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sapphirestarxx · 4 years

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Through the Night

Chapter 9

Posted on AO3 here

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In this chapter we take a break from our regularly scheduled plot to get these idiots to finally admit their feelings and bring them together.

~☆~

Kagome awoke with her chest feeling sore and her head aching. Oh, her head. It felt like someone had taken a pickaxe to it, splitting it wide open. The headache seemed to induce a bout of nausea and she struggled to sit up, trying to wait for it all to subside. Ugh. She felt awful. ‘Two days in a row. I really have to stop waking up like this.’ She thought grimly.

After several minutes it seemed to pass and she let out a shaky breath. Once she could think clearly again her first thoughts were of the fight last night and Inuyasha. She was nervous about seeing him again. She had kissed him. There was no going back and undoing it and even if she could she wouldn’t. Still, she hoped her impulsive actions hadn’t made things too awkward between them; her feelings were out there in the open now. Maybe she was overthinking it, though. Her kiss had somehow helped to bring him back to his right mind after he had lost himself to his demonic state, so maybe Sango had been right after all. Maybe it was possible he felt something for her too...

Looking down she noticed she was in her pajamas and wondered who had changed her because it certainly hadn’t been herself. For a moment she considered Inuyasha and her face reddened. Banishing the thought from her mind, she slowly got herself dressed for the day. It was a little bit of a struggle as she kept losing her balance but she finally managed.

As she walked into the kitchen her mother greeted her with a warm smile.

“Good morning, dear. How did you sleep? Inuyasha told me you guys were in quite a fight last night and got rather banged up.”

“Good, thanks. I know I got hurt but I don’t remember much of it after…” Kagome trailed off, not quite ready to tell her mother about how she had kissed the half demon.

“Inuyasha filled me in, as well as what your care is to be for the next couple weeks and what to expect.” Kagome’s mother told her as she filled a glass of water and handed it to her. “Here, drink. You’re supposed to be kept hydrated.”

Kagome obediently took the water, drinking it as she listened to her mother tell her what the instructions for her care were. When her mother was done she spoke.

“Inuyasha told you all this? Why can't he just tell me himself when I see him?”

At those words the smile on her mother’s face dimmed and Kagome’s heart rate kicked up a notch. Anxiety flooded her veins.

“About that, dear. He informed me that something happened between you two and he thinks it’s best to maintain some distance for a while. He’ll still watch over you, you just won’t notice him there unless you are in danger.”

Kagome felt the ground drop out from beneath her at that. Something that had happened between them...it had to be the kiss. It had to be. She had kissed him and he couldn’t even stand to be around her anymore. Oh God. Tears began to well up in her eyes before she could stop it and without another word she spun on her heel to run back upstairs to her room.

“Kagome?!” Her mother called after her in concern but the tears were already starting to fall. She couldn’t hold it back, her heart felt like it was being constricted and it was difficult to breathe. Shutting her bedroom door behind her Kagome threw herself onto her bed and cried her eyes out. It seemed like Sango was wrong; he didn’t want her or feel the same. His rejection had been obvious.

~☆~

Sango got dressed after a short struggle and began to hobble her way back out to the living room. After arriving back home last night she had fought the pull of sleep only long enough to eat a sandwich, drink some juice, and take a much needed shower to cleanse herself of all the caked on blood she was soaked in. That had also been a struggle considering Jinenji’s instructions of not putting weight on her left leg for a day or two but she had managed. She had certainly not been going to ask a certain monk to help her with that, although she knew he would have not only been willing but thrilled. Yeah, no.

As she entered the main living area of Miroku’s apartment she smelled...bacon, eggs, and waffles? She stared as she took in the sight of Miroku setting the western-style breakfast onto plates and turning to greet her with a smile. He had....cooked breakfast? In all the time they had been--Sango didn’t want to say “living together” but there was really no other phrase for it-- he had never done this. They always made their own and it was simple fare.

“You cooked breakfast?” She asked in surprise and her stomach gave an appreciative growl. Ohhh, that looked and smelled so good and she was absolutely starving.

“Good morning. Yes. Jinenji said you needed to eat to regain your strength and you hardly ate anything last night. Therefore, I have taken it upon myself to make sure you are properly fed.” Miroku answered. “I hope you like bacon.”

“Wow, thank you. And uhm, I do, although I prefer sausage.”

“Sausage? Oh, really? You like your sausage, do you?” He waggled his eyebrows at her.

“Yes I--” Sango began, not understanding, then stopped. She gave him a look. “Really, Miroku? Are you twelve??”

He just laughed and she rolled her eyes. Idiot. He was a perverted idiot.

