InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ The curse of the dragon ❯ Epilogue- Shinjitsu no uta ( Chapter 83 )

~<>~ Curse of the Dragon ~<>~

 

-I'll add this here, just for the record. Though the epilogues will focus on other characters, they are all inu/kag centric! All have been eagerly awaiting…and I'm going into hiding. ^__^;;

 

~<>~ Epilogue I ~<>~ Shinjitsu no uta

 

 

 

Rin's hands shook as she set the fine china out onto the long mahogany table. Placing out six plates, she quickly withdrew and glanced at the dining room before smoothing back her long black hair. Turing around, she padded out to the family room where her fiancé sat, reading the New York Times. Skidding to a halt in front of him, she rocked back and forth on her feet, gnawing on her bottom lip, like an impatient child in front of a parent. Teetering on slight giddiness, she carefully approached the dormant Youkai. “Sesshoumaru?”

 

Sesshoumaru raised his eyes from the paper, then slowly folded it and placed it on to him. With a small smile, he reached up and took off his glasses and set them onto the paper. Sitting back, he raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. “Rin?”

 

Rin continued to chew on her lip as she glanced nervously about the room. Doing a mental check of the house, her eyes widened. “Did you make sure to clean the bathrooms?”

 

 

Sesshoumaru sighed heavily before reaching out, wrapping one arm around Rin's waist and pulling her into his lap. He placed both arms around her waist and kissed her cheek gingerly. “You need to calm down.”

 

Rin threw Sesshoumaru an annoyed glower over her shoulder then melted into his chest. “They will be here in like a half hour and you want me to calm down?”

 

Sesshoumaru chortled and brushed her hair from her face. “Why don't you go take a bath and relax? You're stressed over something as simple as my brother and his friends.”

 

Rin threw her hands up and began to struggle in his grasp. “Let me go, I have no time for this! I got to start dinner!” Her eyes widened as she paused in her actions, her mouth slightly hanging agape. “Oh. My. God. Sesshoumaru, I forgot to buy the ham! I can't believe this! Oh gods, this is ruined! Sessh…”

 

Sesshoumaru reached around and placed one finger against her lips. “I told you to stop stressing. I already started the ham, which I picked up on my way back from the city yesterday. It will be ready in an hour and a half. I'm cooking it on the lowest setting possible.”

 

Rin exhaled a sigh of relief and leaned back into Sesshoumaru. It was like watching ice melt on a summer's day. Her eyes closed slightly and she sighed happily. “Have I told you today how much I love you?”

 

Sesshoumaru kissed her chastely then murmured against her lips, “No, but you have told me multiple times that I need to clean something or you would hurt me.”

 

Rin pulled back and smiled as his fingers danced down her cheek. “I can't believe we're getting married in three days.”

 

Nodding in agreement, the Tai-Youkai kissed her forehead and slowly scooted her off his lap. “Now, I'm serious when I say you need to calm yourself. Go upstairs and take a bath.”

 

“There's no time! I have to get the potatoes cooking…and also the stuffing…”

 

Sesshoumaru moved faster then he had in nearly four years, trapping Rin against the dining room wall. His lips dragged over her cheek then slid down her jaw. “If you don't go upstairs and relax…then I'll make sure you relax right here. There are other ways then just a bath to find release, Rin.”

 

Rin's eyes widened as one of those ways pressed against her stomach. Swallowing hard, her eyes met his. “I…really don't think we have time for that. And besides…I highly doubt that would be the first thing your brother wants to smell when he comes in.”

 

Sesshoumaru sighed and backed away from the girl. “Has it really been two years since we've seen them?”

 

Rin nodded slowly. “Just about.”

 

Turning from the girl, Sesshoumaru made his way into the kitchen of the mansion in upstate New York. “Go take your bath, Rin.”

 

Rin made a face then caught her reflection in the mirror. A yelp escaped her lips as she rushed for the steps, taking them two at a time. “I wish you would have simply said `you look like shit!' instead of making me think otherwise. I look like I just crawled out of bed!”

 

Sesshoumaru simply smiled as the girl scampered off from the room.

 

~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~

 

As the cab pulled up to the large house, the four occupants couldn't be happier. Miroku and Sango just about trampled InuYasha and Kagome as they climbed out of the yellow car of death. That driver had nearly gotten them into four accidents, not to mention nearly crashing into the wall of the Lincoln tunnel when he had decided to go through the city. InuYasha had sworn time and time again that he would never disagree to a limo again, money be damned. Sango stretched then turned and helped Kagome from the car. The two girls shared a smile before eagerly skipping towards the door of the large house. The mansion wasn't quite as big as the Taisho estate in Japan but after being on a plane for nearly twenty-four hours including layovers, a shack would have done.

 

The front door swung open and a black haired bullet flew at the girls. Just shy of slamming into them at full speed, Rin embraced both girls in a teary bear hug. Miroku and InuYasha pulled the luggage from the trunk and paid the driver a ridiculous amount of money then regarded each other wearily. InuYasha glanced up and watched the girl's reunion with a stoic tranquility as Miroku watched on with a smirk.

 

Sesshoumaru followed Rin to the doorway then lounged casually on the wooden frame until he linked eyes with his younger brother. A smile surfaced on the youkai's face as he strode from the house and half way down the cobblestone path.

 

InuYasha couldn't help but shake his head and smile as Sesshoumaru forced him to meet him half way up the walk way. “Bastard, can't even cut me a fuckin' break. You wouldn't meet us half way; we had to travel half way around the god damned world for you. Ain't that enough?” He walked up to his brother and embraced him in a quick, short-lived hug.

 

Sesshoumaru pulled back and looked over his estranged relative. Muttering while in slight awe, he forced out, “has it really been two years?” InuYasha had changed, regardless of what Ryen had told him. He had filled out more and shot up another three inches. His frame had widened some, no doubt to add muscle mass. His entire upper body was more defined, more muscles toned under the white tee shirt he donned. Sesshoumaru shook his head and shot the boy a smirk. “You've changed.”

 

InuYasha laughed and glanced over his shoulder at Miroku. “See, I told you!”

 

Sesshoumaru couldn't help but add, “Definitely changed…you got fat.”

 

InuYasha whipped his head around so fast he nearly got whiplash. “Oi! Fat? There ain't an ounce of fat on me, you sadistic bastard! You…you got fat!” He poked his brother in the gut to prove it.

 

Sesshoumaru wrinkled his nose. “College food will do that to you. Yet somehow I doubt you understand a thing about university.”

InuYasha threw his head back and laughed. “Fuck off. So…how goes school?”

 

Sesshoumaru frowned and waved his hand, “I ended up transferring to NYU. Harvard was to far of a commute and I wasn't willing to be away from Rin for weeks at a time.”

 

InuYasha glanced over at the girls, a scowl building on his face as he saw they were still hugging. “How's she been, anyway? How is the singing scholarship going?”

 

Sesshoumaru scoffed, “ask her yourself, baka. I'm not her answering machine.”

 

InuYasha rolled his eyes. “Still a bastard, huh?”

 

Sesshoumaru smiled. “Et tu, mon frere.” Looking over the other three, Sesshoumaru couldn't help but smile. “Kagome looks well. How are things going there?”

 

As Miroku brushed by, carrying both his and Sango's luggage, he growled out, “Let's not ask that question, shall we?”

 

And the question was answered. Kagome shoved past InuYasha and embraced Sesshoumaru. Sesshoumaru returned the hug, slightly awkwardly then pulled away and pushed her hair from her face as the girl beamed up at him. “You don't look any different, Kagome.”

 

Kagome blushed lightly and gave the man a short bow. “How have you been Sesshoumaru?”

 

Sesshoumaru nodded, “Rin and I are managing. Planning the wedding has kept her busy from complaining about missing you and Sango.”

 

Kagome laughed and looked back at Rin. “She's glowing. You've done her good Sesshoumaru…very good.” The smile fell from her face as she slowly glanced at the boy next to her. “Unlike some…” she turned her head and pushed between the boys to head from the car.

 

InuYasha whirled around as she shoved past the second time and yelled, “Oi! What the hell is that supposed to mean, bitch?”

 

A groan echoed from the left of Sesshoumaru. Turning, he found Sango with a hand over her face muttering, “Not again…please god, not again.”

 

Kagome pulled up the handle to her roll on luggage and fixed the hanyou with a rather critical stare. “Oh, I think you know exactly what I mean.”

 

InuYasha stalked towards the girl, anger brewing in his eyes. “No…I would just love for you to elaborate. What the fuck did I do to you now? I haven't talked to you for the past four hours. It's physically fucking impossible for me to have pissed you off!”

 

Kagome made a face and glanced at her watch. “Then how about we set a record and see if you can keep your trap shut for the next four hours.”

 

InuYasha narrowed his eyes, “How about you suck my…”

 

Rin's mouth dropped open as she yelled over them, “Hey now! What the hell is going on between you two?” she placed herself between the bickering pair and stared at both aghast. Sango had told her a while ago that things had been rocky between the pair…but this…this was out of left field.

 

Kagome ignored her friends comment and took a step towards her boyfriend. “Sweet…that's real nice, Yash. Keep it up and you'll be sleeping outside.”

 

InuYasha narrowed his eyes, his hands clenching into fists. “Hmm…frigid bed…frigid bitch…all the same in the end. Ain't like I'm sleeping on a bed now anyway.”

 

Kagome choked down the retort like a mouth full of nails. She closed her eyes for a moment, trying desperately to calm herself then bit back, “you're such an asshole.”

