Hey people, hope I didn't make you wait too long! The point I'm at in the story is much juicy, so I'm still trying to get it on paper, er, whatever, you know what I mean!
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Every Time We Touch
When they returned, Kaede was waiting outside. She gasped when she saw Kikyou, who did no more than nod in passing, saying, "Sister."
Kaede was slightly taken aback; she had expected a warmer greeting. Seeing the look on Kagome's face, though, hardened her heart, and she felt for the poor girl.
Sango had caught up with Kagome and she whispered in her ear, and Kagome nodded. Both girls picked up their Discmans and headed for the clearing for the second time that day.
When they passed Inuyasha grabbed Kagome's arm and asked softly, "Where you guys going?"
Kagome remained passive; yet she seethed inside. Away from you! she thought viciously, but said, "We're going to work out some stress for a while. Come and get us when you're ready to leave."
Turning her back to him, she and Sango left, and neither girl looked back.
Inuyasha felt as if a part of his heart had just left him behind.
Sesshoumaru watched this exchange with interest. Was Kagome mad at Inuyasha? He could certainly understand if she were. Personally, he thought two-timing was vulgar, and was not at all surprised that Inuyasha would stoop to engage in such a practice.
He was of the opinion that if you found a mate in life, you should be faithful, loyal, and protective, or in Inuyasha's case, grateful. He'd had his chance with Kikyou; it hadn't panned out. But, he'd been given a second chance with Kagome, and here he was, squandering it with a corpse.
Sesshoumaru shook his head in disgust, and told Jaken to saddle Ah-Un, and get Rin ready. They were leaving within the hour, and everyone outside nodded in acknowledgement of his order.
Kikyou made herself comfortable on the floor. Only Kaede had followed her inside.
"So, Kaede, how are Inuyasha and my reincarnation getting along?" She spat the word reincarnation, as if it were dirty and unholy.
Kaede was silent for a while, letting Kikyou know she hadn't appreciated her words. Kikyou did not seem to notice, but continued to bore into her sister with her cold brown eyes.
When Kaede looked up, she was smiling. "They get along very well, I must say, despite your frequent intrusions upon their relationship. I wouldn't be surprised if one of these days he claimed her for his mate."
Kikyou's eyes narrowed dangerously, but Kaede felt only satisfaction. Her sister was pissed off; however, that was of no consequence to her.
"You think so, do you?" Kikyou's tone was frosty.
"You don't?" Kaede challenged, looking out the door flap, which had been removed for the moment to allow easier entrance and exit for so many people.
Kikyou followed Kaede's gaze, and saw what she had hoped she would never see: Inuyasha, sitting on the ground, his hands under his chin, staring forlornly in the direction Kagome had gone, and sighing heavily every few moments.
He was the epitome of a dejected lover.
Kikyou snarled quietly, but returned to sipping her tea, eyes downcast.
Kaede did not gloat, though she was sorely tempted. She was still mad at Kikyou for her attitude toward her only sister, and though she knew it was petty and wrong, it made her feel better to put Kikyou in her place, something that obviously hadn't happened in a while. Kaede was beginning to suspect Kikyou was too confident, almost arrogant because she was dead and could not die twice, or so she maintained, though secretly Kaede doubted this, and thought Kikyou could do with a refresher in humility.
If she had heard correctly, there was a demon just outside with a sword capable of killing the undead, and with his volatile nature, knew he could use it on her, in fact would use it on her, if she irritated him enough, and Kaede knew Kikyou was aware of this fact. She couldn't say she'd be too disappointed if he suddenly decided to use it on her sister.
Kikyou finished her tea and stood, leaving the hut and Kaede behind, without so much as a goodbye. Kaede was happy to see her go.
Sesshoumaru watched the dead priestess approach Inuyasha, and the ensuing argument, with interest. Apparently she'd said something Inuyasha hadn't appreciated, and he stomped away, toward Miroku, who was busily packing their stuff. He gustily began to help his companion, effectively ignoring the dead wench.
