Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha; it is the sole property of Rumiko Takahashi. This is only a fanfic.

Spoiler Warning and Lime Contents

Chapter 3: Heat of the Moment

Kikyou and Sesshomaru face each other; Kohaku stands off to the side warily observing them. The miko has yet to answer the taijyoukais' question and it appears he does not intend to repeat his request. They just stand there quietly assessing each other.

I have no clue what Kikyou is thinking, with all her spiritual powers combined, she is no match for Sesshomaru. She must have considered this as well since she finally decides to respond.

"Lord Sesshomaru," she gives a slight bow in greeting.

He does not return the gesture, just continues to look at her with his haughty glower. Kikyou, unfazed, calmly continues.

"We have come with a message."

"A message delivered by Naraku's mindless, soulless, resurrections?" His gaze sweeps from Kikyou to include me. "You smell of soil and cadaver," he says wrinkling his nose in disgust. "The one you serve is a coward. I, Sesshomaru, plan to deal directly with him; whenever the fool stops running."

If his remarks offend Kikyou, she gives no indication. With another deep bow she says, "Such are the contents of this message, but…as you wish."

Kikyou bends to retrieve her weapon from the ground and a nod to me indicates we are leaving.

I am confused. We have traveled all this way for nothing and what about the message. Naraku specifically requested Sesshomaru's presence along with the others. So…what happens now?

Kikyou passes me heading back in the direction from which we came. Her gait unwavering, she walks proudly, head held high without a backwards glance. There is nothing left to do but accompany her. I fall in step, walking slightly behind. We are about to enter the forest when Sesshomaru speaks.

"Halt!"

His command, like a whip, crackles through the air. I, stop immediately, Kikyou however, does not. She continues walking as if she doesn't hear.

I hear a hissing sound from behind. I make to turn, quickly removing the chain sickle from my sash. Before I can complete the maneuver, I see Sesshomaru sail past heading in Kikyou's direction. It happens so fast, I don't have time to issue a warning.

Kikyou has anticipated, as well as instigated, Sesshomaru's reaction. She stands with her bow drawn tight; a purifying arrow ready to fire and pointed directly at the taijyoukais' chest. Within range and inches from his breastplate, he is too close to miss.

"I'm only the messenger and hardly worthy of your assault," Kikyou states emotionlessly. Sesshomaru, with narrowed eyes, looks down on the miko. She meets his stare unflinchingly and her hands remained steady on her bow.

"Stupid woman."

In a blur, Sesshomaru sidesteps the point of Kikyou's arrow and with a single swipe of his clawed hand, disarms her. Kikyou steps back and out of reach. I am already moving, chain sickle in hand. I jump between them pushing Kikyou behind me.

Sesshomaru is slowly advancing on us, flexing his claws. I inch back trying to keep a distance. Then abruptly, the taijyoukai stops moving and a flash of some emotion registers on his face. Not knowing what to expect, I plant my feet firmly preparing to strike.

Suddenly, a small figure burst through the bushes. Rin, pulls up short when she sees me. A big grins spreads across her face and she runs towards me.

"Kohaku!"

Sango stands in the courtyard of the Taijya village. It will take a lot of work to rebuild her home…their home. She is trying to stay positive, for both she and Kohaku to return together will be a dream come true. She also wants to bring that perverted houshi with her too; just thinking of their parting earlier has her blushing.

Other than asking her to bear ten or twenty children when he proposed, they have yet to make any other plans. She will be happy if he chose to live here, but if not…she will follow her husband and return every chance she gets.

A slight breeze ripples through the courtyard; Sango arches her back, arms overhead allowing the wind to caress her skin. She has changed from her slayers uniform to a simple hadagi, a lounging gown that belonged to her mother.

The fabric of the hadagi is extremely light with a semi-translucent texture. On her mother the dress reached her ankles, as Sango is taller, it comes just below her knees. She wears it without the traditional obi tied at the waist for better movement. Two slits up the side of each hem allows room for her long strides as it had once accommodated her mothers' dance. The young taijya is not aware how this simple garment compliments her figure. She is wearing it only for comfort.

