Morning sunlight peeks lazily through the blinds. Tendrils of heat caress her cheeks, stirring her awake. Beams of light bore into her lids, but she ignores them, keeping her eyes closed. A few more moments of peace. Her pillow is warm beneath her head. Blankets wrap around her, holding her close like an embrace. A sigh pushes through her lips as she debates how much longer she should stay in bed. Her eyelids are heavy and swollen from last night's crying session.

Miroku.

He came to help her. To wipe the tears that tumbled down her cheeks. She blushes, digging her head deeper into her pillow as she recalls how badly she wanted to kiss him. Had she been painfully obvious?

A noise fills her ears. A low moan. A deep, long breath shudders beneath her, and her head moves along with the motion. Except, it's not her pillow, she realizes as all the blood drains from her body momentarily before immediately re-entering, flowing straight to her face.

It's Miroku's chest.

She fell asleep on his bare chest.

She wants to die. She wants to hide. She wants to bolt. She wants to stay. There. In his arms. For this to be real. For this to mean something.

But it doesn't. Because she begged him to stay, and he only came because she scared him with her screaming. Her night terrors. He didn't come because he wanted to be with her in her bed. It was an obligation. It was to help her, like a friend would do, because they were friends. She had made that painfully clear. Nothing would happen. Nothing could happen.

Friends.

The word tastes sour in her mouth.

Slowly, carefully, she unravels herself from his arms with a baited breath. She watches and her heart leaps in terror as he stirs, afraid he will awaken at any given second. He rolls over, gripping the sheets. His chest rises and falls in a silent rhythm. Sango remembers to breathe in this moment.

What is she supposed to do? She can't face him. What would he think, waking up in her bed? She practically cuddled him all night long! She paces across the room, gnawing on her lip as she contemplates what to do. Her gaze falls on his face.

Locks of dark bangs fall over his closed eyes. He looks serene. Peaceful. She hopes his dreams are filled with happiness. He deserves that much, especially after all he's been through. She wonders if he dreams of her. Or if he dreams of other women. Her fingers twitch at her side, watching his lips part in soft breathing.

She turns away, and the thought of running fills her body again. Her veins buzz with nervous energy. Hands fiddle with the hem of her top as she bounces on both feet. A run. She needs to run. She needs to do something while he sleeps. She needs to talk to someone about this. She needs to figure out what to do about the mess she's caught herself up in.

Sango leaves the room, closing the door quietly, trying not to wake him. She glances at the clock. 8:30. Only a few hours of sleep, but she's wide awake now. Miroku will probably sleep for a bit longer, knowing him. Grabbing her phone, Sango dials her best friend.

She picks up on the third ring.

"Kagome," Sango says in quiet urgency. "Kagome, I fucked up big time."

A yawn grates her ears from the other end of the phone. "What? Did you forget to pack something when you came home from your business trip?"

"I slept with Miroku."

There's an audible pause as Kagome inhales deeply. "What?" Her voice rises in giddy anticipation, "WHAT? Details, woman! Is he as skilled as the tabloids say? Does he have a big dick?"

Sango nearly drops the phone as she scrambles for a coherent response. "What! No! I mean…, I don't know!"

"Ohh, was it dark in the room so you didn't see it?"

"No! I didn't sleep with him!" Sango tries desperately to keep her voice at a whisper, but it rises in a panicked desperation. She eyes the door, anticipating Miroku bursting through at any moment due to her outburst. "I mean, well, I did sleep with him, but not like that."

"Come over. I want to hear everything!"

"He's still in my bed. I can't just leave him."

Sango hears the cheeky smile in Kagome's voice as she says, "Are you still in bed with him?"

"No, I am not in bed with him!" she hisses in a hushed tone, eyes flickering back to the door. "Do you think I would be discussing this with you if I was still with him?"

"I don't know. I'm in bed with Inuyasha talking to you on the phone."

"But that's different," Sango says, holding back the urge to groan. "You guys are dating."

"Nuances. You're living with Miroku."

"Roommates and dating are not the same thing." Sango chews on her bottom lip. "Do you think I can leave him alone?"

"Miroku is a big boy," Kagome says, not unkindly, "I think he will be fine without you."

"But what if he wakes up?"

"Then he's awake," Kagome says as if it's the simplest thing in the world. The eye roll is palpable in her tone.

"But I won't be here. He'll think I ran away."

"Aren't you, though?"

