Disclaimer: InuYasha, of course, belongs to Rumiko Takahashi, not me.
Asleep, Kagome looks more like herself than ever. Times like this, when he watches over her untroubled sleep, it seems impossible that he could ever have mistaken her for Kikyou. She is simply Kagome, worried about Naraku's next attack; concerned and sad for Sango; wondering how much time Miroku has, if his defensive use of the Void is shortening his lifespan. She takes the weight of the world on her shoulders, though she wouldn't admit it, and InuYasha knows she must sometimes wish she had never come to this time. Then she would only worry about her 'tests' and 'school' and not have to deceive her friends or worry her family.
It doesn't occur to InuYasha that she would worry about him. She is kind to him, but she is always kind, always trying to help strangers. His irritation with this has faded to an almost habitual grumble, more because he is expected to object than from any aversion to Kagome's philanthropy. That she is kinder to him than to their companions he doesn't notice; the wary edge in her eyes that disappears, now, when she looks at him is simply a thing of the past. Certainly she 'sits' him less often, but he antagonizes her less frequently.
When Miroku or Shippou look at him strangely after losing an argument with her he just shrugs and mutters something about her running off home being a waste of time. There is no reason for him to feel vaguely defensive each time this happens, and he tells himself it is only that he dislikes Miroku's interest in Kagome.
He sits next to her more nights than not and stays awake watching over her. Shippou sleeps like the dead, curled up next to Kagome, and Miroku lies behind InuYasha. Only Sango, sleepless some nights with fear for Kohaku, sees the softening of InuYasha's features and how his hands stray out to softly tuck a strand of hair away from her face. She asks Kirara to double InuYasha's watch, and sleeps knowing that Kagome, at least, will always be safe.
Asleep, Kagome looks more like herself than ever. Times like this, when he watches over her untroubled sleep, it seems impossible that he could ever have mistaken her for Kikyou. She is simply Kagome, worried about Naraku's next attack; concerned and sad for Sango; wondering how much time Miroku has, if his defensive use of the Void is shortening his lifespan. She takes the weight of the world on her shoulders, though she wouldn't admit it, and InuYasha knows she must sometimes wish she had never come to this time. Then she would only worry about her 'tests' and 'school' and not have to deceive her friends or worry her family.
It doesn't occur to InuYasha that she would worry about him. She is kind to him, but she is always kind, always trying to help strangers. His irritation with this has faded to an almost habitual grumble, more because he is expected to object than from any aversion to Kagome's philanthropy. That she is kinder to him than to their companions he doesn't notice; the wary edge in her eyes that disappears, now, when she looks at him is simply a thing of the past. Certainly she 'sits' him less often, but he antagonizes her less frequently.
When Miroku or Shippou look at him strangely after losing an argument with her he just shrugs and mutters something about her running off home being a waste of time. There is no reason for him to feel vaguely defensive each time this happens, and he tells himself it is only that he dislikes Miroku's interest in Kagome.
He sits next to her more nights than not and stays awake watching over her. Shippou sleeps like the dead, curled up next to Kagome, and Miroku lies behind InuYasha. Only Sango, sleepless some nights with fear for Kohaku, sees the softening of InuYasha's features and how his hands stray out to softly tuck a strand of hair away from her face. She asks Kirara to double InuYasha's watch, and sleeps knowing that Kagome, at least, will always be safe.