The Snow Angel by SunsetMiko

The Human

Chapter 64 - The Human * Starless Night* (Stella's Soundtrack Challenge)

As their dinner cooked over the fire, Kagome and Sesshoumaru talked in hushed voices, hoping not to aggravate Inuyasha further. The hanyou was always uncomfortable on his human night, and once he transformed into a human, he was going to be in an awful lot of pain, so they were giving him a wide berth. Kagome couldn't get enough of Sesshoumaru's stories. She was learning so much about him, and listening to his voice wasn't too shabby either.

Inuyasha was pouting, sitting off by himself. He was conflicted, and it was making him insane. Seeing Kagome sit so close to his hated half-brother, knowing that she was falling for him, was torture. He wanted nothing more than to rip her away and say whatever necessary to put an end to her attraction once and for all. He knew, however, that to do so would be selfish. She did deserve to be happy, but why did it have to be with Sesshoumaru?

A part of him still wished that he could have been with her, but it would never have been right. Kagome would always second-guess his feelings, and he would never be able to guarantee her that he loved only her. They were better as friends, but that didn't erase the feelings he had for her. He wanted to protect her from the world, keep her safe from any and all harm, and that included heartbreak. He couldn't be sure that Sesshoumaru wouldn't hurt her, and that scared the hell out of him. Her heart was still fragile and he wasn't sure it could be pulled back together if broken again.

The hanyou groaned in frustration as the transformation began, and instantly Kagome was by his side. He closed his eyes tightly, trying to ignore the feeling of his claws shortening into human fingernails, his fangs shrinking, and his ears moving. When he finally opened them again, he looked at the miko.

"How's the hand feeling?" she asked him, her concern obvious.

Inuyasha was just happy to have her attention. He had half-expected her to ignore him all night, but he should have known better. Kagome would never abandon him, especially when he needed her. "It sucks," he muttered.

"Do you want me to get you something for it? Maybe it would even help you sleep," she said while gingerly examining his still damaged digits.

"You know I don't sleep tonight."

Kagome sighed and pressed a kiss to his still bruised knuckles. "But you can this time. We're perfectly safe. You don't need to force yourself to stay up, especially not when you're in pain."

Inuyasha thought about it for several long minutes while trying to ignore his discomfort. His hand was throbbing with every heartbeat, and it felt huge. Every time he tried to move a finger, he winced in pain. His muscles seemed intent on torturing him as they contracted from time to time without his permission, sending a sharp, excruciating pain all the way up his arm. Finally he gave in.

"Fine, I'll take something."

The miko smiled and reached into her pocket for the pill she knew he would want eventually. She handed it to her friend, along with a bottle of water. "The food is almost ready. You should be able to eat before you get too drowsy."

The hanyou nodded his thanks and downed the pill she offered. He sat in silence, refusing to look at his half-brother, knowing that Kagome would be spending the night with Sesshoumaru while he was passed out cold. The miko's medications from the future always knocked him out, which was why he tried to avoid them at all costs. The taiyoukai would keep his pack safe, though, so it would be alright, even though he loathed to admit it.

Kagome brought Inuyasha his bowl of ramen and sat beside him as he ate. By the time he finished, he was already drowsy, and the miko helped him to his feet. "Let's get you into a comfortable bed. Don't get to sleep in one of those too often, do you?"

Inuyasha nodded his agreement and allowed his friend to lead him. Soon he was tucked in, the door open just a crack. Though he tried to fight it, hoping to listen in on whatever went on in the main room, he soon realized that he wouldn't be able to hear them anyway and gave in. His eyes fluttered closed, and he was fast asleep in moments.

Outside the room, Kagome sighed in relief. "Good, now he won't suffer all night." She joined the others by the fire, sitting down beside Sesshoumaru, and Shippo climbed into her lap. "I wish we always had accommodations like this," she said with a smile.

"That can definitely be arranged," the taiyoukai replied.

"But you won't be traveling with us once we bring down the barrier. You'll have to go home, won't you?"

"If you wish for me to join you and assist in your quest," he said, "I happily would."