InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Snowy Love ❯ When Love Strikes it Cuts ( Chapter 5 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Chapter 5


The day was far sunnier than the day before, but the weather was quite overcast and there was still a very thick blanket of snow covering the rolling hills outside the cabin. Kaede had been very badly angered by Inuyasha's eating of every scrap of food in the cabin and ordered him to go out and hunt something. Kagome insisted on coming along. But it had turned out to be somewhat of a bad idea, since the two spent more time kissing then looking for something to eat. But they managed to find a great elk that was fit for a meal.

Inuyasha was also forced to cook, as well, Kaede's anger with him had yet to lessen. Kagome suggested helping as he had little cooking skills (or at least that was her excuse but we all know that she just wanted to make out with him). Despite this hidden desire, Kagome was far more on task than Inuyasha who wouldn't quit attempts to pin Kagome to something and steal kisses from her.

"Inuyasha!" She cried scoldingly, pulling him off of her. This time he had taken the liberty of trapping her between the table and basin of water, which Kagome had filled with water from a nearby well. She stolled over to the pot that was hung over the fire in the fire place and quickly chopped up a carrot on the table and threw in the pieces. Inuyasha was looking out the window. "Could you help somehow?" She inquired, in a slightly irritated tone, as she broke the string beans in a basket she was holding and tossed them one by one in the pot. She was soon finished with this task and began chopping up the elk meat.

"Sorry...I'll try...here..I'll put in some onion I found..." Inuyasha said, throwing in the pieces of onion Kagome had chopped up. Kagome threw in the pieces of elk. She smiled.

"It's alright..." she assured him, cheerfully, turning to him. "We're done now..." She said, leaping up and wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Ack! You're getting elk blood all over me!" Inuyasha cried in surpirse.

"Oh! Sorry, oops!!" Kagome exclaimed, letting go of him abruptly. "I don't want to get some disease...here's my liquid soap I brought from home..." After grabbing the plastic container, Kagome squirted some of the soap on her hands; she scooped up some of the water from the basin in a small barrel and rinsed her hands. Kagome grabbed a rag and dunked it in the very soapy water and gently washed Inuyasha's neck and face. It was then she put the rag on the basin and let out a small sigh and smiled. "Still I feel foolish..." She said, bashfully.

"Don't..." Inuyasha replied, smiling down at her. He brushed some of her hair from her face lovingly. "...I mean, who almost drowned who, anyway?" Kagome laughed and began rubbing and folding down the creases of Inuyasha's kimono. Kagome began leaning forward to kiss Inhuyasha, but stopped.

"Do you think we're one of those annoying couples that's always kissing constantly?" Kagome inquired, thoughtfully. A chuckle escape dInuyasha.

"No...I don't think so..." Was his answer, as he stroked her hair.

"You don't think so? Because...well...we really should be working on lunch..."

"I thought the stew was finished," Inuyasha said, cupping his hands around Kagome's jaw.

"Not really...it...it..." But Kagome was leaning toward Inuyasha, falling under some sort of spell. But she quickly looked down to turn her gaze away from his captivating eyes. "...it needs some spices...and I should be sterring it and seeing how it's cooking..." Kagome was trying to avoid getting into a long kiss and being distracted, but it was hard, Inuyasha's eyes always pulled her in. "....though I'm not very hungry..." she mumured, taking hold of his robe and inching closer to him.

"Me either..." Inuyasha replied, which wasn't entirely true, but he'd rather be kissing Kagome than eating at this point. Already, even though they had just admitted their feelings for each other, they felt so bound to one and other. Like they had been together forever. But even so, there was an excitement to all their stability, that it was basically a secret between their hearts. A taboo between them that no one ever had to know of...

Inuyasha was suddenly distracted from his thoughts when Kagome ended the kiss shoved him downward...hard...which was rather uncalled for and painful. But he soon understood why she had pushed him down. "Hey, Miroku!" She cried cheerfully. "heh heh heh..." she said nervously, quickly turning around and busying herself with throwing in random spices.

"Uh...where's Inuyasha?" Miroku asked, standing in the doorway

"Well....uh....well...." Inuyasha punched her leg to get her to snap out of it. "He..." she continued very quickly. "Went to get more stuff outside." Miroku stared at her for a moment.

"Okay..." he responded slowly. "Just checking with you...see ya..." He then walked off and Inuyasha popped up.

"OUCH!!! THAT HURT!!!" Inuyasha roared.

"What the--" Kagome heard Miroku say. She heard him walking back and again pushed Inuyasha down, where Miroku couldn't see him, behind the table.

"I got a...paper cut..." Kagome lied nervously. Miroku didn't reply and walked away slowly. Inuyasha stood up.

"Paper cut! There's no paper around here!" Inuyasha shouted.

"Shut up!" Kagome hissed, putting her hand on Inuyasha's head and shoving him down.

"What's going on Kagome?" Miroku inquired, curiously.

"Nothing...I was just wondering where I got my paper cut from...I was angry...yeah! Make sense?" kagome asked.

"Uh...sure..." Miroku said with uncertainty as he strolled off.

"Whew!" Kagome sighed.

"What is your problem?!" Inuyasha demanded, having stood up. He straghtened his now messy hair. "Why can't they know about us?" Kagome took a sip of the stew.

"Inuyasha...they just shouldn't..."

"Ah!" Inuaysha said triumphantly. "So you do care what they think!" Inuyasha walked over to Kagome and took hold of her waist from behind her.

"Inuyasha, can you imagine the teasing? It would never end!" Kagome spun around to face the half demon, wooden spoon in hand and wrapped her arms around Inuyasha's neck once again, the stews broth dripping down Inuyasha's back. "Besides...if they knew you were always distracting me they'd never pair us together do to any sort of work..."

"I always thought it was because if Naraku found out, some twisted fate could befall us like what happened with Kikyo and I..." Inuyasha said, his facial expression now solemn.

"I don't particularly care about Naraku! I'm not afraid of him!" Kagome returned defiantly.

