Kagome quickened her pace and ran back to the well. She winced as she did this, thinking to her self, "I…I always let myself feel this way…why…."
She found the well and leaned on the edge, looking in at the dark mysterious void within. All she had to do was make one swift jump…and the night would be over, but is that what she really wanted?
The night sky began to brighten, the dark velvet color of the sky began to fade into a brilliant aqua. The stars faded slowly and rich golden splendor poured over the horizon line. It was sunrise already, the night was already behind her.
Inu-Yasha ran to her but stopped abruptly and looked on silently, the morning breeze blowing through his long wild white hair. He bit his lip and looked on guiltily. "Is she, going to leave…Is it my fault?"
Kagome was leaning against the side of the well by her palms, her arms shaking. Her previous thought came back to haunt her.
"I let myself feel this way…no. I…can't help it…"
She lowered her head and a single tear traced down her pale cheek. The glorious light from the rising sun caught her tear, illuminating it, making it sparkle like a drop of pure gold. She prepared to jump into the well, lowering her head and whispering her one last thought.
"I can't help it that, I feel this way about you…Love…and you don't even seem to know…"
Kagome's voice was so barely audible that human ears wouldn't have been able to hear what she said, but Inu-Yasha heard every word. His jaw dropped in shock after hearing her heart's silent confession and he ducked behind the large tree that faced the well.
"Sh…She loves me! But…why? Why didn't I see it?"
He froze and thought back to the times they had spent together finding jewel shards. He thought about all the times Kagome had smiled at him, the times she tended his wounds from battle…memories of when she shed tears for him…risked her life to stay by his side. He nodded solemnly and more memories flooded his mind…recollections of every time he fought with her…and all the tension between them. He winced as he remembered all the things he said to her in the past…
"Feh. You make me retch!"
"Are you…an IDIOT or something?!"
"Shut up Kagome!"
"Fine! Go home! SEE IF I CARE!"
"I'm tired of rescuing you all the time!"
"How…", Inu-Yasha muttered in shock…"How could you put up with that so long, Kagome? Was it that…you loved me all this time?"
He shot a look at the well from behind the tree. Kagome still leaned over the edge. She seemed to be fighting an emotional battle on whether she should stay or leave. She pulled on leg over the edge. "Goodbye, Inu-Yasha." She sighed, lifting her other leg over and sitting on the edge, ready to drop in.
"Kagome!!"
"Huh?!"
She sniffed through tears and turned to see Inu-Yasha running to her from his hiding place. He grabbed onto her shoulders
"Kagome…I can't let you go!"
"How long..", she sniffed, "How long have you been here?"
He lowed his head and said nothing.
Kagome nodded and turned around, sitting on the edge of the well but now facing him.
She cried through her tears, raising her voice with mixed emotions. "So You were SPYING on me! Maybe I should leave!"
Inu-Yasha winced at her words, they appeared to hurt him deeply.
"I won't fight with you anymore, Kagome. Leave if you want."
He brought his hand to her face, tracing her chin with his index finger and lifting her face to look at him. Bright green leaves shone with dew on the trees, glittering in the light. The sun now rose above the horizon and peeked through passionate crimson clouds, the glowing gold hue of the sun matching the brilliance of Inu-Yasha's eyes.
It was painful for Kagome to look at him when she felt this way. She longed to yell out how she felt, she wanted to tell him but couldn't find the courage.
She removed his kimono and offered it to him slowly.
"This is what this is about, isn't it…" She sighed. "Well you can have it back, I don't need it anymore."
He pulled his hand away and took the kimono from her.
"No, Kagome. That's not what this is about."
He joined her on the well, sitting next to her and facing the sunrise. The light from the sunrise made her glow in an almost other-worldly way. Her long black hair blew in the wind, gleaming in the sun.
"Then, what is this about?…", she whispered, gazing up into his eyes.
"This."
He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers lightly, breathing deeply and letting his passion escape in that one gentle kiss.
She closed her eyes and returned the kiss, lifting her delicate hand to touch his face. For that moment all time seemed to stop completely. Maybe it was the power of their emotions or perhaps it was the connection they shared, a connection that seemed to transcend the forces of time.
The kiss was light but electric, warm, loving. He pulled back from her and brushed his hand over her cheek, wiping away her tears.
"Kagome.", he whispered softly. "I could never tell you before but…I…"
She gazed up at him, shocked and entranced by his affection.
"Do you really feel…the same way for me…Inu-Yasha…"
"I've never trusted anyone before you, Kagome", he whispered, struggling to put his feelings into words. "Kagome…When you're by my side, my spirit is calm. You mean more to me…than any words can say."
Kagome gasped as Inu-Yasha leaned forward and wrapped her in his arms. He nestled his head on her should and whispered…very gently…four words that only Kagome would hear.
"I've always loved you."
"Inu-Yasha…", Kagome pulled away and looked at him lovingly, lightly blushing. "I…I…"
"I love you too, Inu-Yasha."
* * * * *
He leaned in to kiss her once more but she jumped up abruptly, a stressful look on her face.
"Oh…I didn't notice how late in the morning it is!! I didn't even tell anyone that I left! What if I'm not allowed to return?!"
"Eh? What is it?"
She smiled at him and babbled nervously, "Oh! It's nothing! I just have to get back is all…well, see you Inu-Yasha!" She turned to leave, worried thoughts coming to mind.
"What if I lose my privileges to visit the Feudal Era?…I should have been back hours ago!"
"Kagome.."
She stopped when she hear his voice. Inu-Yasha was looking at her questioningly.
"Is she leaving because I kissed her…."
"Kagome…", he began, standing then walking towards her. He placed her hands in his and looked into her eyes.
"Will you come back and see me again?"
She felt her knees weaken as she retuned his gaze.
"Yes… I will."
He nodded and let her go, watching Kagome approach the well and smile before jumping down.
"I promise, Inu-Yasha."
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Well, looks like I'll end the story with the next chapter ^-^ What will happen next? Hmm….*plots*
As promised, cookies to all who saw this coming! (April-Chan and Chibi-Manny) Hope you like chocolate chip!
Oh, and I almost forgot…I have that alternate ending coming up so there are *two* chapters left!
I'll get those done ASAP J
Mata ne!
-Ryosei