 

“I'm what you made me, Bitch.”

 

Kagome slumped her shoulders and leaned forward, “will you just fucking stop calling me that god damned name?”

 

InuYasha growled and met her face on. “I call them as I see them.”

 

Kagome whirled around, fighting down the tears and pulled her luggage toward the house without another word.

 

Rin watched her disappear into the mansion then whirled around to face Sango. “What the hell was that? When did they start fighting?”

 

Sango pinched the bridge of her nose as InuYasha erupted in an outbreak of violent profanity. “They've been at this one for the last twelve hours. But the fights…” she lowered her hand and leaned into Rin. “They just keep happening. I mean…they get nasty, Rin. I've had InuYasha end up so many times on the couch at my place because Kagome kicked him out of the apartment. In the last month, he's been there four times.”

 

Rin's jaw dropped open. “Sango…it's June 12th!”

 

Sango nodded energetically. “So you see the problem.”

 

InuYasha walked to the street and grabbed his luggage; he pulled it into the house without looking at anyone.

 

Sesshoumaru turned to his mate as Sango made her way in behind InuYasha. “Somehow I think this might turn ugly.”

 

Rin crossed her arms, her bottom lips slightly quivering as she inhaled sharply. “I think it already has.”

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~**

 

Sango, Rin and Kagome crowded into the tiny changing room at the wedding dress shop on 51st and 9th. Neither Sango nor Kagome were truly ready to see just how perfect the dress fit Rin; their jaws dropped to the floor as the girl displayed the satin white traditional American wedding dress. It was strapless, hanging just above the breastbone by what seemed like magic and was tasteful. Tiny jewels laced the top of the dress then continued under her arms to the back where the dress was intricately tied with silk ribbons that crisscrossed in a wide V pattern, starting from the small of her back. Rin circled around once more then placed the diamond tiara on her head that Sesshoumaru had made her promise to wear. It accented the dress perfectly.

 

Sango crossed her arms, a warm smile encompassing her face as she looked over her friend. “Wow, Rin…I mean, wow! It's so beautiful! And that tiara! Are you sure you haven't shown Sesshoumaru the dress?”

 

Rin shoved her friend then rubbed her wet eyes. Turning to her friends like a deer caught in headlights, she folded her hands to her chest and stared off into the distance. “This…this is really happening, isn't it? I'm…I'm going to get married in two days.”

 

Kagome sniffed then rubbed away her friends tears with her thumb. “Come on now…no tears while wearing the dress. Silk stains.”

 

Rin blinked twice then glanced at Kagome, as if startled by her presence. She stared blankly at Kagome, as if she had spoken another language then threw her arms around Kagome's neck. “Oh god…I can't believe this is happening!”

 

Kagome laughed as Sango pried Rin's arms off of her. “Rin! You cannot stain the dress!”

 

Rin nodded and Sango slowly began to unlace the back. Glancing at Sango, she asked, “So…has Miroku popped the question yet?”

 

Sango rolled her eyes and tugged at the back of the dress, temporarily restricting her friend's airway. She laughed as Rin gasped for air. “No, not yet! Don't worry, I'll call you as soon as he does.”

 

Rin giggled and stepped out of the dress. “How's school going?”

 

Sango shrugged and put the dress back on its hanger. “It's going okay, I guess. I mean, I spend a lot more time at the precinct with the boys then I do in class. But the general educations are easy anyway. I can't believe how much I enjoy working in criminal justice.”

 

Kagome took the shoes away from Rin's feet and packed them away quietly. Glancing up once, she sighed. “You're a cop Sango…you can say that, you know.”

 

Sango wrinkled her nose. “I hate the sound of that word. It sounds so…male. I'm a police officer!”

 

Rin laughed. “And that's not masculine?” Noticing the sudden hostility from Sango, she quickly added, “Which there is nothing wrong with, at all! You get to work with all your friends and the love of your life. It can't get any better!”

 

Sango shrugged and began to work the garment bag over the dress.

 

Rin giggled and pulled on her jeans. For some reason, she just couldn't leave the subject dead. “So…no talk of rings yet at all?”

 

Sango sighed and rubbed her forehead. “I guess some…I mean, we talk about it sometimes. We already have a house together, we have a dog, we have my brother …we're happy. There's no need to rush. Besides, marriage for Miroku means kids.” She flushed and looked to the floor with a warm smile. “I have never met a man so eager to have kids. He loves them…he wants like ten. I told I'm I'll agree to four; he's considering.”

 

Rin rolled her eyes and zippered up her sweater. “Whatever. It's just so romantic….”

 

The door to the room slammed shut, startling both girls out of their conversation. Sango whirled around and blinked a few times, noticing that Kagome had walked out of the room. Rin hurried to finish getting dressed then ran out the door with Sango on her heels. Rin paused at the desk to hand in the last check for the dress that Sango laid to rest on the counter top. As Rin dealt with the clerk, Sango progressed onto the street. Kagome stood right outside the door, her hands braced against the cold cement wall with her face towards the building and her forehead resting on the cool slab of concrete. Sango placed a hand on her shoulder then cringed as a sob retched from the girl. Immediately Sango wrapped her arms around her and pulled her into a tight hug. Placing her cheek on Kagome's head, she winced. “I'm sorry Kagome…I…” she didn't want to apologize for being happy in her relationship but somehow she felt the need to.

 

Kagome drew in a deep breath that hurt her lungs as another sob was ripped from her chest. “Don't…don't apologize.”

 

Sango kissed the top of her head and rocked her slowly. Rin walked out the door, leaving the dress inside and paused on the steps staring at the two girls. Slowly she approached, a look of commiseration etched across her face. Sango shook her head and Rin kept silent.

 

Kagome stood with her head against Sango's shoulder for what felt like eternity. Tears flowed like a river from her eyes despite Sango's soothing words.

 

Rin finally approached and wrapped her arms around Kagome's back, resting her head on her back. “Kagome…come on, hun…what's going on?”

 

Kagome broke into a fit of new tears, words babbling incoherently from her lips.

 

Sango rocked the girl back and forth gently, swaying to inaudible music. “Come on, Kagome…this isn't like you. It will be okay…you two are just really stressed.”

 

Rin hugged her tighter then commented, “Come on…let's get a latté and talk this over. People are staring and one guy thinks we're lesbians.”

 

Kagome and Sango both nearly choked on their own tears, arid laughter bubbling out of both. Kagome wiped her eyes while Rin asked the women to hold the dress. Walking down a block to the nearest Starbucks, the girls settled into a table. Kagome's hands were still shaking as she tried to drink, yet found the effort futile. Instead, she chose to stare into the cup, toying with a necklace that hung across her pale skin.

 

Rin took a few sips, soaking in the turbulent silence before she had to intervene. “Kagome…what happened back there?”

 

Sango flashed her a slightly agitated glower yet relented as the girl began to talk.

 

Kagome furrowed her eyebrows, staring into the light brown coffee in front of her. Her words were hardly above a whisper. “I'm losing him…and I can't stop it.”

 

Rin sighed and reached across the table, capturing Kagome's hand in hers. God be damned if she was going to sit still and watch Kagome tear herself apart over this. “Look at me.”

 

Kagome refused for a moment until Rin increased the pressure on her hand. Lifting her swollen red eyes, she met the determined stare. “Rin…”

 

Rin placed her elbows on the table and leaned forward. “You can always stop it. If you want him, Kagome…if you still love him, then fight for him.”

 

Kagome shook her head slowly, tears threatening to overflow again. “It doesn't matter if I still love him…he doesn't love me.”

 

Sango rolled her eyes and jumped into the dangerous conversation. “That's horseshit, Kagome, and you know it. That man loves you more then anything in this world. He completely changed who he was for you…he bent over backwards to see you happy.”

Kagome closed her eyes, tears beginning to stream back down her cheeks. “No…you guys don't understand. You don't see what I see. You don't go through what we go through.” She wiped her face furiously and grit out, “yes, Sango…he changed for me in high school…but that was two years…and he's changed…since then.”

 

Rin reached across the table and pushed Kagome's hair behind her ears. “What? What do you go through Kagome? I can't see Yash doing anything more then his normal lashing out randomly and humping you like a dog in heat.”

 

Kagome laughed bitterly and turned her head. “It's been almost four months since me and him have had sex.”

 

Both Rin and Sango's eyebrows shot up to the ceiling. “Are you serious?”

 

Kagome turned her head slowly, anger slowly replacing the upset. “You guys don't know what goes on between us. I go to school during the day, I have so much fucking homework to do, and then I come home and have to clean up after him. I always do his laundry, cook him dinner, clean the house and what does he do? Not a damn thing. He comes home from the precinct and bitches about his day. Meanwhile, I'm failing two classes and getting C's in the rest. I'll lose my scholarship if this keeps up. I try to explain it to him and to him, it's like I'm saying I don't want to be with him. We end up screaming at each other and then I walk one direction, he goes another.” She put her hands to her cheeks and shook her head. “I try not to argue with him…I try to take it in stride. But lately, he won't come home until like eleven at night, drunk and angry. For the last eight months, that's all he does. He goes out with the boys after work…hangs out with Bankotsu and gets piss ass drunk. Then comes home and stumbles his way into bed, expecting me to put out at one in the morning when I have an eight o'clock class.”

