InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Dark Hour ❯ The Reason ( Chapter 28 )

a/n: well, the story has come to an end. i really really want to thank everyone for reading my lil story and leaving such wonderful feedback. i didn't think i'd finish it, but i did. everything will be explained, there will be no loose strings for those who are worried things will be left unexplained (i do try my best to listen to my readers' concerns). well, enough with my ramblings, on to the finale!

p.s. lyrics are from the song "The Promise" by Tracy Chapman and if anyone wants to know about upcoming stories or have any ideas, just email me…and now on to the finale!

Ch. 28

The Reason…

Kagome poured the steaming hot liquid in a mug, added a few drops of milk and a packet of Equal and stirred the contents. She glanced up at the wall clock.

"Damn!" She cursed, slipping hastily into her black leather pumps. If she didn't get a move on, she'd be late. She couldn't help smiling. Wouldn't that be a hoot? Just as she was gathering up her purse and the small note cards laying on the end table, she felt something rub against her legs.

"Buyo!" She exclaimed, scooping up the cat and setting him on the countertop. She wagged a finger at him. "Now you know better than to rub against me when I'm all dressed up!" The cat looked up at her with a lazily, his gaze unapologetic. Kagome rolled her eyes, giving him an affectionate pat on the head.

"You know I can't stay mad at you, Buyo." She said, tweaking his ears. He gave her an appreciative purr in return. "After all, you are the only man in my life who stuck by me." She felt a wave of sadness, her thoughts immediately turning to him. She shook her head. She wouldn't allow her good mood to be brought down by thoughts of Sesshomaru. It had been six months since she'd last seen him and she hadn't heard from him since. If he was so obviously over her, then it was time she follow his lead.

She gave the cat one last loving pat before heading out the door and down to the garage. As she drove, soft classical musical playing in the background, her spirits were considerably lifted. How could she be anything but happy on a day like today? She'd worked so hard and now her efforts were finally going to be recognized.

She pulled up in front of a beautiful gray and white marble building with the words J. B. Montgomery Building written in large gold letters across the front. Kagome handed her keys to the valet and felt a slight tingle of anticipation as she walked through the automatic sliding doors. She immediately spotted the sign announcing the afternoon's ceremony. Kagome glanced down at her gold Rolex wristwatch. She still had about 25 minutes before it started, time she needed to rehearse her speech.

She headed towards the lady's room and sat down on one of the plush red sofas in the sitting area. She took the note cards from her purse and silently read through the carefully thought out speech.

The more she read over the speech, the more nervous she got. After she'd gone through the speech for the third time, she stood up, shaking out the tenseness that had gathered in her limbs. She needed to relax. The last thing she wanted to do was go onstage and break down into a complete mess.

Kagome walked over to the sinks and turned one on. She wet a paper towel and gently dabbed the cool cloth to her neck and face. She heard the door open with a soft swoosh, her mind on what was to come rather than the other occupant.

"Well, if it isn't the woman of the hour,"

Kagome turned in surprise, her mental recitation of her speech interrupted. She smiled widely, tossing the wet paper towel into the trash.

"Sango, I'm so glad to see you!" She exclaimed, giving her best friend a hug. Sango patted her back. "So what are you doing? Hiding?" Kagome rolled her eyes and gestured towards the note cards lying on the couch. "I was nervous so I decided to come in here and practice my speech."

Sango took a seat on the couch, patting the spot next to her. Kagome sat down next to her. Sango studied her critically before asking, "How're you holding up?"

Kagome took a deep breath and looked down at her hands, folding them neatly in her lap. Such a simple question. The answer, however, was not so simple. She shrugged. "Fine." The answer seemed safe. Sango wasn't buying it.

"Kagome, on the outside you seem fine, but I know better than to believe that." She peered at her closely. "How are you, really?"

"How do you think I'm feeling?" Kagome snapped, her temper flaring. For a few precious moments she'd managed to keep Sesshomaru out of her thoughts but now that Sango was forcing her to examine her feelings, he was instantly brought to the forefront.

