InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Under Anothers Watchful Eye ❯ A Cold Re-placement? ( Chapter 5 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Authors note: Sorry, I know that the first part has been over done. but it has to be inorder for later chapters! Dont fret, I shall try not to bore you!

Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha and company. Soul rights belong to Rumiko Takashi

Note: -*-*-*- Means we are seeing a dream. It will not be in italic.

Note: 'This is how it will be written if it is thought to ones self.'
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The day had been long. The sun had set long before, and InuYasha sat upon a branch, high above the ground. He looked straight out into the horizon before him, faceing the huge moon, platered in a swirl of white and grey, lighting the sky, keeping the stars company. He always felt so free of life when he sat up here, looking off into some where distant. It could be very distracing, gazeing up into the never ending night. And it was true. InuYasha felt free of lifes troubles, and the weight they layed on his shoulders. But the one thing he didnt want to forget about, was mad at him. He was such an idget! How could he even think that Kagome would be fine if he went off to see Kikyo once more? Things were not supposed to be this way...the thought came to him: In turn, how could he not go to see her?

Every thing had gone as it did most like every other night. The fire started to die down, and Kagome started to become tired with it. Shippo, Sango and Kirara were fast asleep by this time, and even the monk had admitted that he was feeling the days stress catch up with him as well. So all that remained was him and Kagome.

After some light conversation, Kagome stated that she was off to bed. He nodded, then followed. He wasnt ready for the night to end, nor for sleep to come. But he wanted Kagome to be near him. To stay with him at all times. Kagome then unrolled her sleeping bag onto the cold ground, causeing a small wave of dirt to slaptter. She unzipped the sides, and climbed into it. With out haste, he followed. Kagome pushed herself over, to make room for him. They had started sharing the same bed together ever since the cold weather came. Sure he was not cold, but Kagome was. Plus, he didnt mind one bit spending his nights next to her. He l loved the feel of her bodys heat, the scent of her hair, the soft murmors of sleep that would, from time to time, slip through. It was much easier for him to fall asleep next to her, than with out her.

Tonight Kagome had turned on her right side, and he did the same. Lazily, one hand had slipped over her stomach, and they were pulled close to one another. He was well wrapped up in the moment. Her scent filled his nostrils, and he could not help but be happy. She leaned back into his touch and warmth, and soon faded into a deep sleep. He let the rise and fall of her breath, lull him into a dream state when he was awoken by a familar scent. He was unsure weather to be happy, or upset. Slowly, working its way to him, he could hear Kikyos soul collectors cutting violently through the air, and he began to stiffen.

He had forgotten all about Kikyo hadn't he? How could he be so happy, so in.... no! He couldn't admit that, not even to himself. Kikyo died because of him. It wasnt fair that he got to lead a life where people were always there for him, where he had friends, where he had some one who cared for him, who at the moment was sleeping soundly. Inhailing deep breaths of air, snuggled closely to his body. His hand gentally stroked her stomach, and he could see from the expression on her face, that she had felt it, and smiled slightly. It was not fair that he had all of this, and Kikyo had nothing. He was so thankful that he had her. He gazed upon her sleeping form, and thought over what to do. All Kikyo had was him. He should be lucky to have her, shouldnt he? Kikyo was smart, beautiful, and she cared for him. He had to go to her. She was alone, she needed him, and what if she was in trouble? He could not leave her out to be hurt or die. Kagome would understand, he thought finally to himself.

He slowly sat up, and removed his hand from Kagomes stomach. As he did so, he dragged it along slowly, and Kagome bagan to stir. He stood up, out of the sleeping bag, and looked down at the women who ment so much to him. So much that he wasnt able to say the words, so much that he was about to leave her so he could see his old lover. Yes, he cared for her, but it didnt show right now. Kagome shifted, starting to become aware that he was gone. She began to shiver, and he entertained thoughts of going back to sleep, warming her frozen body. And he was about to do it too, if Kikyos soul collectors had not come. Their slithering bodys wrapped around his, circleing him, captivating him to come near, and closer to their master. He nodded, as he understood what they ment, what they wanted. He walked on a little amount until the slithering blue collectors made a stop, then encircled one another, until Kikyo appered.

