InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Finding Kagome ❯ Finding Kagome - Chapter Thirty Seven ( Chapter 37 )

DISCLAIMER: I do not own InuYasha and company, however I DO own an overactive imagination...

 

WARNING: Entirely too much fluff, read at your own risk

 

Finding Kagome

 

Chapter Thirty Seven

 

 

They sat in blissful silence on the wooden bench, clean ocean air and the hum of the rest of the world seemed to whirl past them on fast forward. The only thing that mattered to either of them was the person they were with.

They had purchased waffle cones, two scoops each. Vanilla for him, and Cherry Cheesecake for her. Not accustomed to the frozen treat, InuYasha took tentative bites at it. Watching with intense interest as Kagome licked around the base of her confection, he found himself squirming uncharacteristically. Just something about that tongue action took his mind to places it didn't need to be at the moment. Soon though, he mimicked her approach and found that much preferable to using his teeth. Of course it would be. The thought brought a wistful smile to his lips.

Their get away had been quite simple, once Sally had explained to him how easily the window opened. At first he hadn't realized that was her way of telling him that it was ok for them to leave, in spite of Michaels heated protests.

The hardest part had been to get Kagome to stop her teasing attentions to his neck long enough to actually go. Not that he had wanted her to stop. . . no, not really.

They met at the bike in the garage, and Kagome had watched with fascination at the speed in which he changed his headgear. Not caring for the restriction of the helmet, he had opted to always keep his hat tucked into his jacket and would switch back to it when not riding. There had been nothing but time to practice the technique while he had impatiently awaited their return the night before. Flattening his ears on his head as he traded off, hat to helmet and then back again, it soon had become a smooth fluid action. His hat, after being stuffed into his jacket a few times, was taking on a softer more worn feel, which suited him much better than the stiffness it had when it was new.

A short stop at the motorcycle dealership and Kagome had a matching helmet of her own, and a new leather jacket designed specifically for their mode of transportation. It looked nice on her, though she had balked at first, having seen the price tag. He made it clear to her that having the proper protective gear came with riding with him, and if she wanted to go riding, then she would have to accept the jacket and helmet.

He wondered if it would always be so difficult to buy her things. In the future he would need to find a way to hide the price in advance, to avoid a repeat of the argument.

They had then detoured to the place she called “The Mall”, where she said she needed to pick up a few things, mostly some changes of clothing for her work. The bastards had torn everything up that she had left at home, and jeans were not suitable for the classroom.

They had toured the place at their leisure, and though it was enclosed it hadn't been too oppressive to him thanks to the skylights and multilevel ceilings. He thought it a little odd that everywhere they went there seemed to be the same low level music playing. These modern people seemed to be obsessed with having background music to everything they did.

While strolling through the mall, she had made good on her promise to tell him about Taki, her mother's gardener, and how he had been injured by falling one afternoon during her visit. She explained that she knew only from a dream that she once had a gift of healing and when he had been injured, she had felt compelled to try using her power to mend the injury. It had worked, healing more than just the twisted knee, apparently. She said it was as if twenty years had been erased from the man. It was obvious that she was as awed by it as everyone else.

InuYasha recalled how in the later years, Kagome had often pulled out her first aid kit, only to put it away again because her power had increased enough to mend most minor injuries. He couldn't help a wistful smile at their arguments over his 'scratches'. Even some not so minor wounds had closed at her touch, her holy power had been even stronger after the Jewel had been completed. She, however had been powerless to help herself in the end. She had once said the power was for giving and protecting. . . not receiving. That to heal herself would be a selfish act.

Somehow that had just seemed wrong to him. But she would hear none of his arguments in those days. Not when it came to matters regarding her innate abilities. He had finally resigned himself to this fact, when she pointed out that he himself just 'knew' about his own innate abilities.

He couldn't help but wonder what the union of all those gifts would create. What wonders would their pups have been able to perform. . .

They had run into a old college friend of Kagome's, and InuYasha was still not so sure he liked being introduced as her 'new boyfriend'. It just didn't sound serious enough. The friend was pushing a small cart that held a squalling brat and Kagome made over the pup like she was a long lost relative or something. He watched her pick the little boy up, and coo into his ear before her hands began to glow lightly. He had quieted right down, sucking his thumb around a smile with tears still clinging to his long eyelashes. It had reminded him of how good she had always been with Shippou when he was little.

