InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ My Succubus Girlfriend ❯ Epilogue ( Epilogue )

*Update: After some thought, I have decided to try a beta reader for the sequel. Having a fresh pair of eyes to look over my work would do wonders to the quality of the writing as well as keep an eye out for inconsistencies and other plot-related problems. I am looking for one or two people, any more seems excessive. I write as I find time, so there won't be any pressing deadlines. If you are interested, please contact me via email.

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any characters associated with it. This story is rated for a mature audience.

 

I just want to say some words before you get started. First off, thanks for sticking around until the end. (I'm guessing you did unless you just skipped to here.) I also want to thank everyone who left a review for helping motivate me to get to this point.

 

I know this story has a lot of issues, one of the main reasons why I am ending it so quickly: to stop it from getting worse. I was writing myself in a hole. It took me awhile, but I realized that I did not like where the story was going, so I tried another direction. Unfortunately, the result was a train wreck of clutter and inconsistent plot advancement, most of which can't be fixed without major editing.

 

The good news is I learned from this. I am going to make a sequel, but I am going to complete most, if not all, before releasing. One of the reasons why I release chapter-by-chapter is due to motivation issues. Reviews make me want to write more of the story and I spend more time working on it. However, I am not the type of writer that can do that. I write my stories as a sort of shoot-from-the-hip style and the end idea is often not the same as what I started out with. Even the ending I was originally planning ended up differently. If I write it all at once, I can-- in theory-- go back and edit things to fit with the story. Sure, I could do editing with a chapter-by-chapter release as well, but it's already out there and may lead to unnecessary confusion on everyone's part.

 

This epilogue will not `fix' the story and there will undoubtedly be some unanswered questions. It might even add a few more questions. For that, I apologize. The good news is that Sango's past will be cleared up in the sequel. I'm not sure what the reaction will be to the new story direction the sequel will take, but that is what I want to write, so hopefully it all works out.

 

Bah, I have talked far too long. Enjoy and thanks for reading.

 

General Citrus Warning (For entire story)

 

*******************

 

--Four Years Later--

 

Inuyasha quickly descended the stone stairs, nimbly slipping between chatting students. It was times like these that made him miss his high school days. The college campus was often too cramped for comfort. He was three stairs away from the bottom when he paused to look out over the sea of heads. Off to the side, leaning against a tree was Miroku. Quickly scanning the crowd for a route around the clogs of stationary people, Inuyasha slid his way through the crowd. He was halfway to the tree when a tug on his back caused him to stop. Turning, he found a vaguely familiar face staring back at him.

 

“Chiasa,” he said slowly, taking a second to fit the face with the name. He relaxed slightly when she didn't get upset. It would not have been the first time he called a girl by the wrong name. The names were getting garbled up. She was pretty in a cute sort of way. Her hair was shorter than he liked though, stopping just above the shoulders. It was also the wrong color. For some reason or another, she had dyed it blonde. He knew because there was other hair that didn't match…

 

“Inuyasha,” she said, pleased that he remembered her name. “I was wondering, tonight—”

 

“Sorry, I made plans with a friend.” A look of disappointment crossed her face before she replaced it with a cheerful expression.

 

“I-is that so? Well, I don't mind if you bring her along too…” she said as she trailed off, giving him a hopeful look.

 

He smiled. “It's actually a guy.”

 

She blinked, undoubtedly surprised. He could almost read the thoughts running through her head, but it was too much work to clear up any misunderstandings. “Uh—well, I guess that's okay too...” She didn't sound too confident in the idea, nervously looking at the ground.

 

“Sorry, but I'm going to be late.” He didn't wait for a reply, stepping away and merging back into the mass of moving people.

 

“O-okay! Just give me a call—okay?” she called after his retreating form. He gave her a small wave as he continued on. She, like many other women, would continue waiting for that call. He unconsciously reached towards his neck and grabbed the crystal through his chest. His—their—daughter resided inside. It really has been four years huh? It did not seem possible. He still had the scar on his stomach from where the blade had pierced him. Kagome's mother had told him it would be with him the rest of his life. Not even a land gods magic could completely remove the evil taint that remained. Thinking back caused old memories to bubble to the surface.

 

“There is a lot I need to tell you. The first off, you are not in just any hospital. This one has a wing for…special cases.” She moved closer to the side of the bed. “You were part of a powerful and complex ritual, one that was disrupted partway. Even the simplest of rituals can have dire consequences when interrupted.” She looked disturbed, like someone trying to find the words to break the news you were dying. “Some of the best minds in the demon world have examined your case, but I'm afraid there isn't anything anyone can do.”

