Chapter 21- The Lecher and the Slayer

Sango knelt by the stream and splashed the cool, crisp water onto her face. After rubbing most of the grubbiness she stood up, feeling more awake. Miroku had waited patiently while she washed her face. Water droplets beaded in her hair sparkled like crystals in the sunlight. He could only stare at her radiant beauty. A soft breeze tickled Sango's hair as it teased and pulled at her long silky strands. She got up from her stoop by the stream and began to stroll along the border of the tree lined forest, her hands gently brushing the trees leafy branches.

Miroku followed a few feet behind, just watching her. Sango. The only woman who ever made him feel truly loved. Oh sure he had a good time with those other woman. The princesses, headmen's daughter's, lonely widows. But Sango was different. She made him want to repent for his thievery and wicked lechery. Those other woman only wanted him for his holy power or just for a quick one night stand in order to fulfill their sexual desires. Sango accepted him for who he was, pervert and all. He snuck a glance at her, only to realize she had been staring at him, and quickly looked away her cheeks aflame.

Miroku smiled gently. He walked toward the demon slayer. He reached down and grasped her hand, causing Sango to jump slightly. The monk turned her gently toward him, until she was facing him completely. There was a prolonged silence. And Sango started to think that it was a bad thing, and began to pull away. But Miroku would have none of that.

"Wait Sango." His voice caused her to freeze. It had a tone she had never heard in him before. She slowly turned back. Her brown eyes stared into his blue ones. She seemed to be searching for something in the depths of those sapphire orbs. For another long moment, neither spoke. They just stared. Brown and blue, like the elements earth and water. Both could be mortal enemies to the other, but when used properly they could make a formidable team. Finally the silence was broken by Miroku's calm voice.

"I saw you staring at Kagome's ring." It was statement that made Sango's heart skip a bit.

"Yes, it is a beautiful ring. I am very happy for both Kagome and Inuyasha."

Miroku persisted. "Something is still troubling you."

Sango toyed with the sleeve her kimono self consciously. "Why would you think something is troubling me?"

"I can tell by your behavior." Miroku stated simply.

Sango flushed slightly, not realizing that he had actually been paying close attention to her.

"Are you going to tell me what it is? Or do I have to guess?"

Sango shifted nervously from what foot to the other, trying to contemplate how to tell Miroku about her problem. She mentally cursed herself for being so naïve about the whole situation. It's Miroku for god's sake! You should be able to tell him, after all the things we have been through just recently! You're acting so childish!! What's the worst he can do? Laugh? He would laugh and then we would move on from this foolish matter.

Miroku noticed the visible change in Sango's emotions as she mentally berated herself.

"Sango?" He questioned her calmly, while placing a hand tenderly on her shoulder. The woman visibly snapped out of her mental conversation with her conscious.

"Ok." She mumbled, causing Miroku to focus intently on what she was saying.

"I was a little jealous of Kagome's ring." Came her mumbled reply.

Miroku was shocked to say the least. He had thought that she was going to say that she made a terrible mistake with him and break it off! Sango's answer perturbed so greatly that he began to laugh out loud much to Sango's confusion and anger.

" What?!" Came her infuriated reply. She was confused and annoyed as to why he had started laughing at her answer and wanted to make him understand. Did he think her ridiculous? Did he want to leave her?! This thought caused Sango to go stark still, her eyes watering at the thought.

Miroku noticed and immediately his laughter ceased. "I'm sorry Sango. I thought that you were going to tell me it was not working out. Your answer just surprised me is all. I was not expecting it."

Sango's eyes widened to the sizes of saucers. But Miroku continued on in his pleasant voice. "So why were you jealous?"

Sango became self conscious once again, not wanting to meet his eyes. "I selfishly wished that I could have a ring that beautiful. But it was a tactless thought that I should not fill my head with. I guess I just wanted to have a symbol of love like she had. It was stupid. I am grateful for what I do have, and could not ask for anything more. It just overwhelmed me. I know I should not be worrying about foolish things such as a piece of fine jewelry." She finished, and glanced at Miroku, afraid to see his reaction.

Surprisingly he was perfectly calm, almost thoughtful! He rubbed his smooth chin as he concentrated intensely. Finally when Sango thought he would never speak, he did.

"You're wrong Sango." Her eyes snapped up to his. "A woman like you deserves every bit of happiness that comes her way. You have suffered so much throughout life, joy seems to be the only proper remedy for it. It is perfectly natural for you to crave a symbol of love and companionship, such as that ring."

Sango gaped at him, her eyes wide in utter skepticism. Miroku seemed to ignore her amazed expression and continued on.

" Do you recognize this place Sango?" The question caused her to look around, gazing at the crystal clear stream, the grassy hill that overlooked it all, the trees surrounding the tranquil place. Suddenly realization hit her full force, causing her to raise a hand to her mouth. Could it really be that place? Did he remember? It was a few years ago, but there was no mistaking it. This was the exact place!

Miroku chuckled lightly at her sudden shock. He intended to fulfill his promise this time. He plunged a hand inside his deep indigo robes. When his hand emerged he was holding something small and gold that glinted in the bright sunlight.

