Hola! Muchas Gracias to all my reviewers (the few). Here's another one- shot. Note to anyone who gets writer's block: write up a few one-shots. They're great for letting the creative juices flow back through your veins!
Ok, here's my view on this one: if Kouga really loves Kagome, I think in the end he'll give her up since he'll want the best for her. And since the best for her is obviously Inuyasha.
Oh yeah, I do not own Inuyasha nor do I take credit for the beautiful jazz song in here.authoress' words act as a barrier against all oncoming lawyers and protect her quite empty piggy bank

Goodbye

By Mya Karnin, i.e. gatogirl

The music gently floated through the air, leaving a path of serenity wherever it touched. It danced through firefly lit meadows, played in the branches of giant evergreens, and wafted around the highest of mountain peaks. After having filled the whole world with beauty, it came to rest at the mouth of a cave where signs of young life were popping up through the cracks of a dead past. It came to rest in the ear of a wolf, sitting away from a blazing fire and the few voices that echoed in the cavern. Leaning his head back to catch the strains of music, he sighed. Unable to resist the lure of the melody, he stepped outside into the twilight.

The music was clearer out here; no longer obstructed by the sounds inside the cave, it expounded and thrived outside in the wild of the night. Drinking in the happy song, his own thoughts turned to a sadder tune.

'Goodbye, no use leaving with our chins.

This is how our story ends, never lovers, ever friends.'

Shaking his head to dislodge the haunting lyrics, he turned his head toward the source of the music. There was no help for it. No matter how many times he tried to tell himself to stay away, he couldn't resist the lure of the memory of old times and faces.

In a heartbeat, he was away. No longer the speed demon he used to be, his pace still astounded the heavens that watched from above. The night backed down and allowed the figure to pass, letting him follow his heart and ears. The music was his guide; no scent or winking star led him tonight.

Finally, he reached the outskirts of a small village, unspecial in any way. That is, except that it was lit up in a way that spit in the faces of hard times and death that seemed to exist in every other village for miles around. His eyes traced gently over the happy picture before him, before alighting to the figure and face of a lovely woman.

'Goodbye, let our hearts call it a day.'

His heart wrenched for a moment seeing her happiness was shared with another. His heart crying out words that he wished never had been said and more that should have been said. Sweet nothings and promises that could now only be offered as a belated gift. In his moment of despair and weakness, his eyes burst out with silent tears that could no longer be dammed back.

'But before you walk away, I sincerely want to say:

I wish you bluebirds, in the spring.

To give your heart, a song to sing.'

Inuyasha's nose caught a scent that didn't belong at this happy occasion. Checking on his glowing companion for a moment, he scanned the crowd and then the surrounding darkness. Amber eyes stopped on a lonely figure away from happiness' warmth.

Feeling someone's gaze, the lonely wolf's eyes jerked up and caught the staring offender. A quick swipe of a clawed hand brushed off the telling wetness. A moment, then several passed between the two. The figure in the dark bowed slightly, as if presenting his staring partner a great gift and responsibility. A small weight fell off his chest, knowing that even though his love was not with him, she was where she was happiest.

'And then a kiss, but more than this, I wish you love.

My breaking heart and I agree, that you and I could never be.

So with my best, my very best, I set you free.'

Inuyasha watched as the dark frame bent and then straightened again. He watched as the lone wolf in his own world of darkness bowed his head over a deep red rose and with all the passion of a long-lost love, kissed its fragrant petals. He saw the wolf silently tread to a mountain of gifts and then lay the passion-colored rose among the other more simple and serviceable items. Catching his eye again, Inuyasha slightly bowed his head to the wolf.

For the first time that night, Kouga smiled. The two now looked at each other as brothers, or at least no longer mortal enemies, sharing a happy moment. A thought passing through the wolf's mind also momentarily crossed his face. He raised his eyebrow at the hanyou, with a look that threatened a long and painful torture if anything ever happened to the delicate, smiling girl, who chatted on, completely unaware of the exchange that was going on.

'I wish you shelter from the storm, a cozy fire, to keep you warm.

But most of all, when snowflakes fall, I wish you love.'

Preparing to leave, Kouga was taken by surprise when Inuyasha waved a hand to him, indicating he should join the lit-up spectacle. Incredulous that Inuyasha would share the moment with his long-time rival, he hesitated. But at Inuyasha's continued encouragement, his apprehension vanished.

"Hey, don't I get to give the second kiss to the newlywed bride?" Grinning roguishly at surprised faces, he stepped out of the night to join the smiling couple.

A/N: Ha ha! With Kouga free from any distractions, he'll come running to me! Ah.another happily ever after.drools at the thought