Sesshoumaru allowed himself a small self-satisfied smile before he turned to check Ah-Un's saddlebags, and told Jaken to be ready, for when he returned they would leave.
"Where are you going, milord?" Jaken asked. Sesshoumaru paused, before answering, "I'm going to retrieve the rest of the women. Not that that's any of your business." Jaken immediately fell to the ground, expecting a smack, but was relieved when none came, and his Lord's back receded into the trees.
Kagome danced with abandon, putting all her energy into the steps. Sango was falling behind as she sped up, sweating, and taking out her anger on the grass beneath her feet. Finally Sango grabbed her shoulders and stopped her, pulling her to her in a bone-crushing hug.
"Why?" Kagome wailed, letting it all out. "Why does she have to be here? God, she makes me feel so stupid, like a child; like I'm useless. She's so much better at everything! It makes me so mad!" With these last words the tears exploded, and Kagome's words were no longer intelligible through her loud sobs.
"Shh," Sango soothed, rubbing her back. "I know, Kagome, I know, we all hate her too, it's alright. You aren't useless."
Kagome wiped her nose with back of her hand, to angry to be disgusted. "I hate this, Sango. Now I'll never hear the end of how great she is and how stupid I am. I wish that woman had never been revived!"
As soon as the words were out, Kagome's hands flew to her face, and she cried even harder.
"Am I really that terrible? I feel awful for saying that, Sango, but it's true!" She crumpled into a heap on the grass, and Sango sat next to her, hugging her and comforting her.
"No, Kagome, you're not terrible," she said. "If anyone's terrible, it's Kikyou. She's not half the girl you are, Kagome. I honestly don't think she ever was, and something tells me Inuyasha thinks so too."
Kagome sniffled and looked up.
"What makes you think that?" she squeaked, snarfling loudly.
Sango giggled, but became serious. "Didn't you see the looks he was giving you before we left? He's really hung up on you, Kagome. I think he really regrets having her with us at all. From what I could tell at the clearing, her presence was accidental; I don't think he knew she was coming. Besides," she nudged Kagome playfully, "he was giving her the cold shoulder and ignoring her when you left."
Kagome smiled a little; Sango's points were valid, but she still felt as if she were second best.
Kagome laughed a little, too. As bad as she felt right now, she was sure Inuyasha was feeling worse, if what Sango said was true.
Sesshoumaru pushed himself off the tree and began to clap. "That was very touching, but we have places to go and people to kill, ladies," he said, already heading back. "If you want to be there, I suggest you hurry up. We're leaving now."
Sango and Kagome followed Sesshoumaru back, and met their friends on the road, Inuyasha hefting Kagome's yellow bag. He smiled apologetically at her, and she smiled back, unable to stay mad at him. He wrapped and arm around her shoulder and ignored Kikyou's angry glares as he followed Sesshoumaru, Kagome leaning her head on his shoulder.
She felt so much better. Without saying a single word, he'd shown her who he'd chosen. She smiled, and remembered that she still hadn't given Inuyasha his gift. She decided tonight would be the night, and she snuggled into his side, basking in the glow of his love for her.
Kikyou stayed right behind Kagome and Inuyasha, never taking her eyes off them, but remained silent. Sango and Miroku exchanged a glance as they brought up the rear, Shippo and Kirara clinging to them.
Inuyasha began to grow impatient. They'd been travelling all day, and were following Sesshoumaru, since he had the best sense of smell, yet he refused to answer anyone's questions on whether he'd picked up a trail or not, or when they would stop. He pushed them past sundown. Kikyou wasn't even tired; she never was. Kagome was dead on her feet, Inuyasha carrying her, asleep in his arms. Sango and Miroku were still going, but were lagging behind more and more often, and Rin began to complain that she was hungry as dusk began to fall.
At her third complaint Sesshoumaru stopped, and Rin ran to a stream where she caught herself several fish. Jaken had a fire ready for her when she returned.
Kagome took out some Ramen from her bag, and also opened a power bar to tide Shippo over until it was ready.
Kikyou refused food; she didn't need it, and besides, she wouldn't be caught dead eating Kagome's food, no pun intended.
