InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Just The Way You Are ❯ All The Things Unsaid ( Chapter 8 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: xbitternessx 
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.13.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 1.5K | Status: Completed
Anime/Manga: InuYasha Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Angst / Romance / Drama | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 09.13.2005 | Pages: 3 | Words: 3.2K | Visits: 1.5K | Status: Completed
Okay, guys. I now know from a few reviews that Kagome is in ninth grade, and learned a little more about the Japanese school system, thanks to Okaasan-7, and I’ll really try to get around to fixing it. Soon. So, Kagome is in ninth grade, still in junior high, which would make Seiji in tenth grade, in high school. Thanks!
*******
It grew dark as Inuyasha sat in the tree, oblivious to everything around him as he concentrated on making what he knew would be the most important decision of his life.
He didn’t even hear the door as Mrs. Higurashi let herself outside, didn’t even catch her scent as she neared the tree to stare up into its many branches. “Inuyasha?” She was answered by a surprised yell from the hanyou, who promptly fell to the ground before her feet.
“You stupid wench!” he cried, standing up and rubbing his backside. Mrs. Higurashi fought not to laugh. “How’d you even know I was here?”
“Souta saw you earlier. Kagome thought you had gone.”
He crossed his arms. “Maybe I should have.”
“Well, dinner’s ready. I was hoping Kagome would make it back in time, but she’s still out getting her dress.”
“You’re letting her go?” Inuyasha cried, his ears drooping.
“Like I told you before, Inuyasha; Kagome must make her own decisions. She’ll never learn otherwise. I’m sure thinking you’d left was her deciding factor on leaving in the first place.”
“Oh, this is my fault? Of course it is!” Pouting, Inuyasha followed Kagome’s mother into the house.
“I never said it was your fault, but she seemed very sad. She said you wouldn’t even yell at her.”
“What, she wanted me to yell at her? You raise some weird kids, I swear.”
As they entered the house, the scents of warm food entered Inuyasha’s nose, but he tried to ignore them. He had to find Kagome. Going upstairs, he found the clothes he’d been forced to wear before, folded neatly on Kagome’s desk, along with the hat she always made him wear. Putting them on, he jumped out the window. He remembered most of their trip to this mall place, and hoped traces of Kagome’s scent would remain along the way, to help him along.
Once he was off the shrine grounds, Inuyasha took to the rooftops. Kagome wasn’t here to worry if he’d be spotted, and at this point, he didn’t really give a damn. He just wanted to get there, and he wasn’t going to the meander through all the winding paths Kagome had taken. Straight ahead worked for him.
After what seemed like far too long, Inuyasha landed firmly in the wide, flat area that surrounded the mall. Being that he was surrounded by people now, he decided to walk the rest of the way, his nose tilted slightly as he tried to locate Kagome’s scent. He’d lost it for the time.
Entering the building, he looked around suspiciously at all the milling people, trying to look inconspicuous as he made his way through them, his nose working all the time. He passed store after store, glancing inside. He finally smelled her, in a very small store, and hurriedly ran inside. She wasn’t anywhere, but there was a woman behind the counter. “Where’s Kagome?” he demanded.
“I-I’m sorry?” the woman asked, arching a thin eyebrow at him.
“Kagome. She was here.”
“Several people have been in here in just the past few minutes, young man.”
“She’s a girl. In a… school uniform.”
“That’s really doesn’t help me at all. I’ve seen several of them in just the past hour.”
Growling, Inuyasha stalked away. She couldn’t have left long ago. Had he just missed her? It was almost impossible to tell with all the conflicting scents. Humans, food, animals, and others he didn’t even recognize. He didn’t want to admit failure, but it might be a better idea to just wait for her back at her house. He wasn’t going to try to chase her all over this monstrosity all night on the chance that she’d already left.
Going back the way he’d come, he was suddenly struck by a familiar scent, and turned his head, glaring.
