The key was waiting in the lock expectantly, but the door remained closed. Inuyasha's hand was curved around the end of the key, ready to turn it and remove the obstruction between himself and Kagome. The power to open the door was in his hands. And yet, he hesitated. He was faintly afraid, though he never would've admitted it to anyone else—he could barely admit it to himself. Why was he afraid? Was he afraid of what he would see? Was he afraid of what might've happened to her? What might yet happen to her? He didn't know the answers to his own questions, but he did know that his heart was pounding again, and the beginning of a cold sweat was clinging to his brow.

'Calm down,' he told himself, staring at the key that protruded from the knob like a sword from a demon's heart. 'This is Kagome. Not something to be afraid of.' He couldn't go in acting afraid; how could he console her if she thought he was afraid of her? He needed to be strong, and gentle, but he wasn't sure how. How could he make something like this better? He knew she must be in terrible pain...This was the girl that cried for the dead villagers she didn't even know. To have someone so close to her die, even as she was fighting to get better herself...

She must've felt so miserable...and guilty...probably worthless, too, come to think of it... Which she wasn't. Inuyasha would never allow anyone to call Kagome worthless; he wouldn't even let her think it of herself. He would simply have to tell her how much he thought of her, and convince her to come back to the Feudal Era. He was certain getting away would be good for her (and good for his peace of mind as well).

'All right,' Inuyasha thought. 'Here goes...'

The lock made a quiet click as it slid away docilely. The door swung open silently, and Inuyasha stepped in and closed it just so.

Everything about the room was gloomy. There was not a light on in the whole place, and since it was night time, it was pretty dark. Evil shadows were cast over everything, giving a foreboding, uncomfortable atmosphere. Inuyasha swallowed. He could make out the prone form of Kagome on her bed, laying with her back facing him. She had not so much as moved when he entered the room—she was lying so still, she looked for all the world to be asleep.

But she wasn't. Inuyasha knew that. Her uneven breathing was a dead give away. No sleeper breathed like that, and certainly not Kagome.

He crept closer quietly, and sat down on the edge of the bed, the way he had seen Mrs. Higarashi do when she was tucking Souta into bed one night. Kagome's shoulders tensed, but she didn't move, didn't even look up. Didn't say a word.

"Kagome?" He swallowed and put a careful hand on her shoulder. "Kagome, it's me."

Silence. Outside, a few cars drove by on the street below. A bird cawed.

"Listen...I know you're upset," he said awkwardly. He didn't have the faintest idea how to do this. "And I'm sorry, but I really think—"

"Go away, Inuyasha," she ordered in a low voice that was so unlike the sweet one she usually spoke to him with that he nearly winced. Inuyasha was astonished, and slightly wounded. He reminded himself that she wasn't thinking straight.

"Kagome, I—"

"Go away. I don't want to talk to you right now."

"Just listen for a minute—"

"Go home."

"You're not thinking straight—"

"Go away—"

"Kagome—"

"LEAVE ME ALONE!" she snapped, and Inuyasha's mouth shut as quickly as it had been preparing a reply. A comeback formed on his tongue but he swallowed it, instead reaching a pitying hand towards her. She smacked it away halfheartedly. "I don't need...your sympathy," she spat, with what was an attempt at spite in her voice. Inuyasha could see that she was weary and ill. He put a hand on her forehead.

"You're burning up," he told her softly, reaching for her again. She pushed his hand away, but this time the motion was feebler. More desperate.

"Just—just go away," she gasped, backing away from him. Inuyasha sat still in his spot, and uncertainty flashed through his eyes. For a brief moment he even looked afraid. Kagome was tired, but she forced herself to be angry. He shouldn't be here. He shouldn't see her like this... She opened her mouth to yell at him again, but before she could say a word, Inuyasha pulled her to him tightly.

"Hush," he ordered firmly. "Don't say anything. I'm not leaving, get over it."

Weakly, she struggled, and tried to push him away, but Inuyasha held tight. "Let...let go of me," she sobbed, pushing against him with all her strength, but he refused to budge. His expression was warm and pitying as she thrashed, twisted, all but bit him to try to escape, and didn't change at all when she struck him in the side.

"If it makes you feel better," he said softly, and sat still while she attacked. It didn't really hurt much at all—she was exhausted, and sick, and too upset to do much damage. When at last she gave up and resigned to sit bolt upright, panting, in his lap, he reached up and gently pushed her against his chest, calmly picking up a blanket to cover her with as though nothing had happened. He didn't mention it once as he leaned against the wall and held her quietly, waiting and saying nothing.

"I-Inuyasha," she panted. Her breathing was labored. Inuyasha noticed, and looked concerned. "You—you just—it's—I'm so—" The panting turned to coughing then—harsh, unforgiving gasps that attacked on and on and wouldn't stop. He'd never heard such a sound before, and it scared him to death. He distinctly felt a warm liquid splash his collar, and recognized the salty scent.

"Easy," he said weakly, an attempt at calming the horrible choking. "Gods, Kagome, what did you do to yourself?"

"H-huh?" she rasped faintly.

"Your mother says you haven't eaten anything in days, and you look like you haven't slept either. You can't keep this up. You're going to get sick again." She was quiet at that, probably because she knew it was true. back with me?"

"I can't," Kagome whispered dizzily. "Souta—mom—"

"They'll be all right," he assured. "But they're worried sick about you. The open air will be good for you, and you need to get out of this house," he said firmly. "I can't let you stay here." Kagome was silent, and Inuyasha was sure she was going to argue again, hit him again, and that he was going to have to carry her out kicking and screaming. He prepared himself for the worst, but was not prepared for what came.

Kagome looked up at him with tearful, misty eyes, and whispered. "Okay."

Inuyasha was enormously relieved. It would be a huge load off of his mind and conscience to have her close, and to feel that she was safe—and he really did believe it would be good for her. He gave her a rare smile. "We'll leave in the morning," he said, and walked to sit across the room. He leaned against the wall with Tetsusaiga in his lap, and looked at her with keen eyes that could see even in the dark. "So get some sleep. If you don't, I'll know." She nodded and yawned, turning over and ultimately accepting his order.

"Fine...good...good night, In...Inuy...Inuyash..." She yawned once more, blinking and gave up, mumbling, "J-just...good night."

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Hello, my wonderful, lovable, marvelous readers! Yes, I know, there's angst...and there WILL BE, so I warn you now before you kill me. Now SANJI has a right to sue you if you murder me! ::Smiles brightly::

Sanji: ::Blinkblink:: Why me?

Tailz: Duh, silly, I can't sue anyone if I'm dead!

Sanji: ......

Tailz: Anyway, I've written this chapter with special regards to Moogle, for always leaving me wonderful, helpful LONG reviews that I look forward to every chapter, and to Mari-chan, whose birthday is August 16! (So if you don't e-mail her and wish her happy birthday, I'll come after you!!) Anyway...

Sanji: ::Looks disturbed at the mention of Moogle, remembering her comment of "having fun" with him:: O.O

Tailz: ::Giggle:: Sorry the chapter's sorta short...I'm trying to make longer. See ya in a bit!