Pulling the ribbon from her hair, the breeze catches the strands and they float behind her. The ribbon snatched from her fingers; she watches as it floats away twisting and dipping in the wind. Sango notices the sun is about to set; suddenly she remembers her promise to houshi-sama to return to the temple before nightfall. If only she had more time.

Kirara rounds the corner, waking from a long deserved nap and joins her mistress in the courtyard.

"Perfect timing, Kirara," Sango looks beyond the yard, now she can take the opportunity to visit that one special place. "Hurry, Kirara!" Sango breaks into a run. "Houshi-sama won't mind if we're a little late!"

With Kohaku in mind, she sprints through the front gate with Kirara hot on her heels.

Kagome arrives back in her era late afternoon with her deflated backpack hanging from one shoulder. She enters the kitchen and sees her mother preparing dinner. Without announcing her arrival, she walks in and throws her arms around her mothers' waist.

Mrs. Higarashi looks down at her daughter in surprise and immediately returns the embrace. It feels good to have her home, it has been almost a week now since her last return. She finally pulls back taking in her daughters features.

"Goodness child," her mother says, cupping Kagome's face in her hands. "You look terrible!"

"Mom!"

"Well…maybe not terrible," she says in an appeasing manner. "Have you been getting any rest?"

Kagome leans against the counter inhaling the aromas coming from the cooking pots. She takes her time answering. Never having lied to her mother there is no need to start now.

"Not really," Kagome says with a sigh. "Things are a little hectic right now."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"Well…maybe later," Kagome says evasively and quickly changes the subject. "Where's Souta?"

Mrs. Higarashi watches her daughter leave the room. Things are more than hectic if Kagome is looking for Souta. She stands in the doorway observing her offspring. Souta and Kagome are involved in an animated conversation, or maybe an argument. As soon as she hears the exchange…"Brat" from Kagome and sees Souta stick out his tongue, she knows things are back to normal. Smiling to herself, she returns to the kitchen to finish dinner.

"Stop being so mule-headed, Inuyasha!" Kaede follows him out of the hut. "What purpose will it serve to go there now? It will be dark soon."

"Oh, shut up, ya old…," Inuyasha stops the insult. "All I'm gonna do is look around," he says in the way of an apology.

"This is foolish," Kaede persist. "Wait until the others return."

The hanyous' body is set in rigid lines, exuding stubbornness. The older miko knows he will not heed her words but, she appeals to him once more.

"Kagome will not be pleased."

"Aha!" Inuyasha turns and pokes a finger at Kaede. "I thought you might try that!"

"Whatever do you mean?" The older woman looks somewhere past Inuyasha's shoulder, attempting to look innocent.

"Don't try that look with me, obaasan!"

She has pleaded, rationalized and threatened; nothing has worked. Why is he so determined to go that cave alone? Since Kagome had informed her of Naraku's plan, Kaede can't help but wonder why he chose that place.

The cave of Onigumo…the place where it all started. Kaede gives herself a shake, preferring not to relive those moments just yet. Her main concern right now is to keep Inuyasha from doing something he may regret later.

"What shall I tell Kagome when she returns tonight?"

"Keh!" Inuyasha glances at Keade with a smug grin. "She ain't comin' back tonight!"

"What?" Kaede looks up in surprise. "But, I heard her say…," she leaves the rest unsaid while picking non-existence threads from her hakama . She does not want Inuyasha to know she witnessed to their private moment at the well. Finally able to meet his eyes, she finds him watching her with his arms crossed, one eyebrow raised and an annoyed expression.

"Ya know, you're gettin' as bad as Shippo," he says with a sigh.

"Inuyasha…," Kaede starts.

"Kagome won't be back tonight because she's worn out," he explains while sounding tired himself. "She'll get home, eat her mothers' great cookin', avoid her grandpas' questions, battle with her brother, spend some time with her mom and then she'll fall asleep." Inuyasha pauses for a moment, and then continues. "She'll come back in the morning with food, supplies and an apology."

