Disclaimer I don't own Inuyasha or any related characters.
Thoughts 'meep meep meep.'
Dialog "meep meep meep."
Author's note Alright, so this is it, the end. The sum of everything that has happened up till now will finally be able to come to a conclusion. Hope it meets your guy's expectations. It's been fun.
Chapter 16
"Where am I?" whispered a groggy Miroku. His eyes traveled around the room. The sun was just rising and small beams of light poked through the creases of the walls. No one else seemed to be awake yet. Inuyasha was sleeping in a corner with Kagome beside him and Shippou nestled up by the door with Kilala in his lap.
At his side he noticed, however, a small clump of black hair wrapped tightly within a blanket, hiding its face. He smiled. "Sango." His hand reached out to her and pulled away some of her dark locks, pulling them behind her ears. He studied her face carefully. She seemed to have a reasonably peaceful demeanor to her, but she didn't look happy. He knew there were still several issues concerning her, which worried him.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. He leaned over and kissed her check then hoisted himself up. He managed to get himself in a sitting position but not without difficulty. His whole body seemed to ache everywhere and it was excruciating to even move.
As he scanned his injuries he noticed numerous amounts of abrasions along with several lacerations. His torso was what seemed to hurt the most after he had impacted with that tree. There was, however, something on his face that was annoying him. He reached up to touch it but immediately cringed. A small knowing sound escaped his lips, realizing the medical tape used for the cuts on his face caused the annoyance.
A small smile pursed his lips as he laughed lightly. 'Kagome and Inuyasha must have had some great difficulty trying to take care of all these wounds.' He turned his head and watched them as they slept peacefully. 'Poor guys, must have been a long night.'
Miroku placed his hands firmly on the ground and hoisted himself upwards with as much force as he could. It was difficult to stand but he managed to. His body felt stiff and he wanted to take a walk.
First though, it would help should he be dressed properly. He looked down and noticed a fresh set of clothes folded for him by his bedside. Even now Miroku couldn't help but be amazed at Kagome's resourcefulness. Picking up the clothes, he moved towards another side of the room and began dressing himself.
The sound of his feet moving across the floor did not go unheard by Sango, as well as the rustling of his clothes. Her eyes hurt as she tried to open them, but it didn't prove impossible. Her face lit up a deep red as she noticed Miroku dressing out of the corner of her eye.
Sango quickly pulled the covers over her face as her eyes slightly poked out as she watched him throw his robe over his chest. His lean figure and comparatively strong muscles had captivated her. She hadn't realized how long she had been staring at him till his tall figure stood over her.
"Good morning," he said in a cheerful voice. "How are you?"
Her mind struggled to come up with an answer, as she was shocked to learn he had snuck up on her like that. 'Say you're fine, stupid! ...Even more than fine after that view.' "A-alright," she stuttered, a light shade of red still present. 'Nice one,' she cursed to herself.
He looked at her confused for a moment but eventually nodded. "That's good."
She didn't say anything back in response and there was an uncomfortable silence between the two for several moments. Neither of them seemed to know what to say. It was quite the episode they had yesterday and there were many things said...
"I'm going for a walk," Miroku finally spoke up. "Would you like to accompany me?"
"Yes," she said quickly, immediately jumping at the opportunity. While she felt weird being so quick and decisive, but she didn't care all she wanted was to not feel lonely, to be with him.
Miroku was a little more than surprised with her quick reaction but looked very pleased as well. "I'm glad," he said, smiling. 'Wow, not the typical Sango reaction but it's just as well. I feel very lucky.'
It made Sango feel glad to see that Miroku genuinely accepted her response and didn't reply with any rude or perverted remark. She was equally as happy to see his hand extend out towards hers. She took it gratefully and stood up. The first thing she thought being, 'Damn, I'm sore.'
"You hurting bad?" Miroku asked. He could tell by the displeased look on Sango's face that she was feeling pain.
"Not really..." she lied. She was actually feeling quite awful, but Miroku had been hurt worse than she had and her not wanting to appear weak had made her not want Miroku to feel concerned.
He, however, did not seem too convinced. A thin frown pressed his lips as his intense features studied the young woman. He could see very well the marks Kagura had inflicted on her as well. "You shouldn't lie," he finally said. "It leads to bad things."
"I—"she began to protest
"Don't worry about it," he cut her off. "You shouldn't feel embarrassed. Sango, nobody thinks you're weak. In fact, you're probably one of the strongest members in this group. Just take it easy... There's no need to push anything."
The look on his face was very concerned, but honest as well, and Sango respected that.
She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm sorry. But I would like to take that walk with you if that offer is still open." Her eyes slid to the ground, she didn't want him to see her face of rejection should he say no.
To her surprise, however, his hand delicately touched her face and moved to tilt her head up to his eyes, those deep mysterious pools.
"Sango," he whispered. "Don't be afraid to look at me when I talk to you."
Her face was still frozen in shock but he continued,
"Don't be ashamed. I care for you deeply, never lower yourself to anyone. Especially me."
'Miroku.'