"InuYasha." The undead mikos voice called slyly.

"Kikyo..." His voice said almost timidly.

"You have come."

He nodded in reply.

"I am glad."

Kagome shifted around. Although she was well into the land of dreams, she could tell some thing was not right. Some thing was gone... missing? She turned over, and her back hit the cold ground. It was like ice, and the freezeing texture of it awoke her from her pleasent land of peace. Slowly, she put a hand to her head, to rub on the spot that hit the ground. Thats when she noticed, she wasnt supposed to hit the ground. If she was to fall like that, she should have landed on inuYasha. Where was he?

"Kikyo, what is wrong? Why did you call me here?"

"What is wrong? I can not come to talk to you with out there being a problem?"

He thought about it for a second. Every time they talked, they faced a hard issue. Had they ever had a stress free conversation?

"You can." He said aloud.

"I thought that you might not come." She admited.

"What? Why?"

"I have not seen you in so long, InuYasha. I thought you might have,... forgotten about me."

"What? Forget about you? How could I?"

"That girl... My reincarnation. She has taken my place."

"No! Thats not true." He shouted loud enough so that the entire world could hear.

"Then tell me why you smell so strongly of her?"

It was all he could do but hold in the blush. He had felt like he was hideing a dirty little secrect.

"Have you forgotten about me? About our memories? About your promise?" She moved closer to him, and put a hand to his cheeck.

He swallowed hard. Had he forgotten? Was it possible that he had blocked out all those memories that they shared? No, he could never forget about his promise, he had not forgotten about her, she was the reason that he had to push those he cared for away from him, the reason it didnt feel right that he had all that he had, and still felt guilty. No, he could never forget.

"No, I have not forgotten. How could you ask such a thing?"

"I was worried InuYasha. That is why I asked."

"You were worried?" He asked in amazement.

"Ofcourse. I felt that Kagome has taken my place in your heart. I was scared."

"Keh. Dont speak like that Kikyo..."

"Dont be foolish InuYasha, I have seen the hold that she has over you. She has brought a certian type of warmth to your eyes that I could not."

"Kikyo! I told you! I belong to you... and you I." The words came out rather painfully, as if haveing to remind him.

"InuYasha."

"Kikyo..." She then embraced him, holding him firmly.

"I wish that we could stay this like this for always."

"Yes, so do I." 'Do I? Is that what I truely wish?'

"Then lets make it so, InuYasha."

"What? What do you mean?"

"We can not leave this world while both Naraku and the jewel reside here, so until then, let me come with you."

InuYasha did not know what to do. If he let Kikyo come, then that would mean giving up everything he had with Kagome. He would never be able to hold her close to him at nights, never being able to share conversations with her. Sure, they could try and make conversation with one another, but it would never be the same. She would not be able to be with him so much, but in her place Kikyo. It would be Kikyo that he slept next to at nights. When it becomes cold, like it is now, Kagome would be alone, instead of them keeping each other warm. Kikyo would only help freeze over the blistering air, for her body was as cold as ice. What could he do? The thought of him never being able to look Kagome agian, for he would nto be able to make eye contact with her, never being able spend time with her alone, talking until the last of the fires embers died down at night,... never being able to touch her agian.... it was to much to bare. Could it be that tonight would be have been the last night that he could have held her close like he did? Never being able to feel the softness of her skin...? Just then, another thought occured to him:

If he was to tell Kikyo that she was able to stay with them, Kagome would go home, wouldnt she? She was here to help find the jewel, for only she could see them. But Kikyo had that power too. This was not Kagomes time, she leads a completely diffrent one in her own time, one with out him. If Kikyo came, Kagome, he knew, would be unable to bare it. She would leave to him, and never be able to return. What would it be like to never see Kagome agian? Would he be able to survive? What if he had gotten into a fight, and became wounded, Kagome would not be there to care for him, to sit by his bed side, ailing his sicknesses. When the time of the month came around where the moon was not visible, would Kikyo try and shelter him from enemys? Would she cry when she thought his demise was near? What would Kagome do? Kagome would never....... She would never.......

