AN: Lovely reviewers: YASHA3393, beautifulwarrior95, blackdeathmessenger, Nikki-4, Uzumakis Desert Rose, ShinobuKeitarofan, SmileFORME.I'mAGIRLDUH, DarkDremora4, tigris and Limited12. There were people who added it to their favorites or story alert, but the mail got deleted so I couldn't get all the names; but I am very grateful for the patience and support that everyone has given! Thank so much! The next will be longer. ;)

Chapter Ten

It felt nice to be in his arms—she'd never felt him really hold her before. The touch was like a distant memory, one that wasn't experienced at all, but there just the same. Kagome leaned in a bit more—drawing a hiss of breath from the hanyou. Normally, she'd have pulled away in hurt and anger; but it felt so good, too good to just push the warmth of his skin away. His scent, the crudeness of his clothes…

There was no doubt she still loved him.

Kagome wondered if this was how Kikyou viewed them; is this pain comparatively similar? The girl asked herself carefully, recalling the times she and her past self met, trying to discern how the other thought. No, it couldn't be exactly the same. She was part of Kikyou—her soul was already connected to this strange half-boy because of the priestess. The other one…Sango—she almost whimpered—she was something totally different; for she wasn't them.

Kagome pulled away slowly, tilting her head up to stare at him. The features were the same—the hair still not combed, face a bit dirtier than usual; the eye colour was the familiar brilliant gold, but the suns were warmer, brighter despite the grief.

They weren't the eyes she met so long ago—cool and spiteful; they weren't the eyes she knew during their path—slightly tolerant and accepting. These were unknown to her heart, for they contained all that and more, showed a kind, sadder, eloquence. They didn't belong to Kikyou, didn't belong to her. They were—

Kagome abruptly shoved him away, Inuyasha stumbling a bit from the unexpected move, for she'd been holding him so tightly.

The look in her eyes made his windpipe tighten; her brown orbs regained fresh tears, lips quivering.

Inuyasha saw confusion written on her face, her hands folded against her chest as if they'd been stung. What did she see?

"…They're different…" she answered a minute after, the look not diminishing.

He blinked. "Different?"

Kagome averted her gaze—thinking she was saw a flicker of black and green, but shrugged it off as the forest. When he didn't respond, she elaborated. "Your eyes; they're not the same."

"They're not?" he was thoroughly perplexed. What in the seven hells was she talking about?

Kagome sighed. "They're...softer."

"'Softer'?" he asked carefully. Realization struck, bringing with it the shock of lame senses. He knew what she meant now. His ears moved around Sango's pulse.

The girl crossed her arms, refusing to turn around, and just gave a jerky nod.

Inuyasha was trying to get how he was to comfort her, without hurting her anymore than she already has. This was becoming more difficult by the minute and it was infuriating. He thought of saying he was sorry, but that'd just be worse—not even salt to the wound. Not being able to think clearly, he focused on the breathing in the trees; how rapid the beat of her pulse seemed to be, not even decreasing when Kagome pulled away. Instead, it seemed to have gotten faster, like she was worried he'd be rejected by the miko.

Did she still care at all?

Sango took a chance to peek behind the tree, only her head moving while the rest stood still.

It was unnerving to watch the exchange, knowing that they still loved each other one way or another. The shine in Kagome's eyes was obvious; she loved Inuyasha with all her heart. That didn't bother her; what bothered her was why he didn't return the affections. There was a stiffness in his arms that wasn't supposed to be there, and a guarded glint took over in his expression.

What was he thinking?

It's his chance to be with her, to make everything right again. Then Kagome would only worry about Kikyou—not her, the girl who should remain friends through and through.

As Kagome turned around, the taijiya hid again.

"Inuyasha, do you love me?"

Inuyasha's heart skipped a beat; he thought it was from the slayer's, but realized it was his.

"Kagome," he started slowly. "You know I do."

"But not like that," the priestess continued wistfully. "Not like before."

He shook his head, finding a new lump in his throat. He was surprised to hear Sango's heart stop for a second. Pretending to look at nothing, he caught her brown gaze and held it. Seeing her so close was a blow that outmatched any physical pain. She looked so sad, yet there was a fearful hope he could not comprehend. What did it mean?

Kagome heaved a dejected sigh, but otherwise didn't look like she was going to break.

"Inuyasha, will you go find Sango?"

