Title: To the Goodbyes We've already said…

Author: Celestial Seraphim

Warning: angst, OOCness, Kagome'ness, tear-jerker

Pairing: SesshomaruxKagome

Side Pairings: SangoxMiroku, InuyashaxKagome

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or any of the characters those go to their prospective owners but I'm currently in negotiations for a Sesshomaru plushie :3 Cover Image Belongs to YoukaiYume and is the Inspiration of this story…

Summary: What is love? What is destiny? What are soul mates? She thought she knew but during the three years she's stuck on her side of the well Kagome will learn that sometimes the person your heart really wants is not who you think. However, will she be able to have him is the question? Or is it already too late? Time and fate are not always so giving.

Author's Note: I know, I know what the hell am I doing writing another fic when I have three to continue. I blame YoukaiYume lol this was prompted/inspired by her amazing piece of art 'Don't Go' and there's going to be a lot of things influenced by some of her other pictures and a few of my other SessKag stories I have in mind. I hope you guys enjoy and I swear I'm writing my chapters XD I already have half of 'Gone but Never Forgotten' chapter 13 and 'Faerie Child' Chapter 5written. They'll be out soon promise lol I've also started Writing my other two Inuyasha fics 'Don't Let it be just once' and 'I am your future' which are both SessKag fics. See I'm multitasking!

To The Goodbyes We've already said…

*1*

The fighting was over, done with. So why didn't she feel relieved? Wasn't that how she was supposed to feel? Wasn't she supposed to rejoice with her friends and be happy? She looked down at her hands and noticed the jewel shard winking innocently back at her. Of course…the wish. What could she possibly wish for that would be selfless? She looked around at her friends and knew exactly what. She felt a pair of eyes on her and looked to meet molten gold. Something was there, in the Taiyoukai's eyes just beneath the surface. The look he was giving her raised the hair on her body and she wavered slightly. There was something there…Something she needed to know. What was it? What was he trying to tell her? She was suddenly surrounded by her happy friends, the jewel gone and he was gone as well. Elusive as ever, like water. She didn't even get to say 'Thank you'.

Kagome blinked slowly as she woke, the lethargic fog refusing to leave her mind for a moment as it contemplated the dream she just had. However, as always the dull ache of remembering that time washed up upon her and she gritted her teeth to keep it at bay. Refusing to look out her window she gathered her clothing for the day and went to the shower, not even having the energy to scold her little brother -who was quickly growing- when he nearly barreled into her in his race to get downstairs for breakfast. She kept her mind carefully blank as she let the warm water wash over her as she showered. She'd gotten good at doing that, keeping her mind blank and pretending not to think of her friends. It left her numb to the pain and numbness was safe. It kept her from doing potentially dangerous things…like jumping into the well and breaking her bones again. She shuddered at the reminder of her second month back home after the well had closed up behind her. She'd gone through another of her desperate panic attacks and recklessly threw herself into the well while it was raining, she'd been soaking wet and her foot had slipped from under her. She'd landed in a bad way and her leg had crumpled underneath her while her arm had been broken in two spots when she'd tried to catch herself.

Kagome had felt horrible, she'd never seen her mother cry so much. Since then she'd studiously kept herself from looking at the well most of the time and tried to live as much as a life as she could here. Unfortunately…it was a dull, empty and sorry excuse of a life. She'd been back for a total of 6 months and for three of those six she'd seen a therapist that had helped her get her panic attacks under order. Now sheer will power and stubbornness that she was famous for kept her moving forward with a life she didn't really want.

The young miko started slightly when there was a knock on the bathroom door and Souta's whining voice broke through her reverie. "Sis, what are you doing in there? There are other people who have to use this bathroom."

A small quirk of her lips was a good sign as Kagome tried not to chuckle at her little brothers words. "That's rich coming from you! It takes you hours to get ready for school!"

She heard him splutter in his attempt to deny it as she quickly got dressed after shutting off the water. "Neesan…"

She giggled as she opened the door to see him glowering at her while he sulked silently, ruffling his hair playfully she rushed past him back to her room. She grabbed her bag, checking to make sure everything she needed was in it. She was almost done with school, something that wouldn't have been possible if she was on the other side. Kagome didn't know if she was grateful or annoyed at this. Unthinkingly her eyes flitted to her bedroom window that looked right over the well and froze as her eyes connected with the well house. All those times with Inuyasha flew past her mind's eye but before she could get lost in it her mother's voice broke through it. "Kagome…?"

Kagome blinked and ripped her eyes away from the well quickly, grinning wide and brightly at her mother. "Ohayo, mama! Sorry but I'm already running late for school!"