"InuYasha?"

"Yes?"

"Have you decieded? May I join you?" She sounded a little annoyed that it had taken him this long.

He swallowed hard once more. She had every right to join, she was, after all, the one he was promised to. And she had no one but him... Kagome had Sango, Miroku, Shippo, Kirara, Kaeda, and him. Not to mention the damn wolf tribe. Plus she had Mama, Souta, and Grampa back in her time, along with that annoying "Hobo" guy, and all the friends she had there. Kikyo had no one but him. Even her own sister, Kaeda, had seemed to turn her back on her. It just was not fair! Kagome had so many people, and Kikyo was all alone... It was only right that he let her come, no matter what it costs, even if it breaks Kagomes heart, and his own.

Takeing a deep breath, regretful words made their way.

"...Yes..."
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Kagome layed on her side. She was unable to sleep, InuYasha had been gone for an hour or so since she awoke. Where was he, ad why had he not woken her to tell her that he was leaveing? He would always do so. Espically now, considering how close they had become. But why would he even want to leave in the first place? A few months ago, when he was brave enough to slide his hand over her stomach, and saw that she had not minded in the least, he had put up a fit about heading out the next morning. So why would he want to go now? The only thing that could make him leave would have been... Kikyo.

He walked at a slow pace, refusing to believe that it was all happening. Kikyo was joining their group. What was Kagome going to think? What was she going to do? He could picture it now: Him being the stupid asshole that he is, will tell her. She will nod, and say that she understands, trying to keep a brave, calm face. But she would cry. because of him... why was he so damn stupid? Kagome was going to hate him... and herself. How could have breaken that oath to himself? This was going to be the last night he would have with Kagome, he was sure of it.

Finally he reached the camp, and saw one of his worst fears to be true. Kagome layed awake on her side. He took a step closer, and Kikyo followed behind. He had asked Kikyo to wait behind for a moment, so he could explain things. She agreed, and stood still. As he made his way to Kagome, she could hear his light foot steps, and turned her head to face his. He could see the worry on her face, and almost ran from her. He was undeserving to even look at her.

"InuYasha!" Kagome exclaimed, trying to keep her voice quite. She sat up, as he bent down. With out expecting her to do so, she wrapped her arms around his neck and sighed heavily. She felt so warm, so loveing, so... wonderful. This would be the last time he was to hold Kagome agian wasnt it? The last time he would see her happy, the last time he would see her...

"Where have you been? I have been so worried! I woke up, and you weren't here... I thought something had happened to you." He began to see happy tears form in her brown eyes. She smiled, and he nearly chocked.

"No, I'm alright." He managed to get out.

"Good, Im glad." She said with relief in her voice.

"Kagome, we need to... talk."

"Ok, about what?" She said, her voice unsure of what lied ahead.

"I... I went to see Kikyo, Kagome." Her eyes hit the gound, and he could hear her swallow hard. Kagome nodded her head.

"She wants to join our group Kagome, so I let her." Her eyes snapped back up to his, and he saw tears form agian, but they were diffrent than before, they were tears of hurt. He had hurt her.

"Kagome..." She pressed her eyes tight, as if trying to stop the water streaming down her face. She shook her head from left to right, and then open her eyes. They looked blood shot. She forced a sad, fake smile on her face then uttered in a low voice:

"I understand."

This sight made him want to grab hold of her, and never let go. But he couldnt. Everything in the world was stopping him from doing so. He needed to comfort the one who needed it most, but was unable to.

"K...Kagome..."

