InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The Right One ❯ Chapter 3

.:.:.:.:.

Sliding the tray of cookies into the oven, Kagome shut the door and set the timer. Taking off her mittens as she stood upright, she glanced at the clock. Kagome patted her jeans clean of the flour before heading into the living room, smiling as she saw Koga still struggling with putting up the neglected mistletoe from the day before.

“They should be here soon,” she told him as she made her way over to him.

“Mn…” Koga mumbled his acknowledgement as he pinned the mistletoe to the ceiling.

Leaning against one wall of the archway, Kagome watched him absently, putting her hands behind her back. “Say, do you know where Hayato or Sesshomaru is? I haven't seen them for a while.”

Koga removed his hands from the pinned greenery. To the ookami's satisfaction, the mistletoe held fast, dangling merrily from the top of the arch. “Beats me,” Koga replied indifferently, as if their absence was much rather preferred. He climbed down the ladder, hopping to the floor from second step.

During all this, Sesshomaru folded his arms as he sat against the wall, watching the young Hayato at work.

“So explain to me again where you found that thing?” Sesshomaru asked quietly after glancing down through the banister at the preoccupied Koga, currently speaking with Kagome.

“Daddy longlegs aren't that hard to find, especially around here,” Hayato answered as he continued to stare down the wiggling spider. Taking the long, thin string, he tied one end to the base of one of the arachnid's lengthy legs. Holding up the spider with the string, Kagome's cousin smirked with devious intent. “Perfect.”

Hayato peeked down at the couple from above, the crawly device ready at hand.

“...So before your parents get here…” Koga concluded their conversation, pulling Kagome over to the front of the ladder and lifting her up to sit on the third step, “…we might as well practice tradition.” He gave a slight motion of his head towards the mistletoe above them.

Kagome giggled in amusement as she compliantly closed her eyes in wait for Koga's lips. Leaning forward as he placed both his arms on either side of the ladder, Koga tilted his head.

Shwoop.

Before he could reach her lips, Koga felt a prickly sort of sensation around the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes in confusion.

….

“Holy shit!!” Koga yelped, helplessly trying to swat the crawler off his face with flailing arms, knocking the ladder over - Kagome nearly with it - in the process of his convulsive show. Shrieking in surprise, Kagome stumbled from the toppling ladder, still unsure what all the fuss was about.

“What!? What!?” Kagome cried, searching around herself in panic. However, it did not take her long to find out what the source of the commotion was as she caught sight of a brown, long legged spider hurriedly escaping from the scene of the crime as fast as its legs could carry it. Kagome glared sharply at her overreacting boyfriend. She held the side of her head for a moment in irritation.

“A… spider!?” she growled through her teeth.

Luckily, a convenient ring of the doorbell saved Koga an explanation.

Sighing, Kagome pivoted, heading for the door as she called back at him wearily, “Just take that to the basement, will you? I'm getting the door…” Shaking her head, she jogged over to the front.

Watching all this from above, Hayato held his stomach, laughing as silently possible. “Brilliant!” he applauded himself quietly.

.:.:.:.:.

After the introductions and those of the like, Hayato's stroke of genius struck again.

While the adults chatted and lounged in the living room, the rest kept in the kitchen, watching Kagome take the cookies out fresh from the oven.

“Koga, can you grab the some napkins in the cabinet behind you?” Kagome asked after she had scooped all the cookies onto a white porcelain plate. Nodding, he turned, groping around for the papery stack of napkins on the shelf.

But while he was turned around and unawares, Hayato snatched a couple cookies, beginning to work away at them behind the counter. Sesshomaru leaned against one of kitchen chairs, wondering what scheme the boy had planned this time. Suddenly, a little red bottle was tossed back to him from Hayato. Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes as he read the label: `Tabasco'. The inuyoukai chuckled with the slight shake of his head as he opened the refrigerator and returned the little bottle to its rightful place.

When Koga had returned with the napkins, Hayato took a bite of one of the cookies. He chewed for a moment before overacting with delight.

“Wow, Kagome! These are really good!” he declared, finishing off the whole cookie. He offered one to Koga, holding one out to him. “You should try this!”