 

Fear gripped his stomach. My God, I'm going to die. I'm really going to die! His eyes burned as tears began to form. “How long—do I have?” he wheezed out.

 

She shook her head. “You aren't going to die, quite the opposite. Naraku, the man who did this to you, was summoning a powerful demon using your body as a host. What was happening was the demon's entity was forcing your own self from your body. When Kagome killed Naraku and removed the blade, the ritual was halted.” She shifted uncomfortably. “However, the effects were not. When the blade was removed, the link with the other world was severed but your own self did not return and the demon's entity did not leave. It was impossible for you to live, so we brought a local land god to help. He—merged the remainder of you with what the demonic entity. There was no other way to save you.” She knew he was confused, so she took a second to think of a way to clarify. “In essence, you are half of both worlds. Not completely human, but not completely demon either.”

 

Inuyasha closed his eyes. He didn't know how to react, how to even process what she was telling him. She continued to talk. He tried to listen, but his heart and mind could not listen. How could he? He was still trying to process the news that his body was no longer his own. He was a foreigner in his own body. She told him that things were going to change for him, but not knowing what exact demon was trying to enter him made it impossible to predict. His senses would undoubtedly be enhanced. Strength, stamina, his ability to heal—all would be enhanced in the coming days by unknown amounts. Nothing else was known. Apparently, nothing like this had happened before—at least not successfully. He could live to be a thousand or die tomorrow. They weren't even sure there would be a change, or if there was, how long until it happened and to what extent. She told him about Myoga, the resident land god. When the changes began, Myoga could help him adapt and if need be, control them.

 

“There is one more thing I need to discuss with you. The Shikon Jewel you wear.” He opened his eyes. “You are carrying something very important to us.”

 

“It's—a kid.”

 

“It's just not any child Inuyasha. She will save my people. When she is born, I believe I will find a way to lift the curse that plagues us.”

 

“Why—do you wait? Remove the damn—thing.”

 

She looked away. “I'm afraid we can't.”

 

“Why?”

 

She looked at him once more. “That—I do not know. However I, and many others, will be looking into it. There might be way, but the materials for the ritual are very rare. Collecting them will take some time.”

 

“How long?” The idea that he had to carry the necklace around wasn't a pleasant one. Though he was told over and over again, he still could not see it as a child. A child was born from a mother, not a crystal. Nothing anyone told him would change that.

 

“I cannot say, but you will be well protected. I'm sure my daughter—”

 

“Not her!” Pain surged through his body at the slight movement he made. The thought of Kagome made him angry, as if she was the cause of all his troubles. In a way, it was. He needed someone to blame. It was the only thing keeping him together right now.

 

Her mother nodded slowly in understanding. “Very well, I will ask for volunteers. I'm sure there will be no problem finding a few who would be willing to watch over you…”

 

`Watch over' had changed a lot over the years. The two assigned to watch over him, Eiko and Anna, were surprisingly… human. His avoidance of them at first had gradually faded as time passed and his anger waned. Through great effort, they helped him through his hatred and got him back on track after. The thought of them caused him to remember Kagome. Remembering Kagome caused mixed feelings; regret, pain, sorrow, anger. He knew he wasn't the same person he was four years ago. He could `sense' things. It was not exact, but if he stood next to someone not-quite-human, they felt different. The death of Naraku had allowed them to come out of hiding. They still hid themselves from the general public, but he knew there were a lot of them now.

 

He wondered what Kagome was doing now. He had not seen or heard from her since the day at the hospital, a day he had regretted for the past three years. The one—and only—night he spent with her had created something he could not reproduce. He had tired. Six months after his release from the hospital, he tried to move on. He dated a classmate, a nice girl by the name of Mieko. It lasted only two months before falling apart. The two relationships after failed even sooner. He never felt satisfied. It was not because they were human that they could not satisfy him. Anna and Eiko had proven that. Even other succubi could not reproduce that feeling. It made him realize how lonely he really was.

 

Miroku pushed himself from the tree as he approached. “Yo!” Miroku said, giving him a small salute. He craned his neck slightly, looking past Inuyasha. “Who's the hottie?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“The girl you were talking to.” Inuyasha glanced over his shoulder to see if she had been following him. He couldn't see her. “No, she's not stalking you. I just so happened to catch you two talking. So, you two—?”

 

“Not really, no. It was a one-time thing.”

 

“Then you don't mind?”