They ate and when they were done Sango tried to help clear the table, still shuffling along awkwardly. She felt like an invalid. Finally, Miroku took the dish in her hands and ordered her to go sit on the couch and she reluctantly obeyed. This was so annoying. Finishing up, Miroku came and joined her on the couch and she suddenly felt nervous. He had left a few inches of space between them but he was still sitting awfully close. She looked at him and his beautifully unique indigo eyes were arresting; she couldn’t look away.

“Sango.” He began, and his tone was serious. “Last night, the risks you took...you could have died. The way you sacrificed yourself with no hesitation...I wish you hadn’t.”

“As a demon slayer that’s a risk I take every time I engage in a fight, Miroku. Last night was no different. Also, I seem to remember you doing something similar when we fought that spider demon.” Sango replied, starting to feel defensive. “Besides, I didn’t have any other option. If you can’t handle that, then that’s not my problem and maybe you should focus your attentions on someone else because I will always do what is necessary.”

Miroku took a breath, trying to find the right words to phrase this as carefully as he could. He could feel her walls start to come up again and he couldn’t let that happen. He needed to approach this just right.

“I’m not saying I can’t handle it, or that you shouldn’t do whatever it takes. I respect you and your strength. But when the cost is your life, that concerns me. Sango, you are not expendable.” Miroku reached out and took one of her hands in his own. “Especially not to me. There is no one who could ever hope to replace you. All I ask is that you place a little more value on your life when in battle. Please.”

The tension drained out of Sango at his heartfelt words and she blushed a little at not only his sincerity but the intense way his eyes bore into her own.

“I-I’m sorry for worrying you.” She finally said, her eyes dropping to look at her hand in his. As she watched he raised her hand to his mouth and brushed a kiss over her knuckles and her eyes flew back to his own while butterflies stirred in her stomach. “Miroku?”

“You know, it’s tomorrow now.” He pointed out. “You said you had a lot of things you wanted to tell me and talk to me about.”

Oh, right. The butterflies turned into a storm of nerves and she took a deep breath to try to ease the sudden knot of anxiety.

“Right. I did. I mean, I do. I mean--” Sango began, already flustered, when her phone started to ring. She glanced at it and saw it was Kagome. “I’m sorry, Miroku. Hold on, it’s Kagome. Hello?”

Miroku waited patiently, not too bothered at the interruption. The priestess was likely calling to check in on her friend after the intense battle they had fought the previous night. However, it quickly became clear to him that this was not the case.

“Kagome?” Sango asked when Kagome hadn’t responded. She heard sniffling and choked sobs on the other end of the line. There was music playing in the background. “Kagome, what’s wrong??”

“Inuyasha left me!!” Kagome wailed. Sango could finally pick out the song playing in the background. It sounded like Stay by Rihanna. Kagome was the type of person who, when she was upset or sad, listened to music to make her even more sad. Sango could just picture the way Kagome was huddled on her bed, probably singing along to it as tears rolled down her face before she had called her.

“What do you mean ‘he left you?’”

“Exactly what I said. You were wrong, Sango. I kissed him and now he doesn’t even want to be around me anymore!” Kagome said in a voice thick with tears.

“What did he say to you?” Sango asked. Jinenji had said not to put any weight on her leg for a couple days but if she had to go over to the Higurashi Shrine and kick a dog demon’s ass then that’s exactly what she would do.

“Nothing. He talked to my mom while I was asleep.” Kagome sniffled. “He told her something happened between us and he thought it was best to keep some distance between us now. It has to be because I kissed him! I ruined everything!”

Sango could tell Kagome was quickly spiraling.

“Kagome, I’m going to come over and talk some sense into him. Miroku and I will handle everything. Don’t worry; I’m going to fix this.” She assured her best friend. Kagome mumbled an acknowledgement and they hung up.

“What exactly are we going to handle?” Miroku asked curiously. He had gathered that something had happened between Inuyasha and Kagome again and wondered what his best friend had done this time.

“Sorry, Miroku. I know I promised I would talk to you today but it’s going to have to wait. Your best friend is making my best friend cry so we’re going over there to straighten him out.” Sango replied as she stood up from the couch and walked into his bedroom. “I’m going to get dressed then we’re going.”

Now Miroku was really curious as to what had happened. He waited for Sango and several minutes later she emerged in her slayer suit. He stared at her.

“Why are you wearing your slayer gear?” He asked her, not sure if he wanted to know the answer.

“Just in case.” Sango said as she limped past him.

“Just in case what?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“I am, in fact, very worried about it now.”

Sango didn’t respond as they left. She allowed him to help her down the stairs and then they were on their way. Aside from a short explanation on what Kagome had told her she was silent the whole drive, her face set in an expression that promised pain. Miroku was just glad he wasn’t on the receiving end of her wrath. Once they arrived, she turned to him.

