InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ ForgetMeNot ❯ Not With Hate ( Chapter 26 )

Forget-Me-Not

By: Youkai Yume

Yume: Alrighty then, let's get this chapter started.

CF: CF. . .too weak. . .can't go on. . .need chocolate. . .{cookies will do too}

Yume: Oh no, little lady, you've been slacking off! {hence the slow updates} So until we're done with this chapter, you ain't getting any sweets!

CF: {glares, then turns away pouting}

Yume: Ah, you'll get over it. As you can see, a lot of tension has built up, and Yay! Both Sesshomaru and Kagome realize they love each other. . .except they haven't confessed for fear of heartbreak and other reasons. Lol. Go on, read and be happy! ^^

Disclaimer: Oh the humanity, the injustice of it all! I need a hug. . .

Chapter 26: Not With Hate

The early signs of morning shone through the glass windows, falling upon the still forms of the sleeping couple. The glint of sunlight burned through the demon lord's eyelids, and no matter how much he wished to remain in his state of pure bliss and warmth, Sesshomaru hesitantly opened his eyes to a new day.

A content sigh was whispered beside him, and golden eyes fell to the sleeping beauty that still lay nestled in his arms and fluffy tail. A clawed hand went up to brush raven bangs from her closed eyes, and pulling the miko closer, he breathed in the intoxicating scent that was Kagome.

She responded by moaning softly and cuddled even closer. Placing a kiss upon her temple, a distressed sigh passed his lips. How deep his love ran for her, and yet how much longer must he hide that which has become his only reason for breathing from his Kagome.

Sesshomaru realized now, how uncharacteristic it was for him to fear something so intangible as this emotion that humans called love. He, the feared Taiyoukai of the West, at the mercy of this girl's sapphire gaze. . .And yet he DID fear it, more than anything he had ever thought possible.

Perhaps his fear had started from his early childhood, when he had first felt the torment of a broken heart. . .when his beloved mother died and left him alone in this cold, and harsh world of warfare, demons, and bloodshed. There was no room for love in this era.

And so Sesshomaru had become hardened, burying his heart and this emotion that brought false joy, only to leave you with a bitter and tortured taste of pain. There was no use for such unwanted pain. No trace of it could be seen in his golden depths since then, it was the only way to prevent the unbearable torment from being inflicted upon him again.

By falling in love with Kagome he had broken his vows to himself, but it was the same vow that kept him from completing his soul. The same FEAR of having his heart torn that sung the weakness of the demon lord. `But Gods, how I love her. . .'

His gaze averted to the drifting sakura blossoms that fell across the windows. Kissing Kagome's temple once more, he gently loosened his tail and set her down on the futon, hesitantly pulling away from their tender embrace.

Kagome whimpered at the lost of warmth, but curled on her side, gripping the covers. Sesshomaru smiled affectionately at her, walking over the window and giving a backward glance at her slumbering form. `Let her sleep a while longer. . .' He thought, he was afterall, in no hurry to go back to reality.

For several moments, Sesshomaru allowed himself to enjoy the serene morning. Watching the sakura blossoms fall gracefully outside, hearing the delicate songs of the waking birds, basking in the scent of Kagome, and listening to her soft breathing. It wasn't long before he could hear the first signs of Kagome waking from her slumber. A soft yawn and a rustle of sheets sounded from behind him.

Kagome blinked around her, realizing that she was alone in bed, no longer surrounded by the comforting warmth. Bright, sapphire eyes fell upon the demon lord that stood by the window, staring out to the sunrise outside. She smiled, blushing slightly when she remembered that Sesshomaru had stayed with her throughout the entire night.

She blushed even harder when she remembered her self-admission of her love for him. . .who knew? He gave her a backwards glance, mask back in place, but golden eyes not hiding any of the tender emotions that played across them.

"Sesshomaru. .." She whispered, climbing out of the futon's covers, and approaching the still demon lord. The taiyoukai turned to her, gazing at her as she stood beside him, also gazing at the rising sun. "Morning already," She said softly.

