"I love you," she whispered hoarsely, her body shaking and drained of energy, as tears continued to spill from her blue eyes and down her face, "I can't explain why or how but I love you. I love you with every lost, broken piece of me, of my heart…" Her voice trailed off as she collapsed onto her knees under the old, burly oak tree that towered over her small frame. Her tear-filled eyes bore into his back as she waited for him to say something, anything. Her heart called out to him, begging him to answer her. Please... My love… Please…
The call of her heart had him turning towards her, his golden eyes wide with surprise. Few people shared the bond to call out to their loved one with their heart yet she had done so. How could he doubt her now? He blinked away his thoughts when he realized he had begun walking to her, answering her call with his own. Okay… Kneeling down in front of her, he gently wiped the tears from her face, his thumbs feather-light across her puffy red cheeks. "I'm sorry I didn't believe you… I'm sorry I've been pushing you away." He leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her into a tight hug. "Forgive me, Kagome?"
She laughed quietly, hugging his red-clad figure just as tightly in return. "You can be such a jerk but yes, InuYasha. I forgive you. Always." She curled up on his lap as he sat down and pulled her closer to his body. Laying her head against his chest, she listened to his heartbeat, the steady rhythm calming her down, a thought fleeting across her mind. Naraku, you won't come between us again… We'll be ready next time.
He ran his fingers through her black hair, mindful of his claws. Adjusting their bodies so that his back was against the oak trunk, he lost himself in his thoughts while listening to her breathing and heartbeat even out until she was asleep. I can't lose Kagome because of Naraku like I lost Kikyo… I can't lose another woman I love. I will protect her from him at any cost.
