Kagome forgets to breathe, and the pounding of her heart feels bruising in the stillness of her chest. But then, the heat bleeds out of her cheeks in favor of a gentle smile.
Vulnerable.
She should have known it sooner. But now that it's been voiced, she cannot miss it. He is oddly, beautifully vulnerable. And it's been present in their relationship for far longer than she realized.
It was there when he began spending time with her.
When he allowed her assistance.
When he saved her.
When he let her look.
When he smiled.
When they kissed.
And here.