She buried her face in her hands. "The only man that I've ever loved with every fiber of my being left. He just left. I don't know where he is, what he's doing, or even if he's ok." She felt the tears building, trying desperately to hold them back. "The thing that hurts the most is that at this very moment, he might be with someone else." Her shoulders shook as she sobbed into her hands, tears streaming down her face.

"Oh, honey!" Sango whispered, wrapping an arm around her and leaning Kagome's head gently on her shoulder. "As much as I didn't get along with the man, I strongly believe he had good reason to pick up and leave like he did. For god's sake, you were in a coma for three weeks because of his fucked up family!" Sango said the last part not without a little bitterness. "You don't need someone like him in your life and you should thank god that he's gone."

Kagome pushed herself out of Sango's embrace, wiping away her tears. "How could you say something so damn stupid?" She said angrily, rising to her feet and walking over to the sink. She twisted the knob and a stream of cold water poured out. Sango stared at her back, her brow knit in confusion.

"What do you--"

Kagome spun around, her eyes two gray slits. "How could you blame Sesshomaru for something that evil bastard Naraku did? Sesshomaru is nothing like Naraku was. He tried so many times to not involve me, to protect me, but I refused because I wasn't going to leave him by himself." She turned back to the sink, splashing a handful of water onto her face. She no longer cared if her makeup was ruined.

"Sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and I feel like I can't breathe." She whispered, gripping the sides of the sink. "I need him, Sango."

Sango rose from her seat. "I'm sorry," She said handing her a tissue. Kagome dabbed at her eyes. "I didn't know you felt so strongly about him." Kagome nodded her head miserably. "I've never felt this way before about anybody, not even Kouga."

Sango snorted upon hearing his name. "Don't even mention that piece of shit!" She said hotly. "After betraying you the way he did, I could kick that coward's ass." Kagome couldn't help smiling at her friend's protective attitude. "Is he still calling you?"

Kagome nodded, looking herself over in the mirror. She patted her cheeks lightly, trying to bring some color to her pale skin. "He calls almost every night leaving messages about how sorry he is and how he had no other choice but to do what Naraku told him to do." She sighed, resigned to the fact that her makeup job was ruined and she'd have to make due with what she had.

"I told him that I forgive him, but the trust was gone. I mean, he wasn't even under Naraku's mind control and he was ready to hand me over to the wolves (wink, wink)." Kagome shrugged her shoulders and turned her best friend.

"You know, recently my life's taken a strange twist, but I wouldn't change a thing," She thought for a few seconds. "Except Sesshomaru leaving, of course." Sango rolled her eyes and placed her hands on Kagome's shoulders.

"Look, Kagome. I know you've been trying really hard to get back to a normal routine since this whole thing with the Iakouy family, but today is your day. This is the day you've been waiting for so relish it!" She gave her a little shake.

Kagome knew she should be the happiest person on earth right now, but…

`Not buts,' She told herself sternly. `Sango's right, this is your moment so enjoy it.'

She put on her brightest smile, willing herself to feel as happy as she hoped she looked. She glanced at her watch. "Oh my god!" She exclaimed, not realizing how much time had passed. "It's almost time!" Sango giggled. "I'm so proud of you right now!"

Kagome glanced at her, giving her a small smile. "Thanks, Sango. For everything." Sango ducked her head, embarrassed. "Don't mention it." She said, taking Kagome by the arm and leading her from the restroom. "Now you go in there and get what's coming to you!" She gave her a light push towards the glass door leading into the ballroom.

"I'll be in the audience cheering you on!" Sango told her, heading toward a second set of doors further down. Kagome nodded nervously, her hands shaking slightly. She pushed through the doors, her stomach fluttering at the roomful of people. She waved to a couple of familiar faces before heading up the stairs leading to the backstage area.

"Kagome, I was beginning to think you weren't gonna show!"

