Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and Co.
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Aftermath
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InuYasha stared at Kagome, trying to scent her mood. Unfortunately, it was shifting continuously, so he couldn't differentiate. She was bent over her bag, putting her carefully folded clothes and first aid kit into her bag. He had to force the whimper in his throat down at the feeling of finality that shrouded the scene.
The battle with Naraku and the Shikon no Tama was over. Now he wouldn't have to constantly worry about Kagome's safety.
With the jewel completed, there was no reason for Kagome to remain in the Sengoku Jidai with him. Her family was in her time, and she needed to go to her school if she wanted to fit in. It wouldn't help her to be uneducated. She had to do whatever possible to make a life for herself.
But she had one! If she just stayed with him, there wouldn't be any worries about getting into the right high school. She would just have to be by his side.
Don't be so damned selfish, he growled to himself. I can't ask her to give up everything she has just so I don't go crazy. If she wanted to stay, she wouldn't be packing everything she always leaves here. She's going and there's nothing I can do.
He caught her returning his look and softened, though he had been steeling himself for this moment for the week they'd been finished with their quest. She was leaving and now she would tell him.
Swinging her bag over her shoulder with a small huff of air, she started towards the door.
Oh, gods, I wish she wouldn't leave!
Kagome shuffled past him without saying a word, though he could smell her tears. Gods, she had cried so much for him in the months that they'd been together. Somehow, this ripped his heart apart even more than all those times before. It felt as though someone was plunging claws into his chest and twisted them mercilessly. Everything in him screamed in pain, wanting only to stop her from doing this. He'd do anything if she would just stay with him.
Outside, their friends waited in sad silence. Each had an expression of gloom in their eyes, though they all tried to conjure up a smile.
Shippo was the first to break.
"Kagome!" he cried before lunging for her legs. He gripped them as tightly as his small body was able. "Please don't go! I won't steal your chocolate anymore! I won't bug InuYasha, I won't ask for crayons, I'll be good! Don't go!"
She leaned down to him, gently prying his arms off her. "I promise I'll visit soon, right after I catch up with all my homework." She put one finger to his nose. "And I'll even bring you some of your own chocolate." Her smile wavered. Rising, she turned to Kirara, who sat in large-cat form to support Sango. "And I'll bring you something as well. You've been a lot of help." She patted her head, face falling at the kitten-like mew the large creature gave.
The demon slayer shifted from Kirara's fur and opened her arms without a word. Instantly, Kagome stepped into the embrace, hugging her tightly.
"Kagome," Miroku said quietly, opening his arms. Cautiously, Kagome hugged him back.
The monk gave her a simple squeeze--hands in appropriate places--and released her. "Kagome, I hope we will see you again soon." He grinned half-heartedly.
She nodded, her eyes filling. "I promise I'll do my best."
Uncomfortable not with the show of emotion but with the weight of his own despair, InuYasha wrapped his fingers around one strap of her bag, pulling it away from her. "I'll carry it."
She gave a small sniffle, following after him when he started towards the well, turning to wave back to her friends. "Bye, everyone! I'll see you…soon." Her last statement drifted off quietly as the scent of saltwater increased. His heart panged in his chest, making him want only to reach out and hold her to him.
They walked in silence, the only sound from the wind whispering through the overhanging leaves. Everything seemed to be waiting for something to happen. It felt like they weren't even alone.
When they got to the well, he turned to face her. His heart clenched again at the expression on her face: hurt. Real physical pain showed in her features. She was paler than usual. Her eyes seemed dull and almost too-large for her face.
"InuYasha," she breathed softly.
With that, she threw herself at him, locking her arms around his waist. She squeezed as tightly as she could. "Oh, God, I'm going to miss you so much." Her voice was quieter than it had ever been. "Please don't forget about me. Please."
Shock raced through his body, making him drop his arms at his sides limply. She thought he could forget her? I'll never remember anything else.
Kagome pulled away then, tears staining her cheeks. He dropped her backpack, intending to grab her back.
The moment his arms locked around her waist, her own went to wrap around his neck. He pressed his face into her hair, inhaling deeply. It hurt so much to know that she was leaving. He desperately needed to tell her that she was his, that she wouldn't be leaving him. Instead of acting upon that desire, he hugged her tighter, forcing her body into the cradle of his.
"Kagome," he whispered. "I won't forget you. That I promise."
They stood there for several moments, time stopping just for them. Nothing else mattered at that moment except them. Neither wanted to let go, but they knew they had to. The decision had been made.
Both slowly allowed the other to pull away, letting their arms drop to their sides.
Nothing else was said. No looks were passed. Kagome simply picked up her bag and slid into the well, leaving behind her hanyou.
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987 words
I kinda like the way this one turned out. : ) Reviews, please.
SS98