"Yes," He replied, in an almost regretful tone. "Get ready, we're leaving soon." Kagome sighed, and to Sesshomaru's surprise, leaned slightly on his shoulder. Kagome felt a little tug of regret. . .regret of having to leave this place. A place where she had learned to let go and discover love, a place where she discovered both her strength and her weakness. . .a place with Sesshomaru.

"I know. . ." Was all she said. Sesshomaru pulled her away, only to press her close to his firm chest, resting his chin atop her head. Both of them couldn't bear the thought of being separated yet again from the other. Not now, when they had come so unbearably close to tasting heaven's sweet nectar. . .

Sesshomaru gently stepped away from her, caressing her cheek with caring hands. She leaned into his touch, gazing at him with innocent and trusting blue pools. The instinct to protect what was his came forth. He didn't know if he could live with himself if another drop of her blood, or her tears would fall if under his brother's care once more.

Golden eyes closed in resolution.

"And so it ends," With that he released her from his embrace, only to have her following closely behind. Her aura was calm, and yet tense at the same time. Sesshomaru could only give her glances of reassurance, as a choice was made in his restless soul. She would not have to face her fears alone. . .and he would not allow her to cry ever again.

He had decided.

~ ^_^ ~

He was seemingly dead, living from day to day as if life had no meaning, and his once intense amber gaze had turned to a dull, hazy stare. Miroku was becoming rather concerned for his hanyou friend. Inuyasha had neither eaten nor slept since he found out about Kagome's sudden disappearance.

He only ate when the others pushed him to, and even then it was small nibbles and bites. The leftover ramen that Kagome left did nothing for him either, which was a shocker. When Inuyasha DID sleep, it was in restless states, moaning, and crying out for the young miko in guilt and regret.

Miroku gazed up at him, seated atop the Goshinboku tree, where he usually spent most of his days now. Sometimes, it would be the well, but it was always for the same reason---to reflect on Kagome. The monk sighed. It had only been three days since Kagome left, and yet without her presence, it seemed like an eternity.

"Do you think Kagome's alright with Sesshomaru?" Sango asked Miroku in a soft tone so they wouldn't catch Inuyasha's attention. The houshi shrugged at her, taking a seat beside the equally worried demon exterminator.

"I'm not sure, Sesshomaru seems honest in his intentions. I'm almost positive that she is alright. I just hope that she's faring better than Inuyasha," He said sternly. Sango sighed.

"I've never seen him like this! And he hasn't said a word about what happened between them when he went after Naraku. . ."

Both jumped in surprise when the person of their conversation appeared before them. His amber eyes flickered with silent regret and a bit of sadness and anger as well. Miroku and Sango both fell silent.

"You want to know what happened?" Inuyasha's voice was gruff, and stern. He watched as they held their breaths, waiting for him to answer. He closed his eyes, fists clenched tightly at his side at the recollection of the painful memory. The mistake of his life. `They have to know. . .' He thought bitterly, and he knew he couldn't bury it and not expect it to still haunt him.

A deep breath was inhaled before he started.

"When Sesshomaru and I confronted Naraku, he had revealed that Kagome wasn't the only one that he held captive."

"Then who. . .?"Miroku started, only to be silenced by Inuyasha's stare. His voice shook as he whispered her name.

"Kikyo." A gasp resounded around the group.

"He made you choose. . ." Miroku narrowed his eyes when he saw Inuyash nod. "You didn't choose Kagome, did you?" He watched as Inuyasha turned away, a pained expression on his face and his fist began to shake.

"I told you, I screwed up!" He bit out angrily. "I. . .I couldn't. . ." He stumbled over his words. "My brother saved her instead. . .I practically left her to die. . .left her for Kikyo. . ." The hanyou had his back turned to them now, not wanting them to see how much it hurt him to talk about it.

"I'll never forget the way she looked at me," He breathed, "This probably wouldn't hurt as much if she looked at me with hate. . .But not Kagome. She looked at me with hurt and betrayal, with shattered hopes and sorrow, but not with hate. . ." He nearly scoffed at his own words. Kagome could never hate, it simply did not exist within her. "I kind of wished she would, because I would've gotten what I deserved. I would owe her nothing."

Inuyasha's head turned upwards to the sky, silver locks cascading from his shoulders.

