InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ I'm Goin' To Miami ❯ A Groovy Kind of Love ( Chapter 10 )

Okay, before I get on my knees and beg forgiveness for the two month plus delay, I wanna make one...several things absolutely clear:   3) Regarding the time inbetween updates: I am in COLLEGE!! That means most of my time is spent studying or working! Besides, you guys gotta give me at least a month to write out the chapters! I appreciate ya saying “update soon!” “update now!!” “Are you gonna update now, right now, or just now?” but give me time to write!! After a month, THEN you can chew me out if I get lazy! Also, PLEASE check my profile page for the status on my stories!! It’ll save you time, frustration and despair.   2) Absolutely NO LEMONS will be inserted in this story!  When I said they are distracting and meaningless unless they have a purpose in the story, I meant it!   1) There’s a better chance of me shaving my head than discontinuing this story! I spent ALL summer last year writing out the outline beginning to end, and I’ve revised it over six times! So I have no reason to quit on this one!    This is a solemn promise to all my fans: LuClipse85 will NEVER post an incomplete story! Also, it breaks my heart to hear people think that I’d discontinue this fanfic!! (sniffle) Really, it does! (sniffle!!) Can a sista get a minute?   “LuClipse85, the least you can do is make real tears.” Koga added, unphazed.   Shut up! Okay, it doesn’t make me cry, but it does hurt. Also, one of the main reasons I took so long to update is because of three reviewers.  One asked for more Sango and Miroku moments, another wanted an Inuyasha and Kagome chapter, and the third begged against it.  Plus, I wanted to add another chapter to make the story longer.  Need I say how confused I was?  After much consideration, the resolution is this chapter, a fluffy insert chapter! I call this one an insert cuz it wasn’t in my original outline.   “Why?!” Inuyasha lamented, “What is it about this damn story that you people like so much?! And you, HotSexyMiroku, why’d you have to encourage her by sending in four reviews BEGGING her to update!!? On top of that, why‘d the hell did you have to hit on her?”   “Osuwari!” Kagome hollered.   CRASH!!   “Ow.” Inuyasha muttered weakly from the floor while Koga cracked up laughing.   Thank you. And if Inuyasha read my 66 reviews he wouldn’t have to ask such a stupid question.  Okay, I won’t hold you guys up, those of you who bothered to read my author’s notes, so.......InuYasha and Miroku belong to Takahashi Rumiko-sama.  Miroku is just mine in my fantasies!!  Haha!   A’ight, let the reading begin. Oh yeah, (with Chinese accent) one MORE thing, “A Groovy Kind of Love” belongs to Phil Collins. __________________________________________________________________ __________________   I’m Goin’ To Miami Chapter 10 “A Groovy Kind of Love”     Miroku woke up early the next morning, a smile on his face as he had a wonderful dream the previous night.  He sat up in his bed and looked around his room.  The curtains covering the windows and keeping out the cloudy morning sky darkened the room quite a bit.  However, to Miroku, it was awfully bright in spite of that.  He got out of bed to the bathroom to fix himself up, when he walked past the living room.  Miroku backed up as something on the floor caught his attention.  He smiled, trying to stifle a snicker.   The night of the new moon was over and Inuyasha had regained his white hair and dog ears, meaning he’d be his usual surly self....whenever he woke up.   Inuyasha lay sprawled out on his back on the carpeted floor, snoring loudly, practically comatose.  Miroku leaned on the couch watching him.  He remembered he had gone right to bed after the “reality-romance show”, as Satsuki put it, last night and heard Inuyasha and Shippo resume their game playing.  They refused to let the other win and ended up playing all night; they had just fallen asleep a half hour ago.  Judging by how loud Inuyasha was, it took all the energy he had as a human just to stay up all night.   Miroku shifted, then froze when he saw Inuyasha’s ear twitch.  He stirred and opened one eye, focusing on Miroku.  Extremely sleepy, Inuyasha lazily rose his opened palm at him, saying ‘good morning’.  Miroku said the same, then pointed to Inuyasha’s abdomen.  Inuyasha cocked his eyebrow in confusion, then looked.   Shippo was using his abdomen for a pillow and snoring away, though quieter than him.   A quiet snicker escaped Miroku as he saw Inuyasha stare at the kitsune.  Inuyasha smirked a little at the sight of Shippo.   “Keh, I’ll throw him off when I wake up.” He mumbled sleepily as he closed his eyes.   Next thing Miroku knew, Inuyasha was sawing logs again. He smiled, knowing he saw the young kitsune as a little brother and thinking the scene was kinda cute.   Miroku took a long hot shower, unconsciously humming merrily to himself as he washed.   He caught himself and chuckled as he finished and stepped out, wrapping a towel around his waist (A/N: Yes, I am drooling if you’re curious).  Miroku washed his face, then started to unconsciously hum the same tune again.  