'I love you.'

'Did I hear that correctly...?' Inuyasha looked over to Kagome. They had been back for a few day now and he never got enough time to spend with Kagome. Ever since they returned, he had to go off to fight youkai, she had to purify villages or go help Shippou with something. He looked over to see Sango and Miroku sleeping next to eachother, and Shippou cuddled up with Kohaku. It seemed that Sango and Miroku have come way closer then back in the slapping days. He smirked to that thought. He rose and walked out the hut. He looked up at the sky. 'Part of my wish came true...' he smiled at the thought at what she said. Did she actually say that? Or was his head playing tricks on him?

Inuyasha caught a shimmer of something blue in the trees to the side of him. He was curious, plus he needed to protect his companions from anything, especially Kagome. He walked into the forest and came face-to-face with someone he wished never to again. Dark eyes peirced amber. The shinidama chuu flew around the lifeless body, glowing brightly. Her emotion was not evident as she stared at him.

"I've been looking for you Inuyasha..."

He just stared at her. "Why are you here?"

"I have felt the presence of Naraku many times recently, have you've been to busy to not even notice."

Inuyasha winced. "We have been trying our best to track him, where have you felt him last?"

Kikyo pointed, "Towards the Eastern Lands. I do not know yet what he seeks there."

Inuyasha nodded and turned around to leave.

"Inuyasha."

He stopped but didn't bother to look back.

"Yes?"

Kikyo started to walk over to him. She went to touch his shoulder but he jerked away.

"Inuyasha?"

He looked away from her questioning stare.

Kagome opened her eyes, looking around and not seeing Inuyasha she became a bit curious. She got up and walked out the hut, thinking he may have gone into a tree or something. Something caught her eye. She gasped as her heart started to race. 'He couldn't have...could he?' She started to walk towards the site. She knew Kikyo was there but she would rather find out now, then have him lie to her later about it. She hid behind a tree, not to far, but close enough to see and hear. Inuyasha's back was to her. She knew Kikyo was before him.

"Listen Kikyo...It would be better to stay away from me."

"What?"

"Kagome...I chose Kagome..."

Kagome could here the harsh gasp of Kikyo. She turned to have her back to the tree. Tears started to fill her eyes. As much as she was happy for herself, she could feel Kikyo's pain. 'What if that was me? What if he told me he chose Kikyo...? But he didn't...Why do I feel so selfish?' She could hear Inuyasha talk again.

"I promise you that I would protect you from Naraku, and I have already failed to do that once. But before you came back, I promised Kagome too. I have to keep mine to her. I also promised to avenge your death by killing Naraku, and I will do that, for you. I still have feelings for you...but, I have stronger ones for Kagome..."

Kagome gasped low. Since when did this happen. Since the day he kissed her, hugged her, protected her...

Kikyo stepped back from him. "I see..."

"Kikyo..."

Kikyo looked away, "Then you best be getting back to her Inuyasha. I was going to die anyways, tobecome her..."

"Kikyo I-"

"Forget it."

She smiled. For the first time Inuyasha saw her smile again. She had tears in her eyes as well. The hanyou became confused. 'Why is she smiling and crying?' Kikyo looked up to him as a tear escaped.

"At least I know now, that we will be together, even if it's not really me..."

He looked away.

"Kikyo I'm-"

Kikyo put up her hand to stop him from speaking. "No. You chose who was best. I just wish I was her."

She laughed, "Oh wait, I kind of am, huh?"

He looked up at her then looked away.

"I want you to know though, Inuyasha, I love you, and I always will..."

He snapped his head up but before he could say anything Kikyo was flying away.

"KIKYO!"

"Take care if her..."

He nodded.

Kagome fell to her knees. Tears falling uncontrollably. She didn't expect Kikyo to be that way. No one ever probably would. She put her hands to her eyes. 'He chose me...' She felt arms lift her up. She looked up and saw Inuyasha looking forward. He was walking back to the village.

"Inuyasha"

He looked down and smiled.

"We'll talk later peeper..."

She looked down and smiled a bit, "Okay..."

(A/N:)

Heh. Sorry for the short chapter, but some reviewers were asking what happen to Kikyo...Well Inuyasha told her...Let's just hope she doesn't try anything stupid...SHUDDING UP! AH! I always do that...or do I do it on purpose (DAMN THERE I GO AGAIN!)

Please review and ARIGATO REVIEWERS!

-Liz-