InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Absolution: The Collected Chronicles of Miroku and Sango ❯ A Different Corner ( Chapter 12 )

Breathing in the quiet morning air from her chair on Miroku's tiny patio, Sango could hear the sounds of the city awakening. She had no intention of confronting Miroku but the indignation she felt at Inuyasha and Kagome manifested itself to include him. After the fireworks and revelations, she was surprised how long they lay awake and just talked. It felt good to be held, to be able to enjoy the closeness without any other expectations. Sango could slowly feel herself sliding down the slippery slope of no return and, for a brief instant, she panicked.

 

For a long time after she had awakened, she had simply sat on the floor by the bed, watching him sleep. His face was so peaceful in repose; all the troubles gone in the abyss of slumber. She wished she could have met him at the time he had always worn that face. She would have loved to know the openhearted flirt. He appeared every now and then, but Sango knew Miroku kept that version of himself barricaded behind a wall of pain and anger.

 

Sango had already made the mistake of letting him into her life; now he was slowly attempting to make his way into her heart. She knew how it felt to be made a fool of by the one you loved. That made her determined to never put herself in that position again. She was well aware of the fact that Miroku cared for her, but she need to be sure. Now he was so wounded, Sango couldn't trust her heart to know if he'd ever find his way back to love. She wanted him too, but he had to love himself again first.

 

She sighed and caught the stray tear that trekked down her cheek. She knew this was going to be hard, but she was desperate. One of them had to be strong, and Sango felt it had to be her. Walking away from Miroku was the hardest thing she had done in a long time, but until he was certain, Sango couldn't put her heart on the line any more. It just hurt too much. She was willing to turn away, never to return, if Miroku wasn't able to reconcile his past.

 

She knew the risk was great that this could be it between them, but it was a chance that had to be taken. Sango didn't want to compete with his past for his affections. She wanted all of him. But now, she realized, it was too soon for him. Last night made her realized that she was only serving as a barrier between Miroku, Inuyasha, and Kagome. She would not continue to stand in the way. It was time for them face each other and deal with the anger, hurt, and guilt that was lodged so deep in each of their souls. They were the only ones who could offer absolution to one another.

 

Knowing what Miroku was getting ready to face made Sango's heart ache. She was so afraid for him; fearful that he would go back to that dark place she found him, but it had to be his choice to fight the dark and go into the light. It was time for her to let him go and for him to fight his own battle. Returning to the bedroom, she could feel the tears burning her eyes again. She wanted to do nothing more than to crawl back in bed beside the peacefully sleeping man and allow the cozy warmth to feed the pretense that everything was okay. Instead, she remained frozen, dreading the moment to come.

 

As if he could feel the weight of her decision, Miroku stirred on the bed. Missing the warmth of Sango's body, his eyes popped open, searching for her. Surprise was evident in his face as he noticed her standing beside in the door, watching him. Rubbing his eyes sleepily, Miroku sat up in the bed. He could see the worry and determination etched into her face. For some unexplained reason, he suddenly felt his heart drop.

 

“Sango? What's wrong? Is everything alright?”

 

Sango shook her head. Looking into his deep blue eyes, her eyes finally released the tears she had been holding back. Joining him on the bed, Sango held his hand tightly. Before she could lose her resolve, she began.

 

“Things are not alright. Miroku, we need to talk.”