one lone candle.

love is more than a candle. love can ignite the stars.

[astraheros]

𝚊𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚘𝚜. a private and exclusive multimuse blog featuring characters from film, television, animation, comics, etc. muse list is friends only.

thematically exploring romance tropes. doomed lovers, soulmates, etc. do not follow first. affiliated with astradites.

[astradites]

the sunrise catches against the sharp line of her profile, gilding talia al ghul in gold as though the morning itself cannot decide whether to mourn her departure or worship it. she stills beneath his hand. that, perhaps, is the cruelest thing bruce wayne has ever done to her: touched her gently. because violence she understands. conflict, she was born into. war lives in her bloodstream as surely as his grief lives in his. but tenderness? tenderness has always felt catastrophic between them. slowly, talia turns her head just enough for him to glimpse the edge of her expression beneath dark curls stirred by the wind. there is no mockery there tonight. no amused smile at the corners of her mouth. only exhaustion. only love stretched thin across years of impossible choices. ❝ hope, beloved, ❞ she murmurs softly, the title leaving her lips with all the intimacy of a wound reopened, ❝ has always been your greatest weakness. ❞ gotham breathes around them in the quiet aftermath of nightfall's violence — distant sirens, restless rooftops, the city dragging itself bruised and bloodied toward morning once more. his city. he would die for it, and that is precisely the problem. ❝ you speak as though staying were simple, ❞ talia continues, her voice low and velvet-soft, threaded through with something dangerously close to sorrow. ❝ as though i could simply step across the line between us and leave everything else behind. ❞ she finally turns fully then, dark eyes lifting to meet the impossible blue hidden behind the cowl. and of course she sees through it. she always has. a faint smile touches her lips then — fleeting, melancholy, beautiful in the way dying stars are beautiful. ❝ if there is hope for us, ❞ she says quietly, eyes luminous beneath the breaking dawn, ❝ then it does not live in this city. nor in our war. ❞

[astraheros]

the bat resembles a stone gargoyle. just one of many, an identical army glowering down at gotham and her citizens. his imposing figure casts a long shadow behind it. only growing in size against daybreak's blinding light. were it not for the black cape blowing in the wind, an onlooker could very well mistake him for one. no matter. he is not thinking about sightings at this hour. his real thoughts rest elsewhere: on talia, on himself. what they could be and what they are not. it is no wonder she brands hope weakness. no wonder she cannot let herself imagine the alternative. hope is a fragile resource in her line of work, as hope is in his own. bruce has seen how easily it can blow away like smoke. but the grim reality he inhabits will not stop him from reasoning with her. ❝ then why fight a war we cannot win? ❞ the question leaves a deep, gravelly growl. a stark contrast to the the city's gentle hum below. ❝ i know what you are capable of, talia. you are not your father. do not chain yourself to his legacy. ❞ blue eyes study her carefully, expecting a reaction. unwavering as morning drapes talia's frame and enters his line of sight. if one is present, and bruce is sure it is, her face gives no sign. it frustrates him. deeply. ❝ let me show you what we can accomplish here, all the good we can create together. ❞ his voice softens once more, dulled like a blade exhausted by bloodshed. ❝ i have to believe we can rise above this conflict. some part of you must feel the same way. ❞ a rare smile appears under the cowl. fleeting, with new warmth rebuilding from old memory. ❝ besides, if you had no interest in hearing me out, then you would have already left. ❞ gloved hand finally lifts off her shoulder. the bat turns with a swish of his cape ❝ come, ( not a demand, but invitation. ) our ride is waiting. i hear mister wayne may be attending the mayor's ball this evening — perhaps miss al ghul could join him, if she is willing. ❞

[astradites]

❝ wow, ❞ meredith says dryly, arms folding across her chest as she leans back against the doorframe of his room. ❝ and here i was thinking every guy dreamed of candlelight, hospital pudding, and narcotics administered every four hours. ❞ but the bite in her sarcasm softens immediately at the edges. because he’s hurt. because even now she notices the slight tension around his mouth every time he breathes too deeply. because clint barton somehow manages to look guilty for being the one lying in a hospital bed stitched back together. her expression gentles despite herself as she pushes away from the doorway and crosses toward him, sneakers quiet against the tile floor. the fluorescent lights wash everything in sterile white, but somehow he still looks warm beneath them. infuriatingly so. ❝ and for the record, ❞ meredith continues, quieter now, ❝ you surviving was actually pretty high on my list of priorities today. ❞ there’s a flicker of something in her eyes then — relief buried beneath teasing, hidden carefully beneath layers of practiced detachment. surgeons learn quickly not to let fear show on their faces. but she’d seen the blood, she’d seen him unconscious. and there had been one terrible moment where her chest hollowed out completely before anyone even told her if he was alive. instead she reaches down, fingers brushing lightly against the edge of his bandaged wrist before settling there properly—warm, grounding. ❝ anyway, ❞ she murmurs, the corner of her mouth lifting faintly, ❝ if you wanted to get out of taking me on a date, you could’ve just said so. getting stabbed is kind of dramatic. ❞

