They have traveled for what seems like forever. An unspoken bond linking them eternally. Feelings awaken in a cave as a monk learns how much he cares for the demon slayer.

Chapter 1: Survivors

Miroku heaved himself up the mountain, his body nearly folding under the combined weight of Sango's unconscious body and their weapons. He needed to reach safety, for it was not only his life that mattered now, but also hers. His feet slid on the mud, and he skidded backward a few feet. His right hand clenched to the earth as he willed his body forward, despite the rain that assaulted him.

He looked up, his heart quickening as the dark entrance of a cave appeared in the mountain side. He pushed himself forward, feeling his body beginning to lose strength with each step. Finally reaching the ledge, he pulled himself on all fours toward the cave, his eyes darting over his shoulder quickly. Miroku moved shakily to his feet as he slid Sango from his shoulder to his arms, holding her against his chest.

As he entered the cave, he looked around sharply, his eyes scanning every inch for a wild creature that might reside there. After finding no such thing, he laid Sango carefully on the stone floor.

His lungs clenched as raspy gasps escaped his lips. Wiping his forehead with the back of his hand, he fell into a sitting position.

His chest heaved up and down as his arms tingled with sharp spasms of pain. He rubbed his palm on his shoulder, trying to release some of the tension in his muscles. He looked toward the cave entrance, a wall of rain drops blocked sight of the sky or anything else. Curling his fingers around the tie of his robes, he tugged. His robe fell from his shoulders, collecting around his waist as he stared down at his injuries.

Several small gashes covered his torso, nothing too serious. He turned to Sango, his eyes moving over the small scratch on her cheek.

They were thrown so violently from Kirara when the attack began, he wondered if there were other injuries she had that his eyes couldn't see. His brows furrowed as he thought of his friends. Where were Kagome and Inuyasha, Shippo and Kirara? Were they lost as well in the jungle? Were they hurt? He shook his head, it was too painful a thing to think about. Turning back toward Sango, he knew his first priority was that she was not hurt. She had after all not awoken after he found her in the underbrush after the fall. He prayed she would be alright..

Rising slowly to his feet, he removed to remainder of his outer robe, placing it carefully beneath her head.

He searched the cave wearily, his eyes falling upon a collection of twigs in the furthest corner. Obviously this was a nest of some sort, but it looked as if it had been abandoned long ago. Snapping the twigs between his hands, he piled them together beside Sango as the rain thundered outside the cave walls. Banging two rocks together until a spark arose, Miroku proceeded to make a fire.

Looking back to Sango, he worked more vigourously to create some warmth.

An ear shattering roar of an injured demon echoed outside, causing Miroku to tremble.

The fire came to life a few moments later, tiny flames licking the bottom of the pile. Miroku moved toward Sango, his hands carefully lifting her against his chest as he scooted back against the cave wall. Holding her tightly toward him, he stared out into the dark beyond the cave, his heart pounding. He sat silent for many moments, listening to Sango's soft breathing as he slowly drifted from consciousness.

Chapter 2: Stealing Glances

Miroku awoke a few hours later, to another roar. His eyes snapped open, turning sharply to the cave entrance as he clenched his staff. He squeezed Sango against him, as he awaited the arrival of a demon. When nothing appeared, he allowed himself a moment to breathe.

Glancing toward the fire, he stared into the dying embers. He placed Sango on the ground as he leaned forward, stoking the twigs roughly coaxing the fire to life.

The warmth filled the cave as Miroku sat back, his eyes on the demon slayer before him.

She had yet to wake, he began to grow anxious. He shifting closer toward her, his eyes dancing over her face. He would be selfish to want more moments like this. Moments where he could look upon her beauty so strongly and not get slapped. Moments where he witnessed her at her most vulnerable. But was that really such a selfish wish?

It's true he always found her to be a stunning woman. With the grace and strength that few others had. The way her body moved so fluidly in battle, and her eyes would pierce into the very soul of whatever she faced. Whether it be a vicious demon, or a simple monk. It unnerved him how well she knew his soul, few others outside his family knew him as she did.

It was as if she knew his heart better than he. She knew what to say to ease his mind, and how a simple touch drove him near insanity. This woman was surely different.

He blinked as his hand reached out unintentionally toward her. Snapping it back, his heart quickened.

Surely it was not his place to think of Sango in such a way. Who was he to examine her so intensely? To look upon her for so many moments and lose himself in thoughts of her?

He drew back slightly, though his mind protested.

Sango was far too good to be on his mind as often as she was. If she only knew he thought of her this much.. But then what would she say?

