily Ever After) but for Blood Stained, it means so much, so much!!! They have come such a long way, and even a simple good night holds such deep meaning. Well done, really. I felt my heart skip a beat. Great job, my dear! I wonder how they'd go from here, and I definitely look forward to more! Stay strong against those evil flames! Those people don't deserve any attention from you.

Awe poor Kogua. I just wanted to say your very good at writing and updating your story. I attempted to start one and I really didn't like how it turned out to much and just thinking about updating...well just doesn't sit well with the first chapter not turning out how I wanted it to be. Oh Well. Thanks for the good read. I just love your thought, twists and turns around this story.

***Sniff, Sniff, Sniff!!!***

That was SO SWEEEEEET!!!!

But let's start from the beginning:

Kouga, Kouga, Kouga... What can I say? I was hoping for a bit more interaction between Kagome and Kouga. Not a bulging romance mind you, but at least a little more of him around while in Australia, more of that pique between Sesshy and Kouga, and more of normal life for Kagome outside of the jewel hunt.

I was hoping to see more of those emotions experienced by both, Kagome and Sesshomaru, so that they could in some way understand what they were. At this point Seshomaru doesn't even want to acknowledge that what he is feeling is jealousy, and in reality, it is not clear yet if the feelings both are experiencing are because of their own hearts or because of the mating mark in some way or form.

I felt bad for Kouga when Kagome decided to deny his request, but in reality, it was true that it would not end well, so I understand it & support it 100%!

However, I like him a lot, and hope that you will not leave him heart broken in the end. He has waited for Kagome for 500 years, so it is fair to give him some closing without making him feel broken. PLEASE! Don't hurt Kouga! It's not his fault that he's reckless, it's his nature; and I would feel awfull if he ended up suffering because his love was never returned. It would be great if he could realize that the relationship between Kags & Sesshomaru was for the best and release her on his own, but for him to just be denied and left like a small boat in the middle of the ocean it seems a bit harsh. Please, give Kouga a happy ending!

Moving along... Sesshomaru is being really considerate with Kagome and trying his best to remain neutral, which in my opinion must be terribly hard. He even implied to Kagome that Kouga may be good for her in her situation, which is true, considering that not too many humans would understand the needs of a pup and the background of Kagome's history. But we all know he is not meant for her, and in reality he is not the best option; we all want Sesshy and Kags together! >_<

It is a bit concerning that she seems to be further along in her pregnancy than what she is supposed to be at this point, and I wonder if there is something wrong with the baby or if perhaps he is not a hanyou but instead a full youkai and by consecuence the pregnacy term would be shorter? There hasn't been any mention to the difference between both, so I am still just specualating at this point.

Kagome being troubled by feelings of closeness is a point of worry. I would imagine that yes, that would be a given with Sesshomaru, but if she is going to feel this way with any other male, then that means that she is further damaged than we originally though, and it would take her a lot longer to get over her pains and traumas! Not a good thing considering that she needs to heal in order to regain what she has lost and be able to continue a semi-normal life. I worry about this. However, there seems to be some hope in the horizon, as when she invited him to watch the movie by her side was a really tender moment! And the fact that she was able to remain by his side without stressing was promising!

When you mention Sesshomaru wanting to trail his fingers on Kagome's belly and feel his son kicking and growing it almost made me tear eyed! The things that a normal father is able to do, are forbiden for him, and his desire to connect in that way with both, the mother of his child and the baby was extremelly touching!! I feel so bad for him!!

After the movie and before they fell asleep, I found Kagome's "Good Night" to be a very special moment, and it gave some hope to their efforts in the right direction.

However, I felt that Sesshomaru could have made it better by saying her name rather than calling her "Miko". I don't know, but I feel that as long as he doesn't make the effort to at least use her name, he isn't making enough progress towards being closer to Kagome.

In any way, I am really looking forward to see what happens next, where are they going, and what will they encounter.

I will waint with anticipation to the next update, which I hope comes very, very. soon!!

Thank you again for writing and sharing!

Hugs:

MidCat

PS: Sorry for the extralong review! I realize I didn't review last chapter, so I hope this made up at least a little for it! I promise to try and be a good reader and review every time you update, but considering how scatterbrain I am, I could only say that I will make my best effort to be good!

