Kouga snorted. "I don't need to ask. Yer perfect. We're perfect together."
"Perfection doesn't exist, Kouga-kun. Especially in relationships." She pointed to Sango and Miroku and then herself and Inuyasha. "They're messy and meant to be so. You have to work at them. Every day. And something that worked the first time may not work the second time, but that's okay. You put it behind you and keep going."
She tilted her head, giving Inuyasha a sombre smile. "And sometimes you realize that what you thought was best for you is actually tearing you apart." Golden eyes flickered her way. "But you have to figure that out yourself. It can't come from anyone else."
Inuyasha's arms tightened across his chest, and he gave her a curt nod. He'd been the same way once, spouting off promises in the hopes it would be enough to keep them together. And it had taken them a lot to realize just how bad things were before their relationship had shifted.
He knew, but he didn't know, and she wasn't sure if she could ever tell him. He'd dealt with enough guilt when it came to Kikyou. He didn't need to know just how close to death it had brought her.
Sesshoumaru only knew because he'd been there. His involvement had been forced, and she'd sworn him to secrecy, though she doubted he'd have said anything even if she hadn't.
It was the kind of thing that only caused more hurt if the truth was revealed and the blame was laid at the feet of those responsible. Inuyasha had thought her feelings had shifted because she'd been tired of catching him with Kikyou, and she'd let him continue to believe it, not wanting him to realize his actions had almost caused the death of his best friend.