She watched solemnly as Kagome served Inuyasha first, then her friends, before serving herself. She snickered inwardly before laying down to sleep.
Kagome had expected to be rebuffed by Kikyou when she offered her a meal, but hadn't expected her to be as cold as she was, simply turning her nose up and responding with an arched, "No, thank you. I do not need your food."
Kagome had simply shrugged and was secretly pleased when Inuyasha glared at her. After he had scarfed three cups of noodles, Inuyasha belched and, laughing at Kagome's appalled expression and curt, "Excuse you!", he'd settled next to her and draped an arm over her shoulder.
She ate her last bite, and, when no one was watching, since almost everyone was asleep, excepting Sesshoumaru, who sat nearby, facing away, one knee propped up and his elbow resting upon it, keeping watch, she leaned close to Inuyasha and whispered in his ear, "I never gave you your present."
His ears flicked , and he whipped his eyes to hers, a half-smile on his face. He'd forgotten, too!
He brushed her cheek with his thumb. "It's okay," he said huskily, his blood heating up, "I forgive you."
She smiled back. "You're sweet," she leaned closer. "but I won't feel right until I give it to you."
Grabbing his hand, she led him away, toward her sleeping bag. Dropping his hand for a moment, she rolled it back up and tucked it under her arm, then resumed his hand. He looked at her, his head tilted. What did she have in mind?
Kagome was nervous; she was doing an admirable job of hiding it, though. He followed her unquestioningly as she led him into the forest, to the nearby stream. Spreading the sleeping bag all the way open, she smoothed it out and put rocks on all four corners. He watched in silence as, when she was done, she kneeled before him, a happy glow to her pretty face.
She finally spoke, after searching his eyes for a moment. "Inuyasha, your gift isn't something I spent money on; in fact, nothing I could buy I found suitable to give you. Nothing seemed to be right, until I thought of this. I have something I can only give one man, and I want that man to be you. Inuyasha," she paused, and he took in a sharp breath, "I want to give you my virginity. Will you accept it?"
He was speechless; this was his dream come true!
"Nothing would please me more, Kagome," he said, sitting so he could be eye-level with her.
She smiled, happy.
Slowly, he leaned in to kiss her. Seeing his intent, she met him half-way, and he brought her down with him, she on top, his fingers already reaching under her shirt, looking for the catch on her bra.
Kikyou watched the whole scene with fire in her eyes. How dare that little slut take Inuyasha from her, and right here in the open?
She balled her fists, and brought up her bow.
This is the last time I lose him to you, girl, she thought as she lined up the arrow and notched it.
Before she could loose it, however, a large clawed hand slammed over her mouth, and she dropped both bow and arrow in her fear.
Sesshoumaru spun her around, pinned her to a tree and snarled in her face, "Don't you know it's rude to spy?"
He adjusted his hand so she could speak, but now she was pinned by her neck, not her face.
"You're one to talk," she gasped, "what with all the spying you did this morning. I should think you'd know when to keep your mouth shut."
He tightened his grip, and she struggled, but did not die. He held her there a good five minutes; still she breathed, just barely. Tensaiga pulsed.
Kikyou's eyes shot wide open, she'd felt it too. This was the only man she knew she should fear, and she had baited him unnecessarily. Now she was going to pay for it.
She loathed thinking that Kaede had been right.
Sesshoumaru smiled, and drew Tensaiga. She thought that when this man smiled, it was not a good thing.
The thin katana glowed blue, and pulsed continuously, begging Sesshoumaru to use it on the dead wench.
He brought it to her throat, having let go of her a few moments before, knowing she would not dare run, for he would be on her in less than a second.
"True as that may be, wench," he growled, the thought of her death warming the blood in his veins, "you shouldn't have wandered off. I cannot keep watch if everyone wanders away, now can I? I do not mind them," he tilted his head in his brother's direction, "but you…that is unacceptable. If you don't already know it, I don't trust you. I do not believe that my Father appeared to you, but I do believe that you are working for Naraku, and believe me, if I find out that is true, your time on this earth will end again, and you will not be coming back."