“Go find Inuyasha and talk some sense into him.” She told him.

“What are you going to do?”

“I’ll go find Kagome and try to calm her down. You better hope you can convince Inuyasha to get his head out of his ass and talk to her.”

“And if I can’t?”

“Guess we’ll find out.”

With those rather ominous words she exited the car, heading into the Higurashi residence while Miroku got out and sighed. He was mildly annoyed that Inuyasha’s actions were delaying his conversation with Sango. Of course, he understood why Sango was holding off-- her best friend came first. He set off in search of his own best friend, entering the forest. There was an advantage to having known Inuyasha as long as he had and one of those was knowing what spots Inuyasha liked to retreat to when he was sulking or otherwise in a mood. After only a little bit of searching Miroku came upon him. Inuyasha was sitting high up on the branch of a particular tree, scowling.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” He demanded without preamble.

“Apparently to talk some sense into you.” Miroku replied.

“Oh yeah? It better not be about Kagome.”

“That’s exactly what this is about and I think you know it. Inuyasha, why did you leave her side?”

“Because I almost fucking killed her, that’s why. I’m a danger to her. She’s better off if I keep my distance.”

“You know she thinks it’s because she kissed you. She called Sango, crying.” Miroku told him.

“It doesn’t matter what she thinks!” Inuyasha snapped back. “Now leave me the fuck alone, I’m not changing my mind!”

“You have a woman who actually genuinely cares for you, wants to be with you, and you’re pushing her away. Just like you do with everyone. Stop making things so difficult for yourself!”

“What part of ‘I almost killed her’ do you not get?!”

“You didn’t kill her, though! You didn't even hurt her! If anything, she’s the only one who could have possibly gotten through to you. I was honestly shocked. She accepts you, all of you, but you can’t just let yourself believe it!”

“Come back with the relationship advice once you manage to get your own girl to agree to have anything to do with you! Is she still rejecting you every chance she gets?” Inuyasha sneered.

Miroku took a deep breath, trying not to lose his temper. Maybe he should let Sango handle this, after all.

“Actually, if it hadn’t been for your bone-headed actions I would probably be making a lot more progress with her, but thanks to you, that’s been put on hold until things are sorted out between you and Kagome. Sango won’t do anything while her best friend is very clearly upset, and the cause of that upset is you.”

“Yeah, sure, likely story. Don’t take your frustrations over your failure to get a woman out on me!”

Clearly this wasn’t working. Miroku was done. Words would not be enough to sway his friend; Inuyasha was far too stubborn. Refusing to let the half demon take out his woes on him, he turned on his heel and walked away without another word. When he had reached the Higurashi residence again he found Sango in Kagome’s room, entering after a knock and an assent to come in.

Kagome’s eyes were red and there was music playing. Sango looked up at him from where she sat on the bed with the priestess, one of her arms wrapped around her. He paused.

“Is… is this Say Something by A Great Big World playing right now?” He asked.

“Yes…” Kagome’s voice wobbled as she hiccuped, more tears falling from her cinnamon eyes.

“She has a whole playlist going on Spotify right now. She gets like this.” Sango explained. “How did it go?”

“Not well.” Miroku said. Kagome cried harder at that and Sango narrowed her eyes.

“Kagome, I’ll be back.” She told her best friend.

“What are you going to do?”

Miroku also wanted to know the answer to that question.

“I’m going to take care of this.” She responded cryptically, leaving the room. Miroku followed her out and down the stairs. She limped to his car and undid the latch to the trunk, retrieving her Hiraikotsu.

“Sango, what are you doing? Why are you taking your weapon?”

“Because I may have to kill your best friend if he doesn’t stop acting like an immature asshole.”

Well, that escalated quickly. He loved how fiercely loyal and protective she was, though. She also sounded deadly serious.

“Sango, maybe this can wait a couple days? At least until you can put weight on your left leg again. Inuyasha will likely still be up in his tree sulking.” Miroku tried to suggest. She turned her glare on him and he internally withered at that stare.

“No. I don’t give a shit. I’m taking care of this now, today. Kagome doesn’t deserve to be toyed with because your asshole friend can’t get his shit together. She never really allowed herself to get close to boys because of her duties. She has always been there for me; through the breakups, the fallouts, the training, the jobs-- everything. Now tell me where he is.”

Miroku told her, giving in. Inuyasha had brought this upon himself, after all. He certainly wasn’t going to stand in Sango’s way, not when she looked like she was prepared to march through hell itself. It was best to just stand back and let her do whatever it was she felt needed to be done. His approach obviously hadn’t worked. As Sango disappeared into the forest to confront Inuyasha, Miroku headed back inside and upstairs to where Kagome was. As he neared her room he heard more sad music playing.