 

Sango rubbed her shoulders, knowing everything Kagome said was the truth. When she worked night shifts, she went out with the boys sometimes, and they did know how to pack away alcohol. Chewing on her words for a moment, Sango offered, “Kagome…I know it's hard for you to balance both. You're being a student, a housewife and a mother to a grown man…but in all fairness to Yash…he does a lot for Ryen. He's basically second in command of the precinct. If you're going to let it go…”

 

Kagome pinched the bridge of her nose and turned slowly to look at Sango. “Look…I know he goes through a lot. I know some of the things he's had to do and I know it eats away at him. I've had to wake him from nightmares when he's crying out to no one. But Sango…he doesn't need to go drinking every night. I've locked him out of the bedroom so many nights for the things he's said while drunk…” she pursed her lips, as if deliberating over admitting to other things then shook her head.

 

Rin studied her friend's face, her aura growing dark. Grabbing Kagome's shoulder, she turned the girl to face her and stared her in the eyes, daring her to lie. “Has he hurt you?”

 

Kagome blinked then shook her head astutely. “If you're asking if he's ever hit me, the answer is no. InuYasha would never raise a hand to me.”

 

Rin seemed to grow more furious. Grabbing Kagome's hand, she squeezed. “Look me in the eyes and say that.”

 

Kagome lifted her weary eyes and repeated, “He has never raised a hand to me.”

 

Sango sighed and rubbed her face. “Maybe what you two need is simply time apart. You can go back to living at your moms and he can go back to Ryen's. And before you tell me Ryen wouldn't go for it, it's him whose been advocating that for a while.”

 

Kagome tried to pry her hand away from Rin but relented. Dropping her shoulders with a frustrated cry, she shook her head. “No…that won't do it, it wouldn't be enough.”

 

Rin looked down and shook her head. Letting go of her friend's head, she turned and drank her coffee in silence, forgoing any more discussion that was this futile. If Kagome loved InuYasha…she would try…and if was going to let it go this easy…then something important was missing.

 

The three girls sat in an uncomfortable silence for a while before finally Rin slammed her cup onto the table and turned to face Kagome. Her eyes were narrowed, her voice livid. With probably the most vindictive yet even voice, Rin asked, “Do you love him, Kagome?”

 

Kagome nodded, her eyes drilling holes through the Styrofoam cup. “Hai.”

 

Rin shook her head, her eyes becoming slits. “Do you want to be with him?”

 

Kagome stiffened in her chair and stared to the floor. “H..hai. I just…”

 

Rin held up a hand. “I didn't ask anything beyond that. Now…if you love him, so you say…and you want to be with him…so you admit…then fucking fight for him. I'm sick of watching you give up to easy Kagome. You want the world but you aren't willing to work for it!”

 

Kagome whirled around in her seat to stare incredulously at her friend. “Willing to fight? Rin, that's all this relationship has been. Since after that damned play back in our junior year, all we've done is fight! He doesn't love me…he doesn't give a damn about me! I'm a doormat, a fuckin house keeper who he can screw when he gets home at his leisure.” Shaking her head, she slowly stood up. “For our three year anniversary, I asked him to come home early so we could go out to get dinner somewhere nice and go catch a show downtown. I had to plan the activities…but I was okay with this. This was the only time I've ever asked him to come home early!” Shaking her head, her hands balled into fists. “What did he do? He showed up drunk and quite possibly stoned, at midnight. He had no fucking clue what I was so pissed about, he had no clue it was our anniversary. All he did was come in, mouth off and demand sex. And the bitch of it all…the thing that keeps me awake at night…” she wiped tears off her cheeks and looked to the floor, her strength to yell, to hate, was gone. “I still laid down for him. After he completely forgot about me, I was still willing to let him fuck me.” Her chest constricted. “I hate myself…that's the problem. I hate myself for the things I've done for him…for the ways I've changed for him. I hate myself because now I can't change him anymore and I can't change myself. I hate us for the simple fact that I still love him but I know…I know for a damn fact, that I'm never going to get him back.”

 

Sango cringed and closed her eyes, letting out a slow breath of air. “Damnit, Kagome…what do you think I tried to warn you about back in high school?”

 

Rin held up a hand and turned Kagome's chin towards her. “How have you changed for him? You became stronger, you stopped taking people's shit, you have learned to stand up for yourself, you've learned to love, or so I thought…but damnit Kagome, you're in a fucking relationship. You're not the center star all the damn time. Yes, I'm sorry, that whole anniversary thing sucks and I would have had Sesshoumaru's head on a stake. But you chose to fuck him that night…just as your choosing to resent him for it. How is that fair to Yash? How is it fair to blame him when he was incapable of making the right decisions and you were? You're right…if you hate anyone, hate yourself.”

Kagome and Sango's mouths dropped open. Kagome stood up abruptly and stormed out the door of the café. Rin sat back in her seat, crossing her arms and watching Kagome pace out the window.

 

Sango leaned over the table and hissed, “Are you crazy? I mean, seriously, are you mad? Rin…how can you hold her accountable for that asshole's actions?”

Rin turned to stare at Sango. “Do you hear how much of a stuck up little bitch she's being? Damnit, Sango…they belong together, we both know that. But they both have their heads so far up their Asses that they will never admit it. They want their insufferable pride to come before anything. It's like butting heads.”

 

Sango made a face. “You're not there, Rin. Sorry, but you don't know how he is when he's drunk. He's aggressive and really doesn't know how to take no. She had to lock him out of the room because…” she closed her eyes and shook her head, “because he would have hurt her otherwise. Yeah, Yash will never hit her but when he's drunk, his Youkai has a tendency to take over. And more then anything, it wants to rut with its mate. That day…that anniversary that she was talking about, she was in bed for two days because of…” she closed her eyes and shook her head. “And he knows it, and goes into some fucking self pity trip and drinks more. Those are the nights he ends at my house.”

 

Rin's face softened slightly. “I'm sorry…that sucks…but she is all broken up over losing him when she's pushing him away. All I've heard in her defense is that he's acting like a guy. The drinking has to go…but next to that…”

 

Sango shook her head. “I don't know…I understand where she's coming from. I can't imagine having to lock your lover out of your room because you think he'd hurt you.”

 

There was a cough behind the two girls. Turning, the found Kagome looking rather upset, her arms crossed over her chest, and a fire burning in her eyes. “Look…it's not that I think he would hurt me. I know InuYasha would never hurt me. How dare you assume to think I lock him out because he'd …that's not it at all!” tears welled in her eyes as she batted away tears. “Damnit! I lock him out because he's that drunk. He would never hurt me; not his human side, not his hanyou side, and not his Youkai side! Never!” slumping into the chair, her eyes hazed over. “It's not him at all…it's me. You were right, you know. I'm…I'm running away again.”

 

Rin nodded and finished her coffee. “Yes…yes you are.”

 

Kagome sighed and slowly said, “No, you don't understand. I…I made a decision a while ago…one that I didn't tell him about until I made it.”

 

Rin slowly sat back, instantly deciding she wasn't going to like the conversation. “Oh?”

 

Sango's eyes darkened as she suddenly took interest to the table. She was wondering how long it would take for Kagome to fess up to this. The real reason Yash had been a jackass for the last three months…the real reason both hearts were breaking. Kagome said it herself, she was running away.

 

Kagome nodded. “I'm transferring colleges. I'm graduating with an associates from Tokyo U and then I'm going to UCLA to get my bachelors and doctorate.”

 

Rin licked her lips and quirked an eyebrow, hoping she had heard wrong. Leaning forward, she placed both hands on the table and stared viciously at the girl across from her. “What?” To Rin, it what Kagome had just said was, `I'm leaving town so I don't have to put up with his shit.'

 

Kagome downcast her eyes to the ground and sighed. “I'm enrolling in California for school.”

 

Rin then did something no one expected. She laughed. At first it seemed innocent, then she caught on that Kagome wasn't kidding. The laugh turned cynical, menacing. “You're leaving Tokyo for California, huh?”

 

Kagome barely nodded. “Yeah…I start in august. But…I'm renting an apartment so I can move in the in a week.”

 

Rin pursed her lips and seemed to think for a very long time. `Gods, don't let this be true!' cringing, she stated, “InuYasha would never abandon Ryen at that job…he loves it to much. Ryen also needs his help, he relies on InuYasha.” Lifting her head to stare at Kagome, she tapped her fingers on the wood. “He's not going with you, is he?”

 

Kagome shook her head slowly. “No. No he's not.”

 

Rin scoffed. “So you're not losing him…you're leaving him.”

 

Tears instantly welled in Kagome's eyes. “No! I lost him a long time ago. I'm taking care of myself! I can't wait for this ghost of the man I love to surface again!”

 

Rin stood up and threw out her cup. Sharply inhaling, she paused at her friend's side. “No, you're running away because things are getting to be to much. You're caving, just like you did when you tried to start your relationship with Inu back in our junior year. You ran away because you were afraid of what would happen, and by the Gods, you're doing it again! Apparently, Kagome, you don't love him like you claim you do…because you can just up and leave. But hey…you do you. Personally, I don't blame him for despising you right now though.” With that said, she walked out the door.

 

Kagome fought down tears as she turned to appeal to Sango. “She doesn't know what I put up with! She isn't there! How dare she judge!”

 

Sango stared at her friend for a moment then threw out her cup as well. “Come on, let's go.”

 

Kagome took a step away from Sango, her eyes widening, “you agree with her, don't you? What the hell has this turned into? You both used to get into fights with me about being with InuYasha, now you're all for him? What, did I mutate into the bad guy over night? What the hell are you guys attacking me for over this?”