The friend was elated that the child liked Kagome so much, explaining that he was usually very nervous around strangers. All the while Kagome bounced him lightly in her arms and looked the perfect picture of a doting mother. All InuYasha could do was smile and shake his head. Some things just don't change.

Passing by a pet shop on the main floor, Kagome had gasped and grabbed his hand to drag him in to see some puppies in a glass walled display in the center of the store. She had picked up a white one, and cuddled it like it were her own. The sign said the puppies were 'Samoyed', an arctic breed.

“Aw look. . .” she whispered, pushing up closely against him. “His ears are just like yours. . .”

“I promise you, that pup and I are not related,” he responded, unable to resist rubbing behind it's ears.

“Hm. . . are you sure? Let me see,” and she held it up with a mock seriousness that made him snort, then brought it back to nuzzle it's neck. “His neck is fuzzier,” she smirked. “Mmm puppy hair,” she rubbed her nose against it's fur, with a look of complete bliss.

“Should I get jealous?” He asked at her coquettish glance up at him from the puppy's neck. She then sighed, and gently placed it back into the case, standing back to admire it with a wistful expression. “So Kagome . . . What would you call him? I mean his name . . . if he was yours?”

She hesitated for only a half a second before she answered with a smirk, “Why . . . Junior, of course!” She then ducked any possible retaliation, and quickly made tracks out of the store with him on her heels. Catching her easily by the waist, he tested a once known 'tickle spot' and found great satisfaction when she proceeded to laugh hysterically, begging him to stop.

Her next destination had been a shop that specialized in women's wear, primarily undergarments by the look of the pictures plastered all over the walls. Too many half dressed females gazing down at him had left him feeling very uncomfortable, and he made the excuse that he had to (as Sesshoumaru would say) relieve himself, with the understanding that he would return shortly

He then secretly returned to the pet shop and made arrangements for 'Junior' to be delivered to the compound, along with all the necessary items for his care. This had taken no small amount of time, he had never dreamed a little puppy had so many needs. His stomach had begun to growl, and as he was concluding the transaction, he impulsively grabbed a bag of treats from a stand on the counter, adding them to the total. He said he'd keep that item, then returned to the bench outside the shop he had left Kagome in.

As he went to make the call to warn Sesshoumaru about the impending arrival of 'Junior' he had panicked when he realized he did not have his 'leash' with him. But there had been nothing to be done for it, he would just have to remember to make the call later. Shrugging he ripped open the bag and began eating while he waited.

Kagome had found him while he was still enjoying his little snack.

“Remind me not to kiss you anymore . . .” she made a face as her eyes darted between the bag and his busy jaw.

“What's wrong? These are good, try one,” he rose still chewing, to offer her a morsel. She dodged the hand as he tried to slip it into her mouth.

“ICK! Those are made out of horse meat!” She stuck her tongue out in disgust.

“Are not! Look. . . it says 'Beef' on the package.” He showed her the label.

“Artificially BEEF flavored . . . soy product? Veggie snacks for DOGS?” She smirked, “Nutritious and Satisfying - Eco Friendly Product.”

“Veggie, huh?” He looked at one for a moment, then sniffed at it. “What the fuck,” he shrugged, “it tastes good. . .” and he popped another one into his mouth.

As luck would have it, there had been another shop on the second floor that dealt with all manor of blades. Most of the more decorative items were just that, not high enough quality to actually be worthy of battle. And many were of fanciful designs, looking like they would be all but impossible to actually wield. However, the set of throwing knives he found were remarkably well balanced and the merchant even allowed Kagome to test them on a target they had set up at the rear of the shop.

Unsure about handling a 'real weapon' she was hesitant about trying them, let alone buying them. It had taken a long, hushed discussion for her to see the reasoning behind having crafted weapons as opposed to kitchen tools.

When she finally did try her hand with them, he had been able to give her some pointers on technique. Her improvement with each round had been impressive, to say the least.

But of course his Kagome would be adept at defense.

