Third Time's A Charm - Epilogue
Those times when it seems like you're about to reach the goal you aimed for
Have you noticed that it's still far away?
Exactly how far are we supposed to go
And what should we do with these endless days?
Two Weeks Later...
"Hold still! Honestly, you're worse then a girl." Ayako scolded, jerking the comb through Inuyasha tangled silver locks again. Inuyasha growled in pain as the comb caught on yet another knot, tearing through painfully.
"It's probably you doing it wrong!" He snapped in reply.
"Don't blame me because you have bad hygiene. But I'll be a gold fish before I let you ruin Lady Akari's day by looking like crow's nest. There!" She released him finally, setting the comb down beside her. "Now that wasn't so bad. Now get out of my hut. I'm sick of you." Tucking the comb away into the tiny wooden box by her side.
Inuyasha threw her a glare as he rose to his feet, striding towards the door. He paused in the midst of sweeping aside the cloth that covered the entrance. "You should get dressed too. Akari will be upset if you're not there."
If you're tired from flying so long
It's alright to rest your wings
I'll be right here
He heard rather then saw Akari smile and then felt the impact of a soft cushion against the back of his head as the girl laughed. "I like you too, Inuyasha. Now get out."
He glowered, rubbing the back of his head as he stepped out into the village again. He'd been rather surprised at Ayako's change of demeanor towards him, which now seemed to border of the same manner of Akari's. Abusive affection, but he tolerated and returned it and were content enough. But there was only so far he'd go, and she was never coming near his hair again.
If you were to set out on a journey
When that day comes
Let's begin there together
He walked away from the hut towards the village courtyard, head turning as voices called out his name in greeting and hands were lifted in waves. Would he get use to that? Ever?
Do you want to try believing in a single beam of light?
Or would you prefer to quiver in darkness?
But even as he wondered a grin took procession of his expression and he returned the salutations with soft inclines of acknowledgement. The street that snaked through the village to its heart was lined with white rose and sakura petals, illuminated with lanterns that had yet to be lit. The courtyard itself was similarly decorated, a splendor that outstripped even that of when Yaeko and Keisuke had been married. And in the center Akari stood directing a host of people in their preparations, resplendent in a gown of white silk trimmed in gold and silver. A crown of yellow roses sat the dark, ebon crown of her hair; endless locks coiled up and pinned in place with combs of topaz and silver.
If your wings which have flown so long
Can no longer flap
I will warm them for you
And then she turned; catching sight of him and offered a smile so brilliant and opened he was brought up short, halting his progression a few feet away from her. He didn't need to move any nearer, however, she came to him.
"Inuyasha! You know you're not supposed to see me till later. I thought Ayako had you in her grasp."
He blushed, cleared his throat, and glanced away. "I got a message from Sango and Miroku. They're...coming here."
"I'm glad." She studied his face with a blend of joy and apprehension. "I wonder...if they'll like me."
"Don't be stupid. Of course they well." He replied impatiently.
"Yes I know, I'm they friend they lost."
"No." Inuyasha still refused to look at her, gaze fixated on some point beyond the border of forest. "They'll like you...for the same reason I do. Because you're...you're you."
There is definitely
One person who
Needs you
And that person who needs you
Would definitely always
Be smiling by your side
He heard a wet intake of breath and turned to discover Akari's deep blue eyes swimming with tears. He choked in surprise, reaching towards her. He'd never seen Akari cry, not over anything.
"Hey! What are you crying for? Cut that out!"
"Inuyasha! You're so stupid." Lifting arms to drape about his neck in a butterfly light touch then rose up onto her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. And he immediately enveloped her in his own embrace and returned the kiss with all acknowledgement.
If you're tired from flying so long
It's alright to rest your wings
I'll be right here
And all of Mishima cheered.
Someday we'll all set out on a journey
That day is definitely coming, right?
It's even okay to throw everything else out
As it begins from here
The story of the two of us
Is filled with worries and hopes
-Hamasaki Ayumi