A/N: Again, it will never happen, live with it.
Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, and I never will unless I get really really lucky.
She glided gracefully across the ground, coming toward him, eyes calm. "Kikyo," he murmured. She frowned and continued forward. Kikyo pulled out her bow and arrow and stopped a safe distance away. Inuyasha froze,
"Naraku is dead. It is time for you to come to Hell with me as you promised." The string twanged, and her miko arrowed approached him rather too quickly.
Inuyasha panicked. His thoughts jumped about frantically as time seemed to stand still. How can I leave her? I cannot break a promise. I think... no, know... that I am in love with her. I made her a promise.
Time resumed.
The arrow came closer. It was about to hit him. The arrow touched his robe, and in one swift movement he jerked away and leaped above the trees. "Damn it, Kikyo! I still can't leave!"
Kikyo turned and stared after him. He has abandoned me. The original betrayal and hurt that filled her heart increased. Her anger with him had no outer appearance, but the festering pain burned where her heart once was. She left the clearing slowly. She knew that she was not fated to see him again. She would retreat to a village and live as the priestess she used to be. Her sadness, her depression was all-consuming, but he had made his decision at last. Despite the actual words, she knew that in his heart he had given up on her. She smiled wryly. I will forget him. It will take centuries, but when I do, I shall be able to rest at last. She walked away and out of their lives.
Inuyasha breathed heavily, not from the exercise, but from his excitement over his choice. He was free. He sniffed the air and immediately picked up on Kagome's scent. He quickened his pace when he smelled her salty tears.
Kagome sat by herself near the well, crying. She had yet to go from the well into her own world. She did not want to talk to her family or friends yet. Inuyasha was gone; it didn't matter if she stayed here a little longer.
Inuyasha approached and noticed her near-fetal position. He kneeled beside her and pulled her to him.
Kagome gasped and looked up at Inuyasha. "I... I thought that..."
"Stupid girl. You still need protecting."
Kagome smiled and hugged him. "Thank you" she mumbled happily, hoping that he would stay at least a little longer.
"Keh!" he half-smiled and hugged her, burying his face into her hair.