Raising an eyebrow at Hayato's sudden cordiality, Koga took the cookie and with a shrug and bit the browned sweet.

But as soon as he took the first chew, Koga's face unexpectedly contorted in disgust. Searching desperately around the kitchen, he sprinted to the trashcan, spitting out the contents of his mouth. Panting like a dog, he continued to the sink, turning on the faucet and taking a long, deep drink.

“Ugh!” Koga gasped when he finished. “That was disgusting, Kagome! What did you put in there? Jalapenos?”

Kagome frowned indignantly. “What do you mean what did I put in there? Flour, eggs, sugar, milk…” she began to list off the ingredients. Kagome took a cookie, taking a bite of it. “This one tastes just fine!”

Koga flashed his half-eaten dessert in the air. “Well, this one tastes just gross.”

The suspicious college student paused for a long time after taking the cookie. Then finally - though too late to be helpful - something clicked in Kagome's mind.

“…Hayato, can I talk to you for a minute?”

The two cousins disappeared into the hallway for the next few minutes. When they returned, Hayato quietly took the plate of cookies for the adults in the living room. Kagome, on the other hand, returned with eyes like the calm before the storm.

“I can't believe you, Sesshomaru. You and Hayato both!” she began angrily, fisting her hands. “Why would you try to get rid of Koga!?”

Sesshomaru lowered his eyes, sighing. Hell hath no fury…

“You tried to do what!?” Koga yelled as he got to his feet.

Shaking his head, the silver-haired youkai spoke up in his defense, with an air of self-righteousness. “Technically, it was Hayato who tried to get rid of you. This Sesshomaru only supported his cause,” he said honestly, though his justification could have done without the `supporting his cause' bit.

“Wow. Wow…” Koga stated as he crossed the room. “You seriously wanted Kagome that badly for yourself, huh, dog? You got a little kid to do your dirty work? Who knew you wanted me out so badly,” he added sarcastically. “I shouldn't even be surprised!”

Sesshomaru got out of his chair, shooting a lethal glare towards his rival. “Or,” he returned, “perhaps I wanted you out because you're an incompetent, arrogant, and selfish bastard who never fails to irritate me in every way.”

Koga growled furiously, clenching his fists tighter, however, remained unsure of what else to say to the dog demon. “Whatever!” was all he decided to shout back as he exited the kitchen. Kagome watched him go with worsening regret. Lowering her head, Kagome held her face with her hands in frustration and uncertainty.

“Sesshomaru…” Kagome started. “I can't believe you would do something like this…”

“Kagome-”

“I would expect this from Hayato - not you!” she yelled, cutting Sesshomaru short.

Sesshomaru took an unconscious step towards his angered friend. “It not like I actually helped him with any of this, Kagome. He came up with all the ideas,” he tried to explain again.

“Do you think that matters?” she shrieked. “The fact is, you knew, but you didn't tell me about it or do anything to stop him!”

The inuyoukai looked at the bottom of Kagome's feet, silent for a few long seconds. “Maybe I shouldn't have let him do all this, but,” Sesshomaru admitted, “maybe this is how it should be.” He looked up at Kagome, his eyes set firm, his intention unwavering.

Kagome shook her head in disbelief, avoiding his stare. “…What? What are you talking about?” she asked, the anger in her voice fading gradually.

Sesshomaru approached her slowly, never once breaking his gaze. “Someone like him…” He slowed to a stop, and his amber eyes softened, becoming the warm golden orbs that Kagome knew so well. “…How can he make you happy?”

Her heart skipped a beat.

Sesshomaru… Why was he saying things like this now? Kagome took a step back, shaking her head.

“I… I'm going to go find Koga,” she spoke softly, a near whisper past her lips. She turned hesitantly, taking one last glimpse at the tall youkai before disappearing behind the doorway.

Kagome made her way up the stairs sluggishly, utterly confused by Sesshomaru's strange words. He had never said anything even remotely close to what he told her before now. Of course, her best friend had never really taken any particular liking to any of her past boyfriends, but this seemed different. Sesshomaru seemed almost too serious. Too… passionate.

