Last Night by SunsetMiko

Storm

For Riku Ryuu's Random Prompts on the Dokuga forums.

Storm - 601

"Do you forget so soon, Inuyasha, that less than an hour ago you raised your blade against me in an attempt to challenge me for claiming rights? If she was truly all that you say, why would you do such a thing?"

Everyone turned their focus on a now sputtering and blushing Inuyasha, waiting for an answer. He looked like he had no idea what to say, where to begin, or how to weather the shit storm he'd just summoned upon himself with his own mouth.

"Yeah," Shippo said excitedly, bouncing up and down with his excitement. Finally, someone would be able to defend his Mama properly from Inuyasha's cruel mouth. "Why would you? If Kikyo is so much better, why don't you want Kagome to be interested in Sesshoumaru? Why does that bug you so much?"

Miroku and Sango couldn't help but chuckle and Kagome swept the kit up in her arms to press a kiss to his forehead before handing him to the monk.

"He doesn't have a clue what he wants or why he does or says anything. I think he needs some time to figure things out as well. Inuyasha, why don't you just go away and not come back until you know what the hell is going on in your own head."

He continued to sputter, managing to get out only a few intelligible words and phrases, including 'protect you guys'.

"Sesshoumaru is more than capable of keeping us safe," Kagome said confidently, and the taiyoukai felt his heart swell with pride.

"While that is true, I am hardly needed. Every member of this pack, barring the children, is entirely capable of taking care of themselves. They do not need a protector. Each is strong in their own right. They certainly do not need you."

Kagome couldn't help but smile. Sesshoumaru was something else and unlike Inuyasha, seemed to be saying everything right. She was impressed and couldn't help but wonder just how good things were going to get. She was certainly looking forward to his confession and wanted to get this mess over with as soon as possible.

When Inuyasha went to open his mouth again, she held up a hand to stop him.

"Just stop it, Inuyasha. After what you just said to me, you're lucky I'm not 'it'ing you into the underworld. If you keep it up, I might change my mind and do just that. Now, do what I said and get out of here. Sort out your own thoughts, figure out what you want, what your problem is, and why you have to be such an insufferable jerk, and don't come back until you have. We'll be just fine, and I know you will be to."

His eyes begged her to take it back, but when she shook her head, Inuyasha knew he'd lost. His bangs dropped to cover his eyes, he turned in utter silence, and started to walk away. Her voice stopped him.

"I'll always be your friend, Inuyasha. I'll always be there for you. I, however, refused, to stand back and wait for you to decide which of us you want, if you ever intended to choose at all. I will not be a backup plan. I deserve a life too. I deserve to be happy. I just hope that whatever I decide to do, you can find a way to deal with it so we don't lose the friendship we have. It means a lot to me."

He nodded without looking back, and soon disappeared into the trees surrounding their campsite, heart and mind in utter confusion.