Everything he said to her always seemed to have a lasting effect. It was him, and only him that could ever leave her as breathless as she felt now. It was an intoxicating feeling, his eyes boring into hers. She could so easily see the compassion and desire in them, yet, at the same time; he too could read her like a book. It was a deep feeling of mutual understanding between the two of them.
"Go and dress yourself, I'll be waiting outside," he said, gently letting go of his hold on her and walking outside.
He let out a deep sigh of relief as he felt the cool air from the outside pass over him. The atmosphere inside was thick and heavy with feeling. The kind of feeling where your head is in the clouds and the rest of the room is left spinning. It was a high, odd feeling. Pleasant though.
Sango, still being inside, could still feel the pent up energy left inside the small room. It was odd to share such a passionate moment with the rest of the group present but not invading in on their conversation and making smart comments on the side.
'But it was nice,' she thought. 'Nice to be with him, and only him.' Damning the others and doing what she wanted Sango quickly dressed herself in her usual kimono and slipped outside, anxiously wanting to see Miroku.
He was just standing there, smiling. His warm gaze and soft eyes looked very inviting, irresistible.
She bounded into his strong open arms and clung to him tightly, never wanting to let go.
A warm feeling of peace and tranquility passed over Miroku as he held Sango close to him. For so long he wanted to feel this way, to not be denied of what he held so dear to him. "Miss me that much already?" he teased.
"Yes," she answered honestly, not playing. She looked up at his face and searched his face for a reaction, her truth wanting to be taken seriously.
Kissing her atop her head, he smiled and said, "You're so innocent, Sango, sometimes I can hardly stand how precious that makes you."
Relief washed over her face, glad to know that he wasn't playing around with her feelings. "Let's get going then, I want to have some time alone before the others wake up."
"As you wish."
The two walked off hand-in-hand towards the small forest they had been in before, it was day now and the weather fair, there wasn't much thought of threats or danger lurking there anymore.
All of this did not go unnoticed by one pair of clever eyes, however. "Bout time those two got together, sheesh."
"What was that, Inuyasha?" asked a sleepy Kagome. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up from her futon. Her eyes barely open and hair tangled together, a curious look on her face.
Inuyasha was standing at the foot of the door sneaking a peek outside, looking very suspicious. "Sango and Miroku just ran off. I think they're taking a walk to discuss some things."
"I see," she said, pensively. "Then... We're all alone?" She looked up at him hopefully, feeling somewhat guilty, a little dirty.
His eyes looked unsure as they went from Kagome over to the small bundle of fur next to her. "There is the matter of Shippou and Kilala," he said, slowly, drawing out his words.
"Mmm." Kagome didn't look pleased. She dipped her head down and didn't say anything. 'Rejected again.'
"But they can be easily taken care of...Shippou at least." His lips curved into an evil little smirk, implying the fact that all hope was not lost.
"Really!" Kagome's face lit right back up.
He nodded. "Yup, just give me a moment."
He walked slowly over to Kagome's futon and snatched Shippou up by his tail. Picking him up he walked outside the door and dropped him just out to the side. He walked back in and closed the door tightly, locking it. "All taken care of."
Kagome looked unsurely at him as he approached. "That was pretty cold, Inuyasha. What happens when he wakes up?"
"Don't know. Don't care." He was standing over her now, looking powerful and in control. He knelt down and was staring straight into her face.
For Kagome it was very intimidating but she continued. "But you can't just—"
Her voice was quickly cut off when Inuyasha's lips crushed against hers, cutting off all sounds except those of soft pleasure.
He drew back for a moment and smiled. "He'll be fine."
She nodded. "Yes, definitely."
His lips grew closer to her once more but stopped for a moment. "Oh, and Kagome, please forgive me. I'm sorry about before. I'm not as secure as you sometimes are about your feelings. It's just my nature. I'm sorry."
"There's no need," she said, rushing. "Everyone can feel that way. I do all the time. I feel like I'm always competing with Kikyo, that I'll never be good enough..." her voice seemed to grow quiet as her eyes lingered away from his face and at another part of the room, anywhere, just so long as she didn't have to look at Inuyasha. She hadn't wanted to admit that to him, to just caught up in the passion, but she seemed to have slipped up.
'Damn. I was about to score and I made things worse, damnit!' He clutched her hand tightly and smiled. "You won the race the first time I made love with you." His face was bright red as he said it, but he continued, "and you're still winning. There isn't a doubt in my mind."
An emmense feeling of joy filled her as she pounced on him and planted a deep and ferocious kiss on the unsuspecting half demon. While he looked surprised he definitely wasn't unhappy. 'I hope you're getting yours as well, Miroku.'
"This place is beautiful," Sango said happily, still holding tightly to Miroku. They had been walking around in the forest for a while now and its brilliance had really shown off, as the morning light seemed to make everything seem perfect.
It had been an equally good feeling inside Miroku as the girl he loved so much expressed her joy. "Yes, I agree. During the day this place does have a mystifying resinous to it."
She nodded, still taken in by the sounds of scurrying animals and the brilliance of the sun in the sky. "It's amazing that such a place can seem so different at it just being a different time of the day. Last night it was just so, so..."
"Terrifying," he finished off her sentence.