He then stopped and stared at his reflection, realizing he was humming again.  Not only was Miroku humming, but he was smiling too.  Not a perverted smile as he’d usually do when the thought of Sango wearing something smaller than a string bikini crossed his mind; but a truly happy and pleasant smile.   I don’t get it.  I’ve never been this happy before. Miroku thought in confusion.    He then remembered that pleasantly fun escapade between him and Sango the previous night and grinned.  When Miroku recalled looking up into Sango’s beautiful eyes and smiling face, he grinned more and felt a warm feeling calmly flow throughout his body with each heartbeat.  It hit him a second later that Sango was why he was in such a good mood.  Before he knew it, she was the only thing on his mind, making him happier.   No wonder.  Miroku thought upon realizing it, remembering his thoughts after Sango had kissed him.    I thought I’d fallen for her, but….I hate sounding pessimistic, but I’ve only know her for two days. I don’t really believe in love at first sight that much, but somehow Sango seems to have made me a believer. This feeling she gives me…euphoric doesn’t seem to come close.  And those legs…!  His grin stretched from ear to ear as he thought about Sango’s anatomy.  I swear Tina Turner ain’t got nothin’ on her! And Beyoncé can take a back seat, because Sango’s the only naughty girl for me!   Miroku got dressed, putting on a blue shirt, white pants, a white long sleeved over shirt and sandals, deciding to loiter around the hotel since his friends were out of commission for the day.  He stepped out of the suite, strolling down the hall, stopping when he got to Sango and Kagome’s suite.   He remembered his dirty thoughts as he envisioned him walking in on them as they were taking off their underwear. Needless to say, his trademark perverted grin appeared as he cautiously approached the door.   Then froze as his face washed blank as he stared at Kagome’s unsurprised look.  Miroku grinned stupidly with a chuckle, trying to think of an excuse she’d buy.   “Well don’t you look like an idiot?” Kagome taunted with an impish smile, speaking her mind.   “Uh…how did you know I was here, Kagome?” Miroku asked, that idiotic smile still on his face.   “Sango told me about your dirty little thoughts when she said you could drop by and see us anytime two nights ago.  Plus, anytime you’re about to do something really perverse, I get this feeling in the back of my neck.  And just when you went for the doorknob, my neck was practically stiff. I could only imagine what was going on  in that mind of yours, you dirty monk.”  Kagome answered with a smirk.   Miroku chuckled nervously, “If it helps, I was only thinking about Sango when I came near the door.”   Kagome’s eyebrows shot up, then tried to hold back giggles, unsuccessfully.  Miroku recognized that type of giggling and wondering what was going on through her mind.  Kagome cut her eyes at him, giving him a very sly grin and excused herself to go back to watching TV, closing the door.   Miroku listened and heard her break down giggling uncontrollably, muttering something about Sango trying to make him her man again.   Huh! And she calls me a pervert! He exclaimed mentally, knowing she remembered watching him and Sango last night.  He cut his eyes at Kagome through the door and made his way down the stairs.    As he walked down the long spiraled staircase, Sango entered his mind again.  Miroku slowed his pace down so that he wouldn’t trip.  Then he remembered the dream he had last night.   Man, there’s that déjà vu feeling again.  Except…this time it feels different.  Something about my dream feels very different.  Miroku thought about it, then laughed at himself. His dream was a rerun was what happened last night.  But despite that, it felt much stronger than just déjà vu.   Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oo   “Good morning, sir.  You seem to be looking for something, is there any way I can help you?” The lobby clerk inquired.   The man she addressed turned to her.  Seeing as he wasn’t doing well on his own, he approached her and learned on the desk.   “Yes, you can.” He responded in a deep voice, flashing a brilliant white smile. “Would you kindly tell me if there is a Taijiya Sango staying here?”   Miroku was on the last couple of steps on the staircase when he heard the man speak Sango’s name, seeming to recognize the voice.  Miroku turned to his left to the front desk and saw the clerk checking her computer.   The man wore a short-sleeved shirt, pants and shoes, all black, had very long wavy raven black hair and ominous dark red eyes.  That smile deceived the clerk, but only added to the uneasy feeling he was giving Miroku.   “It’s that guy from the beach.” Miroku stated to himself under his breath.  He remembered seeing him in the distance as he was walking up the boardwalk, seeing the man pull Sango against her will to his body and kiss her.  Miroku’s indigo eyes narrowed at him.  He was up to something.   The clerk continued checking her computer for Taijiya Sango, teardropping.  