I didn't sleep as well as I had wanted. My hands would ache and sometime I would roll over them. I couldn't take it anymore. Getting up, I left the hut and went to the river.

I let my bare feet float in the cold water while I wiggled my toes. I pulled the Shikon jewel off my neck and rubbed it between my palms. The glow made me feel safe. I returned the jewel and splashed my feet in the water. A hand rested gingerly on my shoulder. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was.

"I'm sorry I was short with you."

"You're stressed." I wiped a drop of water off my face.

"No. I shouldn't have taken it out on you." He sat down next to me.

"I said it was okay." There was an awkward moment of silence.

"hey, Kagome? Have you decided what you are going to do with the jewel?"

"I might take it back to the future. That's where it was when I found it. So that is where it will be when I lose it." His hand dropped and his head replaced the cooling spot.

"Kagome." I heard him inhale deeply. "Don't leave here me alone."

"Inu-Yasha?" I was at a loss for words once again. His arms wrapped around my waist. Please let him. If not now, then it will never happen. "couldn't leave you here. Besides, who would protect you from Sesshoumaru?"

He leaned closer to me and I felt his hot breath on my neck. I stroked his hair and leaned my head on him.

He acts so strange when he's mortal. Either he's hiding in a corner or following me.

"What frightens you the most, Inu-Yasha?"

"Death."

"Oh." I sighed loudly. "I fear losing that which I love most." I looked upwards.

"what is that?"

"My friends. My family. You." His arms tightened around me.

He shifted his weight.

"You love me?" his breath was warm and soft.

My hair was moved over one shoulder and I felt his nose on my neck. I was scared but I couldn't make my body move or my mind think. All I could hear was my heart and all I could feel was him. I felt Inu-Yasha smile.

"Yes." It came out more of a mew than anything else.

There was a rustling of leaves and Inu-Yasha stood up and faced the sound.

"Must we do this, Lord Sesshoumaru?"

"Jaken, take Rin."

"Yes, Lord Sesshoumaru. Come, Rin. Master had business to attend."

"Yes Master." Rin bowed towards Sesshoumaru and followed Jaken and the dragon into the forest.

Inu-Yasha began to growl. I stood and placed my hands gingerly on his shoulders.

"What do you want?" He scoffed.

"Oh! Come come, little brother. That's no way to greet your better."

"ll show you." Inu-Yasha began to lunge but I tightened my grip until I yelped in pain. He stopped and turned to me. "Kagome? What did you do?"

"Nothing. I'm fine now." I lied of course. I stood in front of Inu-Yasha and stared at Sesshoumaru. "Stay behind me, please." Or I'll sit you, I mused.

"You're pathetic. Hiding behind a girl."

"I'd keep your mouth shut. Everyone knows the real reason why you let Rin follow you around. And it has nothing to do with your swords." I yelled furiously back.

"Kagome!" Inu-Yasha whispered harshly in to my ear. "Are you trying to get yourself killed!"

"Inu-Yasha go back. You're no help to the situation."

"Like hell I am." He retorted.

"Do it or I'll say it." I felt his breath leave my shoulder and kept Sesshoumaru's gaze on me.

"That's right, little brother. Do as the human says." Sesshoumaru spoke with a smug tone.

Inu-Yasha stopped and turned back.

"You can't hurt me. My sword will always protect me from you."

"I've become bored of this." Sesshoumaru turned and walked into the forest.

"I'm not done talking to you!" Inu-Yasha yelled.

Sesshoumaru continued walking away without hesitation.

The sun began to rise, to my relief and most likely Inu-Yasha's as well.

When I felt he had sufficient time to change I punished him for trying to start a fight.

"Inu-Yasha?"

"Damn him. If he only stayed a minute later." He was mumbling to himself. "What?"

"Sit!"

BAM!

I walked back towards the hut in a huff. I realized that I needed some time to decide where my heart was and packed my stuff away, slinging my backpack on and walking out of the hut towards the well. Before anyone could arrive to stop me, I jumped onto the well's wall and dropped through the portal. A swirl of light and wind pulled the Shikon Jewel from my necklace and I saw it dissolved. The light faded and there was the sound of modern life seeping into the darkness at the bottom of the well. I pulled myself out, dropped my bag behind me, and jumped back into the well. I hit the damp floor.

"NO!" The well was sealed again.