The first thing that we did was send her home.

That was probably the best decision we'd ever made. She was out of harm's way, her mom and family could keep a close eye on her (which was admittedly quite annoying), and I could come and go as I pleased.

We all had our turns at the demon. Each taking our frustrations and anger out on it for what happened.

After that, I had gone back to Kagome's house. Sleeping next to her bed on the floor. I went back regularly to give Sango and Miroku updates, which they passed on dutifully to anyone who asked.

I admit, I love the ramen that Kagome's mother makes, I love all the food, really. I'm glad I can be by her side while she recovers. But I miss the Feudal Era. I miss our job. I miss our life.

It had only been three days since Kagome died, and I'd been with her nearly every second. I did not stop worrying. Did not stop fidgeting. I kept up the most annoying habits until, finally, she woke up.

It was on the morning of the third day that she finally opened her eyes.

And boy, did she let me have it.

"Inuyasha? You pervert? What the hell are you doing staring at me like a stalker? Oh, my god, I talk in my sleep. You're lucky I don't Sit—"

CRASH!

"Oh, Inuyasha I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to say it!" She was laughing, and at least that was a good sign.

I dusted myself off, glaring at her angrily before I sat down on her bed. "Kagome, I think we need to talk about a few things."

She cocked her head, and furrowed her brows, "Okay..." She said slowly, eying me carefully, "like what?"

"For starters," I began carefully (not sounding like myself at all), "What is the last thing you remember?"

She thought for a moment, "I remember having dinner with everyone... and then I asked about you..." She trailed off, making a face at a sudden memory.

"You found out I was with Kikyo." I amended softly.

She nodded, "And then I was upset and decided to go for a walk. I went to the Bone Eater's Well, and then decided to go back to the group to avoid fighting with you when I heard..." The crease between her eyebrows deepened significantly, "A demon. Running from something. I was just about to run when it... came at me." She shuddered.

I waited patiently for her to finish, wanting to know what she remembered.

"You know," She laughed, "it didn't even mean to attack me, it was running away, and by accident I got in the way. It didn't even look at me."

I bit my tongue. That I couldn't believe.

"But then I couldn't walk. I couldn't feel anything. No pain or anything. But there was a lot of blood. I remember thinking about how hard it would be to forgive you if I couldn't walk to tell you." She laughed again, lighthearted.

Shouldn't she be upset? Scared? Afraid? Nauseous? Anything?

"And after that? What happened after that?" I sound anxious, even to my own ears, but she seems to sympathize with me.

"I fell. And then I called out for you." My eyes opened wider, I didn't hear her. I can't believe I didn't hear her! "And you came. Just like you always do. Thank you, Inuyasha."

My heart ached when I asked her again, I had to know the truth, "Did it hurt? Dying like that?"

She shook her head, "I can honestly say I didn't feel a thing. Other than regret that is, for leaving you to defeat Naraku on your own. I'm sorry I always drag you down, Inuyasha. I'm sorry that I can't fend for myself like you, or Sango, or Miroku, or even Shippo, for that matter. I'm sorry that I'm constantly a burden to you. And I'm sorry that I give you such a hard time. Please forgive me?"

I shake my head vigorously, "What the hell are you talking about? Forgive you for what? Caring about me? Hell no. There's nothing to forgive. What I need is for you to forgive me."

"Inuyasha I—"

"No, let me finish," I cut her off. "I'm so sorry for... failing you. For not being with you when I should have. For not protecting you like I promised I would. For running away to Kikyo when I have you to care for. Forgive me for letting you die. I know I don't deserve it. You deserve better, but I promise that I'll never let you down again. I can't promise that you won't be disappointed, but I won't ever be apart from your side. Not ever." My words were fierce on the last two words. My implication clear.

"Inuyasha, you love her, I understand. You have an obligation to her. You can't put your feelings behind you. Just like I can't put my feelings behind me. I understand, Inuyasha. You don't have to apologize for anything."

"Kagome," I growled, massaging my temples with my fingers, getting frustrated. "You don't get it."

I could see the anger spark in her eyes, "Don't get what, Inuyasha? Pray, do tell?"

"Yes, I have an obligation to her. Yes I care for her. But they only extend as far as getting revenge for her. She wants me to change. I don't want to, Kagome. I want to see it your way. You dying changed everything, Kagome. I realized that Kikyo isn't the only person I have obligations to. That she isn't the only person that I—ehm care for." I finished in embarrassment, looking away from her probing gaze.

"You jerk!" She punched me in the chest, which knocked me off balance. I fell off of her bed backwards, hitting my head on the floor.

She was standing over me, glowering at me.

"What?" I snapped, angry, "Goddamnit, Kagome! Now what did I do?"

"You have obligations to me? You don't owe me a goddamn thing, Inuyasha. I don't want you to throw away your happiness because you feel like you owe me something. If Kikyo is who you want, then go to Kikyo. I only want for you to be happy!"

"That's it!" I shouted, practically bouncing up and down yelling at her, "I'm not happy with Kikyo. I'm happy with you. Don't you get that? I thought I just fucking said that."

"I will not take this!" She shouted at me, pointing her finger at me accusingly, "You will not pin this on me and make me feel guilty!"

"Oh, for fuck's sake!" I threw my hands up in exasperation, "Don't you get it? I'm fucking in love with you! And you want to play that off as guilt? Fine!"

I stomped toward the door, ready to march right down to the well and back home. But she stopped me.

"Inuyasha?" She called my name, sounding breathless and scared. My eyes shot to her automatically, just to make sure she was alright.

When I didn't find anything but a peculiar look in her eye, I said sharply, "What damnit?"

"Do you really mean that? You love me?" The utter hoplessness of her expression is what sofened me.

"Of course, stupid. I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it. I'm sorry I didn't realize it until it was too late."

She shook her head, smiling at me brightly, "It's not too late." She walked up to me and pulled me close to her. I held her tight. Almost like I was afraid to let her go, for fear she'd disappear.

I pulled back and smiled at her, kissing her softly on her lips and said, "You're right. It's never too late."

END

Tell me what you think. This is the last chapter. Yes, I know I finished a story in one day! I'm totally proud of myself. But I hope you like it and Review! Please!