Tensaiga was practically vibrating by now, and Kikyou felt real fear for the first time since she'd been resurrected. This demon was not lying; he had the strength, the speed, and the lack of conscience to do to her as he promised.
Unlike Inuyasha and Naraku, who found it near impossible to ignore her, much less kill her, Sesshoumaru suffered from no such inhibitions and would kill her quicker than he could blink. She was just another human to him, a dead, lying, devious human at that. He viewed her as he would a poisonous snake, something that needed to be killed, no matter how you looked at it, and it made no never mind to him how he killed her, either.
She held up both hands in defeat. He snorted, disappointed that she wouldn't put up a fight. He found himself relishing her death, as he slashed the undead life from her with the only relic of his Father's he had.
Re-sheathing Tensaiga, he growled, "Get back to your place, woman. I catch you out of it again…you die."
She nodded once, glaring. Picking up her bow and arrow, she walked slowly away, feeling his eyes on her the whole way.
Inuyasha looked up, listening. He hated to tear himself away, but one of them had to be on the lookout. He knew Sesshoumaru was watching over the others, and would not care if Inuyasha himself wandered away. The forest became silent again, and Kagome pulled his face back to hers, yanking his shirt over his head as she kissed him.
He smiled into her mouth and chuckled when she smiled back, and kissed her eyes, while she licked his chin, a sign of submission.
This was the best gift he'd ever gotten in his entire life.
They stayed there for the rest of the night.
The next morning, Sango awoke, rubbing the crusties from her eyes and yawning. Sesshoumaru glanced her way, but his sight never strayed from the dead woman, who remained in her bed, still asleep.
He paid no attention as Inuyasha and Kagome emerged from the forest, the sleeping bag rolled up under her arm.
Sango looked at Kagome, her mouth open. Kagome winked, and Sango closed her mouth, and smiled knowingly in return. Sesshoumaru snorted.
Inuyasha kissed Kagome, and whispered in her ear, "I'm going hunting. Anything you want?"
She nuzzled his neck with her nose. "Whatever you bring will be just fine, Inuyasha," she whispered back, adding, "I love you. Be safe."
He grinned. "Always. I love you, too. And only you."
With that he took off, and Sesshoumaru wanted to gag at the sappy words he'd just heard, but Kagome's humming filled his head as she began to unpack the stuff she'd need for cooking.
Her fire had gone out through the night, because Sesshoumaru hadn't bothered to bank it, but had made sure Jaken banked theirs, for Rin to stay warm. Kagome ripped up a dry swatch of grass and approached him, her face a pretty pink.
"May I borrow some of your fire, milord?" she teased, and, giving him her brightest smile, didn't wait for him to answer as she held her swatch of grass over the flames.
"It would appear that I am powerless to stop you," he replied, but pointed at her hand, "however, you may want to watch what you're doing before you burn your fingers."
She looked at her hand, and saw the flames licking up close to her nails.
"Yeow!" she cried as she ran back to her own fire pit and dropped the grass on it, alternately blowing it and her hand as she tried to re-start it.
Miroku had jumped awake at her shout, and farted. Everyone stared at him, and Shippo started to laugh.
"Oops," he said, turning very red, "it just slipped out!"
Sango shuffled away, saying, "Uh huh, sure it did, Miroku. Kind of like your hand just 'slips' over my ass, right?" She shook her head in disgust.
"You're sick, Miroku!" Kagome laughed, sucking her sore fingers. The fire had melted her nail polish and it had begun to curl back. She'd have to fix it later, after she taped up her fingers. They were getting sorer by the minute. But the fire roared to life, much to her delight. She began to boil water.
Kikyou was the last to wake. She stretched elegantly and made herself comfortable at the fire, but spoke to no one. She did, though, glare several times in Sesshoumaru's direction. He just smiled in return.
Everyone in the group witnessed that, and all exchanged nervous glances. Kikyou, however, didn't seem concerned, though everyone thought she should be.
