A/N: Lot of bad news lately, and somehow this is the fic that inspired me to write! I'm glad, it's been a while.

RECAP: Some parts might feel jumbled. That's because it's covering basically like episode 109-126. For those who don't quit remember, its basically, them fighting the band of seven close to Mt. Hakurei, Koga's solo battle where he almost dies, hiding in the cave, Kagome thinking Inuyasha died because she had the firerat robe, Naraku's ressurection and "killing" of Kikyo and then Kagome getting controlled by that tiny child with the pink hair's whos name I am blanking on right now... haha.. SO ALL THAT is happening in the span of this chapter.

I just wanted to get Mt. Hakurei out of the way, and honestly, most of the stuff stays the same as in the Anime, so I didn't see the point in writing it all out!

P.E Teacher

Chapter 10

"Kouga."

And again.

"Kouga."

Still not listening.

"Kouga."

Man, how she wished she had a second necklace of subjugation beads.

Luckily for her and unluckily for Kouga, this time, the effect of Mt. Hakurei was more draining, and he ended up collapsing onto the ground. Aggravation flew through her veins, but it did not stop her from running at his side. "Kouga! I told you to stop!"

This place wasn't just bad for Kikyo; it was bad for all youkais. The fog was acting like a purifying entity, preventing all youkais from entering - or actually, unpure beings. This was easily proven because Miroku was having a bit of a hard time going through it unscathed. Lecherous ways were not pure, apparently. This sort of left her and Sango to head out on their way. That idea was not very popular with Kouga, and he became strongly opposed to it. To him, that meant stupidly trying to go up Mt. Hakurei even though it would most probably end up killing him. Hopefully, sort of passing out would be a learning lesson for him.

"Kouga, you can't go, it'll kill you."

He lifted a heavy arm to touch his head, feeling as though someone had taken a swing at him with a tree log. Damn it. He refused to let Kagome go out there by herself. They didn't know what would be waiting for them, and he refused to send her into the unknown. The stupid mutt wasn't back, and it was on him to make sure everyone made it out alright. If he couldn't go, he couldn't let her go. There was nothing else to it.

"We'll find a way around it."

"Kouga… Sango and I are big girls. We'll be fine."

"No. If we can't go, you guys have to stay here."

"Kouga, we have to know what's out there."

"I agree with Kouga."

At the sound of Miroku's voice, Kagome turned around, her eyes showing that she was searching for more explanation than just his statement.

"If Kouga cannot cross the barrier, Inuyasha won't be able to either. He'll be back and he can be…" he paused as if hoping there was a better word to describe him. "Intense. It would not end well if he cannot get to you. I believe, for the time being, it might be wiser to remain as a group."

He didn't expect the monk to be on his side, but he wasn't about to argue. "I'll take Ginta and Hakkaku, we'll check out the area, see if there is anywhere we could get in."

"The band of seven is out there. It's not safe."

"Kagome, we'll be fine."

She opened her mouth to argue, but he didn't give her a chance to say a word. A whirlwind of sand and dirt assaulted her eyes, and by the time she could open them again, Kouga was nothing more than a tiny dot in the distance. Seriously!

"Kouga, wait for us!"

"Why does he always do this?"

Ginta and Hakkaku picked up their speed in a foolish attempt to catch up to Kouga, who had left nothing but dust behind. Great, by the time they caught up to him, he would be done getting himself in some kind of trouble. "Don't worry, sis, we'll make sure he's okay."

She wasn't exactly worried about that… as a matter of fact; she was more worried about them than Kouga.

"So what are we supposed to do?" she said, asking Sango, Miroku, and Shippo - who was looking a little green. It was hard to miss the way Kirara was curled up against Sango's foot, too. Whatever was protecting this place, it did not like youkais, that was for sure.

"I think we should wait for Inuyasha. If we leave, he might try to do something reckless to find you Lady Kagome."

Right. Find her. She knew Inuyasha wouldn't let anything happen to her - he had cut off his own brother's arm to protect her. Regardless, it was hard to ignore the fact that he was otherwise occupied at the moment. She did hope he had gotten Kikyo somewhere else, somewhere she could be healed up with the lost souls. She'd hate to think what would happen to Inuyasha if he had to lose Kikyo a second time. She didn't think he would take it too well, and she didn't want him to follow her into the other world…

"You're right." She sighed. "Maybe we should move away from the mountain a little." To help Shippo and Kirara.

