Broken

Broken


Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha - more's the pity. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi.


Chapter Five


The afternoon was drawing to a close but the air was still pleasant, and Kagome walked along the path to the village, quietly humming to herself. The thought of returning home, to her real home, had renewed her spirits. *Besides,* she thought to herself, *I've really gotten used to living on my toes. Can't let a little thing like a demon attack get me down*, she sighed wryly.

*The first thing I'm going to do after I kiss mama is go straight to the bath* she thought with a pleasing smile, looking down at the tear in her shirt. *And I'll have to get her to fix this too.* Over the years, Mrs. Higurashi had become used to her daughter's "unique" lifestyle. Though she didn't like the life that her daughter chose to live, she supported Kagome's decision and respected her strength and her courage, and she felt good that she could do something to help Kagome.

*Ah, and I'm going to sleep good tonight, in a real bed, with a real pillow, and soft, clean sheets! I can practically feel them now,* she thought as her smile grew. Her daydream was cut far too short however, as she was thrown back into reality by the sound of rustling leaves. *That's far too large to be a bird.* Already on guard, she reached back and grabbed her bow and an arrow. *I've had enough of this already today,* she sighed, keeping her eyes open. She spun around and drew her back her bow following the sound.

"Oi wench, watch where you're pointing that thing. You're too good of a shot to waste an arrow on me,* Inuyasha smirked, jumping out of the tree. He landed on the ground effortlessly and sat down on his haunches, grinning. "Didn't I tell you not to go off on your own? You never know what might be lurking in the shadows."

"And didn't I tell you not to spy on me?" Kagome huffed. "I'm going home now. What do you want?"

"Feh. Why are you always running home?", he said irritated.

There was something in the way that he spoke that kept Kagome from loosing her temper. Instead she sighed heavily and sat down next to him on the soft grass. Looking out across the field, she considered her words carefully. "Because I'm tired. I'm tired of running. I'm tired of not knowing what to do with this jewel." She idly ran her fingers across her chest where the fused shards had been placed in her. It had suprised everyone that when the last shard had been recovered, the jewel had glown with an overpowering, radiant light, and had, as if with a power all its own, returned itself to where it had once been protected, deep within her own body.

"I'm tired of fighting." She shifted her glance, and looked up into the hanyou's amber eyes. "I don't want to fight like this anymore."

The look of irritation on his face softened, and he furrowed his eyebrows. "Kagome," he spoke softly, "you know I'm always there looking out for you." There was a tenderness in his voice that she wished she heard more often. He paused and thought about his words before he continued. "If your tired of fighting, then stay with me, let me watch over you. I won't allow anything to hurt you. You know that."

"No, Inuyasha," she spoke sadly. "I'm tired of fighting; fighting with you. It's worn me down."

His confusion was obvious. "Feh, this is how we've always been."

"Yes, and for far too many years. I can't...I..." Frustrated, she turned away again, and stared back out across the field, watching the beams of light dance their way down to the horizon. She closed her eyes and tilted her head back, exposing her face to the last remaining rays of sun, as afternoon passed into evening. The light reflected off her dark hair, causing the sheen to turn a deep shade of blue. Unconsiously, Inuyasha reached out his hand to caress the dark locks, running his fingers through the silky lenghth and inhaling its sweet perfume.

Kagome smiled softly, but sadly. "I don't know where we're going, or what we're doing. Can this even work with us, with who we are?"

"What do you mean 'who we are'?"

"We are so different, you and I. I...I care about you so much," she turned her face away as she blushed, "but...". Her thoughts lingered on Kikyo.

"But? After all that we've been through together...you're just going to give up, run away?". His tone revealed his frustration.

"I'm not running away. I just need some time to think...to regroup. Maybe you need some time too."

"Keh, time to do what?"

"Time to decide what you want."

"I don't understand what you mean? Decide what?"

"Decide who you want," she said resolutely.

Inuyasha was taken aback by her words. "Who I..." His eyes left her face; he looked down at his hands. "I..." he tried again, but stopped. They sat in silence, unable to put their thoughts into words. *Does she think that I...that I don't care for her? After everything that I have done for her, that we have done together, does she really doubt me?* Absently he reached inside his hakama and wrapped his fingers around the lock of her hair that he had picked up after her attack by the demon. After several minutes of silence he spoke. "I see. I understand," he said plainly. "You...go ahead and go. I won't follow you this time. Just," he paused. "Just come back when you're ready. I'll be here."

"I will. I just need a little time." She stood up and brushed the grass off of her skirt. She smilied gently. "Go. I'll be fine. I'll be back soon."

"Alright," he said reluctantly. He stood and reaching out his hand, helped her up. "I'll see you soon." It was more of a question than a statement.

"Soon," she nodded, and turned around and started off before the sun finished setting. Inuyasha pulled the lock of hair out of his hakama and held it tightly before placing back inside his robes.

***

A/N: Yeah Chapter Five is up! Thank you for the kind reviews...and please continue. I crave more, more.... :) They're a great motivator when it comes to putting out more chapters. Hint hint... -hatsumi