Chapter 21

Walk of Shame

The priestess was nervous.

Sango could tell even as she stretched in the warm morning light as she started to make her way towards the village's sacred tree. The questions she'd asked about Koga the night before was understandable but the reaction had been…..odd.

Sango and Miroku had been very prompt in reassuring Kaede that Koga was honorable and truthful when he said he wouldn't harm anyone in the village. But, as soon as Miroku had let lose a small rib about the Alpha and Kagome being special to each-other, the priestess had looked like she'd seen a ghost. Immediately, she'd thrown question and question about their relationship, demanding to know everything they could tell her. And, while Sango and Miroku had spent their fair share with the couple, there was only so much they could tell.

Kaede had seemed content with their answers but there was a distinct nervousness that had Sango on edge. And, when the elderly priestess had suddenly left her own home to collect wood for the house fire, Sango had considered following. But, Miroku's gentle but firm hand on her knee had stopped her movements.

Sango swallowed hard as her face heats up in embarrassment at the memory of the hoshi's touch. It had been innocent enough, just a gentle grip on her knee, but the heated look in Miroku's eyes had been anything but innocent. Or, at least, for as long as it had been present.

No more had those amethyst eyes seared through her than the look had cleared like mist. Immediately, the helpful hoshi was back, smiling brightly and reassuring her that Kaede would be back soon. And, to prove him right, Kaede had returned barely minutes later.

It made the rest of the night….frustrating to the young taijiya.

Sango wasn't the most desperate sort of person. In fact, she always held herself in the secure confidence that she knew what she wanted. But, now, that their group was back among humans again, that security was slightly….shaky.

Not in the mission: that was set in stone. Naraku would pay for all he did. But, rather, irritatingly, her own personal wants.

Truth be told, Sango had been a little unsure on what she'd do once she killed Naraku. Perhaps return to the ruins of her home and try to rebuild what was left. It was a bleak future but one she'd intended to embrace fully to do what needed to be done.

Now,…. When she thought of her future, the hoshi was there. Sango had thought Miroku thought the same. That he saw a life with her that could be lasting. But now, it was like he was pulling back from that hope.

Why, she had no idea, but it was starting to wear on Sango's patience. So, the distraction of what was needed to be done today was a welcome thing to her.

Kaede had announced that morning she wanted to speak with Kagome and Sango knew it was about time to show Koga the cave she'd discovered. They needed to make progress on the mission and just sitting around brooding wasn't going to do it.

So, she'd rushed out of the miko's home without a backward glance to track the two down. Thankfully, the hoshi was still asleep, if his light snoring was anything to go by, so Sango was able to slip out without an awkward morning greeting.

With determined steps, Sango made her way towards the direction she had heard Kagome's family's house was. She and Miroku had wanted to give their friend a chance to reunite with her loved ones without interruption before they had to dive back into business.

Sango would never deny Kagome the comfort of her family. At least, the young miko had one. Though, Sango quickly brushed that line of thought away. It smacked too much of bitterness.

Ginta and Hakkaku leaning against a nearby tree had Sango stopping mid-step as she cocked her head in curiosity. The two betas were always at Koga's side however, they were obviously sleeping out in the forest surrounding the village. If anything, Sango figured they would have kept sleeping vigil over Kagome's house…..unless her grandfather had thrown all the ookami out of their home in the night.

If that was the case…..

Turning sharply on her heel, Sango made towards the trees, hoping to find the Alpha propped up against a nearby trunk so she could at least tell him where to meet her later. However, what she found had the taijiya blushed in embarrassment.

Koga was propped up against a trunk alright, with Kagome wrapped intimately in his arms. His head lay against the tree behind him, all the while cradling her own against his chest with the most contented smile on his face.

Kagome looked like she was enjoying the position as well, cuddled up cozily against his bared chest, since Koga had abandoned his armor and laid it out beside him.

The scene was so intimately serene, Sango felt more like an intruder than ever before. Unfortunately, whatever had happened the night before, it was time to wake up to the light of day.