 

Sango studied the girl's face then shook her head. “Is that what you think we're doing? Unjustly attacking you?”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes and huffed. Turning, she walked out the door. “Whatever…think whatever you want.”

 

Sango grabbed her shoulder and shoved her against the building. All the pent up frustration over the duo was enough. Sango and Miroku had been through enough of it for the last two years to deal with it now. Rin was getting married in two days and the last thing she needed was for her entire bridal party to fall apart. Pointing a finger at Kagome, Sango growled, “Look, like Rin said, you do what you want with Yash…we're not here to tell you how to ruin your relationship. But this is Rin's time to shine…she is getting married, Kagome, something some of us want to do. So you're going to have to pretend to get along with InuYasha even if only for two days. You're going to suck this up, not argue around her and get over it. You're also going to have to step out of the spot light. I know it's hard to do…but you'll get over it.”

 

Kagome shrugged off Sango's hands, her words worse then a sucker punch to the gut. Kagome sucked in a deep breath and spewed out, “I can't believe you're siding with InuYasha! I am not the bad guy!”

 

Sango reared back and smacked the girl clear across her face. Kagome's head snapped to the right and her hand flew to her cheek. “Snap the fuck out of it! You're really getting on my fucking nerves, Kagome. I think what you need to do is really consider where you see yourself in two years…five years…hell, ten years down the road. I want you to think about whom you want around you and then really consider if you want to be with InuYasha. If you move, Kagome…if you leave him, you're going to break his heart, and break your own in the process. And then you'll be alone. You'll be in a new country by yourself. And I know Yash, Kagome…if you walk away no, he's gone. He won't be waiting for you at home like some warped little fantasy!”

 

Kagome stared at the girl aghast, her hand never leaving her cheek. Her mouth worked over a few words before she finally was able to correlate something intelligible. “I can't believe you just hit me.”

 

Sango sneered, “keep this shit up and when this wedding is over, I'll kick your ass! Now seriously, you need to really talk to InuYasha, and I mean it. You need to talk this all out with him! Stop thinking in terms of either the good guy or the bad guy! You're lovers, damnit…you're wearing his ring! Make this work!”

 

Kagome turned her eyes to the sky. “There isn't anything to say…”

 

Sango wanted to smack her again. “You told us inside you still loved him and want to be with him…is that still true?”

 

Kagome felt tears filling her eyes once more. “Y…Yes but…”

 

“But what Kagome?” Both girls turned to glance at Rin standing a few feet away, tears of her own streaming down her cheeks. “What else is more magnificent then the relationship you two have?”

 

Kagome shook her head and wrapped her arms around her body, “when I told him, he was furious. He was angry and vengeful. We had nasty arguments that led to a lot of feelings being hurt. But never once has he asked me to stay with him. He hasn't…” the dam broke and tears dripped down her cheeks, “he hasn't asked me to stay because he doesn't want me to.”

 

Rin shook hr head, “maybe…and this is just a thought, but maybe he just doesn't want you believing that he held you back. Maybe he wants to see you live up your dream, even if it isn't with him.”

 

Kagome grit her teeth together. “No…you don't get it…” looking up, she just about hollered, “don't make this harder then it all ready is! It's to late for second chances!”

 

Sango frowned. “It's never to late, Kagome…there are just those not willing to try.” Seeing the conversation going nowhere, Sango shook her head and looked to her watch. “Look, times flying by. We're going to go get our manicures and pedicures then go home and deal with all of this later.”

 

Kagome glanced back at Sango as she nudged her to move. “Are you this bossy with Miroku?”

 

Sango nodded, “yeah…and he loves it.”

 

A smile cracked on all three faces as they slowly made their way back up 9th AVE.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~~*

 

 

InuYasha grunted as the tailor made alterations to the tuxedo he stood on the small pedestal trying on. Sesshoumaru leaned against the far wall, a garment bag in hand and a scowl on his face. “I swear, baka…if you had simply gone to the tailor as I had told you to…”

 

InuYasha rolled his eyes and got off the pedestal as the man backed away. “Gods, that took long enough!”

 

The man eyed InuYasha then responded in a rather heavy New York accent, “you wan' me to alter da tux at the las' minute, wha' da you expect? I'm only doin' this `cause your brother is payin' an arm and a leg.”

 

InuYasha stared at the man speaking English then replied in English, “sorry it is such a burden. Damn…” he turned and rolled his eyes again.

 

Miroku stood up from the chair and stretched before moving to have his tux inspected. “InuYasha…I really thought you had made it to the tailor.”

 

InuYasha narrowed his eyes. “You didn't.”

 

Miroku felt his lips twitch from his frown. “I'm sorry…I never said anything about myself.”

 

InuYasha flipped him off then changed out of his suit. “So…you're really gonna get married, ey' Bastard?”

 

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, “so it seems. Though by Youkai custom I'm already married to Rin…and have been since I marked her.”

 

Miroku turned suddenly, sending the tailor into a screaming fit. “You marked her? Damn, and I thought I was asking for kids. Ain't it now anytime you two go at it, you can get her pregnant?”

 

Sesshoumaru sighed and shook his head. “It's slightly more complicated then that…but it's nothing that you need to understand, Houshi.”

 

Miroku shrugged and threw a sheepish grin at the furious tailor.

 

Sesshoumaru glanced at InuYasha, studying the brooding glower that plagued his face. Casually…nearly to causally, he got up and wandered to the window to stare out at the city from his office window. His office in the Taisho firm was about the size of three of InuYasha's bedrooms combined. On the 82sd floor of the Time Life building, the view was amazing. “InuYasha…”

 

InuYasha tensed, he knew what was coming. “What is it, Bastard?”

 

Sesshoumaru straightened his back and looked over his shoulder. “Join me for a moment.”

 

InuYasha narrowed his eyes. “I think I'll pass.”

 

Sesshoumaru blinked and quickly retorted, “It wasn't a request.”

 

InuYasha rolled his eyes and dragged his feet to stand by his brother. “What?”

 

Sesshoumaru kept his eyes to the skyline. “What happened between you and Kagome?”

 

Somewhere behind the two, Miroku flinched and made a face. “I don't think that's a good subject…”

 

Sesshoumaru sneered and threw a hostile gaze over his shoulder, “I was not speaking with you, Houshi. Keep out of this.”

 

Miroku threw his hands up and shook his head, “All right then. Butting out.”

 

InuYasha sighed and slid his hands into his jean pockets. Rocking on his feet, he looked to the floor. “It's…a long running thing, I guess. Senior year, we were okay…a few arguments here and there. Then, when you took Rin and left after the summer…we started arguing more. She started school, I started work…and it was like everything simply exploded.”

 

Sesshoumaru folded his hands in front of his body. “Relationships do not simply explode, InuYasha. People do things wrong and then they fall apart in just cause. The question I pose to you is what happened that triggered this melt down?”

 

InuYasha grunted and looked away. “I didn't do anything wrong.” Miroku coughed violently and InuYasha shot him a dark glower then continued, “shut the fuck up, letch!” Catching a look that promised hell from his brother, he digressed, “well…I may be drinking more as of late.” Seeing the look from Sesshoumaru, he bristled, “I ain't drinking that much. Maybe a couple beers every other night.”

 

Sesshoumaru whirled around, “are you kidding me? A couple beers, InuYasha? No wonder she wishes you dead.”

 

InuYasha winced, feeling somewhat stabbed in the heart by his words. He quickly acquired a rather chalky taste in his mouth as he fumbled out, “She doesn't want me dead…”

 

Sesshoumaru raised an eyebrow, “that was the mantra I heard being chanted last night…which mind you, if it happens again, I will not hesitate to throw you both out. I have to pick Ryen up for the airport tomorrow and the last thing I want is to hear his opinions over this.”

 

InuYasha shrugged, “he ain't happy.” Saying Ryen wasn't happy was saying the least of it. His uncle took every moment he could to corner InuYasha about his relationship with Kagome. He said he did it under justice, InuYasha felt otherwise.

 

“Nor am I, but I shall keep my opinions to myself.”

 

InuYasha's attention perked. “Bullshit. Much like Ryen, you can't keep your trap shut! What do you think?”

 

Sesshoumaru looked over his brother then sneered, “I always thought she could do better.”

 

Miroku groaned from where he stood. “Damn Sessh, kick him where it hurts.” He stepped away from the tailor and thanked him for the time. The man left as Miroku approached the brothers.

 

InuYasha tried to play it cool…play it off that his words simply reflected, but that struck something deep down in him…a fear that had been brewing in him since the first day he met her. He quickly adverted his eyes to try to keep his emotions his own.

 

Sesshoumaru noticed. “What happened, InuYasha? When I left after our two weeks at the beach house…you two seemed inseparable.”

 

InuYasha closed his eyes and put his forehead to the glass. “I fucked it up. I started drinking, I started letting the job get to me. So not only was Kagome dealing with school and keeping the house clean, she was like my babysitter when I was home…which hasn't been often. Then…I really fucked it all.” He slowly sunk down against the wall and banged his head backwards. “I forced her into this corner…and she hates me for it.”

 

Miroku sat down next to the brothers. His eyebrows furrowed as he leaned closer. “You haven't even told me the truth…so come clean. Just exactly what did happen?”

