Shayril: Hiya! I'm back with more.
Kalika and Kagome: YAY!
Navi and Dragonwing: (Sarcastically) Oh wonderful.
Inuyasha: (Arms folded across chest) Hmmph. I couldn't care less. I hate
this story. I don't get the girl.
Kagome: (Rolls eyes) Oh, get over it, Inuyasha. Shayril already said you'll
get a girl in the sequel.
Inuyasha: So? That's not now.
Shayril: Deal with it! You know, I haven't written the sequel yet. I could
always make you spend the rest of your life alone and miserable.
Inuyasha: (Sighing) At least let it be someone who can kick ass.
Shayril: (Grinning) Oh, she can. You're gonna love her.
Kalika: (Confused) Isn't that what he's supposed to do.
Navi: (Rolls eyes) Get a clue, leprechaun. Can we please get this over
with?
Dragonwing: Seriously. Navi's torture chamber is better than this.
Kagome and Kalika: Oh lighten up! We all know you actually like this.
(The fairies sputter protests.)
Shayril: Okay. I'm gonna let you get on to the story before this gets ugly.
Enjoy!
Chapter Twelve - Letting Go
Kagome paced back and forth in the garden. Her eyes were hurt and angry. How could Yue say such a thing? She understood that he didn't want to be here. She knew how he felt about the place and she had expected him to be angry but how could he possibly say she had no heart? Did he honestly thing she did this to hurt him? The nerve of him! She had only tried to save his life. It wasn't as if she was trying to force him back into his old role with Clow Reed. That was something she could never and would never do.
"Kagome-sama? Is something troubling you?"
She whirled around to face the young Yue. He took a step back at her glare, a confused look on his face. Her face softened immediately when she saw that look. It wasn't his fault that his future self was acting like an ass. When he noticed the softening of her eyes he stepped up to her.
"What has upset you, Kagome-sama?" he asked softly.
The girl sighed. "Your future self is an asshole," she said bitterly.
"He is awake? What did he do?"
"Hai, he's awake. He's angry that I brought him to this castle. He. He accused me of being heartless."
The young guardian's eyes widened. "Nani? That's absurd. You have more of a heart than anyone I have ever met. Why would he think that? It's not as if you wanted to bring him here."
"Tell him that," she grumbled.
"I just might," Yue replied. "He's the one without a heart if he believes someone like you would intentionally hurt anyone unless they tried to hurt you or someone you cared for."
"He has a heart, it's just buried beneath centuries of being cold and distant to the world around him."
"Well, remind me not to let that happen."
Kagome shook her head. "Sorry, can't do that. It would change him."
The guardian gave her a puzzled look. "Isn't that what you want?"
"No. It was that that first drew me to him. The desire to heal the soul deep pain he doesn't even realize he still feels," she explained.
Yue, come to my chambers tonight, came Clow Reed's call.
The warmth of the atmosphere seemed suddenly colder as his gaze hardened and his face became cold and impassive. She immediately reached forward and tugged on a lock of his hair.
"Don't you go doing that yet, Yue-san. I may not want you to change him, but I don't want you turning into him right now. I want you to hold out until something profoundly heart wrenching has you in so much pain that you can't help but turn into him or risk going mad," she told him. "You promise me, Yue-san."
After a moment his gaze relaxed, "I promise."
* * *
That night the older Yue was surprised to see Kagome return to his room. She didn't speak to him at all as she changed his bandages. There was a sad look in her eyes, as if she had lost someone she loved. He couldn't help wondering if Inuyasha had done something to hurt her. Then he remembered that Inuyasha loved Kagome and wouldn't intentionally hurt her. Besides which, the girl never let the hanyou's words or actions upset her too much.
What's wrong? He ventured.
She snapped a glare to his face. Have you forgotten what you said already?
Then, she ruthlessly pushed him out of her mind and mental blocks shot into place, shutting him out. He blinked in surprise. She was like this because of what he said? Of course baka. You accused her of being heartless. A voice in his mind said. Her voice broke through his thoughts.
"Your wounds should be gone in a day or so," she said. "You will not leave this bed until then. It could undo everything and then I'd lose you."
