Title: Stay Close
Pairing: Kagome/InuYasha
Summary: Promises are meant to be kept.
Note: Ofukuro- Somewhat unrefined way of saying 'mother.' It's what InuYasha uses.

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He squeezed his eyes shut as the change overtook him. It wasn't painful, more like a tingle washing over him, but the emotions that came with it were another story.

Fear.

InuYasha was no stranger to this sensation. He'd felt it twang at his heart every time he dared venture into the village. Shatter to the very core of his soul when the possibility of losing those he held dear appeared.

He'd felt it tunnel its way into his mind when wondering if he would ever find what he desired.

---

The six-year-old boy had inquired of his mother, "If I am just a normal human on the new moon, can I play in the village?"

"You want friends who only accept you when the moon cycles?" Izayoi chided gently, pulling him onto her lap.

InuYasha's violet eyes brimmed with affliction. "I just want to…"

His statement was interrupted, his mother pulling him into a compassionate embrace.

"I know," She said, holding back tears.

"Will I ever find it?"

"You will, I promise you will."

Nodding, InuYasha closed his eyes, letting the warmth of her love overcome him and lull him into drowsiness.

"Stay close, please."

Tightening her grip, she kissed him on the forehead. "I will. Through all the night and always."

---

She never broke her promise, not until her life was extinguished.

After that, no one stayed close. No one remained by his side during the midnight-cloaked new moon.

Until her. He never asked her to stay close. His pride would have prevented such a thing.

But she did, as if an unspoken understanding led her to do so.

I promise you…

InuYasha glanced hesitantly towards Kagome, smiling when she rested her head upon his shoulder. Outside, the night was dark without the moon.

Ofukuro… I've found it.