"Kagome, he should be feared. He's evil and he could hurt you..." Inuyasha argued scoldingly, brushing Kagome's hair from her face another time. He studied her in a desiring manner. "If anything should happen to you I--"

"Inuyasha, nothing will happen to me," Kagome cut in assuringly. "And fear will just make it easier for him to attack."

"But--"

"Now, if you're going to open you're mouth I'd prefer it to be when I'm kissing you. And if you must speak then I'd like it to be about something other than this subject," she told him firmly. Inuyasha sighed in a defeated manner and Kagome kissed him.

Kagome opened her eyes for some reason and happened to to hear someone approaching once again. She quickly ducked down and it was then Inuyasha heard a voice behind him. "Inuyasha, what are you doing?"

"Huh?" He said, opening his eyes. He was no longer kissing Kagome he realized. He was kissing thin air. He blushed to his roots. "Day dreaming about Kagome, perhaps?" Miroku's voice asked. Inuyasha turned.

"No!" He shouted.

"Sure..." he said, sarcastically. "Anyway...I was going to ask--hey...where's Kagome?"

"Uh...she had to use the bathroom..." Inuyasha lied.

"Why is it I always come and you two aren't together? Are you having some sort of disagreement?" Miroku asked.

"If we were, why would i be day dreaming about her?" He asked Miroku, smirking.

"Well...it's quite possible you would be, always wanting what you can't have..."

"Oh shut up, Miroku," Inuyasha said, dismissively, turning. "I'm too happy to be angry anyhow..."

"And why is that?"

"None of your bee's wax!" He returned, turning quickly.

"Anywho...I was wondering when the meal was going to be ready," Miroku said.

"Who knows," was Inuyasha's reply as he turned to face the pot over the fire.

"Alright," Miroku sighed. "I'll be taking my leave, then."

"Good," Inuyasha muttered bitingly.

"Don't you think I didn't hear that," Miroku told Inuyasha, smirking and with that he left. Kagome now stood and began dusting herself off.

"Thanks alot for making me look stupid..." Inuyasha grumbled.

"Sorry, I thought it would be suspicious if I had said you had been gone all that time or had left again...and I thought you didn't like me pushing you down like that..."
Inuyasha's arms were crossed and he was rather angry, but he soon forgave Kagome.

"It's alright..." he finally assured her. "As long as you, you know, kiss me..."

"I don't know if I should kiss you, when you're being so cruel. I don't like it when you're that way..." Kagome fibbed, not being able to wipe the smile off her face.

"Aww...don't be that way, Kagome," Inuyasha joked, approaching her. "But I will stop, if you want me to," he whispered.

"Actually, I was going to say you should be mean more often," she whispered back. "I always liked you when you were mean..." Inuyasha laughed softly and clutched Kagome's arms and kissed her.

It was then Kaede walked by the room Kagome and Inuyash were in only to stop and walk back. She didn't think she should pry into others' business, but Kagome and Inuyasha were kissing after all!

Inuyasha thought he heard someone at the door way. 'Hmm...there's someone there, isn't there?' The two kissed for a while and Inuyasha suddenly pointed at the doorway and shouted. "I know you're there!" But found there was no one to be seen.

"Are you alright Inuyasha?" Kagopme inquired, worriedly.

"Uh...yeah, sure..." 'Guess I was wrong.' He thought.

Kaede walked out onto the snow. 'Well...those two are closer than I bargained...' She thought.


Miroku walked outside to find Sango and Shippo standing together by several pine trees. It was then Sango's hiraicotsu retuned and several pine cones fell from the trees before them. Shippo jumped up and down excitedly. "Thanks, Sango! I needed those for my snow man!" He cheered. And with that ran and began collecting several of them happily saying, "This is great! I'm going to make the best snow man ever!" Miroku walked up next to Sango, who was laughing happily.

"Helping Shippo out?" Miroku asked, smiling at the young fox demon.

"Yes, he asked for my help and I wasnm't do much of anything so..." Sango trailed off and her smile suddenly vanished. She turned to Miroku. "We need to talk..." She told him, saddness apparent in her eyes.

"Uh...yes...sorry I didn't speak to you about what happened yesterday morning...I couldn't find the right time. Kaede was constantly bothering me about staining her blanket... That old woman wouldn't leave me alone!" He said, cheerfully. But nothing was seeming to cheer Sango up now. "Are...you alright?" he asked.

"I'm fine..." Sango replied, quietly, her gaze on the ground. "I need to speak with you...elsewhere..." And Sango began walking toward the cabin, Miroku curiously following.

'I wonder what's bothering Sango? It doesn't seem like she's going to be telling me any good news...she seems so distressed...' Miroku thought as he walked after her. Soon they reached a very tall frosted wooden gate, which Sango's gloved hand grasped and swung open. Sango led Miroku into what seemed to be the garden of the cabin, but everthing was covered in snow and icy. The man made pond which once had a small little water fall running into it was all frozen over and most of the flowers were frozen and dead.

Sango slowly turned to Miroku. "Things...aren't as they seem..." she told.

'What is she talking about?' Miroku wondered. It was then he realized he should have most definitely spoken to her about what had happened, but it was as he said, they're never seemed to be the right time.

"I..." Sango began, staring at he frosted cabin wall. "I lied to you, Miroku," Sango said, quickly, as she turned her head to the left, trying to keep Miroku from seeing a tear fall down her face.

"You...what?" Miroku said, not understanding. "About what?" he inquired.

"About..." Sango stopped. 'Is it right for me to do this?' She thought. 'Tell him something so false? But what else am I supposed to say...supposed to do?! It'll kill us both to be together...it could never be... And there's no way I can expect Miroku to hear that. He wouldn't let me think that...he would never believe it...' "I lied when I said..." Sango's eyes were stinging, she was trying to hold back the tears. 'He's going to hate me...he'll never forgive me...' "...when i said," she repeated. She closed her eyes tightly. 'But I'd suffocate him...we could never...he doesn't truly love me...I refuse to be another one of his girls that gets left behind crying her eyes out...' "When I said I loved you...i just wanted you to be--" 'He will leave me later I know, he always does with every girl, but his feelings now--" But Sango burst out sobbing. She couldn't stand the disapointment she was now causing him. She hated herself so badly, she ran. She opened the gate and continued running. Miroku ran to the gate and stopped.