 

Inuyasha raised an eyebrow. “I don't care, but you sure Sango doesn't mind you seeing all these other women? Aren't you two in a relationship?”

 

He looked irritated, scratching the back of his neck as he looked down. “Eh—Sango's in her own world right now. I don't think we're in that sort of relationship.” Inuyasha knew that Sango went back to Italy to help reorganize the remains of the Order. In an effort to repent, she had been a major instrument in creating a new face for the disgraced organization. Instead of hunting them down and exterminating them, they helped demons relocate and assimilate better into human society. He knew she still harbored a deep hatred for demons, but she was doing her best to put it behind her. Does that mean I can mend things with Kagome? He knew he could, but that did not mean she wanted to.

 

“Is that so?”

 

“It's just so damn annoying with her! I see her maybe once every other month. We meet up; have the most amazing sex possible and she leaves the next day!”

 

“Have you asked her about it?”

 

“`I have personal issues to work out and can't commit to anything right now so I don't expect you to either.' Can you believe it?! It's like she's telling me to see other people.”

 

“What? I thought it would be a dream come true to a guy like you.”

 

Miroku gave him an angry glare. “I don't want to hear that from you. As if two succubi aren't enough, you go around stealing from us normal guys as well. Face it; you're a dozen times worse than me.” Inuyasha couldn't say anything to that. Miroku was exactly right. It was a fact that made Inuyasha feel horrible. Miroku's features softened; no doubt to the depressed expression Inuyasha wore. “But I guess that's understandable. Not many people can say they've gone through what you have.”

 

Going through. It was never going to end. The fear and confusion was still there. Every morning, he would wake up wondering if he was still the same person he was the day before. Inuyasha was glad he had told Miroku everything. It was great to have a friend to fall back on and release some of his troubles. I only wish I did it earlier. He wondered how things would have turned out if Miroku had known from the start.

 

“Have you talked to Sango recently?”

 

“A couple of days ago, why?”

 

Inuyasha shifted uncomfortably. “How's Kagome doing?” Miroku gave him a shocked look. “What?”

 

“Nothing. This is just the first time you've ever asked about her.”

 

“I was just curious, that's all. They are friends, aren't they?”

 

“I don't know about that. Kagome was pretty pissed when she found out Sango was a member of the Order.”

 

“Is that so.” So she really is gone from my life. The thought was more depressing than he thought it would be.

 

“Yeah, they didn't talk for three years until they met up in South America.”

 

“South America?!”

 

“Yeah, don't ask me. There was some sort of ancient temple there. Sango went to investigate it and Kagome happened to be there as well.”

 

“So what happened?”

 

“Don't know. Sango never went into details. All I know is that ever since then; they've started talking to one another again.”

 

Inuyasha was tempted to ask if he could get a way to contact her from Sango but resisted the urge. No matter how much he wanted to, contacting her was a bad idea. He was still living in the same apartment and had the same telephone number. If Kagome wanted to contact him, she would have done so already. Four years is a long time. She's probably forgotten all about me. That depressed him more than anything. It was unfair. No matter how hard he tried, he could not forget her.

 

Seeing Inuyasha's sorrowful expression, Miroku quickly changed the subject. “Since we're both done for the day, want to go grab something to eat? We can hit the bars later; pick up some babes—”

 

Inuyasha smiled. “Sorry, I have plans already.”

 

Miroku clicked his tongue in disappointment. “You and the ladies—”

 

“It's not what you think.” Miroku gave him a disbelieving look. “Really, it's not like that. I got a call from Mother. I think she might have found a way to remove the necklace.”

 

“That sucks.”

 

Inuyasha tilted his head to the side. He had not been expecting that response. He gave Miroku a bemused smile. “Why do you say that?”

 

“When the necklace is gone, Eiko and Anna have no reason to stick around, right?”

 

Pausing, he thought it over. That had never occurred to him. After four years of them hanging around, he had grown use to their presence. Good things do eventually end. “I'm sure they want to get on with their lives just as much as I do.”

 

Miroku did not look convinced. “If you say so. Personally, I think they would stick around if you asked them to.”

 

Inuyasha grinned. “If I did that, I'd never be able to settle down.”

 

Miroku shrugged. “I was only saying. Besides, you're still young. It's far too early to think about settling down. Enjoy your youth more!”

 

“You are a bad influence.”

 

“I got it from you.”

 

Inuyasha glanced down at his watch. He would have to hurry if he was going to get to the meeting spot on time. “I have to go.”