She agreed that he was right about them and he bought her three sets. He then instructed her to wear at least three hidden under her clothes at all times, within easy reach. As much as he might wish otherwise, he knew he could not be with her every second of every day.

One more stop and she quickly chose two outfits for work. He had been disappointed that she chose skirts, knowing she wouldn't be riding with him dressed like that. She had said they were just to get by, that she would shop in earnest another day. She really wanted to go to this 'wharf' place today, and had suggested a particular 'ice cream shop' there for what was in her opinion, a more acceptable snack.

He had to admit, it was a pretty good idea.

“I don't get it. . .” Kagome ventured between long laps on her ice cream, which for his own peace of mind, he carefully tried to avoid watching. “Why did you wait until now to find me?”

“I had to give you time . . . you know . . . ” he stared at his cone which was beginning to get soggy on the pointed bottom.

“You mean to reincarnate . . .” she looked at him thoughtfully. “Well . . . it was good timing. How did you know?”

“I could feel you,” he answered in a matter of fact tone, pressing his fist into his solar plexus for emphasis. “The rosary told me when you were near,” he fingered the rosary, “but I just . . . knew you were on this side of the ocean.”

“You were in Japan?” her eyes widened as she reached and lightly touched the beads she had played with when they were in the tree.

“Hai.” He watched her reaction while he absently bit the soggy end off of his cone, and discovered a little fountain of melted ice cream that wouldn't stop. “Kuso . . .” he muttered as he held the thing up and tried to continue catching the ceaseless drip into his mouth, growling low in frustration.

Kagome's ensuing giggles at first annoyed him, but when he saw the brightness in her eyes he didn't mind so much after all.

“So when did you become Caleb?” She carefully held her own cone away from from her to avoid spoiling her clothes. He watched her make quick work of finishing it, and licking her fingers.

“The night I followed you home. Sessh. . .” he stuttered, preoccupied with the show she was providing, “Eh . . . Seth gave me my I.D. earlier that night, before we went to the opera.”

“Opera, huh?” She reached over and ran her thumb over a spot on the corner of his lips which he had neglected to lick clean. “You don't really strike me as the 'opera' type.” Her grin was whimsically lopsided at the thought.

“Feh . . . I slept through the damn thing,” he blushed, his own grin matching hers.

“I think you could sleep through a nuclear blast . . . at least you don't snore . . . too loud,” at his incredulous look she hid a smirk behind the back of her hand.

“I don't snore. . . at all,” he corrected her, brows lifting into his bangs. Giving up on the sodden mess in his hand, he rose and tossed it over the edge of the pier. Licking his fingers, he watched a pair of gulls dive after it.

“How long have you been here? I mean, here . . .”

“A little over a week,” he dropped to his haunches in front of her. “We flew in the night before the almost . . . accident.” He realized that he hadn't actually talked with her about that day, only Sally and Michael knew. “We were in that limo. Me and my brother . . . I was so worried about you. . .” He reached for her hand.

Kagome appeared lost in thought as she scanned the boats in the bay.

“I had a dream about you . . . that same night,” she faltered, an unidentifiable expression shadowing her features, her arms crossed around her middle.

“Nani, Koi?” He rose and sat next to her again, bringing an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close. When she didn't respond immediately, he followed her gaze out toward the boats in the bay. “You weren't serious about never kissing me again . . . were you?”

At that she snorted. “I'm thinking about it.” Seeing her lopsided grin, he knew she was teasing him.

“Keh. . . Let me help you make up your mind . . .” he brought his hand up behind her neck and pulled her to touch noses and foreheads for a moment, then gently caressed her cheek with his thumb. Nuzzling into her neck, he breathed deeply of her scent. She sighed, relaxing into his ministrations.

Pulling back, he offered her his best 'hopeful puppy' expression. She had a high blush on her cheeks and was quaking with her unreleased giggles at his antics. He noticed a small crystalline drop of dried ice cream on her chin, and not thinking he casually lapped at it as though it was the most natural thing in the world to do.

Kagome's mouth dropped to his so quickly it took his breath away, and for a moment he thought his heart would beat right out of his chest as she dragged her searing tongue against his, before their lips joined fully in an all consuming kiss. Her hands cupped his cheeks, then tangled into his braids and he enfolded her with his arms, fingers splayed against her back and her hair, the world around them completely forgotten.

