Watery blue looks up at him, hope shining through, and there is no more waiting.

Sesshoumaru presses his lips to her palm, never dropping her gaze. "I am imperfect. Undeserving. But my affection is genuine."

She's nodding, tears streaming down her cheeks as small hands frame his face. "I love imperfect. Love."

Forgiveness seeps into his skin, and Sesshoumaru presses his forehead to hers. "Kagome—"

"Yes?" She closes her eyes. "Yes?"

It's too much and not enough. Slipping an arm around her, he pulls her closer, tilts her chin…

"All I am is yours."

Behind her, he shatters the poison.