Back at Kaede's temple, Miroku lay recovering on a soft mat while Kagome helped Kaede cook dinner for everyone.

Inuyasha had defeated the butterfly demon with little fuss after Miroku had been injured, and gave its dead body one last irritated kick just for good measure for hurting his friend.

Kaede had assured everyone that Miroku's wounds were not serious and that he should be able to travel again in about two days, maybe three if the pain in his abdomen was still too great.

Sango had been in and out of Miroku's room ever since their arrival, bringing him water and fluffing his pillow. Kagome smiled to herself. She already knew what Sango was going to admit to her that night in the springs, and was just annoyed that the moment was ruined. Hearing her friend's confession would have been the best thing that happened to them recently, since shards were few and far between. She also would have been able to tell Inuyasha, "I told you so." Their private conversations about the Taijiya and the Monk had always gone the same way.

"They like each other. I mean, they REALLY like each other," Kagome had said to Inuyasha, being as straightforward as possible.

"Of course they do, stupid, they're friends!" Inuyasha had replied. Kagome gave him a quick smack on the head and exclaimed, "No, they LIKE like each other!" At that statement, Inuyasha's eyes had grown large and he had sputtered, "No they don't! You're such a dumb girl!"

He then received an abrupt, "Sit!" which ended the conversation.

But Kagome knew she was right.

Inside Miroku's room, Sango had brought him yet another cup of water and a fresh towel compress.

Miroku smiled up at her and said, "You don't have to keep doing this. Kaede said I'll be fine, and I believe her."

"I believe her too, of course," Sango replied, dipping the soft towel into some warm water and placing it on his abdomen under the blanket, "but it seems when either you or I is injured, one ends up caring for the other. That's the way it is, and I don't mind."

Miroku caught her hand in his as she was raising the blanket back up around him. "Why do you think that is, Sango?" He asked, fixing her in what he liked to think of as his "honesty stare."

Sango's cheeks flushed a bit and she answered, "Coincidence?"

Miroku let go of her hand and closed his eyes. He was silent for so long that Sango thought he must have fallen asleep, but as she got up to leave he grabbed the sleeve of her yukata and pulled her back down.

"It's more than coincidence," he said quietly, his eyes still closed, "and I think you know that."

Sango lowered her head, covering her eyes with her bangs. Miroku continued.

"I'm going to die…"

"No you're not!" Sango interrupted. "Kaede said…"

"Not right now," Miroku cut her off, "but maybe soon. I'm cursed, Sango. I use my Kazaana a lot more than I should in battle, and each time I put more wear and tear on it and bring myself closer to death."

"You should be more careful," was all Sango could think to say. Why was he telling her this now? He was wounded and should have been sleeping, but was instead talking about his Kazaana. Sango didn't quite see his point.

She also didn't know what she could possibly say or do to comfort him. There had been many, many times in the years they'd known each other that he had come to her when she needed someone most, and spoken soft words on encouragement to her. Or, sometimes, had said nothing at all. He had just sat quietly with her, and let her think. Just knowing he was there helped.

Slowly, Sango leaned over Miroku and whispered, "Are you in very much pain?"

The expression on her face and tone of her voice made him pause. "A bit. Why?"

"Just a bit?" She continued.

"Yes, Sango, just a bit."

"Good."

With that, she closed the distance between them and kissed Miroku with all the passion she could muster. She did it in the way she had seen some of her friends back in her home village do it. Miroku returned the kiss with exuberance, practically raising himself off his mat. Sango gently pushed down on his shoulders to keep him in place. She blushed because his response was so passionate.

They ended the kiss at the same time, and Miroku pulled Sango down to lay with him. He covered them both with his blanket, and rolled over top of her. He flinched a bit, but decided to ignore the pain since what was about to happen was so very much more important.

They made love that night, and the next morning Sango woke refreshed, a little sore, but extremely happy. In fact, she hadn't been as happy since before Kohaku…

She rolled over to find Miroku still beside her. She placed her hand on his cheek to caress it. It was cold.

"Houshi-sama?" She immediately sat up, and pulled the blanket away from him. She shook him.

"Houshi-sama!" Her voice was becoming shrill as he still didn't respond. She rolled him onto his back and placed two fingers under his nose, feeling for a breath.

No breathing. Cold skin. Face as white and blank as Death.

He was gone.