Inuyasha had always found it hard to sleep whenever Kagome was uncomfortable. It had something to do with the fact that the two were connected on a much deeper level than most individuals could claim to be. However, that tendency had only increased tenfold since they'd been married. On their years-long journey to defeat Naraku, her occasional discomfort could be withstood by taking those magic tablets called "pills" she'd always brought from her time. They even seemed to help some during her bleeding cycle, which Inuyasha knew was especially difficult for both him and the girl. The magic of those tablets had even seemed to extend to his own well-being, as Kagome's brutal "Sit!" commands noticeably decreased as her pain-induced frustration ebbed, which was considered a blessing by the often loose-lipped hanyou.

Inuyasha wished he could provide something of that sort to his wife in her current predicament, but unfortunately for the both of them, Kagome had not the time to bring anything with her when she'd returned to the Sengoku Jidai just a few months prior. They had attempted to use the well a few times, but it came as no surprise to either of them when it did not work. Without the power of the Shikon no Tama, there was no energy to feed the transporting abilities of the Bone Eater's Well. This fact lay heavy on Kagome's heart, but the longing she felt for modern-day Tokyo and those she had left behind could in no way compare to the love she felt for Inuyasha and their friends. This world was her home now, and she had accepted it, and embraced it, long ago.

Still…what I wouldn't give for some of Kagome's miracle aids from the future time right about now, Inuyasha thought to himself.

He sat bolt upright in bed when the girl lying next to him in their futon let out another pained groan. He bent over her form and started rubbing her back soothingly, trying to ignore her labored breathing and shaky form. His hand moved in slow circles, varying the pressure and trying to avoid the use of his claws against the thin fabric of her nightclothes. The last thing he wanted to do was cause her further pain by scratching her.

Kagome moaned once more and lifted her head to search for him.

"Inuyasha…I think I'm gonna…again…"

He nodded. "Okay." He helped her into an upright position and rubbed the back of her head and neck as she buried her face in the bucket next to their bed. Inuyasha's ears flattened as he tried to drive out the sound of his beloved evacuating the contents of her stomach into the container. He had killed countless demons over the years and had been covered in their blood and guts on more than one occasion, but nothing made him feel like he needed to hurl himself more than the sound of the heaving girl next to him.

When the sounds of vomiting ended, Inuyasha patted her on the back and reached for the bucket. "All done?"

Kagome nodded weakly and collapsed back onto the futon. Inuyasha took the bucket outside and tossed the contents into the bushes. He cleaned it out using stream water he'd collected into the barrel beside their hut, and then used a different container to gather some of the same water to bring back inside with him. He returned to find that Kagome had kicked the covers completely off her body and was currently in the process of undoing her sleeping kimono.

"What are you doing, Kagome?"

"It's so hot, Inuyasha…I feel like I'm gonna die." She undid the sash and pulled her arms out of the sleeves. The kimono literally peeled off her skin as it met resistance with the dried sweat on her body. She attempted to lift her hips enough to remove the rest of the kimono from her form, but the combination of sticky sweat and her inability to raise up high enough using her limited strength made the task rather difficult. She sat up to finish the job but only collapsed back down seconds later, holding her head in her palm and whimpering.

"Inuyasha…help me," she whimpered. Inuyasha grabbed the fabric bunched up under her lower back and yanked it out in one smooth motion, leaving his wife lying in their bed as bare as the day she was born. He had gotten used to the sight long ago, and her current state of weakness made the situation anything but a sexual one. He knelt at her side and ran his hand along her side and lower back. The heat of her skin surprised him, but it was just one more disadvantage the human girl had that the hanyou did not have to deal with. The stifling temperature of the summer evening did not seem to affect him as much as it did her.

"Better?" he asked.

She nodded. "A little."

He took a piece of fabric and the water bucket he'd just brought in and set them down on the floor next to their futon. He then proceeded to dip the cloth in the water, wringing it of any excess moisture so that it wasn't drenched. He patted her down with the cool cloth, starting with her head and shoulders and working his way down her body. When he reached her tummy, she giggled softly and pushed the cloth away into her hip.

"Not there."

He smirked. "Sorry. I forgot."

She smiled despite her discomfort. "Yeah, right."

He finished with her legs and calves before he felt satisfied that she was cooled off. He climbed into bed next to her and wrapped his arms lightly around her clammy form. She leaned back into him, and he fit his head into the crook of her shoulder. He continued to run his claws lightly over her skin in the soothing manner that she loved, printing her shoulder and cheek with soft, affectionate kisses. She sighed beneath him. Having a hanyou lover certainly had its advantages.

"How long has this been going on, Kagome?"

It took her a moment to respond. "For a few weeks now…but it comes and goes. This heat only makes it worse." She whimpered. "Gods, I really miss air conditioning…"

He placed his palm to her cheek and forehead. "You're hot, but I don't think you're running a fever."

She sighed. "That's what you always say."

He cuddled into her closer, nearly covering her form with his. "Sleep now. Maybe you'll feel better in the morning."

"You always say that, too."

He knew how frustrated Kagome was at that moment. It annoyed him, too, and the new scent was nearly driving him crazy. It would take some getting used to. But she wasn't feeling well, and the best thing she could do for herself would be to get some rest so she could face the gleaming dawn that was only hours away.

Maybe he would tell her tomorrow, when she was in a better mood.

He had almost nodded off to sleep when he felt her squirming next to him. Her movements were really making it difficult for him to fall into much-needed slumber.

"Inuyasha…now I'm cold."