She looked up as he reentered her room. He carefully sat on the edge of the bed next to her, giving her a comforting smile and rubbing her shoulder. She leaned into it, still crying but clearly trying to get her tears under control.

“I know I’m not Sango, but I have a free shoulder to cry on if you’re interested.” He told her. Kagome needed no further encouragement and buried her face in his shoulder. He patted her back in soothing motions.

“Miroku?”

“Hmm?”

“Where did Sango go?”

“To talk to Inuyasha.”

“What’s the point?!” She wailed into his shoulder. “I kissed him and now he can’t even stand to be around me!”

“Kagome, that’s definitely not the reason.” Miroku assured her. “I won’t deny that he’s being a stubborn ass right now, though.”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“I don’t really know if it’s my place to say, but screw it. He’s being an idiot because he’s concerned that he almost killed you in his demonic state. Of course, there’s probably more to it but that’s the gist.”

Kagome raised her head from his shoulder and sniffled loudly. Disbelief was written all over her face, and then her eyebrows lowered as she scowled.

“Well that’s just stupid! He would never do that.”

“I know, Kagome. After last night, that much is apparent.” Miroku agreed. “Sango must be talking with him right now. I’m sure she’ll succeed where I failed.”

What Miroku failed to mention was that her “talking” was likely to involve a lot more action than actual words. Kagome didn’t need to know that, though.

~☆~

Inuyasha's ears twitched as he heard someone approaching again. Why couldn't they all just leave him the fuck alone? This was for the best, and besides it's not like he was shirking his duties. He would still make sure she was kept safe. He would give his life to keep her from harm. But she had been clear that there was to be nothing more between them, not to mention he was still alarmed at how close he had come to giving in to his demon blood and ripping into her. The only thing that had stopped him, the only thing, had been his baser instincts recognizing her as his mate; that had superseded the need for the kill. That, and her kiss. That still had him confused, why she had kissed him when he had been going on a demonic rampage. It didn't matter, though. This was for the best. And if he told himself that enough times he might start to believe it.

His first thought was that it was Miroku coming to try and convince him again but after scenting the air and listening to the cadence of the footsteps he realized it wasn’t him but Sango. Great. First the monk, now the slayer. Miroku must have told her where to find him. She finally came into view and her expression was murder. The fact that she was dressed head to toe in her slayer gear, complete with weapons, wasn’t lost on him.

“Inuyasha!” She called out, spotting him in his perch. He huffed.

“What the fuck do you want?” He asked rudely.

“You already know what. Why are you being like this? Do you not care how your actions are breaking Kagome’s heart?!”

“She’ll get over it. It’s not like she was interested in me as anything more than a friend, anyways. Don’t be dramatic and tell me I’m breaking her heart.”

Sango looked at him like he was stupid and it pissed him off.

“The fuck are ya looking at me like that for?!” He demanded.

“You really don’t know, do you?”

“Know what?”

“That she’s in love with you, you idiot!” Sango yelled at him. Inuyasha’s world stopped for a few seconds at that declaration. Then he scoffed, crossing his arms.

“You expect me to believe that? She was pretty fucking clear she wanted me to forget anything that happened the night you guys got drunk off your asses!”

Sango was still looking at him like he was stupid and when she spoke again she spoke slowly, as if speaking to a child.

“That’s because she thinks you’d never feel the same about her.”

Inuyasha would have been sure the slayer was lying but he could smell the veracity of her statement. The hope that inspired was quickly squashed by the reminder that he had still almost killed her, she had gotten badly hurt on his watch making him a failure as a protector, and the fact that she was a priestess and he was a half demon. Just because he had recognized Kagome as his mate didn’t mean that everything was going to magically just work out. His life wasn’t that simple or easy. Nothing ever was for him, not as a half breed.

“Just leave. It doesn’t matter.” Inuyasha told her in a dismissive tone, turning his back to her. Of course she didn’t fucking leave. God dammit.

“Seriously?! Stop acting like such a fucking child!” Sango snarled at him angrily.

“Leave me the fuck alone!”

“I swear Inuyasha, if you don’t go to her right now and talk to her I will slay your ass!”

Inuyasha turned a look on her and his gold eyes widened. She had moved into a battle stance, her Hiraikotsu at the ready. This crazy bitch was serious. What the fuck??

“Hey, aren’t you supposed to stay off that leg? You seriously expect me to fight you when you’re probably weak as fuck after that fight last night?”

Sango deftly threw her weapon at him in answer. Inuyasha swore and dodged, dropping down from his perch to land lightly on his feet at the base of the tree as the boomerang returned to her grip. She prepared to throw it again.