"Sango!" He called after her, trying to push away the pain in his heart. But Sango didn't stop fleeing and continued far off into the snowy his and finally collapsed behind a tree and nearly choked on her tears. She sniveled badly, crying uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry, Miroku..." she whispered. "I'm so sorry..."



It was a couple of hours after eating the stew that Sango finally returned to the cabin. Everyone seemed rather worried about her, wondering where she had been. Miroku was no where to be seen. "He said he wanted to retire early," Kaede told Sango after she had asked. "Upset stomach, he said." Sango had no reply to this and stared at the ground in a depressed manner.

"Why don't you get inside?" Kagome suggested warmly. "We still have some stew left."

"Yep! And it sure is great!" Shippo chimed, bounding for the door and holding it open for everyone who all quickly entered from the cold. "Want some stew?" he inquired energetically, holding out the great bowl.

"I'm not hungry..." she told him down-heartedly.

"You really should eat, Sango," Kagome advised, in a concerned manner.

"There's always dinner," Inuyasha pointed out.

"Yes..." Sango returned distactedly, gliding out of the room in a great gloom.

"What happened?" Kagome inquired in an awed voice.

"Well...she was a bit sad this morning...but not like this..." Shippo said.

"Ahh...probably girl stuff," Inuyasha said, carelessly. Kagome swung her fist at the back of his head.

"Don't be so heartless!" She commanded.

"Ouchy..." Inuyasha moaned quietly.

"I think there's something seriously wrong with her..." Kagome said, worriedly looking after Sango. There was a short silence.

"Maybe she'll be fine by dinner?" Inuyasha suggested questioningly.

"Doubt it," Was Kaede's reply. "But we should probably not prod our noses into it, aye?" And with that she left the room. Kagome sighed worriedly.

"I just hope she's alright..." She mumured.

"Don't worry, Kagome, everything's going to be fine," he assured her warmly, smiling peacefully at her.

"Uh..." Shippo said, staring at Inuyasha and Kagome. 'Whoa...was Inuyasha being...nice?' "I'm going to go finish my snow man..." he said quickly, still staring at the two. 'I can't believe Inuyasha's looking at Kagome like that...weird...' But it was then Inuyasha turned and frowned at him.

"Well are you just going to stand there, or are you going to leave already?!" Inuyasha demanded.

"Uh...bye..." Shippos returned, slowly turning and walking outside. He walked through the snow, small hands in the pockets of the jacket he had borrowed. "I wonder why he wanted me to leave so badly," Shippo mused aloud. "I mean...he's never really that happy to see me, but still..." Shippo apprached the snow man he had been so diligantly working on. He scooped up some snow from the ground and padded it with his hands onto the snowmans somewhat lop-sided head to make it rounder. "I wonder why Inuyasha was acting so weird...hmmm..." he said, stepping back to survey his work. "It needs something...oh!" He then took off the hat he was wearing and placed it atop the snowman's head.

"There!" he exclaimed happily. He began laughing joyously when he felt something ice cold touch his shoulder from behind. He turned to find two of the loveliest creatures he had ever seen. One was a woman, who definitely not human and had eyes of glass and necklesses and bracelettes of isecles, whoce hair was as white as the snow all around her, as was her skin and her dress which flowed out behind her and her face was fair, and lips blue. She was slightly transparent, and her hand lay on a small girl's shoulder who looked alike to the woman, but seemed far more cheerful and pleasent and was not transparent like the woman who stood behind her, but was entirely solid and clearly had flesh.

The girl laughed happily and smiled at Shippo, who blushed upon being smiled at by such a beautiful girl...or whatever she was. It was then the woman spoke with a voice that was quite beautiful, but made chills go down Shippo's spine. "My child has been alone, and wishes for a friend. I choose you as the one my child shall play with. Be kind to her and come whenever she calls or your friends shall pay the price." And with that the woman disapeared entirely and Shippo felt and icy wind pass him and then vanish.

The girl who had white skin and white locks of hair upon her fair head laughed again and walked up to Shippo. "Oh don't listen to mother...she's so silly with me, I've become so spoiled!" She told him cheefully. Shippo laughed in a relieved way.

'Boy, she's nice...' he thought, his cheeks turning slightly pink. The girl was scarcely taller than he was and soon came even closer, but she wasn't looking at Shippo, she was looking up at the snowman he had made.

"What's that?" She asked, pointing at Shippo's creation.

"It's a snowman, haven't you ever seen one?" Shippo asked.

"Never," was the girl's answer, as she stared up at it. "Well, how do you do, Mr. Snowman," she said.

"Oh, no!" Shippo laughed. "It's not alive! It's only snow and a few other things! I made it!" Shippo told her.

"Oh...can you show me how to make it?" the girl asked.

"First...what's your name?" Shippo inquired.

"Oh yes! Sorry! I had forgotten!" The girl laughed cheerfully, looking bashful, "Byanou, what's yours?"

"Shippo. I'm a fox demon...are you a demon, too?" Shippo inquired.

"Yes, an ice demon," she replied.

"You're a rather pretty one..." Shippo said, blushing.

"Why, thank you," the girl returned, she then laughed, "And you're rather cute!" Shippo blushed very deeply.

"Uh...um...so a s-s-snow man...see..." Shippo said, walking over to a mound of snow. "You first make a big, huge ball of snow!" He cried, energetically and began pushing the mound of snow which began to form into a large ball. "Then...he continued you make another smaller one and stack that..." he instructed and did that quickly. "And another, so you have a body and a head! Then you can get stuff to make a face, buttons and whatever you like!" He said, happily. The girl laughed cheerfully.

"That's seems fun! But I know what will be more fun!" The girl said, mysteriously. And it was then with a whish of her hand, a strange cold wind brushed passed Shippo and the snow man suddenly began shaking.

"What's going on?!" Shippo cried, in a frightened tone.

"I made it come to life!" Byanou answered, smiling. And the snow man waddled over to Shippo, who was rather afraid.

