It seemed so little to say, she thought to herself sadly. Inuyasha was her old love, but she knew that they should never be together again. It would be too painful for them both. Inuyasha was right there, unconscious and not knowing if he will stay alive, and Kikyo had merely said her farewells at the last second. She felt like such an inconsiderate fool.
Naraku came outside shortly, and approached the young priestess slowly. Kikyo turned her head and eyed him quickly, then turned her head away in shame. Naraku frowned, and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "He knew it would be so," Naraku murmured softly. "Inuyasha wouldn't have survived for long anyway, even if I were to cause his death or not."
Kikyo let out a breath quickly, as though someone had kicked her in the stomach. Her heart and shoulders were heavy as Naraku embraced her. His embrace was warm and comforting, but he still couldn't replace the feeling that Inuyasha had given her long ago.
She sighed, and pulled away from him slowly. Naraku watched her as she made her cumbersome way back to the castle. He let out a slow breath, but he knew not to follow her too early, or it would only upset her.
The castle seemed darker, and completely quiet when Kikyo returned early that morning. However, instead of returning to the room Naraku reserved for her, she invited herself to his bed. Kikyo shifted cautiously from side to side on the cot, the strings squeaking softly against the wooden platforms with each movement.
The clatter and gossip in the other rooms had quieted, and Kikyo knew it was too early for anyone to socialize. Judging by the soft, young light and breeze outside, Kikyo knew it was only around 4 a.m.
Kikyo thought of Naraku, and for a moment, she imagined his large, capable hands on her face. Her whole body grew warmer, and then colder. The thought of losing Inuyasha would not leave her head. It was as though Naraku's thoughts controlled her own, and yet, she kind of liked it. She sat up straight on the cot, shivering and perspiring all at the same time. Her blouse stuck to her back, and her heart pounded.
Naraku came to bed late that night. Kikyo shivered again as Naraku laid beside her. The wick on the candle beside the cot sputtered, and Kikyo's gaze traveled to Naraku as he removed his shirt. She eyed his spider scar, and Naraku stopped to embrace her. The starched blanket whispered as he drew it down. Kikyo stopped, and began to climb out of bed. Naraku opened his eyes as Kikyo slipped into her sandals. Naraku raised himself up on one elbow and caught her wrist as she was about to pass by the bed.
"Stay with me," he begged. Kikyo shook her head, and continued past him. However, Naraku's grip was too strong, and she cried out in surprise as Naraku pulled her back down to lie beside him. He said nothing, and didn't release her until she was right next to him.
Naraku took Kikyo into his arms, and she failed to resist as Naraku finally got rid of his sensual desire. His face went over hers, and Kikyo reacted lazily until she finally understood how to love him like he wanted. He whispered his vows and promises of their love into her ear, and Kikyo's thoughts swirled and took shapes in her mind.
First, she thought about what their love would be like. Perhaps they really would live without fear, and Naraku would keep her at his side forever, giving her whatever she needed and wanted. Her mind buzzed with new sensation long after Naraku had fallen asleep. He held her in his arms, and his long hair tickled her arms and the side of her face.
Kikyo breathed softly and stroked her arms, but she could not fall asleep. Before the morning went on too late, which Kikyo guessed was about 8 a.m., she slipped out of bed to the courtyard.