 

“Okay. I'll—wow.” Inuyasha watched as Miroku's eyes locked on something behind him. “If you'll excuse me…” Turning his body, Inuyasha watched as Miroku jogged over to a group of girls. He was telling them something when they suddenly laughed. Merging into the group, he continued talking as they disappeared into the mass of people. Taking a deep breath, Inuyasha headed off towards the meeting spot.

 

*******************

 

Drumming his fingers against the table, Inuyasha stared out the nearby window at the people as they passed. She was late. His eyes flicked down to his watch. It had not moved much since the last time he checked. Ten minutes is no problem. Fifteen I can handle. Thirty is pushing it. An hour? It had not been an hour yet, but it was pushing it. He would give it a few more minutes.

 

The waitress returned to refill his drink. He smiled apologetically. She did not seem to mind his being here. The place was pretty dead. Resuming his impatient finger drumming, he saw a reflection move against the glass. Seconds later, he heard someone sit across from him.

 

“About damn—” He froze, his words trapped in his throat as his eyes widened. Across from him, Kagome shifted to a more comfortable position. Finally, she looked up.

 

“Hello Inuyasha.”

 

His mouth worked soundlessly for several seconds. “W-what are you doing here?”

 

“My mother didn't tell you?” she asked, opening the menu in front of her, casually looking it over. She acted as if the reunion was no big deal. Inuyasha was still wrestling the emotions that muddled his thoughts. They did not speak for a long time, the waitress returning to take Kagome's order. She was all smiles as she ordered one of the combos. Setting Kagome's water in front of her, the waitress left. Placing the straw to her lips, she took a sip, finally meeting Inuyasha's gaze. Smiling, she set her glass down. “You look well.”

 

Heart racing, Inuyasha felt a jab of pain in his chest. She looked exactly as he remembered her, although she was dressed more conservatively than she had in the past. That was not what caused the pain. It was the tone of her voice. She sounded distant.

 

“You haven't changed a bit.” His words were slightly louder than a whisper.

 

She stuck out her bottom lip. “I'd like to think I changed a little.”

 

A thousand questions suddenly rushed through his head. It was hard to sort through them all. “Where have you been? What have you been up too?” He stopped there knowing he would not get anything answered if he just bombarded her with questions.

 

She shrugged. “Around. China and South Korea mostly but I went to a couple countries in Europe, America and Canada.” She paused, thinking. “I also went to South America for a month or so.”

 

“I see.” He was nervous. He had not felt so nervous since… he could not remember. His palms were soaked in sweat as he anxiously ran them along the legs of his jeans trying to dry them.

 

“As for what I've been doing—gathering materials and information.”

 

“For what?”

 

She looked at him as if he had just stated the sky was purple. “So I can remove the necklace. In case you haven't forgotten, I still have to lift the curse.” Her voice had a heated edge to it despite her calm face.

 

“T-that's right.” Stupid! He cursed at himself for not thinking of such an obvious answer. “So you've been doing well?”

 

“I've been doing great thanks to you.” There was no malice in her voice.

 

“Thanks to me?” He had been expecting something different.

 

She nodded. “Thanks to you, I was finally able to get over my little celibacy problem.” She paused, thinking back. Inuyasha was not sure he wanted to be thanked for that. “But I have to say, you caused me quite a bit of trouble.”

 

“I-I did?”

 

“Yeah.” She picked up her drink. “I was so used to your massive quantity of raw energy that I forgot how little a normal person has. I was always so hungry. Usually, I had to take two or three guys at a time to fill up.” Pressing the straw to her lips, she innocently sipped on her drink as she looked out the window. For Inuyasha, he felt like she had just stabbed him in the gut and twisted it before pushing against it some more. He looked down at the table. Four years wasn't enough, he thought sadly, resting his hands in his lap. She was still angry. She obviously wanted to hurt him and was doing a very good job at it. Her eyes glanced back at him before she turned her head back to face him. “Don't give me that face.”

 

“Huh?” He looked up.

 

“I've heard all about your `conquests' from Anna and Eiko. It was nothing but rave remarks at how much your technique has improved,” she said as she set her glass against the table harder than normal. “Even to the point of both at once; I'm impressed,” she said mockingly as she held her head up. Inuyasha was confused. She was angry, that had not changed, but the tone of her anger was different. She seemed—jealous.

 

He looked down at the table. “I'm sorry.”

 

She was taken aback by the sudden apology. “W-why are you apologizing?”

 

“Because I have no excuse for my actions. You—” He felt his throat tighten. Still, he forced himself to continue. “You have no choice. It is a matter of survival for you. For me—” He shook his head. “I'm sorry.”