No doubt she would accuse him of being a letcher. Say that his thoughts were tainted with lust and he needed to remember he was indeed a monk. Yet if she only knew.

His thoughts were only pure, with the exception of a few occasions. But every man has drifted into lustful fantasies, he cannot be condemned for that. Above all else, any desires or lusts, he truly did think the world of Sango.

He knew she was far too good for a man such as he. That she deserved someone pure such as Takeda.

Yet, that didn't appear to be what she wanted. After all, she did return to the group after the proposal he made. Could it he be the reason for that? He could only dream that she thought of him as a better man for her than Takeda. But it was a nice idea to entertain. The idea that Sango loved him back, loved him like he did her. Unlikely.

He shook his head, as he forced himself to think of something else.

Rising quickly to his feet, he shook out his robe, draping it over her carefully. As his hand lingered on her shoulder, he stole one long glance at her before moving himself toward the cave entrance, stationing himself in sitting position.

Chapter 3: Her Savior

Her eyes flickered open her vision black for a moment as she attempted to lift her head. She blinked again, seeing a low rock ceiling above her. For a moment she was confused, unable to figure out how she got to this place.

She moved slowly from the ground, her hand clenched around something soft that laid over her. Looking down to the object in her hand, she realized it was Miroku's robe. Her eyes trailed to Miroku as he sat far from her, his back the only thing visible to her. Her gaze traveled down his muscular back, over the small scars on his shoulders and spine.

His voice broke her thoughts as his head spun slowly toward her.

"You're alright". He said softly as he rose to his feet, moving quickly toward her. His hand reached out shakily placing on her cheek as Sango trembled.

For a moment neither spoke, til they realized how close they were. Sango drew back, her eyes turning to the ground. "Where are the others"?

Miroku shook his head, his eyes on Sango's face. "I do not know. You were the only one I found."

Sango looked back at him, feeling her chest tighten as her eyes moved over his cracked lips. "Did you bring me here"? She whispered as Miroku nodded, gliding into a sitting position in front of her.

"Yes. It has rained non stop. I couldn't search for the others without knowing you were okay".

Sango blushed as she looked away, her hand resting on her forearm. "Thank you for watching over me". She mumbled as Miroku nodded, moving slowly back to the cave entrance.

Sango watched him walk away, feeling her heart suddenly drop into her stomach. Part of her wanted to tell him to stay, yet the other held her back. She pulled her eyes away, looking down at the robe draped over her legs. Slowly unbinding her armor, she glanced back to Miroku as she slid the leather down her neck and shoulders.

Her hands moved slowly over her chest and stomach, finding no injuries but a few black bruises. Quickly covering her bare breasts, she looked over Miroku's back as he remained turned away. Pulling her armor back to it's rightful place, she rose silently to her feet.

She glided to Miroku's side, her eyes piercing the rain, searching for where his gaze lingered.

"I hope the others are alright". She whispered as Miroku turned to her, nodding smoothly.

Placing his hand firmly on her shoulder, he smiled warmly. "I am sure they are alright".

Chapter 4: Reunion

Miroku stepped slowly back, his eyes on Sango's as his hand fell from her shoulder. "Come on, its far too cold over here". Miroku whispered as his eyes moved away.

Sango remained at the cave entrance, her eyes on the mountain side. Shaking her head, she walked to the fire, sitting beside Miroku. As the two sat in silence, Sango's eyes trailed to Miroku's bare chest. Her cheeks reddened as she quickly stared away, staring at her scarred hands. "I wonder where the others are".

Miroku looked to Sango slowly, his eyes darting over her face quickly as he spoke. "I am sure they are fine. I doubt Inuyasha would dare let anything happen to Kagome." He followed Sango's eyes as she looked at the cave entrance. Reading her gaze he spoke softly. "I am sure Kiara is well as well. No doubt she isn't far off, looking for you". Placing his hand on hers, he smiled as she turned back to him.

"Thank you again for rescuing me". Sango whispered as she leaned toward him.

"You say that as if it is a chore for me." Miroku said as he shrugged. "Like I must do that because I have to. You are my friend afterall, why should I not do everything I can to keep you safe"?

"Yes. We're friends". Sango muttered as her fingers squeezed his unconsciously.

Miroku watched her silently, his head bowing down toward her. Sango's eyes turned up to him questioningly as his hand floated to clench her cheek.

"Sango". He whispered as his lips hung over hers. Miroku shook his head as he lowered his hand to her shoulder, pulling her against his chest. Sango jumped as his other arm wrapped around her stomach. Sango looked up into his dark eyes as his chin leaned against her forehead. His eyes widened as his hand lowered from her waist to the ground.

