Okay, this is just the first chapter. Next will be in Sango's, followed by Inuyasha, then Kagome.

Reviews make me smile inside!

Heart

I know Sango is strong.

As she flew around the battlefield, swinging the Hiraikotsu high above her head, disposing of any in her path. Her face is fierce, eyes like flint as she fights in a glory that she alone possesses- the blood and gore stains her clothes.

But she shines all the same.

I know that she is brave.

Staring- no, Glaring danger in the face. A cry escapes her lips as she fights for her friends, for her brother…and for me. Fear is an irksome fly, popping up when you lest want it, but driven away with a wave of her hand.

I know that Sango is kind.

Sometimes her kindness surpasses that of Kagome, a feat rarely thought possible. Sango, who suffered so at the hands of Naraku, was able to care for us all even after she had fought against us. She lost her family, the will to live, and yet she kept herself going, entering perhaps a fruitless search to honor her family.

Sango, whose anger can be many times more horrifying than Naraku at his worst, willing to sacrifice herself for her little brother, Kohaku. Sango, whose loyalty knows no bounds. Sango, the Demon-slayer.

Sango. The woman I love.

When we first met, I cannot akin to love at first sight- though it was very close. I did not grace her with my harmless (though some wrongly call it lecherous) questions. I did not touch her at first, as I have done other women, simple monk I may be. Her eyes- beautiful, earth-brown eyes- were clouded with her grief, sadness, and anger.

But over time, her eyes began to change.

Perhaps it was Kagome, with her kind and sisterly nature, that caused the grief in Sango's eyes to dim.

Perhaps it was Shippo, with his childish, cheerful attitude that perhaps put her in mind of her brother.

Perhaps it was Inuyasha, who had suffered similarly, and sought the same goal. He valued her from the start.

Perhaps it was the presence of Kirara, one of the only survivors of the attack on the Demon-slayers, Sango's long faithful companion.

Perhaps it was even myself, though I doubt that is the case. Maybe I was a small part, for I know that she cares for me, but I hurt her, more than healed.

I think it was us in our entirety- the friendship and loyalty and trust that we shared with each other- that saved Sango in the end.

As I know all of these things about her, there is something else that I know.

Sango- kind, brave, beautiful, strong, Sango- had a fragile, crumbling heart.

And- though I never knew why, never knew why it was me who has hurt her so many times- I felt her heart with my hands.

I could see it at twilight, when the flickering lightbugs drifted between the leaves, and she gazed at the starry sky. Her heart had been shattered and we- though I played little part- found the pieces and put them together like that of the Shikon Jewel. But the ends were frayed, and weathered at the slightest touch. And yet it continued to grow, her kindness flowing into everyone.

I could see it after we would meet her brother, lost and alone, fighting something he could not defeat, very much like we were. Her eyes would become like dusk, dark with the pain of it all. And she reached for him, only to remember that he did not know who she was.

I could even see it as we battled Naraku, though it was even more guarded and she hid it behind a veil of anger, and hate. It was that time, those times, that saddened me most. It isn't easy to see such expressions on the faces of those you love. My own heart threatened to crumble at the hatred that scared her soul. I wanted to fight, and kill, Naraku. For my cursed hand, and my father and grandfather, it is true. But as I stared at Sango's face, I knew that I fought mostly for her- so that she would never have to feel that hatred again. So that I would never have to see her eyes blaze with her despair as she sought revenge.

And I could see it now, as we journeyed to our final battle. Her eyebrows were pulled together, and her lips were drawn in a frown. I knew what she was preparing for, something that the others had not, would not, consider.

What would we do when this was over? When we won- if we won.

Would Kagome return to her time, leaving us behind forever?

Would my Kazana suck me into its depths in exchange for Naraku's demise?

Would Inuyasha become a full Demon, and kill all in sight?

Would we…Sango, and I, stay with each other?

Would Naraku kill us all?

She turned to me, and I could see the sadness in her eyes, the hope and determination, and the fear. Suddenly, she seemed to realize something, and her eyes became filled with courage, and certainty.

"Houshi-sama…" She murmured. "We will defeat Naraku! Absolutely!" Her eyes were blazing again, only now, they were blazing for me, for us.

"Right, Sango." I said. "And when everything is over and we return..."

"Let's get married."

I said it, my wish and desire.

"Right." Sango's voice was hushed, as though she did not want Naraku to hear and taint it.

I did not know why, but she chose me. If- no, when we survived, we would be together for the rest of our lives.

And now I held her heart in my hands.

I had to hold it carefully, gently assuring and loving, lest it crumble in my cursed hands…