"Good idea."

Kagome picked up Shippo in her arms and he nestled against her chest, his breathing remaining rapid. Sango did the same with Kirara and together, they headed down the little path, creating some distance between themselves and the barrier. They walked in silence at a steady pace, when suddenly, Kagome came to an abrupt halt. Sango was the first to notice, turning around with concern shining in her eyes. She knitted her eyebrows as she approached her friend.

"Kagome, are you alright?"

"Shards."

"What?"

"I can sense shards, a lot of them…"

"I can smell blood."

The sound of Inuyasha's voice had her heart quickening, and she followed the sound of his voice. He stood close to them, on top of a small hill, looking into the distance. "A lot of it."

Fear wrapped itself around her heart and her teeth sank in her bottom lip. "It's where Kouga went, isn't it?"

Inuyasha avoided looking at her, and she didn't know if it was because he had been with Kikyo or because she mentioned Kouga, but it didn't matter. "Yeah, I can smell that stupid wolf."

So much for not having to worry about him.

-P-

"I didn't need saving."

"He was about to slice you."

"No, he wasn't, I had it handled."

"You should be thanking me."

"I ain't gonna thank you for almost getting us all killed."

"Me?"

"Yeah, you! If it weren't for me, that guy would have hurt Kagome."

"Kagome was fine, I was keepin' an eye out."

"No, you weren't. I saved her because you were too busy getting your ass kicked!"

Kagome didn't have the energy to get involved in their fight. Not again. However, she had to agree with Kouga. She listened to what his other self had said, and she had let him protect her. It had worked out in her favour because for once? It felt like she was the target of the attacks. Renkotsu would not let her be. Kouga's quick reflexes had kept her safe. She couldn't exactly tell him that because she wasn't in the mood to endure Inuyasha being a big baby about it.

"All you did was almost get your jewel shards stolen!"

"They were never gonna get 'em!"

"They almost sliced your legs."

"If anyone almost got their ass handed to them, it was you."

"How about I hand you your ass right now?"

Okay. Now she had to say something. "Guys."

"I'd like to see you try."

"Bring it mangy wolf."

"Inuyasha."

But he didn't listen to her. Instead, he put his hand on his sword, ready to withdraw it. He wasn't giving her a lot of options. "Inuyasha sit."

And bam.

"We have better things to do than fighting each other."

The fight, as scary and terrifying as it had been, taught them a lot. The band of seven were puppets for Naraku, they had a lot of shards and clearly, they were out to get them. There was also something fishy about that tentacle left behind by Naraku, and it had something to do with Mt. Hakurei. The closer they got to finding out more about Naraku, the more their lives were in danger, but that would not stop any of them. They needed to keep hunting him if they wanted to put a stop to his reign of terror.

"We have to follow the band of seven," suggested Kouga

"All we have to do is keep hunting down Naraku," said Inuyasha as he pulled his face out of the dirt. "Wherever that asshole is, we'll find those jerks. They're working for him and doing his dirty work."

"Inuyasha's right," Kagome settled on answering. "It would explain why we keep running into them."

Kouga would be lying if he said he wasn't bothered by her blatant siding with Inuyasha while she remained silent earlier. Inuyasha had barely shown any concern for her safety and instead had focused on fighting while Kouga had noticed the target put on Kagome's back. The fact that he left her behind to care for another woman followed by him returning and not protecting her? He found it disgusting. Now, even Kagome was siding with him? Was she that hopelessly in love with the mutt that she couldn't see clearly? He would never lash out at Kagome, but he was desperate for a way to show her she had it all wrong.

For now, all he could do was bite his tongue and agree. "Fine." Band of Seven. Naraku. It didn't matter; he wanted them all dead and this thing wouldn't over until he got what he wanted. However, unlike some people, he wouldn't be putting Kagome's life in danger to get it.

Kouga crossed his arms over his chest and turned away from Inuyasha before putting some distance between them, his aura flickering with rage, Those who had more experience than Kagome with auras could easily feel it but no one commented on it. Kagome though felt a certain pinch in her chest as she watched him walk away. In the background, she could hear Inuyasha telling him to get back here and fight, but she had tuned him out, her eyes following Kouga. He looked… sad. More surprisingly than that, he was walking away from the fight - something she could never get Inuyasha to do, apparently. Had she missed something?

