Nocturne - An Inuyasha Fanfic

Chapter Sixty-One: Threshold

Nocturne - Chapter Sixty-One: Threshold

Rated - M (for extremely suggestive adult themes, references to harsh violence, and coarse language)

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha.

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The evening crickets chirruped happily. Their soothing tones mingled with the twilight's cacophony. The melody had a calming effect, which may be necessary to help assuage the petulant hanyo sitting in front of her.

Inuyasha had given her space, only seeking Kagome out once he sensed she was in a steady mood. Once he found her, though, his displeasure rolled off in waves. His crossed arms and a near scowl on his brow were all indications Kagome needed to know that she was in for a confrontation.

"Ya gonna tell me why the hell you had that prick bring me back?"

Kagome winced. She sighed and thanked Kami that Sesshomaru had the foresight to abscond from this interaction. The demon lord had seen his younger half-brother from afar waiting for them. He tenderly tucked an errant strand of hair behind Kagome's ear and left without a word. She'd initially felt puzzled by his sudden departure but quickly pieced together why when she spotted Inuyasha leaning against the back of a tree.

"I don't know," she admitted. "I panicked when I thought you were gone forever," Kagome recalled that moment with an internal shudder. "I could ask the same of you," she retorted.

Inuyasha raised the corner of his lip in perplexion. "Huh?"

"If I recall correctly, you asked Sesshomaru to bring me back even when you knew I was no longer yours."

"I-!" He stammered, "I didn't!" He had adopted a more defensive stance now that the tables had turned. "Keh," he huffed dismissively, throwing his arms back across his chest.

Kagome allowed a tiny smile to bloom. "That's what I thought."

He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, well, I guess ya make a point. But I kinda wish ya hadn't. I don't have the same reason to stick around."

Now it was Kagome's turn to cross her arms. "Look, I'm sorry you feel that way. Maybe I was selfish, and I panicked at that moment." She looked up at him and sighed, exhaling through her nose. "But despite all we've been through, I could not imagine a world without you."

He cocked his head, and his eyes softened, "Kags, I-I- that's not really fair, ya know."

She shook her head. "No, it's not fair, but I won't apologize for wanting you around. I know we aren't together, but that doesn't mean I don't care or that you don't deserve to live out your life with your friends."

His eyes flicked away, looking off to the distance while he mulled over her words. "I don't have...well...what you have. It was taken from me."

Shizuka, the mute hanyo woman who Inuyasha had taken as a lover, had been killed, her essence absorbed by Fan Tsenpo. Her body had been desecrated, preventing Sesshomaru from using Tensaiga and bringing her back. Kagome had not known the woman well but could see that the pair had grown close over the years. Despite having moved on, it was difficult for her to see Inuyasha with anyone else, and she knew it was the same for him. Now that he was alone again, it seemed like some cosmic joke that was set to repeat constantly, and the gravity of her decision began to settle on her shoulders.

Inuyasha sighed, seemingly resigning himself to solitude. Kagome stepped towards him and placed a hand on his arm. "It was selfish of me to want you here. But you're here now, and your friends love you." She squeezed reassuringly. "I love you."