A soft meow echoed in the cave as Sango's head whipped in the opposite direction.

"Kirara"! She cried as she jumped to her feet, scooping up the tiny wet demon that stood in the cave entrance.

Miroku smiled as Sango turned to him, a large grin on her face as she clung to her precious companion.

When I see you smile

Tears run down my face.. I can't replace.

And now that Im strong I have figured out.

How this world turns cold and it breaks through my soul

And I know, I'll find deep inside me I can be the one..

Miroku looked past Sango into Inuyasha's eyes, as he stood water logged and bleeding, Kagome straddling his back. Nodding slowly, Miroku glided to Sango's side as Inuyasha walked past, laying Kagome on the ground beside the fire. Looking into Kirara's large eyes, Miroku placed his hand on the tiny cat's head, ruffling her wet fur.

Alas, their group was together once more. But for a strange reason Miroku felt disappointed. Shaking the thought from his mind, he moved to Inuyasha's side to aide the injured Kagome.

Chapter 5: Revelation

The group returned shortly from the cave, back into the storm. Continuing on to Keade's village, Miroku sat behind Sango in silence.

For some strange reason, he was finding it harder to look at her since thier time in the cave. It felt as if something had arose inside of him, that caused his heart to quicken and his palms to sweat when she spoke his name or came toward him. The feeling was unsettling, for her knew what it was. Though he himself had never felt this before, he knew the signs.

Could it be that he was in love with Sango? True, he had fancied her over other women he'd spent long periods of time with, but could that really be love? And there was the fact of his jealousy of another man being with Sango.

Though he didn't admit it at the time, he was indeed jealous of Takeda. How dare another man look upon his Sango like that, speak to her in such a way. Perhaps he was jealous because Takeda was completely open with Sango and told her just how he felt. Something Miroku had yet to do. But how can he tell her how he felt when he himself did not know?

How could he pour himself out to Sango without knowing if she felt the same? Plus, his feelings would only be a burden to an already troubled soul.

Sango was hurt so many times in her life, who was he to risk bringing on more pain? Though he wanted to be true to Sango, he knew the best thing for both of them would be to keep thier hearts apart. And if it meant hurting her by flirting with other women, then that is what he had to do.. Right?

He never enjoyed seeing Sango upset, yet if he allowed her to see his true feelings, what would that mean for them in the end?

If the wind tunnel consumed him, would Sango cry? Would it break her heart? No. To break her heart, she would have to have loved him back.

"Miroku". Sango said looking over her shoulder at him. "Miroku". She repeated louder as Miroku's head snapped up to her.

"Yes"? He muttered as she watched him silently.

"Is something the matter? You're awfully quiet". She said as Miroku nodded.

"It is nothing, just thinking".

"Of what"? She whispered as a gust of wind blew her bangs in front of her eyes.

Miroku smiled, his hand resting against her backside as she stiffened. "If I told you, I would surely get beaten". He whispered just a moment before her hand connected with his cheek. Miroku smirked as he stared at the back of her head as she turned away with a huff.

Thats it. Pretend there is nothing lingering in your mind. Keep her oblivious to how you really feel. Even if it tortures you, never let her know you care for her.

I will never let you fall..

I'll stand up with you forever.

I'll be there for you through it all,

Even if saving you sends me to heaven...

Even if she never knows, you will save her heart in the end.

Miroku sighed as he stared at the trees on the ground below them. Someday he will find the strength to tell her. Perhaps when his future was more certain. Then he would tell her the things he longed to say.

Chapter 6: In Thought

When the group arrived at Keade's village, Sango quickly distanced herself from Miroku. Miroku was relieved by this, for he could sort out his thoughts without being distracted by the woman whom filled his mind so completely.

Wandering to the fields, Miroku sat upon the wooden gate, staring at the rice pattie fields. His arms folded in his sleeves as he closed his eyes.

He couldn't be in love with Sango. Well he could, what was there not to love? But his destiny would not allow him love. He was cursed to die young by his own hand. Loving Sango would only bring both of them pain.

Yet he could not continue to deny how he felt. In an effort to keep Sango from loving him, he was hurting her and himself. He didn't wish persue other women, yet he had to appear as if he didn't care. He let out a frustrated sigh. Shaking his head, he opened his eyes smoothly.

In the distance he saw Sango surrounded by a group of small children, this only made his heart sink further.

The sight of Sango with only drove Miroku's urge to make her the mother of his child. She was so motherly, so kind. Strong yet understanding, a guiding light to the young ones. He watched as Sango raised her hand, placing it on the head of a young boy. "Sango". Miroku whispered as he watched her smile widely.

