Kikyo was rendered speechless by the hanyou's words. Her mouth opened, but no words seemed to come out. Finally after several moments she spoke softly, "I can't blame.. the way you feel... so be it Inu Yasha. I suppose this is farewell."

"Mmm. I'm sorry Kikyo, I know.. I promised to-"

"Forget it. It can't be changed.. just forget.. Inu Yasha.. I've told you, you can't change the way you feel. No one can, but you. But I'm sure you want to keep that feeling."

Inu Yasha nodded slowly.

The miko smiled weakly at him, and then said her final words, "I could never hate you.. never.."

The remaining souls drifted away from her lifeless body, and Inu Yasha watched as they flew into the air, finally parting into the afterlife. Kikyo's body was now a complete shell made of soil. Using his special attack, the demon made a formal burial. Lifting her gently into his arms, he placed her down onto the dug up earth. Glancing down for the final time at Kikyo, he began to cover her with the dirt that was piled up.

'Goodbye, Kikyo.. rest in peace..'

Inu Yasha sat in a moment of silence, but his legs began to wander. He didn't even know where he was going until he saw her... Kagome. She was kneeling by the river side, tossing rocks into the water. Ripples of different sizes appeared within the water. Looking up to the pair of golden eyes she whispered, "I thought.. you were.. dead.. with Kikyo.. in hell."

Nodding, the half-youkai took a seat beside the black haired girl. "I've decided that I want to stay here.. with you."

"Why would you? You've chosen with Kikyo.."

"I did.. before. But now's it's different."

"Different, how?"

"It's different, because I love you, Kagome.. and even though i try to deny it, the though still returns. Kagome, you're all I think about now-a-days."

Kagome gaped at him. The words seemed unreal to her.

"Nani?"

"I want to .. be with you Kagome... only you."

"Inu Yasha.. you can't just.. you can't. You can't just tell me your with Kikyo, and then the next second say you love me. It doesn't work that way. It can't.. "

"Why not? You said.. you wanted to be with me.. before..."

"Yes but.." Kagome started.

"But what? I don't understand, if we both want to be with one another.. why..? Why?.."

"I'm not sure.. how do I know that your feelings for Kikyo.. won't come back?"

"they won't. I can't tell you how they won't.. you have to believe.. and have faith in me.. that it won't..

please understand, Kagome.. that all i want is you.. no kikyo, no one else.. no one.. except you."

Kagome looked away from his eyes. Never had she heard such words. 'Should I believe his words? Should.. I be with him.. it was what I wanted.. all this time.. and it is still..'

"I- I don't kn-"

She was interrupted when a pair of soft lips sealed her words. It was a tender kiss, as their lips moved in synchronization. It was also a motion of love, as they held each other, never wanting to let go. As each second of passion passed between the newly couple. Slight giggling was head near by, of course Inu Yasha and Kagome didn't here, but the voices were still there.

Grinning, a few meters away two human shadows sat quietly, restraining their excitement. "It's finally happening Sango, Inu Yasha and Kagome have finally gotten together."

Sango nodded with joy. "Yeah, it's been a while hasn't it?"

"Well, it has been a while for us." Miroku smiled, slowly putting his arm around her waist. Sango flushed instantly. Miroku slowly tilted her head so her eyes would meet his and then he slowly brushed his lips on hers. Before they could enjoy the blissful moment a rustling in the bushes startled the two.

"Kiara and I have been looking for you guys!! Where have you been?!" Shippo exclaimed.

Miroku placed a finger on his lips, and pointed towards the newly couple. Shippo's eyes widened with excitement, "YAY, Kagome and Inu Yasha, have finally gotten together. Those two were really stubborn!! If they just admitted they liked each other in the first place, we wouldn't be-"

"Shippo, keep your voice down," Miroku warned, "They could hear us."

The kitsune quickly covered his mouth, his excitement had made him forget, where he was.

Out in the vast distance, Kagome pushed Inu Yasha away, as her air supply grew short. "What's wrong?" he asked. "Air.. need.. air.." she gasped. "Feh, humans." he retorted back.

Kagome smiled, "Inu Yasha.. I want to be with you to.. and I'm glad that we're together.. but.." she paused, switching facades.

"but what?"

Kagome made a fist, ".... Sit."

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Well, that wraps it up for this fic. I'd like to thank everyone who took the time in reviewing this, and everyone who read it. Hope you enjoyed!