The Used
-
And he realized, just now, that as she ran into the arms of his rival, Kagome was more than just someone to save the world alongside.
It was a thought, Kagome tiring of continuously coming in second place and standing in Kikyo's shadow all of the time. Maybe Kouga had been playing all the right moves all along, and not just rearranging the pieces behind his back while he wasn't looking. The truth was, InuYasha took Kagome for granted.
It was in Kagome's nature to be kind and caring, and, however grudgingly, forgiving. He should have known he had a good thing when she didn't turn her back on him even when Kikyo did, every time he made another stupid mistake. And now he had to pay the full price he thought he could dog for the rest of his life.
Because she'd be there, right? No matter what?
Those were her words, but he supposed it was more than unfair to hold her to them. Besides, she had stuck with them for as long as she could handle without breaking. He should have seen the signs – she was crumbling around the edges every time he snuck out into the night.
But maybe she would see, have mercy, come back. She would realize after time that being with the wolf was dull, and she would miss the excitement the group always managed to arouse. And she would come back, eventually. She would come back for Shippo, for Sango, and for Miroku.
And she would come back for him, because no matter what she told herself, deep down, she still loved him. And as long as she was finding the jewel shards for him, he would love her, too.
For as soon as the Shikon no Tama was completed and firmly in his grasp, there would be nothing stopping him from running free, with Kikyo beside him.
Nothing but a broken heart and a sacred arrow.