She didn't think this Kouga, and her were close enough for her to ask him if he was alright… maybe she needed to make a mental note and ask future Kouga about it? Having two of them was frying her brain. She was much closer to one of them than the other - it wasn't on purpose. It was easier to befriend older him than younger him. The stakes weren't the same, and their interests in her could not be any different. Maybe that helped? Or maybe it was how much he understood her life and her reality. Regardless, the lines were blurry at times and she didn't know how to proceed with this Kouga when she could so easily speak to the other one.

Maybe it was her fault? Was it fair to wait until later to find out what was wrong with him? He was right over there, standing by the trees with Ginta and Hakkaku circling him… she could just ask… He was making an effort - he was trying to flirt less, he was trying to be understanding of the term friend. It was her turn to do some work. She put down the spoon she had been using to stir and wiped her hands on her green skirt before standing up. She could hear Inuyasha talking to her, but she wasn't in the mood for it. He did what he had to do earlier when Kikyo was concerned, and now she was doing what she needed to do for her friend.

As she got closer to him, she could see his body stiffening. Oops. Now that did not reassure her that she was doing the right thing. Too late to backtrack now… "Kouga?"

Ginta and Hakkaku looked at Kouga, then Kagome, then back at Kouga before looking at each other. "We'll leave you two alone." The sizzling crackling in Kouga's aura was exerting a painful pressure with each breath they took and they didn't want to anger him any further.

"Are you - are you okay? Did you get hurt during the battle?" Probably a bad guess, but it was all she had.

"You don't have to worry about me Kagome, I didn't get hurt. Despite what that mutt thinks."

She was going to tell him to play nice, but she decided to let it slide for now. "Okay, sorry. I thought - doesn't matter. Thank you for earlier."

So she realized that he saved her. "I would never let anything happen to you. I'd rather lose my legs before I'd watch you get hurt."

His legs were his everything; she didn't need to know a lot about him to have that knowledge. Kouga loved his legs, loved his speed. There was something left inside with the fact that he would pick her over his legs, but - it almost didn't surprise her. At least a declaration of love didn't follow it. Then she would feel horrible. Kouga was a good person, and she didn't enjoy having to turn him down - especially when she was amid thanking him for saving her life. He had jumped him to save her without giving his safety a second thought. She didn't like that because she didn't want him to die - but she had to thank him.

"Well, thanks. But don't go getting yourself killed out there."

Before that asshole had come after Kagome, he had planned to use his secret weapon. Unfortunately, he had to jump into action so fast, he wasn't given a chance to show his new skills. There had also been a small part of him that was afraid he didn't know the extent of his strength with his new weapon and that he might end up endangering Kagome. He had been forced to keep her a little too close, and he hadn't wanted to risk her safety just to show Inuyasha who was the strongest one around.

"Don't worry, I can handle myself out there."

"I know."

"How are you feeling?"

"I'm okay. I'm used to this by now." The first time she fell down the wall and got chased around by a youkai, she didn't handle it so well, but things had changed now. She was not the little girl who got dragged to another era. She had grown up. "I'm just happy we all made it out."

"Yeah."

"Hey, Kagome?" asked Shippo as he hopped closer to the two of them. "Miroku and Sango said we should head back to Kaede's. We can heal and rest up."

She smiled. "Good idea."

Inuyasha and Kouga were probably more injured than they were letting on - meaning neither of them would take the time to rest properly. At least if it could be blamed on the humans - like Inuyasha enjoyed doing frequently - they would both take the time they needed to feel better. The band of Seven was not ordinary opponents, and they would need all of their strengths if they wished to take care of them.

"Are you gonna go home?"

"Sorry?"

"The well, it's near that old hag's village, right?"

"Right."

She hadn't considered it - it could be a good idea. The battle was intense, and it intrigued part of her to see if anything changed or remained the same. She highly doubted Kouga had been part of the original battle… but then again. Could she run home every time something happened? At some point, Inuyasha would get suspicious; she never used to go home this much… and the last thing she wanted was for him to come sniffing around. Explaining Kouga's presence in modern time needed to be on her to-do list, but she feared the day it would happen. If she could keep Inuyasha from finding out forever… she would.

"I think I'll be staying… I was home recently… it'll be fine."

"You have a family there, right? You said, your brother, your mom, and…"

"And gramps, yeah."

"They don't miss you when you stay here for too long?"

