InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Proposition ❯ Breaking Point ( Chapter 11 )

Breaking Point

By: Lady Eclipse

 

 

Kagome climbed out of the well carefully and indulged in a deep breath of the fresh air. Tokyo of the present with its crowded streets and buildings couldn't compare to clean quality of the country. Inu Yasha lithely leapt out from the depths of the well with her backpack (bulging dangerously) held loosely over one shoulder. He scrutinized her openly taking in her flushed cheeks and bright eyes. Her muscles no longer trembled and she had started to put some of the weight back on she had lost during her recovery. He reached out and wrapped his fingers around her elbow catching her attention.

“Just promise me that you'll take it easy, okay?”

“Okay,” she acquiesced smiling into his worried eyes. An answering smile pulled at his lips and his fingers briefly tightened before releasing her.

They walked at a sedate pace towards the village but had only made it half way when they came upon Sango. She was going through a vigorous training bout with Kirara swinging her Hiradicos like there was no tomorrow. Shippo sat in a low tree branch watching them casually.

 

“Sango!” Kagome waved emphatically and ran the last few meters to her friend. The Hiradicos hit the ground heavily as Sango released her firm hold turning surprised eyes towards them.

“Kagome!” Sango said after a few moments of shocked silence. She then enthusiastically hugged Kagome, a bright smile illuminating her face. “It's been so long, we were beginning to think that Inu Yasha would never let you come back!” Kagome scowled over her shoulder at the half-demon in question.

“It certainly wasn't from lack of trying.” She replied. Inu Yasha returned her scowl but humor flickered in the depths of his eyes. Kagome shook her head wearily but managed another smile, “So how have you and Miroku been? Did you do some jewel shard hunting while I was gone?” Sango froze at Miroku's name and could only manage and vague head shake. “Did...did something happen between you two?” Inu Yasha's ears perked up but his expression remained stormy.

“I-“

“KAGOME!” A little bundle of cloth wrapped fur launched itself into her arms. It took Kagome a few seconds to recognize the trembling creature clutching the front of her shirt to be Shippo. “I missed you so much!” He buried his little face in her blouse.

“I missed you too.” She said warmly petting his hair.

 

“Ah, I was wondering what all the commotion was about.” A rough, older voice said. “Welcome back, child. I hope ye are faring well.” Kaede made her way over to them with the measured gait of the elderly.

“I'm feeling much better.” Kagome replied waving her arm to prove it.

“That's good to hear. We have missed ye although it has been very quiet without ye.”

“What's that supposed to mean?” Inu Yasha stepped forward, his eyebrow twitching.

“It's good to see you again as well, Inu Yasha.” Kaede continued with a humorous smile.

“You sure got a funny way of showing it.”

“So where's Miroku? How's he been doing?” Kagome asked looking around.

“Better to ask what's he doing. Just look for the nearest pretty girl.” Inu Yasha said. Sango flushed hotly and lowered her head so that her bangs shadowed her eyes.

“Sango?” Kagome tilted her head, worry clouding over her features.

“I'm glad to see you again, we'll need to start out again right away because we lost so much time.” Sango said woodenly. “I'll go ahead and start getting my things together so that we can be ready to leave by tomorrow morning.” She turned and left walking away a bit stiffly.

“Sango.” Kagome made to follow her but Inu Yasha caught her arm. He shook his head slowly at her inquiring look.

“Sango and Miroku have been acting strangely for days now.” Shippo commented earnestly looking up at her.

“Indeed, ever since young Kagato struck Miroku.” Kaede added somberly.

“Struck? What happened?” Incredulity stiffened Kagome's features.

“It seems that Kagato didn't like the...ah...attentions that Miroku was bestowing upon his sister. I'm told that the fence is irreparable.”

“Fence?” She asked weakly.

“Yea, he sent Miroku crashing through one!” Shippo piped in.

“I'm not surprised, he's had it coming.” Inu Yasha said crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I'm only surprised that it didn't happen sooner.”