Sango pauses, looking at her bedroom door again. The thought of him seeing her right now sends her heart into overdrive. Will he think differently of her for asking him to stay the night with her? For all the sobbing she did in his arms? Her fight or flight response kicks in, and she chooses the latter. "I'll be over in a few," she says, grabbing her keys.

When Sango knocks on the door to Kagome's apartment, she's expecting to see her best friend. Instead, golden eyes greet her when the door swings open.

"Morning, sunshine. You look like shit," Inuyasha says bluntly, eyes sweeping over her form briefly. "Kagome's in the shower. I hear you slept with our favorite playboy author?"

Sango's face flames red in embarrassment. She stomps her foot and balls her hands into fists. "I did not sleep with Miroku!"

Inuyasha barks out a laugh, leaning against the doorframe. He wears a shit-eating grin that taunts her mercilessly. "That's not what Kagome told me."

Huffing, she shoves his chest, pushing him inside the apartment. She hip-checks the door to close it behind her. "Shut. Up. I didn't sleep with him!"

"Same bed. Still counts." He flicks her forehead with his finger. "Never took you for someone to sleep with another person without dating them, Sango."

"Yeah, well, I never took you for someone who would settle down and want to marry a girl, and yet, here we are," she says, eyebrows raised in challenge. She jabs her finger at him. "Said there was never anyone out there for you. How you were destined to be alone. Now look at you, you big softie."

"Keh. Lucky for me, I met a certain someone at the police academy program that your dad set up. Otherwise I would have never met you, and in turn, Kagome."

"Lucky for me," she says, lips curling up in a soft smile, "that you got in trouble and your dad required you to attend after vandalizing our school. Otherwise, I wouldn't have survived without you." Her voice drops to an almost whisper as she continues, "Seriously. I wouldn't have survived without you."

He ruffles her bangs, affection pulling at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. I think you would have been just fine. You're tough as nails."

She snorts. "Of course I am. I beat you in an arm wrestling contest that one time, afterall."

He whips his head in her direction, eyes darting around like he's afraid Kagome will hear. "That was one time," he grumbles, shoving her head out of the way as he stomps toward the couch. He whirls around, eyebrows drawn together in accusation. "And you cheated!"

"I did not! I won fair and square. I'll beat you again right now."

"Keh, you're on. But don't say I didn't warn you," he says, rotating his shoulder with a smirk. "I'm a lot stronger than I was all those years ago."

"I was about to say the same thing," she says. She kneels next to the coffee table, elbow poised as she goads, "Bring it on, dog boy."

"Oi. Don't call me that." He plops onto the carpet, sitting with his legs crossed. His elbow slams down next to hers. Inuyasha grumbles under his breath, "You have a stray dog follow you home one time and then you're branded with a dumbass nickname."

"I could always call you Mutt like Koga did."

"Fucking asshole. Thought he was so funny. Kagome is so lucky I found her before she got serious with him."

Sango hums in agreement as Kagome strolls out into the living room, toweling off her hair. "Why am I lucky? And why do you guys look like you're about to arm wrestle on my coffee table?"

"Because we are about to arm wrestle?" Sango supplies, smiling weakly. She'd rather lose this contest than face the wrath of her best friend. Kagome was not one to be trifled with when her temper flared.

"Inuyasha," Kagome says in a saccharine voice, "the last time you tried to show off, my favorite tea kettle broke. No feats of strength today, got it?"

He sulks, dropping his arm onto the table with a rough sigh. "Sango would have broken her arm, anyway."

"Me?" she scoffs. "Me? Your arm would totally be broken from how hard I would have slammed it into the table."

"This is exactly why we are not arm wrestling in my apartment," Kagome says, lounging on the couch. Her hands idly twirl the ends of Inuyasha's hair. He leans back into her touch. "Feel free to do it at your place next time. Anyway, Sango! Spill the beans!"

Sango's shoulders collapse. She stares at a stain on the carpet by the coffee table. It's a blackish-red. Wine, perhaps? "There's nothing much to say, really–ow! What was that for?" She rubs her head from where Inuyasha clonked her with his fist.

"For being an idiot."

"Rich, coming from you."

"Children," Kagome chides. "Enough. Sango, you're being an idiot."

"I just said that and you yelled at me!"

"No, I really am being an idiot," Sango says with a forlorn sigh, resting her cheek on the palm of her hand. "I don't understand what's wrong with me."

"You like him."

Sango's eyes widen, staring at Inuyasha. She expected this from Kagome, but not him. "What?"

