Title: Hues of Violet and Blue

By: HalcyonMoments11

Summary: In which Miroku fears for the safety of those around him.

Rated: T (to be safe.)

Pairing: Miroku/Kagome

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha or any of the lyrics/songs used in this story.

"Talking."

'Thoughts'

Flashbacks/Dreams/Lyrics.

And on the way down
I saw you
And you saved me
From myself.
And I won't forget
The way you loved me.
On the way down,
I almost fell right through
But I held onto you.

4: On the Way Down – Cannon Universe

Miroku stumbled, falling to his hands and knees with a thud, feeling the harsh earth cut into the palms of his hands. He ignored it – he'd been through much worse before – and pushed himself back to his feet, using the trees around him for leverage. His muscles protested, limbs shaking with the weight of his body.

He felt as if he had been walking for hours, when in reality he couldn't have been walking for more that half of one. The Inu-tachi's last battle with the hanyou Naraku still weighed heavily on his body. Small traces of the miasma's poison still coursed through his veins. But he had to keep moving. He couldn't stay here; he couldn't endanger his friends any longer, not after what had almost happened – what he had almost allowed to happen.

He gingerly leaned against a large oak tree, his shakujou held limply in his hands against his chest. He exhaled shakily, attempting to ignore the weakness in his limbs. He couldn't stop yet. He had to get as far away from them as he could.

"Miroku-sama?"

He jumped, amethyst orbs searching the area around him nervously. When she appeared to his right, wavy raven hair in a mess about her shoulders, and chocolate orbs filled with worry and frustration his heart stuttered slightly.

"Miroku-sama what are you doing?" Her voice was breathy, but determined.

He didn't respond. All he could see was his hand extended in front of him, concerned brown orbs coming closer and closer, kazaana sucking in everything in its path – including her.

"You're in no shape to be out here by yourself," she stated, quieter this time, softer.

Silence. She moved closer still. "Let me help you back," she whispered, reaching out to him.

When he flinched away she paused, brows furrowing questioningly.

"I can't go back, Kagome-sama," he mumbled, almost to quietly for her to hear.

"What do you mean Miroku-sama? If you're hurt, I'll help you," she stated reassuringly.

And that was just like her. Too caring, too loving, too affectionate for her own good. She had to believe in the goodness in others and it always seemed to get her into trouble. It's what almost got her killed in their last battle. Killed by him.

"No."

All that I wanted.
All that I needed.

"Miroku-sama?"

"I can't Kagome. Not after what I… not after you almost…"

Her eyes softened, concern lacing her features. It was exactly what he didn't want to see. He had almost messed up. He had almost killed her, and she was concerned for him.

"But you didn't," she whispered.

"Regardless. I can't continue to be a danger to all of you. I have to leave you," he said, turning away from her, leaning heavily on his staff.

As he began to walk away, her arms snaked around his waist, stopping him in his tracks. Her face buried in his back, her hot breath seeping through his thick robes.

"Please don't go Miroku…"

The way his name fell from her lips made his breath hitch in his chest.

"I don't blame you… I never have."

His hands shook slightly when her words sunk in, hot tears welled up in his eyes.

"Stay," she whispered, pleaded.

So he did.

Down, down, down;
But I held onto you.

- Ryan Cabrera (On the Way Down)

Vocabulary: Inu-tachi – term for Inuyasha's pack (dog pack/group), hanyou – half demon, shakujou – Miroku's staff, kazaana – Miroku's void/wind tunnel, sama – lord/lady/master/term of respect

Word Count: 587

A/N: What did you think? Please review? – HM11