She dashed past her mother, no longer able to look in her eyes and see the worry there but worst of all she hated the look of fear she saw in her mother's eyes. Kagome was aware her mother was scared of Kagome doing something reckless like that night again but it hurt. Hurt to be looked at like you were some fragile glass doll that if touched would shatter. She was the damn Shikon no tama Miko for Kami's sake! She was a powerful Miko and she needed to start acting like it. So with that thought in mind Kagome straightened her back and walked right past the well house, not even looking at it. She'd learn to leave with how things were and it would get better…for everyone. Mama wouldn't look at her with those eyes anymore, she'd make sure of it.

"Kagome-chan!"

Kagome blinked before turning, noticing one of her university friends running up to her with a wide grin. The Miko smiled brightly back and waved energetically. "Oh wow! You look like you're in a really good mood today!"

The priestess gave the girl a wan smile before pushing the feeling of bitterness to the side. There was no reason to be bitter at the people who lived their lives because they didn't know better. "Yes, I just decided I needed a change a little. Anyway Ami, I heard Toki-kun asked you out."

The chestnut brown haired girl blushed shyly and looked away, it was something that endeared her to Kaagome. She was so quiet and shy but willing to protect those she was close to. It was how they'd met, Kagome had been standing up for a student being bullied and shy, quiet little Ami had stepped up as well to help. It had officially been a shock when tiny little Ami showed she'd studied in Martial arts. Since then Ami had been teaching her a few things on and off, whenever the mood struck them or Ami needed to practice. "Yeah, he said that he'd always noticed me but that I was so quiet he was afraid he'd scare me away."

Kagome giggled, remembering the awkward but popular boy coming to her and asking about Ami. She'd been suspicious at first and very protective of her only friend but after seeing the genuine sincerity she'd told him to just go for it. A stab of jealousy twisted her gut for a split second before she scolded herself for even thinking of feeling that way.

"So you two are officially an item? Finally! I was wondering when he'd get the courage."

Ami's eyes widened and she squeaked out, "You knew?!"

The young woman grinned wickedly and said, "I might have given him a little nudge."

The girl's face flamed up brilliantly and she hid her face in her hands as they entered their train. "I can't believe you knew and you never told me. That's just mean, Kagome-chan."

"Well he begged me not to say anything until he was ready to tell you. I'm surprised it took him so long." Her eyes narrowed a split second later and she looked at Ami seriously, "You tell me if he's being mean, I'll set him straight."

Ami blinked before laughing lightly, giving Kagome a thankful smile as she said, "Promise I will."

She was quiet for a while and Kagome watched warily as a thoughtful look slid over the girl's face. Paranoia kicking in from her time with her high school friends, Kagome recognized the look immediately much to her dismay. "Kagome-chan…you know I only want what's best for you…"

Kagome groaned, 'Uh-oh, here it comes…' Ami gave her a chiding look before continuing on, "No wait listen to me. I mean you don't have to take anyone seriously but maybe if you just set up a few dates and see. It's not like I want you to replace whoever the guy was but…maybe for just a little until he comes back or whatever…I just want you happy."

The little miko bit her lip, feeling the sting behind her eyes at Ami's words. No one was as understanding as Ami and she loved the girl for it but it hurt to even think about seeing someone else. Suddenly, a flash of her earlier conviction crossed her mind and Ami's words of just wanting her to be happy lit up. Giving the girl a wan smile she hugged her as they approached their stop. "Alright, Ami-chan. Alright, I'll try."

It was worth giving in to see the light reenter the petite's girl worried gaze. Kagome was sure she'd been concerned that she'd upset Kagome since mention of 'the guy from her past' usually set her off.

(OoO)

Kagome sighed as she combed back her hair to put it into a neat ponytail then flattening her skirt and straightening her button-up collared shirt. After school she'd come straight to her part time job at a local museum that specialized in the Feudal era. She loved it, being surrounded by all the things she'd once taken advantage of. It left her feeling at peace and whole. Kagome checked herself in the mirror one more time before exiting the women's bathroom, heading straight for the employee lounge to get coffee. She was shocked to see Lena there, the museum's caretaker there. Lena was usually out with her husband looking for new pieces for the museum and rarely had time to visit. Just as the closed the door behind her Lena looked up from the papers in her hand and smiled widely, obviously relieved to see Kagome. Crows feet and laugh lines were only just beginning to appear on the older woman's features but if anything it made the foreign woman all that much more beautiful. Her husband was a lucky man indeed.