"You like him." He shrugs with his offhand remark. "I can see why. Miroku is a good guy, even if he is a womanizer. But he hasn't slept with someone in a while."

Sango's heart beats uncontrollably in her chest, trying to break free from the cage she's locked it in. She whispers a breathy, "What?"

Inuyasha quirks an eyebrow. "You didn't notice? Miroku hasn't brought a girl home in months."

Sango racks her brain, lips forming an 'O' when she realizes that it was about two months ago since she had last seen one of his flings. What was her name? Oh, right. Koharu. The one who thought she was his girlfriend after a night together. When he had picked her up from the airport, he told her he didn't bring home any girls during her absence either. Why? Why did he suddenly stop? Was it because of…her?

The thought was exhilarating. It was terrifying.

She clutches at her chest, her whole world reeling. Could it be that Miroku liked her back? No, that was impossible. She was nothing like the girls he brought home, and he knew it. She wasn't good enough for him. She wasn't skilled like those girls were. She would only disappoint him. Besides, she was only a challenge. A tease. His interest would fade soon enough.

But still. She can't help the hope that chisels away at the lock on her heart.

"So he hasn't brought home a girl in a while," Sango says, stubbing her toe into the carpet, focusing on that pain instead of the pain in her chest. "Doesn't mean anything."

"Keep telling yourself that," Inuyasha mutters, shaking his head. "But I know Miroku. We were friends as kids. Kept in touch when he moved away to live with his uncle after his dad died. It was hard on him. Especially with growing up in the limelight."

"I'm sorry, what? Growing up in the limelight?" Sango cocks her head to the side, frowning. "He just published his book last year. What do you mean?"

"His father was a famous writer," Kagome explains. "Wrote tons of best sellers. Wait, did you not know that? His father was Miyatsu Hoshi. The Miyatsu Hoshi."

"Who?"

"I swear, you live under a damn rock. Even I know who he is," Inuyasha says, his head shaking slightly. "His suicide was all over the papers, and in turn, his son who witnessed it. I think it really took a toll on him, not that he would ever say anything about it. When he got older, he was always out partying with girls. Always drinking. Always having one night stands. Until now. Tell me, Sango," Inuyasha continues, hands on his thighs as he faces her, "what's changed?"

"He's finally dealing with his trauma?"

"No, you fucking idiot, you! He's living with you."

"Inuyasha is right," Kagome says, nodding in agreement. "I think you're good for him."

Sango falls back onto the carpet, staring up at the ceiling. "I doubt that. I kept him up half the night with my crying. I probably made him remember things he didn't want to." Her friends observe her with a curious intensity, so she adds, "I had another night terror."

Sympathy laces Kagome's voice as she says, "You haven't had one of those in a while."

"I know," Sango mumbles in agreement. "It has been a while. He must think completely differently about me now. Not really attractive."

"Neither is having tons of flings, and yet you fell for him."

Her arms fall over her head. "Yeah, I guess I did. Why did I have to fall for him, Kagome? Why couldn't it be someone else? Why do I have to like him of all people?"

"The heart wants what the heart wants, even if it's beyond reason," Kagome says. "I mean, I gave up being with Koga for this one–"

"Hey!"

"-and I wouldn't want it any other way."

Sango lifts her head to see Kagome peck the side of Inuyasha's flushing cheek. "Yeah, but you guys are soulmates. You're meant to be."

Kagome tilts her head, fingers stilling against Inuyasha's shoulder. "What makes you think you're not meant to be with Miroku? It was painfully obvious there was something going on when we were over for dinner that one time. He's totally into you too, but maybe he thinks he's not good enough for you. Just like you think you're not good enough for him."

Sango groans, shoving her bangs out of her face. "You guys are not helping at all."

"Don't do anything then," Inuyasha says indifferently, shrugging. "You don't have to act on it. Just wait and see what happens."

Kagome pipes up, "I can help play matchmaker if you want. Speed along the process!"

"NO!" Sango and Inuyasha yell simultaneously. They glance at each other and Sango diffuses into a fit of giggles.

Kagome pouts. "You guys are no fun. If I can set up my ex with his current girlfriend, I can set up anyone."

"That only worked because she was jealous of you," Sango points out, sitting back up. She brings her knees to her chest, setting her chin on them as she hugs her legs. "Maybe that's the only reason I fell for him in the first place. Jealousy of other girls. Feeling alone. Maybe this is just superficial. A silly crush."

