Time Together – Part Five: Curse That All Too Conveniently Misplaced Rock

Aamalie: Well, now that things are back to normal in... Errr... Margo's subconscious, we can return to our normal ways of writing. One thing I have to say though... Taena, get original

Taena: Go to- *goes to read reviews*

Maela: No cussing! As to your question, you always get to write, so that was our first chappie by ourselves. We might as well start with a cliche for practice.

Aamalie: *Sigh* Whatever. Onto the chapter.

Taena: Wait... I must have revenge on this person who reviewed evilly on inu.net. *whispers something in Aamalie's ear.*

Aamalie: Oooh... I like your thinking.

Disclaimer: No... REALLY? Ya think?!

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Sango opened one eye, her senses immediately on the guard as she tried to remember what was going on. She could barely see, as the candle had burned very low, and was struggling to maintain its light. She felt unnaturally warm, and it took her a few moments to realize why. Then, something moved on her side, and she tensed, then realized it was only Miroku, his hand moving towards where it didn't belong.

Normally, she would have slapped him, but she really wasn't in the mood to wake him up just yet. Sighing, she picked his hand up by the wrist, readjusting it so his arm was around her waist once more and holding there. Smiling to herself, Sango shifted so she was a bit more comfortable, and drifted back to sleep.

~*~A few hours later~*~

Miroku slowly awoke, opening his eyes to see black. It took a moment for his thoughts to organize themselves, and he grinned when he remembered who the form curled up in his embrace really was.

*So it wasn't a dream,* he thought, looking over his shoulder towards where the candle was supposed to be. The flame had died. *Better re-light it...* He made to move away from Sango, but the hand that held his without him even noticing it tightened, refusing to let him go. He chuckled. *I guess I'll have to wake her up...* He shook Sango lightly.

"Hey. Wake up!" he called softly. After a moment, she let go of him, rolling over so she was on her other shoulder, facing him.

"Nani? What's going on? Why is it so dark?" she asked groggily.

"The candle went out."

"Why didn't you re-light it before waking me up?"

"You wouldn't let me go." She remained silent for a long moment, and Miroku could her face going through a series of stages: First quiet confusion, then realization, followed by a blush. "I'll be right back."

Sango felt him get up, listening to him make his way around the rocks, grinning occasionally when he went she heard an "oof!" or a small curse. After a moment, a light flickered on, and a new candle replaced the lump that had provided them with light beforehand. She watched the houshi silently as he made his way back over, sitting down quietly beside her. After a moment, she pushed herself up slightly, propping her head on her shoulder, staring at the ground.

"So..." he said after a long time.

"So what?" she retorted. He didn't respond. Bored, she looked up towards the ceiling. The flame of the candle danced on the flecks of jewels embedded in the rock, making them flicker and dance.

"They're almost like stars," Sango murmured.

"What are?"

"Just look at the ceiling." He did, and they watched the lights companionably.

"Neither compare," he concluded. Sango blinked, looking at him. He was still looking up.

"Neither compare to what?" He turned his gaze on her. *He looks so serious...*

"To you." Sango hadn't been expecting this, and she looked away, flushing darkly. She heard him laugh quietly, and felt and hand turning her head to face his own. "I mean it."

"Houshi-sama, I-" He cut her off.

"Don't get all formal on me." Sango hesitated.

"Alright..." Miroku smiled.

"You know that kiss yesterday?" She frowned at him.

"I thought we agreed it wasn't a kiss."

"I suppose, but what if we tried it again?" The demon exterminator stared at him in shock, still blushing, her mouth moving wordlessly in surprise. He smiled slightly, blushing slightly himself, (A/N: Ach! Blush-fest! Fluff-fest!) and leaned down and forward, their lips meeting for the second time in two days.

It took Sango a moment to clear the fog that had filled her brain when Miroku had asked her that. By the time she understood what was happening, he had already pulled away, looking slightly rejected. She sighed.

"You baka," she said, leaning towards him and kissing him fiercely. It took him no time at all to recover from his own surprise, responding in turn. Their mouths fought a silent battle, and both couldn't help but enjoy it immensely. Finally, they parted again, staring at each other as they caught their breaths.

"Wow," was the only thing Miroku could say. Sango laughed lightly, and she reached forward, pulling his head towards hers and they kissed again, more intensely, their arms wrapping around the other, exploring. Feelings long repressed were breaking through, and neither was sure they wanted to stop them.

Almost subconsciously, Sango began to sink down, Miroku following. Both were caught in the moment, unable to remember they were, in all places, a cave, and-

"Ow! Shit!" cried Sango, pushing herself back up. Miroku blinking as he pulled back.

"What? What happened?" he asked, confused.

"I laid down on a rock!" she exclaimed. They looked at each other for a long moment, considering the irony of the statement. Almost on cue, they broke into laughter, which lasted for quite a while.

"You know, I don't think this is the best place for that sort of thing," Miroku finally said in amusement after they had gotten their laughter- somewhat- under control. Sango raised an eyebrow at him.

"Who are you and what did you do with my Miroku?" she teased. "The Miroku I know would never say something like that unless he had somehow hit his head on an extremely hard rock!"

"Well, maybe you should get to know this Miroku a little better, shouldn't you?" he teased right back, leaning in towards her. Sango laughed, dodging him.

"Oh stop it! You win. A cave isn't exactly my first choice either. Come on, let's eat! I'm starved!" The monk shook his head slightly at her enthusiasm as she crawled towards the bags.

"Same here," he said, following after the cheerful Sango.

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Taena: *smiles at the reviewers with an extremely smug look on her face.* Didja like it?

Aamalie: Hee! It was a good idea Taena!

Taena: I know it was!

Maela: *Considers the plot* Ooooooooooh! Aamalie, come here! *Whispers an idea in her ear.*

Aamalie: Oooooooooooooooh... Me like! Hee. Good one Maela. Well, now we must get some sleep. It's almost 10 PM, and we've got a big day tomorrow. *ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ...*

Next Time: Well... You'll just have to review and find out, won'tcha?