Chapter 13
It has been awhile since Sango had her alone time. With their adventures with Shoga and Myoga, Kagura's discovery of Inuyasha's secret, saving Koga, and the latest – Shippo's challenge from Soten, the past couple of days were terrifying, exciting and tiring. So having a day, after all that, to just relax without their usual drama was truly welcomed.
Inuyasha and Kagome decided to explore the village they were currently staying in before heading out again. Miroku and Shippo decided to explore the village separately, allowing the lovebirds some time to themselves. Sango decided to go to her secret place with her neko friend.
Sango wanted to be away from Inuyasha and Kagome. It wasn't that she wasn't happy for the two. She just wanted to be away from them, because deep down, Sango knew seeing them together was tearing her apart. She wanted to see them happy, but a part of her couldn't help but wish it was her, and not her best friend who Inuyasha wanted to be with.
As always, there was only one place that made her calm before the storm. Sango knew that after these few moments of rest, they would be back on the road, and battles would ensue once again. Sango wanted to enjoy every restful moment she had, and there was only one place (and one person) she'd like to spend her restful moments with.
oOo
Dropping off from Kirara, Sango landed softly in the middle of the tulip fields. Looking around, there was no sign of Sesshomaru.
Wishful thinking that he'll be here, thought Sango, still scanning the area of any sign that the Inuyokai was around. Shrugging off the feeling of disappointment, It's still early anyway, maybe he'd be here before the end of the day.
Seeing Kirara, had settled somewhere near the trees at the border of the tulip fields, Sango felt the need to run through the field of flowers. She didn't know why, but she just felt she had to. I may never have another opportunity to do this, might as well, while no one was here to see my foolishness, Sango smiling to herself.
And just like that, Sango started running along the field, taking a path of a cyclone, watching the butterflies lift themselves off the tulips that Sango disturbed in her path.
Breathless in the middle of the tulip fields, Sango was now surrounded by butterflies, hovering over the flowers. It was breathtaking. But what was more breathtaking, was the Inuyokai who was watching her from the edge.
Sango couldn't help but smile even more. She didn't understand why knowing he was here with her, made her stomach feel like the butterflies were actually inside her, as she looked at the beautiful Inuyokai staring back at her.
Whispering, as if afraid to break the peace that the moment held, "I'm glad you're here.".
Sesshomaru, who with his yokai gifts, heard the Tajiya, continued to walk towards her, his smile becoming more evident as he approached her.
Stopping just a few inches away from her, "I am too."
888
This time, there was no Rin, nor Jaken around. It was just the two of them.
Sesshomaru was kind enough to prepare lunch for them, open roasted rabbit. And it was delicious.
"Compliments to the chef", sucking each of her fingers for whatever remained on her hand.
"This Sesshomaru is happy that Sango has found his cooking acceptable.", eyeing Sango as she cleaned her fingers with her tongue. "You do know that the way you are cleaning your fingers is very suggestive.".
Blinking twice, unsure of how to react to what Sesshomaru had just told her, stopped midway, looking at the Demon Lord.
"Don't get smart with me.", playfully acting stern towards Sesshomaru.
Smirking at Sango's awkwardness to his remark, Sesshomaru stood up to bury the remaining bones and rabbit leftovers. He also put-off the fire since there was no need for it anymore.
Facing Sango, "Now it's time for us to rest, and the blanket of flowers looks like a very nice place to rest our sleepy heads.", extending his arm to the Tajiya to entice her to join him.
Smiling back at the Sesshomaru, grabbing his hand, Sango stood up, and followed the Demon Lord to their place of rest.
oOo
Lying facing each other in the fields, their form hidden by the tulips, the two enjoyed this secret world of theirs.
Letting his fingers run thru Sango's hair, "Did you know Kagura tried to bribe me with the Shikon shards to kill Naraku?".
Surprised with Sesshomaru's revelation, lifting her head to look at Sesshomaru's expression more clearly, "And did you take it?".
Smirking, "This Sesshomaru doesn't need the shards to kill Naraku, Sango. The offer was even insulting. No respectable yokai would touch that thing. It's bordering blasphemous to even use that.".
Raising an eyebrow, her tone almost sarcastic, "You do realize how you sound right now – so humble, with no trace of cockiness.". Nevertheless, she had gotten used to Sesshomaru's over-confidence. She had to admit, he does have rights to brag.