"When was the last time you had a crush on someone? Cause if I recall, everyone thought you were a lesbian in high school."

She glares at Inuyasha. "Hilarious. You know everyone thought we were dating because God forbid a girl have a best guy friend that she's just friends with." She shudders at the thought. "Besides, no one ever liked me like that back then anyway."

Inuyasha rolls his eyes. "You really are a fucking idiot. Aren't you forgetting about Kuranosuke?"

Sango blinks. "Who?"

Kagome inches forward, wrapping her arms around Inuyasha's neck. "Yeah, who?"

"You know Kuranosuke," Inuyasha says, crossing his arms. "The mayor's son? He was over at the station all the time because his dad used to come discuss police issues with your dad. Followed you around like a love sick puppy. It got especially bad after he saw you hit the bullseye on the target with every single shot you took. He was in awe."

Sango frowns. She tries to picture him, but comes up empty. "I still have no idea who you're talking about."

"Oblivious, that's what you are. No wonder you can't see what's right in front of you."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sango says, voice rising in challenge.

"Nothing. Go back to your roommate," Inuyasha says, waving his hand toward the front door. "He's bound to wake up soon."

Kagome swoons. "He'll probably be missing you!"

"More like wondering why I ran away from him again," Sango mutters, reluctantly standing. "I guess thanks for the pep-talk, as weird as it was."

"Call me soon," Kagome says seriously. "I want to know what happens when you get home and see him. Spare no details."

Sango rolls her eyes and mock salutes her. "Aye-Aye, captain." She turns to Inuyasha. "Tell everyone at the station I say hi."

His golden eyes burn her with his hard stare. "Tell them yourself."

She frowns, rubbing her arm. "You know that I can't do that."

"Tch."

She's in no mood to have this conversation again. So, she bids them goodbye and drives home. The whole ride home, Miroku preoccupies her thoughts. Specifically, what Inuyasha had said to her. How he grew up in the limelight. She wonders why he never said anything to her. How she failed to realize that his father was famous too. It must have been hard on him. She only had the eyes of the station on her, but he had the whole world watching. Waiting. To see how he was holding up. To see how he would mess up. To point fingers of blame.

And yet, he always wore a smile. He always tried to take away her pain. Was she blind to the pain he was in?

Light flows in through the window, illuminating the apartment in its warmth as Sango opens up the door. Kirara stretches from her perch. She pads over to greet her with a yawn and head rub. Sango bends down, scratching the top of her head lightly.

"I guess Miroku is still sleeping," she muses to the feline. The clock reads close to ten. Her stomach growls. Touching it lightly, Sango realizes she never had breakfast. The last meal she ate was on the airplane. An idea forms in her mind. Breakfast. She will cook him breakfast, as a thank you. She sets to the refrigerator, pulling out the ingredients she needs.

A few minutes later, as eggs are cooking in front of her, Miroku emerges from her room. She spares him a quick glance, fighting the blush that encroaches her cheeks at the mere sight of him. His sweatpants hang low on his hips. She admires his lean physique for a moment before her eyes land on his. His tired blues blink slowly at her. He runs a hand through his wild, unkempt hair.

"What time is it?" he slurs with sleepiness.

"It's ten," she responds, surprised at how level her voice is when nerves pool in her stomach. "Did you sleep well?"

He peers over her shoulder, responding next to her ear, "Yes, I actually did. Are you cooking? It smells good."

She squeals at his sudden closeness. His hot breath curls against her neck. Her mouth parts as she inhales deeply. She steps forward, her stomach flat against the cabinets. "I'm showing off all you taught me."

"Should I be on the lookout for shells?"

She glares up at him. "Excuse you, I can crack an egg just fine."

Blue and brown meet, searching. She once again wonders exactly what emotions swirl within the depths of his eyes. He's so hard to read. She's sure she's an open book.

"Listen," she begins with some hesitation.

At the same time, he says, "About last night."

They stop. He laughs, rubbing the back of his neck. She prods the eggs with her wooden spoon. A moment passes and they try again.

"I wanted to say–"

"What I was going to say was–"

They pause once more. Sango shifts her weight from one foot to the other. Her eyes flicker to the eggs before she looks back up at him beneath her lashes.

"I'll go first," he says, hands tucked in his pockets. "I'm sorry."

"You're…what?"

"I'm sorry," he repeats, a small smile gracing his features. It doesn't quite reach his eyes. "I fell asleep on your bed without your permission."