"Why?" he asked, blinking once and looked at the young priestess. He never saw before how fragile she actually looked, though. It was hard to notice it so late, for she always appeared so healthy and strong like a sun ray.

"Because, you love her, too, silly," Kagome replied simply; and to their shock, for Sango gasped lightly, the priestess gave him a warm smile. In two steps, she closed the space between them and stood on her toes to press her lips against his cheek for the briefest of seconds. Grabbing his hands next, she kissed both before releasing them and turning to the direction where she came from.

"Wait a minute," Inuyasha called out. "Are you…leaving?"

"Hm? I'm going back to Kaede's; Shippo's probably been wondering where his treats are." She explained lightly with a giggle.

"Kagome… Thank you," giving a tiny smile.

The priestess laughed and said "You're stupid" as she continued further through the brush, completely missing the woman who stared on after her in a sense of overwhelming disbelief. She was just going to let him go? Just like that?

"Sango," Inuyasha breathed, standing right beside her.

The exterminator stiffened, the heat and smell of his body hitting her with such force, she almost lost herself. She didn't turn towards him, keeping her eyes on the forest floor. What else was there to go on? Kagome gracefully stepped down, a great act of obeisance; but that doesn't mean she's not hurting. There was more to that smile and laugh—a pain Sango knew too well. Rejection is hard if you know it's real; harder still if it wasn't to be as such.

"Look at me," he pleads.

And it was so simple to tilt her head upwards—as natural as breathing; but too much air and the chest expands, a sensation of wanting to burst so you can release it all.

"What?" she retorts—trying to keep it sharp and steady.

"Why are you so upset?"

"She didn't take you back,"

The half-demon stared towards where the miko left. "Was she supposed to?"

"Yes!" Sango quietly hissed.

He chuckled. "You're awfully disappointed."

"Because that's not how it should be," huffed the slayer. "Kagome-chan was supposed to take you back and everyone can have the chance that we ruined so wastefully."

"I told you, some things can't be the same again." He admonished gently.

"Humph, so says you."

Then his arms wrapped around her waist, his nose in the crook of her neck. "Guess you didn't miss me did you?"

She was quiet for a moment; the slayer reluctantly nodded, placing a hand on one of his wrists.

"It didn't seem that way," he told her, spinning her in his embrace so he could see her face.

"I'm sorry. I just wanted things like before…" her forehead now resting gingerly on his shoulder, burying her face into his chest and gripping his clothes tightly. "But it won't be the same. I understand we can't control everything."

"I'm glad," said Inuyasha, stroking her cheek. "It's horrible to say it, I know, but you're back."

Sango couldn't resist the smile pulling at her mouth. "Happy to be back,"

It would be useless to tell him 'no' anymore; the past is unchangeable and it was stupidly naïve of her to think she could turn everything back to the simpler times. Accepting how things were was the next step to trying to move on—even if it was hard.

All they could do now, she supposed, was wait and see if it would run smoothly.

***

Inuyasha tried not to let the fact Miroku's calm demeanor was bothering him; the houshi had remained quite silent since he and Sango came back to the village. Kagome was still as perky as she was when she had left him. He wondered if she was feigning it still, if she really was over him—at least enough that she could look forward for something else.

Shippo was irritating as usual; the fox-child wasn't shy about concealing his emotions. There was always annoyance and censure when he looked at him, but Shippo wasn't giving Sango ill treatment; that made it tolerable to be sitting near the kitsune.

Kaede didn't approve completely—he could see it. But she didn't say anything. What did it matter what the hag thought about him anyway? She wasn't contradicting the slayer either; good. Otherwise he'd have snapped at her. Another reason she was upset was because he gave up the closest thing to Kikyou; it confused him, but he didn't say anything, unnerved at the idea of confession. He still loved both—her and Kagome—but it wasn't as…strong as the sudden care he feels for the demon exterminator at his side.

Miroku was so quiet that the hanyou almost twitched when he heard the man's deep tremor. "Thank you, Kaede-sama,"

"Where you heading Miroku?" the miko asked.

"Out for a moment," he assented. "I'll be back in a little while,"

The hanyou decided now would be a good time to talk to him about it; the only one he patched things up with—even if it was a messy stitch—was Kagome. Miroku might be more difficult; he was a man of few words—that was obvious unless Miroku had to negotiate—so it would be hard. What was worse was that, at times, the monk was the closest he had to some type of male figure. Without a brother and without a companion of the same sex, he could never say how he wanted to act to certain situations, why his reactions were the way they were. He finally had one, and it's gone…

It was a troublesome task; and they had previously gotten into a physical brawl as well, so there was no certainty as to how things will be handled.

