( FATE; )
A short series of little blurbs that lead up to conclusion of the relationship between Kouga and Kagome.
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Nine:
Distant Presence
Though, they exchanged their good-byes, there was no way he could stay away for long.
[ - ]
"Kagome," he says her name dismissively to the wind, not much thought going into his words. He lets the syllables of her name and the own quality of his voice as he says them echo and sink in to the depths of the narrow tunnel. It resounds, bouncing off the walls in remnant proof of her existence in his life, and with this, he takes off on his usual run.
[ - ]
Feeling the cool breeze caress his cheeks and cling to the air that inevitably surrounded him, he felt at ease. It soothed him and allowed for some peace of mind, all while the earth under his feet supported him, in every steady and definite step on gravel and grain. He continued on monotonously, but freely.
It's often in this state of mind that he found himself attempting to fully decimate his thoughts regarding both his furtive, wanton longings and the unattainable aspirations that came with. However, inconsistent to this sentiment, he would consistently find himself mindlessly chasing after one particular scent. "Kagome…"
He says her name unintentionally and soon regrets them.
Not again…
What was it? The eleventh time that day?
[ - ]
Often in these little insignificant travels, though, he indulges. Getting close to her location. But, at the same time, never getting close enough. This was likely, not only out of caution, but because he no longer saw himself as someone who was fit or suitable to be at her side. His pride hurt, he refused to take those last steps. There were far too many unresolved emotions. Especially, those attached to the grating realization that he no longer had the means or ability to protect her. Nor did he have a pertinent role in her life. Not anymore, anyway.
So instead, he would often teeter near the very thin edge of Kagome's location– enough distance to take in her scent, but far enough where Inuyasha couldn't detect his.
In times like these, he would just remain there, perched up on a tree or lounging nearby on the flat grassy plains; silently taking it all in. Doing his best to internalize her distant presence.