Her voice was soft as she said it and his eyes widened slightly in shock at the words, but she turned away before he could reply. She disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes. When she returned she was wearing a long white nightgown that swirled around her feet as she moved. The guardian was completely taken aback when she started to climb into the other side of the bed.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
Kagome sighed. "Relax, Yue-san. It's a large bed and we've been sharing it since we got here. We've had to so that I can take care of you. Besides, I didn't trust Clow Reed not to do anything. Once you're completely healed I'll ask for a separate room. No matter how much you hate me, I'll still take care of you."
Without another word she crawled into bed and lay with her back to him. Soon the sound of her slow, even breathing told him that she was asleep. Her words caused his heart to clench in pain while trying to swell with even more love at the same time. He regretted horribly accusing her of being heartless. Only a woman with a heart would continue caring for a man who she believed hated her.
* * *
He stared up at the canopy of the bed. He couldn't sleep knowing that all he had to do was move a couple feet and he would be touching her. He wanted to. Gods, how he wanted to close the distance! But he had no right to touch her. She was in love with Inuyasha. Even if she wasn't, she certainly didn't love him. Why would she? There was nothing about him to love. It would be a miracle if she did. Of course, he was wishing for a miracle.
* * *
She was running along a cloud trying to escape someone or something. Whatever it was was evil. More evil than anything she had ever come across. It was out for her blood. More than her blood, it wanted her soul. She forced herself to run faster. She had to get away from it. If it got a hold of her all of creation was doomed. That couldn't happen, she wouldn't let it. It was not narcissism that made her believe it. It was pure fact. And she wouldn't deny fact. Then, she tripped, over what she didn't know, since there was nothing on a cloud that she could trip over. Her momentum sent her flying over the side of the cloud. Her arms and legs flailed as she plummeted to the ground below. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the impact, but it never came. She felt strong arms catch her and the sound of wind rushing by her ears was replaced by the flapping of wings. She snuggled deeper into the warm, safe embrace.
"I'll always catch you," a voice whispered in her ear.
* * *
Yue waited till she was calm again before attempting to move away. She immediately whimpered and clutched at the front of his robes. There was nothing he could do except wrap his arms around her once more. It wasn't as if he didn't want to hold her, it was just that he didn't think she would appreciate waking up in his arms. He sighed heavily before pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind. He would enjoy this while he could.
* * *
Inuyasha couldn't sleep. He was too restless and hurt to relax enough to sleep. It didn't help knowing that she was just across the hall sharing a bed with Yue. What he wouldn't give to be in the guardian's place. He could've been, too, if he hadn't been too stubborn, pig-headed, and stupid to realize his feelings for her sooner. It was his own damn fault he had lost the chance to be with her. He had considered fighting for her, trying to win her back. Then, he had brushed it aside as useless. He could see that she loved Yue more than she had loved him. He wasn't as blind as they all believed. Kagome was meant to be with the moon guardian. As much as Inuyasha hated to admit it, she would have been incomplete with him. Yue completed her like he never could. With these thoughts, the hanyou came to a decision. He would let her go. He would give Kagome his blessing to be with Yue. As long as she was happy he would let her go.
* * *
Kagome awoke from the best dream she could've ever had. At first, it had started out as a nightmare. After she was caught by the angel the dream had taken a considerable turn for the better. The rest of the night had been full of images of her and the angel dancing, laughing, and playing. Not once had she seen his face, but she had an idea of who it was. She also got the feeling that these things had actually happened. It felt more like she was remembering rather then dreaming. But how was it possible? She was quite certain that those things had never happened.
After a while she became aware of the position she was in. She looked up at Yue's face in wonder. He must have been trying to comfort her during the nightmare portion of her dream. The girl's heart felt ready to burst from the love she felt for him right then Even though he hates me he tried to comfort me. Suddenly, the guardian's violet eyes opened and he stared at her.
Enough of that, he sent. I do not hate you. I never did. Why would you think that?
Kagome was quiet. Then, she replied softly. Because, a person doesn't accuse another of being heartless unless they dislike them. Plus, there was the look in your eyes.
Yue sighed. I don't hate you or dislike you. In fact, I.
He was cut off when the door burst open and his past self came in the room, clearly upset. He stopped short at the sight of them. His face was one of shock and embarrassment as he started to back out the door stammering.