"Yes," she said, stopping. The mood was quickly changing to a serious one. She hadn't really meant to bring up last night, but it was out in the air now so it seemed stupid to ignore what happened.
"Were you scared?" she asked, a little unsure.
He looked thoughtful for a moment. His eyes were hard and his smile non- existent. "Yeah," he finally said, "I really was. I couldn't stand the thought of loosing you but at the same time I was scared of myself."
"Why?"
An uneasy look came over him but he decided to answer her question, wanting to be honest. "I'm not as a secure person as I would like to be, Sango. We all have our own private fears, imperfections. It was just really difficult to face mine."
Sango knew what he meant. It was the same fear inside of her that had almost let Kagura win if Miroku hadn't come and save her. "What was it that you were so afraid of?"
Stumped at what to say for a moment he spoke honestly and from the heart, "I was just afraid of failing. I've always felt that somewhere inside of me it's my own weakness that caused my father's death and your suffering. That because of my insecurity that I caused others pain and misfortune, that I'm no good."
His confession shocked her somewhat be she urgently wished him to continue. "Go on, I'm listening."
"I felt that it was because of me that you had to suffer, that because of my stupid womanizing I had put you through hell. Which, I'm sure I did but... Most of all, I feared that no one would want me. That I was undeserving of being loved."
The hot sensation of tears welled up in Sango's eye, yet her voice managed to shatter. "Do you still feel that way now?"
"Sort of. I can accept that it was beyond my control to save my father, but I still hate myself for causing you all that pain. I don't mean to do it, Sango. And I thank you for still putting up with me. Your patience and understanding is beyond what I deserve."
She couldn't take it anymore, a flood of tears burst out of her eyes. "That's not true at all, Miroku! I'm the one who's sinful. I'm the one who is always given patience and understanding. You do nothing to help me, but I always push away."
"Don't say that!" Miroku was feeling alarmed, Sango was talking nonsense now.
"It's true! Because of me, you had to suffer so much. And it was because of me that we got into this whole mess. I'm no good and I hate myself!"
Miroku closed his eyes and breathed back in slowly. "Sango," he said with a clear cutting edge blade of confidence. "None of this is your fault. Things happen, there was nothing you could have done. Forgive yourself, for you've done nothing."
"And what about you," she shouted back. "And do you forgive yourself for having done nothing wrong!?"
The accusation caught him by surprised, but he didn't explode and yell, like he may have used to. He just smiled. "Only if you love me."
"I love you," she said quietly. She was mildly suspicious but decided to play along.
"Only if you'll kiss me."
"I'll kiss you." 'Did I just say that!' she thought, alarmed. It was pure instinct on Sango's part now. There was no going back.
She was slightly hesitant at first, slowly reaching her head up to meet his soft lips, but Miroku aided in the process by dipping his head slightly and making the first move for her.
He wound his other arm around her waist and collected her tightly into his arms. The connection between their lips was made and a feeling of pleasure shocked his senses.
It was amazing like that; the sensation of holding that person you love so dearly close to you, kissing them. It was what every lover fantasized over everything was perfect.
Sango had also been taken up in the kiss as well. She couldn't ignore the warmth radiating from her body and decided to deepen the kiss, adding her tongue into the mix.
It was a pleasant surprise to feel Sango's tongue pressing against his and playing tag with each other as it were. That's the fun of being in love, experimentation.
Sadly though, they are human beings and must eventually breath. The two quickly departed from each other, gasping in for air.
There faces met for a moment and both of them seemed to have a magnetic energy between them. It was like an unstoppable attraction that had bound them together. At was at that moment where they were meant to be. They made it. They had gotten there.
Meanwhile
Shippou angrily sat outside after he had been aroused from his sleep by a serious of loud noises coming from the hut. He tried to enter but found the door locked. When he if they needed help nobody responded.
So now, he was alone, awake, and irritated. He grumbled and sighed, "Meanies, they're always doing stuff like this to me! What did I ever do? I only wanted to help. By what Miroku was saying they both were having their "times of the month" and from the sounds of things they must really be in pain, what with all the moaning and all."
He let out another gaping sigh. "They never let me help with anything."
Inside, though, it was another story. Kagome was lying quite contently in Inuyasha's muscular arms and had her head resting on his bare six-pack chest. The two of them were looking quite comfortable indeed.
"Inuyasha," yawned Kagome. "When do you think we should let Shippou in? I think I heard him yelling outside for about an hour now."
Inuyasha was unconcerned with such things and just shrugged. "Whatever, another hour or two wouldn't hurt him. It's still early after all."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She paused a moment but continued with her train of thought. "Hey, what about Sango and Miroku, should we look for them?"
"No," he said simply.
Kagome didn't respond at first but snuggled up to him a little more closely. Closing her eyes she smiled and said, "no complaints here."
Sango and Miroku were for the most part how they were before. Except that now, Miroku's hair was all ruffled up, and Sango was looking rather red. While they didn't go "all the way" they had a wonderful experience exploring each other's bodies.
They were sitting in each other's embraces at the moment. Sango was sitting on Miroku's lap and Miroku with his arms wrapped tightly around Sango's waist pulling her close to him.
