No More What Ifs

#02: Inuyasha (Sesshōmaru & Kagome)
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The fight was over along with their long shard-hunting journey. It had been two weeks since the last battle with Naraku. The Shikon no Tama had returned to her, so no one could wish on it. She and the others had been talking about the right wish, but now, the jewel made the decision for them, which was good for everybody. For the past five years, she had been wondering what she would do when the jewel was restored and which side she would choose, the past or the future?

She made her decision long before the final battle. It was not easy, but they, except for a certain hanyou, accepted her choice nonetheless. She had witnessed Sango and Miroku's wedding as the bride's maid of honour. After exchanging tearful goodbyes with the group, she was ready to return home. Saying goodbye to Shippō was the hardest as she had seen him as her own kit. Nevertheless, they made a promise that he would find her in the future.

And so, here she was, sitting at the lip of the well while waiting for Inuyasha. She knew he would come around and give a proper goodbye. After smoothing her yellow summer dress, she felt his presence behind her.

"Kagome…"

Looking over her shoulder, she smiled. "Sit with me, Inuyasha."

Without giving an answer, he stiffly sat beside her. Inuyasha had gone awfully  quiet since she told them about her decision to leave this era. Strange. She had thought he would have a fit or something. But then, maybe he understood why she did what she did. Knowing his history with Kikyō, they couldn't start a new life together. It was impossible even though Kikyō had left the living world willingly after Naraku was no more. Aside from that fact, her love had also shifted to someone else. How she could fall in love with someone who couldn't and wouldn't love her back was still a mystery, even to herself.

They remained quiet for a long time until both of them uttered the same words, "I'm sorry."

Chuckling softly, she glanced at her first love and hero. "Would you mind if I go first?"

"Keh," he replied while looking away from her. "Go ahead."

She smiled and leaned against his tense shoulder. As soon as he relaxed, she began, "Inuyasha, you might already know this, but I need to tell you that… although it was not the same way as before, I still love you. You're my best friend. I know how you feel about Kikyō, so please don't deny your love for her. I want to leave because this is not where I belong. We both know that. And…"

"You love him," he completed softly.

Gasping, she gaped at him in surprise. "H-how did you know?"

Suddenly, the Inuyasha before her looked so old and wise. "I may be oblivious at times, but I'm not stupid, Kagome."

Her laughter filled the small clearing like a soft chiming bells before commenting, "Well… I guess we both did grow up in the past five years."

He didn't reply verbally. From only one look from his eyes, she knew the answer. Both of them did grow up for the better. Everything was peaceful as they stayed like that for several moments. This was their last moment together, and neither wanted to ruin it until…

"What if you told him your feelings, and he returned them?"

"What if I told him my feelings, and he rejected them?" she countered.

When he was about to protest, she continued, "What if he accepted my feelings, but he can't accept me?"

"…"

"I don't want a repeat performance, Inu…" she muttered quietly.

Inuyasha withheld the urge to flinch. He knew very well that her love experience with him was less than pleasant. Like himself, he could accept her love and devotion, but he couldn't accept her fully as Kagome. At the back of his mind, he would be reminded of Kikyō whenever he looked at her. As for him, the one Kagome loved, he might not even want to consider Kagome's feelings since she was what he disliked for hundreds of years. Though he had somewhat changed because of his little human ward, he was still the same cruel and terrible demon lord, just like their late father.

Out of all people, Kagome was the person who most deserved happiness. Looking at her now, he realised that it might be the best decision for her to return to her own time. She would recover from her one-sided love, and then, she would move on. He knew she could find a new love. She just needed time. And that was what she would get when she returned to her rightful place. In his heart, Kagome would always be his best friend even though he would never admit it out loud.

"Besides, I don't want to be one who does the chasing." She grinned.

He grinned back before standing up before her sitting form. Just for a moment…

"Take care, Kagome," he murmured and hugged her close. Her scent would always be remembered in his memory. If he lived long enough to see Kagome's future, he would see her again. He really hoped to meet her again. After releasing her, he kissed her forehead. "Goodbye…"

Kagome turned her body to the depths of the well. Gazing at her best friend one last time, she smiled. "Goodbye, Inuyasha…"

With that said, she closed her eyes and let herself fall. The magic of the well engulfed her immediately, sending her to the future for the last time.

As soon as her feet touched the ground again, she slowly climbed out of the well. Looking back, she gazed into the well that was so dark, and it would turn darker soon. Reaching out for the wooden lid, she closed the well with heavy heart. It was over. This chapter of her life was closed, finished. Now, it was time to move on.

After dusting her hands clean, she made her way to the sliding door. As soon as she lid the door open, her breath caught in her throat. Out of everything, she wasn't expecting to see him standing before her. She blinked a couple times to make sure she was not hallucinating. Aside from his modern attire, a black suit, he was still the same with shorter hair. His beautiful markings were what gave him away.

"S-Sesshōmaru…?" she called out hesitantly, still not believing her eyes.

Golden orbs fixed on her as he spoke, "What if I told her my feelings, and she rejected them?"

Her eyes widened in disbelief.

"What if she accepted my feelings, but she can't accept me?"

Tears welled up in her eyes as he stepped closer. "You're not Kikyō as I'm not Inuyasha."

"I'm human…" Her voice was above a whisper.

He cupped her face. "Does it matter when I'm a demon?"

Shaking her head, she hoarsely replied, "No…"

"No more what ifs, Kagome…"

Gazing up at the demon she loved, she found herself answering, "Yes… no more what ifs…"

The End

Thanks for reading.

1. No More What Ifs 2. Luck 3. Harmless Question 4. Mistake 5. Insight 6. Second Chance Next