"They probably do," she said, looking down at the grass. "Mom would never say it. She doesn't - she wouldn't want me to know. Souta's told me a few times, but he thinks youkais are so cool, I don't think he minds and gramps, I think he would rather I took care of youkais instead of befriending them. The face when he saw you…" Ah fudge. She watched his blue orbs expand as his eyebrows furrowed together. Yup. She said that. "Sorry - I mean Inuyasha, I'm a little tired, I think. When he saw Inuyasha, he tried to purify him."

In what universe would she be telling him an Inuyasha story? Ugh. It was better than the giant messing up she almost did. It was bound to happen. She was going to get confused one day… she needed to find a trick to not have this happen again. She would rather not find out what Kouga might think of them hanging out in the future. She sure as heck didn't want Inuyasha to know. "Anyway, hm, I'm glad you're okay. And thank you. I guess we'll start heading back."

He narrowed his eyes, angling away from her as he observed her retreat away from him. Something was up. He didn't know what - but Kagome had given him a weird vibe. She was… he sniffed the air. Lying? Why would she lie to him? It was about Inuyasha - a meaningless story. What would she gain from it? He had no intention of befriending the mutt because her grandfather tried to purify him. Something was missing from this story. There was an element he wasn't picking up on. He felt a pang of pain at the thought that she felt the need to keep something from him, but he dismissed it. This wasn't the first time things felt off.

There was also the story of that scent - but not a scent - that coated her skin each time she passed through the well. He had never met her family, but from what she told him and the smells on her, he could tell it was them, but he couldn't pinpoint that foreign sensation.

What was it?

Why was it always so freaking familiar?

-P-

Seriously.

It wouldn't kill himself to be a little dumber.

Also, what the fuck was he even picking up on? He shouldn't be able to detect anything. Was it because it was his own self? He didn't want to put unnecessary stress on her, and he didn't want his other self to figure it out. He already didn't miss the stress that overpowered her scent when she slipped up. The recovery wasn't very smooth, but he didn't know enough to put the real story together. He wanted to tease her about it, but - he shared her nervousness about the whole situation. Even if part of him wanted to shove it into Inuyasha's face.

It was hard keeping the past, and the present separated. Before, it was a blip in his memory… now? It was vivid; it was new - it was always in his head. Each day, it was more difficult to simply be who he was without letting his personality from the past spill into his modern life.

When exactly was she going to stop changing things?

Once she would stop travelling?

He was screwed.

-P-

"I believe it might be best if Sango and I move forward - alone."

Usually, Miroku's comment would have been interpreted as perverted, but in this case, he was right. Mount Hakurei was not a safe place for Kouga or Inuyasha - and if they left them alone, they might very well kill each other. The safest option was for Kagome to stay with them. Plus, it might give them time to recover from the recent attack. They had finally met Bankotsu, the leader of the band of seven. He had almost killed Kouga, but Inuyasha had returned just in time to stop the deadly final blow. Of course, to say that Kouga was pissed didn't even come close to describing his feelings towards the situations. Regardless, everyone had managed to make it out in one piece.

Now she missed home.

When she came back and they returned to Mount Hakurei, following the trail of the band of seven…she didn't expect this.

Another battlefield.

Naraku had to be stopped. Time was running out.

The band of seven was deadlier with each encounter - although they were losing members. How long would they be able to push them away? Not only that, but Kagome knew that the night of the new moon was closing in and it would leave Inuyasha vulnerable… Already, he was distracted, and she had a feeling it had something to do with Kikyo. She hadn't asked, and he hadn't said anything, but she didn't need him to - she knew.

"I agree," she settled on answering as she rose to her feet. She brushed off the dirt that clung to her green skirt before putting a smile on her face. "You two go ahead."

Kirara hopped off Sango's shoulder and made her way to Kagome's. It wasn't safe for her either.

Sango's glance travelled between Inuyasha and Kouga for a beat before settling on Kagome. "Good luck," she whispered.

Yeah, she would need it.

"Oi, and what are we supposed to do? Wait around like idiots?"

"Inuyasha."

"I ain't scared of a little mountain."

"Inuyasha." Kagome's eyes narrowed as Inuyasha took a step forward. She had warned him. "Sit."

The loud thud echoed through, but Sango and Miroku paid it no mind as they continued pressing forward. Business as usual.

"What d'you do that for?"

"Inuyasha, you can't go in there."

"The hell I can't."

"Sit."

And again.

"Everyone needs to stay put so I can take a look at your injuries."