"I'm sorry. I didn't. I wasn't thinking. I should have knocked."
To the future Yue's disappointment, Kagome clambered out of bed and followed after his past self. His timing could not have been lousier. He had worked up the courage to tell her his feelings, risking the very likely possibility that she didn't love him in return. Now the chance was lost and he wasn't so sure he could work up the courage again.
* * *
She caught up with the past Yue in the garden. She was glad her nightgown could double as a dress. It would have been embarrassing to be seen wandering around the castle in her nightclothes. Her vanity was forgotten at the sight of him slumped in defeat. Her bare feet prevented him from hearing her as she rushed to his side. Without a word she dropped to her knees next to him and pulled him close. The young guardian's arms snaked around her waist and he trembled with his pent up emotions. Kagome's heart hurt for him. Any respect she had for Clow Reed was lost in her disgust at his treatment of the guardian. He had to stop it and she grew resolved to make him if he didn't, and soon.
After a while he regained a measure of his composure and relished the feel of her arms holding him. It felt like home, safe and warm and loving, a feeling he only experienced while with her. He looked forward to the time he could get away from his duties and be near her. It amazed him how she could be so kind to him and accept him despite what he was and what he did. He didn't understand why, though. Just look at her companions, a hanyou, a taijiya, a perverted houshi, a youkai child, a sorceress, and a pair of guardians from the future. It should have been no wonder that she accepted him when she accepted them. After some thought, he ventured to ask a question that had been on his mind for days.
"Why do you always comfort me? Why do you seek to protect me and my future self more than anyone?"
Kagome slowly pulled back and framed his face with her hands. "Because, you silly guardian, I love you."
* * *
He bolted upright in bed as the words floated through his mind. The voice was without a doubt Kagome's. An image of the scene in the garden flashed through his mind. It was almost enough to make him run down there to confirm it. That was until Kagome's words from the night before came back to him. While he would willingly die for her love, he wasn't willing to cause the pain she had suggested she would feel if he died. He seemed to recall a cry so full of anguish when he had almost been killed by the dragon youkai that he wanted to return to life just to comfort whoever it was. He was convinced that was the reason he had held on long enough to make it to the void. He now knew that it must've been Kagome's cry. With that in mind, he settled back down to impatiently wait for her to come back up.
* * *
Yue stared at her wide-eyed, disbelief clouding his mind. She loved him! She actually loved him! For the first time he could remember the young guardian felt joy. Kagome loved him back, the world was right! The world was perfect. Clow Reed and all he had done to him was forgotten in his euphoria. On impulse, he pulled her close and kissed her.
Kagome was surprised all of a second before she melted into the kiss. Her arms linked around his neck and her hands buried themselves in his long silver-gray hair.
I love you, Kagome. His voice said in her mind. I don't know how or when, but even after such a short time, I love you.
She didn't reply with words. Instead she sent her feelings to him. It was enough to awe any man with the strength and depth of it. Only after their vision began to swim from lack of air did they break the kiss. Breathing heavily, she rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his long fingers running through her hair. After a while, Yue pulled back with a sigh.
"As much as I hate to leave, koisii, I have to go patrolling for signs of Naraku and the Dark Mistress."
A wide smile spread across her face. "I like hearing you call me that."
He smiled as well. "I am glad, because I like calling you that."
He rose to his feet and then helped her up. He bent down to give her a soft, lingering kiss before letting his wings burst from his back and flying off. The girl couldn't stop smiling as she noticed he kept looking back at her.
* * *
Sakura sat watching Shippou play with the child of one of Clow Reed's servants. She liked it here in the Sengoku Jidai, but she was beginning to miss her time. Touya was probably worried sick about her. She hadn't really explained anything to him when she had called him just before jumping through the well. Her exact words were, 'Hey, Touya, I don't think you'll be seeing me for a while. I'm going back in time to stop someone from destroying feudal Japan and ruining our lives.' She felt incredibly guilty for leaving like that. What if she didn't make it back to her time? Everyone would be left wondering what happened.
"Sakura-chan, are you all right?" Kagome's voice cut through her thoughts.
She gave her friend a weak smile. "I'm fine, Kagome-chan. I was just thinking about what would happen if I didn't make it through this."
