Coming Clean

No one knew where he was.  They had watched him leave as soon as camp was set up and hadn't seen him since.  The campfire had burned down to ash, leaving them in darkness, but still he did not return.  The whole affair had made them tired and everyone had finally curled up in there bedrolls falling asleep, save for one person.

Kagome's blue eyes seemed to glow in the moons rays as she stared into the sky with her arms crossed beneath her head inside her sleeping-bag.  She had been waiting as well, but not for the reasons everyone else had.  I can't hide anymore; it hurts too much.  Just screw it all. I'll tell him tonight.  I can't keep it a secret forever.

She lifted her head slightly, peering over Shippou who was curled up on top of her stomach fast asleep.  As usual, Miroku was outstretched close to Sango with his wandering hands twitching every so often, and Sango with her boomerang near enough for comfort so she could reach it.  They all slept soundly in their bedrolls and not one seemed to look as though they were going to wake any time soon.

Ever so slowly, Kagome slipped out of her bag, and at the sound of Shippou's whimpering, quickly shoved her pillow inside as replacement for her body.

Standing now, the cool night air gave her little chills on her arms and legs, and the atmosphere had a hint of spring flowers in the wind.  Their camp had been set up in a small clearing incased by trees.  The crickets and other bugs seemed to be plentiful in this area with their night singing, ashuring Kagome of no immediate danger.

Shoving her shivers away at the loss of warmth, she began to walk outside of camp in search of her hanyou, being sure to grab her bow and arrows in case of an emergency.  Kagome's eyes wanted to see everything, scanning the trees and even the underbrush while trudging through the maze of trees.

Time passed quickly and still she had not seen him.  Kagome was lost, and she didn't even know it.  Yet, her search was never ending.

As she raised her head to peak between branches once more, her foot was snagged by an upturned root, making her already precarious balance tip.  Being caught by surprise, she didn't have enough time to turn herself correctly for her to land on her hands, but landed on her side, the full force of the fall knocking the air from her lungs and she squeezed her eyes shut against the pain.

Unknown to Kagome was the fact that she had inadvertently walked right on top of a very steep hill; in this case of events, she began to roll down, gaining momentum and adding new bruises to her already battered body.  In her continuous spin, drops of blood fell from her lips; she had bitten it so as not to call the attention of any youkai in the area in her painful drop.

Reaching the bottom, her body was greeted by a pool of water, which rolled straight into it.  The water was cold, but crystal clear as Kagome reopened her eyes.  She saw a flash of silver from the corner of her eye, but ignored it as the need for air overwhelmed her and she began her ascent to the top of the pool.  Breaking through the surface she gasped for air, answering the hunger that screamed in her lungs.

Using her aching limbs, she swam to the edge and pulled herself out of the freezing water.  She shivered as a gust of wind hit her soaking clothes that now stuck to her slim form.  Turning, she checked the area and saw the moonlight reflected off familiar silver hair and amber eyes.  Blushing furiously, she forced herself to spin before she could ogle at him.  Inuyasha!

"Um…Inuyasha, I have something I need to tell you."  She could feel his gaze burning into her back and heard the swish of water, but quickly added, "Please stay where you are."  The sloshing immediately stopped.  "And please don't say anything.  I might not be able to speak if I see or even hear you."

Waiting a couple of seconds, all the noise that met her ears was that of the insects singing happily and the sound of breathing.  Okay, I can do this.  I have to do this.

Kagome took a deep breath and began her explanation.  "I know you probably think I'm just a stupid girl."  She laughed at herself.  "You're probably right, but that's not what I want to talk about."  She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest for warmth.  "I'm probably just your shard detector, but I can't think of you as just a companion.  I can't get you out of my head.  Maybe I'm just a lovesick fool or maybe it's just infatuation."  She shrugged her shoulders to herself.  "I don't know, but if you tell me you can't love me back, I'll understand.  I'll understand if…you still love Kikyou.  But I can't keep this inside me anymore.  Everyday is a battle just to look at you.  Please give me an answer, any answer.  I'll leave you alone if you want and I won't speak another word of it."  Just for emphasis she added, "I'll even work extra hard for that last shard so you won't have to be near me anymore."

She was breathing in quick pants after her speech.  She realized she was trembling, but not just from cold; fear gripped her like a vice and didn't feel like it wanted to release her anytime soon.  Her eyes had shut against the rejection she knew was coming.

She heard splashes behind her as he moved toward her, and her body went ridged.  The crunch of pebbles cam next and she just wanted to sink into the Earth and disappear.  Seconds later, she felt the warmth of his breath on her neck, sending shivers down her spine.  An arm snaked around her, pulling against the solid wall of his chest.

Is he…accepting me?  This is what I've wanted, but I'm not sure if he's sincere or not.  Stop thinking that way!  He's holding you, isn't he?

Kagome let her barriers drop as she leaned back, a small smile on her lips when her head settled itself onto a strong shoulder.  This is right.  It feels so right.  Warm, gentle lips pressed against hers, fitting perfectly to her own.  She turned her body, molding it to his, never removing her lips.

"Kagome!  Sesshoumaru!"

Good, bad, downright UGLY?!?!  Tell me…I'm in desperate need of people with fresh ideas and a good imagination, which means EVERYONE.  My brain has run away and I have to find it, but while I'm gone guess what I want?  ****REVIEW, REVIEW, REVIEW**** get the picture? ^^