She was notoriously bad with Japanese and had spent the last couple of minutes going through the list aimlessly, hoping to see something to jog her memory.  Tentatively, she gave up and looked at the man, nervous and embarrassed. “I do beg your pardon, sir, but might I trouble you for the name again, please?”   Stupid-ass woman. The man thought behind his smile. “Certainly, Taijiya Sango.” He replied slowly.   “Thank you, I do apologize.” She said, checking the inventory for the name. “Judging by your expression, you must be very anxious to see her.”   The man’s conniving smile broadened. “There is something I’d like to let her know, so yes, I am in quite a hurry to get to her.”   “Why? So you can harass her like you did at the beach?”   The man froze, the voice echoing in his head.  Recognizing the voice, he turned to its direction and found Miroku standing at the foot of the staircase not far from him, glaring with suspicious eyes.  The man took a severe disliking to him.   “The matter is between me and Sango.  It is none of your concern.” The man spoke in a low growl.   “Well I’m making it my business.  Judging by your previous act, your intentions are less than honorable.” Miroku firmly declared.   Just then, Sango appeared from the outdoor pool, talking with another woman, who walked off in another direction.  Sango looked before her and found Miroku…..and across from him, the man who inquired about her.   Immediately, her body froze.   “Naraku…” Sango uttered, barely audible.   His red eyes narrowed maliciously, smiling likewise. Such a beautiful body, perhaps I shouldn’t be so hard on her when the time comes…   Miroku looked behind him and Sango standing there in a pale pink summer dress that showed her beautiful curves.  Naturally, he found himself gazing in admiration at her beauty and mentally complimenting her, but then he observed her again.  Sango’s body was very tense, she didn’t mover one muscle as her eyes were locked on the man.  Miroku looked inside and saw trembling with intense hatred that masked the fear behind it.    Sango’s expression made him as protective as Inuyasha, locking his indigo eyes on Naraku.  He wasn’t here to just ‘let her know something’ as he claimed.  Sango’s eyes told Miroku that he planned to do something worse.   “Seeing as you’re here, Sango, I may as well get started on my task.” Naraku stated as he began to approach her, his smile growing even more ominous.   Sango’s heart accelerated as she took a cautious step back, glaring defensively at him and preparing to fight him when Miroku immediately interceded Naraku’s path.   Naraku halted and narrowed his eyes fiercely at his obstruction. “Move, Houshi.” He growled threateningly.   Miroku stood his ground in front of Sango, glaring back at him. “You will not take another step.” He stated firmly, not in the least intimidated by Naraku.   Naraku looked behind him at Sango.  She gazed at him in admiration, a smile gracing her lips.  His eyes widened as the sight made his blood boil, extreme jealous raging inside him.   “You bitch!” Naraku snarled as he went around Miroku and reached out at Sango, savagely grabbing her upper arm, almost cutting off her circulation.   As if it were a reflex, Miroku reacted automatically and slammed his fist into Naraku’s nose!  The force caused him to stumble backwards, releasing Sango’s arm.   All attention focused on them after hearing the sound echo through the lobby.   Naraku uttered curses loudly, holding his agonizing nose, then opened his eyes and looked at his hand.    There was blood on it, a lot of blood.   Sango’s eyes widened as she rubbing her sore arm, praising Miroku mentally and happy to see Naraku hurt.  But upon looking at his expression, Sango grew fearful as she anticipated what Naraku would do.   “Sango,” Miroku whispered to her, “Go back outside, don’t come out until he’s left.”   She quickly did as he said with no questions, but stood and watched through the glass wall.   Naraku’s blazing red eyes met Miroku’s, growling in rage.    “I’ll make you regret interfering, Houshi….!”   Naraku lunged at Miroku and hurled at punch at him.  Miroku moved his head to the side out of the way, and sent his right knee into Naraku’s lower ribcage, then followed up with a kick to the face!  His head went backward, but Naraku recovered quickly and sent a swift roundhouse kick into Miroku’s upper arm and immediately sent another fiercer one into his other shoulder, knocking him to the ground.   His path to Sango cleared, Naraku approached the glass door, then was knocked off his feet as Miroku swept his leg into his ankle, did an upward 360° spiral and sent the back of his leg into Naraku’s back before he could land, slamming  him onto the floor away from the door! They rose to their feet and fought for a good while longer, Miroku trying to keep Naraku away from Sango, and Naraku trying to keep Miroku out of his way.   Furiously, Naraku sent his fist into Miroku’s jaw, sending him backwards toward the floor.  Naraku turned away, and thus didn’t see that his opponent didn’t fall back.  