(600 word)

Something is wrong.

This is the conclusion I draw, after much meditation. For Kagome-sama's eyes have lost much of their distinctive sparkle, and I can see Inuyasha's frustration building more each day. We have not heard any rumors of Naraku for a long while now. The optimist in me would like to think that the evil youkai has finally met his demise, but the realist in me prevents such idealistic dreams.

And Sango. Sango looks at me with such pity these days. Chestnut orbs of compassion and kindness, and such a soft tone. It worries me, and I fear that my taijiya might have grown submissive after so much heartache. But wandering hands are still greeted with the sting of palm quickly meeting cheek, and I find that this calms me greatly.

My kazaana grows larger. Now, it has stolen nearly all the flesh of my right hand. It will be soon, I think. Maybe a few weeks or so before this dark void swallows me whole.

Perhaps this is why Sango's eyes have grown so affectionate...?

I cannot put any of them in danger, of course. That would be the utmost crime, and I would never forgive myself. In a little while, I shall say my goodbyes. Ask Inuyasha to seek retribution against Naraku for the curse he set upon my lineage, thank Kagome-sama for her companionship and unwavering support, and... and what of Sango? I think... might I...

Should I tell her I love her?

But no, I should not leave her with such a burden. I want her to be free to find happiness with another man. I should never wish for her to mourn me like she has done Kohaku.

"Houshi-sama?"

I do not move from my preoccupied stance, eyes turned toward dark firmament with palm up and staff between the crook of my arm and chest. A droplet of rain lands in my hand.

"Houshi-sama?" She asks again, and I turn and gift her with a gentle smile.

"It's raining." And the gods, perhaps upon hearing the words slide from my tongue, decide to open the sky, drenching us all in torrents of rain. Our hanyou companion shouts that there is a cave ahead, then snatches Kagome and Shippou and takes off for the mountainous terrain in the distance. Kirara changes into her larger counterpart and I climb on, extending a hand to Sango.

"Sango! Let's go!" I shout, but the taijiya only stares at me with those compassionate, chestnut eyes. "Sango?"

A rumble of thunder snaps her from her reverie and she grabs onto my hand, letting me help her up onto the youkai's back. I sit her in front of me, back to chest, and rest my shakujou across her lap.

She leans back into me, placing her head on my shoulder and her nose against my neck. Her hands grasp hold of my outer robe and she sighs, the warm breath hot on my throat, "Houshi-sama?"

Oh gods, don't tempt me. I could never hurt her, but please... don't let me love her and leave her. It would break her pretty heart, and the gods know that Sango has had more than her share of heartbreak.

"Hai, Sango?"

She smiles— a thoughtful, wonderful, distant expression that I am sure Sango has never shown another soul before.

"Will you smile again? For me?"

I do, thinking to myself that this is the very least I owe her. Then she sighs once more and burrows deeper into me, whispering,

"Thank you, Houshi-sama."

And I reply, even softer, wrapping an arm around her shivering form,

"You're welcome, Sango."