Theme 21: Vacation
Kagome's injuries were too serious for them to continue their journey; to it had been agreed unanimously that she should return to her own time to heal properly with the advanced physicians and advanced medicine.
Inuyasha, even the way he was now, was usually more vocal about her leaving, or more against it, but in this case he allowed it.
Miroku watched as Inuyasha chose to look anywhere but Kagome on their way back and refused to accompany them to the bone eaters well, instead staying behind. Most would think he was uncaring and cold, but Miko was very perceptive and had learned to notice the delicate changes in the new Inuyasha's behaviours.
He was more careful than the older Inuyasha, his every thought was hidden, he was completely distrustful and goal orientated, and yet, he was slightly different from when they first met.
Like his subtle actions towards Lady Kagome as of recent. They were so subtly, he probably did not realise he was doing so. Like watching where he led the group to make traveling easier for her, walking at a slower pace.
And how he avoided Kagome showed that something was bothering him.
"Houshi?" Sango said, as she joined him by the river's edge "What troubles you?"
"I worry for Inuyasha" he admitted "And Kagome."
"Inuyasha had changed so much" Sango said sadly "I know Kagome puts on a brave face, but inside she's in so much pain. She misses the real Inuyasha"
"We all do" Miroku said "We came to follow Inuyasha because one way or another he won us over. Whether it was his loyalty, his strength of his kindness, we were all taken by him and decided to be with him by his side."
"Inuyasha has always stood by us no matter how much he grumbled over the situation, he's a good person and I know that deep down, he's still there" Sango said.
"The way I see it, we may have to accept that he is not going to change back and wonder if this is the end, should we leave, should we stay? Well I for one am staying."
"Houshi?"
"I will stand with Inuyasha, it will be hard, but I'm sure it's easier for me than it is for Kagome. And Inuyasha…is an important friend of mine, one who has always cared for us from the very bottom of his heart, one who would give up his life in a second for any of us, I won't abandon him."
Sango smiled "You're a good man Houshi. I won't either; I will stand by Inuyasha, no matter how much he's changed. Perhaps one day, he may return to us and…"
She was cut off by the feeling of Miroku's wondering hand caressing her buttocks and the sound of a slap echoed through the forest, scaring the birds.
Oh Miroku, will you never learn? Please Review