Title: A Silent Promise

Author: Niki-chan

Rating: PG

Summary: Companion piece to Broken Promises. InuYasha's POV after breaking a promise to Kagome. One-shot. (Inu x Kag)

Disclaimer: Nothing is mine. They belong to the incredibly talented Tahahashi-sensei (bows head in awe).

I'd also like to give a special thank you to the following people who sent feedback for Broken Promises: Raven the Shikon-Hawk (glad you liked it!), Rebel Swan (here, have a tissue! XD), SilverLunarStar (hope this part satisfies), and SilverWolf-Ryuki (your feedback is just plain awesome!).

Ok, ok... on to the story...

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She is angry.

No, angry isn't the right word.

But she is definitely upset.

Not that I blame her.

I had gone after Kikyo again today.

After I promised her I wouldn't leave her side.

I didn't mean to hurt her…

"Kagome," I start, my voice trembling so slightly I doubt she would even notice. "Let me explain."

How exactly I intend to do this, I am unsure.

I cautiously take a seat beside her, and I know she must truly be hurt because she is unable to look me in the eye.

"It's ok," she says feebly, though I know it is a lie.

I wish I were able to make her understand.

Yes, I had gone to Kikyo today.

I had done so many times before, and would probably do so again.

But I always came back to her.

Did I still love Kikyo? Maybe… Probably.

But there was no doubt in my mind how I felt about Kagome.

To this day it still amazes me how much I truly care for her.

How she could love someone like me…

She takes my breath away.

Surely I do not deserve this.

No, I don't deserve her at all.

But I need her.

The very thought of her not being in my life anymore… It makes me tremble.

And so seeing her like this, so upset… It breaks my heart.

I don't think she realizes how I feel about her.

Granted, I have never been overly open with my feelings.

But there is something about this girl…

I don't understand how any being could have such an impact on my soul.

I open my mouth to speak, but when she turns to face me I suddenly forget what I intended to say.

And then she is smiling.

Just like that, without my saying anything, she is smiling at me.

She is amazing.

"Kagome," I whisper, overwhelmed by the forgiveness she possesses in her heart.

"It's ok InuYasha," she assures.

How did I get so lucky?

"You're not mad?" I ask. I am relived, but at the same time I know I do not deserve her forgiveness.

"Not anymore," she says, resting her head on my shoulder.

And in that instant I understand why she forgives me.

She loves me.

And for perhaps the first time, my stubborn mind allows me to understand something else.

I love her too.

And I am so happy in this realization, and I think I should tell her.

No matter how many times I go to Kikyo, no matter what duty or guilt binds me to her, I will always return to Kagome's arms.

It is, after all, where I belong.

I decide I should tell her this before my foolish pride gets in the way…

"Next time, I promise-" I begin, but she raises a delicate finger to my lips and does not allow me to continue.

"Shh," she says, and I suddenly lose my nerve. "Just hold me."

How can I deny such a request?

I wrap my arms around her and she clings to me as if she were afraid to let go.

My Kagome.

I wish I could promise to never leave her.

But I don't want to lie to her.

I certainly don't want to hurt her.

I know I will. I know I will leave again.

But I promise I will always come back.

And I promise that I will always love her.

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A/N: Awww, he wuvs her... XD Sorry that took so long to get out guys, hope it was worth the wait! Review please! I'll give you an Inu plushie!