Forever Beyond A Goodbye

Chapter 1: Left wondering...

"Hooray!!" Shippo yelled. "Naraku is finally dead!! Miroku is free from the Kazaana! And Kohaku is free from the evil! And! May Lady Kikyo rest in peace." Kagome smiled at the young kitsune. They had put Kikyo to rest after the final battle with Naraku.

Flashback

"Inuyasha. I have learned to accept my death, and you shall not have to go to hell with me." Kikyo said in her usual cold, and emotionless voice.

"Kikyo...rest in peace."

"Thank you...and I forgive you..." With that, she disappeared.

"Inuyasha? You think we did the right thing?" Kagome stepped up and looked at the older boy.

"Yeah Kagome. Yeah..."

End

Kagome was happy that Naraku was dead...well of course. But a really big part of her didn't want this to end. It would be like leaving her second family behind. Sango, was her best friend, treated each other like sisters! Miroku, he could always make her laugh and was there to help when she just got into a fight with Inuyasha. Shippo, the carefree little soul who looked at her like a mother. Kaede, was like a grandmother to her. Kaede was there to offer advice too. And finally...Inuyasha. She didn't have anything to say about him. Except...she loved him. So much. But, did he love her? No. He loves Kikyo. Always have, and always will. But...he promised right?

Flashback

"Inuyasha...?"

"What?"

"What will happen when Naraku's dead?"

"You know what will happen Kagome." He raised an eyebrow at her.

"No...I mean, to me..." Kagome's voice cracked.

Silence....

"I don't know...but no matter what you decide, I'll be there for you." She smiled, but he didn't notice.

End

Kagome's thoughts were interrupted when she heard loud banging. She looked up and laughed. "I WILL bang NOT BARE YOUR CHILD bang YOU STUPID HOUSHI!!! bang"

"Young love...so violent." She sighed and sweatdropped. They all stopped when they saw someone approaching.

"Yo."

"Oh...Hi Kouga." Kagome sweatdropped some more.

"Kagome, now that Naraku's dead," He took her small hands into his. "Come with me, where you belong."

"Oh no you don't." Inuyasha stepped in. Sango, Miroku, and Shippo sighed. The three stepped back as they watch Inuyasha hold Kagome by the arm and yell, while Kouga...well...yelled. And Kagome was screaming for Inuyasha to let go and something about her circulation...

"Their usual fight." Shippo said still shaking his head in disappointment. "Wouldn't it be easier if Inuyasha told Kagome how much he loves her?" They all stopped and looked at Shippo. "What? Did I say something wrong here?"

"Why you little! I don't love Kagome!! ...Maybe a little..." He said the last part in a tone only a demon could hear. Kagome just stood there, eyes wide open with a sweatdrop making its way down her temples.

"Great progress Inuyasha! Now tell that to Kagome! Not me! Silly dog."

"I'm not a dog you little brat!!" Inuyasha chased after Shippo, not succeeding in catching him. He sat down on the grass and huffed angrily. Then, let his guard down, and said something he would regret...greatly. "Fine! Just go Kagome, it's not like I care!"

"Wha--What did you say?"

"Uh oh! Run for coverrrr!!!" Miroku shouted. Sango and Shippo ran after him into the forest. Kouga took hold of Kagome by her waist. Inuyasha flinched.

"Let's go Kagome." Kagome slapped Kouga arm off her and stomped to Inuyasha.

"You're such an idiot!! You big jerk! What is wrong with you!! I thought that maybe your demon instincts would help you better than that! YOU'RE SO BLIND!!!!!" Inuyasha's ears flattened against his head from her yelling. "Kouga! Go home! I need to talk to...Inuyasha..." she said his name rather coldly.

"I'll come back for you Kagome." With that, he ran off. Kagome took two deep breaths and sat down in front of Inuyasha.

"What do you mean I'm blind?"

"You are."

Awkward silence.

"I don't get it."

"See? Told you."

"Kagome! Quit it! And tell me what you mean!" Kagome had a sad expression on her face. He knew she was ready to confess. But he didn't expect what was coming.

"Inuyasha...I love you. You know that. Soon, I'll have to leave here. My duty was to come here, complete the Shikon No Tama, and kill Naraku. We have achieved all that. But I don't want to leave....you." Inuyasha didn't know what to say or do. But his body seemed to react on its own. he extended his arms and pulled Kagome into a gentle embrace.

"Then don't."

"What about my mother, Souta, and grampa?"

"I'll let you go back and visit...or...I can go back with you."

"You'd really do that? For me?"

"Yes, you know why?"

"Why?"

"I love you Kagome." She smiled, this time, he smiled back.