I wrote another Inuyasha one-shot. Not really for Kagome lovers... but if you guys just wanted to read something light-hearted after this chapter... please go check out "UNFORESEEN FINAL WISH" (just go to my profile page and get the link there).

Chapter 23: That Fine Day

The sky was blue. Birds were chirping everywhere. Clouds formed different shapes and sizes, simple decorations in the sky. It was simplicity.

Kohaku stared out the big window in his room. Everything was so silent, so peaceful. Everyday he felt weaker and weaker, but his moods were brighter – if only to cheer up the gloomy atmosphere surrounding his sister. He hated seeing Sango sad (although she had tried a great deal to appear as cheerful and as joyful as she had always been). It broke his heart.

If only he could make everything all right for Sango… If only he could get better so that his sister wouldn't have to worry about him anymore… If only he was not one of the reasons his sister was sad…

He thought about his dream the previous night. He dreamt of his parents, whom he knew based from his sister's stories about them. In his dream though, they were so real, so alive. When his mother kissed him, he felt it. When his father hugged him, he felt it.

"We're becoming a little lazy, huh. Have you done your homework?"

Kohaku turned around to see his sister leaning against the doorframe. She was wearing her usual smile with a hint of sadness. "You're home early, ane-ue."

Sango shrugged as she walked closer to Kohaku who was idly sitting on his favourite chair, the rocking chair of their mother. "I have a headache. I left Jaki in charge, though," she snickered, knowing Jakotsu and mischief were twins. She knelt in front of her brother. "Are you feeling alright, Haku? Ms. Kaede said you asked to eat your lunch here," a note of worry played on her face. It pained her to see her brother this weak.

"Of course, ane-ue!" he beamed, smiling widely. "I just wanted to look out my window and stare at the sky. It makes me think of heaven, and of mom and dad," he told her, his voice a distant away.

Sango smiled, this time with full sincerity. Kohaku had no vivid memories of their parents. His memories were those of Sango's. "Me, too," was her only answer as she gazed out the window as well.

"I had a dream last night," Kohaku said. Sango turned to him. "It was about Mom and Dad," he said.

Sango's full attention was turned to him. She rarely had dreams about their parents. The last time they visited her in her dreams was when she found out about Kohaku's leukemia. They appeared, in her mind and heart, to tell Sango everything would be just fine; that everything happened for a reason. It calmed Sango down. "So, are you gonna tell me or are you gonna keep it a secret?"

Kohaku nodded. "I'll tell," he said poking his sister on the arm. "I was outside at the garden playing with Kirara. Then, a man appeared. I know he's Dad because he looks like him from the pictures. He gave me a hug, ane-ue. It feels real, like he was there. Then, a woman walks to me. I remember saying, 'mommy' then she gives me a kiss."

Sango's hand instinctively went to the left side of her chest. There was a knot forming inside her, a mixture of pain and happiness. How she wished to feel her mother's kiss once again. How she wished to be enveloped in her father's arms once more.

"They told me they love me and I told them I love them too. Then, mom said to tell you to always smile because things happen for a reason; and everything will be just fine," he whispered. Sango could only nod, reverting her eyes back to the open windows.

There was a moment of silence as the two siblings stared into the sky's blue oblivion.

"Is it okay if I ask you something?" he suddenly asked Sango. She nodded. "Well, I really wanted to know about the party you went to with Miroku. You know, the one for Inuyasha's mom? Is it okay if you tell me about it?" he asked slowly, hoping his sister would not get mad.

Sango sighed. That was still painful for her, not as much as before though. She had learned to accept Inuyasha could never be hers. At least, she was able to love someone like him. "Well… I think I did a pretty good job with the decorations and the planning. Many guests actually complimented me on it; and I admit I was proud of myself. Izayoi, Inuyasha's mom, was very beautiful that night. She was wearing such a simple dress yet made her look so elegant. Then, Taisho, Inuyasha's dad, was very tall and a little funny; especially when he tries to say something then his wife would simply cut him off," she gave a small laugh. "Then there was Inuyasha's older brother, who looks a little like him, only taller. But unlike Inuyasha, his brother's a little on the creepy side with the way he stares at you," she gave a little shiver to demonstrate her impression on Sesshoumaru. Kohaku giggled a bit.

"That's it? What about Inuyasha?"

