Standard disclaimer applies. I do not own Inuyasha.

Sesshoumaru's Secret

Chapter Twenty-Eight

By: Luna

Kagome was speechless. What was it with people warning her to stay away from Sesshoumaru? And who was it that wouldn't let her try? "I don't – "

"Kagome-chan, what a pleasant surprise."

Frustrated, Kagome looked up at Miroku, but his eyes were glued to Sango, who was staring at him with undisguised hate. Sango stood, standing in front of Kagome as she crossed her arms and cocked her hip to the side, almost like she was challenging Miroku – or preventing him from coming any closer.

"Sorry, sempai," she sneered, her voice coming out mocking and full of venom. "But no pets allowed."

Kagome's mouth dropped, and she stared wide-eyed at the pair. Miroku's eyes never left Sango's, and for a moment she thought he was going to apologize – but then the regret in his eyes disappeared, and Kagome wondered if she imagined it when he smiled charmingly.

"Why, my dear Sango, I was just going to compliment you on volunteering to give Kagome-chan a makeover." He was absently rubbing the palm of his mangled hand again, his gaze never leaving Sango's. "I knew I wouldn't be the only one to notice what a beautiful girl Kagome-chan is. In fact, I'm sure once everyone sees what I do, she'll be more popular than ever. Beauty is its own protection, after all."

Sango was silent for a moment, and Kagome watched her profile as she contemplated the meaning of what Miroku said. Kagome didn't understand, but apparently Sango had, because her eyes widened in realization, before narrowing suspiciously at Miroku. "That's quite a statement, coming from a dog like you."

"Dogs are quite loyal, are they not?" Miroku quipped, smiling beatifically at Sango.

"True," Sango said mildly. "They don't really care who their master is. They just blindly follow."

All amusement left Miroku's face, and he stared at Sango with an expression that scared Kagome. "Not blindly. Some dogs do not have a choice on masters."

"Everyone has a choice, Miroku." Sango's voice was hard, the look in her eyes flat and unforgiving. "You could have left him alone. You could have left me. But you didn't. And neither of us will ever forgive you for it."

Kagome felt like she had been forgotten, so involved were they in their battle of wills. There was a history here that went far beyond Kagome's comprehension; a tragedy that she couldn't understand – and a part of her wasn't sure she wanted to.

Miroku finally fell silent, staring at Sango with an unfathomable expression. Finally, he glanced at Kagome, nodding in greeting, but his eyes drifted back to Sango, almost as if he couldn't help himself. "Well then. Adieu."