 

InuYasha closed his eyes, willing his heart to stop hurting. “I…” god the pain hurt. He knew he had destroyed everything, and then Kagome just kept adding the gas to the burning fire. “I got drunk on our three year anniversary. I completely forgot…I got involved with a really big case and ended up having to shoot two teenagers on the street. It was…horrible; I mean hell, they were like two years younger then me. And then all I could think about was that it would have been me. That if I hadn't of been saved by you, Sessh…and Kagome…that it would have been me dealin' that crap with Bankotsu and Hiten. I had one drink with all intentions of going home. But a little turned into a few shots, then a few shots became bottles…and I was so piss drunk, I don't remember a lot of the night. All I know is that I went home, Kagome was pissed and then we ended up in the bedroom. I woke up and she was in the bathroom.” Pulling his face from the glass, he ran his hands down his flesh. “I couldn't remember anything…and the last time…” he shivered and wrapped his arms around his body. “I was so afraid to go into that bathroom. I just kept seeing flashbacks of when you took me to Kerensa's…and then when Rin…” He paused, stood up and walked away from the boys. Pacing the room, he resembled a caged animal. “I was horrified to think that I might have hurt her. Then she came out of the bathroom and seemed fine. I pulled her to the bed and tried to get her to tell me what happened…but she wouldn't look me in the eye. All she kept saying was that she was okay and that she was hungry. I grabbed her wrist and screamed at her to tell me what I had done to make her hate me; I overreacted, I'll admit it. She asked if I even remembered what the day before was…and I didn't. She slapped me…twice, actually…then went back into the bathroom.” He sighed and shook his head. “I got my shit and left. I was gone for about a week. I spent the entire fucking time just thinking. Well…thinking and drinking. I stayed with Bankotsu and he was very little help. All he kept saying was `I knew this was going to happen'. That little shit probably did to.

 

“ By time I got back, everything was different. Gone was the Kagome I fell in love with…and in her place…was this shell of the girl I used to know. And I could keep thinking was…this is my fault. But I can't stop…it's like she infuriates me into screaming. Some time I think she says what she does simply to get a reaction. All we do is fight, argue, and avoid each other.”

 

Sesshoumaru stared at his brother then walked to his desk. Sitting down in the overly large leather chair, he folded his fingers into a steeple. “It sounds to me, little brother, that you should seek counseling.”

 

InuYasha rolled his eyes. “Fuck that…I'm not some type of psychopath or addict.”

 

Sesshoumaru cocked an eyebrow and made motion to stand, “do you mean to imply that this Sesshoumaru's mate is?”

 

InuYasha sighed and shook his head. “No…not at all. That's different. Look, I'm not sick, it's just a few drinks here and then.”

 

Miroku added snidely, “and then, and then and then!” Regarding his friend, he shrugged his shoulders. “You're always drinking, Yash…maybe Sessh is right. Maybe AA is the way to go.”

 

InuYasha turned away. “Fuck that shit.”

 

Sesshoumaru closed his eyes and pressed his lips against his lifted fingers. “Brother…do you love Kagome?”

 

A nod was his reply.

 

“Do you with to be with her?”

 

Another nod.

 

“If counseling would keep her by your side, would you try it?”

 

InuYasha threw his hands up and started prowling the room again. “If I thought it would help, yes. But she's given up. She's moving to California in July.”

 

Sesshoumaru lifted his head so fast; some would swear his hair cracked like a whip. “California? Why? Are you going with her?”

 

InuYasha shook his head no. “Ryen needs me…and unlike her, family comes first. Her mother…her mother doesn't want her to go but she says she needs to. I asked her if she was going to get away from me and she wouldn't answer. She applied the week I was gone. Look…I'm cutting my losses by just letting this go to hell. She'll be gone and I'll…” he stopped walking as his face took on a distinct hue of anguish. “I'll be miserable…and alone.”

 

Miroku moved to put his hand on InuYasha's shoulder. The boy swatted it away. “You're never alone, Inu…no matter how much you piss me off I'll always be here for you!”

 

InuYasha sunk to the floor and braced himself against the wall. Lowering his head into his hands, he muttered, “I can't believe I lost her. After everything we went through…I still managed to fuck it all up and lose her.”

 

Sesshoumaru crouched next to the boy and narrowed his eyes. “Have you asked her not to go?”

 

InuYasha muttered through flesh, “what good would that do? She hasn't asked me to go with her…she doesn't care.”

 

Sesshoumaru shrugged, “for starters, it would be a good way to remind her that you're still in love with her.”

 

Miroku let his lips fall into a thin line. “InuYasha…that's something I think you two have always missed the bigger part of. Love. You two use the words frivolously…and then when you need something, you've used it up. You can't name what you're feeling. You don't know how to relate to her.” He scratched his head and looked to Sesshoumaru. “Sessh…what has been the most sensual moment you've had with Rin?”

 

Sesshoumaru lifted his eyes very slowly, “hentai, I hardly find this the time to speak of such matters!”

 

Miroku narrowed his eyes. “Please, I'm trying to make a point.”

 

Sesshoumaru sighed and sat down next to InuYasha. “To me? When we first moved into the new house. We didn't have power so we built a fire in the fireplace…” He tinged pink to the cheeks and looked away. “I shall say no more.”

 

Miroku contained his grin. “And tell me, during this sensual time, did you at any point call her names, ask her if she liked what you were doing in a derogative sense?”

 

InuYasha held up a hand, “are you well enough done?”

 

Miroku quickly replied, “not even close, but do you get my point. Since high school, all you've done is bang the girl like a drum. You've never made anything special…you've never taken the time to do anything that curled her toes.”

 

InuYasha sneered, “I've curled her toes plenty…oh shit.” Burying his head, ration fell on him like a load of bricks, “That was it, wasn't it; the whole girly atmosphere of love and crap? Damn! I'm not good at that; I'm not a chick! I admit I think with my dick…I admit that I am a dick! I can't just…no…” somewhere inside of him, the self justification was not working. He knew…he had known it then and he knew it now…he had never given her any respect he had never given her the lover she needed, the love she deserved. While he had never used her…he never reinforced their relationship. While he had always loved her…he had never really worshiped her, as he should have. Somewhere, deep inside his mind, something that burned him worse then an iron called out, `you've simply used her body and destroyed her soul.' He swallowed down a golf ball sized lump in his throat, praying for it to stop.

 

Sesshoumaru reached over and swatted the boy on the head. “And do you think me a girl? Even I know how to pleasure my mate without calling her a whore, InuYasha.”

 

InuYasha hardly heard his brother's words. The voice was still taunting him, still calling to him in hushed voices. Somewhere, a voice that seemed detached of emotions responded, “What good is all of this now? She doesn't want me…she is moving away…”

 

Sesshoumaru crossed his arms, “then follow her. Was it not you who swore to follow her to the ends of the earth?”

 

InuYasha slowly brought himself back around the reality. The voice was quieter now…it's devastating words still ringing loud and clear through his mind. Snapping his attention to his brother, he shook his head. “It was a promise I made when I had no responsibility. I can't, Ryen needs me! I refuse to leave the man I owe my life to hanging high and dry.”

 

Miroku rolled his eyes. “Fuck Ryen…he'll be fine with me and Sango.” He raised an eyebrow forcing his point, “besides, I think Ryen would understand.”

 

InuYasha raised an eyebrow, “what about your forensic sciences? I thought you wanted a degree. If I leave, you'll never get it.”

 

Miroku shrugged, “unlike some, I can multitask. I'll work more and sleep less.”

 

Sesshoumaru stood up and helped his brother to his feet. “I shall handle Ryen…I just want you to talk to Kagome. I think you two need to have a serious conversation where you admit to her what you just told us. Tell her not to go…tell her that you love her and don't want to lose her. Because, brother…you will; she will walk out of your life and be gone.”

 

InuYasha nodded dumbly. “I will…” somehow, deep down, he knew it would do no good, he decided to try…if not for his brother's sake, then for Kagome.

 

~*~**~*~*~*~**~~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~**~*~*~*~*

 

The dinner table was rather quiet, all to busy in their little worlds of commiseration to comment. Rin was beginning to get the jitters about the upcoming wedding and had been nauseous since the spa; Sesshoumaru was busy with tending to work issues he didn't want unresolved as he and Rin toured Europe for their honeymoon. Miroku and Sango had started discussing the possibility of their marriage when they returned and somehow had managed to freak each other out over the thoughts. Kagome and InuYasha hadn't said a word since their respected trips. Kagome was the first to move from the table. Standing, she shot a pathetic smile to Rin. “Thank you for dinner…excuse me…” Turning, she just about fled the room.

 

InuYasha grunted and stood, also thanking Rin for the food then followed Kagome. Pausing at the bathroom, he immediately recognized the sound of retching. He opened the doors lock with his claw and paused. Kagome was bent over the toilet, obviously had just thrown up, sweat coating her fore head and her cheek resting on the cool porcelain frame. Not opening her eyes, she commented, “You don't have to follow me. Go be with your brother, you don't see him much.”

 

InuYasha bit down the gibe. Why did she always provoke him? `is she even provoking you, baka?' The voice called back. `All she is doing is saying for you to be with your brother. Maybe this is the reason she doesn't want to be with you!' He closed the door behind him and moved to her side. Pausing at the sink to wet a washcloth, he kneeled next to her. Gently he dragged the material over her flushed cheeks, one hand wrapped gingerly around her head, the other gently wiping her face. in as patient and collected of a voice as he could muster, he forced out, “What's the matter? You don't smell sick.”

 

Kagome made a face. “The food didn't sit right in my stomach.”

 

InuYasha seemed to dislike that answer. Narrowing his eyes, his hand paused, “You ain't doin' something stupid, wench, are you?”

 

Kagome opened one eye and asked carefully, “stupid like what?”

