Disclaimer: Is it really necessary to write this?……..Oh it is. Ok. Whatever. I don't own Inuyasha. There happy now?
A/N: This chapter should be more interesting. It takes an even deeper view on our favorite couple's thoughts and it might even introduce the primary conflict. Yeah! But I'm not gonna tell you what it is. So don't ask.
Reason to Live
Ch.3 Internal Demons
Inuyasha woke with a start. He sensed someone approaching. He looked down at Kagome's sleeping face to see that she was still sleeping peacefully. How long have we been asleep? Who is that coming? Then Inuyasha visibly relaxed. That's Kaede's scent. She must be looking for us.
"Inuyasha! Kagome!" Kagome opened her eyes slowly just as Kaede walked into the clearing.
"I hope I'm not disturbing you two", said Kaede impishly. Inuyasha and Kagome turned a deep red. Kagome braced herself for being pushed away. But for once Inuyasha didn't push her away. He stood up and helped her to her feet.
"I have been looking everywhere for you two. I knew Miroku, Sango, and Shippo knew where you were, but they wouldn't tell me. I was actually shocked that they weren't spying on you.
Inuyasha raised an eyebrow at her. "They were spying on us for a minute or two, but then they left." Kagome looked at him in shock.
"Don't look at me like that. I knew they couldn't hear what I was saying so I just ignored them till they left."
Kagome glared at him. "OH REALLY! And what would you have done if they could hear you! Would you just push me away and deny everything like you normally would!"
Inuyasha was about to make a retort but stopped suddenly and bowed his head toward the ground in shame. So. Kagome thought. He would have denied it. When will he not be afraid to show his feelings to others? Does he not realize how humiliating it is for him to push me away? It's so painful.
"I'm so sorry Kagome", Inuyasha whispered so lightly she could barely hear him.
"I'm sorry for when I hurt you in the past and pushed you away. I'm sorry for being afraid to tell you how I feel."
Kagome looked at his stricken face. Then she turned to realize that Kaede was still standing there. He's apologizing!? In front of Kaede no less. He was afraid. He's admitting his feelings in front of an audience. Kagome looked at his sad face and smiled. No, he wouldn't have pushed me away this time.
"Inuyasha, arigato." Kagome ran to him and embraced him.
Inuyasha smiled and wrapped his arms around her.
"I think you two should return to the village. Everyone has been looking for you. I'm sure your friends would also like to learn of what transpired here."
"Yes let's go back", said Kagome quietly as she freed herself from Inuyasha's embrace. She was sill smiling but looked as if she was thinking really hard. Almost as if she was hit with a lingering doubt. "Inuyasha cares for me. He has admitted it. And deep inside I already knew, but what if he still has feelings for Kikyo. I love him so much. I know he cares for me, but what if he can't return my feelings because Kikyo still holds a place in his heart. As long as Inuyasha holds feelings for Kikyo, he will have my heart, but I will not have his.
"Kagome, what's wrong." Inuyasha looked at her with concern written all over his face.
"Oh it's nothing. I am just tired." Kagome looked at him. "Inuyasha, how are you going to help Kikyo put her soul to rest? And how are you going to find her."
Inuyasha turned to look intently at Kagome. "I don't know, Kagome. I'll just have to cross that bridge when I get to it." Kagome looked down and turned away. Then Inuyasha came to a realization. She is worried about my feelings for Kikyo. I really want to tell her that now my feelings for Kikyo are just that I want her to be at peace. I want to tell her that…..I love her. Inuyasha looked at Kagome. She still appeared sad and weary but she was holding herself with strength. Yes, I love her. I love her strength of will. I love her sweet and trusting nature. I love how she makes me fell whole. But I can't tell her yet. When everything with Kikyo is resolved, then I will tell her. I can't make that commitment to her yet. I maybe strong but Kikyo has beaten me before. What if she succeeds in taking me to hell with her against my will? I can't give Kagome hope of us living happily ever after, when there is still a chance I may be taken away. Kagome looked up at Inuyasha. He smiled at her with all his feelings reflecting in his eyes. Hold on Kagome. I won't let my guard down this time. Kikyo won't get me that easily. When this is over you will have no doubt that I love you.
At that moment Inuyasha looked up to see an arrow flying towards him and Kagome.
"INUYASHA!!"
A/N: Gomen Gomen. I know it's short. Anyways………… Ha Ha Cliffy. *giggles* I know I said it would be introduced but I did not say I would tell you exactly what it was. You'll just have to wait. The sooner you review the sooner I'll update. Oh my little sister has submitted her fan fiction. It's called The Chaotic Youth. Her pen name is Sakurabell. I think. You all should read it. It's funny. Anyways see ya soon. Luv ya ^ ^