IKIGAI
Page XI
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I lay Moroha on her futon; she has just fallen asleep on my arms while you read her one of the many experiences from the diary I wrote, and is currently still in your hands. I cover our daughter with a blanket, then I cast my gaze on you. From here, I can see the way in which your features harden as you read, your expression turning into something tense and even painful. I don't believe you've continued the story you were reading to Moroha, since we decided she isn't yet ready to listen to everything I wrote; so, my guess is you are at a much more unsettling part.
For a moment, the thought of getting closer and pulling you out of that state crosses my mind; however, I believe it is your right to be able to go through your own emotions, even if my wish is to shield you from the pains of the world.
I see the way in which your shoulders tense up, and your breathing shortens just like when you face an enemy, as I pull at the cloth of my Yukata on my leg in an attempt of holding back my anxiety and urge to embrace you, and end whatever is disturbing you. Then, you look at me, and the intensity in your golden gaze catches me off-guard.
"Kagome." You say my name with an emotive charge that's close to anguish.
"What's wrong?" I ask, hoping to hear what you've just read.
The answer comes but an instant later.
"... just like that, still carrying the poison to which Mukotsu had exposed us to, we arrived at a temple." You start reading in a low voice, as to not interrupt Moroha's sleep. "Shippo was by my side, and just as I was beginning to recover a sliver of consciousness, Renkotsu paralyzed me and made me fall asleep once again. I thought of InuYasha, and hoped he was alright; after that, everything was darkness and silence."
"InuYasha"I mutter, and this time is my voice the one charged of anguish.
Your gaze returns to me, your eyes lit anew with golden flames, and in an instant your expression passes from anguish to affliction, a sort of painful relief I can understand, and that you remark with your next action.
I see you placing your open palm on the ground between us, to then shorten the distance and leave on my lips a kiss that is far from tender, or gentle. I receive it with a deep breath, as if trying to inhale all of your grief, then I place my hands on your cheeks, my eyes close, to keep you near, to help you release all that's making you suffer something we have long overcome. I hear the rustle of your hitoe against the wooden floor as you get closer to mirror my gesture, and I soon feel the warmth of your hands on my face; it's in that instant when you sigh as if you were finally able to breathe, and your kiss loses some of that urge, albeit it remains intense for a moment before you turn it, little by little, into soft touches, showing how your body comes free of your torment. There, you rest your forehead against mine, taking a lungful of air that seems to flow in you easily at last.
"I thought I had lost you." You confess, as part of what ensued that day.
Now, it's my turn to be the one to kiss you, so that you can feel how alive I am.
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A/N
IKIGAI is a way to go deeper into the soul of these two beautiful characters.
I hope you've enjoyed it, and thank you for reading and keeping me company.
Anyara.
This text is possible thanks to the translation of: Dezart