"Keh," Inuyasha said as he peeled himself from the ground. "Maybe that mangy wolf needs help, but I don't."

"What d'you say muttface?"

Kagome sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Inuyasha, don't make me sit you again. Kouga, stop trying to start a fight." They were friends. She didn't care how they fought, what they said - they were friends. They were just too damn stubborn to admit it.

"Whatever." Inuyasha was standing back up, cracking his neck. "I'm gonna go scout the area, make sure they're not around anymore."

"No way, I'll -"

Kagome put her arm out, blocking Kouga's way. "Kouga, leave him be." She sighed. "Please."

She saw his top lip retracting, showing a hint of fang, but he became immobile. She heard Inuyasha mumble something, but she kept her eyes on Kouga. They were hurt, and she didn't need either of them to do something stupid. Once Inuyasha was finally out of view, she dropped her arm down, a sigh escaping her lungs. "Thank you," she whispered.

He did it because of her - for her. Even now, Kagome was trying to help and the stupid muttface couldn't see that. Kagome was stressed; he could tell. Her forehead was wrinkly from the permanent knit of her eyebrows, the curves of her lips were downwards and her mouth pinched. She didn't need him to add more to her plate, and since Inuyasha couldn't act like a decent being, Kouga would have to step on his ego and pride and do what Kagome asked of him. It was a small price to pay to see her relax.

"Anything for you."

It came out before he could consider the fact that she might interpret his words another way. And honestly? She wouldn't be wrong, but he couldn't let her know that.

She forced a smile before shaking her head softly. "Are you hurt anywhere?"

"Nope. Brand new."

She knew he was lying. He knew he was lying. Still, his injuries weren't bad. No reason to worry her about him. Sure, they'd taken a beating, but he'd be fine in a couple of hours. Now that Inuyasha had left, he was responsible for her safety and he didn't take that responsibility lightly.

"We should set up camp here for now. We're far enough from the mist that you guys should be fine but close enough to keep an eye out for Sango and Miroku."

"I'll start a fire," Kouga volunteered as his eyes scanned the surroundings. "You two, find some food," he barked at Ginta and Hakkaku.

They hurried to nod before dashing in direction of the forest. They weren't limping or wincing, so Kouga knew their injuries were mostly superficial. Good. He needed to show he could take care of everyone. Hopefully, Kagome would soon forget the embarrassing way Inuyasha got in his way. He had this. He didn't need to be rescued. If anything, Inuyasha had put him in harm's way by intervening in the fight. He wouldn't have died. He would have avoided the blow. He didn't need the hanyou's help. All it did was put him to shame in front of Kagome. He had probably done it on purpose.

He had this.

He ignored the raised hair on his arms that had yet to go down despite the fighting having ended hours ago.

It didn't matter. It was over.

He could take these guys down without help from anyone. He would protect Kagome, no matter the cost.

-P-

"He's fine."

"Yeah, he's fine."

"It's Kouga."

"Kouga knows how to handle himself."

"Yeah, he wouldn't get hurt."

"Never."

Kagome tried to ignore Ginta and Hakkaku's nervous rambling while she stared ahead at the open road. Kouga had left a while ago, saying he would do a perimeter check. He said he'd be right back. Except, he had been gone a long time and she couldn't even feel his jewel shards. He was far. He wouldn't go far. Something was wrong. There was a knot in the pit of her stomach, a dreaded feeling assuring her that her instincts were right. Something had happened. She wanted to leap down the road, but she knew better than to venture too far without Inuyasha or Kouga. She could hold her own, but - these…men… they weren't like most of their enemies. They were deadly.

Though that only made her want to find Kouga more. What if they had gotten to him? Trapped him while he was all alone? Maybe he was laying somewhere, hurt, bleeding out and no one would come for him.

Zing!

It hit her like ton of bricks; jewel shards - Kouga's jewel shards.

Her heart rose to her throat as she stretched on her tippy-toes like it would enable her to see further.

Ginta's nose twitched, and he furrowed his eyebrows. "Inuyasha?"

Wait - what?

"Blood, a lot of blood," Hakkaku pitched in.

Before she could blink, both wolf youkais were racing in direction of Kouga and Kagome followed suit - although her speed was much slower. It took a moment for her to catch up, but when she did; she stopped dead in her tracks. Inuyasha was running towards them, an unconscious Kouga on his back. Though she couldn't see much of him, it was hard to miss the blood dripping from his body. Her lips parted, her jaw slacking as her fingers crisped into fists. Oh god. It took Inuyasha no time before he standing in front of them and then, he slowly slid Kouga off of his back and onto the ground.

