Chapter 9: Realization

"Kagome! What do you think you're doing!" InuYasha walked over to the hospital bed. She had been stuck in it for four days now and she didn't like it. InuYasha visited everyday and he had only left for his time once and it was only for an hour. Kagome had wanted him to tell Miroku, Shippo, and Sango what had happened. Other than that, InuYasha only left to relieve himself and to go nag nurses to bring them some food because they were both hungry.

Even when visiting hours were over, he'd climb the side of the building and sit in the chair in her room. She tended to wake up early so they would chat for a bit then InuYasha would leave then immediately walk through the main entrance of the hospital. As always, he was overprotective, and now he would be even more protective. Even of what the doctors did. Kagome didn't know how many doctor's lives he was threatened when they had come into her room to give her a shot, more IV, even check her breathing. The nurses thought he was being "a cute boyfriend."

Her feet were slung over the edge of the bed and then she was standing up. He had just gone to tell a nurse that Kagome was hungry but had come back soon after.

"InuYasha, I'm tired of lying here in this dumb bed doing nothing! I at least have the right to get up and stretch my legs for a bit!" Her brow furrowed a bit.

"Kagome." He put his hands on her shoulders. Then gave in. "Fine, dammit." He grumbled. A big smile lit her face.

"Why don't we go walk in the hall," she suggested.

"We?" He looked at her. If she wanted time alone, he would have followed her anyway. Odd…

"Ya."

"Um… Okay, Kagome," he said unsurely.

"Mm-Kay!" She quickly grabbed her hand. His eyes grew in surprise, but relaxed when they started walking. Nurses smiled gently as they passed or told them not to stay up for too long, but other than that, no one interrupted them.

InuYasha was content and happy. Kagome was safe. Naraku was dead. It seemed as though everything would go right eventually. He was ready. He knew he loved her. He had finally said it, but she hadn't heard it. Or at least he thought she might have not heard it. He was nervous. He was ready. He looked down at her. He knew there was a possibility that she would reject him. A high one… he thought. Even if she did reject me, I would still watch over her. He blushed slightly and smiled.

"Kagome?" She didn't look at him. Oh no… what did I do? "Kagome? What's the matter?" His smile dropped and his brows furrowed. They stopped.

"InuYasha, I'm sorry." His eyes widened and she looked up at him. He could see little tears in her big eyes. "I've been keeping you here. I don't know how long I'll have to stay… and well, if you need to go back for any reason, then you should… I'm sure you'd rather be with the others than with me right now. I'm not much company. I'm filled with so many pain medications I can't even think straight. Please, just go… don't see me like this anymore… Ugh… I'm so stupid… I'm crying. I feel like an idiot…" She whipped her tears away. "You should just leave now. I'll just go back to my room… Goodb – "

She gasped when he pulled her into a hug.

"Don't say that," he said into her hair. "You promised to stay by my side. So don't push me way… not after…" Not after I almost lost you… She gently wrapped her arms around him and put her face on his shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere. And it's not like we have to do anything. Naraku is gone. We aren't on a schedule anymore. All I want is for you to heal and live, got that?"

"Mm-hmm" She started to cry again.

"What's wrong now?"

She shook her head.

I love you, InuYasha…

Final Author's Note: Well, everyone, I'm done. It was short and it was sweet, but I would like to thank all of my amazing readers and reviewers. I'm a little shocked. This story had only been up for a few weeks and it already has over 30 reviews!

Also, I know I'm evil to not have InuYasha actually confess for real nor have a kiss in there. BUT I have also good news for you.

I am officially announcing a SEQUEL! I came up with a few ideas and since this story got such a good response, I will be posting "The Recovery" ASAP. The first chapter is in progress. Keep checking my profile to see when it comes up.

Once again, I thank you all and I love you!

Oh and I DON'T OWN INUYASHA!