“You want to put that theory to the test? Don’t fucking try me.” Sango replied with steel in her voice. “Kagome is my best friend and I will hurt anyone who hurts her.”

“My demon blood took complete control! What if I had hurt her?? I can’t risk that!” Inuyasha finally snapped.

“Are you playing at ignorance or are you really that fucking stupid?!” Sango demanded. “Your demon half responded to her! She was able to calm you down with her touch, with her kiss for fuck’s sake! Something nobody should have been able to do. What the hell do you think that means?!”

Shit. Sango had also figured out Kagome was his mate.

“I’m not stupid but she’s a fucking priestess, okay! I’m not gonna make her choose between her duties or me!” Inuyasha yelled.

“Who says she has to choose? And how dare you take that decision away from her. You owe her that much! She’s never had this kind of opportunity before! She deserves a choice!” Sango fired back. “Now, are you going to get your shit together and go talk to her or do I have to waste my time fighting your stupid ass?”

Inuyasha was quiet for a moment, thinking about his options. Sango was clearly not going to budge. She was fiercely loyal, to a fault even, and fighting her would only cause more problems. He had no real desire to fight her either. Kagome was already incredibly upset and as for Miroku, well...the monk was head over heels for Sango, and Inuyasha didn't need his best friend pissed at him too. Sango was also making a lot of sense, assuming what she said about Kagome’s feelings was true. Maybe he had just been too twisted up inside to see all the points she was making. Or maybe he had just needed someone almost as brash and headstrong as he was to get past his stubbornness and point out what should have been obvious.

"Fuck. I'm an idiot." He said aloud.

"Yes, we've already established that." Sango replied. "Now, are you going to go fix things with her?"

"Yeah, yeah. I'm goin'." Inuyasha grumbled and began to head back to the shrine. As he passed Sango he paused. "Here, get on my back. I'll carry ya. That leg of yours don't need any more weight put on it."

Sango figured that was his version of an apology to her and accepted his offer. The wound was definitely aching after all the strain she had placed upon it today, as was the injury to her chest after throwing her Hiraikotsu. It would be a few days until she was at one hundred percent again. Or even longer, according to Jinenji. She just hoped Tsubaki didn't strike again in the meantime. Hopefully after the loss of her accomplice and apprentice she would be licking her wounds and need time to regroup.

As they made their way back Sango pulled out her phone, calling Miroku. He answered after the first ring.

“Sango?” His tone was cautious, as if he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“Hey. We’re headed back. You want to meet me by the car?” She said.

Miroku let out a breath he had clearly been holding. “We? As in you and Inuyasha? You’re both...in one piece?”

“Yup.”

“How did you get through to him?”

“Sometimes a straightforward approach is best. Also, I knew some things you probably didn’t. Like--”

“Hey! I’m right fucking here, ya know!” Inuyasha cut in, ears flicking in annoyance. “Can you guys at least wait until I’m not around before you talk about me?”

“Of course, our apologies, Inuyasha.” Miroku said through the phone, although there was amusement in his voice.

“I bet you’re just happy this is dealt with so you can get back to making progress with Sango, whatever that means.” Inuyasha continued snarkily.

Sango blushed at the half demon’s words and wondered what Miroku had told Inuyasha about the things that had happened between them. Unbidden, the image of herself drunk and wrapped around Miroku, as well as the way she had felt his body respond, popped into her mind and she felt a tingle of heat creep through her.

“Can you not get turned on thinking about him when I’m carrying ya?” Inuyasha asked in a disgusted voice.

“What?!” Sango blurted out and Miroku laughed on the other end of the phone.

“Your scent just--” Inuyasha started.

“I’m hanging up now!” Sango rushed out, interrupting him and cutting off Miroku’s reply about how he was really interested in what the change in her scent meant.

Inuyasha snickered at Sango’s obvious embarrassment and she glared at the back of his head.

“Was that really necessary?” She groused at him. Inuyasha just snickered some more. Asshole. Finally they left the forest and were back at the Higurashi residence. Miroku was waiting for her by the car as she had requested and he was grinning. She inwardly groaned. This was just what she needed before having her talk with him.

Inuyasha let Sango down, then turned and bounded up to the window of Kagome’s bedroom. He didn’t bother to tell them goodbye; he had other priorities right now. Such as the girl on the other side of that window. The harsh scent of salt from all her tears she’d likely been crying assailed his sensitive nose. He slid the window open, entering her room and she looked up at his entrance, nose red and eyes puffy from crying. She didn’t look surprised to see him but he had already figured Miroku told her that Sango had convinced him to come and talk to her. She didn’t say anything, just stared at him, tears still falling from those beautiful brown eyes of hers. Fuck.