"I begged you to stay," she blurts with force. She flushes with shame. "I practically demanded you to stay the night with me."

"I wanted to, though," he says, brows furrowing. Her heart leaps momentarily before he adds, "To make sure you were okay. I knew you would probably have a hard time falling back to sleep. I know I used to after having nightmares. So, I wanted to stay until you fell asleep. I didn't want you to be alone through it all, but I guess I was more tired than I thought and next thing I knew, I was awake and in your bed. I'm a little embarrassed." He laughs, rocking back on his heels.

She blinks. Is he…nervous? The wooden spoon lies forgotten against the pan as she turns to face him. "Miroku."

He stares down at her. The muscles in his neck pulse. "Yes?"

"You have nothing to apologize for. I'm…I'm the one who should be apologizing." She worries at her lip. "You were just being a good friend." She swallows the word down like she would a giant pill. It catches in her throat. "I appreciate it more than you know."

"Stop."

"What?"

"Your lip," Miroku murmurs, touching it lightly with his finger. Her teeth release as she holds her breath, captivated by his fervent blues. "You're going to rip the skin off again."

She can't speak. The words won't form on her tongue. She nods ever so slightly. A blush dusts her face as the desire to kiss him overwhelms her senses. Against her better judgement, her eyes flicker to his lips momentarily before resuming looking into his eyes. But his eyes aren't on hers anymore, she realizes as her chest constricts. They're a fraction lower. On her lips.

His hand drops, fingers tracing along her neck. Flames flicker in their wake. She shivers with the motion, leaning into his touch.

"Sango."

Alarms reverberate throughout her head. They both jump at the sudden sound, the spell broken.

"The eggs!" she cries, lifting the pan off the stove. Smoke billows up to the ceiling as she desperately fans it with her free hand. "They're ruined. I'm so sorry." She peeks over at him, but he's staring down at his hand, fingers stretching. "Miroku?"

"Oh." He glances up at her, blinking like he missed what she had said. "I should have known this would happen with you cooking," he says finally with a throaty laugh. "Step aside, my dear Sango. I'll whip up something for breakfast." He turns on the overhead fan to help the smoke dissipate.

"No, I was supposed to make you something. As a thank you," she says over the shrill sound of the alarm. She dumps the burnt eggs in the trash and hastily washes the pan.

"Burnt eggs? Thanks, but no thanks. I guess it was a little too advanced for you." He sends a teasing wink in her direction. "But I can salvage the meal. Omelets? That is, if you left us any eggs."

"Show off. There are some left." She focuses on the hot water scalding her hands, trying to ignore the ghost of his touch lingering on her lips. Her neck. Had she imagined the heat in his eyes?

He hasn't brought home a girl in months.

The alarm deftly quiets.

Miroku begins his task, cracking eggs into a bowl. His bare back faces her, muscles flexing involuntarily as he works.

The desire to run her hands over his taut muscles slams into her with great force. "Miroku," she blurts before she can stop herself. She clenches the sponge in her hand.

His head turns a fraction, eyes downcast. "Hmm?"

She wants to confess. To say the unspoken words her heart sings. But, she knows she can't. He probably only wanted to kiss her because it had been months since he had any action. He was lusting after her. He wasn't falling in love with her. Not like she was, anyway.

She blinks, surprised at her thoughts. Did she…was she falling in love with him?

"Sango?"

"Oh, um, nothing," she murmurs, tucking her hair behind her ear. It sticks to her skin, wet with soap. "Just, thanks for taking over breakfast. I'll make it up to you."

She waits for him to say some quip. Some flirty remark like he always does. But he just smiles at her softly before returning his attention to the food.

Maybe she is falling in love with him. Maybe she will be brave enough to confess one day. But for now, she thinks as she admires him, this is enough. Just being close to him. Admiring him from afar. Sneaking glances. Relishing in the moments she stole, even if her heart panged painfully in her chest each time. There are only a few months left in their lease. She will confess then. When the time is right.

After all, what can happen in a few short months?

Firstly, sorry this has taken me so long to upload! Secondly, thank you all SO much for all the love. I won first place for best rising author with FeudalConnection on tumblr for this story. This story also won third place for best non-inukag romance! I am in awe. Thirdly, this story is being discussed with the Inuyasha bookclub next month! What! I am just in shock. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.

I have plotted out this story, and there will be about 27 chapters...we aren't even half way there yet, ladies and gents ;) I hope you continue to enjoy this as much as I have enjoyed writing it!

Until next time!