 

“You don't need to apologize. You are free to do whatever you want. It's not like we are in a relationship. Who you sleep with is no concern of mine.”

 

“I love you.”

 

“Inuyasha—” She sighed, leaning forward to rest her hand against her forehead.

 

“Can't we start over, give it another chance?”

 

“It's too late for that Inuyasha. We live in different worlds.”

 

“Are they really so different anymore?”

 

“I know about your situation, but it has been four years and you have shown no significant changes. I'm sorry Inuyasha. I have no intention of settling down; especially with someone human.”

 

“So there's no chance at all?”

 

“No. Once I've removed the necklace, you won't see me again.”

 

“What about our daughter?”

 

“My daughter,” she corrected heatedly. “You will supply her life essence, but that's it. I will find another man to provide the material for her body.”

 

“You hate me that much?”

 

She stared at him silently. After a long minute, she finally broke eye contact and continued. “No. I'm doing this because I care about you. When I leave, I don't want anything left connecting us.”

 

“That's—”

 

“For the best,” she interrupted. Taking a deep breath, she shifted in place. “Inuyasha, I can't offer what you desire. You say you love me and I don't doubt your feelings, but you are still seeking a closed relationship—one man, one woman. Pretend all you want, I know what you desire. You want marriage. You want a family. I wish with my entire being I could grant you your wish, but I can't.” He opened his mouth to respond. It was not like that. He accepted her for who she was. Kagome interrupted him before anything could exit however. “Before you tell me that I'm wrong, answer me something. If we did get back together, what then? Where do you see it ending up?”

 

The answer immediately popped into his head. As he went to answer, he froze, catching himself before he could speak. Marriage. The word hung on the edge of his tongue, awaiting just the tiniest push to send it out into the world. She was completely right. As much as he acted the playboy, people did not change that quickly. He wanted to find his soul mate. No, I've already found her. The only problem was having her see that he was hers.

 

“See?” she continued, raising an eyebrow. “You may have changed on the outside, but you're still the boy I met four years ago.”

 

Inuyasha closed his eyes, leaning his head back against his seat as the realization hit him. He could not win. She was convinced that leaving him was the best thing and there was nothing he could do or say that would change her mind. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes. “Very well, I understand.”

 

She looked surprised. “You do?” He nodded, causing her to give him a small smile. “You've matured.”

 

He pulled out the necklace, letting it dangle from his fingers over the table. “So how do we get this off?”

 

The waitress returned with Kagome's food. Thanking her, Kagome waited until the woman moved on before answering. Smiling, she picked up her hamburger. “Let me finish eating and I'll show you.”

 

*******************

 

Inuyasha was not surprised the ritual involved sex, but was more than a little disappointed Kagome had picked such a run-down hotel to do it in. Being with her once more felt more like a dream than a reality. The years he spent with Anna and Eiko had raised his resistance to the charm aura succubi released when excited, but his thoughts seemed sluggish compared to how he usually felt.

 

At first, he had fought Kagome for control, resulting in a brief wrestling match on the bed as they tore at each other's clothes. To his surprise, Kagome won dominance as she pushed him back against the bed, straddling him wearing nothing but a victorious smile. Guiding him to her waiting entrance, she slowly impaled herself on his erection.

 

The hotel really showed its age. The bed creaked horribly as the bed thumped softly against the wall as Kagome wildly rode atop him. Hands pressed against his chest for balance, she let out a throaty groan as she moved her hips quickly. It seemed the only thing Inuyasha could do was hang on. Placing his hands just above her hips, he did just that, watching as her small breasts bounced above him.

 

She was not playing games. She wanted him to cum, and she wanted him to do it quickly. Biting his inner lip, he felt the familiar pressure building inside him. Groaning loudly, he thrust up into her. Completely inside her, her nails dug into his chest as she shuddered atop him in her own orgasm. Her hair dangled over her face, hiding it from view was sweat fell against his bare skin. Both gasped for breath as their orgasms were elongated by Kagome's feeding. She was taking a lot, far more than he was used too, even with both Anna and Eiko. The familiar feeling of lightheadedness and the prickling feeling returned as his breathing grew more labored. Finally, it ended, letting him collapse back onto the bed. There was a brief moment of pain as Kagome removed her nails from his skin.

 

She continued to rest her hands on his chest, leaning over him as he softened inside her. Her breathing calmed. He said nothing, focusing on calming his breathing. Finally, she lifted herself off him before resting herself atop him. Instinctively, he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her tightly against him. He closed his eyes. They had not kissed once.