She must have done something awful for Sesshoumaru to smile at her like that, Kagome thought, and made a mental note to ask him about it later.
Inuyasha returned shortly with a small mess of fish to a quiet group. He handed the fish to Kagome who took them with a smile, then passed them to Sango and Miroku, who scaled and spitted them quickly, having done so many times before. Kagome handed him a cup of Ramen to eat while they waited for the fish to cook.
Kikyou had removed herself from the group and had taken out a mortar and pestle, and was diligently grinding some sort of plant matter in the tiny bowl of the mortar. No one paid her any attention as she did this, except Sesshoumaru. He'd made it his business to keep a constant eye on her. Something about her just didn't ring true, and he was certain she was a fraud.
After breakfast, they packed everything up and headed out again, but in the confusion Sesshoumaru had not seen where Kikyou had stashed her plant paste. He had smelled it from where he was sitting, and it had smelled awful. He wouldn't be surprised if it was poisonous, from the way it stunk.
Regardless, she was no longer carrying it in plain view. His hackles rose. She was practically begging him to kill her, and he could barely suppress the urge to oblige her.
Once again Sesshoumaru took the lead, everyone falling in pairs behind him.
Inuyasha held Kagome's hand, Shippo grinning at her shoulder, while Miroku tried to reach Sango's who kept moving out of his range. Kikyou was stalking silently next to a transformed Kirara, who stuck very close to her, Kikyou noted with annoyance. Rin rode Ah-Un behind Sesshoumaru, and Jaken held the beast's reins, walking before it.
They trooped along in silence. Kikyou, at the rear, was trying to come up with a way to get Inuyasha alone, while Kagome was looking for an opening to approach Sesshoumaru.
Her opportunity came when Rin said she had to pee, so the little caravan stopped for a bathroom break. Inuyasha said he had to go too, so the rest waited while he and Rin did their thing.
Kagome sidled up next to Sesshoumaru, and said quietly, "What's with you and Kikyou? I saw you smile at her this morning. No offence, but you only smile when you're really mad. What's the deal?"
He turned his body toward her but kept his head in its original position.
"You really want to know?" he asked.
"Of course!" she hissed.
"Fine." He told her about how he'd caught Kikyou spying on her and Inuyasha last night, and watched with a detached sympathy as her face became an angry mask.
"Did you do anything to her?" she demanded, wanting to know…needing to know.
"I told her if I caught her out of her place again, that I would kill her."
Kagome met his gaze here, and he stared steadily back, his face never changing. He really means it, she thought, before looking down at her taped fingers. Then he said something she had not expected.
"That woman is poison, and you should not trust her." He narrowed his eyes at her, and she tilted her head.
"What makes you say that?"
"She does not speak the truth. Her stories about my Father coming to her in a vision are lies. I smell nothing but deceit on her, and I know you agree, Kagome."
She looked away again, ashamed to be stooping so low, but not feeling too bad knowing he felt the same way.
He continued, ruthlessly.
"I saw you side with me yesterday. You didn't have to say anything, but your moving closer let everyone know your opinion. Frankly, you are just to be suspicious of her. I believe she is the tool of Naraku and I mean to find her out. I told her as much last night when I tried to choke the life from her."
At this Kagome's eyes whipped back to his, only to find nothing but truth reflecting there.
So that's why he smiled at her, she thought, the whole picture falling into place. That bitch!
She stood up on tip-toe and yanked his ear down to her mouth.
"Thank you, Sesshoumaru," she whispered, and he offered her a genuine smile, a very short one, before resuming his emotionless mask.
He glanced back at the group. Everyone was milling around, talking, but -
He frowned, and his hand flew to Tensaiga's hilt, making Kagome jump.
"What is it?" she asked.
"The dead bitch," he growled, "is gone."
Kikyou had waited all morning for an opportunity as good as this one. As soon as her reincarnation had captured all Sesshoumaru's attention, and the others were not watching her, she'd slipped away, her hand gripping the tiny bag she'd strung to her waist, full of the paste she'd been grinding this morning.