Miroku flipped onto his hands, seized Naraku’s throat with his feet and pushed himself up as he threw his legs back and released Naraku, sending him flying across the lobby and crashing into a customer’s mountain of luggage!   A crowd of  people outside gathered to watch the fight, cheering Miroku on.  Sango ran inside to Miroku’s side, making sure he wasn’t seriously hurt.  Naraku shook his head, getting rid of the stars circling his head and the dizziness.  He adjusted his vision and found Sango all over Miroku. He gnashed his teeth, growling at the sight, but when he got up agony shot through his body.  He was in no condition to continue fighting Miroku.  He looked around with his eyes and found the entire lobby was staring at him and Miroku.   “Damn! You see him take that dude out like that, man?” A young man exclaimed to his friend.   “Yeah! Japanese brotha got like Bruce Lee on that fag’s ass!” The young man’s friend exclaimed back, referring to Miroku as Bruce Lee.   Naraku scowled, overhearing those remarks, out the corner of his eye he saw the lobby clerk and head manager of the hotel.   “Sir, I will have to ask you to leave the hotel.” He stated, politely but firmly.   Naraku’s red glaring eyes remained fixed on Miroku. How dare he….How dare he try to make a fool of me and make me inferior to him! I will delight in painting my walls with your blood as well, Houshi…. Naraku mentally growled viciously.   The manager spoke again, “Sir, I am asking you as politely as I can, please leave the hotel or I will have to call the police.”   Naraku’s glare remained, then softened, a tiny smirk appearing on his lips. “There is no need for the authorities, manager-san, I will be on my way. Good day to you.”   Without another word, Naraku coolly walked away and exited the building.   I suppose it was foolish to think reaching Sango would be that simple. Naraku thought as he walked down the street under the cloudy sky.  Had my plan gone smoothly, I would have encountered Kagome and received silver bullet to the heart.  That obtrusion, Houshi Miroku….   Naraku snarled like an animal, his face darkening.  I seemed to have underestimated him, Sango has remained with him. Naraku replayed the event as it happened in his head, then a broad evil grin slowly crept onto his face. A setback has occurred, a setback that greatly works to my advantage. _________________________________________________________ __________   Sango sat outside on a bench by the pool after she tended to his injuries over an hour ago.  Miroku, fortunately, only had bruises and swelling on his jaw and just a few cuts here and there, nothing serious.  Sango thanked Buddha, especially considering who Miroku was up against.    A shadow fell upon Sango, she looked to see who it was and found it was Miroku.  She made room for him to sit beside her.  Miroku looked at her, her eyes were downcast.   “Sango? You’re looking upset again.”   She heard him, but didn’t look up. “I’m…I’m just sorry you got hurt because of me.  I don’t know what that guy wanted with me but you….” Sango trailed off, glancing to the side, afraid she finished her sentence, Miroku would take it the wrong way.   She looked up at him, met his warm eyes.   “I’m just taking a wild guess, but, only out of concern for me, you’re thinking I didn’t have to fight, is that right, Sango?” Miroku spoke softly.   Sango stared, wondering if he had ESP or something. “Yes. I probably shouldn’t have been that worried, but I could tell that guy knew how to fight.  I figured you knew a thing or two from your movies, but….Miroku, I gotta be honest; you beat his ass down!”   Miroku couldn’t hold back a laugh at her exclamation, admitting it himself.  He saw Sango smiling at his lightheartedness.  His plan worked.  She looked at his smile, and narrowed her eyes in playful suspicion.   “You were actually trying to make me smile just now, weren’t you, Miroku?” Sango inquired.   “I was going down that route, but you met me halfway with that remark you made.” Miroku answered.   Sango’s smile broadened, “Thank you, Miroku.  I appreciate it.”   Miroku did likewise, “You’re welcome, Sango.  It’s no trouble.  But…uh… may I ask why you just scooted over there after you thanked me?”   Miroku sat near one end of the bench while Sango sat on the opposite end, still smiling but eyeing him suspiciously.   “I gave you my gratitude, you gave me that trademark smile of yours, and just now I saw your hand move.  Need I say more?” She explained.   Miroku teardropped, smiling despite his disappointment.  She caught me this time.   Sango looked up at the sky.  It was bright despite being hidden behind light gray clouds.  “So were you and Inuyasha gonna hang out again, Miroku? Or did you have other plans?” She asked Miroku to make conversation.   “Last night we did, but Inuyasha’s out of commission right now; Shippo, too.” Miroku answered with a flat tone, smiling in amusement as he re-envisioned the mental picture.   Sango looked a little puzzled by his answer, then guessed the usual had happened between the two. “What happened? They finally decided to just stop bickering and just got to war with each other?”   Miroku chuckled as Sango was pretty close. “Something like that.  