"But what of Kikyo?" Sango asked, not being able to resist. "Shouldn't she be with you?" The hanyou's anger flared.

"KIKYO IS A TRAITOR!" He shouted, his voice drenched in rage. "She. . .she was working with Naraku the whole time! She used me to get rid of Kagome! She BETRAYED me!" Inuyasha couldn't bring himself to tell them that she mated with their greatest foe as well.

His friends remained silent, unable to decide whether to comfort him, or chide him for his poor choice. But Inuyasha seemed to be punishing himself far more than the others could.

". . .I betrayed Kagome," He said quietly, and walking away to the well, Miroku and Sango stared after him. "My Kagome. . ."

"I've never seen Inuyasha like this. . ." She whispered.

"Perhaps this whole incident only opened his eyes, and I don't blame him for being so hung up about this," The taija looked at the monk with a questioning gaze. "I know I would feel the same way if the one I cared the most was torn away from me. . ." Miroku gazed at Sango with intense brown orbs as he said this, and she could not help but blush.

Averting her gaze to the ground, she nodded.

"You're right. . ." She muttered, and looked to the sky. Chocolate eyes widened when she saw a silver cloud streaked overhead. "Hey, what's that?" She pointed to the sky, and the Miroku stared in the direction she was pointing, jaw dropping wonder and realization.

"They're back."

~ ^_^ ~

Inuyasha stopped dead in his tracks. The scent of sakura blossoms and jasmine. . . `Kagome. . .' His eyes turned from the bone-eater's well, to the clear blue skies. His heart suddenly soared and sank at the same time. Sesshomaru was with her, holding Kagome in his arms bridal style and staring impassively at him. Shippo on his shoulder, was giving the hanyou nervous glances as well. As the silver cloud slowly descended, Inuyasha remained glued to the spot.

Sapphire met amber in the silent clearing, and feelings unable to be described by words were exchanged as Sesshomaru's feet touched the ground, the cloud disappearing upon first contact with the earth.

The demon lord held Kagome a bit closer to his chest, giving his younger brother a cold look before he settled Kagome on her feet. However, he still refused to loosen his hold on her waist.

"Kagome. . ." Inuyasha whispered, his voice cracking under all the emotion. He slowly approached them, almost afraid that Kagome would run away. A clawed hand came out to reach out for her. Sesshomaru growled softly, pulling Kagome closer to himself and glaring heatedly at his younger brother.

He eased however when she gave him a reassuring glance, her hand coming up to his chest to emphasize that she would be alright. Hesitantly, the demon lord released Kagome from his hold. She smiled gratefully at him before facing the silver-haired hanyou.

Slowly, she took timid steps towards him, watching all of the emotions flicker across his eyes---guilt, regret, sorrow, hope, fear, anger, and. . .something else she wasn't sure she could define. Sighing, she gave him a meek smile.

"Hey, Inuyasha," Kagome called out softly. In an instant, Inuyasha had let all of his barriers fall and rushed to sweep Kagome into his arms in a tight embrace. Kagome was in shock, but eased when she heard him sobbed his apologies into her hair.

Sesshomaru had to refrain from ripping the two apart as the jealousy seethed underneath. But he remained silent and merely a bystander in the spectacle, letting them have their little reunion. It still hurt him deeply when he saw them locked in their embrace. . .would she take Inuyasha back?

Shippo, who was currently occupying Sesshomaru's shoulder, sensed the Taiyoukai's tense aura. He patted his shoulder comfortingly. But he still remained restless however.

His brother didn't even care if he saw him like this; begging for forgiveness from the one perfect creature he had dared to hurt. The demon lord turned away, focusing his attention elsewhere when Inuyasha's pleading words and Kagome's forgiving acceptance reached his ears.

"Kagome, Kagome, forgive me! I never meant. . .I made a mistake. . .Please don't leave. . ." He pleaded, holding Kagome tighter as if fearing she would leave him if he let go.

"Shhhh," Kagome hushed him soothingly. "Don't worry, I'm not mad." Inuyasha pulled away from her, and she had to keep from gasping when she saw tears streaming down his face. She brought up a hand to cup his wet cheek. He only looked away in shame.