"H-how?" He stammered.

"Go on, it wants to shake hands," Byanou laughed. Shippo hesitantly took it. The snow man shook Shippo hand very enthusiastically shaking Shippo up and down. But soon he began to get more gentle and Shippo was thoroughly awed by the snow man who let go of his hand and tipped his hat.
"How?" He asked again, in an awed voice, staring at the now living snowman.
"We ice demons can do almost anything with snow and ice...snow is easier to bewitch and make...but I can't manipulate the weather like my mother can..." Byanou explained. Shippo finally managed to tare his gaze away from the snowman.
"Your mother...is she dangerous?" Shippo asked quietly. He didn't want to offend her, but he was concerned for the others' safety.
"No, it's not like that," Byanou assured him, smiling slightly, which made Shippo relieved, "it is true she has been more temperamental since my father died a few years ago...that's why the weather is so fierce and cold now and she has hurt visitors before. But she won't harm your friends after I tell her how much I like you, which is a lot." Byanou told him, cheeks somewhat pink. Shippo own cheeks were very red now.
"Well...alright..." He responded, trying desperately to control his blushing.

A hooded figure stepped into the tavern. The men inside were very husky and had rugged faces that were covered in grime and sweat. Most had containers of sake at their tables and empty glasses. Their loud rambling came to a dead stop at the sight of the unknown traveler. It was a small village. Everyone knew one and other, no one had seen this strange person. An uneasiness filled the place at the sight of the cloaked traveler, there's something awfully ominous about someone who hides something about themselves, especially their identity.
The stranger sat at a table alone and an anxious waitress approached them. "May I help you?" she asked with a sunny smile, but the cloaked traveler noticed her forehead was covered in beads of nervous sweat.
"No, I only wish to rest," the voice from under the hood answered. The voice was obviously female, but not one of the ill-mannered husky men approached her as they would any other time. The voice was emotionless and soulless and condescendingly wicked in its own way.
"Are you certain? Our food is quite inexpensive, a cup of sake, perhaps?" the waitress inquired.
"I don't drink."
"Hmm," the waitress nodded, "I understand, but I could bring you a roll of sushi."
"I don't eat."
"Uh..." the waitress said, eyes widening. She quickly walked off to tend to another customer.
"Yeah right!" a man bellowed at another table. "You ain't talkin' sense!"
"It's true! I saw him with my own eyes! A man with a long sword strapped to his belt, long silver hair, dog ears, yellow eyes. After that was a pirate lady--traveling with a girl wearing a strange garb! Demons are among us!" another man at the table shouted.
"Hmm," the hooded stranger uttered, emotionlessly, turning toward a table where two men who had been talking were sitting among a few others.
"Where were they headed?" a thin man inquired.
"Up toward the Hills of No Return," the second man replied.
"Well, then he prob'ly ain''t somethin' to worry abou' . That place ain't called the Hills of No Return for notin', ya know,' the first man said.
"Are you certain of that?" the unidentifiable traveler demanded loudly, standing up.
"Yes, Miss, positive," the second man said. "No body who''s gone ain't ever come back. Mos' don' even make it there. And why is it that you wear a hood? Face too ugly to show?"
"I have my own reasons for keeping my identity hidden," she returned, stone-like. The cloaked stranger then turned to the first man. "Do you know when you saw him?" she asked him.
"Yes'm, it was about two days ago, the night before last. Why? Are you looking for demons?" as the reply.
"People up in this region must not take to keeping to themselves," the harsh voice from under the traveler's hood replied cruelly.
"Why aren't we high and mighty?" the first man ranted. "You're face prob'ly ain't much, but maybe your fist is worth preachin' 'bout. Though, I doubt it, seein' as you're a female." It was obvious to the unknown traveler that this man was trying to pick a fight.
"Thing aren't always as they seem," her voice thudded. It was then she drew a bow from inside her cloak and as fast as lightning brought and arrow to it. The arrow flew and pinned the first man's cup of sake to the wall.
"You shot my cup!" he shouted.
"No," was her response. It was then the cup shattered into millions of fragments and the arrow remained on the wall pinning the sake liquid to the wall.
"I-i-it's impossible!" the thin man's voice quavered. Everyone stared, not one could speak. The hooded stranger slowly turned and took a few steps toward the door. The waitress had dropped the tray which she was holding sometimes earlier and broken fragments of sake glasses and sake lye everywhere. She was leaned against a table quivering in fear and shock. Her shaking, bleeding hand slowly lifted, pointing at the cloaked figure.
"Y-y-you're the reincarnation of the priestess!" she stammered. The unknown traveler stared at the waitress for a few moments.
"No, wrong again," she finally stated coldly. And with that the door slid open and the hooded figure strolled out, the door closed after her on it's own. Everyone stared in silence.
"W...was that a g-g-g-ghost?" A man at another table stuttered.
"No, it was something far greater," an old woman croaked.