It was undeniable. He could feel it more strongly than ever before, that warm rolling dance of their very essences wrapping around one another, mingling, becoming one. Of all the places they had traveled, in all the years they had wandered, seeking . . . of all the times they had shared, and all the time they had spent apart, they were both now . . . finally home.

 

 

oOo

 

 

“Christ! I hate this human interest shit!” The young field reporter yanked her bag out of the seat of the station van and dropped it to the street as she fumbled in the glove box in search of something.

“You asked for it, R.T. . .” admonished her camera man as he carefully assembled his equipment through the side door. “It's what you get for that 'this reporter is keeping her doors locked' line,” his mocking tenor was accompanied with a bobbing of his shaggy blond head, earning him an explosive glare from the petite woman.

“It was the truth, damnit! I didn't cause the problem, it's not my fault business is a little off!” she shook her head, her hair whipping back and forth, “where the hell are they?” She muttered to herself, then dropped to a crouch and started digging into the voluminous bag on the pavement.

“Yeah, but it all comes back around . . . You say something stupid and local business drops and guess who's advertising pads your sweet little paycheck?” He held up a micro lens for his steady cam and examined it against the light, before running a polishing cloth over it.

“Enough already . . . it wasn't stupid, damnit . . . hey, you seen my contacts case?” She stood with her hand on her hip, her eyes darting to all the places she had already searched.

“I swear, you'd lose you ass . . . if it wasn't an implant,” he deadpanned.

She paused a moment to eye his entirely too casual stance.

“You're in the wrong business, Tard . . . you should be a goddamn comedian,” she reached over and roughly patted his broad shoulder. “At least I have contributed to the city beautification project, how about you? You get that ear job, yet?” She grinned wickedly as she reached up for his hair to have him yank his head away.

“Hey! No handling the merchandise! OK . . . so, you called me 'Tard' . . . Does that mean I get to call you 'Bitch'?” He asked hopefully as he pulled the strap of his nylon equipment case over his shoulder then tapped a button whispering the door closed. Her lack of response indicated to him that he had made his point about abusing his name. At least for the moment.

Taking in a deep breath of the fresh ocean air, he raised his camera to scan the area. He had to admit, it was a great day to be outside. Even if the 'bitch' didn't appreciate it.

“Well, crap . . . I guess I'll have to work without them. You're my eyes, Ted. You know how damned nearsighted I am.” She picked up her microphone and lowered the van door. Her wide heels rapidly clopping against the sidewalk let him know she was on the move. “We need at least three, but best go for five. . . locals, ok?”

She hadn't raised her voice as she walked away, but he heard her just fine. He always did, and he was grateful that she had never questioned why. She had no clue those 'malformed' ears of his were as acutely sensitive as they were.

Trotting agilely to catch up, he then had to cut his normally long strides to keep pace with her. It was well rehearsed, one of his steps to two of hers, they had been working together like this for over a year.

Raising the palm sized camera to his eye, he scanned the area, recording as he did. There weren't that many people out. Usually the area was a big pull for tourists and locals alike on the weekends, and the sparseness of the crowd truly was disheartening.

He didn't think that Ricky was solely responsible, not really. Sure, she hadn't helped with her 'gloom and doom' approach to reporting the recent crime wave. But, she had taken enough flak for that from the brass. He considered how he should stop picking at her about it, though in truth, that only lasted for about three seconds and in the end he just grinned.

She was just too damn much fun to pick on.

He framed an attractive looking family strolling past the shops, and zoomed in smoothly.

“10 o'clock, R.T. . .” he informed the reporter, “mom, pop. . . couple of kiddos, one's on the old man's shoulders, pretty cute.”

She glanced in the indicated direction, squinting to focus.

“Nix. . . Tourists . . . Mickey ears on the girl, see?” she negated, then pointed. “Find me locals.”

He marked the 'footage' anyway with a press of his thumb on the side of the cam, it would make a nice bit for stock, if nothing else. A sudden familiar sense pulled at him, and accustomed to viewing the world through his lens, he swung his scan off toward the bay. On a bench near the rail there was a couple entirely too engrossed in each other. At first it brought a smirk, until he realized that one of them was a creature not unlike himself.