"How can you forgive me so easily?" He asked her, his voice filled with a sense of awe and sadness. Kagome smiled at him, a smile that he was sure he would never see again. She gazed over at the demon lord who stood just a few yards away. Silently, she thanked him for giving her the strength to realize the truth.

"Because I understand, Inuyasha," was her simple answer. He couldn't help but smile himself, and drawing her in for one last quick hug, he felt truly fortunate to have such a perfect creature as Kagome for a friend. And perhaps. . .he still had a chance at regaining her love for him.

Sesshomaru couldn't stand it anymore, and was about to go up to them and pull Kagome away to show his half-brother who Kagome really belonged to when out of the trees emerged the monk and demon exterminator.

"Kagome!" Sango cried out in a relieved voice, and in an instant, Kagome was out of Inuyasha's embrace and locked in Sango's. "Thank the heaven's you're alright. . .you ARE alright, aren't you?" She asked. Kagome gave out a weak laugh and nodded reassuringly at her friends.

"Hai. I feel like a million bucks!" She said cheerily. Sango raised an eyebrow at her.

"Why would you want to feel like a herd of a million deer?" A few giggles were released into the calm air, and the whole group felt like burden was lifted upon hearing Kagome's laughter once more. Miroku smiled to himself and sauntered over to the miko and taija.

"Well, I'd say this calls for a group hug!" He suggested, and before anything could happen, he had pulled them both in a tight hug.

Both Sesshomaru and Inuyasha almost sliced off the houshi's head when they caught sight of his wandering hands traveling south to the girls' buttocks. Luckily, both Kagome and Sango slapped Miroku unconscious before any bloodshed could occur.

He fell with a thump onto the ground, wearing a goofy smirk while the two ladies muttered about hentais. Sesshomaru raised a delicate eyebrow at the scene, and Shippo laughed happily.

"Yup! Everything's back to normal!" He chirped.

Even Inuyasha had to agree, and couldn't help but smile. Yes, it was as if everything picked off from where they had left, and perhaps everything WOULD be alright. Glancing over at Sesshomaru, Inuyasha noticed that his half-brother was staring at Kagome with the same affection as well. His smile faded. The question still lingered. . .

What had happened in the three days that they were away, in the three days that Kagome was with Sesshomaru? He narrowed his eyes at the sight of them when Sesshomaru approached Kagome and placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her from trying to help Sango beat Miroku with her backpack. Afterall, he thought, a lot can happen in three days. . .

"Hey, I noticed that the little girl and that weird toad thing aren't with you," Sango inquired Sesshomaru when the laughter died down. Miroku, who was steadily recovering, looked around and noticed that Sango was right.

"I have left my ward and retainer behind at my domain," he said without much interest. Inuyasha stepped in between Sesshomaru and Kagome.

"Listen, I. . ." He grit his teeth at the next words, "Thanks for saving Kagome. . ." He said as quickly as possible. He scoffed at him.

"Someone has to correct your mistakes," He replied coldly, though softening his gaze when golden eyes fell on Kagome's blue ones. "I was merely keeping my own vows to Kagome as well." She blushed noticeably, causing Inuyasha to glare at them.

"Yeah well, thanks and all that other stuff. We're all happy, so there's no reason for you to stick around here anymore," He started, obviously trying to get rid of his older brother. The affect that he was having on Kagome was quite unnerving, and the hanyou felt like he was missing some unknown message that they kept sending each other with each gaze that they exchanged.

Sesshomaru remained silent for a while, and soon, amber eyes locked with gold in an intense stare.

"Actually, dear brother, there is."

~ ^_^ ~

The night sounded with the peaceful music of the chirping crickets and the owls hooting. Stars glimmered dully in the sky, and the half-faded moon was hidden behind darkened clouds. Everyone was asleep inside Kaede's hut, gaining as much rest before they would resume their shard-hunt the next day. All that is, except the newest member of the Inu-tachi and his half-brother.

Inuyasha stared with intense amber depths down at his brother from his perch, who was practicing with Tokijin under the moon's light. His form graceful and his movements like liquid. Sesshomaru ignored him throughout most of his practice, but didn't hold back the knowing glance that he shot him from the corner of his golden eye.