"Don't do that. Do what I do, think that there is no possible way you're going to let yourself die before you're ready. It usually helps me fight harder," the other girl advised. "Besides, life is too wonderful to let yourself die."
At those words, Sakura took a closer look at her. There was something different about the miko. She was practically glowing with happiness.
"All right, what's going on? Why are you so happy?" the sorceress asked. "It's kinda scaring me."
Kagome laughed. "Is it that obvious?"
"You look like a woman in love," Miroku commented as he joined them. "Have you finally realized your feelings for me, dear Kagome-sama?"
She smacked him upside the head. "Keep your hand off my ass, hentai. I don't think Yue-koishii would appreciate it very much."
Sango, who had just arrived, stared at her best friend slack-jawed completely forgetting to hit Miroku when he groped her butt. The sorceress and aforementioned monk stared at her as well.
"Yue-koishii?" Sango asked. "Does that mean you told him?"
"Well, I told his past self anyway and he feels the same way as me."
Sakura smiled. "Congratulations, Kagome-chan."
"Yes, congratulations," the taijiya said.
As the shock wore off, her friend became aware of the fact that Miroku's hand was on her backside. Her face turned tomato-red and Kagome could practically see the steam coming out of her ears. Her Hiraikotsu flattened him much more effectively then her 'Sits' ever had Inuyasha. Speak of the demon. Well, half demon, Kagome thought as Inuyasha entered the courtyard. He ignored the others as he stopped in front of her.
"Kagome, can I talk to you alone?" He asked. "Please?"
That caught her attention. Inuyasha never said please, well not in that context anyway. She nodded and allowed him to lead her to the gardens. When he decided they were secluded enough he stopped and sat down on the edge of a fountain. After a minute of fidgeting he got up again so that he could pace. Kagome watched her friend curiously. She had never seen him this nervous. Finally, he stopped in front of her as he had before.
"I love you," he blurted. "Not Kikyo or Kikyo's look-alike. I love you."
She gasped. "Oh, Inuyasha, I."
The hanyou gently placed his hand over her lips. "I know. I've seen the way you look at him. I'm not upset. It hurts, but I'm not upset. It's my fault that I lost out, anyway. If I hadn't been so distracted by Kikyo I would've realized how I felt sooner."
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha."
He shook his head. "I'm the one who should be saying sorry."
She gave him a confused look. "What have you got to be sorry for?"
Inuyasha sighed. "I hurt you when I was chasing after the memory of Kikyo. I know I did. I should have let go of the past and looked to the future." He paused. "Do you think you would still love me if you hadn't met him?"
Kagome was silent a moment. "Truthfully? I haven't been in love with you for at least a year now. I just couldn't keep letting you hurt me like that, so I let you go. I think I could've learned to love you again, but can you honestly say you would be confessing your feelings to me now if Yue hadn't come along?"
"Yes," He said without hesitation. "No, actually. I would have told you three weeks ago when I first realized it. I've been wondering whether or not to tell you since then because I could tell you already had feelings for him."
"Does this mean you won't let Kikyo drag you to Hell?" She inquired after a while.
"The only business I have with her is getting the piece of your soul that was stolen."
"I'm glad."
"Kagome. are we still friends?" He asked almost timidly.
"Always," she was quick to reassure him. "No matter what happens we'll always be friends."
Inuyasha gave her a half-smile. "Then, the only thing I can do is let you go. I would be a fool to repeat the mistake of holding on when I haven't the right to."
Kagome: (Blinks) Wow. Inuyasha was actually mature in this chapter. Miroku: You don't see that often, do you? Navi: Who invited the pervert?!?!?! (Miroku blinks before grabbing Navi's hands.) Miroku: Will you bear my child? Dragonwing: (Growls) She's taken, bouzu. So get your hands off of her. (Dragonwing lunges at the houshi just as Shayril walks in.) Shayril: Okay, I'm finished with my snack. (Stops short) What's going on? (Miroku grabs her hands) Miroku: Will you bear my child? (Shayril sends him flat on his butt.) Shayril: No freakin' way! For one, I've got a guy. Two, I'm not ready to have children. And three, you and.(Stops short) Oops. I almost gave it away. Kagome and Kalika: What?!?! Shayril: (Shakes head) Nope. Sorry not gonna tell ya. I haven't even gotten it written yet. It's still in the planning stages. You'll just have to wait. (Glares at readers) That means you too. (Becomes pleasant again) And in case you guys didn't know, I always try to reply to my reviewers. If I can't find any other way of contacting you I write responses on my bio. Feel free to check them out if you reviewed and didn't leave an e-mail or I had no way of replying. Kalika: Speaking of reviews. Please do so for this chapter. Shayril doesn't want to update again without a couple. Shayril: Bye for now!