"Shippo! Time for dinner!" Kaede's voice called.
"C'mon! !t's getting dark! You need to come in!" Kagome's voice shouted after Kaede's. Shippo turned to Byanou.
"It looks like I have to go," he said, sadly.
"Oh...but I don't want you to!" She whined softly.
"I'm sorry, but it's getting awful cold and I'm really hungry...I don't want my friends to worry about me..." Shippo replied, eyes studying the snow below him.
"It's alright," Byanou said, forcing a smile and she lye her hand on Shippo cheek. Shippo blushed badly. She then quickly pecked the tip of his nose with her lips, which Shippo wrinkled, face turning redder. "Bye!" She cried, gleefully and she ran. Shippo watched after her and sighed dreamily. She then disappeared into the cold night air.
"Shippo!!" Came Kagome's annoyed voice.
"Get over here you brat!!" Inuyasha bellowed.
"I'm coming!" Shippo cried back as he turned and bounded toward the cabin.
"God, what were you doin' out there anyway?" Inuyasha demanded as Shippo walked inside.
"Oh, nothin'," he returned happily.
"Well you sure spent a lot of time doing nothing," Kagome laughed as they all walked inside.
"Yeah..." Shippo returned deep in his thoughts. He touched his nose where Byanou had kissed him and sighed once again.
Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, and Kaede walked in to find Sango enter.
"Oh!" Kagome suddenly exclaimed in realization. "I'd better check on Miroku and see if he wants dinner..." Sango suddenly perked up.
"I don't know, he said he had a stomach ache...he probably wants his sleep..." Sango said quickly.
"No..." Kagome returned awkwardly. "I'll see for myself..."
"Whatever," she muttered, crossing her arms.
"Okay..." Inuyasha said, looking at Sango.
"What?!" She demanded loudly.
"Nothing..." he replied. Kagome stared at Sango for a moment.
"I'll be right back..." she told them, as if she was assuring them she wouldn't give Sango long enough to murder someone. She walked over to the room Miroku had decided to sleep in which was across the cabin and open the sliding door.
Miroku's back was to the door and he was lying down under several blankets. "I'm asleep," he mumbled.
"One can never say that statement truthfully," Kagome returned in a matter-of-factly tone. "Why don't you join us for dinner?"
"Nah...I don't think I feel up to it," he returned. It was then Kagome heard his stomach growl...very loudly. "You know...stomach problems..." He explained.
"I think you're problem is that you're hungry, come on,' Kagome insisted, pulling on Miroku's arm and lifting him up.
"No, I think I'll stay," he said, struggling to lay down.
"No, come on!" Kagome grunted and she heaved Miroku as hard as she could causing his face to become buried in her chest. Kagome gasped and blushed immediately.
"Please move!" Miroku's muffled voice came. And Kagome did. Miroku stumbled forward and pulled himself upward with his staff. He looked sadly to the ground. Kagome stared at him with surprise for a moment.
"Maybe you're not okay, Miroku..." she stated, with some concern. "I mean...that was very unMiroku-like..."
"Just...forget it..." he told her distractedly. "I'm not in the mood for stuff like that...that's all..." Which was rather true. Miroku seriously wondered if he'd look at another woman again.
"Miroku...did something happen? Sango was so--"
"Don't talk to me about her," he cut in and slowly started to leave. Kagome gasped.
'What happened between them?' She wondered in awe.
"I mean--" he said, stopping and forcing a smile as he turned to her. "--I don't want to know how she was sad," he laughed. "I try to imagine her as proud...not with her head hung low..." 'Oh you're pathetic, Miroku,' he thought to himself. 'Just because a woman turns you down--that happens all the time--now you're some limp animal...of course she didn't have to lie to me. Why did she? Does she want to rip my heart of out and stamp on it?'
"Alright..." Kagome said, with uncertainty as she walked passed a nervous Miroku who sighed, relieved, just after she left and quickly followed. When Miroku finally reached the table, all the pillows were taken. Except one.
"See, he was just fine, Sango," Kagome said as she sat down. "Sango thought you wouldn't want to come to dinner,' she explained to Miroku. Miroku didn't reply.
'Well she would know,' he thought. "So...is there anywhere to sit?" He inquired.
"Only there," Inuyasha answered, pointing a the pillow right of Sango.
"Oh..." he said, downheartedly and hesitant sat next to Sango, trying his best not to look at her. Sango looked somewhat anxious. Inuyasha served himself some rabbit that was prepared and set the plate down. "Could you please pass the rabbit, Inuyasha?" Miroku asked.
"Uh...sure..." Inuyasha said,and passed it to Miroku who took it and dished himself the smallest piece and put the plate down.
"Kagome, could you...uh....pass the food, please?" Sango asked.
"Uh..." Kagome said. 'But the plate's right next to Miroku...' she thought. "...alright..." She reached for the plate and scooted it toward Sango as far as she could reach. "Here..." she said, struggling.
"Thanks..." she responded, quietly. She spooned some for herself as if she was trying to be smaller. Everyone was eating in silence. They all were studying Miroku and Sango carefully. What was it with them? Suddenly, Miroku's accidentally flung his chopsticks which then landed on Sango's lap.
"Sorry," he said, turning away. But he really didn't look sorry at all. He actually looked angry, as if it was somehow Sango's fault. Sango then held the chopsticks out, seemingly nervous.
"All my fault" she returned, a pleading expression on her face. She was looking straight into Miroku's eyes as she handed him the chopsticks. Miroku turned away venomously.
"Wha--" Inuyasha, Kagome, and Shippo cried at once.
"Are you trying to say something?" Miroku asked, crossly.
"Uh..." all of them said.
"No," Kagome answered, shaking her head, smiling nervously.
"Nah ah," Inuyasha added, who now began shaking his head.
"Not us," Shippo added as well, now shaking his own head.
"Alright then," Miroku returned, an angry expression on his face. "Oh yeah, and you can close your mouths while your at it. All three of them did this simultaneously.
Soon dinner was done and they all say by the other fireplace in another room in the cabin. "You know, you feudal era people really need televisions. They really pass the time. You can watch basically anything on them. They have all sorts of programs..."
"We're quite fine with out all ye technological advancement," Kaede replied somewhat arrogantly.
"Hey, she didn't mean any harm! You don't have to be so rude to her!" Inuyasha said, loudly in defense.
"Huh?" Shippo , Miroku, and Sango said.
"Defending Kagome are we?" Miroku said, smirking.
"What are you getting at Miroku?!" Inuyasha demanded, standing up. Kagome grabbed onto his robe.