But why now?

As she neared Koga's room, Kagome sighed. Why would Sesshomaru care, anyway?

She stopped, lifting her hand to knock, but before she could, Kagome caught the low hum of conversation. As she listened further, she found it was Koga, talking to someone over the phone.

“Man, I wish I could, you have no idea,” he laughed in a bitter tone. “To tell you the truth, I'd rather be there then this hell.” Koga paused as he let the other respond.

“I'm with my girlfriend at her cabin. …. Ha, yeah, if it weren't for her two year old cousin and `man's best friend'. …. You know, Sesshomaru Taisho. …. Yeah, does everything she says, just like a dog, and she doesn't even have to throw him a bone.” Kagome could hear faint laughter from the other end.

“And you know what they tried to do?” Koga added, almost like an afterthought. He waited a moment as his friend said something. Koga laughed as he continued. “They tried to `get rid of me'. …. Tch, I know. I bet he's probably just afraid of losing her to me.”

The hushed Kagome clenched her hand into a fist, lowering it to her side.

“I can't go! You know how weird that would be if I just up and walked out of here like that? Especially on the holidays.”

Clenching her teeth together, Kagome grabbed the door knob and pushed the door open.

Koga looked up at Kagome in surprise. Quickly trying to gather himself after a long pause, he dismissed himself from the conversation. “Uh yeah, man, I got to go. … See ya.”

A pregnant silence filled the room. Kagome looked down at her boyfriend, sitting on the bed, phone in hand. They stayed like that for a long moment before Kagome broke the silence.

“If you want to go so badly, then go. No one's stopping you,” she told him, turning to leave. “There's a train station nearby that I can take you to. Get your stuff and I'll drive you there.”

Koga got up on his feet, taking a step towards her. “What - What the hell, Kagome?” was all he managed to say.

“What do you mean `what the hell'? I heard what you said, and it's enough. I get it.”

Closing the distance between them, Koga tried to get a hold of his apparently livid girlfriend. But the moment he reached out to touch her, she slapped his hand away.

“Don't! That's not always going to work, Koga,” she yelled, pushing him away as she backed out of the room.  Her breathing was labored and shallow as she stood there, her eyes stinging with tears. Once she had calmed herself a little, she started down the hallway.

Reaching the top of the staircase, Kagome sighed. “The next train leaves in forty-five minutes. Be ready soon,” she told him quietly, knowing he would hear her. “I'm not changing my mind.”

.:.:.:.:.

Pulling the door shut, Kagome leaned back into it with a sigh. Her fingertips idly traced the contours of the doorknob behind her as her tired eyes roamed her bedroom, slow and aimless.

When Koga did not show up at the dinner table, everyone seemed surprised, even Sesshomaru and Hayato to some extent. Her mother had casually inquired his whereabouts, unknowing of the situation, but soon wished she hadn't as Kagome whipped out a forced smile.

“Oh, he left,” she said a bit too happily, trying to feign indifference. She laughed, yet her voice was strained. The room became uncomfortable and tense as her mother searched for the right words to say to her daughter.

“Oh, did he now?” her mother replied uneasily. “Well, that's… too bad…”

Kagome put down her chopsticks, feeling suddenly stifled by the room's unnerving atmosphere. Standing, she picked up her bowl.

“Whew!” she sighed with falsified lightness, quickly shattering the growing density of the dining hall. “Well, I'm feeling really tired, so I think I'm going to head upstairs now; it's been such a long day.” Then without a second thought, she exited the room, leaving her relatives quiet and disconcerted at the table.

Kagome sank to the ground, hiding her face in her hands. Giving it a quick rub, she ran her hands back through her hair, inhaling deeply. As she stood up on her feet once more, Kagome heaved a long sigh before walking over to the cushioned chair across her room. She promptly undressed and threw on her sleepwear, lying folded there on its arm. Going to her bed, she lifted the covers and wormed her way under.