She stood up and and shook her head from left to right once more. She said "No..." so softly, that if he did not have enchanted hearing, he would have never heard. Kagome looked over his shoulder, and saw Kikyo stareing at the two. An almost pleasent look upon her face. He was unsure of what she saw, so he turned to look. A stab of pain came to his heart. Kagome had seen Kikyo, and her fears proven true. She walked pass him into the other directon, the one following where they recently come from the day before. She seemed lost and distant. He made his way to her, running after her fast movements.

"Kagome!" He called from behind her. He took his hand and put it on her shoulder, trying to make her face him. The tears that she had stuggeled so hard to keep l locked up had fallen, and her brave smile disappered. She looked at him, a mixture of sadness and resentment in her eyes.

"What?" She replyed, her words shakey.

"Where are you going?"

"Home." Came the short answer.

"You cant go.... What about your stuff." He tryed.

"Keep it. Burn my clothes, eat the food, use the medicain. Sango and Miroku know how to use it as well as you do."

"You cant leave Kagome! You dont have to."

"Yes, InuYasha. Yes I do."

"No, why does it have to be this way?" He asked angry.

"Because, InuYasha, you have made your choice. And now I have to deal with it." She focused her eyes anywhere but on his.

"No, Kagome, please-" the pleaded. She was about to go, for real...

"I will come back tomorrow." She said with a heavy heart. He was amazed at her words.

"I will bring back some more bandages and gauze pads. Stuff like that. I want to be able to say good bye to Sango, Miroku and Shippo and Kirara, and Kaeda. They are all such good friends. I want to say good bye. Just please InuYasha... I dont want you to come." Her tone was cold.

He had never felt this kind of pain, as he did now. He was breathing in hard, and she remained as cold as ice. All traces of emotion had long disappered. So this was how it was to end? After everything that they had endured, after everything they had shared. After him finally trusting somebody completely... It was all going to end like this- in pain. He was now stareing at the one person to make his heart bleed. He felt ready to give up. He could gone to hell at the moment. He had hurt the one person he would do anything to spare pain too... the only person to make his soul ache like it did now. Finally, after all this time, her eyes met his. He had to remind himself to breath. Kagome just turned, then started walking off agian.

"How will you... get home?"

"I will walk. I need time to clear my head."

"I cant let you walk alone at this time of night." He said matter of factly.

"Well you will have to. Because Im not going to stay here tonight, or tomorrow night, or any night after this."

The words cut through him like a sharp knife. He didnt want to hear this. Not now, not after everything... He began to stall.

"What about the jewel shards?"

"After I return home tomorrow, I will throw them down the well. After that, I will jump in, and if I dont come back here, you will have gotten them." She said, with a total loss of emotion.

Kagome turned back toward the direction in which she was headed, and walked off.

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He sat high above, on the thick branch, looking out into the moon. She hated him, she must hate him. And he didnt blame her. She gave him her love, she gave him her compassion and trust, and he gives it all to his old lover. To a lover who was dead at that. Dead, no she walks the Earth, only permitted to by the borrowed souls of maidens. Yet, he said yes.

Kikyo walked forward, and stared into the tree. She uttered low words.

"Come to bed InuYasha." And with that, made herself at home in Kagomes sleeping bag. He felt an instint pain of hate and dispise. What right had she to lay in something that belonged to Kagome? Something that had belonged to them. They had shared so many happy nights, warm in each others touch, sleepinng soundly, or just enjoying the fact that they were so near each other. And now Kikyo, intended to take the place of those memories. She never would be able to, no matter how hard she tried.

He nodded, then hopped down from the branch and walked unsteadily toward Kikyo. Her slender figure in the place where Kagomes body should be. He crawled into it, and instintly felt something was wrong, for he felt no warmth. Infact, it was probaly warmer out side the bag than in. He had not felt cold in a very long time, but he wasbeginning to feel it now. Kikyo layed on her side, and he tryed as hard as he could to sleep.