Suddenly, a chill ran up Sango's spine as she felt Miroku's warm breath beat down on her neck. He nipped her gently and worked his way up to her earlobe, whispering to her. "What should we do next? Do you think we should go back to the hut?"
A displeased sound came from Sango's lips at the thought of having to go back to the hut only to leave again so soon. It had already been a very tiring morning, and the idea of more walking and the usual bickering between the other pair didn't really thrill her.
She deliberated all these things and came up with the beset answer she could think of. "Leave them," she said simply. "Some things are just more important in life than thinking about what should be done next or the right thing to do."
"You're right," he agreed. "Life is just too precious to get hung up on minor details and always having to look at the big picture. Sometimes, it's just nice to get yourself caught in the moment. It can be short but it feels like an eternity sometimes."
"I hope it's an eternity before I have to leave your arms."
"Could be," he chuckled. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on the lips, lowering his head down and resting it beside Sango's neck.
'Right now,' she thought, 'is all I need. Being here with you is all I could ever ask for. I'm so happy.' "I love you, Miroku. I really mean it. I love YOU, your personality, your voice, your looks, your everything. You're all I need now and ever wanted."
Miroku must not have heard her, as his eyes closed and a warm smile had spread across his lips. A light breeze blew through the forest and a calm peaceful atmosphere filled the air. The two lovers sat there, intoxicating with one another, finding solace within each other.
This was the conclusion they all had needed to come to, and the happiness they were able to obtained. In life, it's easy to want to be a different person, or to change someone else.
Unfortunately, this is the real world, and things aren't always, as we like. But people are able to cling together and love each other unconditionally no matter what. That eccentric human spirit binds everyone and love and acceptance can be found in any one so long as you're willing to look for it and try to truly understand a person.
Remember, stay what you are. You are a wonderful unique person and there is always someone who can look deep inside and love you, never give up on yourself or others.
Accept yourself and love one another, which is the message I hope you're able to understand from this fic. I loved writing it and hoped you liked reading it. I truly believe in love and that it conquers all, we just have to be strong enough to find it within others and ourselves.
The end
Thanks to everyone who even bothered to review my story. It means a lot that a good number of you stuck with me through all of this and seemed to really enjoy it. I'm glad. I also hope you got some sort of message from this, or it at least touched you in some way. It was really great to write and I look forward to writing more soon.
The-Great-Monk-Grl Is it sad? Yes, I guess it really kind of is but struggles are what makes life great, because once you get over them you feel like nothing can stop you. Thanks for liking the story and know that I will be writing another very soon, so look for it.
Rissi-Sama It's that damn fic of yours; it's making you go soft!! No just kidding, I don't really feel sorry for her. But you can. Thanks for the nice review.
Small-buttercup Most find it sad but you find it hilarious and I really like hearing that. I'm glad to know it can be interpreted in many ways. Thanks a lot, buddy.
Lar-lar Yup, I'll be writing another Sango/Miroku fic and I'm glad that the previous chapter served as a really good point in the story as it was intended to.
Aamalie Thanks a lot for your support. And stop drinking that damn Snapple and getting into so much trouble. You got be writing girl!!! But thanks for the nice review anyway. Enjoy the fluff.
Fanfictiongeek36 Talking like a Canadian is fun, eh? I luv them, eh. Any who's... Thanks a whole bunch for the nice review and I hope the last chapter here didn't disappoint.
Rain Angst Frustration is fun that way. Glad you liked the chapter.
Backsplash007 Angst and dramatics are my specialty.
Ai8 Thank you very much!!! I appreciate the kind words and while I didn't update soon I do hope you'll forgive me.
Bored College Student hey, good to have another reviewer. Thanks so much for the compliment. Hope you're able to read the last chapter.
Tricky-the-kitsune-youkai I dislike Shippou and this was the last chapter, also Sango and Miroku were exhausted so they both get to pass out. Because passing out is a convenient way to end a chapter and or scene.
So thanks to all the kick ass reviewers, I love you guys all so much!!! You're all so awesome really. You've been sticking by me and I appreciate that.
Okay, so, he's a preview for my next fic. It's called Life Is Beautiful When You Don't Look Down. Long title...I know. The story is AU and takes place in Japan present day. Sango is a suicidal teen without much knowledge to know what she should be living for. With a father who's never around and is too preoccupied with her future stepmother, her lack of what you could call "friends", and chronic inability to do any good work at school she's not going to far fast. Life is in the pits and it keeps getting grimmer.
Miroku isn't what you would call a role-model student either. He's often found skipping classes and smooth talking with the ladies. He's the classic "rebel without a cause" but there's a lot more to the young man than meets the eye. Also the fact that he's a senior at high school and is 19 also comes off as a warning sign to many. He may appear to be stupid and rather pathetic but there is more to him than many would expect.
Both seem to be living a rather pointless existence but through a coincidental meeting and Miroku saving Sango from the biggest mistake of their life maybe there is a chance for the two unsuspecting lovers.
Hope you'll check it out.
Till then,
Zero.