Sango was speechless. It was a ring. "I purchased it after we defeated Naraku." He explained. Miroku bent down until he was on one knee. He took Sango's left hand, and after kissing it softly he took a deep breath and began.

"Sango for as long as I have remembered I have always been a lecher. I spent a fair amount of time sleeping my way through life, and through woman. I wanted to have an heir so that my legacy could live in case I should die. But then I met you. You who are so beautiful, strong, and brave. You made me want to give all that up. You have taught me so many valuable and important lessons, Sango, which I shall never forget. We fought are way through many battles, and I was so glad that you where one of my allies. We had a lot of close calls, and every time I was always so afraid that you would not make it. That thought alone made me want to throw all my bad habits away. But sadly I kept going with my horrific mannerisms, much to your sadness and distain. It took me quite a while, but I finally realized. I want only one woman, and she deserves all the bliss that the world has to offer."

Miroku paused to clear his throat. "I may not be the best candidate for riches or other worldly splendors, but I would love you all the same. I would stay truthful to you for always."

There was a dramatic pause. And then the words flowed from Miroku's tongue in a near whisper.

" I asked you a question last time. You said yes then. Well what about now? I actually have a ring this time. Will you take me as your husband Sango? Will you marry me?"

The world seemed to stop turning and the very fabric of time seemed to freeze. A second seemed like an eternity to the young monk.

Tears where flowing hard and fast like a waterfall down Sango's cheeks. But she did not make a sound. Silent sobs racked her frame. Her body was shaking so uncontrollably that Miroku could not read her expression, least of all if she answered him.

Finally Sango managed to stop her bodies shaking long enough to nod her head. A single syllable uttered from her lips.

"Yes."

Miroku would have kissed Naraku he was so happy. An enormous grin spilled out across his handsome features. He took the ring and slipped it onto Sango's finger. The ring itself was an exquisite beauty! It was a brilliant gold, and engraved into the band where two shiny sapphire pearls of magnificent quality! They caught the sunlight making them stand out further. In between the pearls sat a precisely cut diamond that sparkled with brilliance and shine.

After putting it on her finger he stood up slowly. He took her face in his hands gently. "I may have been a lecher, but I will always be your hentai." He breathed quietly. Then he brought her face closer and tasted her sweet lips. His hands trailed through her long hair, getting tangled in the black web. Sango brought her arms around to rest on his broad shoulders. Miroku's hands untangled themselves from her hair, and lifted her lean body off the ground. Sango wrapped her legs gingerly around Miroku's waist in order to steady herself.

The couple swayed momentarily, and then becoming used to the balance, all the while their lips never parted more than an inch or so. Sango felt her back collide with the sturdy trunk of a tree, but she did not care. Miroku's warm body pressed in close to hers, his eyes staring down into her wavering ones. His mouth came down upon hers once again, this time he was more assertive. A tongue slipped daintily, tasting her lips. A moan was heard. A contented sigh. Sango reached up behind Miroku's head and playfully yanked his ponytail. He grinned down at her, before grabbing the hand that enclosed his hair. He brought his mouth to it and began to nibble and suck at her fingertips in a sensual way. Sango shuddered before falling against him in pure bliss.

Sango closed her eyes in pure delight and pleasure, only to have them shoot open at the touch of Miroku's mouth. He had found his way to her neck and was now sucking on it vigorously. The demon slayer felt his warm tongue suck and toy at the sensitive skin on her neck.

Miroku smirked when he saw the blood rise to the surface. He leaned back to admire his work. A red blotch had appeared on Sango's neck. It was his own mark in a sense. A hicky on a human's neck usually meant that they were involved romantically with someone. Sango's hicky meant that she was Miroku's woman.

Sango blinked up at him, happiness threatened to flood from her russet irises. She buried her head into his shoulder and let him rub her back gently. A peaceful stillness settled over the content couple.

Sango was enjoying the comfortable position she was in, when suddenly she felt an all too familiar feeling on her backside. She blushed a deep shade of crimson. Couldn't he just once control himself? She looked up at Miroku, a steely glint set in her eyes. Miroku saw that look and immediately gulped. He knew what followed that look. Usually it was him holding his stinging cheek and Sango stomping off. Husband or no husband he knew he had annoyed the hell out of her. He closed his eyes and waited for the pain of her hand across his cheek to come, but miraculously it never did. He cautiously opened his eyes when he felt another hand clasp his own. He looked at Sango. She was smirking! She raised his hand from her bottom and slowly brought up to rest on her shoulder. Miroku was in complete shock! Never, ever had this happened before! And Sango just kept on grinning like she had earlier. With Miroku she was learning to take the good with the bad. And his wandering hand along her backside was just one of those things that she would have to grow accustomed to throughout their life together. She leaned forward and kissed him softy. The surprised monk had just enough sense to kiss her back. Sango giggled against his lips. I guess some things would never change!

And so ends the magical engagement of our lecherous monk and demon slayer. What do you think of it? Reply and let me know. Don't forget that Inuyasha still has possession of the jewel. I have a few ideas of what wish he should make on it, but what do you people think he should do? And also his tetsaiga is still missing! How will he get it back! Keep checking and posting your ideas and thoughts. Thank you!!