Chapter Twelve - Letting Go
Kagome paced back and forth in the garden. Her eyes were hurt and angry. How could Yue say such a thing? She understood that he didn't want to be here. She knew how he felt about the place and she had expected him to be angry but how could he possibly say she had no heart? Did he honestly thing she did this to hurt him? The nerve of him! She had only tried to save his life. It wasn't as if she was trying to force him back into his old role with Clow Reed. That was something she could never and would never do.
"Kagome-sama? Is something troubling you?"
She whirled around to face the young Yue. He took a step back at her glare, a confused look on his face. Her face softened immediately when she saw that look. It wasn't his fault that his future self was acting like an ass. When he noticed the softening of her eyes he stepped up to her.
"What has upset you, Kagome-sama?" he asked softly.
The girl sighed. "Your future self is an asshole," she said bitterly.
"He is awake? What did he do?"
"Hai, he's awake. He's angry that I brought him to this castle. He. He accused me of being heartless."
The young guardian's eyes widened. "Nani? That's absurd. You have more of a heart than anyone I have ever met. Why would he think that? It's not as if you wanted to bring him here."
"Tell him that," she grumbled.
"I just might," Yue replied. "He's the one without a heart if he believes someone like you would intentionally hurt anyone unless they tried to hurt you or someone you cared for."
"He has a heart, it's just buried beneath centuries of being cold and distant to the world around him."
"Well, remind me not to let that happen."
Kagome shook her head. "Sorry, can't do that. It would change him."
The guardian gave her a puzzled look. "Isn't that what you want?"
"No. It was that that first drew me to him. The desire to heal the soul deep pain he doesn't even realize he still feels," she explained.
Yue, come to my chambers tonight, came Clow Reed's call.
The warmth of the atmosphere seemed suddenly colder as his gaze hardened and his face became cold and impassive. She immediately reached forward and tugged on a lock of his hair.
"Don't you go doing that yet, Yue-san. I may not want you to change him, but I don't want you turning into him right now. I want you to hold out until something profoundly heart wrenching has you in so much pain that you can't help but turn into him or risk going mad," she told him. "You promise me, Yue-san."
After a moment his gaze relaxed, "I promise."
* * *
That night the older Yue was surprised to see Kagome return to his room. She didn't speak to him at all as she changed his bandages. There was a sad look in her eyes, as if she had lost someone she loved. He couldn't help wondering if Inuyasha had done something to hurt her. Then he remembered that Inuyasha loved Kagome and wouldn't intentionally hurt her. Besides which, the girl never let the hanyou's words or actions upset her too much.
What's wrong? He ventured.
She snapped a glare to his face. Have you forgotten what you said already?
Then, she ruthlessly pushed him out of her mind and mental blocks shot into place, shutting him out. He blinked in surprise. She was like this because of what he said? Of course baka. You accused her of being heartless. A voice in his mind said. Her voice broke through his thoughts.
"Your wounds should be gone in a day or so," she said. "You will not leave this bed until then. It could undo everything and then I'd lose you."
Her voice was soft as she said it and his eyes widened slightly in shock at the words, but she turned away before he could reply. She disappeared into the bathroom for a few minutes. When she returned she was wearing a long white nightgown that swirled around her feet as she moved. The guardian was completely taken aback when she started to climb into the other side of the bed.
"What are you doing?" He asked.
Kagome sighed. "Relax, Yue-san. It's a large bed and we've been sharing it since we got here. We've had to so that I can take care of you. Besides, I didn't trust Clow Reed not to do anything. Once you're completely healed I'll ask for a separate room. No matter how much you hate me, I'll still take care of you."
Without another word she crawled into bed and lay with her back to him. Soon the sound of her slow, even breathing told him that she was asleep. Her words caused his heart to clench in pain while trying to swell with even more love at the same time. He regretted horribly accusing her of being heartless. Only a woman with a heart would continue caring for a man who she believed hated her.