[astraheros]

blue eyes widen. clint blinks, once. only stares. mouth hanging open slightly, his bruised face sporting a sort of dazed, confused expression. as if really seeing her for the first time. ❝ uh, thanks ... i think. ❞ for looking after me, for saving my life are what he wants to say. it never comes. instead, he sits in place. if not a bit lamely. a few minutes flow by until clint summons enough courage to speak again. ❝ why would i — ❞ he swallows it down, reminding himself to lighten up. this is the same woman who just saved his ass. he should show her more respect. ❝ hey, look, if i wanted to get out of our date, you'd be the first to know. ❞ pause. he blinks again, rapidly shakes his head, catching the faint edge of a smirk cross her lips. ❝ oh. that was a joke. you were joking. ❞ clint inwardly groans, just in time to see it enter full form now. yep. definitely a joke. stupid narcotics, he firmly decides, reassured by her brushing his wrist. ❝ which is good! very much good. i was, well ... anticipatin' spending some quality time with a lovely lady. ❞ he sighs, pushing into the pillow. ❝ s'too damn bad a knife got to me first — which, by the way, will not happen again. you can trust me on that, doctor grey. ❞ his head jerks toward the door, a small smile emerging as he stares back at her hopefully, ❝ think your credentials could get us out early? i'd rather sleep in a real bed tonight. ❞

[astradites]

carol’s laughter arrives softly, warm as champagne bubbles and twice as dangerous. ( of course he says things like that so easily. ) that effortless jordan charm, reckless & sunlit and impossibly sincere when it wants to be. men like hal jordan should not exist so beautifully in a universe already crowded with disasters, & yet somehow he sits across from her now, tie loosened slightly beneath the restaurant lights, smiling at her as though she is the easiest thing in the world to adore. it would be unfair if she did not love him so much. ❝ careful, jordan, ❞ she murmurs, dark eyes gleaming over the rim of her wine glass. ❝ flatter me any more and i might start thinking ferris air should put you in marketing instead of a cockpit. ❞ the tease comes easily, polished smooth beneath years of matching his banter step for step. but carol notices things, always has & always will. her thumb strokes once against his knuckles again before she fully realizes she’s doing it, the gesture instinctive in its tenderness. grounding. perhaps for both of them. ❝ i’m okay, ❞ carol says softly at first. then, with the faintest arch of her brow: ❝ mostly. ❞ because the truth is more complicated than she knows how to explain. there has been a strange restlessness living beneath her skin lately, something shimmering and volatile just beyond the edges of herself. exhaustion, perhaps. stress. too many board meetings and too little sleep. ❝ and for the record, ❞ she continues, mouth curving softly at the corners now, ❝ my assistant is a traitor with absolutely no respect for corporate structure. ❞ a pause. ❝ though she may have a point. ❞ there is something almost wistful in the admission. the idea of escape unfolding carefully between them like silk sheets and ocean air and mornings untouched by responsibility. for a moment, carol lets herself imagine it. hal at the controls of some absurdly expensive private plane, his hand tangled lazily with hers somewhere over the atlantic. a world where she is simply carol and not ferris air’s relentless golden daughter carrying an empire on her back. dangerous fantasy. more dangerous still because of how badly she wants it. ❝ a weekend away does sound tempting, ❞ she admits quietly, gaze lifting fully to his now. there is affection there so bright it nearly softens her entirely. ❝ though i should warn you, once a ceo gets accustomed to five-star hotels, there’s really no going back. ❞ her fingers curl more fully around his hand after that, slow and deliberate and impossible to mistake for accidental. ❝ besides… ❞ carol’s voice lowers slightly, velvet-soft beneath the low restaurant lighting and clink of distant glasses. ❝ if you’re going to fly me somewhere beautiful, pilot… ❞ a smile flickers there, fond. luminous. ❝ i’d hate for you to think i wasn’t planning on keeping you all to myself while we’re there. ❞