He does not sound upset about, thinks Kaede. He just stands there with head bowed and arms falling to his sides, Kaede sees an opening and acts quickly.

"You should eat and rest as well, Inuyasha," the miko states, using her best maternal voice. "The cave will be there in the morning, you can go before Kagome returns."

"Don't say nothin' to Kagome, ya got that!"

"I promise," Kaede says sincerely. She does not want him to go at all, at least not until they are all together. She will just have to be satisfied with detaining him tonight. Inuyasha walks slowly past Kaede and back into the hut.

Miroku and Hachi arrive at the Taijya village. There is no sign of Sango or Kirara. The monk and the tanuki search every house, shed and storeroom.

"Are you sure she was coming here, Miroku-sama?"

"She is here, Hachi," Miroku states, he crouches observing an object on the ground. He picks up the ribbon from Sango's hair. "The question now…where did she go?"

"I'll check the outskirts of the village." Hachi transforms and floats up and over the walls. Miroku notices Kirara's paw imprints on the ground and begins to follow them.

The monk outwardly appears calm but his insides are churning. That feeling of dread is rising to the surface and it is taking everything he has to force it away. If he allows his fear to take control, he can't think clearly. Gripping his shakujou, Miroku takes deep calming breaths to release the tension. He surveys the array buildings in the courtyard; what he sees next knocks the breath from his lungs.

Sango's Hiraikotsu is propped against the doorframe of the main house. She would never leave it like this; she takes such great care of her weapon. Panic sets in and Miroku takes another calming breath. He focuses again on Kirara's prints; they appear to lead to the front gate and out of the village. Following them, a distance down the dirt road the tracks turn off into a wooded area. With no tracks and the sun going down, Miroku has to rely purely on his instincts.

"Please be safe, Sango"

Surrounded by a field of lilies, this place holds special memories for Sango. She remembers her little brother thrusting a bunch of lilies to her wearing that silly smile she adores so much. No one had ever given her flowers before. Her brothers' loving gesture, this field, her home, and the memories of her parents all wash over her in pleasurable waves. Melodious laughter erupts from her and she finds herself humming the same tune her mothers used to. Like her mother, Sango's body starts to sway and repeat the steps learned long ago. The young taijya feels happier…happier than she has felt in a long time.

Miroku, moving swiftly, prays he is heading in the right direction when the sound of laughter catches his attention.

"Sango!"

There have only been a few occasions where I've heard it, but it's unforgettable. Sango's laughter…relieved to hear her voice, I'm also curious as to what has incited that response. I approach the opening of a large field and I notice an enlarged Kirara sitting off to the side. The youkai cat is motionless and appears focused on something in the field. I know she is aware of my presence although she doesn't acknowledge me.

I walk to Kirara's side and put my hand on her head, lightly scratching behind her ears. She turns in my direction, her large eyes appear dreamy and she nuzzles my hand before focusing back on the field. It is obvious she is watching her mistress; however, nothing prepares me for what I see next.

In the middle of a field of flowers is Sango, she is elevated by a small incline, as if on stage. I watch, trancelike, as she twirls and spins. Her arms and legs are constantly moving in graceful fluid motions. Her hair is loose and flowing; with each spin, it seems to wrap around her torso and uncoil as she rotates back in the other direction. More laughter echoes across the fields.

I begin slowly moving forward, taking my time. I have no desire to startle her out of this joyous dance. The last rays of the sun casts a glow on Sango's dancing form that projects an ethereal radiance. I want my fill of seeing her this way; this is how she should be. My imaginings can never do justice to what I behold right now.

I'm so close to her now I can touch her if I just extend my hand. Kirara makes a sound that is somewhat of a sigh and Sango stops in the midst of a turn.

"Kirara?"

She turns to find me watching her. "Oh…it's…you're here," she looks around noticing the day is gone. "I'm sorry, houshi-sama. I did not realize the ti…"

Before she can finish, I take my finger and trace the line of her jaw then I tilt her face up to mine. I savor this moment, her eyes sparkle with life, her cheeks are flushed by something other than fighting. She mistakes my silence.