Zooming in as the formidable lip lock broke, he focused closely on the face of the man. He had seen it before in a clip from the opera opening two nights before. So . . . this was Inudono's brother. The reporter had suggested that he was the talk of the town, the most eligible bachelor, etc, etc. ad nauseum. He hadn't realized that this new 'celebrity' wasn't exactly . . . human.

He had heard that the elder Inudono was a bit . . . strange. Reclusive. Usually handling his philanthropic works through third parties and such. It hadn't crossed his mind that the reason might be because the guy might actually have something to hide.

Ted understood that only too well. His choice to live and work in the city had been a source of contention with his parents, who feared for his well being as well as their own. His mother had gone into a complete panic when he made the announcement that he wanted to attend Brooks Institute, and his father had tried use logic and reasoning to change his mind. But he found their mountain seclusion too limiting while growing up, often venturing secretly into the small town near their Mt. Hood sanctuary, to mix with the teenagers there. He found humans fascinating, and discovered that his love for capturing them on various photographic media was considered inspired within both communities.

To come into contact with one of his kind in the city was unusual at best, but his guy was different somehow. It was almost like he was mixed, a halfbreed . . . which was unheard of among his people. It wasn't even known if it was genetically possible. And here the guy was a celebrity no less. With a human girl on his arm? There was something odd about her as well, something which he couldn't quite put a finger on, but it set him on edge nonetheless.

“You with me?” his partner had stopped. “Hey, Tard!”

“Get a load of that . . .” still recording, he motioned for her with his free hand, ignoring the barb. “He works fast, you think? Wonder who the girl is . . .” as the couple moved to leave he kept them in the frame.

“Who are you talking about?” Joining him she followed his point of focus, but it was too far for her to make them out.

“Its the younger Inudono, and it appears he has some girl on a leash,” he muttered as he smoothly panned and zoomed out to frame the couple as they walked toward the street hand in hand.

“Oh really, now . . . follow them!” She demanded. If he hadn't been so busy doing just that he would have shaken his head. “It'll make a nice little tidbit for the About Town segment . . . Yolanda loves shit like this. Wonder if he'll do an interview . . .” her face distorted slightly as she squinted at them then started walking swiftly toward the couple.

Ted lowered his cam for a moment, eying the pair. There was definitely something about that girl . . . through the lens she was just another girl, but catching her eye briefly as they passed he felt it. An energy that was foreign to him, and oddly compelling. Curiosity, and its extraordinary zoom capabilities, lured the camera back to his eye.

Trotting toward his partner, he resumed recording at a distance as she approached the two of them. They were apparently preparing to mount an imported motorcycle. As the guy handed off a rather large yellow backpack to the girl, the reporter called to him.

“Caleb Inudono?” He didn't respond immediately, fiddling with his helmet. The girl touched his shoulder and nodded warily to the rapidly approaching woman with the over sized microphone in her hand.

Ted zoomed in to frame the group. R.T. was still squinting, and he strafed to the side to get a back shot of her, knowing she would try to decapitate him if she was left looking bad on the clip. At least she's proud of her behind.

The man's expression was open, almost pleasant until he spied the approaching reporter. Ted noted a momentary hint of panic cross his features before he scowled.

“What the fuck do you want?” he asked tersely.

“Puppy. . .” the now helmeted girl put a hand on his shoulder, and when he glanced back at her she shook her head with a frown. She raised the visor, and he could see her inspecting the reporter. Inudono thinned his lips, and looked to R.T. for a response.

“KGO news, just doing a little 'Sunday Night About Town' feature, you have a minute?” Ted knew Ricky had flashed him her patented winning smile, but it didn't look like he was buying it.

“I ain't got nothin' to say,” he waved a hand, then glancing over at the camera still some thirty feet away, he uttered what was apparently a curse in some foreign language.

“Are you ok?” the girl asked, moving closer to the reporter. Ted glided easily around and saw that Ricky was blinking rapidly, obviously fighting with her visual handicap.

“I'm great! It's a lovely day for a ride, isn't it?” the reporter covered, holding the microphone toward the girl. She moved past it and reached out to toward Ricky.