[astraheros]

his heart skips a beat at her touch. arguably several beats, if he's honest. at any rate, point is, it decisively throws him off balance. surprise rushing through him at mach speed, breath catches in a sharp recoil, sending his still-forming comeback spiraling, chaotically hurtling down lungpipes like a jet in total freefall. hal vaguely registers her speak, words reaching him from a great distance — in simpler terms, he's too busy admiring carol's good looks under the dim light to notice anything else. it's harmless. really. he imagines she's doing the exact same thing across the table. granted, her style of admiring undoubtedly has an extra dash of elegance and poise to it. those qualities have always suited him better high in the sky than on the ground. ❝ well, if you wanted my two cents, sweetheart, the traitor deserves a big raise. whisking you away this weekend wasn't a patented hal jordan idea. ❞ fully attentive now, his grin can't be contained much longer. it soon erupts from ear to ear. it's infectiously bright, rivaling green lantern's might. surpassing his emerald light. ❝ wait, wait, wait. hold up! seriously? aw, c'mon, ferris, what kinda boyfriend do you take me for? i wouldn't have it any other way. ❞ brown eyes roll. hard. so hard, in fact, they nearly pop out of their sockets. his face scrunches up a scowl, conveying open repulsion towards the insinuation. ❝ soooo, destinations? ❞ one short syllable is playfully ( some would say needlessly, he's sure ) dragged out, deliberately letting carol mull her options over. hal allows her another moment's consideration before continuing. ❝ you should pick. gonna go out on a limb and guess that maybe, just maybe, a ceo's tastes are more refined than her humble, ordinary, down to earth pilot. ❞ broad shoulders rise and fall in a shrug, effortlessly charismatic. in the meantime, hal grabs his glass, bringing red wine to his lips. that cocky grin returns as his hand lowers to the table. ❝ hey, it's just a hunch. best i could offer is a two star, maybe three star motel in the middle of nowhere. ❞ then, in a softer hum of afterthought: ❝ unless you'd prefer somethin' quiet. in that case, we'll call it a day. ❞

[sleepy-edits]

[astraheros]

❝ y'know, meredith, when we discussed spending the night at your place, this wasn't exactly what i had in mind. ❞ sinking into the hospital bed, clint smirks, bandaged arms crossing over his chest. sly and teasing. mostly trying to relieve tension chilling the room. it doesn't last long. the archer winces at a surge of pain, somewhere in his side, he guesses. clint curses under his breath. ❝ i might need a raincheck on our date. ❞ aw, futz. he had been looking forward to it, too. one bright spot in an otherwise uneventful week. meeting meredith's eyes, he forces a weak smile. hopes he looks better than he feels. ❝ sorry. if i gave you any grief, i mean. ❞ he glances away, feigning interest in the bedside infusion pump. guilt quietly eating him alive. they wouldn't be here if hawkeye had been more careful. ❝ m'sure doctor grey has a lot of shit on her plate already. worrying about some stupid bozo like me is the last thing you need right now. ❞

@astradites, clint barton for meredith grey. unprompted.

[astraheros]

it seems, once again, they must part ways. a natural endpoint. a foregone conclusion. a predictable outcome. one the world's greatest detective should have foreseen from miles away, from the precise nanosecond talia al ghul stepped foot in gotham. in his city. bruce hates to see her go. ❝ talia. ❞ it isn't the stern dark knight who speaks. this time, a different voice, raw and tender, with a trace of longing. remembered hurt. quickly buried and compartmentalized. ❝ there's no shame in staying here. ❞ his words linger in the air, a bitter chill staining his breath. watching her retreating back, silhouetted against the brilliant sunrise bleeding gotham gold, he wonders if she heard him. worrying is no longer necessary, cut off by steady footsteps stopping dead in their tracks. the batman seizes on the opportunity. ❝ must things always end this way? you shouldn't have to leave. ❞ direct translation: i don't want you to leave. bruce reaches out, rests a hand on her shoulder. his rugged face practically unreadable beneath the dark blue cowl. he's certain talia sees right through it. she's one of the only people in this world who can. ❝ surely there's hope for us yet. ❞

@astradites, bruce wayne for talia al ghul.