As her bedroom quieted, Kagome exhaled, staring at the motionless fan above her. Almost immediately, her mind began to spin with thoughts once again. Clutching the thick sheets firmly, she shook her head and reached over to turn her lamp off. The room disappeared into black as the girl settled herself back into the bed, turning on her side. Now as the senses of sight and sound vanished, Kagome couldn't help but feel her conflicting emotions begin to rush within her once more.

Was she upset about her breakup with Koga? No, she could answer instantly. She believed the reason for it was definitely of more significance than anything, and what had caused her to feel so opposed against him. But, ultimately, even that was not the source of her strain.

However, her recollections came to an abrupt halt as two quiet knocks penetrated the dark silence. Acting as though she were asleep, Kagome did not answer, expecting that her visitor would resign and leave her be.

After a few seconds had passed, Kagome pressed her lips together softly and buried her nose deeper into the pillow, thinking that whoever had come to check on her had passed. However, instead of leaving, her guest persisted, opening her door quietly. After the person entering the room, the door soon closed again with a low click. She could hear curiously unhurried footsteps approach her bedside; it crouched low beside her. For a moment, there was silence.

“Hey,” spoke a low, monotone voice that could only belong to Sesshomaru.

Kagome frowned. “How did you know I was awake?” she asked in a hushed whisper.

The inuyoukai replied with ease, simply stating, “I know you too well.”

Reluctantly accepting his answer, Kagome sat upright and turned on the light, squinting from the sudden brightness. Once her eyes adjusted from the change, she sighed.

“If you were wondering, I'm fine.” Kagome rubbed her eye gently, avoiding his stare.

Getting up to sit on the edge of her bed, Sesshomaru kept his eyes on the opposite wall. “No. I came to apologize,” he uttered softly with unexpected frankness. Opening her other eye, Kagome furrowed her brow, turning slightly to look at her friend in surprise.

“What I allowed - what I did,” he rectified his words, “was wrong…” His voice trailed into nothingness as he lowered his gaze, leaning forward as he rested his elbows on his thighs. A long pause followed while Kagome continued to watch Sesshomaru in staggered silence.

“Because of that, you're sad,” the youkai continued stiffly. “Because of what I did, he left - because I was being selfish.”

Sesshomaru dropped his head, giving out a short breath. He knew Kagome must be angry with him; how could she not? He wouldn't deny it was his fault that she would have a loveless holiday. And just because of his jealousy, he hurt her, his closest friend; the one he held dearest to him. What kind of person would do such a thing?

Straightening, he placed his hands on his knees. “I'm sorry.”

`So I'll leave you alone now,' he added silently with the decision to go, before he could make anything worse for her.

But to his surprise, as he moved to get up, Kagome held his arm lightly, stopping him. “Koga… He didn't leave because of you,” she reassured him with a weak smile.

Sesshomaru turned his head, looking into pained, sapphire eyes. Her long, ebony hair fell loosely around her face and shoulders, as if comforting her. “So don't be like that, Sesshomaru.”

His eyes softened, but his fist tightened. “Then why…?”

Releasing his arm, Kagome scooted back against the headboard. “Because I broke up with him…” As she moved on to explain further, she shrugged. “When I went to go find him, I overheard him talking on the phone,” she said. “And, from what he said, he obviously didn't want to be here.”

Kagome's gaze fell to the surface of the woolen blankets that covered her legs. “But that wasn't the main reason,” she confessed hesitantly. Kagome shook her head, as if thinking in disbelief to herself. “I heard him say things about you, trashing you, and even Hayato a little… I didn't like it,” she put plainly when she continued.

Instead of showing his relief that Kagome had actually been the one to break up with Koga, he allowed a weary breath escape his lips. “You didn't have to break up with him for my pride's sake. I already know he doesn't like me; it doesn't bother me,” he reproved her gently.

“I know it doesn't, Sesshomaru…” Kagome admitted with a sigh. “It's just that, you're my best friend, and if he really wants to be with me, then he has to accept every aspect of me - including you.” She raised her head to look at him. “I'm not saying he has to hang out with you or anything, but I at least want him to respect you. It's not like I would give you up just because he didn't like you.” Kagome averted her eyes again, glancing at her bedroom door. “…Do you think I'm being too picky?”