“So what's wrong with Sango?” Kagome asked.

“That we know not.” Kaede said gravely. “One of the villagers did note that she went into the forest with Miroku following her but beyond that, I know nothing.”

“They won't tell us anything but they've been avoiding each other.” Shippo pouted.

“He probably just tried to grope her again.” Inu Yasha said. “She'll get over it soon enough.”

“She's never reacted like this before, though. What if something more happened?” Kagome mused glancing toward the forest as though it would yield its secrets with the proper amount of scrutiny.

 

*

 

It was easy enough to spot Miroku once they entered the village; he was doing palm readings for some of the comely young maidens. However, his expression was a little distant and oddly enough his gaze never trailed to anywhere inappropriate. His expression brightened somewhat when it rested upon Kagome.

“Ah, lady Kagome, how wonderful to see you back.” With a charming smile, he extricated himself from the gaggle of women and approached them. “I trust you are doing well?”

“Yep, I'm feeling fine and am more than ready to do some shard hunting!” She said brightly.

“Excellent. The doctors of your era are truly a wonder to have wrought such a miraculous recovery. We feared for the worst seeing how gravely injured you were.” Even as his smile turned banal, his gaze shifted questioningly to Inu Yasha. The jewel shards had yet to be returned. Inu Yasha averted his gaze tucking his hands into his sleeves.

“So how have you been? Have you guys done any shard hunting while I was away?” Kagome asked brightly.

“Alas, no. We did attempt to search but without your ability to sense and purify the shards, we found ourselves at a loss.”

“Well then, we should get started as soon as possible. Sango said we should be ready to go by tomorrow morning.” Kagome said decisively.

“So, you've seen her today.” He said softly, almost as if to himself.

“Miroku, what happened? You and Sango are acting really strange.” Kagome took a few paces to reach Miroku's side, concern shimmering in her eyes.

“Nothing's wrong, we are both…preoccupied. It is nothing to be concerned about. Now, I shall go make ready to depart as well. Too much time has been lost as it is.” With that he hastily walked away.

Kagome sighed and began to tug absently on a lock of hair.

“Whatever it is, they better get over fast. I'm not traveling with a couple of awkward wooden dolls.” Inu Yasha said.

 

***

 

By the time the sun had crested the horizon, the small group of jewel hunters were at the outskirts of the village well provisioned and ready to go.

“Fare thee well. Have safe travels.” Kaede called as they made their way down the road. Kagome turned to wave enthusiastically despite Inu Yasha's complaints before disappearing around the first bend in the road.

“Aye, but more importantly may you have resolution.” She added softly.

 

*

 

The first day of traveling was an unnaturally quiet one. Only the birdsong helped to break the tedium of long hours. Kagome tried to start a conversation every now and then but it usually petered out pretty quickly. Only Shippo seemed eager to carry on small talk leaving Kagome to rely on his happy chattering that was often enough stopped by a solid thump on the head by Inu Yasha. Sango was often leading the procession or scouting ahead on Kirara while Miroku languored in the back. It was almost sunset before the rumbling of stomachs called for a halt. Kagome produced an instant meal from her voluminous bag and everyone ate in relative silence.

 

Kagome glanced back and forth between Sango and Miroku. They both remained completely silent and studiously ignored each other. Or rather, Sango desperately avoided his gaze blushing whenever her eyes swept over to him and Miroku kept taking surreptitiously glances at her smiling wryly to himself. Kagome sighed to herself hugging her curiosity tightly. Shippo had no idea what happened and Kirara couldn't talk although the little cat demon wasn't showing any concern over her partner's unease. When tentatively questioned, Sango would only say that Miroku was his usual perverted self and Miroku would only shrug and offer some ambiguous reply. Kagome caught Inu Yasha's eyes and saw the same troubled expression. Unfortunately, it was coupled with impatience. Kagome internally winced, that never boded well. An entire day of shy glances and quiet reserve tended to agitate him; there was nothing like in-action to drive the dog demon mad. Inu Yasha stood up with a sigh and braced his hands on his hips,

 

“Look, this is going to be a long journey and I'm not going to spend it with everyone just staring at each other. If you two got a problem with each other, then work it out!” Kagome shook her head silently praying to the god of subtlety to strike Inu Yasha down.