He had drifted off into the land of dreams, and with out his knowing, silent tears fell.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

He draped a hand over his partners body, and was surprized to find the touch a warm one. A small moan of pleasure escaped the lips of Kagome. He leaned over to see sleeping figure. She looked so peaceful, and he began to feel water start in the corner of his eyes. He trailed his free hand over the soft skin of her face. She awoke, and let out a small yawn as she streched. She sat up, looking at him.

"Whats wrong InuYasha?"

"K...Kagome...?"

"Whats is it InuYasha?" He swept her up in an unexpected hug, and breathed in hard. She was here, safe in his arms, where she belonged. He pressed a kiss to her forehead, then just held her in his embrace.

-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-

Through force of habit, he draped a hand over his partners stomach, only to be awoken by the cold texture. When his hand slipped over her stomach, she made no sign of pleasure, or disgust. She was just... there. It had been a dream. Her comming back had been a... dream. He sat up, realizeing that it was all true. If it was a dream, he wished he would wake up soon.
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Shippo awoke first the next day. Some thing was not right. He could smell Kagomes scent, but it was distant, and fadeing. Plus, the scent of some one new was in the air, and it was far more stronger than Kagomes was... In fact, the smelled similar. Sleepy eyes turned in the direction of the sleeping bag, and he saw black hair, along with locks of silver. She was here, but Shippo still felt uneasy. He walked over to see Kagome, just to make sure.

He was horrified when he saw the face of not Kagome, but Kikyo. He was utterly speechless. Where was Kagome, and why was she here?! Doing the first thing that came to mind, he ran over to Sango. He shook violently until she awoke.

"Whats wrong Shippo?"

"Kagome is not here!" She looked over and saw black hair in a mixture of silver.

"Yes she is. Cant you see her Shippo?"

"No, thats not her Sango, its Kikyo..."

"WHAT?!" She shouted. InuYasha bucked his head up. Sango stood, then walked angrily over to him.

"INUYASHA!"

"What?"

"What do you mean what?"

"I mean whats wrong?" He asked in a rageing tone.

"Where is Kagome?"

"She went home."

"Why is Kikyo here?" Kikyo was awake by now, as were Miroku and Kirara.

"She asked to join the group. So I said yes." He said it rather forlorn.

"AND YOU LET KAGOME LEAVE?"

"She is comming back today to say good bye to you all. She asked me to stay away."

"I DONT BLAME HER! FIRST YOU ALLOW...HER... TO COME, WITH OUT CONSENTING ANY OF US! NOT EVEN CONSIDERING KAGOMES FEELINGS, BUT THEN YOU HAVR THE NERVE TO SHARE THE SAME BED AS YOU AND SHE DID?! THAT IS SICK!." Kikyos eyes narrowed.

"We better get a move on if you want to say good bye."

"WELL, YOU ARE GETTING A GOOD BYE FROM ME TOO. I refuse to continue on with you if this is your choice. Kirara and I are leaveing today."

"Im sorry to admit it InuYasha, but Sango is right. I do not feel that I can continue on like this. I can not take sides. But I were too, I would have to say that you were in the wrong. We shall divide up the shards equally after today, then go our own ways."

His world was breaking. His friends were leaving him. Miroku who always stood up for him in Kagomes absents, was leaveng him as well. The night before, he had lost his best friend, his... And now his friends were going as well.

"Count me in on that too!" Shippo cried.

"I will go on my own if I have to. I hate you for what you did to Kagome. All she does is love you are care for you, and you choose Kikyo?"

The miko walked off to meet her soul collectors.

"InuYasha,"

All eyes adressed the Kikyo.

"The stress this is causeing is not good. It was a mistake to ask to join your group. Obviously my reincarnation has caused quite an up stir. I dont have the energy to deal with this petty arguement as of right now. I have places to go, and by each passing second, Naraku becomes even stronger. I shall now take my leave for now." Her soul collectors came and wrapped around her, coiling her so that she was in the air before they knew it.