 

InuYasha glanced at the floor, unable to voice his fear. Instead he shook his head. “Forget about it. Are you okay now?”

 

Kagome nodded then gasped as InuYasha gently wrapped two arms around her to help her to her feet. She paused at the sink to wash out her mouth. Glancing up in the mirror, she nearly dropped the glass. The reflection of the two of them…the way they had aged…the difference from then to now. Very slowly she put her hand out to touch the mirror, tears springing into her eyes. “Oh Gods…what have we become?”

 

InuYasha buried his face in her hair, willing away his own tears. “Kagome…I…I'm sorry.” All will power went out the doors. Tears gushed from his eyes as he clung to her for dear life. Pulling her against his chest, he embraced her. “I am so sorry baby. Oh god, what have I done to you? What have I made you become?”

 

Kagome turned around and wrapped her arms around his midsection. “InuYasha…no, don't you apologize. All I've done is be a bitch and…”

 

Pressing a finger to her lips, InuYasha kissed her gently. “Don't say that.” the two rested in silence, embracing each other for the emotions they thought long dead. They searched desperately in each other's soul for the place they belonged. Never before had they realized just how destroyed each one truly was.

 

Kagome tenderly put her hand over his heart and lifted her eyes to his, “I love you…”

 

InuYasha closed his eyes and lowered his head to rest against hers. the words that followed were like knives.

 

“…InuYasha…we can't keep going on like this.”

 

InuYasha nodded numbly, praying his brother was right. Dropping the toilet lid, he sat himself down and pulled her into his arms. “Kagome…I have a lot to say to you. I…I fucked all of this up, and if you don't want me…if you…don't want to stay…I'll understand. I know you feel that you need to move on, that you need to get away because of how I've been…and…I want you to know that I'm sorry…that I never meant for it to be this way.”

 

Kagome closed her eyes, her heart ripping in two. “InuYasha…I can't keep doing this. I can't keep making these decisions to help myself only to have you come back with some mystical revelation.”

 

InuYasha winced and brought his lips to hers. “Please baby…” pressing then against hers, a fire burned inside of him. It wasn't one of lust…it was rather cold…rather dead. Pulling back, he slowly realized she hadn't kissed him back. Closing his eyes, tears leaked out of the corners. “I've lost you…haven't I? It's to late…”

 

Kagome swallowed hard, her own tears mixing with his in a river of despair. “ I wish it weren't…”

 

Clenching his jaw, InuYasha worked through his emotions. `she can't leave, she can't! I can't lose her…I can't let her walk out!'

 

Kagome blinked away her tears as her hands idly stroked the ears on top of his head, trying to calm him as well as herself. “I…I don't know what to do anymore, Yash. I have to get out of Japan…it's killing me.”

 

InuYasha flicked his ears out of her grasp then lowered then to his head. Pulling away from her, his teary golden orbs searched hers. “If I said I'd go with you…it wouldn't matter…would it?” the question was rhetorical, laced with hostility, cynicism for the knowledge that he had lost her.

 

Kagome bit her tongue to keep from crying. She failed. Falling forward, she wrapped her arms around him and sobbed.

 

 

~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~~**~*~

 

 

The wedding was beautiful. The pastel hues of light blue and white settled together against the morning sky, as the couple stood under the gazebo set up in the national park. Sesshoumaru underneath the floral embroidered archway watching the girls walk down the isle. The guests were limited, but included a lot of friends Rin had made through school and work in the states, along with older friends from back home. Sesshoumaru had his guests that were business associates, all attending to pay their respect to the eldest Taisho son. Sango and Miroku walked the isle, followed by InuYasha and Kagome. Sesshoumaru felt his heart catch in his throat as the piano began to play Cannon in D minor. Rin appeared in the doorway and life suddenly made sense. The façade that so often ensnared Sesshoumaru melted away and the man who had flourished from the once foolhardy boy emerged. A smile graced his lips as he watched her walk down the isle, escorted by his uncle. Ryen had been more then willing to walk the girl down the isle, yet had also jibbed that it would be hard for him to hand her over.

 

Rin met Sesshoumaru's golden gaze and felt her knees wobble. Standing in the morning sunlight with the rays glistening off his silver hair, she could swear she was staring at the angel Gabriel. His molten stare caught onto her and she found herself trapped in amber. Ryen caught her as she felt herself grow weak once more, helping her stay on her feet and to keep from making a complete fool of herself on the isle.

 

Reaching the end, Ryen slowly lifted up the veil that masked her flawless face and kissed her cheeks. “You look beautiful, Rin.” with a glance to his nephew, he inclined his head and joined Kauai in the garden chairs.

 

The priest they had brought out from the city began to ceremony. Tears of joy marred Rin's face as she slowly glanced about her. Her friends, her family…her world was here, in her presence…witnessing this moment she had one day swore would never happen. Everything had been so dark…so hopeless. She had committed herself to an early death what felt like decades prior and then he had come. He was her knight in shining armor…the love of her life. He stole her away from that nightmare and sheltered her from anything that could hurt her. He gave her life.

 

Unconsciously, she laced her hand into his. She swallowed as he stole a quick glimpse out of the corner of his eye and smiled; `Gods, that smile!' She glanced to her right and linked eyes with her friends. Both Sango and Kagome were crying like babies, tears streaking through the pale foundation on their faces. She smiled sweetly at them and giggled, then looked back to the priest as Sesshoumaru squeezed her hand. They had thought of having a traditional Japanese ceremony, as Sesshoumaru would have wished…but Rin absolutely refused to change clothing three times…or listen to a Buddhist priest for two hours. Sesshoumaru had adamantly refused to let Miroku marry them…Rin thought it would have been amusing. Instead they had come to the conclusion to hire a more non-denominational priest; or should it be said, someone who could wear the robes without judgment.

 

The priest smiled at the couple and asked for them to present their prior written vows. InuYasha stepped forward and handed his brother the two-carat ring along with the tiny sheet of paper that contained the vows he was to read. Taking the items, InuYasha used his free hand to slap his brother's shoulder twice; his amber eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Sesshoumaru turned slowly to face Rin with a look of a steady concentration on his face. Taking her hands, she was amazed to find how much he was shaking. He swallowed hard and tipped the ring to her finger. “Rin…I love you. I've loved you since the day I set eyes on you…and that only grows by leaps and bounds every day. Each morning I'm blessed to be able to wake up to find you next to me, and I pray to god for sending you to me. I'd be lost without you…you're my sun, my moon…you're my universe. You taught me how to accept the others around me, you taught me how to open up. And you never cease to amaze me. And something tells me, in the centuries to come, you never will. I love you…so much…and if you'll have me, I want to be by your side forever.” He leaned forward and slid the ring over her finger as she mouthed, “always.” Bringing his lips to her forehead, he gave her a chaste kiss.

 

Rin closed her eyes as his heated flesh touched her forehead, giving her the strength to open her mouth. She felt a tap on her shoulders and turned to grab the ring from Kagome, waving off her vows. Much like Sesshoumaru, she had written down her vows but didn't need to see them…she already knew them by heart. She kissed Kagome's cheek then turned back to Sesshoumaru, a light dusting of blush touching her cheeks. She reached out and captured his hand in hers, her bright gray eyes meeting his. “I wanted to write and tell you how much I love you…I wanted to somehow express in words just what you've helped me feel…how you've helped me grow over these past four years. I wanted to tell you just what having you by my side has meant, but I can't. I don't think that the right words have ever been created, in any language, to express just how much I love you.” bringing her free hand to his face, she traced his cheeks with the flat of her fingers. “I don't think I will ever be able to let you know just what you mean to me…that without you, I would never of lived this long. You are my hero, Sesshoumaru…you're everything I've ever needed, or wanted. You're my life…my soul. And I can only hope that we will have these promised centuries together because I want to prove to you just how much I love you.” tears slid down her cheeks as she slid the golden band down his finger. “I will always love you.”

 

Wrapping their hands together, Sesshoumaru pulled Rin forward to press against his chest. Glancing at the priest with a rather impatient glower, the man hurried along, “under witness of all those present and the eyes of God, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

 

Sesshoumaru leaned down and brushed his lips over Rin's while murmuring, “forever suddenly doesn't seem long enough.”

 

Rin smiled and pressed her lips against his. “It's a start.” Sesshoumaru captured the rest of her words and soul in his lips, smothering hers in the first kiss of their marriage.

 

~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~**~~**~*

 

Rin stood next to Sesshoumaru, laughing as the flashes nearly blinded her. Putting a hand in front of her eyes, she nearly doubled over with laugher as Sesshoumaru wrapped his arm around her waist. “Honestly, cut it with the cameras! Its just cake!”

 

A couple more flashes shot off before Sesshoumaru's low growl brought it to a quick end. Turning towards each other, the newly weds regarded the beautiful wedding cake. Deciding to go with something less traditional, the couple had decided on getting a wedding cake that resembled a stack of presents. The design was so unique and so perfect that many had thought the cake presents. Stacked layer upon layer, the five-layer cake was cut into perfectly square boxes, each decently smaller then the one under it. The icing was an eggshell white with yellow icing in rivets done, bows and ribbons down the sides. Sesshoumaru took the cutting knife and stared at it for a moment before handing it to Rin with a smile. Rin took it, glanced at the elegant silver engraving then raised an eyebrow. “You sure you want me to do this?”

 

From the sidelines, Miroku jeered, “come on Rin…you should be used to handling long sticks!”

 

Even before Sesshoumaru could move, Ryen cuffed the boy's ears.