Kagome grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Frank. I was going over my speech in the bathroom." Frank nodded in understanding. "Nervous, huh?" Kagome nodded her head emphatically. "When I woke up this morning, I actually felt like throwing up."

Frank grimaced. "Glad to hear it," He muttered, peeking through the closed curtains. "Looks like a full house." Kagome moved next to him, looking out through a crack. "Looks like." She agreed. Frank stepped away from the curtain, pulling Kagome away also. She looked up at him expectantly. He cleared his throat and looked down at the ground.

"Look, Kagome, I know I don't tell you this often enough, but I think you're one hell of a reporter and I can't think of anyone who deserves this more than you."

Kagome was speechless. Was this the same gruff, no nonsense editor that terrorized his staff on a daily basis? She felt honored to be receiving such kind words. "Uh, thanks Frank." She told him. He looked hard at her. "I mean it," He insisted. "The story you did on Naraku Iakouy and his dirty dealings was genius. You managed to expose the most infamous mob boss all while managing to stay alive."

It was Kagome's turn to be embarrassed. She put her hands up. "Please, enough with the ass kissing, Frank. If it means that much to you, I'll mention your name in my speech." She joked. Frank cracked a smile. "You better!" He threatened jokingly. He gave her a pat on the back and wished her good luck as he stepped out onto the stage. Once Kagome was alone, she took a deep breath.

"Ms. Higurashi?"

Kagome was startled by the sudden appearance of a tall, dark-haired boy holding a bouquet of flowers. She nodded her head. The dark-haired youth thrust the flowers at her while asking her to sign a piece of paper attached to a clipboard he was holding.

"Who sent these?" She asked, not seeing a card. The boy shrugged his thin shoulders. "I just deliver them, ma'am." He told her before walking off. Kagome glared at the boy's back.

"Snotty little shit," She muttered, examining the flowers. They were a beautiful arrangement of white lilies tied with a white silk ribbon. Kagome held them up to her nose, taking a deep whiff. They smelled heavenly. She smiled. It was a nice gesture, whoever they were from.

Kagome set the flowers aside, making a mental note to pick them up later. She heard Frank set up her introduction and stepped up to the curtain.

"And now, here's 2004 Pulitzer Prize winner Kagome Higurashi."

Kagome plastered on a big smile and stepped out onto the stage, giving Frank a brief hug as he walked past her. She walked up to the podium, adjusting the microphone. She glanced out at the crowd, not making direct eye contact with anyone in particular. If she did that, she was sure she'd lose her cool. Placing her hands on the podium, she clutched her note cards tightly and took a deep breath.

"Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to become a great writer one day…"

Kagome expressed her gratitude for the Pulitzer Prize once again and walked off the stage to the sound of a round of applause. Once she was backstage, she felt the nervousness drain away. Halfway through her speech, she'd felt more at ease, but there was still a bit of nervousness lurking. Now that it was over, she felt relaxed.

She picked up the bouquet she'd set aside and carried it with her as she made her way back out front. Another round of applause started up again and she ducked her head, blushing. She couldn't help feeling a rush. After all, she did deserve it.

"I loved your speech, Kagome!"

Kagome laughed as Sango rushed up to her, giving her a hug. "Thanks," She said. "For a minute there, I thought I was going to faint." Sango waved a hand at her. "You wouldn't have known it by looking at you. You looked like do that sort of think every day."

Kagome glanced around the room. She spotted Onigumo sitting at a table in the back and waved at him. Even though Sesshomaru was MIA, Onigumo still kept in touch with her, meeting her for lunch every other day. He'd been kind enough to accept her invitation to attend the ceremony.

"Nice flowers. Who are they from?" Sango asked, admiring the lilies. Kagome glanced down at the flowers. "Oh, I don't know. A delivery boy just handed them to me. There was no note or anything." Sango shrugged. "Well, I'm going to go grab a plate from the buffet. I'm starving!" Kagome laughed. "I'll be over at the table with Onigumo." She told her, pointing to where Onigumo was sitting. Sango nodded and headed off in the direction of the buffet, where a line was already beginning to form.

