As she was scrambling out of bed he was crossing the room, his stride purposeful and his gaze intent on her frail form. She looked better, far better than she had the last time he had visited her, having gained back some of her weight and color she no longer appeared skeletal. She was a bit shaky on her legs but he was willing to chalk it up to her natural clumsiness.
Or his own luck as she stumbled into his arms.
She stared up at him her doe like eyes shining with exuberance and he once more felt guilt claw at him for all for all he had done and not done, for all he said.
For all that remained to be said.
"Kagome-"
"Shinobu-" Lips turning up in a smile she couldn't stop the giggle the bubbled up. "Go ahead Shinobu."
He gave a curt nod, and paused momentarily to gather his thoughts. "Kagome I want to… apologize for all that I have done, for leaving you after all you had done for me. I'm sorry for not coming to you in your time of need, I'm sorry for being a coward, sorr-" His words broke off as she stood on her tip toes.
And placed a chaste kiss on his lips.
Eyes wide as saucers he watched her pull away her cheeks rosy and her eyes expressive. "Do not apologize Shinobu. We all have our demons to conquer, that you've overcome yours and remain whole is enough for me."
And as her soul flared up around her he knew the truth of her words. His light, the woman who illuminated the darkest parts of his heart had forgiven him of his transgressions.
This time when their lips met there was a bit more heat.