Summary

Inuyasha and the gang have the nearly complete Shikon Jewel. Only one shard remains, and it's in the hands of their most elusive enemy Naraku. They continue their search together until an accident drives them apart. Sango and Miroku are on their own as Inuyasha leaves them when Kagome disappears. Is she really gone? Who will kill Naraku? Adult content. Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any characters related. (Just an idea I just had to get out. Everyone will be in character. This is a spin on what happens near the end of the t.v. show.)

Side note: For those of you reading my story Wishful Thinking, I will keep writing chapters for that one as well. This idea came to me and it's giving me writers block with my other story. I can't write anymore for WT until I get this out of my head.

Thank you for reading.

Chapter One

The sun was rising, its rays cutting through the morning fog. It was almost hanami season and the trees were budding. Soon, they would bloom.

Inuyasha trailed his eyes down to the well and smiled. It would be any time now, that Kagome would return. She had been gone for three days and he had not passed through the well once to see her during that time.

Kagome was graduating from high school and needed to return for preparations and the ceremony. He and the others had known this day was coming for several moons-Kagome had told them on her 18th birthday last fall season. They were all elated that the day had finally come, but Inuyasha was certain he was the most excited.

She had invited him to go. He had declined as politely as he was able to. He wanted to give her family and friends that time with her. She had seemed disappointed, but left with a smile nonetheless.

He looks down at the trinket in his palm. It was a small carving of a dog demon, shaped with wood from his favorite branch of the Goshinboku, and hung from a long string of leather. He knew it wasn't anything worth mentioning when compared to the treasures her world had to offer, but it was the least he could do. When he had heard the others discussing giving Kagome gifts to celebrate, he knew he had to get her something as well and he wanted to out-do them. It seemed impossible since Miroku and Sango had money to buy her something. He had wracked his brain for hours thinking of something worth giving. He had almost given up until he took up residence in the tree for a night, when the idea came to him. He carved a large piece of wood from the branch and went to see Totosai that very night, knowing he could craft it into something recognizable, and was pleased with the finished product.

When Kagome's scent tickles his nose he shoves the trinket back into his sleeve and grins ear to ear as his feet hit the ground. He falls into a light sprint, reaching the well quick as ever, and lifts the young woman out with ease.

"New clothes?" He asked, cocking his head to the side.

Kagome smiled, her eyes turned down at her shoes. She wore low rise, flared jeans and a v-neck, form fitting t-shirt, the same color as his fire rat fur. Her mother had also bought her some brown waterproof hiking boots that she was certain would kill her feet, but they were more comfortable than anything she'd ever worn.

"Yeah," she smiled, brushing her hands over her belly to straighten the shirt. "Big difference from the school uniform. But I won't be needing that anymore. How'd things go while I was gone?"

Inuyasha folded his arms over his chest. "Keh. Nothing worth mentioning happened. How did things go with you?"

She bit her lip and smiled up at him as she reached out to grab one of his hands, tugging him away from the well. "Lets go find the others and I will tell you."

"Wait, Kagome," he exclaimed as he grabbed her arm with his free hand. She turned back to him with wide curious eyes. "They are still sleeping."

"Oh." She muttered as he released her arm. She looked down at his hand in hers and quickly let go.

He watched her fidget nervously with the hem of her shirt and look anywhere but at him. When she did, she opened her mouth to speak but he beat her to the punch.

"Kagome, I got you something." He hurried out as he reached for the necklace.

She faced him, her eyes wide and curious once again. He clutched it in the ball of his fist, suddenly nervous that she would not want to wear it. He stared into her eyes and somehow found his resolve. He pulled it from his palm and brought it over her head and down to rest on her neck, before sitting on the lip of the well.

"A necklace?" She asked, grasping it between her thumbs and forefingers to bring it closer for inspection. She glanced up from under her long lashes at him briefly before restoring her attention to the gift. It brought a smile to her lips.

"It's perfect." She finally says, letting it drop to hang between her breasts. She closes the distance between them in one stride and sits next to him. "Why did you get me a gift?"

He shrugged off his nerves, containing his urge to smile at her. "You said it was customary to give gifts to celebrate achievements like this. I got the wood from the Goshinboku. It was no trouble at all."

"You were listening to me after all." She teased, nudging his shoulder with hers playfully.

"Kagome!" He growls. "I listen to you."

She chuckled and threw her hands up in defense. "I believe you!"

He watched her grip the necklace and look it over again, happy when she made no move to take it off. She stood and walked a few paces, turned away so he could not see her face and he noticed her hair was still trapped under the string of leather. He rose to his feet and moved behind her without a word. He stared down at the back of her head, apprehensive about touching her as always, but like always, it came naturally.

Kagome's eyes left the necklace when she felt his presence behind her. She hadn't heard him approach, but he was standing so close she could feel his energy brushing against her own. It had become addicting to her, the feel of his aura mixing with hers, so she didn't move a muscle as she prepared for whatever trick he was about to play on her.

Clawed fingers ghosted over her neck as they pulled her hair behind her back. She inhaled sharply in her surprise at the level of intimacy he was displaying, but stayed as still as she could as he pulled her hair over her shoulders to fall on her back. His fingers seemed to linger as they combed though the silky tresses.

Inuyasha licked his lips and swallowed at the sight of her bare neck as he fixed her hair. He became overwhelmed by the urge to kiss her there. He watches her hair slide and fall from his fingers, disappointed when he is no longer touching her. He stared at the back of her head, willing his nerves to come back so that he may not ruin everything. As it was, he was not nervous in her presence anymore and was very much considering stealing a kiss.

Kagome, unable to take a second more of the building tension, faced him and wrapped her arms around his torso, resting her head on his chest so he couldn't see her blush.

"Thank you." Was all she got out.

He had been a bit taken aback but the sudden gesture but smiled and returned her embrace, resting his chin on her head and holding her tightly. As they stood there in each others arms, his thoughts became a little more clear and-for the first time in three days-positive. He found himself looking forward to something, whatever it was. It felt like a new beginning to him-a fresh start-and Kagome would have all the time in the world now to be a part of it.

'This is going to be the best day ever.'