“Shit. S-stop cryin’!” Inuyasha said, feeling slightly panicky. This was all his fault.

“I can’t just turn it off!!” Kagome yelled, still crying. “You’re the reason I’m crying! You told my mom you wanted to distance yourself from me when I-- when I--” She broke off, unable to finish the sentence, her voice choked by a sob.

Inuyasha crossed the space between them in a few steps and pulled her into an embrace, holding her tightly to him.

"Listen. Romance ain't really my strong suit but clearly I’ve messed up here and seriously misread what you were tryin’ to tell me yesterday.” Inuyasha began. “I’m so sorry, Kagome. But I’m here now.”

“Why the hell did you even try to leave to begin with?”

“Just hear me out, would ya? When I lost control to my demonic half last night...it was one of the few times I’ve ever been so scared in my very long life. I was so close to ripping into you, hurting you… there was only one reason I was able to hold back. And that reason combined with how you had told me you wanted me to forget anything you said or did the night you got drunk, well, I figured you didn’t want a half breed like me.” Inuyasha explained.

“I said that because I thought you wouldn’t ever want me. A priestess. I didn't want things to be awkward. I just--I wanted us to be friends, even if you didn’t like me,” Kagome replied, her face still buried in his chest.

“I told you I liked being around you!”

“That’s not the same as saying you like or love me.” She argued. Then she blushed as she spoke her next words. “Also, I k-kissed you. It doesn’t get much more obvious than that.”

“I know, I’m an idiot. I’m sorry. I just thought maybe I was too obvious about my own feelings and...other things, that you somehow figured out your touch was the only way to stop me.”

“What other things? Inuyasha, you said there was only one reason you were able to hold back from hurting me. What was that reason?” Kagome pulled back slightly, but only just enough so that she could gaze up at him. Inuyasha looked slightly uncomfortable.

“I don’t know how much you know about demons and mates but demons only have one. When you meet them, it’s instinctual, you just know. With my human blood it got muddled a little bit when we first met; but I eventually figured out you were mine. That’s the only thing that stopped me from killing you last night. The reason you were able to calm me down. My demon half recognized you as...well, mine.”

Something about being called mine by Inuyasha made warmth bloom inside Kagome’s chest. It felt...right. She wanted to be his.

“Oh.” She said, smiling now. “Why...why didn’t you tell me?”

“Seriously? You have to ask that question?”

“Well, why not?”

“You mean aside from other reasons I just gave??”

Kagome just continued to look at him expectantly.

“You’re a priestess and I’m a half demon. I’ve never heard of any demon mating with a priestess before and figured this was just fate’s way giving me a giant ‘fuck you.’ Kagome, I don’t want to make you choose between your duties and me.” Inuyasha replied. “You don’t have to agree to anything you don’t want to. We can just go on being ‘friends’ or whatever.”

“But I do want you.” She told him honestly, bringing her hands up between them to clutch at his haori. “I want to be with you. I want to be yours. I love you, Inuyasha. I don’t care that you’re a half demon. And I refuse to believe that I can’t be both a priestess and your mate. You’re the only person who has honestly made me feel this way. I just thought… Maybe there was something wrong with me. I don’t know. But I don’t want to give up this feeling.”

Inuyasha’s world stopped for the second time that day. Sango had told him that Kagome had feelings for him, but to hear those words of love and acceptance spilling from her own beautiful pink lips, he could scarcely believe it. He had never imagined anyone would ever love him, ever accept him and want him in the ways she was telling him that she did. He wasn’t one for the mushy stuff but he felt his heart grow full at the sight of the woman in his arms gazing up at him with eyes so full of love and adoration. Fuck, he loved her so much. He had no idea it was possible to care for someone so much.

“Kagome…” He said, voice thick with the emotion that he rarely let show. “God, I love you.”

He leaned down and kissed her, the feel of her lips on his sending fire through his body. She melted into him and moved her hands from his haori to wrap around his neck to keep him in place. Without hesitation, she kissed him back and it only fueled his own passion. His tongue lightly traced the seam of her lips and she parted them, allowing him entry. The way her scent had changed was absolutely intoxicating to him and he lifted her in his arms, practically carrying her, and she enthusiastically climbed him as their kisses turned more heated. Finally, they broke apart, panting and staring into each other’s eyes.

“Sorry. I got a little carried away.” Inuyasha said, his voice husky with desire for her, resting his forehead against hers. “We should take this slowly; I have no idea what mating will do to your powers.”

Kagome giggled, giving him a shy but happy smile. “I’m not complaining. And nothing will happen to my powers.”

“You don’t know that.”