"Higurashi-chan! Just the girl I wanted to see!"

The girl blinked before grinning widely, Lena's accent as prominent as ever even though she'd been living in Japan for years now. "What is it, Lena-san?"

The woman patted the spot on the sofa next to her invitingly, Kagome cast a longing gaze at the coffee pot not far away but decided to get this over with. She obediently sat next to the woman and was handed a few papers. "One of our most frequent and precious donors is coming in today with a few pieces, all of which are in those papers. You're our best when it comes to the Feudal era so I thought you might greet him and talk everything over. Of course, I'll be there but only to step in when necessary. Can you do that?"

As Lena had spoken Kagome had been looking through the pages, she opened her mouth to agree when her eyes landed on something she'd never thought she'd see. In her hand was a picture of the Fire Rat robes and under it was a vague description.

Five Hundred Century Old Fire Rat Robe

Passed down from the former great general to his son

It is said his son was a prince that never claimed his birthright

The boy fought many battles and won the heart of a Miko

Kagome bit her lip, now knowing this was definitely Inuyasha's robes. She had to meet this person and speak with them, maybe she'd be able to hear more about its history, hear more about Inuyasha. "Higurashi-chan? Higurashi-chan!"

The Miko blinked before giving the woman a shaky smile and said, "Yes…yes I'll take care of it. When are they due to arrive?"

The woman studied her for a moment before she said, "In a few minutes, here's some information on him. I'll be right back."

Kagome took the papers and nodded her head, watching the woman leave before looking down at the face that glowered coldly at her.

Name: Hisato, Fumito

Age: 23

Occupation: Antiquities and Hidenori Enterprise

Summary: Hisato Fumito is a business man that keeps his personal life under

tight wraps. Not much is none about him except he donates large amounts of money

to the children cancer ward every month and regularly donates to shrines as well

as museums specializing in Feudal Era Japan. He is known to be distant but not unfair.

He's been a generous donor to Kazuki Feudal Museum for ten years. His father before him

also was a generous donor to all good causes. As far as what was dug up on his personal life

he has only a handful of close acquaintances that he remains in contact with.

Recommendation: Refer to Higurashi Kagome-san her excellent track record for facts

will surely impress. Also her ability to attract listeners with her stories and myth's

will surely grab Hisato-san's attention. She is a hard worker and will please beyond a doubt.

Kagome bit her lip at the notice for recommendation, honored by the high compliment but also sad that no one knew what she spoke of was not myth but fact. She brushed the thought off as she looked down at the picture of Hisato Fumito. Now that she looked closely she could tell that his glower wasn't completely cold, it looked as though whoever took the picture had said something (probably to make him laugh?) and it'd been a reaction. Underneath the distant look she could see the spark of something in the man's eyes and it was…sweet. He had short black hair that fell a little past his ears, angular but elegant facial structure and slightly slanted eyes. She could see from the slight glimpse of his shoulders that he was wearing a suit but something about him called to her. There was something familiar about this man and it was a bit maddening. Her thoughts were put on pause when Lena came back into the room looking a little frazzled.

"Oh! Higurashi-chan, good! You read it. He's here already, a little early but better than late. Come along!"

She blinked before slipping the papers into a nearby folder and tucking it under her arm as she followed Lena out. Something tingled in the back of her senses but she ignored it resolutely, it was time for work not pay attention to paranoia. They didn't walk far when Kagome noticed two men standing near a pair of swords, Hidenori and its sister sword Eri. She vaguely remembered the story behind the two swords and seeing nothing but the two men's back as they walked up she chirped helpfully, "They're beautiful swords."

She smiled warmly and continued, looking into her folder as both turned around. "They were crafted by one of the very last sword smith masters of the old way. Hidenori and Eri were used in the fight against Freyja Hime of the central land when her people came to conquer a village on the borders of the Western Land. Two sisters were all that were left of the village after the soldiers came and they begged for the swords to be made. Having a soft spot for those in need the sword smith agreed and in five days and five nights made those swords. It was said-"

A flare of something she never thought she'd feel before made her stop mid-sentence and tremble lightly. That aura was too pronounce for her to mistake and it spoke to a part of her that once remembered the fear and elation upon seeing who it belonged to. Slowly blue eyes looked up to meet light brown but something flashed in those eyes that made her choke a little. She recognized those eyes, she recognized that youki and she recognized that coldness that slammed down on those features.

A breathless whisper escaped her but she knew he would hear…

TBC…

A/N: Aaaaand there it is ladies and gentlemen! The first chapter is done and on to the second! Hope you guys enjoyed it :3