Hi!!! :D
Hope you haven't forgotten me yet!
I can't believe it! FORTY CHAPTERSS
It's amazing how far a little fanfic can go...
I still remember when I read the first chapter and decided I was in love with the story xP
And you've never missed a weekly update! I swear, that is friggen ADMIRABLE!
Congrats, girl!!!
Your story gets better every time
Thanks a lot for your persistence and quality ^_^
Blue

WOW...their relationship doesn't seem to be improving very much. It is looking bad for them. Kouga is so ignorant! I always thought him to be an idiot. Sesshoumaru is kind of pitiful in a small way, but, I do understand Kagome's fear. However, their relationship is probably gonna take something major to bring them together, I wonder what you have planned. Great chapter.

such a sweet chapter. I'm pleased you haven't rushed their relationships evolvement... yet with each chapter there is some change. You've found the perfect balance. I am curious as to how Kagome will forgive the beast, without it ever really being permitted to be around her. I imagine that this is probably heading in the direction of a romance between Sesshomaru and Kagome, although to the extent of that, remains to be seen. So if there is to be some romantic feelings (whether they fall in love, or as just romantically fond of eachother because of their child) then will she ever be able to lone ALL of Sesshomaru? You made it clear that although Sesshomaru and his beast are in many way seperate, they are still both parts of the MAN. Without the one, the other would not be who the other is. I can't imagine Kagome being content with HERSELF, if she let herself only care for one half of the whole. Perhaps something through the bonding will help her understand the beast, so that she might forgive it. I'm not entirely sure where you will take this story, which is why I love reading it so much. How close to done is the story? I find myself in a panic that there is only one shard left to gather. It seems to me Sesshomaru and Kagome have quite a long way to go still. Looking forward to much more from you, and keeping my fingers crossed that you still have much to write! :)

You did a really good job on this chapter. You did very well explaining the whole turmoil within their emotions and explained what they were thinking. Good job!

I love it!! He is jealous!! I'm glad Kouga is not as wild as he used to be, it might turn very interesting, but to see Sesh jealous and guiltier than ever was awesome. Keep going!! This is an awesome fic!! :)

I've been reading this story for the past few days and I've been hooked. It's been a long journey to get through each stage, that's for sure. I don't mind though. The imagery within each chapter is really refreshing and it comes to life before my eyes! I really enjoy this story and I can't wait to read your future chapters. Keep up the amazing work!

awwwe she should be with kouga. I've never been a kagome kouga fan, usually hardcore kag/sess but in this case... I'll root for the underdog even knowing it will never be.  love the story, and can't wait to see how you'll blow us all away and get me rooting for Sess again.

I so loooove that it was Kouga.  I wondered what happened to him and how with her abrupt departure from his time, where did that leave him and his affections for her? 

First, I wanted to quickly comment on the previous chapter that the suspense was pretty good.  Her growing panic to being "ambushed" without Sesshomaru around showed some intensity.  With the hint you dropped in the chapter I was WAITING for it!  lol  Kouga is definitely going to move things along for their growing bond, whether he wants to or not. 

Secondly, I'm interested to see just how "mature" Kouga has become.  Even though he's fighting some pent up feelings within, he acknowledges that he needs to take this at a very slow pace.  He's not acting so impulsively as he used to.  But he's hot headed and I'm waiting for the other foot to drop.  Cause it's KOUGA!  Of COURSE he's gonna over react sooner or later!  That is one thing him and Inuyasha had in common.  On the subject, how did he take his death?  Yea, it's so off the topic I'm sure.  Just an afterthought.  =p

Sesshomaru and pent up emotions...yikes.  He actually considered releasing his youkai.  Now THAT is dangerous.  Will he be able to always run to a dark quiet forrest in order to concentrate?  I doubt it.  This is interesting, way interesting.  I do recall both Kagome's and his pains earlier on.  I'm still slightly confused by it though.  I feel like I'm missing something.  I'm sure it will come together as you go along...

I also like how you left the two pondering the same thing and they both ignoring the elephant in the room.  And at the same time if you didn't see how it played out, they are sitting together in companionable silence both slightly comforted by the other's presence. 