"Onigumo, I'm so glad you could make it!" Kagome said, bending down to give the older man a kiss on the cheek. He gave her a warm smile. "I wouldn't miss this for the world." Kagome took a seat across from him, laying the flowers down gently. Onigumo regarded the flowers with a strange expression.

"A friend?" He asked, nodding toward the bouquet. Kagome shrugged. "Don't know. There wasn't a card or anything." He nodded and looked away before returning his gaze to her, the strangeness gone.

"So how does it feel to be a Pulitzer Prize winner and one of the most respected reporters in New York?" He asked, smiling. Kagome returned the smile, leaning back in the chair. "To tell the truth, it all feels a little unreal," She admitted. "I couldn't have done it without you, though."

Onigumo shook his head. "I did nothing but allow you to use the information that you earned." He looked at her sadly. "I'm only sorry that had to go through so much." Kagome looked down at the table.

"I should be the one telling you that," She said softly. He looked at her in surprise. "What for?" He asked. Kagome looked up at him, her gaze full of anguish. "I'm the one that killed Naraku, your only son. For that, I'm truly sorry."

"You did what you had to," He told her sternly. "The Naraku that you killed was not my son. My son died long ago. You should feel sorry for everyone that has died because of Naraku's madness: Inuyasha, Kikyo, Kagura, countless mental patients. All in his quest for greatness." He grimaced. "He left behind so much carnage." Kagome didn't know how to respond to that, so she chose not to.

"So how are things going with the company?" She asked, choosing a safe topic. Onigumo's expression turned to one of delight. "It's going wonderfully. I'm lucky to have people that believe in me and my desire to turn the company straight." He said. If anyone deserved to be happy, it was Onigumo. He'd been through hell and back and didn't seem to be changed by it. That, Kagome suspected, was what kept people loyal to him.

"I'm glad to hear that," Kagome told him with a genuine smile. He gave a little laugh. "I'm just glad to get the chance to do what I love again. I only wish that Sess…" He stopped as if he'd said something he wasn't supposed to. Kagome looked at him.

"Onigumo, you can say his name around me," She told him. "I'm not going to cry at the sound of his name." Onigumo regarded her skeptically. "Well, not anymore," She relented. He glanced at he lilies then returned his gaze to her.

"If you don't mind me asking, Kagome, how are you holding up?" He asked the question tentatively. Kagome fiddled with the silverware. There was that question again.

"I'm fine." She said a little too forcefully. "I guess everybody expects me to be a wreck, but I'm not. I mean, I'm hurt, of course. He left without a word and I miss him something terrible…" She sighed heavily. Even if she didn't look like a wreck, she strongly suspected she sounded like one.

"I love him, Onigumo." She said simply, summing everything up with those three little words. He took her hands in his and looked at her, his expression serious.

"I have always liked you, Kagome. You're a very beautiful and intelligent young woman and you should have everything you desire." He took her hands in his, squeezing them gently. "And it sounds to me like what you want most is to be with Sesshomaru, am I right?"

Kagome bit her lip, looking away from his penetrating gaze. She couldn't deny that she'd give up everything just to be with him, but she wasn't sure he felt the same.

"I don't know, Onigumo," She said uncertainly. "That may be what I want, but I don't think Sesshomaru wants that. If he did, he never would have left." Onigumo seemed conflicted, as if he wanted to tell her something. "What is it?" Kagome asked, sensing there was something he was keeping from her.

"Sesshomaru didn't leave because of the reasons you think, Kagome." He said finally. Kagome looked at him, surprised. "He left because he wanted to protect you."

"Protect me? From what?" She asked, confused. Onigumo looked around before leaning in closer, his voice dropping lower. Kagome followed suite. "Naraku may be dead, but there are still people out there, people loyal to Naraku, who would go after Sesshomaru. Sesshomaru felt that if he stayed, he would only be putting you in more danger, so he decided to leave."