Thoughts 'meep meep meep.'
Dialog "meep meep meep."
Author's note Alright, so this is it, the end. The sum of everything that has happened up till now will finally be able to come to a conclusion. Hope it meets your guy's expectations. It's been fun.
Chapter 16
"Where am I?" whispered a groggy Miroku. His eyes traveled around the room. The sun was just rising and small beams of light poked through the creases of the walls. No one else seemed to be awake yet. Inuyasha was sleeping in a corner with Kagome beside him and Shippou nestled up by the door with Kilala in his lap.
At his side he noticed, however, a small clump of black hair wrapped tightly within a blanket, hiding its face. He smiled. "Sango." His hand reached out to her and pulled away some of her dark locks, pulling them behind her ears. He studied her face carefully. She seemed to have a reasonably peaceful demeanor to her, but she didn't look happy. He knew there were still several issues concerning her, which worried him.
"I'm sorry," he said softly. He leaned over and kissed her check then hoisted himself up. He managed to get himself in a sitting position but not without difficulty. His whole body seemed to ache everywhere and it was excruciating to even move.
As he scanned his injuries he noticed numerous amounts of abrasions along with several lacerations. His torso was what seemed to hurt the most after he had impacted with that tree. There was, however, something on his face that was annoying him. He reached up to touch it but immediately cringed. A small knowing sound escaped his lips, realizing the medical tape used for the cuts on his face caused the annoyance.
A small smile pursed his lips as he laughed lightly. 'Kagome and Inuyasha must have had some great difficulty trying to take care of all these wounds.' He turned his head and watched them as they slept peacefully. 'Poor guys, must have been a long night.'
Miroku placed his hands firmly on the ground and hoisted himself upwards with as much force as he could. It was difficult to stand but he managed to. His body felt stiff and he wanted to take a walk.
First though, it would help should he be dressed properly. He looked down and noticed a fresh set of clothes folded for him by his bedside. Even now Miroku couldn't help but be amazed at Kagome's resourcefulness. Picking up the clothes, he moved towards another side of the room and began dressing himself.
The sound of his feet moving across the floor did not go unheard by Sango, as well as the rustling of his clothes. Her eyes hurt as she tried to open them, but it didn't prove impossible. Her face lit up a deep red as she noticed Miroku dressing out of the corner of her eye.
Sango quickly pulled the covers over her face as her eyes slightly poked out as she watched him throw his robe over his chest. His lean figure and comparatively strong muscles had captivated her. She hadn't realized how long she had been staring at him till his tall figure stood over her.
"Good morning," he said in a cheerful voice. "How are you?"
Her mind struggled to come up with an answer, as she was shocked to learn he had snuck up on her like that. 'Say you're fine, stupid! ...Even more than fine after that view.' "A-alright," she stuttered, a light shade of red still present. 'Nice one,' she cursed to herself.
He looked at her confused for a moment but eventually nodded. "That's good."
She didn't say anything back in response and there was an uncomfortable silence between the two for several moments. Neither of them seemed to know what to say. It was quite the episode they had yesterday and there were many things said...
"I'm going for a walk," Miroku finally spoke up. "Would you like to accompany me?"
"Yes," she said quickly, immediately jumping at the opportunity. While she felt weird being so quick and decisive, but she didn't care all she wanted was to not feel lonely, to be with him.
Miroku was a little more than surprised with her quick reaction but looked very pleased as well. "I'm glad," he said, smiling. 'Wow, not the typical Sango reaction but it's just as well. I feel very lucky.'
It made Sango feel glad to see that Miroku genuinely accepted her response and didn't reply with any rude or perverted remark. She was equally as happy to see his hand extend out towards hers. She took it gratefully and stood up. The first thing she thought being, 'Damn, I'm sore.'
"You hurting bad?" Miroku asked. He could tell by the displeased look on Sango's face that she was feeling pain.
"Not really..." she lied. She was actually feeling quite awful, but Miroku had been hurt worse than she had and her not wanting to appear weak had made her not want Miroku to feel concerned.
He, however, did not seem too convinced. A thin frown pressed his lips as his intense features studied the young woman. He could see very well the marks Kagura had inflicted on her as well. "You shouldn't lie," he finally said. "It leads to bad things."
"I—"she began to protest
"Don't worry about it," he cut her off. "You shouldn't feel embarrassed. Sango, nobody thinks you're weak. In fact, you're probably one of the strongest members in this group. Just take it easy... There's no need to push anything."
The look on his face was very concerned, but honest as well, and Sango respected that.
She smiled and nodded. "Yes, I'm sorry. But I would like to take that walk with you if that offer is still open." Her eyes slid to the ground, she didn't want him to see her face of rejection should he say no.
To her surprise, however, his hand delicately touched her face and moved to tilt her head up to his eyes, those deep mysterious pools.
"Sango," he whispered. "Don't be afraid to look at me when I talk to you."
Her face was still frozen in shock but he continued,
"Don't be ashamed. I care for you deeply, never lower yourself to anyone. Especially me."
'Miroku.'