Sesshomaru gave a small smile of amusement. Nudging Kagome over, he settled against the headboard and ruffled her hair gently with his hand to reassure her.

Laughing lightly, Kagome plopped her head against one side of his broad shoulders. “I have the worst luck with men, don't I?” she remarked, feeling soothed as she sat there. But Kagome's vibrant yet fleeting smile soon faded.

“…I don't know what's wrong with me,” she began to brood quietly. “Maybe I am too picky…”

Sesshomaru shook his head in disagreement. “There's nothing wrong with you,” he contended. “Koga just doesn't know what's good for him.”

Knowing Sesshomaru's bias, Kagome gave out an unconscious but small sound of amusement. “I wonder if I'll ever find the guy that's right for me,” she mused aloud.

“There are plenty of men out there with the same mentality as you. Trust me, you will.”

Frowning, Kagome pulled away from him. “That's easy for you to say, Sesshomaru,” she responded, a hint of bitterness lacing her smooth tone. Kagome brought to mind all the times she had seen him with crowds of women surrounding him, or at least staring. No matter where they went, there was always some girl who took an interest in him, and even when they had never met before, might she add. In addition, a few girls at school had even gathered up enough courage to confess their feelings to him, though every time that she knew of, Sesshomaru had rejected them, kindly, but firmly. Rarely had she ever met anyone so sought after that having countless women at their disposal was but a small feat, frankly put. Kagome turned her head, still scowling.

“Practically every girl out there falls head over heels for you, easy,” she stated sullenly “Unlike you, guys don't find me perfect.”

Sesshomaru corrected her, “I'm not perfect. No one is.” He studied her angelic face, still turned away from him. He wanted to smirk. Honestly, seeing Kagome so upset over such a small thing was one of the most amusing things he had ever witnessed. And noting her current distraught state, he continued.

“Besides,” Sesshomaru pointed out, “it's not me they fall for, it's the superficial things.” Reaching for her chin, he turned her face towards him. “So unlike me, it's you that men fall in love with, flaws and all. So technically, I am the one at a loss.”

Surprised by his unusually sensitive words, Kagome remained silent, content with only looking at him for the time being. Then after a moment of contemplation, she tugged his hand away, narrowing her eyes with a playful smile. “So… are you saying I'm not as pretty as you are?”

“Most definitely not what I was saying.”

Kagome's eyes shined with laughter once again. She inched closer to Sesshomaru, wrapping her arms around him with a smile, greatly comforted by his thoughtful words. `Thanks, Sesshomaru', she seemed to say.

After a long silence, Kagome's mind began to turn yet again. “So, Sesshomaru… Why haven't you found a girlfriend?” she asked straightforwardly. “You've never told me why.”

Sesshomaru shrugged in the form of a slight tilt of his head. “Because I have no idea what you would say if I did.”

“Oh, come on Sesshomaru,” Kagome persisted. “I always force you to sit through my relationship troubles; so now it's your turn. I won't say anything outlandish,” she promised sincerely. In the meantime, the youkai thought for a while, not about Kagome's offer, but rather, the question she had asked.

Why hadn't he? He couldn't even recall the last time he had taken interest in anyone in particular. Ever since he had met Kagome, that is.

But perhaps, was that why? Because he had met her? That would explain all the times he had felt dislike for her boyfriends, no matter how good and pleasant they were, and it would explain the jealousy he felt when he saw her with Koga; it would definitely make sense of all the times his heart beat and his thoughts slurred when he got close to her.

…It began to make sense.

Everything he had tried to explain before, but couldn't - was that simply because he denied his own feelings? Was the anxious feeling he felt when he found her in Koga's arms because he was the one who wanted to be by her side? Because he… loved her…?

This entire time, he had been falling for this girl - his best friend. But strangely, this feeling was easy to accept, possibly because he was so unconsciously familiar with it, or perhaps because he truly, deeply desired to love her and it only made sense to surrender to that feeling rather than to resist it. So he wouldn't deny - this is how it should be.