"This better be good," Koga grumbled, sharp blue eyes peaking up at Sango with a hard warning in them.

Sango swallowed her nerves as she steadied her stance. Kami, he was still every bit the predator his blood made him to be.

"Thought you'd want to see the cave," she informed matter-of-factly. "Get started on tracking Naraku down."

"Now?" Koga half-growled softly, as if this was the absolutely worst time to try.

Perhaps it was. However….

"The miko, Kaede, wants to speak with Kagome anyway," Sango informed. "She seems…..determined."

"She can wait," Koga chuffed as he tightened his grip around Kagome's shoulder.

However, the action seemed to awaken Kagome more than soothe her as she started to fidget and lift her head, rubbing her eyes.

"It's alright," she replied sleepily. "I need to go see Kaede anyway."

Sango was grateful for Kagome being awake already but it was obvious Koga wasn't appreciating the interruption at all. Even now, he huffed with frustration and glared accusingly at Sango like their broken moment was all her fault.

Perhaps it was. But, Sango refused to let the Alpha know that. They had a job to do, afterall.

"You should rest," Koga argued half-heartedly as he eased his hold to let Kagome slip slowly from his grasp.

Kagome gave him a slight smile before quickly jerking her gaze shyly away from him, as if just realizing he was half naked.

"I feel fine," she answered with a knowing smile before rising to her feet and smoothing her dark hair back against her scalp, as if to not look like she slept outdoors all night. "Besides, you got something to do anyway. Right?"

Koga chuffed but then smiled indulgently as he stood smoothly to his own feet.

"Trying to get rid of me?" he joked as he snatched up his armor and started to tie it on again.

Kagome flushed before shaking her head sharply. "Trying to keep a clear head," she countered, teasingly. "Go with Sango and I'll catch up later."

"Alright," Koga replied before planting a quick kiss on Kagome's brow.

Sango was sure Kagome would have scolded Koga for such a bold act but it was so fast, Sango would bet the priestess was probably hoping she didn't spot it. And, Sango was happy to pretend ignorance. As much as she didn't mind them acting like she wasn't even there, Sango certainly wasn't about to be the center of attention when the situation got awkward.

With a happy smile, Kagome quickly slipped away, towards Kaede's hut, leaving Sango and Koga standing in the warm sunlight of morning.

And, no-sooner was she out of sight then Koga glowered sourly at the lone taijiya.

"How did you even find us?" he muttered as he finished tying off his armor.

Sango shook her head in amusement. "I followed the pack's trail," she informed, pointing towards the nearby bushes. "Your two bodyguards aren't exactly masters at hiding."

Growling in frustration, Koga stomped over to the brush, swiping the braches aside as he peered over the side. Sango had no doubt he'd see the two hunters snoring away and the furious yell ringing through the morning air confirmed her suspicions.

"Some lookouts you two are," Koga snarled at the two frantically sputtering males. "What's the matter with you? Get up!"

"Koga!" Hakkaku gasped. "We….we didn't—"

"No, you didn't," Koga snarled before smacking the blinking hunter across the back of his head. "But, since you two are so well rested, you can help us with looking for Naraku."

"Naraku?" Ginta asked, snapping his gaze about. "Here? Where?"

"Why don't you scout around and find out?" Koga suggested dryly. "That is, unless you two want to get a little longer rest in."

"That is possible?" Hakkaku asked, curious.

Sango swallowed a laugh as she saw Koga pretty much blow his top and give both males a swift kick to their backsides as they scampered off into the trees.

"'That is possible,'" he muttered to himself. "Unbelievable. Those two….."

"They don't catch sarcasm, do they?" Sango asked, finally able to compose herself.

"Nope," Koga responded before popping the side of his neck. "Alright, let's get this over with. Show me the cave."

Squaring her shoulders, Sango nodded in agreement as she started to head further out of the village. Yes, it was time to do this. Finally.