Miko and Monk
Chapter 17
Kagome and Miroku were both silently crying after the revelation of the pain both of them faced and endured. They both lost the love of their life. They both lost their best friends. They both lost their family. How were they going to overcome the grief that affects them? How can they move on? What will happen now?
Miroku looked over to Kagome. He dried her tears with his t-shirt and pulled her in for a hug. She gladly settled in his warmth. They sat in silence.
"Miroku, I know you don't want to hear this but we are suffering with grief and trauma. All we can do is support each other and try to move on. I will always be here for you." sniffled Kagome.
"Kagome, indeed we both are suffering. I will be here for you. Always. We will get thru this together" pulling her closer to his chest.
"We need to tell my family what happened but not as yet. I am not ready."
"I agree with you. They have been welcoming of me and I do not wish to see them hurt."
They both sat together until they fell asleep in each other's arms.
About an hour later, the duo woke up hearing the arrival of the family returning home. They greeted them and went about as if nothing happened. Kagome and her mama made dinner, while Miroku, grandpa and Souta talked about chess, mahjong, video games and anything else. There was laughter that brightened their moods, at least for the moment. After dinner and dessert (mama bought cheesecake), the family went to bed. Kagome and Miroku decided to get some fresh air and took a walk in the nearby park. They walked silently until they came upon a bench by the fountain and took a seat. Miroku broke the silence.
"Kagome, we still haven't talked about this morning. I want to apologize to you. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. It just happened. I promise it will not happen again. Ok? How about if I do you can slap me for old times." he chuckled trying to lighten the mood.
"I cannot let you take all the blame. I am at fault as well. I did kiss you back. Do not apologize ok." Kagome gave a small smile. "The old me would have slapped you but this me won't slap you. Only unless you get pervy with me mister!" giggled Kagome.
"There is that smile. I was wondering when your smile would come out" Miroku teased. "Listen I know you don't want to relive what you remembered because I don't. I want us to be able to move forward and live the best lives we can. I will always be here for you and support any decisions you make."
There was an uncomfortable silence.
"I feel the same way. I just don't want to forever depend on you and your family. I want to be able to provide as I should." Miroku expressed.
"You already are Miroku! The shrine has been cleaned and repaired. You help grandpa with the services. We have been having more people coming and donations have increased. If you want, I am sure grandpa can arrange for more training. Don't ever think you have not provided for our family." Kagome voiced freely.
"Thank you Kagome. That means a lot to me. It's getting late. Let's go home. Tomorrow begins a new chapter for us."