-1Kirara drifted lazily across the sky, her flames blending into the sunset behind her. Sango yawned and stretched her limbs as she re-positioned herself on the neko-youkai. Miroku chuckled behind her. He tightened his grip on his staff he held in front of her body. Sango turned to face him, a curious expression draped on her face. The setting sun illuminated her brown eyes, causing them to sparkle and gleam with curiosity. Her plush lips were slightly pressed together, causing them to turn a beautiful shade of red. Miroku desperately wanted to stroke them with his thumb, to feel their silkiness under his touch, to envelope them within his own. Her lips reminded him of roses, smooth and soft and red…

"What's so funny monk?" she inquired, her brow raised.

Miroku was entranced by her lips, moving gracefully, forming the words that she spoke so beautifully. He stared into her eyes, then blushed. "What?"

"You ok?" Sango asked, concern in her voice. A small smirk crept onto her face. She couldn't help it. He was so cute when he was out of it. Like how Kohaku used to act when he was around the young girls of the village. Insecure and innocent. Sango's smile fell. Kohaku….how was it that Miroku could capture her brother's image so perfectly? Sango sighed. Maybe that was the only thing she saw in him, her brother. Miroku reminded her of the fond memories that she recalled from her time with friends and family. The warm, fuzzy feeling of love that bubbled up inside her and rose to her heart. Yeah…Miroku reminded her of love…

Sango blushed crimson red. What was she thinking? Ew! Her with Miroku?! Her and him in love?! Please…

"Yes I'm fine…" Miroku responded tentatively. He snapped out of his trance and focused on the horizon before him. The sky was gorgeous, each shade the sunset painted had it's own exquisite beauty. A few scattered trees popped out from the ground here and there, but became blurs as Kirara soared over them. Miroku looked over his shoulder to watch them disappear into the distance. Interesting how something could come and go so fast. And that rule seemed to apply to everything, weather it be distance or people.

InuYasha bounded ahead of them, carrying Kagome on his back. He sniffed the air, millions of scents becoming distinct by his sharp nose. He inhaled deeper, then lowered his nose. No danger. For now.
"Are we almost to that village that guy mentioned?" Kagome asked, stretching her arms. She tried to balance on InuYasha's back while doing this. "I really need a bath and a bed tonight," she concluded, whining yet again. InuYasha scoffed. Women, always complaining about something. It drove him crazy. But he loved her all the same.

"Yeah."

A giant smile spread across her face, "Great."

Finally, they reached the village. There were festive lights strung along the buildings, glowing in the darkness. They cast a warm, happy glow around the area, only to be accompanied by the enormous bonfire in the center of the town square. The villagers danced in time to the flames, and their shadows following their footsteps. The hot fire was like a demon, reaching out, trying to touch the villagers. Though, instead of being afraid the people rejoiced and smiled and clapped in joy. Saké was being served all around, only increasing the amount of happiness around.

Sango felt her eyes water. Her village used to hold festivals like this all the time. She could her father's ghost in the flicker of the flame, pulling her along, guiding her clumsy uncertain steps in the dance. He used to smile at her so fondly, his eyes would sparkle with the magnificent glow of fatherhood. Kohaku would get jealous and run up to them, his hair tousled and his face small in his essance of youth. Then they would all dance together, and she could remember her heart beating to the strum of the drum, her feet in tune with the fire. Just how the villagers looked now.

"Sango…? You alright?" Miroku asked. Why would she cry at something like this?

"What?…..O…I'm fine sorry…"

Miroku cupped her jaw in his hand and turned her head upward to face him.

"You need to tell me what's wrong. I'm worried about you."

Sango blushed. "No really just…remembering that's all. It's nothing honestly."

Miroku stared at her, his eyes bearing a serious glare. "I don't like it when you keep things from me, but if you really don't want to tell me I suppose I can do nothing about it. Keep it to yourself then."

Sango wanted to tell him, and she wanted him to comfort and console her, but she knew it was a waste of time. Especially here, in font of everyone. That would cause a scene and some unwanted suspicion of a relationship. Kagome would never let her live that down. Sango shuddered at the thought.

Kirara landed, then waited for the two to climb off. She was engulfed in her own flame, a wave of heat emitting from her shrinking form. She fire cleared and she transformed back into her adorable cat form. Kagome scooped her up off the ground, causing her to mew slightly. InuYasha watched from afar, then walked over to her.

"You wanna, uh, like, go over there and do whatever?" he asked shyly, blushing slightly. He really did enjoy Kagome's company, especially when they were alone. He figured that now was the perfect time.

"Uh…" Kagome was surprised by the sudden invitation. "Sure."

The two walked off silently, both nervous and excited. Miroku watched them go in envy. They were actually starting a true relationship. How badly he wanted to sweep Sango off her feet and take her on a…what was it Kagome had called it? A date? Yeah that. He wanted to express his feelings for her, but had no idea how. He could court any woman in the world I seemed, except Sango. Why was that?! The one woman in his entire life that he had actually had feelings for, and he couldn't even tell her. What a disgrace. Miroku lowered his head and shook it slightly. What the hell was wrong with him? Maybe he really was in love…

Sango interrupted his thoughts, "I'm going to bed. Will you get me a room please Houshi-sama?"

Miroku looked up at her. "Of course my dear Sango. Whatever you want." Miroku turned on his heal and headed towards the nearest inn, Sango hot on his trial.