"Kikyo!" He called after her.

"Damn! Now look what you did!" He cried. He was all alone agian. The fox kit had his hands in small fist, and walked off.

"Shippo, your not going anywhere." He began. "I have to protect you! Your just a kid!"

In truth, he was the closest thing he had to Kagome at the moment. She loved him like her own, and all the love and kindness she gave him, showed through his personality. Shippo was the result of Kagomes compassion, love and careing.

"I will go to Kaedas, or with Sango, or Miroku. Just not with you!"

"I am going to the well now. Kagome may be there already." Miroku said with sadness in his voice. He picked up Kagomes bag, and walked over to Kirara.

"Comming Sango and Shippo?"

"Yes." They both said in unison. As the group flew off into the sky, he was left alone.

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Kagome waited at the well. Had they forgotten. Her eyes flew to the sky when she heard the familar growel from up above. She gave a sad smile. It was all to sad, all to tragic that it had to be this way.

"Kagome!" Sango called down to her. The cat demon came to the ground, then reverted to herself when all had steped off her back.

The time Kagome spent saying good bye was one of many tears. She hated the idea of never being able to see these people agian, but she couldnt stay. He had chosen Kikyo, and thats what he wanted. She told every one so. When the subject came up about the group leaveing Kagome begged them not too.

"Please, for me."

"What? Why?" Asked the young fox kitsune.

"Because InuYasha needs all of you. He doesnt need me, he has Kikyo. But he needs all of you. Not just to help him defeat Naraku, but because as a person he needs you, all of you." Kagome reported sadly. She gave off a sad smile. They all nodded in agreement. Some one from high above watched this painful good bye.
'She is in such pain, and yet she still thinks of me and my pathetic needs. She thinks that I dont need her? Cant you see Kagome that I need you more than anyone, and anyhting?'

Sango, Miroku, Shippo and Kirara left her for a moment to leave her to collect her thoughts. She stared wide eyed at the beauty of the place she would never see agian. Left over dew from the morning still clung to the green blades of grass. A tear fell from her eyes, and she looked down at the ground. With out warning, a flash of red came into the picture. Kagome looked sadly up at the figure haunting her thoughts, causeing her this unimagineable amount of pain.

"Inu...InuYasha. I thought I told you not to come." She said sternly.

"I wasnt about to let things end the way they did."

"Do you want me to tell you I forgive you? That everything is alright? Im sorry InuYasha, but I cant."

"I understand that."

"Do you? Do you really? Because I dont think you have any idea about the amount of pain Im in right now. Because if you did, you would not have come here."

"Ka...Kagome...."

"No... I cant forgive you." She paused for a moment. "But I can say that I hope your happy. You have obviously chosen who is better for you. She is your lover, your love. She can do so much more than I. Shes stronger, beautiful, and more powerful, and you share memories that are beautiful. I could never compair with her, and I think that Im starting to understand that now. I cant say that Im sorry that I met you, because I do truely care for you InuYasha. I do. I would never trade the time we have spent together, or our friendship for anything in the world. But thats all it was, a friendship. So, I truely hope that you are happy with one another. You need her more than you need me, so I am glad she can give you something I can not." She gave off a sad smile and InuYasha felt like he was breaking. Did she truely believe she was none of those things, and that he didnt need her?

"Thats where your wrong Kagome! I do need you!"

"Anything I do, Kikyo can do it better. Kikyo can help you hunt for the jewel, and complete you as a person. There is nothing left. I cant stay here, Im sorry InuYasha." Her words were as if she was the one makeing a mistake.

He looked at her in disbelief. He shook his head slowly from left to right. He watched as Kagome slung her yellow bag over her shoulder, then hopped down the well. He looked into it, and saw a bottle of shards.

No. No, this wasnt happening. Had he just lost his best friend, the only person that he.... She was gone... gone forever. No, he wouldnt let that happen. He follwed down the well, picking up the shards as he passed through. The time slip excepted him, and he saw Kagome opening the door to leave the well house.