Seiji…
Not just Seiji. There was a girl with him, and it wasn’t Kagome. He had to see this. He snuck around a kiosk set up in the middle of the walkway, trying to keep out of sight as he approached. The girl was leaned against one of the store windows, smirking up at Seiji. The look on her face was all Inuyasha needed to know it was Aiko. Why would that moron want Kagome to be anything like her? She looked so evil he almost couldn’t believe there was no demonic aura around her.
“Aiko, please…” Seiji’s voice traveled to Inuyasha’s sensitive ears.
The girl rolled her eyes, looking quite amused. “I’ve already told you, Seiji, the answer is no. Besides, haven’t you already got a date?”
“What, you expect me to show up alone? I hardly think so.”
“Afraid of marring your perfect little reputation? That happened the second we split up, you idiot.”
“Are you completely emotionless?”
She chuckled. “Besides for pity? Usually. Now, I’d really appreciate it if you’d leave. I still have to find a pair of shoes.”
Inuyasha watched as Aiko sauntered away, leaving an angry looking Seiji behind. So, that’s all it was? He wanted Kagome to act as some kind of stand in?
Inuyasha walked calmly over to stand behind Sejii. “Well, that was pathetic,” he mused, causing the boy to jump, turning around.
“Oh… Inuyasha, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. Looked like it didn’t go see well with your woman.”
“M-my woman?” Seiji stammered, eyes wide. “You must have misunderstood. I--”
“Save it,” Inuyasha growled. “I know what you’re up to, you little rat, and don’t think Kagome won’t know about it.”
Seiji smirked. “Oh. You still have feelings for the girl. Well, obviously, you never did her much good. At least I’ve exposed her to some culture.”
“Culture?” That was actually very funny. “I think Kagome’s learned more culture than she ever wanted to with me.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed by looking at you.”
Inuyasha clenched his fists until he drew blood with his claws. He wanted nothing more than to pound this guy, but he knew that if Kagome found out, she’d sit him into eternity. Inuyasha stepped closer to Seiji until he was breathing on his face. That was what he liked to smell. Fear. “You wanna listen, if you don’t want to lose an arm. Kagome’s not going anywhere with you.”
“What the hell’s your problem?” Seiji whined, his voice quivering.
“Just you,” Inuyasha replied, stepping back and turning to leave. He doubted that jerk would be bothering his Kagome again.
*
Kagome was fuming. She didn’t think she’d ever stop being angry.
She’d just walked in the door when her mother informed her that Seiji had called from his cell phone. Calling him back, he’d told her that Inuyasha had threatened him to stay away from her, right in the middle of the mall!
“Stupid, Inuyasha,” she whispered, sitting at her desk. She was trying to get an early start on her homework, but she was too angry. Where did he get off? He didn’t want her, but she couldn’t be with anyone else? True, most of the guys he was jealous of, Kagome had never wanted anything to do with. But Seiji was different, and he wasn’t going to ruin this for her. She finally had a chance to be with a normal guy. She loved Inuyasha, and knew she probably always would, but he didn’t want her. She wanted to be something more than a glorified shard protector, or someone that would always be a friend, but nothing more.
She managed to get two entire math problems done before she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Turning to see Inuyasha enter her room, her face flamed an angry red. “SIT!” she cried, standing up. She wanted to sit him until her voice gave out, but she he’d go through the floor eventually. Then, she’d be in big trouble.
Inuyasha flailed his arms before his face connected with the floor. He could look up enough to see Kagome’s small feet approaching him. “Who do you think you are?” she cried.
“Kagome--” he began.
“No! I don’t want to hear anything you have to say!” She felt the tears stinging her eyes, but she wasn’t going to let herself cry. “I’m not a piece of property, Inuyasha! Just because you don’t want to waste any time finding the jewel shards doesn’t mean I don’t get to have a life!”
Inuyasha pushed himself up on his hands. “Kagome, he was with Aiko.”
She crossed her arms. “I know. He said he just ran into her, and you went crazy.”
Inuyasha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “And you believe him over me?”
The soft calm of his voice made her question herself. “I don’t know what to believe, Inuyasha.”
He looked to the floor, and she saw his jaw clench. “Then, maybe I should go home.”
“What?”