"Why won't you come join us in the celebration?" Miroku inquired, leading her to her room.

"I'm just…tired. And I don't really like big social things like that."

Miroku smiled. "O I see." He walked out of the room without saying anything.

Sango watched him leave, disappointment read on her face. He just walked out on her. Probably to go into the village. Flirt with some stupid village girl and get lucky. Sango felt the tears return to her eyes. One fell from her cheek and hit her bare foot. She lazily wiped it away. Why was it so difficult for her? She finally found someone to sustain her pain, but he felt nothing for her. It wasn't fair! Kagome had InuYasha, who was head over heals in love with her. But Miroku…he just…he was just a player. Who only cared about himself. Sango sniffled.

There was a knock at the door.

"Who is it?" Sango asked in a quivering voice.

"Close your eyes," Miroku responded softly. Sango obeyed hesitantly, fearing for her safety. With Miroku, you can never be sure about anything. The door opened and she heard his footsteps all around her. After a few minutes, she was getting anxious. What the hell was he doing? She felt his big, warm hands rest themselves on her shoulders. He squeezed them lightly and sensually, then leaned down and whispered in her ear.

"Open your eyes."

Sango did as she was told. She gasped at the sight before her. The room had a red glow all around it, due to the lanterns that were strung on the walls. The back shoji screen was opened, revealing the peaceful garden. Night was officially upon them, and the moon shone gracefully upon the land. The flowers basket in the dim light, their beauty exemplified by the dark. There was a bottle of saké on the table in the center of the room, and a few candles were lit around it.

"Why…?" Sango asked.

"Well, you said you didn't like the crowd. So, I brought the celebration to you."

Sango couldn't believe it. Why would he do this for her?

"But you can't party alone my dear. So, may I accompany you this evening for some fun, my dear Sango?" He took her hand and kissed the top of it, daringly. Sango was on the edge of lunging into his arms, but she kept her cool. She gently pulled her hand away from his and took on a serious look.

"As long as you don't try anything monk," She said coldly.

Miroku looked stunned. Most women would be in his arms by now, and they usually confess their love to him by now. Why wasn't it working on her?

"Why I would never," he responded, with cunning. "Come, my dear, let's have a drink."

Sango was nervous. She bit her bottom lip as Miroku made his way over to the table. He sat down and pulled two small cups out of his kimono sleeve. He set them down lightly, then looked over at her quizzically.

"I uh….I don't drink.." Sango responded.

"Have you ever had it?" Miroku inquired. "If not I believe you should taste before you decline."

Sango didn't want to disappoint him after all he had done for her. She sat on the other side of the table, then grabbed the other cup. She brought the clear liquid to her lips and sipped lightly. It felt like warm, melted silk was sliding down her throat, warming her from the inside out. Before she knew it, she was pouring herself another shot. Miroku watched her and chuckled. So what if they were drunk? He could control himself. He too poured himself more.

Only twenty minutes later, the bottle was empty. The two were laughing hysterically and having a great conversation. Somehow, Sango had wandered over to Miroku's side of the table, and was only about a foot away from her. Sango looked up at Miroku, an innocent smile upon her face. Miroku stared down at her, grinning. There were those glorious lips again. Those soft, red lips. Miroku subconsciously moved his hand to rest under her jaw. He turned her head upwards and drew it closer to his own. His heart pumped his blood rapidly, and in the silence, he could hear hers beating too. Their lips met fiercely, with craving. Hers were just as he imagined, silky and smooth, yet strong. They pulled apart for only a moment, and stared into each other's eyes.

"Sango…" Miroku whispered, only inches from her face.

Sango was silent as her eyes shivered with happiness. She leaned forward yet again, taking control. She kissed him hungrily, turning their sweet, chaste fling into a full blown adventure. He followed her lead, placing one hand on the back of her neck and the other around the small of her back. He pulled her to him as she wrapped her arms around his neck. He pushed her into the nearby wall gently, and broke the kiss. She sat under him, staring at him innocently.

"I love you."

Sango's eyes widened. She knew they were both totally wasted. But who gave a fuck? This was the happiest moment of her life. She proceeded to untie the bow of his purple monk robe. Miroku looked down at her, smiling. He knew without her even saying it. He grabbed her hand and squeezed it, pushing it to the wall also. Doing the same with the other, Sango was completely in his grasp. She breathed nervous, shaky breaths, but held a smile on her face. Miroku leaned down and kissed her again, this time with more passion. She opened her mouth, allowing him entrance. Their tongues dance and flickered, hot like the bonfire and dancers outside.

Sango gasped for breath. "Miroku…I..I'm ready to bear your children."

"Are you sure? I don't want to rush you," Miroku whispered into the crook of her neck. He kissed her collar bone, then sucked on it gently. Sango gasped, now in pleasure.

"Yes I'm sure! I love you!" She shouted. She grabbed him and pulled him as close as possible. She pulled the purple cloth from his body, flinging it to the side with the slightest movement. Miroku expertly untied the bow that held her green shirt to her thighs. He grabbed the skirt with the same hand, and removed them both with the same swish of the hand. He looked down at her, her kimono coming undone. He ran his finger down the crevice of her kimono, through her generous cleavage and to her belly button. He couldn't hold back any longer. Sango had already removed his kimono, and she was ready. He positioned himself above her, and started doing his thing.