"KAGOME!" She turned her head around like a lighting bolt. He had both scared her, and surprized her all at once.

"What are you doing here, InuYasha?" Her voice shakey and unsure.

"I cant let you go... I need you Kagome... I-"

"But you dont need me. You have Kikyo."

"SO? I need YOU." She swallowed hard, then tryed to fight tears.

"But... I thought you didnt want me anymore..."

"How can you say such a thing? I need you, Kagome." This time, she let the tears fall.

"I cant go back... I cant go because you and Kikyo.... I'd be in the way. I would want things to be as they were, but they cant. It would be her your sleeping next to, not me. It would be her always at your side. I cant do that, we have grown so much closer InuYasha, I cant take the side lines."

"You wont have to. Kikyo left this morning."

"Oh, great, I get to play second best. I am not doing that. Im done with this InuYasha. I am through."

"Your not second best. I told Kikyo that she could join our group because shes lonely. She needs me. Shes all alone in the world."

"You have always choosen her, InuYasha. From the moment I met you, it was her on your mind, and it will always be that way. I am still second best."

"Dont you get it Kagome?" He asked, yelling now.

"I dont want you to go!" He wrapped his arms around her, and she melted in his touch. She breathed in deeply. She was so sure that she would never have felt him next to her agian. She began to cry.

InuYasha felt his haori get damp, and he sroked the back of her head. Cooing her into a state that could almost be called as calm. He hated that she was crying, but he had her in his arms. He was able to feel her, to smell her, to see and hear her. He was so sure that she would not come back to him.

"I thought that you hated me Kagome." He finally admitted, his tone low.

"I couldnt hate you InuYasha. I never could. I was mad, sure, but hate is a strong word." Her voice was low, and it sent shivers through his body. They had been there for most of the day. It was near sun set now, and InuYasha couldnt help be feel hungry.

"Will you come back with me Kagome?"

She shook her head implying thats she would, and he smiled.

They returned to the fuedal era, with a happy reunion from every one. InuYasha let Kagome and Sango speak, then they declaired that they were off to a hot spring. Miroku had taken Shippo and Kirara off to some area, and all that remained was Kaeda and InuYasha.

"InuYasha?"

"What?"

"I was afriad that ye had chosen Kikyo instead of Kagome today. I had never felt such pitty for ye."

"Keh."

"Ye are in quite a bind. Do ye go with Kagome, one who cares for ye like none other, or Kikyo, who wants to bring ye to the pits of hell. Ye care for both, that much is true, but I fear ye must make a desicion. Kagome came back to ye this time, but what about the next?"

"Butt out. There wont be a next time. I wont ever let feel that way agian." His tone loud at first, yet it drifted into one that only he could hear.

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Kagome and Sango had returned from the hot spring, then rode on Kirara back to their camp site. They wished to head off to bed early, and InuYasha granted her wish easily enough. Kagome layed down on her side, and InuYasha did the same. Her back was to him, and they were both nuggled together under the warmth of the sleeping bag, but more so, each other. As before, He draped a hand over Kagomes stomach, but this time, it wasnt so lazy. So was surprized, but relazed into him at once. He moved his fingers slowly, as if feeling that she was there. She sighed with delight at the tickleish touch. He too had been surprized when he felt the warmth of Kagomes body, compaired to the ice of Kikyos. He drew her closer to him, and snuggled into her. She turned her head, so she could look at him, then smiled. She made a ninety degree flip, so that she was faced to look at InuYasha.

"I was so sure I would never be here agian." She admitted.

"I was too." He said in all honesty. "Im so glad your back."

Kagome smiled, then felt herself slip into the land of dreams.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Some one was watching. Some one couldnt help but be seething with a rage unknown to man kind. Some one had to take care of a loose end. Some one, had failed their assinment. Kagome would be able to dream in peace tonight, much to this preditors disappointment. He would have to have this fixed as soon as possible.