“Well…?” Kagome asked expectantly as she sat up to look at him. Sesshomaru glanced at the waiting Kagome, her blue eyes wide and curious. Lowering his head, he furrowed his brows slightly. Would he tell her honestly why? How would she react if she knew the truth? However, it did not take long to make his decision.

Eight years… Eight, whole years he had been beside her. Even if she didn't return his feelings, he wanted her to at least know. For how much longer would it be until he realized that it was too late? Then at least, he wouldn't have to live not knowing what could have happened between them. He exhaled slowly before raising his head. Sesshomaru caught her sapphire eyes, keeping her gaze locked in his.

“…What would you do…” he began hesitantly in a low voice, like a half whisper, “if I told you that I had already found someone?”

Kagome seemed to be taken aback, surprised to hear that he had taken a liking to someone. “Then…” she thought, slowly, “I would be happy for you. …Did you?”

Sesshomaru's eyes softened. His hand gradually made its way to the side of her face, caressing it as he began to close the distance between them.

“Then what if I told you that… I loved you?”

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as his fingers touched the plains of her cheek torturously while he leaned nearer to her. “…Stop joking around. It's not funny.”

“…I've never been more serious.”

Sesshomaru's eyes closed as he captured her soft lips in his, keeping them there for a few long seconds as Kagome sat there in shock. When she finally came to her senses, she pulled away abruptly.

“What are you doing!?” she breathed nervously, holding a hand up to her lips.

“Something I should've done a long time ago,” he answered coolly as he pulled back, watching Kagome in subtle longing. After a moment, he stood up on the floor, half-facing her. He brought his hand into a fist. “It's alright if you don't feel the same way,” he told her. With one last glance at the long raven-haired girl, he smiled a rare smile. “I just wanted you to know.”

Making his way to her door, he paused briefly before stepping outside and closing it gently behind him.

.:.:.:.:.

The next day was Christmas Eve, however, for Sesshomaru, it went by terribly slow. He and Kagome kept talking to a minimum, and the air between them felt constantly tense. Their Christmas Eve dinner was no different. Kagome had asked Sesshomaru to pass the peas, but besides this small exchange, the two were unbearably quiet.

After dinner, Sesshomaru took a quick shower and readied himself for bed. Sitting on the edge of the mattress, he patted his hair dry with his towel.

What a hectic holiday Kagome must be having this year. Of course, he was guilty of contributing to that, but he felt for her. The holidays should be worry free - emotionally-wise anyways - but all he was giving her was more to worry about. He admitted that maybe telling her right before Christmas was not exactly the best choice of action, especially considering that she had just broken up with her previous boyfriend. But then again, a part of him felt glad that he had confessed to her then, not knowing if he would lose courage to do so later, even though `losing courage' seemed like a completely uncharacteristic thing of him to do. But as he said, he wasn't perfect.

Sighing, Sesshomaru tossed his towel onto the arm chair and climbed into bed. After turning the light off, he lay there quietly for a moment, wondering if Kagome would be back to her normal, routine self for Christmas the next day. Honestly, he knew it would be his fault if she wasn't.

If he'd have known how perplexed his confession of love would have made her before he'd done it, he wouldn't have made her go through this. He valued her happiness and friendship above anything, and the more he thought about it, the more he wished he hadn't have told her. If he truly loved her, then he would place her before all else, especially himself. His own happiness was but a small item compared to what Kagome deserved. Sesshomaru turned on his side, sliding his arm under the pillow.

Besides, he thought, her happiness was his.

.:.:.:.:.

Some hours later, Sesshomaru woke to the sound of his creaking door. Still groggy from sleep, he rubbed his eyes as he tried to decipher who had caused the noise. The moonlight that entered through the window just barely illuminated the figure that made its way toward him.

“Kagome…?” he yawned as she climbed into his bed, sitting Indian style beside his half-upright position. Sesshomaru glanced at the clock, reading 12:20am. Kagome could hardly see the questioning look he gave her.

“I couldn't sleep,” she vaguely answered the unasked question. Kagome looked at her hands timidly. “Can I stay here for a little while?”

Sesshomaru - still in a part daze - thought nothing of it as he could scarcely remember the awkward silence between them the past day. He straightened himself up more, forcing himself to regain his awareness.