[astradites]

@astraheros

after a close encounter with the star sapphire on the outskirts of coast city,  it’s a good thing the ring protects his particularly expensive suit.  carol would kill him if it was damaged.  oh,  and speaking of the suit:  damn it,  he’s running late.  cursing under his breath,  the green lantern descends from the sky,  quietly landing in the alleyway beside the restaurant where carol had arranged their date.  making sure that he’s alone,  there’s a bright flash of emerald light,  and hal jordan steps onto the sidewalk and out of the shadows,  hastily entering the building. 

❛  hi,  carol,  ❜  hal gives her the best warm,  affectionate greeting he can manage,  with a sheepish smile as he approaches their table to boot.  ❛  i’m really sorry i’m late.  rush hour was brutal.  ❜  part of him wishes he could tell her what he had been really up to,  but for carol’s sake,  it’s for the best that hal jordan and the green lantern are left separate.  ❛  you remembered to get my favorite order,  right  ?  ❜  a joke,  obviously.  he can see the meal laid out on his plate.  ❛  i gotta tell you,  i’m starved.  ❜  

carol looks up the second he says her name — not because she’s been waiting, but because she always knows. there’s a particular way hal jordan enters a room when he’s just come down from the sky: energy still crackling under his skin, shoulders a little too loose, that grin doing its very best to pretend he hasn’t flirted with death in the last hour. she takes him in with one slow glance, eyes flicking from the sheepish smile to the suit she personally approved down to the last stitch. intact. good. she exhales, barely noticeable, then arches a brow. ❝ rush hour, ❞ she repeats, dry as champagne left out too long. ❝ fascinating. ❞ her mouth curves anyway, because she’s already reaching for his hand, already squeezing his fingers like she’s checking inventory. still warm. still solid. ❝ you’re lucky that suit is still in one piece, jordan. do you have any idea how much that fabric costs? ❞ a beat. softer, quieter, just for him. ❝ because i do. and i’d absolutely invoice you. ❞ she nudges his plate a little closer, expression easing as she leans back in her chair, elegant and amused and very fond. ❝ eat, ❞ carol says, like it’s an order and an indulgence all at once. ❝ you get grumpy when you’re hungry, and i’d rather you save that energy for later. ❞ her thumb brushes once over his knuckles, affectionate, grounding. ❝ and next time you’re late, at least have the decency to look a little less handsome walking in. it makes it very hard to stay mad at you. ❞

[astraheros]

his reaction paints feigned surprise. a dash of hurt to spare. this little charade might convince any other woman, but not carol. his girlfriend is too smart to buy the act. hal's gotta admit, he'd be disappointed if she did. maybe it's what he loves most about her. ❝ please. like i'd lose my natural charm. ❞ a scoff. offering a wink and a smirk, jordan obliges captain's orders, allowing himself a few bites of delicious steak. he studies ferris as he eats. quiet, careful. brown eyes shifting between tenderness and concern. the latter expression there and gone in a flash. vanishing long before she takes notice. ❝ maybe you oughta look a little less beautiful. arriving on time ain't easy when a drop dead gorgeous gal is on my mind. ❞ placing knife and fork on the dining table, he mock sighs, teasing smirk giving way, small and earnest at the edges. it widens a fraction as her thumb grazes knuckles. ❝ tell me. you feelin' okay lately? ❞ question starts light, casual. borderline serious. ❝ i'm worried about you. ❞ more than carol knows. than she can ever know. for now, this is the best hal can do. until star sapphire is taken care of. until green lantern is sure miss ferris is safe. ❝ and i might be thinking you need a break from that stuffy office for a weekend. in fact, your overworked assistant agrees with me. ❞ a half-hearted chuckle coats empty space. ❝ 'betcha i could fly us somewhere real nice, too. though i'd hope a ceo's salary can cover the five star hotel. ❞

[brucetalias]

Brutalia, detective comics #1064 // Mattelektra, Elektra #100

[astraheros]

i really logged in here after almost 2 years to write batman

[astraheros]

for what feels like once in a very long time, wayne manor is bright and lively. wading through the crowded ballroom, bruce plays his part without a hitch. keeping conversations sparse and surface level, the esteemed mister wayne jokes with big name ceos, poses for photographs with rising socialites, compliments a local reporter's lavish dress. he evades inevitable questions. can you provide an update on wayne tech's latest business ventures, who's the special lady attending tonight's gala, what are your thoughts on batman and joker's latest clash, et cetera, et cetera. bruce isn't interested in answering them. murmuring a sincere apology, and assuring her they can meet another time, sharp gaze drifts elsewhere. searching and searching and searching for a familiar face he's wanted to see all evening.

