It had been weeks since the battle with Naraku and the hanyou and miko reincarnate hadn't spoken too each other much. Once in a while, Inu yasha would attempt to strike up a type of conversation with the young woman but she would always walk away. Sango would occasionally find Kagome in the forest, face red and eyes puffy. She knew why and never commented, she would only hug her and comfort her, the way a best friend should. Even when traveling, Kagome kept her distance from the dog half-breed, either opting to walk far behind or ride with Sango on Kirara, no matter if Inu Yasha offered her a ride or not. She knew he felt guilty but she didn't care. She forgave him but she couldn't face him, not yet. And Inu Yasha in turn did feel incredibly guilty and even woeful at times, but he pretended as if her coldness towards him didn't bother him at all although in truth he was near insanity because of it. And everybody knew about what was going on and did not bother them, not even Shippo but he did still sleep on Kagome's stomach at night because he knew it comforted her somewhat.
So in short, Kagome kept to herself and Inu yasha kept to himself. Neither one spoke to one another and both spoke to the others rarely. And then, things got worse.
On a very bleak and cold night, as the rain poured down, Inu Yasha could not sleep. It was not because of the rain, he had slept through worse, but something was eating at his heart. Something other than guilt. Frustratedly, he leapt out of his tree and landed softly, making sure not to wake any of the others, especially not Kagome. He walked into the forest, for what reason he did not know. He continued to walk until he came upon a small pond. He sat down and took off his drenched haori and rung it out before setting it beside himself. He looked into the pond and realized that he was not alone. The reflection of a woman shone in the water before him. At first he thought it to be Kikyo but realized that it couldn't be for the woman did not have the miko's attire. The reflection was wrinkled do to the rain and he couldn't make out the features. If it wasn't Kikyo, it had to be Kagome right? He stared harder and knew in an instant...it wasn't her. 'Of course not, you idiot. Kagome's angry at you, why would she care where you went off to?' He sighed and turned.
"What do you want, Sango?" Sango had a scowl on her face and had her arms crossed. Her clothes were drenched and her hair was stuck to her face, but she still looked pretty despite it all.
She scoffed, "It took you long enough. I thought you'd have been able to smell my scent the second I arrived." He glared at her.
"The scent of rain blocked my senses. Now answer my question, what do you want? Is there a reason you're following me so late at night and in the rain."
"I want to know why you did it."
He rolled his eyes, not in the mood to guess a riddle. "Did what?"
"Why'd you say what you said to Kagome?"
"Ugh, heavens! I don't have time for this!" He stood and snatched up his haori, slinging it over his shoulder. He began to walk away only to find that he couldn't. A certain exterminator was standing in his way. He attempted to walk around her but again, she blocked his way. He exclaimed with frustration, "Will you move!?"
She shook her head firmly, "Not until you answer my question."
"Why do you want to know!? It happened weeks ago!"
"You're point being?" She raised her eye brow in question. In turn he narrowed his eyes and walked back to the pond. He sat down and he scowled when she sat beside him.
"Look, I'm Kagome's friend and when my friends get hurt, emotionally or physically, I want to find a way to change it. A friend protects a friend, you know? So, that's kind of why I want to know exactly why you said what you said." She explained, losing her foul expression.
"I see..." He looked at her, intending to tell her that she won't get crap out of him but decided against it upon seeing her serious expression. "The truth is, I didn't intend to say that to her. In my rage, it just came out is all. I didn't want to make her sad."
Sango nodded. "So, you couldn't even apologize to her?"
Inu Yasha glared at her. " No, I couldn't. What would be the point anyway? She hates me and after what I said to her, I doubt she'll ever forgive me!"
"Do you care if she does?" She asked softly, looking into his eyes. He was startled by the question and for a moment he didn't answer. Then,
"Yes, I do."
"Did you mean what you said, even if you didn't intend to say it?"
"What is this?! Twenty questions!?"
"Just answer that question!"
"Fine!" He was silent again and Sango got rather annoyed.
"Well?!"
"I don't know."
"You don't know whether or not you meant what you said?"
"Yes. If I did mean what I said, then I can assure you that I wouldn't have said it in such a rude way."
"I see." She was silent for a moment as well, trying to choose the right words to say to him. "Do you love her? Kikyo, I mean."
He looked at her with all sincerity and spoke without hesitation. "Always." She nodded, sadly.
"Do you love...Kagome?" He didn't answer and she could tell he had no intention of doing so. She sighed and stood. She began to walk away but before she left him completely she turned, ever so slightly to look at him. "Inu Yasha..." He didn't turn so she continued. "You're wrong. Kagome will always forgive you. You have no idea how much she cares about you and I'm afraid that you never will. Good night, Inu Yasha." And with that she was gone.
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Poor Inu Yasha, why can't he figure things out on his own? Bet you didn't think Sango would show up, huh? Anyway, I've been on vacation so that's why I haven't updated as of late. So I know this is rather short but it's not incredibly short. Tell me what you think okay? Peace!
-Priestess Exterminator Sango