Everything he said to her always seemed to have a lasting effect. It was him, and only him that could ever leave her as breathless as she felt now. It was an intoxicating feeling, his eyes boring into hers. She could so easily see the compassion and desire in them, yet, at the same time; he too could read her like a book. It was a deep feeling of mutual understanding between the two of them.
"Go and dress yourself, I'll be waiting outside," he said, gently letting go of his hold on her and walking outside.
He let out a deep sigh of relief as he felt the cool air from the outside pass over him. The atmosphere inside was thick and heavy with feeling. The kind of feeling where your head is in the clouds and the rest of the room is left spinning. It was a high, odd feeling. Pleasant though.
Sango, still being inside, could still feel the pent up energy left inside the small room. It was odd to share such a passionate moment with the rest of the group present but not invading in on their conversation and making smart comments on the side.
'But it was nice,' she thought. 'Nice to be with him, and only him.' Damning the others and doing what she wanted Sango quickly dressed herself in her usual kimono and slipped outside, anxiously wanting to see Miroku.
He was just standing there, smiling. His warm gaze and soft eyes looked very inviting, irresistible.
She bounded into his strong open arms and clung to him tightly, never wanting to let go.
A warm feeling of peace and tranquility passed over Miroku as he held Sango close to him. For so long he wanted to feel this way, to not be denied of what he held so dear to him. "Miss me that much already?" he teased.
"Yes," she answered honestly, not playing. She looked up at his face and searched his face for a reaction, her truth wanting to be taken seriously.
Kissing her atop her head, he smiled and said, "You're so innocent, Sango, sometimes I can hardly stand how precious that makes you."
Relief washed over her face, glad to know that he wasn't playing around with her feelings. "Let's get going then, I want to have some time alone before the others wake up."
"As you wish."
The two walked off hand-in-hand towards the small forest they had been in before, it was day now and the weather fair, there wasn't much thought of threats or danger lurking there anymore.
All of this did not go unnoticed by one pair of clever eyes, however. "Bout time those two got together, sheesh."
"What was that, Inuyasha?" asked a sleepy Kagome. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up from her futon. Her eyes barely open and hair tangled together, a curious look on her face.
Inuyasha was standing at the foot of the door sneaking a peek outside, looking very suspicious. "Sango and Miroku just ran off. I think they're taking a walk to discuss some things."
"I see," she said, pensively. "Then... We're all alone?" She looked up at him hopefully, feeling somewhat guilty, a little dirty.
His eyes looked unsure as they went from Kagome over to the small bundle of fur next to her. "There is the matter of Shippou and Kilala," he said, slowly, drawing out his words.
"Mmm." Kagome didn't look pleased. She dipped her head down and didn't say anything. 'Rejected again.'
"But they can be easily taken care of...Shippou at least." His lips curved into an evil little smirk, implying the fact that all hope was not lost.
"Really!" Kagome's face lit right back up.
He nodded. "Yup, just give me a moment."
He walked slowly over to Kagome's futon and snatched Shippou up by his tail. Picking him up he walked outside the door and dropped him just out to the side. He walked back in and closed the door tightly, locking it. "All taken care of."
Kagome looked unsurely at him as he approached. "That was pretty cold, Inuyasha. What happens when he wakes up?"
"Don't know. Don't care." He was standing over her now, looking powerful and in control. He knelt down and was staring straight into her face.
For Kagome it was very intimidating but she continued. "But you can't just—"
Her voice was quickly cut off when Inuyasha's lips crushed against hers, cutting off all sounds except those of soft pleasure.
He drew back for a moment and smiled. "He'll be fine."
She nodded. "Yes, definitely."
His lips grew closer to her once more but stopped for a moment. "Oh, and Kagome, please forgive me. I'm sorry about before. I'm not as secure as you sometimes are about your feelings. It's just my nature. I'm sorry."
"There's no need," she said, rushing. "Everyone can feel that way. I do all the time. I feel like I'm always competing with Kikyo, that I'll never be good enough..." her voice seemed to grow quiet as her eyes lingered away from his face and at another part of the room, anywhere, just so long as she didn't have to look at Inuyasha. She hadn't wanted to admit that to him, to just caught up in the passion, but she seemed to have slipped up.
'Damn. I was about to score and I made things worse, damnit!' He clutched her hand tightly and smiled. "You won the race the first time I made love with you." His face was bright red as he said it, but he continued, "and you're still winning. There isn't a doubt in my mind."
An emmense feeling of joy filled her as she pounced on him and planted a deep and ferocious kiss on the unsuspecting half demon. While he looked surprised he definitely wasn't unhappy. 'I hope you're getting yours as well, Miroku.'
"This place is beautiful," Sango said happily, still holding tightly to Miroku. They had been walking around in the forest for a while now and its brilliance had really shown off, as the morning light seemed to make everything seem perfect.
It had been an equally good feeling inside Miroku as the girl he loved so much expressed her joy. "Yes, I agree. During the day this place does have a mystifying resinous to it."
She nodded, still taken in by the sounds of scurrying animals and the brilliance of the sun in the sky. "It's amazing that such a place can seem so different at it just being a different time of the day. Last night it was just so, so..."
"Terrifying," he finished off her sentence.