❝ doctor zeller! ❞ he shouts over the noise, striding across polished marble floors, ignoring pointed stares and gossiping whispers following his retreating back. bruce smiles once he catches annika's attention. voice silky smooth, dark eyes disarmingly soft. ❝ i'm delighted you made it! i trust the ride over went well? ❞ bruce leans in close, putting him inches from her face, so annika alone can hear. ❝ i would've picked you up myself, but i'm afraid my hands were tied with ... more pressing matters. please let me know what i can do for you in the meantime. don't forget, annika, you're my plus one. ❞

@astradites, bruce wayne for annika zeller.

[astraheros]

the sea beckons: it sings a siren's song of adventure, guaranteed excitement waiting just beyond the horizon, out of reach and out of sight. a little ship bobs on the surface. dressed in regalia, billowing flags proudly wearing queen selina's coat of arms. its full-mast sails fight brisk gales, its mighty stern paves the way through waves. an insignificant black spec circled by endless blues. prince eric bustles across the vessel's decks. never a man to sit idly by, he engages in lighthearted small talk with his crewmen, assists in their tasks when he's able. an irresistible wanderlust growing all the while. a kraken preying on unsuspecting sailors. lurking within the ocean's bleak, murky depths. waiting to entangle itself around their ships and drag broken remains crashing to the seabed.

❝ what was it like? atlantica? ❞ he acknowledges ariel's undersea realm in knightly reverence. awe melded with disbelief. his tone too formal, posture too straight, perhaps addressing king triton himself — eric wonders if the noble ruler can hear their conversation from his throne room. ❝ please, could you tell me? ❞ question lowers to a near-whisper. a gasp of breath. ❝ only if you're willing to do so, of course! ❞ his body cautiously leans over rails, captivated by waters mirroring purple twilight skies. he then hangs back, facing ariel now, a gravely embarrassed but equally wistful smile beneath windswept hair. ❝ i hope i'm not overstepping. i wouldn't dream of prying into a lady's private affairs. ❞

@astradites, eric for ariel.

[astraheros]

unforgiving california sun scorches the earth. a once lush green expanse turned ghastly yellows and browns, retaining small oases of life in spaces spared by shadow and water. a long row of archery boards are placed across the lawn. colors faded from age and wear. a man's figure faces them, trusty bow in hand, his frame pitched against a picturesque mansion. muscles lock, breathing slows. eyes squint. align a perfect shot. bruised fingers pull back string, wire tenses... twang, twang, twang! three arrows fly! singing a harsh melody of pain, they whistle through the thick summer air. hawkeye's keen gaze follows weaponry like his namesake, a bird of prey, the world around him seemingly slowing down. separated by seconds, sharp points strike their targets with distinct thuds. black on red, red on black.

❝ hey, bobs! you see this?! ❞ raised voice calls, a satisfied smile hardly concealed beneath purple cowl, an enthusiastic wave signals the masked woman watching from white marble steps. hawkeye sprints over. a skip to his step. he carefully lowers the stick and string at his side, sets it on the ground. ❝ ever thought about taking private lessons from yours truly? ❞ leaning in for a kiss, heart flutters as lips meet, instinctively pressing together. one and whole. as it should be. arms encircle mockingbird's waist, hold her close long after they break apart.

❝ think about it! the wca already has one charming, famous, and frankly talented archer on the team — wait a 'sec, did i mention drop dead gorgeous? a little birdie told me he's a real catch. easy on the eyes, too. ❞ and speaking of... he can't help but admire how sunlight elegantly cascades down bobbi's face, the way blue eyes twinkle up at him— ❝ wow... ❞ clint blinks, pretends to clear his throat. ❝ ahem. well? how 'bout it? expanding your skillset can't hurt, right? ❞

@astradites, clint barton for bobbi morse.

[astraheros]

overcome by weariness, body sinks into the worn living room couch. vigilant ears tune out the tv, its news reports covering this week's latest crisis [ living legends avert disaster in central city! jla members weave in and out of the camera frame, on foot and high in the sky, striking down villainy, protecting innocent lives. ] clark turns away from scenes of boundless heroism, catches a glimpse of the red and blue icon assuring the downtrodden it will be okay. he places glasses on the table. avoids looking at lois, certain she's studying him like the morning paper. ❝ hey, uh, sorry. about earlier. the league — ❞

astradites, from lois for clark: [  hold  ]  sender  holds  receiver’s  hand.

sincere apology doesn't leave his lips. locked firmly in place by a gentle squeeze to a mighty hand that can rip up steel. break through sturdy bricks as if they were fragile. clark glances up, initially hesitant, spots the radiant smile he knows so well. meets it with his own. allows doubts and worries to fade away. anyone else might be furious, enraged by the prospect of being walked out on without explanation — let alone during a surprise date, surrounded by happier couples — but not lois. never her. only an idiot would assume otherwise.