 

For a long time, neither of them moved. “I don't want to sound like I'm not enjoying this, but aren't you supposed to remove the necklace?”

 

She did not move, her head still resting against his chest. “I haven't performed the ritual yet.”

 

“Huh?” He looked down at her, confused.

 

She looked up at him, a smile on her face. “What? Did you think that was a part of it?”

 

“It wasn't?” He paused. “Then what was it?”

 

Pushing off his chest, she turned so she was looking at him. Pulling her hair out of her face, she smiled, sticking her tongue out. “Sorry, I couldn't resist a little taste.” She gently ran a finger across his chest. “But they were right. You have gotten better. It didn't last nearly as long as I wanted it to.” Her eyes met his. “And the fact you're still awake after I absorbed so much energy is amazing.”

 

“It doesn't have to end. I—” Her lips met his, stopping him from continuing. The kiss continued until his lungs burned. Even as she slowly released his lips and fresh air was able to enter his screaming lungs, he wished for it to continue.

 

He watched her smile as she rested a finger against his forehead. “Goodnight Inuyasha. I love you.” Her smiling face was the last thing he saw before darkness fell over him.

 

*******************

 

Snapping awake, Inuyasha shot up in bed. Lungs gasping for air, he looked around, trying to figure out where he was. Pressing his hands against his temple, he squeezed his eyes closed, trying to stop the world from spinning. His body was sore, like he had just worked out. That's right… Kagome and I—Stopping, he looked to his side to find the bed empty. Automatically, his hand rose to his neck. The necklace was gone, Kagome was gone. Around him, he noticed strange symbols had been etched into the wall around him. Closing his eyes, he fell back against the bed. She's really gone… Loneliness washed over him as he raised his hands over him. The remaining feeling of her weight was quickly leaving him. Beside him, the bed was cold. Even if he hurried, he would not catch her. He took deep, shaky breaths as he fought against the tears that stung his eyes. Never before had he felt so lonely.

 

The sound of a door opening surprised him. Lifting his head up, he looked across the room to find Kagome standing in the bathroom door. Frozen in place, she stared back at him, her arms above her as she dried her hair with a towel.

 

“Y-you're still here,” he said, gaining control over his emotions.

 

His voice unfroze her. A thin smile appeared. “I wasn't expecting you to wake up so quickly.” She glanced over her shoulder towards the bathroom. “I wanted to clean up a bit.” There was a long, awkward silence as the two stared at one another, Kagome casually wiping herself down with the towel. He noticed a familiar crystal residing between her breasts.

 

Looking away, Inuyasha touched his chest where the necklace used to be. “I see you got it off.”

 

“Yeah, it wasn't so difficult once I knew how.” His eyes briefly moved over to the symbols that surrounded the bed. “Don't mind them. A normal human can't see it and they should fade in a couple months.”

 

“I see.” He slowly nodded, struggling to find something to say. Don't go. The words fought to escape, but he forced them back. “When are you going to have her?”

 

Holding the towel in one hand, Kagome held the crystal in the other, looking down at it. “One, maybe two years. I have to do some things first.”

 

Inuyasha forced a smile. “I'm sure she will be just as beautiful as her mother.”

 

Kagome returned the smile. Inuyasha watched silently as she went about the small hotel room, collecting her clothes. She dressed slowly, his eyes never leaving her as he tried to burn every single moment into his memory. Fully dressed, she pulled her shirt down, her nipples pressing out against the tight material before she released it. He watched as she opened the door.

 

“Don't go.” She froze at his voice. Turning her head, she looked back at him. “Please… don't leave. I don't want to watch you walk away a second time.” She looked away. Slowly, the door closed. To his surprise, she remained inside, hand still holding the doorknob.

 

“If—” she started.

 

“If?”

 

“If I did stay…” She looked over her shoulder. “Things would not be easy.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“Do you? A pregnant succubus has little control over her cravings. The chances that I would be only with you—” She stopped, looking back at the door. “I don't want to hurt you.”

 

“The idea of you leaving is a lot more painful.”

 

“At first, but later on, you might regret it.”

 

“I want to try.”

 

There was a long silence as she continued to stare at the door, her hand never moving. Slowly, her hand fell to her side and she took a step back. “I do too,” she whispered softly. Turning, she faced him. “I want to try one more time…”

 

*******************

 

Bleh. Everything seemed so much better in my head. It is all done though, for better or worse.