"W-what happened?" Kagome asked as she threw herself on her knees.

"Ginkotsu and Renkotsu," he spat out. "He was already like this when I got there." He had smelled the blood, heard the fight, and he had gotten there as fast as he could, but it hadn't been fast enough… "Can you guys carry him?"

"Yes, why?"

"Because they're not done. We gotta get him somewhere safe before they find us."

Ginta and Hakkaku nodded before they scrambled to the ground to pick him up.

Inuyasha rushed to Kagome's side, picking her up before she had time to get back up. "Inuyasha, wait. I haven't even checked his injuries yet!"

"No time," he growled. "If we wait any longer, he's gonna be dead."

He felt her nod as she held on to him, positioning herself on his back. The fact that he wasn't even throwing a tantrum was enough to let her know the situation was serious.

"Follow me," he barked at the wolves before dashing away.

-P-

The night had fallen hours ago, but Kagome hadn't been able to bring herself to sleep. She had tried, but after hours of tossing and turning; she had given up. She had walked away from the group to isolate herself at the edge of the forest. She was sitting in her pyjamas, her rear on the cold grass, her hands wrapped around her knees. It had all happened so fast, she still couldn't wrap her head around it. First, they had hidden Kouga away in a cave. The plan had been to fight the enemy, but Inuyasha had decided otherwise. He had left her trapped in there with the wolves, taking them on his own.

What a stupid decision.

As if that hadn't been enough, he had left her his firerat robe - the one that protected him from the fire. It could have gotten killed. She thought he had died, Kouga thought he had died… The relief that had washed over her when she realized he was alive… She was still trembling from it…

Sango and Miroku hadn't come back yet and she could only hope that they were safe…

"Can I?"

The deep sound of Kouga's voice caused her to jump and forced her to clutch at her chest. She tilted her head backwards, spotting Kouga standing a meter behind her. "Yeah."

He sat next to her, leaving a bit of distance between their bodies. "Ya alright?"

She nodded.

He'd seen it. Heck, anyone would have seen it. Every time he closed his eyes he saw it; Kagome rushing into Inuyasha's arms. The worst part? He couldn't have wished the muttface hadn't lived. He didn't want him to die. He was mad as heck, he hated the way he strung Kagome along, but… he couldn't die. Anyway, if Inuyasha died… Kagome might never recover from it. She'd been so broken when she thought he was dead. He never wanted to see that look on her face again. He was to blame for that. He hadn't been able to help. Inuyasha had gone out there - alone - because of him. At least he had the decency to protect Kagome.

Kouga would have done the same.

He would have gladly put his life at risk to protect Kagome.

Except, he hadn't been the one to do it. Inuyasha had stepped up.

And he looked like a fool again.

"Are you okay?" she asked, taking in his injuries. He was conscious. It was a start. He looked beat up, but he looked better than he had earlier. He had scared her. She thought she was going to lose him too. She thought she was going to lose everyone.

"Meh, I can barely feel it," he said, a grin on his face. It hurt when he breathed. But she didn't need to know that.

"Mmm hmm."

"Don't buy it?"

She shook her head.

"Yeah…" he said, palming at his neck.

"You should be resting."

"So should you."

"I'm fine."

"Kagome-"

"I just need a minute. Please."

He nodded, tearing his eyes from her. That one little word was enough to squeeze his heart. If he was better, she wouldn't be so heartbroken right now.

Guilty. He felt guilty.

Guilty enough that he didn't pay attention to the twitches coming from Inuyasha. He was on edge - on edge like he was about to do something reckless…

-P-

Broken.

That was how Inuyasha had looked.

He looked broken beyond repair. Why shouldn't he? He had lost the woman he loved twice. She couldn't even wrap her head around how it had ended up here. Naraku had returned - stronger than ever - and he had snatched away all the shards. Then Kouga had almost died, but Inuyasha had saved him. More than that; the two of them worked together to make it out alive. It should have been a good idea. They should have walked away from this stronger, but instead… instead Naraku had played them. By the time his real intentions were revealed, it was too late. He had already killed Kikyo.

There was nothing they could do.

There was nothing she could say to take away Inuyasha's pain.

She was useless. He lost the love of his life, and she couldn't help him.