The half-demon growled. Jumping from his position on the tree's branch, he landed beside his brother, glaring intensely at the taiyoukai.

"Why are you doing this?" He demanded. The demon lord sheathed his sword, but did not look at him.

"I, unlike you, practice in order to perfect my skills. And if you did too, perhaps you wouldn't waste Tetsusuaiga's power," Was his impassive reply. Inuyasha waved it aside with a harsh gesture of his hand.

"Don't play dumb with me, Sesshomaru! You know very well what I meant! Why would you want to join forces with us anyway?" He shouted, fists clenched. "You have no use for jewel shards, and you could care less about Naraku! So why?" Sesshomaru still didn't answer, and instead made it seem like he was more interested in the moon's glow. Inuyasha hated being ignored.

"Answer me, Sesshomaru! I know you have a reason. . ." The demon lord stared coldly at him.

"My reasons are my own, and are not a part of your concern." With that, he headed back to the hut, but not before being stopped by Inuyasha's forced chuckle.

"Ah, I see it now! You can't fool me, Sesshomaru. You're only here to get us all comfortable, then nab Tetsusaiga when we least expect it!" He smirked smugly to himself at figuring out Sesshomaru's plot, only to have it replaced with a frown when an amused smile played across his brother's face.

"You fool. I no longer desire the Tetsusaiga. Keep it for all I care, it was father's gift to you. Besides, you need if far worse than myself."

"What's that supposed to mean?" He bit back.

"I am not without compassion, Inuyasha," Sesshomaru turned to face him. "It protects you, as well as binds your demon blood. The feud is over, little brother." The hanyou looked away.

"Then why? I don't understand. . .you never cared before. . ." He looked at him. If the first reason wasn't it, that only left. . .

Sesshomaru glanced at the moon once more, peeking from behind its' clouds. He inhaled, taking in the smell of Sakura blossoms, the scent of Kagome who slept not far from here.

"Before. . ." He mused, thinking back to the time when he was ignorant, too proud to admit to what was in front of him, "That was before HER," Golden eyes met with its' brothers' once more before he turned his heels to leave the hanyou with the restless wind and his wary thoughts.

"YOU, more than anyone should understand, Inuyasha." And in that one moment, the two had finally realized. . .they had something in common afterall.

~End Chapter ^_^

Yume: Next chapter, more on Sess and Kag's relationship, new allies are made, and what's our villains up to? I'm so sorry for the delayed update. . .Intersession started, and I once again have school to deal with!

CF: Woodshop! Yume, make something pretty for CF!

Yume: Depends, if you give me more inspiration, I'll make you something!

CF: Hmmmm.

Yume: Uh Oh, she's thinking. . .not good. Hehe. Anyways, hope you enjoyed the chapter, please read and review! No flames.

CF: Yume has to make CF a vanity table!

Yume: what? The mirror's only going to break. . .

CF: Hmph! (evil smirk) >small zap< (and inaudible curses follow)

Review Responses:

~Fanfiction.net

duchesscarml; Sesshomaru luv you; MysticAngel; Ichigo; I; Sailor Panda; The Ultimate Faerie of De; Zakari; writerlover101; 8888; InsanexPsycho; The Fallen Angel of Death; Katelyn(Enchanted Picture); JadeBlueAfterGlow1; Victoria Wolf; ANGEL20022; SesshouLi68; HellzAznGrl; Crystal jade2; Mx2mm; White-Crystal; ForgetMeNot Fan; Peanut Gallery - Alaska's Own; Inuyasha's-Lady; juss dizzy; Zakari; faye of flowers; Tayha; Mademoiselle Morte; aqua girl; Cutiepie99; pyromistress; spirit detective Mae; BloodRedFlame; The Queen of Randomness; Narani the Demoness; princess of the white ros; Inulover626; KawaiiLil-InuGurl; UnlovedBandNerd; Cherry34; fire mistress; MoonlightPrincess; VicFan; mad elf child; Hfaith; Lady Shippo; Mybyrdy; LadyDemi; Caligo Origuu; Shichan2; grey tears; Angell Lymisty; Kiaor; StarLight-Eyes00; Lady Kaela; Ana; Ryoko3600; dancebabe94 ; Rin6; wolf; AmberEyesCryptChick; Tsykyamma; Dragon Rae; blazing kodachi; michellebabygirljazz; Wake-Robin; InuMaru_Rapture; MidnightDragonShadow; Shadow Guardian24; Yume no Zencho; ladihouki; neptunegoddess062; Tsuki Yume; Defafaeth Mechqua; Silver Mystic; Moon-n-Universe-Goddess; Reine Keri; Akina Tsukana; Blue-Saiyan-Angel; bloodbunny; Noir12; Sanosuke Hidane; PeachesDani; Rabid-Inu-Girl, THANKS FOR ALL OF THE SUPPORT! I LOVE YOU ALL!