They’d spent all night playing King of Fighters.”   Sango’s face went blank as the name of the video game brought to mind a specific character that Miroku would most definitely take a fancy to.   “And you didn’t play with them for a while, Miroku?”  Sango inquired with a flat tone, hinting at something.  Miroku glanced at her, reading her expression as well as the tone of her voice, and knowing exactly what she said.   “Translation: did you play just so you could gawk at Mai ‘bounce around’?”   “Around the screen and in place.” Sango answered.   Miroku remained silent for a while. “I only played for one round.  I’m not that good at King of Fighters and I didn’t really like Mai as much as you thought.”   When asked why in curiousity, Miroku replied that he much preferred Chun-Li; she was much cooler than Mai.  Sango wondered if he just said that so she wouldn’t get angry at him, but decided to leave it alone.   “What about you, Sango?” Miroku asked, curiously. “No plans either?”   “No, not really.  Kagome felt lazy today and decided to just lounge around the suite today.  Given that, I decided to hang by the pool.”   They both looked up at the clouds, then Sango got an idea. “Since both our best friends practically ditched us, why don’t the two of us hang out together, Miroku?”   That caught Miroku’s attention.  “Where did you want to go?”   “I didn’t have any particular place in mind, I just wanted to go somewhere today, maybe just to take a tour of Miami.” She answered.   Miroku felt the same way.  He had just decided to loiter around because he couldn’t think of any place to go.    “So how about it, Miroku?  I’d really like the company.”   He answered her enthusiastically, “No objections here.”   Sango jumped up from the bench and pulled Miroku up. “Great! Let’s go!”   “What, now?” Miroku asked, surprised as Sango lead him outside the hotel and down the street.   They hung around the area close by the hotel for an hour and half, then decided to walk around elsewhere after stopping by newsstand and picking up a tour guide of Miami Beach.   Sango and Miroku caught a bus and handed to the eastside of town.  Sango giggled at the peculiar look on Miroku’s face and asked why he was looking like he’d never rode a bus before.  He answered he hadn’t ridden one since he was twelve, so the experience sorta made him feel like a kid again.  Thus, making the both of them laugh.   The eastside of Miami Beach was very lively.  It almost seemed like Tokyo, except FAR less crowded.  The smell of the exotic food filled the air, the sounds of local bands and musicians playing, Miroku secretly keeping an eye out for Gloria Estefan should she happen to be around.  Then, there were the stores.  Miroku followed Sango into just about each one she wandered into out of curiosity, making sure he didn’t lose her.   Sango went inside a Victoria’s Secret store, just to look. She looked at two garments, unable to decide which looked better   “It’d be easier if Kagome were here to give her opinion.” Sango said to herself as her eyes switched side to side indecisively. “Which one would look best on me?”   “I believe this would be most befitting, ma’am.”   Sango turned to look at who was speaking to her, thinking it was a employee.  Her face went red with embarrassment as she saw Miroku standing beside a red silk bathrobe with his trademark smile. Miroku saw Sango’s eyes dart around as people looked at them.   She tried to regain her composure to prevent further embarrassment.  Miroku then gave her reassurance, calming her down some.   “Thanks for the compliment, Miroku.  But I think red’s a bit flashy for me, plus I got enough bathrobes at home already.” Sango said quietly, still blushing.   “Actually…well, yes, the bathrobe would look great on you, Sango, but I was talking about what was underneath it.” He said, showing her what he meant.   Her eyes widened as red rushed to her face.  Under the silk robe was a white strapless lingerie corset with a garter belt and stockings.  Sango didn’t know if he was being perverted again, or if he was just joking around.  In her opinion, it was a combination of the two.   She then got an idea and retaliated. “It wouldn’t be right if I only got something, Miroku.” Sango said slyly, “I think you’d look real hot in these.”   Sango held up a red thong for him to see, asking him to try it on and tell her how it looked.  Now it was Miroku’s turn to be surprised, a hint of red graced his cheeks but she saw it.  He protested, saying it looked a bit too small for him.   “Aww…” Sango playfully whined in mock disappointment. “But they’d probably look real good on you, Miroku.  They’d match your cheeks anyway.”   “Which ones?” A woman whispered to her friend jokingly, the two of them laughing.   Miroku and Sango overheard them, teardropping in embarrassment.  They then laughed themselves as Sango said she meant his upper ones but figured it’d work either way.  They looked around for a few minutes more, then left the store and continued down the street, looking inside other stores and greatly enjoying each other’s company.   The clouds had longer dispersed, allowing the bright sun to shine through.  