“There's nothing to discuss.” Sango said curtly.

“Then why do you keep blushing when you look at Miroku?” Inu Yasha countered.

“I do not!” She protested even though color flamed through her cheeks to betray her words. Miroku's brows shot up at that and something akin to hope flickered in his gaze.

“If you like each other then you should stop beating around the bush and say so. It'll save everyone a lot of time.”

“Like you did? Sango countered standing up. “I seem to recall you two taking forever to admit how you feel. In fact, if it wasn't for Kouga, I imagine you'd still be hesitating!” Inu Yasha reared back in surprise before anger stiffened his spine. Kagome hastily launched herself between them and smiled sweetly at Sango.

“You're absolutely right.”

“What?!” Inu Yasha growled behind her.

“So that's what makes our advice so useful, we know from experience. We did a lot of beating around the bush not saying what we really felt and that caused all sorts of problems and misunderstandings. So, don't make our mistake and just come out and say what needs saying.”

“I-“ Heat flamed through Sango's cheeks. “I never said that I-“ Her traitorous eyes flew to Miroku; his own gaze bore into her with thoughtful calm. She backed up a step hating how composed and at ease the monk was. It wasn't fair that she was still so affected by the kiss; that her insides were so hopelessly tangled at the mere thought of him yet that insufferable monk just stared at her with only minor concern. She was nothing more than another conquest, something to fill the time on the long, long road they traversed. Sango turned and did something she had never done before in her entire life of slaying the most feared and terrible demons…she ran away. She ran away and didn't look back.

 

Inu Yasha and Kagome turned their wide eyes to Miroku. His measured expression was placid but his gaze was shuttered.

“Well?” Inu Yasha asked. Miroku closed his eyes for a long moment. When he opened them again, a new resolve burned within them. He then turned and walked away.

 

 

***

 

Sango loitered by a small stream shredding blades of grass. The water flowed lazily, its unhurried murmur mingled pleasantly with the call of the cicadas. She touched her lips and sighed. The peace of the surroundings could not touch her troubled soul. On top of all the other emotions plaguing her, shame at running away from a problem was thrust into the mix. What would her father say if he knew his daughter acted like a coward? If only Miroku was more dependable and decent. If only he didn't proclaim his affection for her one-day then run to the nearest pretty face the next. How was she supposed to deal with her feelings for him if she had no idea how he felt? Even if he did make some declaration of love, how would she know he was being sincere? She hugged her legs and rested her chin on her knees. What was she supposed to do? How could she clear up all of the conflicted emotions vying within her?

 

The soft whisper of rustling grass behind her had her spine stiffening in alarm. They weren't the light steps of Kagome and were far too loud to be Shippo or Kirara. The faint jingling of rings on a staff had her stomach knotting painfully. The footsteps paused once they reached her immediate left but she refused to let her eyes tell her what her other senses had already confirmed.

 

“They have a point you know.” Miroku said softly sitting next to her. He cast a sidelong glance at Sango but she steadfastly kept her gaze pinned ahead of her. He sighed softly, “It really isn't fair for us to discard their advice after offering so much of our own in the past.” Sango remained silent sitting painfully still. A sly smile touched his lips and he inched a little closer. “Would you hit me if I told you that I liked it?” He asked remembering the insistent kiss, the fire she exuded. Fierce color burned from her neck to her hairline despite her desperate attempt to control her reaction. The best she could manage was a stoic expression.

“I'm not surprised, you'd like it from anything female.” She gritted her teeth to keep the quiver from her voice. Miroku frowned and looked away.