"Now, no need to make a scene, we know Miroku's trying to push your buttons, sit down, calm yourself," she told Inuyasha cooly. Everyone looked doubtfully at Kagome, but miracle beyond miracles Inuyasha sat down. Everyone stared in shock. "Gosh, I hate it when you make big deals about things that are just so stupid!" She scolded.
"Sorry Kagome..." he said guiltily. Kagome then smiled and laughed.
"Oh, it's fine...I'm not about to stay angry at you..." Now no one could take their eyes off them. What the--
'All you have to do is add the word 'dear' to every sentence they've just said and they're a married couple," Miroku thought.
"Uh...you know...or else you'll yell at me..." Kagome added nervously. She elbowed him.
"Uh...right!" Inuyasha replied, anxiously.
"You guys are sure acting weird," Miroku remarked, presently.
"What on earth do you mean?!" Kagome demanded. "You two are the ones acting weird!
"What!?" Sango demanded.
"Well, you've been avoiding each other and Miroku's stopped being perverted!" Kagome cried.
"Yeah and what's up with avoiding each other?" Inuyasha asked.
"What we haven't been avoiding each other!" Miroku lied. "What are you talking about?!"
"Yeah, and there's like this angry vibe coming from you toward Sango, plus you're all sad and Sango was like super-depressed before and now she's acting strangely," Kagome said thoughtfully.
"I am not!" Sango argued. "Besides, you're the one whose been smiling at Inuyasha a ton lately. And you haven't broken into one argument, not-one! Now that's odd!" Sango shouted.
"What do you mean smiling?!" Kagome demanded, sweating a bit.
"And why is Inuyasha listening to you all of a sudden and speaking of vibes you two just remind me of how my parents should act. Like a married couple or something," Miroku remarked.
"Whatever!" Inuyasha shouted, blushing. "You guys are the ones acting real weird! Since when have you gotten a stomach ache?!"
"No way, you're the ones acting weird!" Sango exclaimed angrily.
"Nope, you guys are acting far weirder,' Kagome replied, simply.
"ALL of you are acting weird now SHUT UUUP!!!" Shippo screamed. Everyone was suddenly silent. "I'm the only one whose been acting normal.
"Sure you can stick to that claim, Shippo?" Inuyasha asked, grinning.
"What do you mean?" he inquired blushing.
"When I asked what you were doing you said, "Oh, nothin'!" like you were doin' something. And you've been all day dreamy!" Inuyasha stated.
"Well..." Shippo said, blushing. "I don't know what you're talking about..."
"You're looking pretty red to me," Miroku pointed out, frowning.
"Oh, just face it, ye are all just bizarre to begin with," Kaede said, folding some clothes and placing them aside on the floor. They all stared at her for a few moments.
"You know something...don't you...about them," Miroku said, pointing at Inuyasha and Kagome who were sitting next to each other.
"You mean about them," Inuyasha corrected, looking from Sango and Miroku who were standing far away from each other.
"And maybe Shippo?" Kagome and Sango inquired at the same time, looking at the kitsune.
"Perhaps..." she replied, feeding the fire some wood and sitting.
"Whatever you know, granny, don't tell them, alright?" Inuyasha whispered to Kaede.
"Well, this is basically how it is..." Kaede began.
"Shut up!! Don't tell them!!" They all cried at Kaede, alarmed. They all looked at each other. "So you do have a secret!!" They all cried at one and other. "What is it!?"
"How about we all just go and get some sleep," Kaede said, calmly as she stood up.
"But--what about their secret?!" they all asked at once.
"Never mind that, get ready for bed..." Shippo and Kagome began gathering their blankets, the remaining stood still.
"But--"
"ALL OF YE!!!" She roared.
Miroku lay on his side on the futon, under his blankets, gazing blankly at the wall. He had been sleeping peaceful for the passed seven hours, but he had heard someone approaching the room. they had stopped at the door and finally after a long period of silence, Miroku hesitantly closed his eyes and shrugged it off. but then he heard the doors slide open and he quickly sat up and turned.
It was Sango. Which was very surprising to Miroku since she had been avoiding him so much since her little confession. Miroku had been too, and he had to admit to himself, he wasn't too happy seeing her. But he was tired of creating so much distance between them and the awkwardness was awful, so he decided not to indicate this unhappiness. "What's wrong?" he inquired. Sango was silent for a moment.
She then took a step forward and said, "I had a dream." Miroku noted the worry in her eyes, anxiety most likely about the strangeness between them.
"Was it a nightmare? Are you alright?" Miroku asked, quickly becoming concerned.
"It was very strange..." was Sango's only reply. She sat against the wall, to the right of Miroku. Miroku studied her closely. Why had she decided to him about it? As if to answer the thoughts in Miroku's head, Sango finally said, "I don't know why I came to you...I just...well...I like to share my dreams with people, but ever since my home was destroyed and I lost all my family... I haven't been able to...I thought you were awake so I guess that's why." There was a deep crease in Sango's forehead, she looked disturbed.
"Are you sure you're alright? Did the dream upset you?" Miroku whispered.
"No...it didn't upset me...and I'm fine. It was just...odd," Sango said, deep in thought.
"Do you want to tell me about it?" Miroku asked softly.
This was very strange. Miroku somehow lost all the anger and hurt he felt toward and from Sango and now was somewhat concerned, but the oddest thing was how he wanted to help Sango, how he wanted her to stay longer. Maybe he hoped something would happen between them, he didn't know.
Sango shifted uneasily. It seemed, Miroku observed, she actually didn't want to tell him about the dream after a. Then why had she come? Was there some hidden motive? "It...was very awkward...see Inuyasha, Kagome, Shippo, and I were all traveling and it was a normal sort of affair. A fight betweeb us and a demon and camping out in the woods, a jewel shard. But suddenly, I realized you weren't there, and then..." Sango trailed off. "...it was strange." She said again.
This time Miroku wouldn't pressure her into giving him more information. She seemed as if she didn't want to tell him any more. Maybe she had had second thoughts about telling him this dream but her intentions were to do so at first. Miroku moved from when he was sitting, at the farthest end of the futon from Sango, to the other end, next to her. They had to talk about what happened before. Sango was looking at the ceiling and seemed to be deep in thought again.
Though Miroku had planned to talk to Sango about happened, something stopped him. He came to a whole new conclusion quickly in his mind about how Sango really felt about him...but if he was wrong...he would pay dearly. He knew exactly how to approach the situation, he would just do what he always do...only different. "Seems like the perfect place for you to bear my child..." Miroku remarked nonchalantly, looking around the room. Sango looked rather surprised...that is until that shock turned into anger...