For a moment it felt like the world held it's breath.

“What are you doing, Kagome?” demanded her partner, who then growled at the reporter, “No interviews, damnit!”

While continuing to scan the action, Ted's mind went into over drive. The girl's hand started to glow slightly as she raised it and gently touched Ricky's cheek. There was a strange, subsonic vibration in the air that sent waves through his midsection and he zoomed in a little closer, fully capturing the event. There was a gasp from the reporter who then stepped back with a strangely awed expression.

“I hope you feel better,” the girl offered with a genuinely sweet smile, which with the helmet was the only thing that could be clearly distinguished. “It's a beautiful day, I agree. We have to go now.”

“How did you do that? Who are you? What's your name?” came rapid fire questions as Ricky regained her composure.

“Fuck this . . . I said no interview, damnit!” Inudono wrenched the microphone out of her hand and crushed it, watching as the pieces dropped to the sidewalk. “Let's go, Koi.”

The reporter gasped, then stepped back to worriedly examine her demolished equipment.

The girl then looked directly at the camera, her mouth in a small 'o'. She apparently hadn't fully realized that they were being recorded at the time. Ted lowered the palm cam, and raised a brow.

“I think I just screwed up . . .” she muttered, not dropping her scrutiny of him. She shook her head rapidly, then pointed, shouting. “You won't show that, right?”

He raised his hands, still palming the cam. He could feel her, and he could feel her displeasure. It was the strangest sensation. He slowly shook his head.

“Good!” She smiled sweetly at him, then followed her partner who had already mounted and started the motorcycle. She whispered something to him, indiscernible over the sound of the engine, and Ted stepped back and raised the camera again, capturing the guy as he switched to his helmet and stuffed his hat into his jacket. They pulled off and raced down the street, as Ricky started to pick up the pieces of her microphone with an expression of disbelief.

“Did you see that? He crumpled it like it was a candy wrapper!” She blinked at him as he approached her. “And I can see you . . . clearly!That girl . . . who the hell was she?”

“I've got no clue, R.T.” he knelt beside her. “But I sure as hell am going to find out.”

“How much of that did you get?” she asked, standing.

“Pretty much all of it, we need to get this to editing pronto . . .” he patted his case which contained the actual recording unit. “I want a closer look at this footage . . . and you need another mike before we can finish this assignment.”

“Kagome. He called her Kagome.” She dumped the pieces of twisted metal that had been her microphone into his bag. “I suppose we can send his brother the bill for this, huh?”

“Sure, R.T., but right now we've got a deadline . . .” he reminded her, and at her nod they both trotted back to the van.

 

 

~ooO0Ooo~

 

 

 

“Selene. . .” His knock on her door was almost imperceptible it was so light. He didn't want to wake her if she was sleeping, but he rather doubted that she was. He could hear her television on with the volume low.

What she had said had cut him to the quick. It had been devastating. Her description of his abilities, or lack thereof, sounded so profoundly pathetic. And then the suggestion that he was delusional. . . had hurt him more than that stupid sword could have, had Inudono used it.

The look on her face had told all. She felt as though he had abandoned her somehow, but. . . he hadn't. . . had he? She hadn't seen the 'experiment' at the retreat, she didn't know how effective his newly discovered 'talent' could be.

Her blind faith in Inudono was vexing. Even if he did prove to be InuYasha, there was no guarantee that his intentions were as pure as the girls assumed they were. Regardless of what he had said. Words. . . nothing but words.

“Selene. . . please. . .” he tried the knob and found the door locked. “What do you want me to do?”

“I want. . .” the sound of her tear filled voice clenched his heart. “I need. . .”

“Sally. . . baby, unlock the door. . .” he pleaded. At the whisper of the lock being turned he quickly pushed the door open to find her facing away arms crossed around her middle with her head down. Wrapping his arms over hers from behind her, he held her tightly breathing into her ear, “I haven't left you, I'm right here. . .”

She stiffened in his arms, then twisted her neck back toward him. There was a hint of accusation on tear stained face. “You love her, more than you love me. . . that's the point of all this, isn't it?”

“What?” he shook his head not believing what he had just heard.