She followed Inuyasha, hoping to catch him in the middle of his business, when she would slice him, hold him at knife-point, then smear the paste over his wound.
She wasn't as lucky as she'd hoped. He'd already re-tied his pants by the time she sauntered up to him, clutching him around the waist as Kagome would have done. It worked, because at first he thought she was Kagome.
"Miss me already?" he asked, a smile in his voice. She was behind him, so he hadn't seen her yet.
"I always miss you, Inuyasha," she hissed, and he stiffened, recognising her voice immediately, but flinching sharply from the knife slightly embedded in his back.
She laughed low, provocatively. "Don't fucking move," she said, and turned him to face her. His eyes were confused, but soon they just became angry.
"What are you doing, Kikyou?" he ground out, angry at himself for falling into her trap.
"I'm not doing anything, Inuyasha. But I will be." She slashed at him, catching his throat, and making a thin smear of blood trickle from the wound.
He grunted in shock more than pain. What was wrong with her? She hadn't tried to kill him for a long time. Why was she trying again now?
Then it all seemed to come together. Sesshoumaru and Kagome were right to be suspicious; he should have followed his instincts, too. And now she would try to kill him.
Not if he could help it.
Before he could react, she smeared her fingers over the wound, almost like a slap, and at first he thought she had slapped him, before his cut began to sizzle and burn, making him cry out in pain.
She turned and ran, as fast as she could, away from the group, away from that demon, and away from Inuyasha, who now had her poison paste in his bloodstream. There would be no escape for him.
Sesshoumaru flew toward Inuyasha, Kagome clinging to his back by his fur. The others followed, but were way behind.
He drew Tensaiga in readiness, and Kagome clung tighter, not wanting to slow him by falling off.
When they reached Inuyasha he had slumped to the ground, clutching his neck. Kagome ran to him as Sesshoumaru took off, following his nose and ears after Kikyou. Say your prayers wench, he thought, baring his teeth in anticipation, your life will end now.
Kikyou breathed hard as she fought her way to the river. If she could just make it to a river, she could lose that bastard demon, Sesshoumaru. A dog's sense of smell may be good, she thought maliciously, but it's useless when the target gets wet!
Luck was just not on her side that day.
Long before she ever reached the river, she was pushed face-down from behind, and long claws were embedded in the back of her neck, painfully crushing her face into the ground. She began to hear a sizzling as his claws began to secrete poison, and it was eating her, smoking as she struggled to get away.
He banged her head against the ground, and kneeled over her, whispering in her ear, "I warned you, bitch, but you just didn't listen."
She heard the zing! as he pulled out Tensaiga, and held it over her acid-eaten back.
He positioned it over her neck, and waited as it glowed a brilliant blue, and pulsed in readiness.
Swinging it down, he said, "Die."
He severed her head from her body, watching with satisfaction as the bearers from the Underworld dragged her away, screaming and kicking.
Only the clay shell was left, and it began to turn to ash and blow away, and he spit on it in contempt.
"That will be that last time you mock me with visions of my Father," he snarled, and wiping Tensaiga off, he re-sheathed it, and turned his back, returning to the others.
He felt much better.
Naraku smiled. Finally, Kikyou was dead! At long last, that bastard Sesshoumaru had finished that bitch off. Even though he had been using her, he felt no regret at losing her services. She, of course, had not known he was using her, though he suspected she had begun to suspect him.
When he'd given her that vision, she had believed it, initially. What he'd counted on was Kagome and Sesshoumaru's suspicions against her making her angry, and would spur her to retaliate.
She knew that they would all ultimately face off with him, though she could not have known when. Either way, no matter when he decided to strike, Inuyasha would be dead, or at least severely weakened from the poison Kikyou had wiped on his wound.
He laughed in satisfaction.
Apparently Kikyou had wanted only Kagome to suffer, for Sesshoumaru cared not whether Inuyasha died, it was of no consequence to him.
Either way, Kikyou had done him a huge favour, by minimising the threats against him. Now he really only had to worry about Sesshoumaru, for Inuyasha would soon be out of the picture.