"Yes," she said, stopping. The mood was quickly changing to a serious one. She hadn't really meant to bring up last night, but it was out in the air now so it seemed stupid to ignore what happened.
"Were you scared?" she asked, a little unsure.
He looked thoughtful for a moment. His eyes were hard and his smile non- existent. "Yeah," he finally said, "I really was. I couldn't stand the thought of loosing you but at the same time I was scared of myself."
"Why?"
An uneasy look came over him but he decided to answer her question, wanting to be honest. "I'm not as a secure person as I would like to be, Sango. We all have our own private fears, imperfections. It was just really difficult to face mine."
Sango knew what he meant. It was the same fear inside of her that had almost let Kagura win if Miroku hadn't come and save her. "What was it that you were so afraid of?"
Stumped at what to say for a moment he spoke honestly and from the heart, "I was just afraid of failing. I've always felt that somewhere inside of me it's my own weakness that caused my father's death and your suffering. That because of my insecurity that I caused others pain and misfortune, that I'm no good."
His confession shocked her somewhat be she urgently wished him to continue. "Go on, I'm listening."
"I felt that it was because of me that you had to suffer, that because of my stupid womanizing I had put you through hell. Which, I'm sure I did but... Most of all, I feared that no one would want me. That I was undeserving of being loved."
The hot sensation of tears welled up in Sango's eye, yet her voice managed to shatter. "Do you still feel that way now?"
"Sort of. I can accept that it was beyond my control to save my father, but I still hate myself for causing you all that pain. I don't mean to do it, Sango. And I thank you for still putting up with me. Your patience and understanding is beyond what I deserve."
She couldn't take it anymore, a flood of tears burst out of her eyes. "That's not true at all, Miroku! I'm the one who's sinful. I'm the one who is always given patience and understanding. You do nothing to help me, but I always push away."
"Don't say that!" Miroku was feeling alarmed, Sango was talking nonsense now.
"It's true! Because of me, you had to suffer so much. And it was because of me that we got into this whole mess. I'm no good and I hate myself!"
Miroku closed his eyes and breathed back in slowly. "Sango," he said with a clear cutting edge blade of confidence. "None of this is your fault. Things happen, there was nothing you could have done. Forgive yourself, for you've done nothing."
"And what about you," she shouted back. "And do you forgive yourself for having done nothing wrong!?"
The accusation caught him by surprised, but he didn't explode and yell, like he may have used to. He just smiled. "Only if you love me."
"I love you," she said quietly. She was mildly suspicious but decided to play along.
"Only if you'll kiss me."
"I'll kiss you." 'Did I just say that!' she thought, alarmed. It was pure instinct on Sango's part now. There was no going back.
She was slightly hesitant at first, slowly reaching her head up to meet his soft lips, but Miroku aided in the process by dipping his head slightly and making the first move for her.
He wound his other arm around her waist and collected her tightly into his arms. The connection between their lips was made and a feeling of pleasure shocked his senses.
It was amazing like that; the sensation of holding that person you love so dearly close to you, kissing them. It was what every lover fantasized over everything was perfect.
Sango had also been taken up in the kiss as well. She couldn't ignore the warmth radiating from her body and decided to deepen the kiss, adding her tongue into the mix.
It was a pleasant surprise to feel Sango's tongue pressing against his and playing tag with each other as it were. That's the fun of being in love, experimentation.
Sadly though, they are human beings and must eventually breath. The two quickly departed from each other, gasping in for air.
There faces met for a moment and both of them seemed to have a magnetic energy between them. It was like an unstoppable attraction that had bound them together. At was at that moment where they were meant to be. They made it. They had gotten there.
Meanwhile
Shippou angrily sat outside after he had been aroused from his sleep by a serious of loud noises coming from the hut. He tried to enter but found the door locked. When he if they needed help nobody responded.
So now, he was alone, awake, and irritated. He grumbled and sighed, "Meanies, they're always doing stuff like this to me! What did I ever do? I only wanted to help. By what Miroku was saying they both were having their "times of the month" and from the sounds of things they must really be in pain, what with all the moaning and all."
He let out another gaping sigh. "They never let me help with anything."
Inside, though, it was another story. Kagome was lying quite contently in Inuyasha's muscular arms and had her head resting on his bare six-pack chest. The two of them were looking quite comfortable indeed.
"Inuyasha," yawned Kagome. "When do you think we should let Shippou in? I think I heard him yelling outside for about an hour now."
Inuyasha was unconcerned with such things and just shrugged. "Whatever, another hour or two wouldn't hurt him. It's still early after all."
"Yeah, I guess you're right." She paused a moment but continued with her train of thought. "Hey, what about Sango and Miroku, should we look for them?"
"No," he said simply.
Kagome didn't respond at first but snuggled up to him a little more closely. Closing her eyes she smiled and said, "no complaints here."
Sango and Miroku were for the most part how they were before. Except that now, Miroku's hair was all ruffled up, and Sango was looking rather red. While they didn't go "all the way" they had a wonderful experience exploring each other's bodies.