“I'm certainly more discriminating than that.” Sango huffed in disagreement. “My eyes may be my grandfather's but my heart is far more fastidious.” Her eyes slunk to their corners and she was shocked to see a delicate streak of pink highlighting his cheekbones.

“That's rather hard to believe seeing how readily it is given.” Her voice lacked certainty.

“I admit that it does appear that way. But,” he shifted to face her catching her cheek in his hand, “I had hoped you would look beyond appearances.”

“How am I supposed to do that? I don't care if it is just what you feel on the surface, it is still rude and hurtful! How am I supposed to believe anything that you say when your actions are so callous?” She wrenched her face from his grasp. “Can you honestly say that you will devote yourself only to me? Can you really promise that from here on out I will be the only one you look at?” Bitterness filled her voice flattening her tone.

“I can't. It's my duty as a monk to pay proper homage to the beauty of this world. But as for your first question, I'm already devoted to you.” Sango jumped to her feet,

“Don't say things like that! You don't mean it.” Miroku rose as well.

“I do-“

“Besides, you want a child don't you?” She trampled over his response desperately holding on to her anger, terrified of what lay just beneath it. “That's the disgusting excuse you've been using to flirt with every woman you lay eyes on. I can't give you that. Until Naraku is dead, I cannot become vulnerable by having a child. So all of this talk is pointless.” Miroku's hands caught her arms halting her retreat. Swifter than her shock, he touched his lips to hers, barely a feather's caress before retreating a centimeter. Another similar shy advance had a shiver working its way down her spine. Her muscles decided to stop functioning and only his hands and lips kept her from sliding to the ground. The awkward advances grew bolder and more demanding, his hand slid through her hair eliciting more nerve ends to jangle her sensations. He pulled back a fraction, just enough for her eyes to focus on his although his grip did not loosen in the slightest.

“Then this shall be our motivation to survive. You and I must both live to see Naraku's death. Then we can worry about my own personal quest.”

“But, then you'll be free of your curse. You won't need an heir to continue your quest.” Sango said dazedly; she was still having a hard time making her brain work.

“Of course I will. I intend to have several heirs.”

“Why?”

“Well, the process is just so much fun.”

“What?!” Her fists curled into tight fists at her side.

“I think you'll like it too.” He continued blithely loving the rage that set her eyes on fire. He closed his eyes savoring the sweet sting of her hand connecting with his cheek.

“Perhaps we should discuss this at a later time.” The red handprint throbbed slightly.

“Why couldn't have I fallen for a decent man?” Sango railed turning sharply on her heel. Miroku wound his arms around her shoulders; his warm breath fanned the back of her neck making the small hairs there rise.

“I am decent. In the presence of such beauty, how can any mortal man be expected to resist even if he is a pious monk?”

“Hardly pious.” Sango retorted hotly but made no attempt to escape his embrace.

“But none the less hopelessly lost to you.” He murmured softly into her ear. Her skin prickled sending jolts of electricity through her stomach.

“Liar.” She whispered. He pressed his lips chastely to the nape of her neck.

“Not at all.”

 

 

There were no more words spoken for quite a long while.

 

 

* * *

 

Sango and Miroku eventually wandered back to their friends but it was far too late in the afternoon for further travel. They both remained studiously quiet, almost guilty in the way they sought each other's eyes. Kagome did her best to hide her triumphant smile and not ask questions but oh how she couldn't wait to get Sango alone! They went about their business setting up camp and if Miroku and Sango `accidentally' touched more than was absolutely necessary, it was hard for an onlooker to tell. Inu Yasha only rolled his eyes at the exchange and busied himself with more important matters such as scenting the air for any demons or rifling through Kagome's pack for any interesting treats.

By the time they had successfully arranged their sleeping gear and encouraged the small flame to rise to a roaring fire, the sun had long set and the gentle blackness of night had settled upon their shoulders like an old familiar cloak. There was little conversation but the earlier tension had completely evaporated. Sleep came quickly for the assembled shard hunters, all except for one. While everyone else slept soundly wrapped in their bedding on leaning against an accommodating tree or rock, Kagome remained restless finding her eyelids unwilling to close.