Adding fuel to her friend's extremely large ego, "Not wanting to add to your smugness, but I have to admit, Mitsuo made me realize that you are the epitome of perfection. You are not only powerful – in terms of yokai standards, but you are also so beautiful. It's hard to believe you are even male.", Sango slyly smiling at the the Inuyokai laying beside her.
Not knowing whether to take this as a compliment or an insult, but leaning towards a compliment, "This Sesshomaru is touched with your belief, my lovely Sango. As for the beauty, that would rather be subjective, for this Sesshomaru believes that no one is more beautiful than you, Sango.", sincerely looking into the Tajiya's eyes.
Sango didn't know what to say. She just blinked with the compliment, and couldn't help but blush with the comment regarding her beauty.
Shifting his gaze to the skies above them, "As for perfection, it is not this Sesshomaru who is an epitome of perfection. It is Mitsuo, my eldest brother who deserves such praise.".
"Mitsuo?"., Sango unable to contain her curiosity.
"You remember, during one of our dinners together, Mitsuo mentioned that the Western Lands fell when our father died. He failed to mention that it was he who actually conquered the lands. His immense power, his ability to harness his Qi and the surrounding energy was what made the Western Land yokai population bow and submit to Toga's sons. Mitsuo did not want to lead, so I stepped in.".
Sango could not believe what she just heard. She was getting even more curious about the brothers.
"But that is for another story, my dearest Sango. Let us rest, for we will need to return to our companions before the day ends.", opening his arm, Sango leant forward, resting her head on Sesshomaru's chest. She still couldn't understand the peace she felt with Sesshomaru, and with that, she felt sleep take over her.
oOo
As soon as the two had finished watching the sunset together, they said their goodbyes and went off to return to their companions.
Sango felt so rested. Why does he have this effect on me.
The trip back to her friends was quit fast, since Sango wasn't paying attention to the journey back. She had so many questions running through her mind, including Sesshomaru's sharing about Mitsuo's power.
Reaching the village where their group decided to spend the night, not wanting to enter their sleeping accommodations just yet, Sango decided stay outside by the porch and watch the clear sky. She wanted to clear her head before heading inside. Seeing Kirara wanting to accompany her, Sango urged the neko to enter their sleeping area, assuring her friend that she will soon follow.
Alone and looking at the clear night sky, Sango's thoughts drifted to the past few days that had gone by.
The past few days seem to point to the issue of ending up alone – just like what she was right now, alone, looking at the clear night sky. Shoga is alone, continuously forcing herself on Myoga. Soten was alone, looking for a friend and going to great lengths such as challenging Shippo to have a playmate. And there was Inuyasha, who was no longer alone and had friends whom he shared his greatest secret with.
Sango didn't want to be alone. She didn't want to feel the loneliness of having no one to call on to. Her family was no longer with her, and her only breathing relative was living on borrowed time – a shard that was fueling his life force. Somehow, Sango had an inkling that after the battle with Naraku, it would be a miracle if Kohaku was even still alive by then.
Her friends would have lives of their own someday, after they have finished their quest to complete the Shikon jewel and vanquish Naraku. She would be happy for them, of course. Sesshomaru and his 2 elder brothers would somehow move-on and focus on something else in their lives, even possibly marrying Rin when she reaches her age of maturity. Inuyasha and Kagome would most probably have a family after, whether here or in Kagome's time should Inuyasha want to join her there. Miroku would most probably find someone (or maybe several) who would want to bear his children, especially by then, he would no longer have to fear his curse, which would have been broken with Naraku's demise. Shippo would most probably be going for training, busy meeting new friends, and perfecting his craft. And there was Kirara, who might also leave, should she find another neko like her, whom she could start a family with. And all would be left was her, alone.
Sango didn't want to end up like Shoga. She wanted to love, but she wanted a love that was not stifling. She didn't want a love that was forced, but rather a love that was freely given.
She didn't want to end up like Soten either. She has her friends, and cherishes them. She didn't want to push them away. Despite everything, Sango knew how lucky she is to have her friends in her life. They make her complete, and help her get thru each day, no matter how hard or painful it can be.
She wanted to be like Inuyasha, finding friendship and love in the weirdest of all circumstance.
No longer able to think clearly and feeling her eyes droop with sleepiness, Sango stood up, heading towards the door of their room. Before entering, Sango looked up once again to the clear sky, with the numerous stars shining above, I will enjoy each day that I have with my friends, while I still have them. And maybe, just maybe, when the time comes that they leave her, a new set of people would come to fill up the void that they will leave behind.