"What? You...how could you ask something like that now?!" She cried hysterically. "What's wrong with you?!" Miroku was in a laughing fit now. "Huh?" Had he simply gone insane somehow? But Sango quickly realized what had happened...or at least what Miroku wanted her to think had happened, and gave him a very dirty look.
"You were joking, weren't you?" Miroku still hadn't stopped laughing.
"You're so gullible! That face--it was priceless!" He gasped between laughs.
"That's not funny Miroku! Don't joke about things like that!" Sango exclaimed angrily and swung her arm to slap Miroku, only this time Miroku caught her hand before collided with his face. There was something about the way he grasped it. Sango wasn't sure if it really was or if it was just her being anxious. But Miroku's grasp wasn't struggling or firm, but soft and gentle. Sango blushed slightly and pulled her hand away. 'Maybe it's just me...' she thought.
Now Sango felt very uncomfortable and was fidgeting a lot. Straightening her kimono and shifting around. Now she had begun fixing her hair in her anxiousness and soon reached to curl her hair behind her left ear. But Miroku got there first and was the one who slowly pulled her straight black hair across and over her ear, very gently, far too gently, Sango could have died. She finally looked over to see Miroku was now leaned in close to her, too and their faces were very near. and Sango's gaze could be torn away from Miroku's eyes now.
It was as if everything was moving at an extremely slow speed, but Sango didn't stop it anyway. She should have, she knew. Whatever Miroku did now wouldn't be in the name of love, Sango was sure, yet she didn't stop it. Miroku was in closer to her and it was only a matter of time when he kissed her full on the mouth, Sango couldn't help throwing her arms around his neck. Boy she hated herself.
Finally, she managed to pull away from him., cutting the kiss abruptly short. Fighting the strong urge to kiss him again, Sango struggled to find the words to explain how they wouldn't work together, but somehow she had very little will power and leaned in and the both of them were soon kissing again. It had been several moments this time when Sango pulled away. "You're not trying to seduce me are you?" She asked suspiciously. She just couldn't trust him, what was so wrong with her? It took a few seconds for Miroku to open his eyes, as if he had to recover a kiss like that.
It was somewhat odd, Miroku had never felt so much from a kiss before. Sure they had been nice, but these kisses from Sango made him feel so wonderful, better than he ever felt ever. So much happiness was threatening to burst out from inside him. "It hadn't crossed my mind, actually." Miroku didn't think he had ever said anything for more honest. Sango saw no lie in Miroku's eyes and her heart was strongly telling her Miroku was being truthful, but her mind wasn't so sure.
"Face it Sango," it was telling her. "He uses and throws away women like it's second nature. He'd sooner stab himself than make a real commitment."
"Sango, Miroku is good. We know that. He's better than you thought and you can see he's being truthful. Have faith. This seems different." The argument of her heart seemed pretty good, but since it was a bit less convincing and harder to understand, Sango was set to go with mind's advice.
"Look, before you do anything life changing, you need a sign." Her soul speaking now.
'Great! Do I need MORE voices?!' thought Sango sarcastically. But looking for a sign seemed reasonable.
"I don't want to get hurt," Sango told Miroku softly.
"I promise I won't hurt you," Miroku said, putting his hands a top hers. There was a short silence.
"Look Miroku, I know you have a good heart and are actually a good person...but you can't make a promise like that and keep it. You're just not made for serious relationships..." Sango hoped she didn't offend Miroku telling him what he couldn't and could do, but it was the truth.
"I can," Miroku argued gently. Sango was nearing the brink of tears.
"No...you can't..." she said, very upset now, shaking her head staring at the floor.
"Yes...I can..." Miroku returned, again lifting her chin to get her to look at him. He pulled his hand gently away, but Sango couldn't tear her gaze away from him no matter what she did. Sango's gaze seemed permanently fixed on him. He sighed. "You have to believe me Sango..." She didn't know what to believe. "Sango..."
'I need a sign...there's nothing you can say that will convince me...' Sango thought.
"...I love you...with all my heart..."
'That's it!!! That's the sign!!' Sango's thoughts screamed. And it was then, Sango lunged at him and kissed him with so much passion he nearly fell over. This already was surprising enough, but when Sango pulled him down with her onto the floor on top of her via the edges of his robe, he had never been more surprised in his life. Normally, he would have taken full advantage of this predicament, he would have taken it with open arms, but suddenly, and it was even more shocking than Sango suddenly letting him have her, he felt it was wrong.
Suddenly, he sat up, he was stunned with himself, it was obvious. Sango sat up in pure shock, and Miroku who was still sitting on her legs, moved over. "Miroku?"
"I'm sorry...I can't...it just...doesn't feel right..." Miroku returned, still not quite understanding why he had done what he had. Sango finally got over her surprise and frowned. She became angry fast.
"Miroku, I'm not some fragile little girl, alright? You don't have to be careful careful with me! Don't treat me like I'm some pure object that can't be--"
"That's not it," Miroku interrupted softly. "I just...don't want to hurt you..." Sango's fury wasn't leaving.
"Why are you acting like this? I'm not a child. I'm just like any other woman, why are you being so careful?" Sango asked with crossness.
"Because...you're not just any woman..." Miroku returned, "...your the woman I love."
"Exactly," Sango said, "so then that justifies this. Love."
"No...love is what's keeping me...from doing this...I can't hurt you..."
"What?" Sango said, quite perplexed.
"You know how I've been in the past, how many women i've hurt, there is no way I could let the same happen to you," Miroku told her.
"No...you love me Miroku, you said so yourself. That will keep you from hurting me..." Sango returned, still not understanding why Miroku was acting in such a way.
" ...No, no matter what, though I won't want to, I'll just wind up hurting you. And I can't let that happen," Miroku argued, softly, looking extremely saddened. Sango was staring at him in disbelief in confusion. She just didn't understand, just a little before Miroku was telling her he wouldn't hurt her that he loved her, why was he now saying that her foolish words before were right? That he would only hurt her? What did he mean?
"But--"
"I made a promise Sango, I promised I wouldn't hurt you," Miroku explained, cutting her off.
