Author's Note/Disclaimer: I do not own any rights to the anime/manga series "Inuyasha", nor do I own any rights to the Whitney Houston song "All At Once". I only own rights to the plot of this fanfiction. Also, as an aside, PLEASE DO NOT COME AFTER ME FOR MY BLOOD when you've finished reading this if you hate the ending. I know that I probably would if it was me reading this fanfic, but before you come at me with pitchforks, just let it be known that I've written and uploaded a sequel, called "Always With You". :)

Chapter 1 -No Other Way

Kagome watched Inuyasha's retreating back as he darted off toward the forest. The sun glowed jewel-bright against the tree tops, burning an intense orange colour as it slowly set. Inuyasha didn't look back as he increased his speed, jumping ever higher into the air as he travelled, putting more and more distance between himself and Kagome.

With a sigh and with tears glistening in the corners of her eyes, Kagome turned away and began to walk toward the village where Kaede, Sango, Miroku and Shippo were waiting for her to return. She had followed Inuyasha when he had jumped up and taken off at the sound of Kikyo's name as Kaede told them that her sister was still in hiding, but was now nearby. At this, Inuyasha had taken off like a bullet in the direction Kaede had said her sister was likely to have travelled to best conceal herself. Kagome had followed after him, running at top-speed so she didn't lose him, until they reached the edge of an enormous forest and Inuyasha told Kagome to wait for him there.

"Every time I've seen Kikyo lately it's only been for seconds at a time. I just want to see her for a minute and talk to her about everything that's been going on, Kagome, you don't need to come too," he had told her. Kagome had crossed her arms in frustration. He was always doing this! Every time Kikyo's name was mentioned, Inuyasha acted so strangely and usually it was clear that he wanted to go after her. Up until now, Kagome had always encouraged Inuyasha to go after Kikyo but she had always done so with a heavy heart. Now she was sick of giving Inuyasha any openings to run back to Kikyo's side once again. Eventually he would have to choose between herself and Kikyo. There was no other way.

"Inuyasha", Kagome had said tearfully, "if you want to go, I'm not going to stop you, but I'm not going to guarantee I'll still be here when you get back. I'm tired of always worrying about you when you leave me alone to go and find Kikyo. I'm sorry, but I can't take much more of this."

Inuyasha had looked taken aback and deeply hurt at Kagome's words and at the tears forming slowly in her dark eyes.

"Kagome," he began, "I'm just...I'm so..."

"Just go!" Kagome had screeched, looking at him severely. With one final glance, Inuyasha turned away and was gone.

Now, Kagome slowly put one foot in front of the other, staring at the ground she walked on, silent tears streaming down her face and neck. "Inuyasha," she whispered, "just be careful."

All at once, I finally took a moment

And I'm realizing that you're not coming back,

And it finally hit me,

All at once.

She shook her head. Of course Inuyasha would never be careful or sensible when Kikyo was involved. As long as she was alive, or undead, or whatever she was, Inuyasha would always think about her and care about her. That was so hard for Kagome, who loved Inuyasha more than anyone else she had ever known.

All of a sudden, Kagome couldn't take another step. She sunk to the ground on her knees and buried her face in her hands, tears flowing freely and rapidly. He'll never love me the way I love him! Kagome thought miserably as a complete sadness squeezed at her heart, threatening to consume her.

All at once, I started counting teardrops,

And at least a million fell.

Ever since I met you, you're the only love I've known.

Kagome's body began to shake violently. She felt ashamed for allowing her emotions to have such complete control over her, but there was nothing she could do about them.

The wind picked up slightly and lifted Kagome's hair, swirling it around her tear-stained face so that strands of it stuck to her cheeks and neck. She lowered her hands and looked up at the sky. It was beginning to get darker now and as the limitless, expansive sky erupted with billions of tiny stars, she felt so small and insignificant that it was almost as though she was completely alone in the world.

And I can't forget you, though I must face it all alone.

Kagome stood slowly and continued walking. She reached the village where her friends were waiting for her at the house with Kaede, but instead of going inside, she affixed her gaze to the dusty dirt road and kept going. She was finished with the heartache; finished with wondering whether or not Inuyasha considered her second best to Kikyo; finished with her whole double life in the feudal era. She had to go home, to where she belonged. As much as she wished this were not true, she knew that even if Inuyasha did return from wherever he was at the moment with Kikyo, it would only be a matter of time before he went off to find her once again.

Kagome didn't think she could handle that.

All at once, I'm drifting on a lonely sea,

Wishing you'd come back to me,

And that's all that matters now.

All at once, I'm drifting on a lonely sea, holding on to memories,

And it hurts me more than you know,

So much more than it shows

All at once.

All at once

I looked around and found that you were with another love

In someone else's arms, and all my dreams were shattered

All at once.