 

Rin laughed and blew Miroku a kiss from his position on the floor and then turned to Sesshoumaru. “Together,” she proposed.

 

Sesshoumaru smiled and took her hand in his, efficiently cutting the cake. More flashes and more cheers followed.

 

It only took the cooks a moment to cut the cake into pieces, leaving the first for the bride and groom. Rin held the plate in her hand, a taunting smile on her face as she stared at her husband. He had his weapon as well. Sesshoumaru stared at Rin and mouthed, “be nice.”

 

Rin flashed a gorgeous smile, one full of evil promises.

 

Sesshoumaru carefully picked out a piece of cake with the tips of his fingers and fed it to his wife, completing the nearly full traditional American wedding. Rin received the cake without problem, smiling as he leaned in and kissed her. He nearly groaned as she flicked her tongue over her lips with a smile that held more promises for the night to come.

 

Rin stole a glance towards Kagome and then laughed. Picking up a small piece in her fingers, a devilish smile on her face. “Come here dear.” Sesshoumaru leaned forward, his eyes never leaving hers, even as she managed to move quicker then his hands and mash the larger chunk of the cake in her other hand square in his face. The Youkai pulled back, wiping the cake and icing from his cheeks then stared at her.

 

Ryen, of course, was the first to laugh…and laugh. The room, at least those who knew Sesshoumaru personally, burst into laugher as some others questioned the interaction with wide eyes.

 

Sesshoumaru licked the rest of the icing off his lips and managed to grab Rin around her waist. “You were supposed to behave.”

 

Rin shrieked with laughter as InuYasha grabbed Sesshoumaru another piece of cake. Dabbing his fingers in the icing, the Youkai brought one to her nose. “Beg for mercy.”

 

Rin laughed louder and squirmed in his arms. “This is not the time to have me beg!”

 

“Oi!” Sesshoumaru wiped the icing over her nose then pulled his hand back, still more to go. “That was uncalled for!”

 

Rin laughed, “Says you!

 

Sesshoumaru cocked an eyebrow. “I'm serious Rin!”

 

Rin cringed as more icing found its way to her cheeks. “Sesshoumaru! I can't lick this off! I have makeup on!”

 

Sesshoumaru relented, letting her slip from his hold on her waist. Grabbing her hand, he twirled her around to bring the rest of the cake to her lips. Leaning forward, he kissed both cheeks, wiping off the icing that had remained. “You're amazing, Rin.”

 

Rin laughed and kissed her husband back, “and that's why you love me!”

 

Ryen tapped the champagne glass he hand in his hand and nodded towards the couple. A few others chimed in.

 

Rin stood on her toes and brought her mouth to Sesshoumaru's. “I love you.”

 

Sesshoumaru chuckled and kissed her passionately, “and I you, my queen…”

 

~*~**~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*~*

 

 

The bouquet just happened to find it's way into Sango's grasp…and the garter on Miroku's head…and no more really needed to be said as to just how Miroku got the black eye. InuYasha sat at the table, his hand pressed into a tight fist that rested over his lips as he regarded his injured friend. “I can't believe…” he paused, replaced the fist over his lips and shook his head.

 

Miroku shifted the ice pack and made a face. “I didn't think she'd react so violently.”

 

InuYasha sealed his lips and lowered his fist. Tapping the table twice, he couldn't resist. “You groped her…in front of the wedding party. In front of the two hundred guests…you were just shy of diving under the girl's dress. It's amazing that she only kicked you!” Leaning forward, he lowered his voice. “And you're damn lucky Sesshoumaru has yet to kill you.” shaking his head, he chuckled, “what were you thinking?”

 

Miroku offered a sheepish grin. “Can I claim a temporal loss of sanity?”

 

InuYasha wrinkled his nose and shook his head. Turning to glance at the girls dancing in a circle on the dance floor, he couldn't fight the nostalgia that washed over him, or how it warped his face. “Do you remember senior prom?”

 

Miroku nodded then looked back where InuYasha was staring. A smile erupted across the boys face as he watched the three girls dance in a circle to Abba. “Yes…they were just as beautiful then, weren't they?”

 

InuYasha chuckled, “minus the wedding dress.” His eyes caught onto the raven beauty in the light blue dress and the smile slipped from his face. He blinked twice and adverted his eyes to the table, playing with the knife to his silverware set. He found his throat dry and the skin on his face suddenly growing taut. He forced his eyes closed and took a few deep breaths. “I…I miss those days.”

 

Miroku cringed and leaned forward, putting his hand to InuYasha's back. “Then it's time to recreate them.”

 

InuYasha ran a hand through his ponytail, forcing himself not to let any tears show. It was his brother's day and he'd be damned before making a scene. “Some have given up, Miroku. But hey…you'll be getting married soon…so we can have another dress up day.”

 

Miroku wrinkled his nose and looked around swiftly, “don't make it sound so fucking girly!”

 

InuYasha laughed wryly then shook his head. After a moment of heavy silence, he tried to smoothly add, “She's going anyway.” He couldn't help how his voice cracked.

 

Miroku swallowed hard and sighed. “I'm sorry Yash. I wish I could do something to help.”

 

A glass of champagne came to rest between the two boys' heads as Ryen shoveled his way between the two. Wrapping his arms around both men, the older Youkai laughed, “You guys are sitting here like bumps on a log. You're young…you can live it up. Get the hell up and go dance with your girls.”

 

Miroku shot a glower at Ryen as if mentally trying to shut the demon's mouth. “We're okay, Ryen.”

 

Ryen pointed behind him at three of Sesshoumaru's male colleagues sitting at a table close to the dance floor. “See the blond?” Miroku nodded. “He's been eyeing Sango all night.”

 

Miroku stood up and took off his suit coat. Loosening his tie, he needed no more goading. “Sorry Yash…my beauty calls…I'm serious though, take the dive, guy. It might be worth it.” With that the boy waded off into the crowded dance floor.

 

Ryen watched Miroku vanish in the crowd of fancy dresses and champagne then turned his attention towards his youngest nephew. Keeping his arm around his shoulders, Ryen drawled, “you're sulking.”

 

InuYasha hardly spared him a glance. “And you're drunk.”

 

Ryen made a face and pulled his arm away from the boy, slapping him across the back of the head gently on the way. “I'm not drunk…I may have had a couple beers…or drinks…”

 

InuYasha slowly turned his head to his uncle. “What do you want, old man?”

 

Ryen blinked and didn't miss a beat. “To see you smile again.”

 

InuYasha looked past Ryen's shoulder to link eyes with the girl of his dreams…the one he couldn't reach. Without breaking his concentrated stare on the girl, he responded hoarsely, “sometimes we can't always get what we want, now can we?”

 

Ryen leaned forward and put his hand over InuYasha's. “Sometimes, the things we want are worth fighting for.”

 

InuYasha recoiled as if burnt and kicked his chair backwards. “Damnit, old man! Stop speaking in fucking riddles! It's all you've done since I met you! You think I don't want to fight for her? You don't think I've tried? Apparently, I'm damned if I do and damned if I don't. So tell me…tell me what the hell I'm supposed to do? She wants to leave me, she isn't willing to try…and I can't go with her.”

 

Ryen rubbed his neck and crossed his arms, glancing around them at the prying eyes. “Yash…control your temper.”

 

InuYasha looked as if he could kill. Walking in a tight circle, he rubbed his mouth with a closed fist. “Do you even know what you're saying to me? Damnit Ryen, the only reason I'm not going with Kagome is because of you! You need my help! You need…”

 

Ryen sighed loudly and held up a hand. Standing from the chair, he towered over the boy. “Do not, for one moment, push your insecurities onto me. You fear moving with Kagome because of how much your relationship is in the gutter. You fear what your future holds so you're willing to let her slip through your fingers just so you don't have to face it if you don't last.”

 

InuYasha dropped his shoulders, a look of completely disbelief on his face. “I already lost her Ryen…what more do I have to lose? I will not abandon family, I'm sorry you don't understand that.”

 

Ryen reached down and grabbed the boy's arm. Dragging him away from the scene he was just short of creating, he dragged him onto the terrace of the Chapter house that overlooked the skyline of New York City…the furthest point on the New Jersey side into the Hudson River. Leaning against the black railing, Ryen crossed his arms. “Now vent.”

 

InuYasha stared at Ryen for a moment then moved to rest his arms against the railing, his head bowed. “I asked her to stay…I asked her not to leave me, to give me one more chance.”

 

Ryen widened his eyes and leaned forward, commiseration clouting his face. He chewed on his words for a moment before wrapping his arm around InuYasha's shoulders. “I'm sorry…I didn't know….”

 

InuYasha closed his eyes and shook his head, for once leaning on the Youkai for support. He felt as if this life had been snatched from his lungs, as if his entire body was about to collapse. `Is this what it feels like to die on the inside?' he wondered, not for the first time. “I've been on the couch the last two nights. I can't even bring myself to talk to her.” Closing his eyes, he ground out, “you were right. I'm a fuck up and it took me destroying her and what I had left to realize it.”

 

Ryen sighed deeply then fished out a pack of cigarettes from the inside of his tux. Pulling out the pack, he offered one to InuYasha, who gladly accepted. Only after the first drag of nicotine hit his system did Ryen speak. “About that.” He turned slowly and stared at his nephew. Both men stood, resting their chests against the railings and their hands dangling freely off the edge. Together they seemed like siblings. “I'm sorry.”