Kagome looked towards the moonlit window, unsure how to word her thoughts. Meanwhile, Sesshomaru was gradually beginning to remember all the details, big and small, concerning Kagome and why she might be here at such a late time.

“Sesshomaru…” she started, looking back down at her hands. She paused, nervous once again; her eyes glimmered with uncertainty.

“I'm sorry I reacted the way I did when you… kissed me last night…” Kagome bit her lip uneasily. She avoided his now awake and aware gaze. She continued hesitantly, “It's just that I've never even guessed you would ever think of me that way, and… I wasn't sure how to respond…”

Sesshomaru followed her gaze to her petite, gentle hands. He wanted to reach out and take them in his own large ones and reassure her that everything was alright. How badly he wanted to hold and comfort her, but he refrained.

“It's not your fault,” he told her quietly, regretting the poorly made decision with every essence of his being as he saw Kagome struggle for the right words to say to him. Sesshomaru sighed. Bringing the side of his index finger to her chin, he lifted it up, allowing him to see her moonlit features.

“Kagome, even if you don't feel the same way I do, it's alright,” he assured her. The corner of Sesshomaru's lips lifted into a smile. “I'll always be here for you, even if it's just as a friend.”

However, Sesshomaru's brow furrowed in concern as the moonlight caught the faint glimmer of a tear run down her cheek.

Kagome lowered her head, hiding her tears. “It's not that, Sesshomaru…” Kagome began to sniffle as more tears began to trickle down her face. She wiped them away hastily as Sesshomaru lowered his hand from her chin. “…I don't understand why you can care so much about me when I can't even be honest about my own feelings…” she whispered ashamedly. Kagome shook her head.

“Honestly, when you told me that you loved me, I felt angry. I wondered how in the world someone… someone like you could ever love someone like me,” Kagome admitted. Another tear escaped her, sliding down to her chin. “I've dated all these guys, and not once have I ever considered your feelings. I can't even begin to imagine how cruel and selfish you think I am… And still…” her voice trailed as a couple more tears spilled over. Kagome rubbed them away with a sniff.

Sesshomaru, unable to watch her from a distance, pulled her into his arms. Feeling her hiccup and tremble in his protective embrace, he closed his eyes, burying his nose in her hair.

“It's alright, Kagome…” he said. “You don't need to apologize.”

Kagome sniffled again, hiding her face in his chest. “To think I just expected you to stand by and watch while I kept trying and trying to find love…”

Sesshomaru let out a long breath, stroking her hair calmingly. He would undoubtedly stand beside her, no matter what she tried or didn't try to do. From the beginning, she had made him happy, happier than he had ever been before he had met her. The least he could do was to do his best to reciprocate the warmth she showed him.

Her fingers curled into a fist against him as he sniffs and hiccups began to die down. “But every time I tried to fall in love,” she continued softly, “you were always in my first thoughts, Sesshomaru, no matter who I was with. I thought it was because you were my absolute, best friend, but…” Kagome pulled away a little to look him in the eyes.

“It's as if I was trying to fall in love with the wrong people this entire time…” she said, never breaking contact with Sesshomaru's gaze. He continued to look down at her with an underlying affection. The inuyoukai's usually cold and stoic demeanor softened.

While he brought his fingers up tentatively to touch Kagome's velvet lips, his other hand entangled itself in her dark raven tresses.

“Then let me be the right one,” Sesshomaru whispered, brushing his lips against hers. Kagome's breathing slowed as she saw his eyes close in wait for her response. Her heart sped uncontrollably, and a light blush painted her cheeks.

She continued her still silence, causing Sesshomaru to open his eyes slowly. Looking upon the raven haired, blue-eyed girl, his lips parted. “I love you…” Sesshomaru repeated to her, except this time, his confession was direct, and candid. Kagome's eyes softened.

Perhaps this was why Sesshomaru was always first to her.

Slowly, Kagome allowed her eyes to flutter shut as her hands traveled up from his chest to neck. Leaning upwards, she closed the little distance between them.

.:.:.:.:.