AnImEfReAk81: That's good for you! I hope you're doing well, and I'll read it when I get a break from my fics. (groan)

Whysper: Yays for you! I think I'll do my happy dance if I ever beat my uncle at Ping-Pong. Damn stupid college tournaments. Your prediction was good, but Naraku won't come into the picture until the next chapter or sometime after.

TwinTiger: lol. So flattered that you want me to be your muse! If you ever need any help with your fics, just holler!

FaLLeNGoDdEsSoFtHeMoOn: lol. Weird pop-ups are part of our daily lives, just gotta get used to them.

DarknessGuardian: Thanks, I liked the quote thingy myself. And I guess I'm just a hopeless romantic, thinking up of cheesy lines for my fics all day for you all to read, lol. Besides, I thought the whole first love thing spoke the truth. . .afterall, still can't forget mine. . .all the way back in preschool. Lol.

Orchidacae: Hmm, that's a good question! I suppose Naraku doesn't mind Kikyo's smell, because he smells pretty bad himself and is immune. . .?

CocaCola43: Well, most likely I'll post the lemon on another site, with only a lime version on ff.net. So you don't have to worry about the whole lemon thing.

GeneralDuke: I know, the small mistakes get me too. . .I just don't see them, no matter how many times I go through them! But somehow I survive. Ne? ^^

Namesake: Oh! Thanks for the pic! I've been wondering for the longest time what a forget-me-not looks like. I'm gonna put the pic on mai xanga! ^^

Anonymous ann: Oh, Ann my pan from San Fran. . .lol.

Mistress Fluffy: Well, in this chapter I explained why Sess is so scared of getting hurt, and it's perfectly understandable to me. Hehe.

Katani Masaya: {winks at Naraku} On the scale of 1-5, I'll let you decide, baby! Lol. Don't worry, hun! I'll put you in the next chapter! ^^ {blows kiss} (I'll probably score a 11 on that 1-5 scale of creepiness.)

kiwi93089: Thanks for Gir! He's kinda making CF upset at the moment because he's eating through all the chocolate. . .but okay! Have a nice time with 17! ^^ He's soooo cool!

DarkPyroPlanet: Well, I love to give you your goofy smiles.

Crystal: Thanks. I always thought love should take time, otherwise it's more or less a shallow relationship. Not exactly. . .but you get the point.

Tessa3: Wow, if you put me up there with great authors like those. . .I'm not worthy! (sob) so happy!

~Mediaminer.org

Flying_Dragon; Fasha Youkai; (fireash); Awaikage; Vicsy; InusDemoness;

Fishfisk: I know, I love those kinds of emotions as well. And I'm glad you thought it was better than having a lemon. My story is kinda like a soap opera, ne? lol.

Striking Falcon: I know, they seem so stupid right now, huh? But I just love drawing out the tension! Besides, the reason why I `m not having them confess yet is crucial to my plot later on. And I totally understand about having the hectic life.

Aira^o^: I know, it's like a looong soap opera. Hehe.

END NOTE!

Yume: Okay, finally this chapter's up! And I was rather surprised that nearly everyone agreed about the whole lemon situation!

CF: CF has kept up CF's bargain, now make CF a vanity table!

Yume: Sorry. . .that's advanced wood.

CF: What?!

Ja Ne! ^_~