 

InuYasha slowly lifted his head and stared at his uncle aghast. “Did you seriously just apologize to me?”

 

Ryen rolled his eyes then nodded. “Look…I was hard on you when you were in high school. I said a lot of things that…might have been harsh. But…I figured that you realized it back then, that I wasn't picking on you but trying to persuade you into being all you could be.”

 

InuYasha laughed a rather empty laugh. “It wasn't the fucking army, Ryen.” Turning his head, he tossed his uncle a pathetic smile, “but for what it's worth, I know. I never really took any of the criticism to heart.”

 

Ryen shrugged and tapped the end of his cigarettes against the railing. “But I ain't gonna sugar coat this. You fucked up something fierce, and there is a good chance that it cost you the girl you're in love with.”

 

InuYasha sighed deeply before turning his amber eyes to glare out into the midnight blue sky. “I…I can't believe I lost her.” Clenching his hand into a fist, tears once against reared their head in his eyes. “Damnit, you don't know how much I hate myself for it.”

 

A very soft cough echoed from the door behind the two gentlemen. Ryen turned around and bowed his head. Stepping away from InuYasha, who had yet to turn around, he made a hasty exit. InuYasha felt his back tense with every step that fell on the soft patio floor. He knew she was standing behind him and yet he still couldn't face her…he didn't want to see the pain in her eyes, the lingering wisps of a crushed heart. With his shattered heart in his throat, he grasped the banister harder in his clenched fists.

 

Arms wrapped around his waist and a head came to rest in the middle of his back. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe. Their bodies rose and fell synchronized, their eyes both staring out into the dark abyss of night. Forgotten memories…or memories better forgotten fluttered through their brain, behind their eyes. Times when they were happy…something that now seemed unreachable…irreproachable.

 

“This is what he saw…isn't it.”

 

InuYasha nodded dully. “Yeah…it is.”

 

Kagome closed her eyes as fresh tears grated at the raw skin of her cheeks. She had a feeling for years that somehow, that day that Rin announced her engagement to Sesshoumaru that Bankotsu had prophesized the end of their relationship. She had told herself different for months, years even. But now, standing in the cold dark of night, hugging a man who hated himself because of her…she realized it was the truth. There wasn't another path anymore…there was no guiding light. All that remained of them was the dying light of the small candle on the terrace table. Gone was that safety; gone was her sense of security. He was beyond her now…and even if she had convinced him that she still loved him, that they should be together, it would only last for a moment, barely enough to hold onto. Swallowing hard, she slowly opened her eyes. “And when tonight's over…”

 

InuYasha felt his heart pound against his ribs, the desperate need to grab her and never let go overwhelming him. His entire body trembled; she was like kryptonite to him. Searching for the right words, words he never wanted to hear, words he would have sooner destroyed his eardrums for hearing spewed from his mouth, “and when tonight's over…you're leaving…aren't you.” More rhetoric questions, more broken hearts.

 

Kagome's silence answered the question he already knew the answer to. She grabbed onto his waist harder and pressed herself against him, praying that something would change, that he would say he'd go with her…that he would say he loved her…that someone would allow them to go back in time and smooth over the damage. They had destroyed each other utterly. Her jaw clenched and her entire body racked with a sob. “I…”

 

InuYasha turned in her arms, his eyes burning into hers. She expected him to be angry, she expected him to yell as he had a few nights prior. She expected him to hate her. What she wasn't ready for were the tears that were streaking his cheeks or the soft kiss he placed on her forehead. “Dance with me?”

 

Kagome choked on her response, unintelligent words fumbling from her lips. His hands came to rest on her sides as she turned her face to rest her cheek against his chest. She closed her eyes as they started to sway like branches in a mild wind to the music that echoed from inside the reception. Their movements held little emotion, just the simple refusal to let go, to release the other from their grasp. It was a dance of two desperate souls, each begging for unredeemable salvation. They swayed until the candle on the terrace flickered in the wind, enduring the harsh lashing of the mighty breeze for as long as it could, and then like all things, it faded away into the prevailing night.

 

 

~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*

 

Kagome lay on her side, staring at the pale yellow wallpaper of the bedroom wall. The paint was chipping at the top of the wall, a much brighter and pristine white lay underneath of the dirt and grime. For a moment, Kagome wondered if she ripped all the wallpaper down if it would make a difference. `Would it clean the slate…start something new?' Next to her, the body under the covers moved and she bit down the reaction to jump. White hair mixed with raven as an arm snaked around her, cradling her against a broad muscular chest. Kagome indulged for a moment in the warmth, in the security and in the familiarity of a body she would not feel again. Letting go had been impossible…they had hardly been able to separate to say goodnight to those in the party before seeing Sesshoumaru and Rin out. The newly weds had stayed at a hotel in the city that Sesshoumaru had easily secured. The offer had been handed down to the wedding party to join them yet they all refused. Planes were leaving, people were parting, and goodbyes were hard enough. Tears filled her eyes as she slowly sat up in bed, her naked back glistening in the pale light of the morning sun. It was hardly beyond seven AM. She slowly pulled herself from bed, forcing InuYasha to relinquish his grasp on her body. She slid into the terrycloth robe and walked to the bathroom. She acted out her morning routine void of any emotion, refusing to allow her mind a moment to think about what she was doing.

 

Standing under the blast of water, her hand traced over sides, the heat from his hands still felt present, still felt as if it were burning her flesh. That night, they had refused to allow the other to slip from their grasp and had found their way to her bed…had found their way into each other. They had found one night's serenity, only to have it shattered in the morning. Now it was over…the sun had risen on another day…and she was…she was…leaving. A sob retched from her lungs as she sunk to her knees, her tears mixing in with the water of the shower. Four years of love…pain…four years of looking in the eyes of her lover and knowing happiness…pain… four years of hiding from the inevitable…pain. The pain was insurmountable. She felt as if her heart was bleeding out of her chest, melting and merging with the tears that fled her body like rats a sinking ship. Her trembling hands fell upon her eyes, her nails threatening to gouge her eyes out. “I'm not strong enough…I can't…” she fell into another fit of sobs.

 

Outside the bathroom door, golden eyes stared at the windowsill; his heart long shattered ached with trepidation.

 

After what felt like hours, Kagome worked her way to stand, her body seemingly to take on a mind of it's own. She functioned like a robot…a mindless drone. Stepping from the shower, she dried herself off, dried her hair and got dressed. When she stepped out of the bathroom she paused, her heart once again lurching in her chest. He was asleep, or so she thought, his eyes sealed closed. She fought the urge to walk to him, to touch him…to wake him and hug him one more time. A song she had been listening to religiously played silently through her mind, daring her to truly consider its words.

 

`My bags are packed; I'm ready to go. I'm standing here, outside your door. I'd hate to wake you up to say goodbye. But the dawn is breaking, it's early morn', the taxi's waiting…he's blowin' his horn. I'm ready, I'm so lonesome, I could die.'

 

 

Her eyes flickered to the airline tickets on the dresser. Two one way tickets for Japan. An easy way home…home when she wouldn't have to consider leaving him, home when she could be in his arms, where she could touch him, where she could possibly reconstruct her life. But that was back home; back to the pain, back to the memories of when she was happy to mock her from the corners of her mind. Back to what she was trying so desperately to escape from. Reaching around her neck, she undid the clasp of her necklace and set it over the airplane tickets back to Japan. Tears drenched the dresser; fingers traced the necklace that had once meant the world to her, what had promised the world to her. Turning, she grabbed her suitcase and purse. `I will not look back…I can't. I…I have to do this, I have to go now, or I never will.' Downstairs, she could hear the taxi waiting. She had ordered one three nights prior to pick her up; in her purse she had a one-way ticket to California. She could get an early start; maybe find a decent job while she waited for her apartment. Her hand shook as she reached out for the doorknob. She vaguely recognized the fact that her stomach was threatening to spill over its contents all over her shirt.

 

Making quite possibly the worst mistake of her life, she glanced over her shoulder. He wasn't moving, not even in the slightest of ways….it was as if he was holding his breath, waiting for her final decision. Resting her head on the wooden door, she could feel the salty tears biting in the raw gashes on her face, carved into her skin by the months of tears that never seemed to stop. She watched him…studied the back of his head and ached with the want to touch him just one more time. Quietly she sung between silent sobs,

 

“And now the time has come to leave you…one more time, oh let me kiss you. Just close your eyes…and I'll be one…my way.”

 

 

With resolution that tore her heart in half, she ran from the room with her suitcase.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~*

 

 

For forty minutes, InuYasha stood at the window, his hand pressed against the pane with his forehead resting just above it. He had watched her get into the car…watched her drive off into the bleak horizon without looking back. It would have been too hard…for both. He had wanted to go to her when she was crying…he had wanted to capture her in his arms and refuse to let her go. But he had made his case, he had begged…no…pleaded for her to stay with him. She was out of his grasp before they even left Japan…but now, now she was really gone. He was half tempted to run to the airport…to find her and stop her from getting on the plane. But it wasn't his place.

 

InuYasha turned away from the window, his amber eyes falling into a dull yellow haze as he walked numbly to the dresser. It wasn't until he saw what was on the necklace that he finally collapsed to his knees and sobbed. On the desk, on top of the tickets home laid his mother's ring…something he had never even realized she had stopped wearing on her finger months prior.

 

 

~*~*~**~*~*~*~*~~*~*~**~*~*~**~*

 

 

DON'T KILL ME!!!!!!! ::runs away and hides…calls from hidden location::: just remember….TWO more epilogues to go!!!!