"Oh," That was all Kagome could think to see. He left to protect her. `But that doesn't mean he loves you,' A nagging voice in her head told her tauntingly. `After all, he never even told you that he did.'

Kagome slid her hands from Onigumo's grasp, not willing to be sucked in so easily. "Just because he wanted to protect me doesn't mean he feels the same as I do." She told him, not meeting his gaze. "Sesshomaru would only want to protect me because he feels obligated to do so. He thinks that since he got me into this, it's his job to see me out of it."

Onigumo shook his head. "I won't deny that Sesshomaru probably does feel responsible for getting you mixed up in our affairs, but that's not all he feels." Kagome felt torn. She wanted desperately to believe what Onigumo was saying, but Sesshomaru's absence led her to believe otherwise.

"I know my nephew and I know how he feels about you. He holds nothing dearer to his heart than you, Kagome." He gestured toward the bouquet of lilies. "It's funny, Sesshomaru has always been partial to lilies, seeing as how they were his mother's favorite flower."

Kagome looked from the flowers to Onigumo, his gaze knowing.

She stood abruptly, snatching up the flowers. "Dear, where are you going?" He asked, a small smile on his face. Kagome returned the smile, knowing he already knew the answer. "Go," He said, waving a hand at her. "And when you find him, tell him I said hello."

Kagome sat back in her seat, feeling contented for the first time in a long time.

"Miss, would you like something to drink?"

Kagome looked up at the stewardess, nodding her head. "Water, please." The stewardess fixed her a glass of water with a lemon wedge and handed it to her. Kagome nodded her thanks and took a sip of the refreshing liquid.

She still couldn't believe what she was doing. After talking to Onigumo, she'd decided there was only one thing to do. Sango, of course, had tried to talk her out of it. To quote her exact words, Kagome was "crazy for chasing after a man who didn't want to be found."