 

Sleep would not come for Kagome and, oddly enough, it had nothing to do with her concern over her friends. Curled up at Inu Yasha's side, lulled by his even breathing, she couldn't stop her gaze from straying to his beads. Old worries pushed aside in moments of crisis made their way to the front again with sharp emphasis. The beads that offered control and restraint were a stark relief from the deep red of his kimono. Beads that gave her power over him but offered no recompenses in return.

Kagome traced the smooth beads warm to the touch from his body heat. They gleamed dully in the uncertain light of the fire. She wrapped her fingers around them and lifted gently, they easily moved from the deep red fabric like any necklace. She lifted them a little higher experimentally but still found no resistance. She wondered vaguely if anyone else would be able to move them so freely. She had watched him often enough pry at the unyielding beads in those early days. She noted with some surprise that she hadn't seen him do so in quite a long time. She smiled faintly at that although her conscience jabbed her a little. No matter how useful the necklace was, it just didn't seem fair to coerce him especially now that he was as loyal a friend as anyone could ask for and far more to her. Her heart growled at her for abusing that protective jewelry. Her fingers tightened on the seemingly frail beads, they clacked together disapprovingly. It was a soft sound but wrapped in the stillness of the night they echoed as loud as a cannon. Even the fire seemed to have silenced itself reserving its hisses and pops for the daylight. A firm, calloused hand wrapped around her own twining its fingers through hers making her lose her grip on the necklace. It fell heavily back to its resting place against his chest catching the flickering light dully. Biting her lip, she raised her eyes to meet amber glowing like embers in a banked fire.

“Inu Yasha.” She murmured feeling guilt wash over her features although from whether she had been caught playing with the beads or for them being put on in the first place, she wasn't sure. His brows disappeared underneath the unruly array of white bangs. “Sorry.” She said and was unsure why. His eyes shifted down to beads now resting quietly against his chest.

“What for?” He finally asked although his eyes held humor when they met hers. She lost herself for a moment in the softness of his gaze, of the love there just behind his rough briskness.

“I can take them off.” She blurted out a little louder then she meant to. She cast an uneasy glance at their other companions but they remained still with their eyes closed. “If you want me to, I will.” She added shyly careful to keep her voice barely above a whisper. A low chuckle rumbled from him and his fingers tightened around hers.

“What will you do to punish me?” Kagome frowned and looked down.

“I shouldn't do that.” She said ruefully. “Even if you do deserve it.” She added looking up at him through her lashes. Inu Yasha growled lowly drawing her closer.

“I agree. You take advantage of these damn things way too often. It's hard to win an argument when I'm eating dirt.” Kagome's head fell lower but Inu Yasha caught her chin and angled it up to meet his intense eyes. “But I wouldn't have it any other way.” A half smile lit his features far better than any fire. “Besides, if I turn full demon, these beads might be the only thing to protect you from me.”

“Inu Yasha.” She murmured.

“Stop worrying about it.” He said sternly. “Besides, I'm beginning to find some fun uses for `sit.'”

“You're insatiable.” She huffed.

“I am a demon.” He replied drawing her close so that her head rested on his shoulder. “Now get some sleep. You still need to rebuild your strength.” He admonished. Somehow, her eyes had changed their minds about closing and were extra heavy to make up for their earlier lapse.

“I love you.” She murmured as sleep tugged her down into oblivion.

“I love you too, always.” He replied kissing the top of her head then resting his cheek upon its ebony softness.

 

Somewhere in the dark, two searching hands found each other and held fast.

 

 

 

Wow, it's been a long time, ne? I was going over my other chapters and felt a niggling of inspiration to write. It's nothing great or complicated but I missed the story and felt like the whole SangoxMiroku thing needed more closure.

Short and sweet. Hope you like it!

 

Lady Eclipse