His eyes met hers, and Kagome wished there was some way she could reach in through them and withdraw his thoughts, because she’d never seen the look they held before. “This is my fault, I guess. I know I’ve said a lot to hurt you, but I didn’t think you believed any of it. If I just wanted a shard detector, I could’ve sent you home. You know that.” Kagome nodded. “I didn’t know you wanted more of a life over here.”
“Inuyasha…”
“Kagome, if you want to stay here, you’re free to.”
“Y-you don’t… want me to go back with you?”
“If you’re happier here, you should stay here.”
“I never said that!” she exclaimed. “I’m just as happy with all of you! Maybe even… happier. But I still have to live here. This is where my family is, and a lot of my friends.”
Inuyasha felt some relief, but not enough. “So, you still believe Seiji over me, then?”
“Inuyasha, you get so jealous, and I know you overreact. I’ve seen you do it.”
“Kagome, he was practically on his knees for her! I heard him begging her!” She turned away, and he caught the scent of her tears growing stronger. Quickly, he came up behind her, tentatively putting a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t want to hurt you, but it’s true. I swear.” She didn’t respond. “Kagome?”
She turned, pressing herself against him as she sobbed. How many times was the creep going to make Kagome cry all over him? He held the back of her head, bringing her closer as her arms wrapped around him. “Don’t waste time crying over that bastard,” he told her softly. “He’s not worth it.”
“I’m not crying over him!” she said through gritted teeth. “I’m just sick of never being good enough for anyone! Why can‘t I just be me, Inuyasha?”
Inuyasha inhaled sharply. He was just as much a cause for her tears as Seiji, then, wasn’t he? Not that he thought that of Kagome, but he knew he’d made her feel that way about herself.
It was time, wasn’t it? His hands trembled as he decided that the time had definitely come. From now on, he would be open to just as much hurt as Kagome always had been. He’d be just as vulnerable as this girl he always protected, and it would be in her hands to save him. If she didn’t end him right now, that was.
“Kagome…”
His weakened voice made her look up at him. What was wrong with him? She’d never heard him sound like this, unless he was hurt. “Inuyasha? What is it?”
He looked down at her, his eyes full of fear. “I just want to say… you should always be you. I know I’ve acted really stupid, but I was… scared.”
“Scared? Of what?” What could Inuyasha possibly be afraid of?
“Of you, Kagome.”
“Of me?” She laughed, confused. “Why?”
“Because…” His hand came up to brush back an errant strand of her hair, making her shiver. “You never went away. Even when I tried to make you. I insulted you, and pissed you off, and ran after Kikyou. But Kikyou’s gone, and she only loved half of me to begin with. It was hard to say good-bye to that, even though I knew you loved me as I am. I didn’t think you understood what it meant, for me to be half demon. But you’ve never been afraid of me.”
“Of course not, silly.”
He smiled a little at that. This wasn’t as hard as he’d built it up to be, but he still had something more to say. “I know I’ve always said just enough to make sure you stayed around, and never what I really meant. And I hate that it took something as stupid as Seiji to make me say it now…”
Kagome studied Inuyasha carefully. What was he going to say? The air seemed to close in around them, making it hard to breathe as she waited.
“I love you, Kagome.”
Just as quickly, all the air building seemed to dissipate, and Kagome’s eyes widened as she stared up into the hanyou’s golden ones. She felt her knees give out, and Inuyasha’s firm hands tightened around her waist, holding her up. “Kagome?” he asked worriedly.
Inuyasha loved her? He’d said that? The only thing that made her sure she wasn’t dreaming was the terrified look on his face, which brought her back to reality, and she found her feet.
“Kagome?” Inuyasha repeated, and she knew he was going to start shaking her if she didn’t respond. But she couldn’t. She’d waited so long to hear those words. Sometimes, she’d known he’d thought them, but most times it had just been like a fleeting dream. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to speak what she felt, she simply crushed herself against Inuyasha, embracing him tightly.
Inuyasha looked down at Kagome in shock before a relieved smile crept over his features.
After a few moments, Kagome pulled away, a blush on her face as she shyly looked up at Inuyasha. “So, are you telling the truth, or is this just another plot to get me away from some guy you don’t like?”