Miroku looked at Sango as she looked elsewhere, seeing the sunlight dance on her beautiful skin, adding to her radiance.  Once again, he found himself staring at her beauty.  Sango smiled as the sun warmed her face.  Miroku couldn’t bring himself to break his gaze.  He loved seeing Sango smile, especially when she was truly happy.   Miroku and Sango walked further down the area and came across a Starbucks coffee shop, deciding to take a short break.  Miroku reached for his wallet, then searched every pocket on him, unable to find it.  He started to think he’d lost it while touring Miami Beach, when he remembered he had left it on his bed as he was getting dressed that morning.   Oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo   A light occasional breeze blew through the Starbucks outdoor café.  Sango and Miroku sat on the patio underneath an umbrella.  Sango sipped her iced tea as she looked up at the clouds in the bright beautiful sky, noticing Miroku was pretty quiet, she brought her eyes down to him and smiled.  Upon the discovering where his wallet was, Sango spotted him and paid for lunch, since then Miroku had been sulking in embarrassment.   He sipped his Pepsi, focusing on his plate.  He glanced up, feeling Sango’s eyes on him, then quickly brought his eyes back to his plate, making Sango laugh.   “Miroku, I told you it was okay.  I don’t mind buying lunch.”  She stated with a smile.   Miroku removed his lips from the straw, “I still feel pretty embarrassed inviting you to lunch and then remembering I forgot my wallet at the last minute.” He said, never looking up. “I figured I could at least buy lunch since you paid my bus fare.”   He looked up at her after hearing a giggle, seeing her appreciative smile. “I’m just taking a wild guess, Miroku; you don’t have anything against a woman paying if it’s okay with her, you just think it seems unchivalrous, right?”   Miroku stared, impressed. She had practically read his mind.  “Yes, that’s it.  But I noticed you seemed eager to buy lunch.” He answered, unable to hold back a smile.   That brought a tinge of pink to Sango’s cheeks as she fought the urge to look away, keeping eye contact with Miroku.   “Well, I thought about what you said to me last night, and before that at the karaoke bar.  You did what you could just to make me happy,” Sango felt her heart flutter against her chest as she recalled those memories. “I wanted to do something for you to thank you.”   Miroku’s smile broadened, appreciatively. “Thank you, Sango.”   She tried with all her might to fight the blush trying to form. “You’re welcome.”   The sun was hid behind a small cloud during their conversation and came back out.  Sango turned to gaze at the sky, thinking it was a lovely sight as it brought back pleasant memories of the past.  She glanced back to her side and found Miroku gazing at her.  Sango blinked and started wiping around her mouth, thinking there was something on it.   “What is it, Miroku?” Sango asked since he was still gazing, “Is there something on my face?”   “Only that beautiful smile I can’t take my eyes off of.” He answered softly.   Sango’s eyes widened, her blush running rampant on her face.  She tried to speak, but no words could come out.  She discovered her cheeks were burning hot.  Sango lowered her widened eyes, as if trying to hide from Miroku.  She looked up and found he had lowered his head so that he could see her.  Sango laughed, covering her face with her in embarrassment.  Miroku reached over to gently remove her hand.  She looked up at him and met his smiling face.   “M-Miroku…” Sango uttered in a whisper, her heart fluttering again as she realized Miroku held her hand.   His indigo eyes sparkled as he gazed into hers and spoke softly to her, “I can’t see your beautiful face if your beautiful hand is covering it, Sango.”   She stared into Miroku’s eyes, speechless.  She smiled appreciatively, her vocal chords practically paralyzed. My beautiful hands and beautiful face...?   Miroku gently released Sango’s hand, never breaking her gaze.   Not wanting to sit there staring dumbly at the table, Sango took her cup and sipped her tea, glancing down at her plate, then back at Miroku when she heard him chuckle.  When asked, he had noticed that they switched positions.  Now she was embarrassed.   OooooooooooooooooO   After a few more hours, Miroku and Sango came across the beach, which was occupied by only a handful of people. They took advantage of the practically vacant beach and entered.    Sango strolled along the shoreline with Miroku, walking and talking as they listened to the sound of the waves.  The sound of Sango’s laughter and her voice soothed Miroku, just being near her made him so happy.  He then brought his eyes to the horizon, admiring the sunset.   Sango gazed up at him and smiled as she found herself staring at him. I feel so peaceful when I’m with him.  Miroku’s so handsome.  Those eyes….He’s gorgeous, but his inner handsomeness only enhances that of the outside.   Miroku blinked and looked down at Sango, meeting her gaze.  She pretended there was something in his hair, brushing his bangs.  