Eyes On You by Vera

The Right Choice

Author's note: I've been working on this for a while, and I finally had the nerve to post it somewhere. I really hope you guys enjoy the story as it grows and develops. Constructive feedback is always appreciated! 

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He had been one large reason as to why she decided to return – she wanted to be with him.

Inuyasha. He was her first love, and her hotheaded protector. She’d made the decision to return a few months ago, and while it seemed like a good idea at the time, now she was beginning to have doubts as to the nature of her feelings. She loved him, yes; but, was she in love with him?  Had the clarity of her emotions been blinded by all that was happening around them? Kagome couldn’t deny that it was a strong possibility. After all, when she started the quest for the Shikon no Tama, she’d only been fifteen, and the idea of the Feudal Fairytale romance was….well, more then just appealing in fantasy. 

Maybe she felt as though she simply had to be in love with him, given all the amount of time they’d spent together, and everything they had been through.

“Kagome?” Familiar, vibrant eyes looked at her with concern. 

A smile flittered across her face, though it was small, and mostly apologetic. “Inuyasha….I think I need to go for a while. Just a little while.” Blinking rapidly, he recoiled slightly, as if her words were a small, but physical blow. “But, why? Don’t you have everything you need right here?” She thought she did, once. I’m not sure anymore, her mind supplied solemnly as Kagome held in a sigh. “I just need some time to myself. Everyone needs that, y’know? Who knows, it might be good for you too, ‘Yasha.” She needed him to understand; nothing would kill her more then knowing he would only say what she wanted to hear.

The emotions on his face were so readable to her.  Hurt, confusion, a twinge of anger (likely at himself, thinking her decision was somehow his fault – but it wasn’t) and then…reluctant acceptance.  “...If that’s what you want, Kagome.”  His ears flattened against his skull, sadness in his tone, and it made her heart quiver slightly. The Inuyasha she met pinned to the tree would have yelled at her out of his anger, and try to get her to stay; but he wasn’t.  Even if he felt those same things, he was willing to let her do what she thought was right.

Giving a nod, Kagome gave him a wide smile, some relief flooding through her system. “Uh-huh. I promise won’t be gone too long, ‘kay?”

Saying good-bye to her friends and adoptive son were harder then she thought, but she – somehow – survived between Sango’s crushing hugs, and Shippo’s big eyes, pleading her to stay. She wanted to take him, but it would be better if he stayed. Backpack full of supplies, Kagome left a few medicines with Kaede just in case, and headed out beyond the village, the sun shining above her as she finally allowed the gravity of her decision to weigh down on her: she had nowhere to go. One of these days, she really was going to have to completely think through her choices. Not that she regretted it, though. It was just a minor speedbump she would have to think about along her journey...y'know, once she figured out where she was headed. 

The forest was filled with life, birds chirping, stuble movements in the brush caused from the wind and small animals on the floor running by as they escaped a larger predator. Rare, beautifully patterned butterflies danced through her path, and lovely flowers lined the outside of her vision. Seldom had she had the opportunity to walk through the forest, and actually see it; normally they all seemed to look the same, but she knew it wasn't true. Each forest had it's own...sense of being, per say; some were ominus, others light and happy, and so on. Not to mention trees and inhabitants that were only native to the region. For instance, she knew the brightly colored flowers on her left did not grow anywhere else - and, if memory served, they had been Rin's favorite.

She only saw the young girl wear them whenever they were nearby, though she had only seen the child a handful of times without being completely distracted by the daiyoukai she travelled with.

And it was then, that an idea came to mind - Sesshomaru. He lived somewhat near here, didn't he? Perhaps a day or two's journey? A voice in the back of her head happily reminded her that, Rin aside, he was still well-known for not being particularly accomodating to humans. Maybe less hateful of them, but certainly not ready to welcome one with open arms so easily. Well, it wouldn't hurt to try.

At least it wouldn't, if he decided he wouldn't kill her for being so brazen. 

Dwelling on worst case scenarios wouldn't make the trip any quicker, so instead, she focused  on her surroundings, memories and familiar faces playing behind her mind's eye.

By the beginning of the third day, her feet were killing her. Downright committing mutiny, despite her encouragement. The Western home was not far off; she could hear the village, and beyond that threshold would be some manner of gate, no doubt. Needless to say, she was getting a number of surprised, unusual looks; and some down-right nasty ones. It was a primarily youkai village, but she could sense a hanyou or two...but definitely no huma-

Oh.

An all too familiar young girl suddenly called out, breaking away her thoughts. "Kagome-san!" A bright smile pushed away all of her fears, as Rin effortlessly manuvered through the demons, and came to her. She had grown taller since she last saw, and was now nearly at her own hips. Returning the smile, she bent down slightly, noting the flower in the girl's hair. "Hi, Rin-chan. What are you doing here? Are you alone?"

Shaking her head, the girl looked back in the crowd, and Kagome saw one of the demons step forward; his attire was vastly different from the villagers, and he had the look of a higher-born youkai. It clicked instantly: a guard. And, she could hear the faint squaking of the toad sayinh something akin to Rin, you silly child! We must leave soon!, which eased her fears some. Well, at least Sesshomaru sent someone with her besides just Jaken to an all youkai village.

Though, the knowledge made her chest tighten some - he couldn't even trust his own people completely with her safety.

"I was shopping before my midday lessons. Are you were to see Sesshomaru-sama?" Rin asked lightly, moving from the crowd to the outskirts of the village and Kagome followed, noting that the girl's guard kept his distance, but she knew that hardly meant he wasn't paying attention. Jaken was also in front of them, yapping about one thing or another. Too many humans, and how his Sesshomaru-sama would beat him if Rin was late.

Holding in a light laugh - because really, the poor toad did get beat often, but boy, could he take a punch! - she returned her attention to Rin. "Hai. I must...er, speak with him about something very important. But...maybe he won't have time, being busy and all-"

Rin grinned, and pulled onto Kagome's hand. "He'll have time, Kagome-san! It's tea time!"

Inwardly, Kagome blanched. Somehow, distrubing the daiyoukai's tea time to ask (read: beg) for a place to stay, didn't seem like it would go over well. 

And boy, how right she would be.