“What?”
Kagome giggled, unable to help herself, and rested her head against his chest again. Realizing she was making fun of him, Inuyasha growled a little, but the intense relief he felt that Kagome had actually accepted him was more than enough to overshadow his anger. “You’re asking for it, you know,” he warned, but it was an empty threat as he folded her back into his arms.
“Well, I guess no one will believe this,” she said.
“Huh?”
“Everyone in the Sengoku Jidai.”
“Oh.” He smiled a little. “Yeah, I guess not.”
They parted again, Kagome looking up at him. “Well, I guess our plan is back on.”
“What plan? Oh! You mean Seiji.” He grinned. “Yeah, definitely.”
“I almost feel sorry for my mom,” Kagome laughed. “She won’t know which way is up after this.”
“Your mom’s a lot smarter than you think,” Inuyasha commented.
“Well, let’s go tell her.”
“Right now?” He was still reeling over telling Kagome his feelings. Now he had to tell her mother?
“Why not? Then, we can go see Sango, Miroku, and Shippou!”
“Well, okay…”
Kagome could see Inuyasha’s reluctance. She knew it had taken a lot for him to admit his feelings. “Or… we could wait, if you want.”
He seemed relieved, his ears relaxing on top of his head. “Maybe tomorrow?” he asked.
“Sure, tomorrow’s fine. We can look for the jewel shards until Friday, since I already have my dress. Does that sound good?”
“After being here, fighting youkai sounds like a picnic.”
Kagome laughed, pushing at his chest. “Can’t take it, huh?”
“I told you, wench, you’re asking for it.” He pulled her back into his arms, eliciting a short gasp from her as she stared up at him. She was so close… Slowly, Inuyasha lowered his head, capturing her lips with his. They were soft, and warm.
The kiss was over almost before it began, but both of them were blushing furiously as they pulled away, and Inuyasha took her hand in his.
*******
Okay, I didn’t wait long in between posts, so not many reviews to answer. Thanks, though!
Okaasan_7- Thanks for the info!
fallenangel7583- I’m glad you noticed a difference. Yeah, the part with the movie was really hard to write, but scary movies still manage to be scary, somehow, no matter what you’ve been through. I think it’s the music. *wink*
*******
It grew dark as Inuyasha sat in the tree, oblivious to everything around him as he concentrated on making what he knew would be the most important decision of his life.
He didn’t even hear the door as Mrs. Higurashi let herself outside, didn’t even catch her scent as she neared the tree to stare up into its many branches. “Inuyasha?” She was answered by a surprised yell from the hanyou, who promptly fell to the ground before her feet.
“You stupid wench!” he cried, standing up and rubbing his backside. Mrs. Higurashi fought not to laugh. “How’d you even know I was here?”
“Souta saw you earlier. Kagome thought you had gone.”
He crossed his arms. “Maybe I should have.”
“Well, dinner’s ready. I was hoping Kagome would make it back in time, but she’s still out getting her dress.”
“You’re letting her go?” Inuyasha cried, his ears drooping.
“Like I told you before, Inuyasha; Kagome must make her own decisions. She’ll never learn otherwise. I’m sure thinking you’d left was her deciding factor on leaving in the first place.”
“Oh, this is my fault? Of course it is!” Pouting, Inuyasha followed Kagome’s mother into the house.
“I never said it was your fault, but she seemed very sad. She said you wouldn’t even yell at her.”
“What, she wanted me to yell at her? You raise some weird kids, I swear.”
As they entered the house, the scents of warm food entered Inuyasha’s nose, but he tried to ignore them. He had to find Kagome. Going upstairs, he found the clothes he’d been forced to wear before, folded neatly on Kagome’s desk, along with the hat she always made him wear. Putting them on, he jumped out the window. He remembered most of their trip to this mall place, and hoped traces of Kagome’s scent would remain along the way, to help him along.
Once he was off the shrine grounds, Inuyasha took to the rooftops. Kagome wasn’t here to worry if he’d be spotted, and at this point, he didn’t really give a damn. He just wanted to get there, and he wasn’t going to the meander through all the winding paths Kagome had taken. Straight ahead worked for him.