Miroku smiled, he knew she had been gazing at him but decided not to say anything.   Sango took a seat on the sand as Miroku continued to admire the sunset, setting her sandals beside her and letting the water wash over her feet.  Miroku sat down behind her, doing the same, wiggling his bare toes underneath the wet sand and the water as it washed up the shore.  Sango admired the horizon, the red-orange sun hovering above the sparkling blue horizon.  She didn’t notice Miroku was sitting behind her, his legs surrounding her, admiring the setting star with her.   Feeling very relaxed, Sango leaned backward, her shoulders coming in contact with Miroku’s chest.  Surprised, she looked up at him, apologizing.  Miroku gazed down with warm welcoming eyes, saying it was okay if she wanted to lean back.  Sango hesitated, then slowly eased back, resting on his chest.  The gentle warmth of his body soothing her   It’s been so long…..Sango thought as she rested against Miroku’s chest.  I want to stay like this.  I don’t care about the past, Miroku, please just stay with me…..   Unconsciously, Sango rested her head underneath Miroku’s chin.  She didn’t realize it until a second later, when he gently enveloped her waist in his arms.  Sango tensed a little bit as he surprised her, then looked down at his arms, feeling safe inside them.  She smiled blissfully and relaxed, releasing a quiet and content sigh.  The two of them continued to watch the sunset.   The sun was halfway below the horizon when Miroku snapped out of his daydream.  He looked down to check on Sango, noticing she was very quiet.   She had fallen asleep, her hands resting over his.   Miroku smiled, looking at her peaceful face.  Even when she’s asleep, Sango’s beautiful.   The feeling he got whenever he was around Sango was indescribably wonderful.  It made him smile that Sango felt that comfortable and safe around him.  Miroku gently rested his head atop hers, and stared at the sunset, dozing off.   Sango laughed happily, enjoying the feeling of the grass on her bare feet as she ran as fast as she could through the meadow.   Behind her, Miroku ran up the hill, chasing Sango while playfully shouting something to her.  She responded playfully and he shouted again, picking up his pace.   Sango turned behind her and was seized by Miroku’s strong and gentle arms.  They both tumbled onto the grass, laughing.  Miroku turned so that he lay over Sango, listening to her laughter as she calmed down, unable to stop smiling.   “Sango,” Miroku said softly, “You slowed down. Why?”   Sango smiled at him, caressing his face. “I wanted you to catch me, Miroku.”   When I’m feelin’ blue All I have to do is take a look at you Then I’m not so blue   When you’re close to me I can feel your heartbeat I can hear you breathing in my ear Wouldn’t you agree? Baby, you and me, got a groovy kind of love   “Sango, what’s all this about?” Miroku chuckled as was blindfolded and led through his house to the kitchen by Sango.   “Wait a moment, Miroku.  You’ll find out soon.” She answered, unable to hold back a giggle.   Miroku remained silent as Sango led him, dressed in his purple and black Buddhist monk clothes from “InuYasha”.   “Are we there yet?” Miroku asked.   “Not yet, Miroku.”  Sango answered, playfully.   “Are we there yet?”   “Not yet, Miroku.”   “…..Are we there yet?”   “Not yet, just a few more steps, Miroku.”  Sango replied, laughing at how Miroku joked around acting like a child on a road trip.  Finally, they stopped.  Miroku got more anxious as he heard other voices.   “Can I take this off now, Sango?”   “Hold on.” She said as she placed her hand on the light switch. “Okay, now!”   The lights came on as Miroku’s blindfold came off.   “OMEDETOU TANJOUBI, MIROKU!!” (Happy birthday!)   All the cast of InuYasha and Takahashi-sama shouted loudly while throwing streamers and confetti in the air for Miroku’s surprise birthday party.  He laughed merrily, then laughed as everyone there was dressed in their TV costumes, including Sango.  Takahashi-sama decided to dress like Naraku since he wasn’t there.  Sango hugged Miroku, wishing him a happy birthday.   Impatiently, Inuyasha hollered for him to blow out his candles so they all could eat.  Miroku stood in front of his cake, looking up at the ceiling in deep thought.  Inuyasha shouted for him to hurry up, Miroku told him to wait, and Kagome slapped her paper plate in his face, telling him to sit.   “By the time he figures out which wish to make, the table will be in ashes.” Sesshomaru half joked as he waited.   Finally, Miroku made up his mind and blew out the candles, receiving an applause.   “A’ight, let’s eat!” Inuyasha said, heading for the Domino’s pizza, his hand hitting someone else’s who was going for the same slice as him.   “Back off, mutt! Wolves are entitled to the largest slice!” Koga snarled.   “Like hell, stupid wolf!”   The next minute, Inuyasha and Koga were on the ground fighting for the largest slice of the pizza.  They stopped when they saw Sesshomaru take it and walk off toward the living room.   “How sad I’m forced to work with such idiots.  Shall we resume our game of Scrabble, Lady Takahashi?”   