"It's not as if you've kept every promise you've made in your life," Sango said with a laugh, but her smile quickly faded at the look he was giving her. It was the most determined look, the most depressed, solemn, firm look she'd ever seen on his face.
"I'm going to keep this one." Sango's heart sank, the reality was crashing down on her now, she felt the most horrible pain in her gut, as if someone had stabbed a knife through.
"Miroku--you're not--no--you're wrong--Miroku," Sango sputtered with upset and confusion.
"I can't do this if you're going to get hurt," Miroku said.
"What are you saying?" Sango asked entirely perplexed.
"That we can't be...at all..." Miroku answered. Sango felt like bursting into tears all at once, she just didn't understand. She was still so bewildered, she just couldn't believe the pain she was feeling in her heart.
"But..." Sango said weakly.
"I can't hurt you, Sango," Miroku whispered.
"You're hurting me now," Sango said, wanting to cry, hoping she could make him stay.
"It's far less than the hurt I'd cause you if I allowed you to get more involved with me." Sango shook her head, it still wasn't making any sense. She couldn't form any questions, say anything, she was in disbelief and on the verge of going ballistic. She didn't know what to ask, where to begin. None of it, not one word, made the least bit of logic at all to her.
"Miroku...don't...don't do this," she pleaded. "You love me. I know it, you truly love me, we can work it out, you'll get through it Miroku, I know if you love me you can do it if you just try..."
"It's not that simple," he whispered. "If I truly love you then I'm going to have to let you go."
"Can't I decide what want for myself?" Sango asked angrily. "Can't I risk what I want?!"
"You have to stop people when they're going to do something that will cause them to get hurt. Even if they want to do it, you have to stop them," he answered softly. "I can't let you, Sango, I can't..." he whispered. There was a silence and Sango and Miroku stared at one and other for a time. Suddenly, Sango leaned in close to Miroku, a sly look on her face.
"Are you sure you went to give me up?" Miroku was very still.
"Sango--" Miroku began, but she already leaning in toward him even more and Miroku had already forgotten what he was going to say and where he was and who he was...as Sango was leaning in closer..."No," he pushed her away. "I'm sorry, I can't do this," he said. But Sango looked determined and quickly lunged at him, putting her mouth firmly on his. It took a few moments for Miroku to make out his thoughts in the jumble they had become and finally pulled away.
"How many times do I have to tell you Sango? We're not going to work, now please...don't make this any harder than it needs to be..." Miroku said standing up and turning away.
"What?! Why aren't you trying to take advantage now? Or at least fail to reject me because of your attraction toward me?!" Sango demanded, also standing up. "Am I not good enough for you?!"
"Now come on Sango," Miroku replied, turning. "You know it's not like that. Stop trying to make it into something it's not. You know that I think you're more beautiful than anyone else...that I have strong feelings for you."
"Then why won't you love me?!" She shouted, grabbing his robe roughly.
"Now...let's not get angry here..." Miroku pleaded nervously. Sango then turned Miroku to the right and slammed him against the wall, pinning him in between her and the wall. 'Is she going to hurt me?' He thought.
"I asked you a question, Miroku," Sango told him.
"I do love you," he replied as an answer.
"Then prove it," she said, seductively.
"P-p-prove it?" Miroku stammered, sweating anxiously. "Sango, this is my way of proving it. Keeping my promise...by not hurting you...I can't see you hurt..."
"Fine...maybe I can see it your way, Miroku,'" Sango replied, in an annoyed tone. "Maybe...I guess it's for the best...we can't live a lie, can we?"
"No..." Miroku replied in a relieved tone. 'Wow....easier than I thought it would be...' he thought
"Then...before we never, ever can even think about being together, can't I just ask for one thing?" Sango inquired.
"Alright..." Miroku replied, slowly.
"Just one more small little kiss before we say good-bye?"
At first Miroku was apprehensive, but then...what could a small kiss do? And he couldn't say he didn't want one, right? "Well...okay...but just a--" But before he could finish, Sango was leaned in very, very close and was kissing him gently. It was definitely painful to let go of someone like that, someone that made him feel like he had something he had never had before, but somehow now needed. But now Miroku wasn't thinking about that. Now his thoughts seemed to run away from him.
It was soon Miroku began feeling Sango gently tracing the knotted muscles in his left shoulder with her finger and began sliding her hand down his chest, lower, even more now... Miroku was caught up so much in what was happening he lost the bigger picture and did what was second nature in response. He started to untie the belt around Sango's kimono almost subconsciously, but once he had, he seemed to break out of the sort of trance he seemed to be in and pushed Sango, gently off of him.
"Sango...I'm not about to let you do something you'll regret..." he told her softly. "I love you, but I'm not going to give you reason to hurt anymore than I have to..." Sango looked very disappointed and saddened by this statement. "...even if I have to let go of you forever..." And with that the monk straightened himself and slowly began to leave the room.
"But Miroku...I--" Miroku slowly turned to face her.
"I'm sorry, Sango...you'll always be in my heart..." Silent tears were falling down Sango's face and she was shaking her head.
"Don't do this..." she whispered. "I love you..."
"I'm sorry..." he said again. And he turned away and walked out of the room, closing the door behind him.
"Miroku..." she sobbed softly. But suddenly the doors slid open again and Miroku returned.
"Uh...this is my room..." Miroku said, awkwardly.
"Miroku..." Sango murmured, taking a step forward. "Why don't you have any faith in yourself? Why do you always think you'll do something wrong?"
"Sango, you were right about me...I can't handle real relationships..." he replied quietly.
"I wasn't right, Miroku! I didn't know you loved me! Let's not just walk away..." Sango pleaded.
"You're going to to have to leave, Sango," Miroku told her firmly. Sango took in a shuddering breath, her eyes filling with more tears and she then ran out of the room. Miroku sighed sorrowfully. "Please don't cry Sango...don't make my heart die completely..." Miroku put his hand to his heart, which had a beat that was barely traceable. In his eyes were the deepest sadness. He could hear Sango crying pitifully on the other side of cabin. 'It shouldn't be this hard...' he thought. 'Why is it so hard?!' he thoughts demanded. And with that he slowly slid the door closed and sat on his futon.