After what seemed like far too long, Inuyasha landed firmly in the wide, flat area that surrounded the mall. Being that he was surrounded by people now, he decided to walk the rest of the way, his nose tilted slightly as he tried to locate Kagome’s scent. He’d lost it for the time.
Entering the building, he looked around suspiciously at all the milling people, trying to look inconspicuous as he made his way through them, his nose working all the time. He passed store after store, glancing inside. He finally smelled her, in a very small store, and hurriedly ran inside. She wasn’t anywhere, but there was a woman behind the counter. “Where’s Kagome?” he demanded.
“I-I’m sorry?” the woman asked, arching a thin eyebrow at him.
“Kagome. She was here.”
“Several people have been in here in just the past few minutes, young man.”
“She’s a girl. In a… school uniform.”
“That’s really doesn’t help me at all. I’ve seen several of them in just the past hour.”
Growling, Inuyasha stalked away. She couldn’t have left long ago. Had he just missed her? It was almost impossible to tell with all the conflicting scents. Humans, food, animals, and others he didn’t even recognize. He didn’t want to admit failure, but it might be a better idea to just wait for her back at her house. He wasn’t going to try to chase her all over this monstrosity all night on the chance that she’d already left.
Going back the way he’d come, he was suddenly struck by a familiar scent, and turned his head, glaring.
Seiji…
Not just Seiji. There was a girl with him, and it wasn’t Kagome. He had to see this. He snuck around a kiosk set up in the middle of the walkway, trying to keep out of sight as he approached. The girl was leaned against one of the store windows, smirking up at Seiji. The look on her face was all Inuyasha needed to know it was Aiko. Why would that moron want Kagome to be anything like her? She looked so evil he almost couldn’t believe there was no demonic aura around her.
“Aiko, please…” Seiji’s voice traveled to Inuyasha’s sensitive ears.
The girl rolled her eyes, looking quite amused. “I’ve already told you, Seiji, the answer is no. Besides, haven’t you already got a date?”
“What, you expect me to show up alone? I hardly think so.”
“Afraid of marring your perfect little reputation? That happened the second we split up, you idiot.”
“Are you completely emotionless?”
She chuckled. “Besides for pity? Usually. Now, I’d really appreciate it if you’d leave. I still have to find a pair of shoes.”
Inuyasha watched as Aiko sauntered away, leaving an angry looking Seiji behind. So, that’s all it was? He wanted Kagome to act as some kind of stand in?
Inuyasha walked calmly over to stand behind Sejii. “Well, that was pathetic,” he mused, causing the boy to jump, turning around.
“Oh… Inuyasha, isn’t it?”
“That’s right. Looked like it didn’t go see well with your woman.”
“M-my woman?” Seiji stammered, eyes wide. “You must have misunderstood. I--”
“Save it,” Inuyasha growled. “I know what you’re up to, you little rat, and don’t think Kagome won’t know about it.”
Seiji smirked. “Oh. You still have feelings for the girl. Well, obviously, you never did her much good. At least I’ve exposed her to some culture.”
“Culture?” That was actually very funny. “I think Kagome’s learned more culture than she ever wanted to with me.”
“Really? I wouldn’t have guessed by looking at you.”
Inuyasha clenched his fists until he drew blood with his claws. He wanted nothing more than to pound this guy, but he knew that if Kagome found out, she’d sit him into eternity. Inuyasha stepped closer to Seiji until he was breathing on his face. That was what he liked to smell. Fear. “You wanna listen, if you don’t want to lose an arm. Kagome’s not going anywhere with you.”
“What the hell’s your problem?” Seiji whined, his voice quivering.
“Just you,” Inuyasha replied, stepping back and turning to leave. He doubted that jerk would be bothering his Kagome again.
*
Kagome was fuming. She didn’t think she’d ever stop being angry.
She’d just walked in the door when her mother informed her that Seiji had called from his cell phone. Calling him back, he’d told her that Inuyasha had threatened him to stay away from her, right in the middle of the mall!