❝ say — 'lo, i was thinking. ❞ thoughtful hum, ever grateful, clark reminds himself how incredibly lucky he is to have lois lane in his life as she leans against his chest. ❝ assuming we resolve our busy schedules, would you be interested in checking out a nice, possibly extravagant restaurant in europe next time? bruce and diana had a couple suggestions. said we could use a weekend getaway. ❞ a glint in kind eyes counters skepticism, amusement layered in measured tones. ❝ bruce promised me he'd cover our expenses. ❞

[astraheros]

❝ do you ever miss 'em? ❞ they sit in front of an open fire, hand in hand, watching thick grey smoke rise into the night sky. the question is unceremoniously ignored. leaving behind an awkward silence lacking an answer to break it. beside him, inuyasha feels kagome shift slightly. glancing sideways, he notices her brown eyes widen, her mouth curl into a confused frown. he stares right back. doesn't catch the mistake. not at first.

❝ your folks, i mean. ❞ he clarifies clumsily, golden gaze darting away, cheeks flushing bright reds. her time has always been a disconcerting place to him. an overwhelming, surreal land full of ginormous buildings and strange machines that move at unnatural speeds and make deafening noises, with too many people inhabiting one space. but kagome still calls it home — a home with family waiting. family she can't return to.

❝ look, i know you've got me, miroku, sango, n'all the others here, but ... ❞ words fade away, recieving only further silence. inuyasha exhales a deep sigh. aw, great. just perfect. he must sound like a big, insensitive idiot right now. ❝ i dunno, kagome. it'd be nice if that dumb well worked and let us visit. for your sake. ❞

@astradites from inuyasha for kagome.

[astraheros]

astradites, from ariel for eric: [  nap  ]  sender  falls  asleep  against  receiver.

their cabin sways up and down, back and forth, staying afloat in the rough ocean seas. here, eric and ariel sit together, pouring over a sprawling mess of charts documenting the known world. he tells her stories. fascinating tales about foreign lands, incredible places he hopes they'll visit together one day. his mother's castle isn't enough. nor, and this he's very much sure of, is the kingdom of atlantica. not with the big wide world waiting for them out there. there's so much, too much to see, and he and ariel have barely gotten started. eric can't wait for what tomorrow might bring. they'd better make landfall soon.

❝ oh, and this, ❞ he points at a faraway island on the nearest chart, a shade of dark yellow from age, ❝ this is the best one yet ! my mother told me all about it. she said it was one of the most beautiful places she's ever seen — ❞ passionate tangent is abruptly cut off at a weight on his right shoulder. a glance to his side tells him it's ariel. she's fast asleep, no doubt, though he can't tell if she's just dozed off. for all he knows, it could have been an hour ago. maybe even two. ❝ let's get you back to bed, shall i ? grimsby won't be pleased if you stay here all night. ❞

[astraheros]

sitting crossed - legged on her bedroom floor, his arms folded beneath red robes, resentment covers inuyasha from head to toe. he's been waiting on kagome to get home all damn day. he isn't sure how much time has passed [ admittedly, he lost track ages ago — nodding off into a restless, uneasy sleep from sheer boredom ], but that's besides the point. he can't take this anymore. kagome has stalled them enough already.

white ears twitch slightly when the door abruptly slides open, a rather intense glare clashing horribly against the girl's earnest joy. heh. he would almost regret ruining her good mood if he wasn't so impatient, wasn't so eager to spite that bastard naraku by foiling his evil schemes.

astradites, from kagome for inuyasha: it's you ! you came for me.

❝ what kept you, idiot ?! ❞ the half - demon snarls furiously, golden eyes blazing. arms unfold dramatically to angrily gesture at kagome's open window. toward the ancient higurashi family shrine below, a dark shape in the dim evening light, containing the bone - eater's well within. ❝ hmph. don't tell me 'ya completely forgot about the other world ! we were supposed to pay old lady kaede a visit, remember ? ❞ inuyasha jumps up, sweeps kagome off her feet, into his arms. the spluttered protests that follow go ignored as he leaps outside.