A/N: So, it's been a year, and I'm still getting reviews asking for more. I think it's only fair to warn any of you that are hoping for a "happily ever after" to stop reading right now. To the rest you, I kindly ask that, if you review, please say something more than "good story" or "please continue".
Sesshomaru was a mess. He wasn't sure when it had happened, but at some point, he'd become completely dependent on Kagome's presence in his life just to function. Every day, he'd learned yet another thing he'd never realized he needed.
The first morning, he was late to work. Kagome had always set the alarm clock for thirty minutes before they had to wake so she could hit the snooze button. He'd use that time to admire her peaceful features. He'd never become accustomed to her subtle beauty, but that morning, there was only the ceiling to stare at, and he'd drifted back into sleep, waking an hour later to the sound of his cell phone ringing.
The second day, Sesshomaru realized how empty his apartment was. Not just personal knickknacks, most of which had been Kagome's anyway, but of everything. No upbeat music played from the bedroom. No tempting aromas drifted from the kitchen. Even the sun filtering through the blinds seemed duller.
It was two days later, Sesshomaru, on the verge of passing out, became aware the he'd eaten three times in the last four days she'd been gone. Two of those times were only because of Sango bringing something to his desk. She'd looked ready say something to him the second time she'd stopped by, so he'd minimized his work to hear her out. He almost expected to get a lecture, despite her almost pleading eyes. However, as soon as his background picture, which he was holding back on changing, was revealed, her eyes became glossy, and she scampered out of his office, leaving him alone with his thoughts once again.
Now, two weeks later, Sesshomaru had come to a decision.
"Are you sure about this, Sesshomaru?" Miroku asked from in front of Sesshomaru's desk. "Surely there's another way, a better way?"
Sesshomaru looked up from his desk at his only friend with completely dead eyes, and at that moment, Miroku realized there was no other way.
"I've already arranged everything. I just have one favor to ask of you."
Miroku wanted desperately to tell him no. Had it been anyone else, he would have, but this was Sesshomaru, and he was going to do this with or without his help. And this was no time to strain or break their friendship.
"Whatever you need, man."
Sesshomaru pulled out a white envelope from his now empty desk and walked around to stand by Miroku's side.
"Give this to her."
Miroku nodded as he took the small rectangle. He slid it into his pocket and placed his hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder.
"I wish it didn't have to be this way."
"As do I," Sesshomaru responded with the same gesture.
The office door flung open as Sango came barreling in. She collided into Sesshomaru, effectively knocking him into the desk, before pounding her fists into his chest.
"What are you thinking!" she cried out desperately. "You can't go through with this!"
She now clung to his suit jacket.
"Give us a week! I'm sure the boss will think of something!"
Miroku grabbed Sango's shoulders and pulled her to his chest.
Sesshomaru slowly straightened himself as he looked at Sango. At that moment, with tears in her eyes, Sesshomaru, for the first time, truly saw the resemblance between Sango and her cousin. His heart gave a slight squeeze before he averted his gaze from hers.
"I've already talked to the boss," he said just loud enough for her to hear.
Confusion spread across her face, followed by shocked defeat as she comprehended his true meaning.
"He agreed to let you go, knowing what will happen," she whispered.
Sesshomaru nodded and walked past the defeated couple.
"When do you leave?" Miroku asked, not turning to face his friend, who he knew would not be facing him.
"Now."
Sesshomaru opened the door but hesitated before leaving.
"Ask her to forgive me."
He heard Sango break down completely before the door closed behind him.