Disclaimer: This story is based on "Inuyasha," copyrighted by Rumiko Takahashi. No infringement of copyright intended or implied.
Tears Refused
Kohaku refused the tears trying to drip down his face. It was his turn to guard, to stay alert, and he could not do that while crying. But, it was so hard, as his gaze kept drifting to Kirara's tiny form, half-covered in blood-soaked strips of cloth.
If only he hadn't been so thoughtless! If only he hadn't been so fascinated by watching the ground far below, forgetting that the demise of Naraku did not mean the end of danger. Kirara had been surprised, too, but she had probably been depending on him to do his part. And he hadn't!
He angrily swiped at the traitorous drops. Stop it, he told himself. Checking the fire, he looked again at Kirara, as she lay on her side, partly curled, her mouth opened as she panted, occasionally mewing in pain, her eyes tightly closed. He longed to pick her up and cuddle her, but any attempt to move her would only cause more pain. He had done everything he could: wrapping the wounds, sacrificing his tunic for bedding, carefully arranging her between the fire and a vertical rock to keep her warm.
He listened to the dark intently, knowing that his vision was badly compromised, given the lit fire. But, it didn't matter. Kirara needed it, and his training had included using all his senses to fight.
He had felt overwhelmed, when she had made clear her decision to stay with him. That decision must not be fatal.
It would not!
Author's Note: This piece was written for the LiveJournal community Inuyasha Fanfiction Contest, for the prompt "Thoughtless." It was published originally on May 10th, 2011. It tied for first.