"Houshi-sama, is everything alright?" Sango steps closer to me.

My only response is to slide my hands into her hair running my fingers through the silky strands. I lean in and place a chaste kiss on the top of her head. She smells just like the lilies that surround her. I move the weight of her hair over to one shoulder leaving the other bare. My hand traces a path from her neck to her shoulders, my thumb caressing her throat and I feel her shiver.

Sango can't move, shocked at the monks' actions. This is not his usual groping but a succession of cherished caresses. She stands in the circle of his arms unsure of what to do. His hands create havoc wherever he touches. She feels her body arching into his, her head rolls back allowing him better access.

Miroku is drowning in the scent and feel of her. Exposing the curves of her throat, he takes the offering. Planting small kisses to the crook of her neck he moves upwards then gently nips the delicate lobe of an ear. Sango inhales sharply and presses closer.

Through the heavy fog of desire, Miroku realizes Sango has not protested to his explorations nor has a slap occurred...yet. His hands skim her shoulders, down her back and come to rest lightly on her hips. The monk is inwardly restraining himself; however, the urge mixed with the fear experienced earlier is strong. This might be the last time…

With a moan, Miroku's hands glide to Sango's bottom and cup the firm, yet sinuous flesh, pulling her to him.

Sango, who has been enjoying the new and pleasant sensations, eyes open wide in surprise as she makes contact with the monks' body. She grabs on to his forearms to maintain her balance. Firmly pressed together Miroku's arousal is evident. Receptor to his transmitting heat, her untried body although heightened with fevered passion is fearful of the unknown. Sango draws back.

"Houshi-sama?"

Sweeping from her cheeks, his lips blindly seeks and captures hers. Intense passion flares out of control. Sango follows Miroku's lead; her mouth opens tentatively to participate in a duel of tongues. She can taste his need and responds with equal fervor. Reason and logic cease to exist.

Miroku is the first to pull away; Sango's eyes are half closed her lips slightly parted. Her rapid breathing draws my attention to her chest where the thin fabric of her hadagi exposes her arousal.

"Lovely attire, Sango," I whisper lowering my head to claim her lips once again.

"T-thank you," she stutters shyly, pushing up on her toes to meet me halfway. "It belonged to my mother."

Everything stopped, my world crashed; her words are like a douse of water to my fire.

This is her home, where her parents' graves lie not far away. Sango deserves better than an initial bedding on the ground no matter how beautiful the setting. I feel almost ashamed; to continue is a sign of disrespect to the parents that raised such a wonderful young woman. She deserves to learn the art of love from her husband. Yes,…I have made the offer, but there is chance I won't be able to honor my promise.

My hands drop to my side and reluctantly I back away from Sango. I keep my eyes focused on the ground; I cannot look at her right now, I don't want to see the hurt I've caused.

"Why?" Sango's voice shakes.

"Sango…," I begin with a sigh, "…I don't think you need the burden of…"

Retribution is swift and Kami she is fast. The impact of her slap sends me back a few paces and has my ears ringing. Regaining my balance, I finally look up. Her body is stiff and her hands are tight fists at her side. Her hair shields her eyes and face from my sight.

"Who-who the hell are you to tell me what I need?" she shouts before brushing past me and running towards the village.

How long I stand there with her sobs echoing in my ears, I do not know. It is not my intention to hurt her; I am trying to do what is right. I just hope in time she will understand.

I retrieve my shakujou and notice Kirara has reduced and sits waiting for me. I cautiously stretch out my hand, unsure of the cats' reaction to her mistress hasty retreat. She meows and hops to my hand and then my shoulder, she snuggles in the curve of my neck. I lightly tickle under her chin and listen as she purrs.

"Thanks, Kirara." We turn and walk slowly towards the village.

Authors Notes: Thanks for the reviews everyone and the ones who read just for the heck of it. Hard chapter for me to write (duh!) and it's also my first attempt at some fluff. Thanks to the following site managers for available information: hagakureproductions, wikepedia and animeotaku. And last…Thanks Ruby, your encouragement is awesome.