Worst of all. Somewhere deep inside of her… she was jealous.

Inuyasha had lost Kikyo, and there she was, making it about herself.

It hadn't been intentional. But the love he had for her - she knew he loved her, she knew how much. After all, he had been willing to die for her. But to see it? It was something else entirely. Kikyo was his whole world. Kikyo was his everything. He loved her so much that there wasn't space for anyone else in his heart. It was her - all her. Every drop of love he had, was directed to her.

And now she was gone…

-P-

She was an idiot.

She was worse than an idiot; she was a selfish idiot.

Her jealousy had led her into danger, and she had put the lives of those she cared about in danger as well. She'd allowed them to use her jealousy to control her… An infant, a creation of Naraku had controlled her using that… As if everyone hadn't suffered enough… now she had added to their plates. And Inuyasha? He felt guilty - guilty that he had harboured the hope that Kikyo was alive, and that he hadn't been there for her. But they both knew the truth; no matter the situation, if he ever heard that someone out there had seen her… he'd go running. Because he loved Kikyo. Not Kagome. Kikyo.

And she was jealous of that fact.

Because she loved him.

All the feelings she had ignored, all the truths she had pushed aside. They had come rushing back and she had been forced to face them. She had to face the ugly truth about herself. She hated herself for being jealous. He had never lied, he had never made any promises and yet, like a fool, she had held on hope. Hope that one day, maybe, he might look at her the way she looked at him. She was wrong. That kind of love? It didn't go away. It would never fade. He might forget one day, he might move on, but - he'd always love her, he'd always think about her. He never got closure.

Her breathing intensified, and she clutched at the tree trunk, trying to calm herself. Tears burned at her eyes, feeling the bile rise her throat. She wanted it to be over. She wanted to forget today. She wanted to get rid of the shame, rid of the awful feelings she had allowed to take over.

"Kagome."

His voice was soft, a mere whisper. It was trembling. It was kind.

It was Kouga.

It wasn't the jewel shards in his legs that gave him away. She knew from his voice. Because Inuyasha would never chase her. Kouga would - but Inuyasha wouldn't. She wanted to turn around, run into his arms. She wanted to feel comfort and warmth. Maybe Inuyasha would have hugged her earlier when he wrongfully apologized for not being there - but she didn't want to do that. She didn't want him to see how broken she was because it wasn't his fault. Kouga would hug her. She knew that. But she couldn't let him. She couldn't do that to him. She knew what his future self said; she knew what he kept telling her; that they were friends. But deep down… he couldn't have completely ignored his crush. She refused to hurt him; she refused to give him hope where there was none.

She knew firsthand how much that hurt.

So she stayed still.

Because she couldn't forgive herself if she hurt him.

Except she couldn't stay here. Because Kouga was relentless. He wouldn't let her cry. He wouldn't leave her alone.

"I-I have to g-go."

She'd borrow Kirara. She'd go home.

Away from everyone.

Almost everyone.

-P-

The sight of familiar blue eyes broke her.

He had been there, waiting for her. He'd been sitting on the edge of the well, peering down. The second she had looked up, he had jumped down. He had stared at her, not a word passing his lips. He didn't need to talk. She might not have allowed herself to be vulnerable with his past self, but she didn't have to be as guarded with him. She wouldn't break his heart. She wouldn't give him false hope. She could let go. She had almost decided not to - for the sake of preserving her sanity. But, where the eyes had broken her, the arms had finished her. The feel of strong arms wrapping around her body had been more than she could bear.

So she melted into his arms. Tears pouring out as if they would never end.

And he didn't say a word. He held her, right there at the bottom of the well. A large hand had caressed her hair, calmed the shaking of her body as she cried her heart out.

"I l-love hi-him," she croaked between sobs.

"I know."

"He lo-loves her."

"I know."

It was pointless to mention it. They both knew. They knew the truth of the situation. She wanted it said. One last time. She needed to get it out. Because she had to come back a different person. She'd keep her promise, like she always said. She'd stay by his side. He would need a friend more than ever. But that what she needed to be. A friend. She had to reel her heart back in. The story of her first love wasn't a happy one, it didn't get a happy ending. She had to close this chapter. For her own sake and his. Because he was heartbroken and he'd need someone.

And she really wanted to be that someone - that friend that helped him.

But she couldn't do that if she was mending a broken heart herself.

She had to let go of Inuyasha because… he would never let go of Kikyo.

-P-