Everyone else laughed and fixed their plates.   “Miroku, what did you wish for?” Sango asked curiously.   “Oh, the same as last year,” Miroku answered with his trademark grin, “To see what’s underneath that yukata.”   Sango glared at him.  Miroku smiled, lighthearted. “Well, since we’re all in costume, we should be in character, wouldn’t you agree, Sango?”   Veins popped onto Sango’s head as she rose her shaking fist in the air. “If you insist…”   Everyone looked into the kitchen after hearing a loud scream, then cracked up laughing, Takahashi-sama and Ginta taking pictures of the sight.   Miroku lay bent over the table, his face slammed into the cake as Sango slapped him stroking her butt.   “Man, what a woman!” Miroku’s muffled exclamation. “Mm…chocolate.”   Sango looked down at him, then joined everyone else’s laughter.   Anytime you want to You can turn me into anything you want Anytime at all   When I kiss your lips Ooh, I start to shiver Can’t control the quivering inside Wouldn’t you agree? Baby, you and me, got a groovy kind of love   Miroku held Sango in his lap as they sat on his porch, spending time together under the full moon.  Crickets chirped and fireflies flew about, adding to the beautiful nocturnal scene.  Sango had dozed off a short while ago, feeling very relaxed by the atmosphere and the company.  Hearing a neighbor’s dog barking caused her to wake up.  The first thing she saw was Miroku’s smiling face.   “You dozed off again, Sango.  Did you sleep well?” He teased playfully.   Sango smiled back, “I guess so.  The setting’s so relaxing.” Sango nuzzled Miroku’s nose. “That and you’re very comfortable, Miroku.”   He chuckled proudly. “So are you, Sango.” Miroku purred softly, hugging her close as they resumed watching the scenery.   When I’m feelin’ blue All I have to do is take a look at you Then I’m not so blue   Miroku’s hair blew about in the wind as he saw Sango’s face in the late afternoon sky.  He lowered his head, his black hair covering his mourning eyes as a small tear ran down his cheek.  The wind picked up and blew sakura, red rose, cedar leaf and red carnation flower petals all around Miroku.   A tiny carnation petal entangled itself in his hair as the wind blew about.   When I’m in your arms Nothing seems to matter My whole world could shatter I don’t care   Wouldn’t you agree? Baby, you and me, got a groovy kind of love We got a groovy kind of love   Miroku stirred and opened his eyes, realizing he had also fallen asleep.  He looked up at the sky.   The moon and stars were out.   Miroku blinked in disbelief, wondering how long they’d been asleep, he recalled his dream, parts of it.   That song…that’s the song I was humming earlier at the hotel….  He thought, puzzled as to why it would play in his dream.   Miroku looked down at Sango, who was still asleep.  He smiled, gazing at her peaceful visage, assuming she was having a nice dream.  He didn’t have the heart to wake her up, so he waited until she woke up.  Miroku gazed at Sango’s face with half-lidded eyes, his smile still on his lips.  He felt a gentle warmth spread throughout his body with each beat of his heart.   Sango stirred a while later, her eyes fluttering open.  She yawned deeply, then closed her eyes, going back to sleep.  Miroku chuckled, finding that funny.  His movement woke her up again.  She sleepily looked up and met his eyes.   He greeted her with a warm smile. “You dozed off a while ago, Sango.  Did you sleep well?”   She smiled back, saying she did.  Sango looked up at the sky seeing the moon and stars, and remembering the sun being out before she fell asleep.  Miroku looked at his watch, it was going on a quarter past eight.  He explained to Sango that he had woken up earlier but thought she looked so peaceful, he didn’t have the heart to wake her up.  Sango looked away with a smile.  She did indeed, but kept it from Miroku.   “If I know Inuyasha, he just now waking up and wondering where I am.” Miroku predicted, looking up at the night sky.   “And Kagome’s about to call a search party since I forgot to let her know I was going out.” Sango added.   As he got up, Miroku had difficulty moving as his body was very stiff.  Sango laughed as he stood bent over like an old man, almost like her agent, Jiji Totosai, Myoga’s cousin.   “Looks like we weren’t the only ones who fell asleep.” Sango joked, making Miroku laugh as he straightened up.   He helped Sango up and they started walking along the shoreline back to the hotel side by side.  Sango gazed up at Miroku’s eyes then looked away.  As they walked, she brushed her hand against his, touching his fingers.  Miroku looked at her, smiling warmly and gently taking her hand in his.  Returning his smile, Sango intertwined her arm with Miroku’s, entwining their fingers as well and resting her head on his shoulders.   Miroku looked at Sango.  He had been uncertain about his true feelings toward her.   She looked up at him, her glittering brown eyes meeting his sparkling indigo eyes, the song from his dream replayed.   Yes, we do. Miroku thought as he smiled back at her, resting his head atop hers as they walked along the shore.