“Stupid, Inuyasha,” she whispered, sitting at her desk. She was trying to get an early start on her homework, but she was too angry. Where did he get off? He didn’t want her, but she couldn’t be with anyone else? True, most of the guys he was jealous of, Kagome had never wanted anything to do with. But Seiji was different, and he wasn’t going to ruin this for her. She finally had a chance to be with a normal guy. She loved Inuyasha, and knew she probably always would, but he didn’t want her. She wanted to be something more than a glorified shard protector, or someone that would always be a friend, but nothing more.
She managed to get two entire math problems done before she heard footsteps coming up the stairs. Turning to see Inuyasha enter her room, her face flamed an angry red. “SIT!” she cried, standing up. She wanted to sit him until her voice gave out, but she he’d go through the floor eventually. Then, she’d be in big trouble.
Inuyasha flailed his arms before his face connected with the floor. He could look up enough to see Kagome’s small feet approaching him. “Who do you think you are?” she cried.
“Kagome--” he began.
“No! I don’t want to hear anything you have to say!” She felt the tears stinging her eyes, but she wasn’t going to let herself cry. “I’m not a piece of property, Inuyasha! Just because you don’t want to waste any time finding the jewel shards doesn’t mean I don’t get to have a life!”
Inuyasha pushed himself up on his hands. “Kagome, he was with Aiko.”
She crossed her arms. “I know. He said he just ran into her, and you went crazy.”
Inuyasha’s eyes widened in disbelief. “And you believe him over me?”
The soft calm of his voice made her question herself. “I don’t know what to believe, Inuyasha.”
He looked to the floor, and she saw his jaw clench. “Then, maybe I should go home.”
“What?”
His eyes met hers, and Kagome wished there was some way she could reach in through them and withdraw his thoughts, because she’d never seen the look they held before. “This is my fault, I guess. I know I’ve said a lot to hurt you, but I didn’t think you believed any of it. If I just wanted a shard detector, I could’ve sent you home. You know that.” Kagome nodded. “I didn’t know you wanted more of a life over here.”
“Inuyasha…”
“Kagome, if you want to stay here, you’re free to.”
“Y-you don’t… want me to go back with you?”
“If you’re happier here, you should stay here.”
“I never said that!” she exclaimed. “I’m just as happy with all of you! Maybe even… happier. But I still have to live here. This is where my family is, and a lot of my friends.”
Inuyasha felt some relief, but not enough. “So, you still believe Seiji over me, then?”
“Inuyasha, you get so jealous, and I know you overreact. I’ve seen you do it.”
“Kagome, he was practically on his knees for her! I heard him begging her!” She turned away, and he caught the scent of her tears growing stronger. Quickly, he came up behind her, tentatively putting a hand on her shoulder. “I don’t want to hurt you, but it’s true. I swear.” She didn’t respond. “Kagome?”
She turned, pressing herself against him as she sobbed. How many times was the creep going to make Kagome cry all over him? He held the back of her head, bringing her closer as her arms wrapped around him. “Don’t waste time crying over that bastard,” he told her softly. “He’s not worth it.”
“I’m not crying over him!” she said through gritted teeth. “I’m just sick of never being good enough for anyone! Why can‘t I just be me, Inuyasha?”
Inuyasha inhaled sharply. He was just as much a cause for her tears as Seiji, then, wasn’t he? Not that he thought that of Kagome, but he knew he’d made her feel that way about herself.
It was time, wasn’t it? His hands trembled as he decided that the time had definitely come. From now on, he would be open to just as much hurt as Kagome always had been. He’d be just as vulnerable as this girl he always protected, and it would be in her hands to save him. If she didn’t end him right now, that was.
“Kagome…”
His weakened voice made her look up at him. What was wrong with him? She’d never heard him sound like this, unless he was hurt. “Inuyasha? What is it?”
He looked down at her, his eyes full of fear. “I just want to say… you should always be you. I know I’ve acted really stupid, but I was… scared.”
“Scared? Of what?” What could Inuyasha possibly be afraid of?
“Of you, Kagome.”