Kagome had to admit that it was a little crazy. She wasn't even sure where Sesshomaru was, just going on reporter's instincts. It didn't matter. If what Onigumo had said was true, about them being meant for each other, than she'd find him.

~~~~~~

If you wait for me, than I'll come for you…

Kagome walked out to the balcony, enjoying the cool afternoon breeze.
After a good night's rest, she felt ready for anything. She'd contacted Miroku and asked him to do a little digging for her. He'd called her back early this morning and told her what he'd found out.

She smiled. It was a very good lead and if her hunch was right, she'd found him.

Although I've traveled far, I always hold a place for you in my heart…

She grabbed her purse from the nightstand and grabbed the hotel key on her way out. As she locked the door behind her, she couldn't help feeling giddy, like a schoolgirl. She didn't care what she'd left behind. All she cared about was him.

If you think of me, if you miss me once in a while, then I'll return to you

I'll return and fill that space in your heart…

As she rode the elevator down to the lobby, her thoughts wandered back to their first time together and she blushed. Kagome ached for him even now; as she had ever since she'd found out he'd left.

Remembering your touch, your kiss, your warm embrace

I'll find my way back to you, if you'll be waiting

If you dream of me like I dream of you, in a place that's warm and dark, in a place where I can feel the beating of your heart…

She stepped off the elevator and walked outside to the cab waiting for her. She told the driver where she wanted to go and sat back, watching the scenery whiz by. She suddenly felt unsure. What if she was wrong and Sesshomaru didn't want anything to do with her? What if he'd started over and found somebody to share his life with? Wouldn't she look like some obsessed stalker tracking him halfway across the country?

She leaned her head against the glass window. Did she really care as long as she got to see him again?

Remembering your touch, your kiss, your warm embrace

I'll find my way back to you, if you'll be waiting

I've longed for you and I have desired to see your face, your smile

To be with you wherever you are…

The cab came to a slow halt in front of a familiar gray stone building. She paid the driver and stepped out of the cab, smoothing imaginary wrinkles from the red silk skirt she wore. As she walked to the front entrance, she noticed the large brass sign that read TRANQUIL SPRINGS. Written underneath the name were the words, Where the Troubled Mind Comes to Find Serenity.

Kagome smiled, pushing through the glass door that had replaced the intimidating metal door she remembered. She looked around the lobby, awed at the changes. The dimness of the Tranquil Springs she remembered was gone. Now, the lobby was filled with light from antique chandeliers hanging overhead. Lining both walls were comfortable looking burgundy armchairs, small round walnut table separating them from one another. On the walls hung beautiful artwork of lush landscapes, giving the place an easy, relaxing feel.

This definitely screamed of Sesshomaru's touch. She walked up to the front desk where a middle-aged woman with graying black hair sat typing on a computer. She looked up when Kagome stopped before the desk, a wide smile on her friendly face.

"Hello, may I help you?" She asked. Kagome was relieved the woman spoke English. She had flashbacks to her earlier trip to Tranquil Springs, an experience she had no desire to repeat.

"Yes, I'm a reporter from The New York Daily Sun and I'm looking for Sesshomaru Iakouy." She said. The woman frowned slightly. "Sesshomaru Iakouy? I'm sorry, there's nobody here by that name."

It was Kagome's turn to frown. The information she'd gotten from Miroku had seemed to lead her in this direction. He'd told her that the mental institution had recently come under new management, supposedly by a member of the Iakouy family.

"Is there anybody here with the last name Iakouy? Patient or employee?"

The woman shook her head. "I'm sorry, miss, but we can't give out patient information. I can tell you that there's no employee here by that name, though." She gave her an apologetic smile. Kagome was at a loss. She had been sure that Sesshomaru had returned here to Tokyo. Maybe she was wrong.

"I'd heard that Tranquil Springs has recently come under new management by a member of the Iakouy family," She explained. The woman nodded her head. "Yes, there is a new director here. I myself have only been working here for just a short time so I'm not sure if Mr. Hamada is a relative of the Iakouys you're talking about or not."

"Mr. Hamada?" Kagome asked.

"Yes," The woman answered. "Mr. Fujio Hamada. He's the new director here at Tranquil Springs. Quite young for such a position, but very capable." She leaned in closer. "And quite handsome if I do say so myself."

Kagome's heart beat faster in her chest. "Long white hair, golden eyes?" She asked. The woman nodded with a little smile. "If only I was a few years younger…" She said wistfully. Kagome ducked her head, hiding her smile. She'd got him.

"Do you think it would be possible for me to talk to Mr. Hamada?" She asked. The woman flipped through a small binder and stopped on a certain page. She scanned the page before turning her gaze to Kagome.

"You're in luck," She said. "Mr. Hamada has a few minutes to spare before his next appointment. Would you like me to buzz him and tell him you're coming?" Kagome immediately shook her head. "No, I think I'll just let it be a surprise." The woman gave her a confused smile, not quite understanding.

