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Kagome huddled at the base of what used to be inuyashas tree. Sakura blossoms fluttered to the ground of her home's shrine as waves of melancholy fluttered in her stomach. Her heart sat clenched in her throat because of the memories of her loved ones.
The fight against Naraku was complete and the jewel had been destroyed safely, so she should be happy, right?
She caressed the roots of the tree below her and a splinter made it's way under her skin, it should have stung, but it made her realize how numb she felt. How abandoned and betrayed she felt.
Her hand clenched around the splinter, digging it deeper into her skin, just to feel anything, anything but the tears streaming down her face.
Inuyashas last words to her as they laid in the field had been, "I love you, Kikyo"
Kagome had stopped brushing his hair, frozen in shock, he seemed to have realized his mistake but the damage had been done.
She jumped off the ground and removed the subjugation beads in her fury, "If you love her so much, then just go to hell with her already!"
Even though it was in the heat of the moment, she could see the relief in his eyes and her heart shattered. He didn't care about her.
Kagome tossed the beads to the ground, "Well?! Are you going to deny it?!"
He clenched his fists shut and resolutely avoided her gaze.
At that moment, Kagome was glad that she could leave and never return. Her heart couldn't take this anymore, after everything they had been through, Kikyo was the only woman in his eyes.
That led her to this moment, sitting in regretful silence that she didn't say her goodbyes, especially to the one who had truly loved her.
Her body wracked with sobs so violently, that she didn't even sense or feel the presence of someone else until their hand was laid on her back.
She was startled by the touch and moved out of the fetal position she had put herself in and although her eyes were hazy she could tell exactly who it was.
"Kouga?"
Her voice crackled, to her ears sounding weak and pathetic.
"How? How could you be here?"
Kagome looked around, ensuring that she was still in modern times. Her eyes cleared up after a few blinks and could tell this was not the same Koga she knew. He was older, rugged and was wearing modern clothes.
His eyes were soft as they looked at her, as if she were the only thing left in the world. As if she were precious to him and the sight of it had her breath caught in her throat.
"I've waited a long time to see you again, Kagome." His rough hands caressed her cheek.
Her heart burst at the affectionate touch that she couldn't help but lean into him.
She wanted to respond, apologize for leaving without a word and tell him her story, about why she left, but her throat felt closed up.
Unable to speak, she just cried more, tears fell unbidden from emotions unexpressed.
His expression grew softer as he smiled gently at her.
"It's okay, I know." He kissed her forehead gently, and she coughed out a sob.
He held her through her tears as he whispered words of encouragement in her ear and rubbed her back softly.
She couldn't make out anything through her sobs but once she calmed more, she couldn't mistake his words.
"I love you," he said and finally she looked at him again, shocked at his admission.
The pain in her heart whispered ugly things, telling her she isn't worth his love. Telling her in what sounded like Kikyos voice that she'd never escape her shadow. That she would be doomed to be compared to her.
Instead of returning his feelings, "Why?" came out accusatory and weak.
Her voice trembled as she explained to him how she was unworthy. How she had never given him the time of day and how she had mistreated him. How could he love her? He didn't know her… didn't know just how inadequate she truly was.
Koga held her face firmly between his hands, "I do know you," he rested his forehead on hers, "will you allow me to tell you?"
She almost refused but his pained expression gave her pause and she nodded, unable to say more.
He gave a small sigh of relief and gave her another soft kiss on her forehead, "I love your ingenuity, always giving and never expecting anything in return."
"I love your spirit, never backing away from a fight and giving it your all." He kissed her cheek.
"I love the sparkle in your eyes when you've achieved your goals." He kissed her eyelid.
"I love the way you love fiercely and protectively, refusing to allow harm to come to those you love." She went cross eyed when he kissed the tip of her nose.
He chuckled, "I love learning new things about you, because you never cease to impress me." He kissed her other cheek.
Her heart was racing at every word, the world slowed down as she stared into his eyes. Her mood lightened and the ugly words in her heart silenced.
She put her hand on his as he cupped her cheek, her heart trembling. His breath hitched as they grew closer to each other.
"I love all of you Kagome Higarashi…"
They closed the distance between them, the kiss was unhurried and soft. Patient and understanding, she sighed into it, pouring everything unsaid out.
Her sorrows faded and her heart grew elated with every beat.
They both parted for a breath of air smiling like loons.
Kagome smiled cheekily, "tell me more."