* * *
He stared up at the canopy of the bed. He couldn't sleep knowing that all he had to do was move a couple feet and he would be touching her. He wanted to. Gods, how he wanted to close the distance! But he had no right to touch her. She was in love with Inuyasha. Even if she wasn't, she certainly didn't love him. Why would she? There was nothing about him to love. It would be a miracle if she did. Of course, he was wishing for a miracle.
* * *
She was running along a cloud trying to escape someone or something. Whatever it was was evil. More evil than anything she had ever come across. It was out for her blood. More than her blood, it wanted her soul. She forced herself to run faster. She had to get away from it. If it got a hold of her all of creation was doomed. That couldn't happen, she wouldn't let it. It was not narcissism that made her believe it. It was pure fact. And she wouldn't deny fact. Then, she tripped, over what she didn't know, since there was nothing on a cloud that she could trip over. Her momentum sent her flying over the side of the cloud. Her arms and legs flailed as she plummeted to the ground below. She squeezed her eyes shut, waiting for the impact, but it never came. She felt strong arms catch her and the sound of wind rushing by her ears was replaced by the flapping of wings. She snuggled deeper into the warm, safe embrace.
"I'll always catch you," a voice whispered in her ear.
* * *
Yue waited till she was calm again before attempting to move away. She immediately whimpered and clutched at the front of his robes. There was nothing he could do except wrap his arms around her once more. It wasn't as if he didn't want to hold her, it was just that he didn't think she would appreciate waking up in his arms. He sighed heavily before pushing his thoughts to the back of his mind. He would enjoy this while he could.
* * *
Inuyasha couldn't sleep. He was too restless and hurt to relax enough to sleep. It didn't help knowing that she was just across the hall sharing a bed with Yue. What he wouldn't give to be in the guardian's place. He could've been, too, if he hadn't been too stubborn, pig-headed, and stupid to realize his feelings for her sooner. It was his own damn fault he had lost the chance to be with her. He had considered fighting for her, trying to win her back. Then, he had brushed it aside as useless. He could see that she loved Yue more than she had loved him. He wasn't as blind as they all believed. Kagome was meant to be with the moon guardian. As much as Inuyasha hated to admit it, she would have been incomplete with him. Yue completed her like he never could. With these thoughts, the hanyou came to a decision. He would let her go. He would give Kagome his blessing to be with Yue. As long as she was happy he would let her go.
* * *
Kagome awoke from the best dream she could've ever had. At first, it had started out as a nightmare. After she was caught by the angel the dream had taken a considerable turn for the better. The rest of the night had been full of images of her and the angel dancing, laughing, and playing. Not once had she seen his face, but she had an idea of who it was. She also got the feeling that these things had actually happened. It felt more like she was remembering rather then dreaming. But how was it possible? She was quite certain that those things had never happened.
After a while she became aware of the position she was in. She looked up at Yue's face in wonder. He must have been trying to comfort her during the nightmare portion of her dream. The girl's heart felt ready to burst from the love she felt for him right then Even though he hates me he tried to comfort me. Suddenly, the guardian's violet eyes opened and he stared at her.
Enough of that, he sent. I do not hate you. I never did. Why would you think that?
Kagome was quiet. Then, she replied softly. Because, a person doesn't accuse another of being heartless unless they dislike them. Plus, there was the look in your eyes.
Yue sighed. I don't hate you or dislike you. In fact, I.
He was cut off when the door burst open and his past self came in the room, clearly upset. He stopped short at the sight of them. His face was one of shock and embarrassment as he started to back out the door stammering.
"I'm sorry. I didn't. I wasn't thinking. I should have knocked."
To the future Yue's disappointment, Kagome clambered out of bed and followed after his past self. His timing could not have been lousier. He had worked up the courage to tell her his feelings, risking the very likely possibility that she didn't love him in return. Now the chance was lost and he wasn't so sure he could work up the courage again.
