Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the characters therein, which are all the property of Rumiko Takahashi.

And Closer

The nightmares didn't dull with time and every morning she invariably woke up tightly clutching Inuyasha's haori. Embarrassment had evaporated after the first few times. Some part of her was comforted by it; the other part wished it could stop the time flow at those moments.

It was decidedly strange, travelling without the others – especially after so many years. There had been a change in the way they moved around each other; without the need to keep up appearances. Inuyasha was much calmer, and more open to conversation.

She liked it. They were almost like a married couple. Her heart tore over the thought that this was as close as they were going to get, but she forced herself to smile again. If it was for him, it would be worth it.

"Kagome."

The silences weren't unpleasant, but more often than not he was the one breaking them. It made her smile every time.

"Yes, Inuyasha."

"I was a bother."

She cocked her head, wondering what he was referring to.

"Earlier. When I…didn't remember. I was a bother."

He was apologising?

"You were not. It was nice to be able to help you for once." Then as an afterthought added: "In a way that did not involve bandaging you up and praying you'd make it through the night."

"Just…how…I mean…and your mother…" He huffed, annoyed with his inability to get the words out. "Why did you keep me?"

"Do you really think you have no place in our house?"

"I have no place anywhere."

"That's not true. You…we, we are family." It was so true. It was so easy – easy to tell him how loved he was, easy to love him, easy to take his heart and hold on to it forever; but her promise wouldn't let her. She had decided, however. He would know love, he would know of her love, even if not in words; and he would not be surrendered until the last possible minute.

His eyes peeped shyly from under his fringe.

"I wish it were true."

"It is true!"

"Not that." He shook his head. "I wish…I wish I'd known you sooner."

Kagome just smiled.

"You'll have plenty of time to know me from here on in."

"Kagome!" He spoke quite urgently all of the sudden. "When we get back…will you…? I mean…What will you do?"

"Stay like this, I suppose."

"Good."

She looked at him curiously: "I suppose it is."

He grasped the tip of her fingers in his, timidly.

"Good." He said again and smiled.

Her heart continued its lament.

"How much longer Kagome?"

She closed her eyes and felt for the aura:

"I'd say we're pretty near…maybe", she paused, "…a few more days…?"

Inuyasha nodded silently.

"Anything the matter?"

"No…It's just…"

"Yes?"

"Forget it." He shook his head, while his ears twitched madly.

Kagome swallowed slowly.

Does he realize? Does he recognise the place?

They continued to walk side by side through the lush forest. Inuyasha's hand reached out for hers as it was wont to do of late, and she squeezed back. Something was bothering him, she knew.

"Tell me?"

The sounds of falling footsteps was her only reply.

Slowly, the dusk caught up with them scattering their path with shadows.

A twinkling sea of stars flowed onto the blushing crevasse of sunset. The wind slowed its frolicking for the night. Kagome hummed as she moved about trying to prepare the dinner. The feel of Inuyasha's fingers around her hand was still sharp. She took a deep breath and turned her eyes on him. Slightly hidden by the shadows, his chin resting on Tessaiga, his eyes far off, his loneliness called to her.

Picking up the ramen cup she walked to him.

"Dinner, Inuyasha."

His ears twitched and he hummed absently. She set the cup next to him and squeezed his shoulder briefly before turning and going to take her own dinner. The sound of noodles being slurped leisurely filled the small clearing and she began to feel self-conscious.

"What's the matter?"

He didn't answer; merely turning his head enough to throw a guilty glance at her before lowering his gaze to the cup in his hands.

Kagome sighed:

"Let's just enjoy our meal."

"Icanttellyou!"

Her glance snapped back to him. Not even his bangs could hide the blush taking over his face.

"Erm…?"

"I don't…I can't…I don't know how to…to…say it."

"Say what?"

"It's…I…I…this…why are we heading to Sesshomaru's fortress?"

Kagome's heart stopped.

"S-s-seshoumaru's…?"

"I din't mean to yell…it's just…"

She could barely hear him through the chaos in her head.

"It's…it's bringing back stuff…"

And suddenly it all became clear to her. She wanted to cry at her own callousness. Of course he'd be uncomfortable going this way! Of course he'd remember!

"I'm…oh Inuyasha." She moved over to him and gathered him in her arms as she used to when he didn't have his memory. "I'm so so sorry."

"Keh." The obvious misunderstanding of her apology tugged even more on her heart.

"I'm…"

"You're using your powers. Comin' back here was gonna happen sooner or later." He mumbled more to himself.

She continued to brush his hair.

"I am sorry."

"You shouldn't." But he didn't try to escape her embrace.

Slowly the embers dimmed, and the shadows cloaked the camp grounds.

"You should go to bed…" He said, when the sky had become ink-dark, but she did not reply.

Squirming in her grip, he tilted his head up; head bowed, face framed by thick hair, Kagome was already asleep.

Author's Note: Thank you, once more, for the ongoing support. Circumstances made it impossible to update any earlier than this. :( But, it's so wonderful to see people are still reading this. ^^;; I'm very happy and thankful~! I hope you'll all continue to enjoy this piece :D