-ahem- Please don't kill me. Hi, 2020.

/

Kikyou did eventually show up and Miroku cornered her immediately. No time to waste, I see.

"Fess up, Kikyou. What was your business with Kouga and Megumi?"

She avoided looking at me and Miroku directly but I could tell she was gathering herself. Mentally preparing for what she would say.

"Honestly, Kikyou-" I began to chime.

"No. I will explain." She finally looked up to meet my hardened gaze. I was livid but calm enough to hear her out. "I did send Megumi after Kouga. I wanted you guys to break up."

"You are so fucking low-!" Miroku started but I cut him off.

"Let her finish."

Kikyou continued. "I was jealous. I was in love with Kouga and I wanted him for myself. I saw how happy you two were and it pissed me off."

"Then why didn't you go after him?" I wondered aloud. Not really asking. "Why send someone else?"

"I knew you'd break up with him as soon as you saw and I was hoping he'd run into my arms for comfort." At least she was being honest.

"You honestly thought that? How'd it work out for you?" I tried to suppress the laughter bubbling up.

"The guy is crazy in love with you. I'd never seen anyone so heartbroken. He didn't even know I existed… And shortly after I met Inu. Then I didn't need Kouga anymore."

I laughed bitterly. I could wring her neck right now. "So you ruined my relationship and just moved on when it didn't work in your favor? You really are low."

"Look Kagome, I really am sorry but there isn't much I can do about it now. Plus, Inuyasha is in love with you now. Wouldn't you say we're even?"

"Karma really is a bitch." Miroku muttered.

I sighed. "Whatever. You're the least of my problems right now. I've got two confused and hurt guys I need to deal with."

"Lucky you." She rolled her eyes. "I'm going now. I hope we can get past this and be friends again."

"I hope so too but it's going to take some time for me."

Kikyou glanced at Miroku and he nodded confirming he agreed with my input.

/

The Sun was starting to set on the day and I had made the decision to see Inuyasha. Miroku left to go stay and catch up with a friend for the night so I figured it was a good time as any.

Deep down knowing that I still had feelings for Kouga, I felt obligated to let him know my moves. Especially since we had been speaking practically non-stop the past few days. I sent him a text,

Hey, I just wanted to let you know.. I'm going to head over to Inuyasha's to talk to him. You know I haven't really spoken to him since that whole thing and I guess I want to hear him out.

I set my phone down and fixed myself up a bit before I left. Inuyasha had told me to head over whenever.

As I left my house and got on my bike I silently cursed. What was I going to do? Kouga was already back in my life as permanently as before. We were in constant communication for God's sake! It had only been a few days since we found our way back to one another. And I was already thinking and acting like we were back together..

Before I knew it I was at Inuyasha's. I sat for a few minutes and pondered driving off when I saw his front door open. Well I guess it was time to face the music. Inuyasha stepped out and made his way toward me.

"Hey Kagome.. How are you?" So formal. Is he nervous?

"Relax, Yasha. I'm glad to see you." That wasn't a lie. I hated this situation but I still cared for him and I missed our friendship. We had been so close..

"I guess I'm relieved to hear that." He smiled halfheartedly. He stepped aside and gestured me towards the house. As we walked in he mentioned that he was the only one home so we made ourselves comfortable at his kitchen island. "I'll grab you a drink."

Before I even had a chance to ask him if they had my favorite he set it down in front of me. I smiled and looked up at him. He winked knowingly and sat down next to me.

Stupid oaf. I loved him, I did.. But Kouga..

"Kags, thank you for coming to see me, really. I've been thinking about you constantly." That was straight to the point and I appreciated it.

"I've been thinking about you too."

"I just hate how I've been handling this situation. I should have ended it with Kikyou a long time ago, if not for you, for me and her." He was staring straight ahead and I really wished he'd look at me so I could read his expression. "I hadn't been happy with her for months and I was holding on to some shred of hope, I guess.. And then you came along and my feelings got really clouded."

"It's okay to be confused about your feelings. I should know that better than anyone at the moment.." I trailed off.

"Right." He said and finally turned towards me. "I love you, Kagome. I know you love Kouga and I know it is ultimately your decision who you end up with but you need to know how I feel."

"Inuyasha, can I be vague? Can I speak to you right now as a friend?" He nodded and gestured me to continue. "I'm really torn up. I always pictured Kouga as the guy I was going to marry when we were together. He's comfort, familiar, safe.." I stopped to look at his expression. He was hurting. "I feel so at ease around him. It's like.. riding a bicycle after you haven't for a while."

"I get that."

"I never thought he'd be in my life again and I got over him. It took everything in me but I did." It was true. I never thought I'd be able to get up and live again after we broke up but I did.

There was a silence lingering for a bit and sighed and looked up at Inuyasha again. He was so understanding.

"Where does this leave us, Kags? Will you stay with him?" His voice was firm but also pleading.. Let me down easy.

Before I opened my mouth my phone went off. It was a text from Kouga.

Thank you for letting me know. I'm here if you want to talk about it after.

Why did they both have to be so understanding and perfect? They weren't making this any easier. I stared at the text for a few long seconds and something hit me.

I looked over at Inuyasha. He was fiddling with his drink obviously still waiting for my response. "Yasha? I really hate to do this but.. I need to go. I promise I will explain later. Will you wait for me?" Our eyes connected and I prayed he could see the emotion behind mine.

He nodded and I smiled at him before I quickly grabbed my belongings and went out the door.

/

The next chapter I publish will be the last and then an epilogue to follow. Until then folks! Thank you for hanging with me since I was 15.