Is this feeling that Sesshoumar is experiencing called jealously? I think it is!!!! I hope that further along the future when Kagome and Sesshoumaru form a relationship that Kagome will be able to teach him more about emotions and how to label each one. Thank you for this chapter and cant wait for the next one. PLEASE UPDATE SOON!!!!!!!!

Oh, I sooo love this story. I like this chapter a lot. I love Sess's confusion from his emotions. Of course he doesn't realize that it is more than just his beast. I like his rationalizing that it's just the bond. Kagome's reactions as well are wonderful. I love how you are progressing. Not trying to rush them but giving them a nudge here and there. I do feel sorry for Koga though, sigh, he is a good guy he just needs to move on. Can't wait for the next chapter, you've got me hooked.

Ah ha! Jealous, aren't we? LOL! Whoever would have imagined the high and mighty Sesshoumaru to become a victim of such a petty emotion?

I loved the way this chapter turned out; Kagome got the much-needed friendship/reunion, Kouga was being such a sweet guy and Sesshoumaru...well, he got what he needed. A little push on the back in the right direction, that's what I am saying! Of course, I loved it because you wrote it amazingly as always, and the scenes with both Sesshoumaru and Kouga together were like..."Okayyy. Awkward, totally." LOL! Poor Sesshy! But he was so nice as to actually leave, so that Kagome could catch up with Kouga. That was really thoughtful of him, and I guess it did show Kagome that he was being gracious. And Kagome was doing her part as well (though it is kinda strange for me to put it this way) by thinking about Sesshoumaru throughout the entire time. They really, really belong together :))

It was very nice and mature of you as a writer to write about how Kouga is different from the overly-enthusiastic boy he used to be. Many authors who portray Kouga tend to forgo the fact that he too, is able to grow up and mature. They always make him the crazed but handsome guy who is fanatically obsessed with Kagome, but you made him different, which is really good. Kagome should be praised too, for being sure of how she could not be with Kouga. I'd have hated it if she saw him as a life buoy simply because she was still rather uncomfortable around Sesshoumaru.

The progress in the relationship between Sesshoumaru and Kagome is perfect; I was smiling away and felt little butterflies in my heart when Kagome mentioned how Kouga is merely a friend, and Sesshoumaru immediately felt less bothered by the other man's presence!! That's terribly sweet, and I LOVE EVERY MOMENT OF IT. I re-read that portion thrice!! LOL. So you know how much I like it! It has been so sad and dark most of the time, so the tiny bit of fluff warmed my heart! Thank you for writing this, dearie! I am definitely looking forward to further progress in their relationship.

I think I am secretly really, REALLY evil.

I actually chuckled at the end of this chapter, when I saw how Kouga was brought into the picture. Sesshoumaru's in for it, and I cannot wait till I click the button for chapter 39 so I can find out more about Kouga's presence and our dear Fluffum's reactions!

The suspense you created prior to revealing Kouga sent shivers down my spine; I really thought there was someone after Kagome and was going to harm her in some way! Thank goodness it wasn't anyone evil. I would really have freaked out, especially since poor Kagome is in such a fragile and vulnerable state right now and Sesshoumaru is unable to protect her without his youki...oh gosh. All in all, thank goodness for it being the wolves!! I love the whole gang of them!

Thank you for updating this amazing story, my dear!! Imagine my joy when I came home to Singapore, opened my inbox and saw not one but TWO updates for Blood Stained! I practically grinned like an idiot when I went about unpacking my stuff, and I am now FINALLY done with the packing so I am happily reading your updates! You're doing such an amazing job with your story, and I believe everyone else who reads it agrees with me! The number of reviews, while accurate to some degree, does not determine if a story is good or bad. I LOVE your story, and it always makes my day. Thank you sweetie! :)

I really hope that you will continue with your positive portrayal for Kouga. I never understood why so many people made Kouga a bad character although he really loved Kagome and protected her when he could and now with time and maturity he could be a great friend at the very least. And the question of Ayame is simple, she is a character which only exists in the anime and was created for a filler chapter and I would be glad if you don´t bring her in this story at all.

I also wish that Kagome would finally find her strength again, seeing her so long at a breaking point is getting tiring.

i dont think kags and kouga could be anything more than friends.

keep up the good work Madison

please update soon!