They were sitting in each other's embraces at the moment. Sango was sitting on Miroku's lap and Miroku with his arms wrapped tightly around Sango's waist pulling her close to him.
Suddenly, a chill ran up Sango's spine as she felt Miroku's warm breath beat down on her neck. He nipped her gently and worked his way up to her earlobe, whispering to her. "What should we do next? Do you think we should go back to the hut?"
A displeased sound came from Sango's lips at the thought of having to go back to the hut only to leave again so soon. It had already been a very tiring morning, and the idea of more walking and the usual bickering between the other pair didn't really thrill her.
She deliberated all these things and came up with the beset answer she could think of. "Leave them," she said simply. "Some things are just more important in life than thinking about what should be done next or the right thing to do."
"You're right," he agreed. "Life is just too precious to get hung up on minor details and always having to look at the big picture. Sometimes, it's just nice to get yourself caught in the moment. It can be short but it feels like an eternity sometimes."
"I hope it's an eternity before I have to leave your arms."
"Could be," he chuckled. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on the lips, lowering his head down and resting it beside Sango's neck.
'Right now,' she thought, 'is all I need. Being here with you is all I could ever ask for. I'm so happy.' "I love you, Miroku. I really mean it. I love YOU, your personality, your voice, your looks, your everything. You're all I need now and ever wanted."
Miroku must not have heard her, as his eyes closed and a warm smile had spread across his lips. A light breeze blew through the forest and a calm peaceful atmosphere filled the air. The two lovers sat there, intoxicating with one another, finding solace within each other.
This was the conclusion they all had needed to come to, and the happiness they were able to obtained. In life, it's easy to want to be a different person, or to change someone else.
Unfortunately, this is the real world, and things aren't always, as we like. But people are able to cling together and love each other unconditionally no matter what. That eccentric human spirit binds everyone and love and acceptance can be found in any one so long as you're willing to look for it and try to truly understand a person.
Remember, stay what you are. You are a wonderful unique person and there is always someone who can look deep inside and love you, never give up on yourself or others.
Accept yourself and love one another, which is the message I hope you're able to understand from this fic. I loved writing it and hoped you liked reading it. I truly believe in love and that it conquers all, we just have to be strong enough to find it within others and ourselves.
The end
Thanks to everyone who even bothered to review my story. It means a lot that a good number of you stuck with me through all of this and seemed to really enjoy it. I'm glad. I also hope you got some sort of message from this, or it at least touched you in some way. It was really great to write and I look forward to writing more soon.
The-Great-Monk-Grl Is it sad? Yes, I guess it really kind of is but struggles are what makes life great, because once you get over them you feel like nothing can stop you. Thanks for liking the story and know that I will be writing another very soon, so look for it.
Rissi-Sama It's that damn fic of yours; it's making you go soft!! No just kidding, I don't really feel sorry for her. But you can. Thanks for the nice review.
Small-buttercup Most find it sad but you find it hilarious and I really like hearing that. I'm glad to know it can be interpreted in many ways. Thanks a lot, buddy.
Lar-lar Yup, I'll be writing another Sango/Miroku fic and I'm glad that the previous chapter served as a really good point in the story as it was intended to.
Aamalie Thanks a lot for your support. And stop drinking that damn Snapple and getting into so much trouble. You got be writing girl!!! But thanks for the nice review anyway. Enjoy the fluff.
Fanfictiongeek36 Talking like a Canadian is fun, eh? I luv them, eh. Any who's... Thanks a whole bunch for the nice review and I hope the last chapter here didn't disappoint.
Rain Angst Frustration is fun that way. Glad you liked the chapter.
Backsplash007 Angst and dramatics are my specialty.
Ai8 Thank you very much!!! I appreciate the kind words and while I didn't update soon I do hope you'll forgive me.
Bored College Student hey, good to have another reviewer. Thanks so much for the compliment. Hope you're able to read the last chapter.
Tricky-the-kitsune-youkai I dislike Shippou and this was the last chapter, also Sango and Miroku were exhausted so they both get to pass out. Because passing out is a convenient way to end a chapter and or scene.
So thanks to all the kick ass reviewers, I love you guys all so much!!! You're all so awesome really. You've been sticking by me and I appreciate that.
Okay, so, he's a preview for my next fic. It's called Life Is Beautiful When You Don't Look Down. Long title...I know. The story is AU and takes place in Japan present day. Sango is a suicidal teen without much knowledge to know what she should be living for. With a father who's never around and is too preoccupied with her future stepmother, her lack of what you could call "friends", and chronic inability to do any good work at school she's not going to far fast. Life is in the pits and it keeps getting grimmer.
Miroku isn't what you would call a role-model student either. He's often found skipping classes and smooth talking with the ladies. He's the classic "rebel without a cause" but there's a lot more to the young man than meets the eye. Also the fact that he's a senior at high school and is 19 also comes off as a warning sign to many. He may appear to be stupid and rather pathetic but there is more to him than many would expect.
Both seem to be living a rather pointless existence but through a coincidental meeting and Miroku saving Sango from the biggest mistake of their life maybe there is a chance for the two unsuspecting lovers.
Hope you'll check it out.
Till then,
Zero.