Nights Like These by Emiko

Nights Like These

Disclaimer:  I wonder how much it would take to convince Rumiko Takahashi to hand Sesshoumaru over? Hmmm . . . Oh well, until my dreams come true, Sesshoumaru, nor any other IY character, belongs to me. *BIG POUT*

A rustle of dark hair in the wind was the only movement as she sat alone on the dark hillside, staring into the sky. Not a whisper of sound betrayed his steps as he came to stand behind her. No words were spoken as he moved to sit beside her, his large clawed hand enveloping one of hers in a gentle grasp. Not wishing to break the spell of the night, she sighed and laid her head against his shoulder, using her free hand to finger his sliver tresses.

"I remember a night just like this when we first admitted we were in love. We came here, to this hillside, and watched the sky erupt into a shower of lights. I am still amazed after all this time just how clearly one can see the stars here. I claimed it reminded me of confetti, as silly as it sounds to me today. As if the heavens were joyful and sharing with the Earth it's praises." She spoke tenderly, meeting his gaze, her brown eyes searching his.

Golden eyes regarded his lovely raven haired companion, "Hmmm, do you remember the time you brought those confetti favors back from your time? Thinking they needed to be lit like fireworks, I set the bottles aflame. You refused to speak to me the whole day for ruining your surprise."

"Yes, and you set all the confetti on fire. I remember ducking as each bottle burst open with flaming paper shrapnel spewing in each direction." She relayed with a slight chuckle. "Three trips to the nearest onsen it took me just to get all the bits out of my hair."

He watched as her expression took on a far away look, as if her spirit existed somewhere else. After a long moment of companionable silence, she spoke.

"On nights like these, when the stars rain down in showers, I can recall those memories with such potency."

Her hand gave his a gentle squeeze.

"As if I am reliving the moment . . ."

His hand slipped from her hold and settled lightly around her waist. He pulled her close in an comforting embrace.

" . . . as if I can feel each touch . . ."

Her small hands moved to the lapels of the white silk haori wrapped delicately about her shoulders, pulling them to her nose as she inhaled the lingering scent that surrounded her.

 His.

" . . . as if I can still smell each scent . . ."

A silent tear spilled from saddened eyes, as she got lost in her reflection. His thumb carefully swept her cheek in a soft caress, removing the moisture before his hand softly cupped her chin to guide her eyes to his.

"Kagome - "

More tears fell, like the stars from the heavens, and slender arms wrapped suddenly around his waist.

"I MISS HIM, INUYASHA!"

His golden eyes stared into the sky, into the stars, as he held his best friend close. Moisture threatening to seep from their depths as well, he hugged her tightly, wishing he could do more to ease her pain, as she sobbed silently into his shoulder.

A year ago today, a lord, a mate, a father, a brother . . . was lost.

A/N:  Yay! First Dokuga submission (if forums don't count, hah)! Although I was really hoping to start it off with the "outcropping" crackfic, lol. Put this together at 2am, so I'm hoping that I did a well enough job editing. That being said, please allow me some sleep deprived mistake slack, haha. Would really love pointers, suggestions, praise or all of the above. Every little bit counts to help me improve.  =D Have a great New Years everyone!!!!  <3 L