* * *
She caught up with the past Yue in the garden. She was glad her nightgown could double as a dress. It would have been embarrassing to be seen wandering around the castle in her nightclothes. Her vanity was forgotten at the sight of him slumped in defeat. Her bare feet prevented him from hearing her as she rushed to his side. Without a word she dropped to her knees next to him and pulled him close. The young guardian's arms snaked around her waist and he trembled with his pent up emotions. Kagome's heart hurt for him. Any respect she had for Clow Reed was lost in her disgust at his treatment of the guardian. He had to stop it and she grew resolved to make him if he didn't, and soon.
After a while he regained a measure of his composure and relished the feel of her arms holding him. It felt like home, safe and warm and loving, a feeling he only experienced while with her. He looked forward to the time he could get away from his duties and be near her. It amazed him how she could be so kind to him and accept him despite what he was and what he did. He didn't understand why, though. Just look at her companions, a hanyou, a taijiya, a perverted houshi, a youkai child, a sorceress, and a pair of guardians from the future. It should have been no wonder that she accepted him when she accepted them. After some thought, he ventured to ask a question that had been on his mind for days.
"Why do you always comfort me? Why do you seek to protect me and my future self more than anyone?"
Kagome slowly pulled back and framed his face with her hands. "Because, you silly guardian, I love you."
* * *
He bolted upright in bed as the words floated through his mind. The voice was without a doubt Kagome's. An image of the scene in the garden flashed through his mind. It was almost enough to make him run down there to confirm it. That was until Kagome's words from the night before came back to him. While he would willingly die for her love, he wasn't willing to cause the pain she had suggested she would feel if he died. He seemed to recall a cry so full of anguish when he had almost been killed by the dragon youkai that he wanted to return to life just to comfort whoever it was. He was convinced that was the reason he had held on long enough to make it to the void. He now knew that it must've been Kagome's cry. With that in mind, he settled back down to impatiently wait for her to come back up.
* * *
Yue stared at her wide-eyed, disbelief clouding his mind. She loved him! She actually loved him! For the first time he could remember the young guardian felt joy. Kagome loved him back, the world was right! The world was perfect. Clow Reed and all he had done to him was forgotten in his euphoria. On impulse, he pulled her close and kissed her.
Kagome was surprised all of a second before she melted into the kiss. Her arms linked around his neck and her hands buried themselves in his long silver-gray hair.
I love you, Kagome. His voice said in her mind. I don't know how or when, but even after such a short time, I love you.
She didn't reply with words. Instead she sent her feelings to him. It was enough to awe any man with the strength and depth of it. Only after their vision began to swim from lack of air did they break the kiss. Breathing heavily, she rested her head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat. She closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his long fingers running through her hair. After a while, Yue pulled back with a sigh.
"As much as I hate to leave, koisii, I have to go patrolling for signs of Naraku and the Dark Mistress."
A wide smile spread across her face. "I like hearing you call me that."
He smiled as well. "I am glad, because I like calling you that."
He rose to his feet and then helped her up. He bent down to give her a soft, lingering kiss before letting his wings burst from his back and flying off. The girl couldn't stop smiling as she noticed he kept looking back at her.
* * *
Sakura sat watching Shippou play with the child of one of Clow Reed's servants. She liked it here in the Sengoku Jidai, but she was beginning to miss her time. Touya was probably worried sick about her. She hadn't really explained anything to him when she had called him just before jumping through the well. Her exact words were, 'Hey, Touya, I don't think you'll be seeing me for a while. I'm going back in time to stop someone from destroying feudal Japan and ruining our lives.' She felt incredibly guilty for leaving like that. What if she didn't make it back to her time? Everyone would be left wondering what happened.
"Sakura-chan, are you all right?" Kagome's voice cut through her thoughts.
She gave her friend a weak smile. "I'm fine, Kagome-chan. I was just thinking about what would happen if I didn't make it through this."
"Don't do that. Do what I do, think that there is no possible way you're going to let yourself die before you're ready. It usually helps me fight harder," the other girl advised. "Besides, life is too wonderful to let yourself die."
At those words, Sakura took a closer look at her. There was something different about the miko. She was practically glowing with happiness.
"All right, what's going on? Why are you so happy?" the sorceress asked. "It's kinda scaring me."
Kagome laughed. "Is it that obvious?"
"You look like a woman in love," Miroku commented as he joined them. "Have you finally realized your feelings for me, dear Kagome-sama?"