"What was that?" came a bright voice as Kagome appeared behind him.

Miroku turned slowly around, looking down into Kagome's large brown eyes. "What"?

"Don't play dumb. You know what". Kagome smirked as she shook her head. "You said Sango, you were thinking about her weren't you"? Kagome hopped onto the fence beside him, a wide grin on her face. "Admit it Miroku, you love her"!

"That's nonsense Kagome, we are comrades". Miroku said turning away as Kagome examined him.

"Ooh really." Kagome teased as she watched him tense. "Then why are you always looking at her".

So she had noticed, clever girl. "Why would I not? She is a beautiful woman".

"Yes, but you don't look at her as the lusty village men do". Kagome said with eyebrows raised. "It's different".

"How so"? Miroku retorted, trying to look as aloof as possible.

Kagome shrugged as she mimicked his actions. "You look at her as if she is the only thing in the room, yet you turn away and try to hide it. You watch her when she speaks, even if it's not to you. And you smile when she's near".

"So? We are friends". Miroku said as a bead of sweat moved down the back of his neck.

"Is that what you truly want to be? Even if Sango meets another man, is that all you want to be to her"? Kagome said cockily as Miroku shrugged.

"If the man treated her as well as I would". Miroku said, quickly biting his tongue as Kagome's eyes flashed mischievously.

"Is that so? 'As you would'". Kagome said, placing her hands on her hips. "I see". She muttered, sliding from the fence onto the ground. "I'll talk to you later". She whispered with a sly smirk as she walked away.

Miroku shook his head as he shut his eyes. Surely Kagome would tell Sango, it seemed as if he would have to answer for his words sooner than anticipated. Moving slowly to his feet, he turned, walking quickly toward the trees.

It's okay. It's okay. It's okay.

Seasons are changing,

And waves are crashing,

And stars are falling all for us..

Days grow longer and nights grow shorter,

I can show you I'll be the one...

Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Confession

Miroku stood in the darkness of the trees, his back against the bark of a large oak. He closed his eyes as a familiar female approached cautiously.

"Miroku". Sango whispered as she stepped off the path toward him. "Why are you out here all alone"?

Miroku met her eyes softly as he took a long breath. "Just gathering the courage to say what I must." He whispered as her brows furrowed together.

"What are you talking about"? She said as her cheeks brightened.

Miroku stepped slowly forward, his feet gliding effortlessly over the grass as he closed the space between them. "Sango". He whispered as he clenched her hands.

She watched him silently as he took a long breath.

"You more than anyone know me best. So you know what I feel without me having to say it.. But these things I have been feeling are strange for me and I can't put them into words." He whispered as Sango's eyes narrowed, her brows furrowing together in confusion. "I just pray that you do not base my feelings for you based on my actions. Though part of me does hope that, the rest of me wishes you knew what I truly felt. What my actions have tried to conceal."

"What are you saying Miroku?" Sango said, slightly irritably as Miroku closed his eyes. "I don't understand". She muttered, taking her hands back as Miroku's eyes opened. She shook her head stepping slowly backward as Miroku sighed.

Cuz you're my true love, my whole heart..

Please don't throw that away.

Cuz I'm here for you,

Please don't walk away and

Please tell me you'll stay, stay...

"Sango please". Miroku whispered, walking quickly toward her. "Let me finish". Taking a long breath, he met her eyes. "Sango. I love you. And I've feared saying those words so much since we met. Because I always knew it to be true".

Sango trembled as Miroku took her hands tenderly as his eyes burned into hers. "If I act a certain way, know that is not because I don't love you".

"Miroku," Sango whispered, leaning forward, her lips brushing against his.

Miroku's heart began to twittered as their lips moved over each other softly. Wrapping his arms around her back, he pulled her into his chest. Sango drew back, her head leaning against his chest as her hands wrapped around his back.

Use me as you will,

Pull my strings just for a thrill..

And I know I'll be okay,

Though my skies are turning gray..

"I will alway be there for you. I swear". He whispered into her hair as she nodded. "Even if I cannot love you fully in this life, you will always have my heart".

Sango closed her eyes as a tear trickled down her cheek. "I know Miroku. I love you". She whispered into his robes as his hands squeezed her shoulders. "Your my guardian angel".

Miroku smiled as he squeezed her tighter to him, losing himself in the sweet scent of her hair. "Yes. I am"...

I will never let you fall,

I'll stand up with you forever..

I'll be there for you through it all,

Even if saving you sends me to heaven...