"Can you point the way?" Kagome asked, not caring that it probably seemed more than a little strange. The woman pointed down the hallway to her left. "His office is right down the hall on the right. You'll see his name by the door." Kagome thanked her and made her way slowly down the hall.

Remembering your touch, your kiss, your warm embrace

I'll find my way back to you

Please say you'll be waiting…

She stopped in front of the office with the name Fujio Hamada written on a plaque next to it. She put her hand on the door, imagining him sitting there on the other side. Her heart seemed to be trying to beat a path right out of her chest. She closed her eyes, trying to calm down. `Just turn the knob.' A voice told her. `This is what you've been waiting for.'

She placed her trembling hand on the gold knob, turning it slowly. She pushed the door open and there he was. He was lying on a beige couch, one arm thrown over his face, shielding his eyes. He was bathed in sunlight from the large window the couch was in front of.

Kagome held her breath, her heart soaring at the sight of him. She closed the door softly, not wanting to rouse him from his sleep. She placed her purse on the desk and walked over to him. She stood still, her eyes hungrily roaming over every inch of his body. He was dressed in a simple white dress shirt with brown khakis. His matching Steve Madden's were on the floor in front of the couch.

Kagome reached out tentatively, wanting to touch him. She gasped when he surprised her by grabbing her wrist, his eyes snapping open. Gold met gray as time seemed to stand still. Now that she was face to face with him, she didn't know what to say.

"Kagome." He said, his voice low. Kagome opened her mouth to respond, but no words came out. What did she say to him?

"You came all this way and you have nothing to say?" His voice was unreadable, his gaze the same. This wasn't the way Kagome had imagined it to be. He was supposed to take her in his arms and kiss her, telling her how much he missed her and never wanted to be apart from her again. But then again, what did she expect from a man like Sesshomaru?

"What do I say to you, Mr. Hamada?" She said, irritated by his icy demeanor. She jerked her wrist from his grip and took a step back. "Thanks for disappearing without so much as a goodbye?"

Sesshomaru sat up to a sitting position, sliding his feet into his shoes. "It was necessary." He said shortly, standing up. Kagome crossed her arms over her chest. "Necessary? I'm lying in a coma and you up and leave because it was necessary?" She snorted. "That's a load of shit and you know it." He cocked an eyebrow at her choice of words.

"Good to know you haven't changed a bit." He said dryly. Kagome glared at him. "You either," She spat. "I don't even know why I came here. I actually thought…" She didn't finish the sentence, instead grabbing her purse and spinning around. Before she could turn the knob, Sesshomaru turned her towards him. He put his hands on the wall, trapping her between him and the door.

"You thought what?" He asked. Kagome refused to look at him. She stubbornly kept her silence. "Kagome, look at me," He commanded softly. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't ignore his command and looked up at him.

"You…thought…what?" He asked again.

"I thought that you would want me, that you would want to be with me." She said, her voice sounding small, like a child's. Sesshomaru sighed, his expression softening.

"Damn you, Kagome." He muttered, cupping her face in his hands. "Why couldn't you stay away?" Kagome could feel her eyes start to tear. The last thing she wanted to do was break down and cry in front of him.

"Is that what you wanted? To never see me again?" She couldn't stop the hurt that crept into her voice. Sesshomaru shook his head slowly.

"No, not at all. But I was prepared to never see you again if it meant keeping you safe." He brushed his thumbs across her cheeks. "Leaving you was the hardest thing I've ever had to do." Kagome's heart gave a little leap. "It was?"

Sesshomaru nodded, giving her the barest hint of a smile. "How could you think that I didn't want you?" He looked at her sternly. "I'll always want you. Now and forever." He leaned down, capturing her lips in a gentle kiss. Kagome wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing herself closer against him. He groaned, breaking away from the kiss and burying his face in her neck.

"God, I missed you," He whispered, placing a light kiss on his mark. Kagome shivered. "I missed you, too." He leaned his head back, his golden eyes soft.

"I love you."

Kagome gave him a brilliant, dazzling smile, a tear slipping free. "It's about time you said it!" She told him. He brushed the tear away. "And I mean it." Kagome nodded.

"I love you, too, Sesshomaru Iakouy."

He pulled her down on the couch, holding her in his lap. "So, Ms. Pulitzer Prize, what are your future plans?" He kissed the back of her neck. Kagome laughed. "So you did send the lilies! Onigumo made a comment about it, but I wasn't sure." She turned so that she was facing him, looking into his golden gaze.

"Well, Mr. Iakouy," She said softly, brushing her lips across his lightly. "I plan to spend the rest of my life with you, if that's ok." Sesshomaru smiled at her. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Together again

It would feel so good to be in your arms where all my journeys end

If you can make a promise, if it's one that you can keep, I vow to come for you

If you wait for me and say you'll hold a place for me in your heart