Day 3: Promise

Three days have passed.

Inuyasha approached the well in a slow pace, his ears twitching and moving to make sure no one could sneak up on him. He didn't want anyone to see him visiting the well.

He rested his hands on the sun warmed wood, claws scratching against the ancient surface. He peered down inside, the bottom barely visible in the shadows, vines climbing up the sides.

Emotions swirled in his heart, threatening to overwhelm him. He felt duty-bound to come here alone, with no fanfare or witness.

It was just like the old days when he moped around the clearing, waiting for Kagome. He leaned in, scenting the air, it didn't carry the weird scents of the future.

He thought about her family and life on the other side, all the wonders her world had. Her mother, the kind, trusting woman that had allowed him to fight to protect her daughter. Thee little brat, cheeky and for some reason amazed by his hanyou self. The old fart, who had over the months grown to accept him as well. They truly were wonderful and the best part was that they'd never made a big fuss of that fact, they'd never looked down at him. They loved Kagome and had helped her become the woman he loved so dearly now.

"I promise," he whispered in the darkness of the well. "I will always love Kagome. I will fight for her. I will live with her and for her. With every breath I will strive to make her happy and make you proud of me. I will never forget your kindness and the gift that you gave this lowly half-breed. I will cherish her and make sure she never regrets choosing me."

These words had to be spoken, the oath made. Even if they couldn't hear it, maybe by some miracle or will of a kami they could sense his fierce intent.

He gasped in surprise when a pair of arms wrapped around his waist and a body was pressed against his back.

"Silly hanyou," Kagome said, amusement and love in her voice. "I'm happy. And I will not regret, even if I will miss them."

"Keh..." he cursed himself for getting lost in thought and letting her sneak up on him. Still, he put a hand over her own clutching at his kimono. "I kinda miss them too, you know.".

"They miss you too," she murmured and tugged at him. "Come, husband. The well is closed and the only way we can see them is for us to live up until we catch up with them."

"Mate," the hanyou turned to follow where she led him, away from the past, away from years of waiting. She gave a last glance towards the well when they reached the edge of the meadow.

I promise to always be at your side," she said as she turned to look up at him, warm brown eyes full of determination. "I promise there will be no more lonely waiting, for neither of us."

Inuyasha smiled and leaned in to kiss his wife of three days. There was no use for a promise if you couldn't seal it with something worthwhile.