He found the monk sitting beneath a tree, red and orange fluttering the ground. Inuyasha approached him cautiously. Beware the fury of a patient man… the quote from another distant passing came into mind.

"What is it?" the houshi asked.

Inuyasha glanced to his right, taking a deep breath through the mouth. "We have to talk,"

"About what?" and then he smiled belligerently. "Maybe the better question would be 'what for?'"

"Miroku, I really am sorry,"

"But it doesn't make anything better, does it?"

The half-demon didn't usually like to let words get to him; but this was new pain, and he wasn't so cruel as to not care. "Just tell me what to say," he said in a lower voice.

"There's nothing to say either; on your part at least," he added.

"My part?" he questioned carefully; here comes Miroku's deadly words.

The monk shook his head slowly, almost like he was with a child. "Of course you can't say anything to better the situation Inuyasha; what's done has been done. You have decided to stay with Sango and she has decided to stay with you," if the hanyou didn't know him, he would've missed the choke on the last three words. "It's good that she's chosen; she's been through enough, and clearing the air is what would be best for her emotionally and mentally,

"You on the other hand…" Miroku murmured as he turned his azure orbs on him—almost black from being in thought.

Inuyasha raised both eyebrows.

"I'll be frank with you Inuyasha; despite the fact Sango's at ease, there's no denying this isn't exactly how I wished this would be. I can't say I've been entirely there either, but it's good that she's found someone who can give her what I want."

"Did you ever love her?" he asked, a growl rising through clenched teeth.

The houshi almost sniffed at the remark. "I still do; really, Inuyasha, what kind of inquiry is that?"

"Then what are you saying? What do you mean by 'someone who can give her what I want'?"

Again, he shook his head, but his tone was wistful. "In some ways, I'm glad she didn't choose me. That's what I've been attempting to do since I learned I loved her. Yes, you were all right when you said that I would flirt with any woman, ask any one to bear my child. But Sango, as you know, is a very special woman, which is why I made sure to keep her at a distance with my lechery," he took a pregnant pause, waiting for the hanyou to ask what he meant; he met confused golden eyes, and went on, "My life doesn't last very long—in about a year or so, my borrowed time will be up and the Kazanna will swallow me whole.

"Meeting Sango was the best chance I'd ever received in this existence, and it hurt me when I had to flirt with other maidens, grope her to make her upset so she can see how disgusting and unworthy I am for her hand. If I wasn't cursed, I'd have pledged my love to her long ago and wouldn't have so much even glanced in the direction of another woman. But I am cursed, so I did what I could to make sure her love for me was gone, so she wouldn't try to follow me when the Wind Tunnel opened up to take me.

"But I didn't do much apparently; all I had to do was see if she'll fall in love with my friend." He finished, letting another bitter smile form.

The hanyou was too stunned for words, and all he could think about was how he destroyed this man who'd suffered just as much. All this time, he'd thought that he groped and leered because he was a perverted monk, and it turned out he did it out of concern for the person he cared for more than anything in his life. If Sango had gone to Miroku that night in the forest, would he have had the chance to obtain the happiness he deserved?

Inuyasha felt his stomach coil in revulsion; he really was bad luck.

Miroku seemed to look lost, staring straight forward. The hanyou stayed quiet—which wasn't easy—but he could try for that. Miroku finally turned toward him, a fierceness taking over in his azure coloured orbs; it didn't seem hostile.

"Despite this, if it will make Sango feel less guilty, then no qualm shall come from me,"

"You'll do that for her?"

"I'd do anything, and I expect it from you as well," the monk said quietly. "No matter what, you will take of her—you've made your choice, just like her, and you will stick by it." At the small glimmer in the half-demon's eyes, Miroku chortled. "Don't even think about this being my way of coming down gracefully. I won't pursue Sango—that'll just be another problem for us all. However, I'm not sure if or when my hate for you will subside. Right now, you are very close on the scale with the other half-breed."