“You are in love with Kagome, you always have been. . . I was just. . . too stupid to see it. . .” her head dropped as her emotions obviously warred between hurt and anger, she pulled away from him. “That's why you can't stand Caleb. . . He's taking her away from you.”

“No. . . I. . . that's. . .” Michael's brow furrowed as he fought to give her a coherent response. “Ridiculous! That's what it is, how did you come up with this brilliant conclusion?”

“Christ, Michael! It's only obvious!” Selene spat, pulling from him to sit on the edge of her bed. “Why else would you act like you do around Caleb? Kagome is my best friend. . . The best friend I have ever had, Damnit!” Her face contorted with the confusion in her mind. She took a deep breath, and he cautiously lowered himself beside her.

“She's my best friend too, you know . . .” he was careful to not make any physical contact, he knew she would flinch away. “I worry about her, I want the best for her . . . I want to take care of her, keep her safe . . .”

“In other words, you are in love with her.” She stated flatly. “And you are jealous of Caleb's . . . no . . . no damnit . . . no more pretense here . . . You are jealous of InuYasha's invasion on your territory.” She took another deep shuddering breath. “You have always been obsessive about her, Mikey . . . I've tried to look the other way, I really have . . . But I can't anymore.” She wasn't meeting his eyes as she shook her head, and it was obvious she was fighting for emotional control.

He sat watching her, his heart aching at the torment she was going through.

He searched his mind for what he had done to cause her this much pain.

Yes, he had been obsessive about Kagome, at least for the last week. The reasons for that were pretty damn obvious.

His mind drifted to when he first met her, and how refreshingly open, sweet and innocent she was, in contrast to the arrogantly pampered selfishness that was so common among university attendees. He had been irretrievably drawn to her, sensing a kinship from the very start.

But, in love with her?

Something about that would just be . . . wrong. He wasn't exactly certain why it would be, but he had known from very early on in their friendship that she could never be his.

“You are wrong. There is only one woman with whom I intend to spend the rest of my life, and that woman is you, Selene Rodriguez. I will always care deeply about Kagome, I won't lie about that, but she isn't my soul mate.” He reached for her hand. “I think you two have the advantage, you both seem to have a better connection to what was than I do,” he put an arm around her, pressing his cheek against her shoulder.

“You know enough, you talk about it enough. . .” she whispered.

“Most of it is what I have been told, honey. . . The stuff with the kanji is a fluke, really. I don't know why I know what I know . . . or even what it is I do that makes it work.” He opened his right palm, “Everyone talks about my hand, I don't 'remember' anything about my hand, the kazzam thing or whatever . . . but, I remember you. I remember how strong you were, and proud. . . I remember how in love with you I was, how badly I wished we could just settle down and have a family . . . and you know something? All that is nothing . . . compared to how I feel about you right now.”

“Then why do I feel,” her words no more than a whisper, “like I have to remind you that I am around half the time?”

“I don't know, baby . . . but I will tell you this . . .” he pulled her into his arms, “I do know it. And I know it only too painfully well when you aren't . . . Those days at Ouna's were torture, I missed you so much.”

“I hated it that you were gone . . .” she finally allowed his arms around her, and rested her head on his shoulder.

“What can I do to make this right?” He asked her.

She was silent for a few moments before she took a deep breath and backed away to look into his eyes. He saw that a light of determination had replaced the hollowness of defeat that had been there when he first came into the room.

“Let InuYasha be Kagome's hero. . .” her gaze intensified. “That's all either of them wants. Instead, be my hero. . . God knows I need one too, right now.”

“That is something,” he kissed her softly, “I think I can do.”

“Call Ouna, Mikey. Tell her the truth.” She pressed her cheek against his. It sounded more like a request, but he knew in his heart it was the right thing to do.

“I will, right after I get back from the grocer. . . My dear Selene, may I borrow your car?”

“What are going to do, hit the deli?” she sniffed, and wiped at her eyes with her hand.

“Nope. It's Sunday and that means a 'sit down supper', and I already have the menu planned.” He grinned sheepishly.

“Your going to cook? You'll burn my kitchen down!” she gasped.

“Oh ye of little faith. . .” he raised his chin boldly as he held out his hand, “Keys. . . please?”

 

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