She smacked him upside the head. "Keep your hand off my ass, hentai. I don't think Yue-koishii would appreciate it very much."
Sango, who had just arrived, stared at her best friend slack-jawed completely forgetting to hit Miroku when he groped her butt. The sorceress and aforementioned monk stared at her as well.
"Yue-koishii?" Sango asked. "Does that mean you told him?"
"Well, I told his past self anyway and he feels the same way as me."
Sakura smiled. "Congratulations, Kagome-chan."
"Yes, congratulations," the taijiya said.
As the shock wore off, her friend became aware of the fact that Miroku's hand was on her backside. Her face turned tomato-red and Kagome could practically see the steam coming out of her ears. Her Hiraikotsu flattened him much more effectively then her 'Sits' ever had Inuyasha. Speak of the demon. Well, half demon, Kagome thought as Inuyasha entered the courtyard. He ignored the others as he stopped in front of her.
"Kagome, can I talk to you alone?" He asked. "Please?"
That caught her attention. Inuyasha never said please, well not in that context anyway. She nodded and allowed him to lead her to the gardens. When he decided they were secluded enough he stopped and sat down on the edge of a fountain. After a minute of fidgeting he got up again so that he could pace. Kagome watched her friend curiously. She had never seen him this nervous. Finally, he stopped in front of her as he had before.
"I love you," he blurted. "Not Kikyo or Kikyo's look-alike. I love you."
She gasped. "Oh, Inuyasha, I."
The hanyou gently placed his hand over her lips. "I know. I've seen the way you look at him. I'm not upset. It hurts, but I'm not upset. It's my fault that I lost out, anyway. If I hadn't been so distracted by Kikyo I would've realized how I felt sooner."
"I'm sorry, Inuyasha."
He shook his head. "I'm the one who should be saying sorry."
She gave him a confused look. "What have you got to be sorry for?"
Inuyasha sighed. "I hurt you when I was chasing after the memory of Kikyo. I know I did. I should have let go of the past and looked to the future." He paused. "Do you think you would still love me if you hadn't met him?"
Kagome was silent a moment. "Truthfully? I haven't been in love with you for at least a year now. I just couldn't keep letting you hurt me like that, so I let you go. I think I could've learned to love you again, but can you honestly say you would be confessing your feelings to me now if Yue hadn't come along?"
"Yes," He said without hesitation. "No, actually. I would have told you three weeks ago when I first realized it. I've been wondering whether or not to tell you since then because I could tell you already had feelings for him."
"Does this mean you won't let Kikyo drag you to Hell?" She inquired after a while.
"The only business I have with her is getting the piece of your soul that was stolen."
"I'm glad."
"Kagome. are we still friends?" He asked almost timidly.
"Always," she was quick to reassure him. "No matter what happens we'll always be friends."
Inuyasha gave her a half-smile. "Then, the only thing I can do is let you go. I would be a fool to repeat the mistake of holding on when I haven't the right to."
Kagome: (Blinks) Wow. Inuyasha was actually mature in this chapter. Miroku: You don't see that often, do you? Navi: Who invited the pervert?!?!?! (Miroku blinks before grabbing Navi's hands.) Miroku: Will you bear my child? Dragonwing: (Growls) She's taken, bouzu. So get your hands off of her. (Dragonwing lunges at the houshi just as Shayril walks in.) Shayril: Okay, I'm finished with my snack. (Stops short) What's going on? (Miroku grabs her hands) Miroku: Will you bear my child? (Shayril sends him flat on his butt.) Shayril: No freakin' way! For one, I've got a guy. Two, I'm not ready to have children. And three, you and.(Stops short) Oops. I almost gave it away. Kagome and Kalika: What?!?! Shayril: (Shakes head) Nope. Sorry not gonna tell ya. I haven't even gotten it written yet. It's still in the planning stages. You'll just have to wait. (Glares at readers) That means you too. (Becomes pleasant again) And in case you guys didn't know, I always try to reply to my reviewers. If I can't find any other way of contacting you I write responses on my bio. Feel free to check them out if you reviewed and didn't leave an e-mail or I had no way of replying. Kalika: Speaking of reviews. Please do so for this chapter. Shayril doesn't want to update again without a couple. Shayril: Bye for now!