"What about him?"

Kohaku gave him a knowing smile. "You know… tell me about him. What did he wear? Did he say why he never visits anymore? Did you dance with him? Miroku said you two danced once!"

She did not know what to say. "Frankly, bro, I didn't bother to check what he was wearing. He was too busy with his clinging girlfriend. She was like his accessory for the evening, kinda like the beaded necklace he always wore," she scoffed out unable to refrain the edge in her tone. Sango realized she sounded bitter. She shook her head in defeat. "She was pretty though," she added as if for consolation.

"I bet you're prettier," Kohaku piped up which prompted a laugh from Sango.

She snorted in amusement. "Of course I am! I'm you sister," she joked, winking at her brother. It was moments like this she was at her happiest. Her laugh finally subsided as her mind lingered on the memory of the party, especially when Inuyasha was dancing with his fiancée. It was still painful nonetheless.

"Are you sad, ane-ue?" Kohaku asked full of childish innocence.

Sango wondered whether her brother was inquiring in general or in terms of Inuyasha's engagement. Either way, the answer was the same. She reached for Kohaku's hand and clasped it with her own. Tears welled up in her eyes as she felt the frail warm fingers of her brother. No words were uttered; but Kohaku understood the answer. Sango didn't have to spell out her loneliness.

"Ane-ue, I hope you'll be happy. I don't want to see you sad. It makes me sad, too," he said softly. "Promise me, ane-ue, that you'll never lose hope in being happy." Sango marvelled at his words. It didn't feel like a twelve-year old boy was talking; but Kohaku had always been like that. He was the matured, wise, innocent boy Sango had always loved.

"I promise. As long as you are here with me, I will be happy."

Kohaku smiled. His eyes brightened up. "Of course, I'll always be with you. Remember? I'm the 'someone' to watch over you!" he exclaimed, although his words came out as a whisper. His voice was a little hoarse. "Ane-ue, can I please have a glass of water?"

Sango rolled her eyes. "Silly boy! Now you make me your servant." She stood up. "Alrighty. One glass of water coming right up, my good master," she gave a salute to him as she readied herself to march downstairs to fetch a glass of water. Kohaku giggled; but he didn't let go of her hand. He called her name. Sango paused. "What now, my good master?"

With yet another sincere smile, Kohaku whispered but loud enough for Sango to hear, "I love you, ane-ue."

Sango's heart melted on the spot. Such simple words could really do wonders to a person's emotional state. She leaned down and kissed her brother on the cheek. "I love you too, kiddo," she replied, ruffling his hair.

Kohaku watched his sister leave before returning his gaze back to the window, up to the azure sky. In his mind, he could see both his parents (just like in his dream) smiling at him. He silently prayed for his sister's happiness.

Kohaku…

He heard his mother's melodious voice.

Mom?

It is time, sweetie. Mommy and Daddy are waiting for you.

What about ane-ue?

Your sister will be fine. You will watch over her as you promised. We will all watch over her.

I am ready, mommy, daddy!

The ray of sunshine was warm on his skin, like his mother's kiss and his father's embrace. He felt the bones in his body weakening every second; yet deep inside he was as energetic and vibrant as he could ever be.

Kohaku slowly closed his eyes. He took one final breath

"I love you, ane-ue…"

OOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOOooOOooOOO

"Kohaku, finish up your homework, okay?" Sango said as he handed the glass of water. It seemed her little brother had fallen asleep. Sango smiled as she observed the peacefulness painted over his face. She leaned down to kiss him on the forehead. He was warm, yet something was different.

She rested her palm on her chest. It was not moving. No breath came out from his nostrils. She fought the tears in her eyes, tried shaking the grave thoughts forming in her mind. "Kohaku," she gently shook him up… to wake him. Kohaku did not move. He continued to slumber in his peaceful state. Tears trickled down her face. "Kohaku? Wake up, kiddo. Kohaku!" She gathered him in her arms, the glass of water dropping on the floor with its contents oozing out of the glass like the tears in her eyes. "Please…" she mumbled. "Please, wake up," the words barely came out as a whisper.

Sango wrapped both her arms around Kohaku's frail body. Tears flowed unstoppably. She cried silently, rocking her body with Kohaku in her arms. "Kohaku…"

So peaceful.

So quiet.

In his sleep, his soul rested.