“Inuyasha…” She sighed, half in bliss and half in exasperation. “We’ll talk about it later. For now, I want you to kiss me again. And again. And again.”

Smirking now, Inuyasha was only too happy to obey.

~☆~

Sango fidgeted nervously as she sat on the couch again. Miroku had teased her on the car ride home as she had known he would. He took great pleasure in seeing her grow flustered at the mention of how Inuyasha had said she was getting “turned on by thinking about him.” She should have just slayed that stupid dog demon. The only way she had gotten Miroku to shut up about it was to alternately threaten to remove him from the moving vehicle they were both in (despite the fact that he was driving) and pleading with him to please just wait until they were back home.

“Fine. But I’m not letting you get out this one, not this time. We are definitely talking about it.” Miroku had told her with a knowing smirk and another laugh. She had glared halfheartedly but hadn’t argued. And now the moment of truth was finally upon her, for the second time that day. This time, for sure, she would tell him her feelings. She sat, inches away from where Miroku was sitting next to her, and stared at her hands in her lap, trying to find her voice, trying to figure out where to begin.

“Sango?” Miroku prompted, when her silence had stretched on a little too long. “I know we got interrupted this morning but I’m ready to hear all the things you said you wanted to say to me.”

“Uhm...I know I promised I would, and I want to, but I’m sorry this is just...this is difficult for me. I’m not good at talking about my feelings.” Sango managed, still staring at her hands.

“No, really? I would have never guessed.” Miroku teased sarcastically. Sango gave him an annoyed look and he gave her a lopsided smile in return. Reaching into her lap with his own hands he stilled her fidgeting, holding her hands in his. “Sango, it’s okay. Just talk to me.”

Sango took a deep breath, looking at her hands in his, as she spoke.

“Miroku, I...I know I said a lot of things, and-- and did a lot of things the night I got drunk. Things I wasn’t quite ready for you to hear or admit out loud, even to myself, but now they’re out there in the open and I can’t take it back so I guess I have to be honest now. And I want to be honest with you, about how I feel about you, it’s only fair, but it’s hard. I…I’ve had some bad experiences with guys but you’ve proven yourself to be worthy of my trust so I really don’t have any good excuses to keep putting this off-- to keep denying how you make me feel. And what I want.”

“And how do you feel about me, Sango? What do you want?” Miroku asked, hardly daring to breathe as he waited for her answer.

Sango hesitantly raised her eyes to meet his own. He was looking at her with a quiet intensity and it took her breath away for a moment, her heart fluttering in her chest. Or maybe that was the nerves.

“I...I really like you. I think I may even lo-...love you.” She swallowed, stumbling over the word a little bit and blushing. “I want you. To be with you.”

Miroku felt the air leave his lungs in a rush. She had said it. He used his grip on her hands to pull her the rest of the way to him, then released them in favor of wrapping his arms around her, holding her to him. Resting his chin on top of her head, he was unable to stop himself from embracing her after her heartfelt confession. Waves of desire and love for her were flowing through him. Those words had been music to his ears. He hadn’t expected to hear her say them so soon, and had thought he would have to wait longer. They had only really known each other for about a month, after all, and Sango was reserved when it came to expressing anything like romantic feelings. But she admitted she loved him. He wanted to jump up and celebrate but felt Sango wouldn’t appreciate it so he settled for holding her body tightly to his.

“M-Miroku...I’m not done.” Sango said, her voice muffled a little by his chest.

“Sorry, I couldn’t contain my joy at hearing those words from you, my dear Sango.” Miroku said, kissing the top of her head. “I’m still listening.”

“I was scared of getting hurt but I can tell what you feel for me is genuine. I want to be with you but I’m not fully ready to act on my...my desires. But I don’t want to keep pushing you away, either.”

As if contradicting her words, Sango brought her own arms up and wrapped them around Miroku, and rubbed her face against his chest, letting out a soft sigh.

“And by ‘desires’ you mean…?” Miroku asked leadingly.

“Like when I asked you to s-sleep with me when I was drunk, or getting t-t-turned on thinking about you earlier but--but that’s only because I was remembering the way I had held onto you that night and the way your-- your body--” Her face was bright red. Oh God, what was she saying??

“When my body responded to your rather aggressive sexual advances?” Miroku offered helpfully, trying to control his smirk. She pulled away, releasing him, words still spilling from her lips in an uncontrolled deluge.

“I mean obviously I want to sleep with you-- I mean, Oh God!! I don’t mean I’m dying to sleep with you! I’m not! I mean I want to-- I mean no-- not that I don’t want to or that I don’t find you attractive, because I do, like really attractive-- Oh God, I mean-- and I do want you in that way too but like--”

Oh God, why was she still talking?? She needed somebody to shut her up, say something, anything, to get her to stop talking right now.