He sat back and began to formulate a good plan that would take care of the bothersome demon Lord.
Kagome was holding Inuyasha to her chest when Sesshoumaru returned, bawling her eyes out. Something in him flinched at seeing her tears, her anguish at having her new found love taken from her so soon after discovering it.
She looked up at him, and he could see when she moved that his brother was still alive, but just barely. His life-force was draining away fast.
He stopped before them and said, "It is done. The maneater is finally dead."
Kagome sighed in relief. Inuyasha smiled, and weakly tried to hug Kagome, but his arms would not obey his mind.
She looked back to him and stroked his cheek, her tears sliding down his face.
"I love you," he whispered, before he closed his eyes for the last time.
She panicked.
Shaking him, she yelled, "Inuyasha! You can't leave me! You promised you'd always protect me!"
Her pitiful cries drew the attention of the others as they came forward, having stood back out of the way when it became obvious that Inuyasha was dying.
Sesshoumaru felt his gut lurch and his heart twist as he watched her lament his brother's death. She cried so loud his ears hurt, yet he remained where he stood.
Finally, he could stand it no more. Tensaiga pulsed loudly as he drew it once more.
Everyone gasped, and Kagome looked up through her tears, to see Sesshoumaru with the sword in hand, slashing at Inuyasha's body.
A blue light filled the clearing, and blinded them all. A wind began to blow, and soon the dust filled the air, making everyone cough.
Then abruptly, the light faded, leaving momentary blackness.
Spots danced before Kagome's eyes as she held Inuyasha close, his face turned up to her so she could be the first thing he saw when he awoke. Sesshoumaru shook the steam from the sword before re-sheathing it, and waited.
A minute passed; then two. He frowned. Had it worked?
Kagome began to cry silent tears, thinking that it hadn't worked. She pulled him to her chest again and choked, "I love you, Inuyasha, please come back to me."
Sango was undone by her words and cried out, gripping Miroku tightly, his own tears beginning to flow anew.
Shippo was slowly approaching Kagome from behind when she gasped, loud enough for everyone to hear.
Sesshoumaru's head snapped up, having dropped his gaze when it appeared that his efforts had been in vain. Rin appeared from behind him, her eyes wet, and clutched his leg, looking for comfort. He patted her head.
Kagome cried out in joy as she heard Inuyasha take a breath and his lungs fill with air as his eyes fluttered open, his beautiful golden eyes, the eyes she cherished in her memory so much.
Everyone glanced at everyone else. When they saw him sit up and wrap his arms around Kagome's neck, they converged on the couple, patting Inuyasha's shoulder and welcoming him back.
Only Sesshoumaru did not approach, only looked on with apathy.
She was wrong, little brother, he was thinking, only I shall have the pleasure of killing you. No one else.
Kagome smiled her thanks at him, and he inclined his head in acknowledgement.
Inuyasha came to stand before him, after hugging everyone. He had a frown on his face, and it took him a very long time to say what was on his mind, much to Sesshoumaru's amusement.
Finally, he ground out roughly, "Thanks, Sesshoumaru."
Sesshoumaru narrowed his eyes at him. "I didn't do it for you."
Inuyasha's mouth opened, but before he could launch into an angry tirade, he continued, "I did it for her. Only I will have the pleasure of taking your life, Inuyasha, and no one else. Only I will decide when it is time for your death."
Inuyasha stared at him, speechless. Then, as Kagome took his hand in hers, and he looked into her eyes, he smiled and said, "Fair enough."
Sesshoumaru had as good as guaranteed that as long as Kagome was alive, Inuyasha would not die. He agreed because he did not feel life would be worth living after she was gone.
Pulling her close, he kissed her passionately, and everyone smiled, even Sesshoumaru, though it was so quick no one saw it. When he could stand this public display of affection no longer he barked, "Let's go people. We've still got an enemy to slay."
He led the way back to the clearing, the rest following slowly behind.
Well, chapter three in all its glory. Review my lovlies, and I'll love you until the day you die, which, God forbid, is no time soon! Thank you for reading!