Inuyasha almost felt his throat constrict. "I understand that. I don't blame you…"

The houshi sighed. "I wish I wasn't so contemptuous to you—no one is perfect, I know that quite well. But I'm informing you for your own good,"

The hanyou couldn't help but scoff, even it was inappropriate timing, "Uh-huh, sure."

"Your head still hurt?"

Inuyasha swiveled his eyes at him, seeing a confident sneer on the human's face. Fighting back the urge to roll his eyes, he stood. When he was about to walk away, Miroku's calm voice stopped him. Looking down, the monk's arm was outstretched, palm open. Slightly confused, Inuyasha grasped it in a firm hold, a short up and down movement following from Miroku's arm.

The half-demon understood that they just made the deal—he would take care of Sango, no matter what the obstacle was. He would keep it.

***

The group left the following day, saying their usual goodbyes—the hanyou's insistence at getting a move on grew petulantly annoying during nightfall.

Now that they were actually on the road, it had become too quiet; no one could think of a topic to occupy their time with, and Shippo, though young, understood that complaining about the silence would do nothing positive to the new arrangements in couples. The bonds between the four broke, leaving the wrong two to connect and the others without a clasp.

Kagome too didn't like the atmosphere. She's about had it with the endless lack of talk. It would be perturbing to suddenly have the silence drowned out by nonsensical quibble; however she would take the risk. To return things at least half-way to normal, the ice had to break somehow. She turned her attention to the young slayer; if she talked to her, with expected friendly lightness, then it would leave the ground open for the others.

Approaching slowly so no one would be startled, the priestess said, "Sango, do you want a snack? Maybe Kirara?" She'd expected them to jump, but the way everyone seemed to have leapt ten feet into the air almost made her roll her eyes; even Shippo let out a little yelp in her ear.

Pulling out catnip, she offered it to the nekomata, smiling to appease the group. Kirara didn't hesitate when Kagome brought it out—snatching it between her teeth and mewing delightedly. The young girl giggled and let her smile widen to a grin as she looked up to Sango. There seemed to be doubt inside of the taijiya's gaze, however, luckily, the cheeriness Kagome was exuding did the trick and the slayer nodded, giving a small smile of her own.

"Hey, Inuyasha you want something?" she asked; clearing the space with people she should be mad at always helped brighten situations. She met the curious violet eyes of the monk who was now next to her; he saw what she was trying to do; and he neither approved nor disapproved.

The hanyou glanced over his shoulder; she was still the peace maker it looked like. To help, he said, "Sure,"

Once she got close, Kagome handed him a bag of chips.

Inuyasha was just about to take them, when his hand froze, his ears twitching; suddenly, he growled in frustration.

"What's the matter?" she inquired carefully; did the façade not work?

"It's not you; it's that damn wolf," he explained in anger, taking his food as he talked. "He'll arrive in a minute or so,"

Kagome blinked, and was sure that everyone had muttered 'crap'.

"What do we do?" she asked Miroku. There was no way it would be semi-normal if Koga knew about their situations. He'd be boasting with pride no doubt.

"Act normal," the houshi stated calmly. "Inuyasha, you have to fight with Koga—at least a little bit." He added when the hanyou clearly showed the discomfort at that. Inuyasha glanced at Sango, her eyes guarded, yet still readable. She too felt the oddness of it all, however she consented. This issue took the amount of time Koga needed to approach, and when Inuyasha turned around, he saw the wolf stop right in front of Kagome.

"Hey, Kagome," the wolf demon said cheerily. "Mutt,"

Hell no… Playing along wasn't going to be hard; even if he and Kagome's relationship was forever shattered, there was no way he was letting this arrogant son of a bitch get a chance at winning her heart.

"What the fuck do you want?" he asked bitterly.

"Inuyasha," Kagome warned; she found it easy as well. "Koga, what brings you here anyway?"

The wolf-demon grinned. "I was searching for Naraku with the others when I caught your scent, and figured I'd say hello."

"You said it, now beat it," the hanyou growled. "Go back to looking—maybe we'll get lucky and Naraku'll kill your sorry wolf-ass,"

Koga turned to him, narrowing his eyes in defiance. "Why should I leave? Maybe Kagome actually wants to see me instead of your ugly face for a change,"

"What makes you think she wants to see you, of all people—you piece of shit!"

"Because, puppy, I am the better choice," he goaded, unwittingly causing all of them to wince at the wounds. The wolf leader turned his eyes to the miko. "You don't mind, though; right, Kagome?"