“Aren’t you going to say something?!” Sango finally asked him, a little desperately.

“Oh no, I wouldn’t dare interrupt. Please, continue. I’m dying to hear what comes next.” Miroku replied with amusement in his indigo eyes. Sango smacked him on the arm.

“M-my point is, I don’t want to jump into anything physical right away. I don't have much experience with these kinds of things. My first, and only, time wasn’t pleasant and even though I know you would never do to me what he did, I still…” Sango trailed off, feeling incredibly vulnerable. She couldn’t remember the last time she had allowed herself to let her walls down this much for someone, but Miroku had broken through all her defenses so quickly and easily. She trusted him, felt safe opening up to him in ways she hadn’t imagined she ever would.

“I understand. And I’m sorry you had to go through that. You don’t have to tell me about it if you don’t want to.” Miroku told her gently, allowing her the choice to either open up or keep it to herself. She surprised him by telling him exactly what had happened, and it was even worse than what Kagome had said. Not only had this douche ridiculed her scars, after seeing a particularly bad one on her back he hadn’t even finished and pulled out while retching. She was clearly uncomfortable recounting the story, almost ashamed. It made Miroku livid.

“You didn’t deserve that, and he didn’t deserve you. You’re beautiful, Sango.”

“You haven’t even seen the scar.” She protested.

“It doesn’t matter. No scar could ever make you unattractive in my eyes or make me not want you.” Miroku responded without hesitation.

Sango wrapped her arms back around him and rested her head on his shoulder, saying nothing. He hadn’t even said the words, not yet, but still she felt so loved in that moment. Then Miroku shifted and she gave a small yelp of surprise as he pulled her onto his lap. She raised her head to look at him and their faces were so close she could almost taste his breath as she became acutely aware of all the places her body was pressed up against his. She could feel his body heat seeping into her and she wanted to press herself closer to him, wanted to curl up and bask in that warmth.

“So does this mean I can call you my girlfriend, now?” Miroku asked with a lopsided grin.

“Yes, I guess it does.” Sango shyly agreed, giving a smile in return.

“Excellent. Please don’t slap me.”

“Why?”

“Because I’m going to kiss you, now.”

He leaned forward and captured her lips with his, cupping the back of her head with one hand while the other caressed her shoulders before moving south, stopping at the small of her back. Sango leaned into the kiss, keeping one hand on his shoulder and burying the other one in his hair, anchoring herself to him. His lips were so soft against hers and she wanted more. She kissed him back hungrily, allowing herself to take what she had wanted for weeks.

Miroku was momentarily surprised at her enthusiasm but it only incited his own need for her. God, he wanted her so much. Loved her so much. He tasted her and her lips were sweet like cherries. She parted them for him and he needed no further encouragement, taking what she was freely offering. The hand on her back slipped lower to cup her ass, giving a soft squeeze, and before she could stop herself Sango let out a small moan. They both froze, breaking apart and breathing heavily. Sango’s eyes were wide as if she couldn’t believe the sound that had just escaped her mouth, her cheeks flushed. Whether from embarrassment or passion, he couldn’t tell.

“I, uhm…I suppose we should stop.” Sango said with lips swollen by his kisses. She licked them and he followed the movement of her tongue with his eyes before meeting her gaze again. Her chocolate eyes were full of undisguised longing and her cheeks pinked further. Definitely blushing, he decided.

“That’s probably a good idea. Much more of this and I’ll have you on the floor.” Miroku agreed, trying to make a joke out of it, but it was impossible to hide the want in his voice. “Sango, I haven't said this yet, but I love you. Truly, madly, deeply, I am in love with you, and I can’t imagine ever wanting any other woman but you ever again.”

“Miroku…” Sango said his name and it was almost a sigh of content.

“Don’t worry, we’ll stick to just kissing, for now. I’ll wait until you’re comfortable for more. You’re worth the wait.” Miroku told her, then his smile turned into a smirk as his eyes took on a mischievous gleam. “In the meantime there are other, albeit less pleasurable, ways of satisfying myself. And I’ll be thinking about you every single time.” He winked.

Sango’s face turned tomato red and she sputtered. He laughed at her reaction.

“You’re so cute.”

“You didn't have to be so--so--so...honest!! What the hell!!”

“Would you prefer I think about someone else, then?”

“No!!!” Her denial was immediate. He laughed some more and gave her another quick kiss.

“Then I don’t see the problem.”

She smacked his shoulder. He was so impossible. And perverted. But now he was hers. And that thought pleased her.

#Inuyasha fanfiction #MirSan #Miroku x Sango #InuKag #Inuyasha x Kagome #MiroSan #SanMir #Through the Night

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