“Of me?” She laughed, confused. “Why?”
“Because…” His hand came up to brush back an errant strand of her hair, making her shiver. “You never went away. Even when I tried to make you. I insulted you, and pissed you off, and ran after Kikyou. But Kikyou’s gone, and she only loved half of me to begin with. It was hard to say good-bye to that, even though I knew you loved me as I am. I didn’t think you understood what it meant, for me to be half demon. But you’ve never been afraid of me.”
“Of course not, silly.”
He smiled a little at that. This wasn’t as hard as he’d built it up to be, but he still had something more to say. “I know I’ve always said just enough to make sure you stayed around, and never what I really meant. And I hate that it took something as stupid as Seiji to make me say it now…”
Kagome studied Inuyasha carefully. What was he going to say? The air seemed to close in around them, making it hard to breathe as she waited.
“I love you, Kagome.”
Just as quickly, all the air building seemed to dissipate, and Kagome’s eyes widened as she stared up into the hanyou’s golden ones. She felt her knees give out, and Inuyasha’s firm hands tightened around her waist, holding her up. “Kagome?” he asked worriedly.
Inuyasha loved her? He’d said that? The only thing that made her sure she wasn’t dreaming was the terrified look on his face, which brought her back to reality, and she found her feet.
“Kagome?” Inuyasha repeated, and she knew he was going to start shaking her if she didn’t respond. But she couldn’t. She’d waited so long to hear those words. Sometimes, she’d known he’d thought them, but most times it had just been like a fleeting dream. Knowing she wouldn’t be able to speak what she felt, she simply crushed herself against Inuyasha, embracing him tightly.
Inuyasha looked down at Kagome in shock before a relieved smile crept over his features.
After a few moments, Kagome pulled away, a blush on her face as she shyly looked up at Inuyasha. “So, are you telling the truth, or is this just another plot to get me away from some guy you don’t like?”
“What?”
Kagome giggled, unable to help herself, and rested her head against his chest again. Realizing she was making fun of him, Inuyasha growled a little, but the intense relief he felt that Kagome had actually accepted him was more than enough to overshadow his anger. “You’re asking for it, you know,” he warned, but it was an empty threat as he folded her back into his arms.
“Well, I guess no one will believe this,” she said.
“Huh?”
“Everyone in the Sengoku Jidai.”
“Oh.” He smiled a little. “Yeah, I guess not.”
They parted again, Kagome looking up at him. “Well, I guess our plan is back on.”
“What plan? Oh! You mean Seiji.” He grinned. “Yeah, definitely.”
“I almost feel sorry for my mom,” Kagome laughed. “She won’t know which way is up after this.”
“Your mom’s a lot smarter than you think,” Inuyasha commented.
“Well, let’s go tell her.”
“Right now?” He was still reeling over telling Kagome his feelings. Now he had to tell her mother?
“Why not? Then, we can go see Sango, Miroku, and Shippou!”
“Well, okay…”
Kagome could see Inuyasha’s reluctance. She knew it had taken a lot for him to admit his feelings. “Or… we could wait, if you want.”
He seemed relieved, his ears relaxing on top of his head. “Maybe tomorrow?” he asked.
“Sure, tomorrow’s fine. We can look for the jewel shards until Friday, since I already have my dress. Does that sound good?”
“After being here, fighting youkai sounds like a picnic.”
Kagome laughed, pushing at his chest. “Can’t take it, huh?”
“I told you, wench, you’re asking for it.” He pulled her back into his arms, eliciting a short gasp from her as she stared up at him. She was so close… Slowly, Inuyasha lowered his head, capturing her lips with his. They were soft, and warm.
The kiss was over almost before it began, but both of them were blushing furiously as they pulled away, and Inuyasha took her hand in his.
*******
Okay, I didn’t wait long in between posts, so not many reviews to answer. Thanks, though!
Okaasan_7- Thanks for the info!
fallenangel7583- I’m glad you noticed a difference. Yeah, the part with the movie was really hard to write, but scary movies still manage to be scary, somehow, no matter what you’ve been through. I think it’s the music. *wink*