Kagome looked at him—his blue eyes clearly showing his anticipation—shook her head, and brought out another bag of chips.

Play along, Kagome, she told herself. Just play along…

***

Koga and his companions stayed with them for the night—Koga constantly taking hold of Kagome's hand, playing with a lock of her hair, and just all around irritating Inuyasha to the point he had to leave. Sango followed a few minutes later, heading off in a different direction but knowing she would meet up with him. Miroku wasn't having a hard time; all he had to do was stare off somewhere else. For some reason, Koga was becoming annoyed with the monk—much to Miroku's surprise. What threat could he pose to him? Kagome was a lovely girl, inside and out, however their relationship wouldn't lead up to becoming lovers.

Miroku met Kagome's awkward gaze, uncomfortable with the flamboyant affections. She was obviously used to Inuyasha's subtle gestures and it would take a while before she was able to find that showing the one you love, openly and without concealment, that you do care, is okay.

Miroku had to hand it Koga. The guy fell hard and he was doing everything he could to get her. Now that things…changed…maybe Kagome will return the young demon's feelings; at first, he found it sad that Koga's feelings were not reciprocal and he understood how that felt. So, he hopes that maybe Koga will win and plaster the void.

"What are you looking at?" the wolf asked indignantly.

He chuckled. "Nothing," he said, meeting Kagome's wide eyes. Koga and Inuyasha were more alike than they knew.

"I think I'll go for a walk," he said after another moment.

"Finally…" he heard Koga say.

The monk took off in an opposite route from the others, feeling like silence would do him good. Unfortunately, after some minutes along, he found himself thinking. He tried to steer clear from the thoughts of what Inuyasha and Sango were doing—if they were showing each other again that they were a whole, the hanyou kissing every inch of her or if they were simply enjoying the evening, hands twined…

He was still a love struck swain. Why can't his mind go off for something else?

Something white and red was caught in his peripheral vision and he halted mid-step. Turning his head to peer closer, Miroku wasn't sure if he should feel relief that he found someone to talk to or nervous that the one he found was also connected to everything.

"Lady Kikyou," he greeted politely.

The priestess swiveled, almost lazily, to the bass of his voice. Momentarily, she looked confused but her face took on the usual calm look she always wore. At times, he wasn't sure how to approach her—with respect of course, yet there was the matter they weren't really regarded to anything other than occasional acquaintances. Now, with all this on his plate, he decided to just talk.

"How are you?" he inquired, hoping this was appropriate.

Kikyou didn't say anything, only looked at his with guarded mahogany oculars. For dark eyes, they were certainly piercing. Then she replied with, "Well enough, monk."

"That's certainly good to hear," Miroku wasn't swayed by the sternness; suddenly, he was interested in the idea of small talk with this woman.

"Where is the rest of your group, Houshi-sama?"

He blinked. Of course she would ask; Inuyasha used to be—and was still—a part of her. "They are at our campsite," he lied.

"Not Inuyasha and the slayer though." Kikyou stated, not questioned.

Miroku gulped; how'd she found out? "No…not them."

"If you're wondering how I know, Houshi-sama," the miko continued. "I found them talking intimately with each other. It's apparent that things have altered in their course, have they not?"

"Yes, indeed." he agreed.

Kikyou laughed bitterly; but the smokiness of it had his ears perking up to hear. "If Kagome could not have him, then it's true—our souls were not meant to be mates,"

Miroku found himself walking towards her, aware of the intensity of her pain. And to think she confided in no one but herself; it caused him to feel pity and admiration. She really was strong.

"You're upset about it all,"

Kikyou shook her head. "Not necessarily, young monk; I suppose it is frustrating however there's no need to pry about how my feelings are hurt. You're the one who seems to be having much more difficulty in losing the one you love. Your wounds are fresher, after all, compared to mine."

The houshi looked down at the ground, leaning against the tree of which she reclined on. She's picked on a lot, and in barely a minute. "You sound like you're an expert in that area," he snapped.

Kikyou chuckled, this one dripping ironic wistfulness. "I know I am."

"I apologize for that, Lady Kikyou. It was rude,"

The priestess looked up at him, smiling in understanding. His breathing hitched. "Nothing is wrong with letting your anger out, Houshi-sama."

"Call me, 'Miroku', Lady Kikyou," he blurted. Would she take offense?

She didn't. "Very well, Miroku."