A/N: Sorry about the slow update! It's the painful period of exams for us struggling university students! I'll try really hard to write more but I can't guarantee anything from now until the end of exams (which is the end of April). Enjoy!

Aspects of Personality
Chapter 3

Miroku was having a pleasant dream, courtesy of the previous day's events, involving a demon slayer with long hair, clothed in her tight-fitting fighting suit (much less, in fact, later in the dream) when he lost his ability to breathe.

Thinking he was coming in contact with death itself, Miroku struggled and writhed in discomfort, panic seizing him. Unable to take it anymore, his eyes snapped open to find two clawed fingers pinching his nose and golden eyes staring at him.

The monk quickly sat up, gasping and panting for the delicious air that was robbed from him by Inuyasha. He glared at the half-demon, who was now bent over laughing.

"What's the big idea!"

Inuyasha was prevented from answering as a second voice joined in his laughter. Sango sat a little ways from him, giggling as amusement danced in her eyes.

Miroku's eyes softened. It was rare to see Sango so carefree, and he was willing to hear her laugh, even at his own expense.

Inuyasha poked him in the chest. "I was just waking you up! Kaede wants you to see her. She's outside with Kagome right now."

Miroku nodded and Inuyasha bounced outside. Yes, bounced. Sango came over and kneeled beside him.

"Don't be mad, Miroku. He was just playing with you. I saved you some breakfast before Shippo and Inuyasha devoured all of it. Hurry up and don't keep Kaede waiting!" She smiled and handed him a bowl, then left, oblivious to the monk's eyes on her backside. Or was she oblivious? he wondered. Did her hips used to sway so enticingly before?

He glanced down at his food and sighed.

oooooo

"Ah Miroku, good day to you." Kaede said. He bowed slightly. "You and Kagome will come with me to the shrine. Sango, I was hoping you could gather some herbs for me. Here is the list. Inuyasha, please chop up some firewood for the villagers. Shippo, Kirara, you two go along with them."

"Aww...do I have to!"

Everyone turned to Inuyasha in surprise. When did his voice get so feminine? He blinked. "I didn't say anything, she did," he gestured at Sango.

Now this was unaccustomed to. Sweet-tempered (at least when it came to any request that did not originate from Miroku) Sango complaining about doing chores? And Inuyasha NOT complaining? Usually Kagome had to argue with him until her throat's dry to get him to agree to anything. But there he was, picking up the ax and whistling as he headed off to the woodpile. Whistling! I am never going to get used to this, Kagome rubbed her temples.

Miroku and his sweet persuasion decided to come to the rescue. "Ah, but my dear Sango, gathering herbs is a wonderful way to enhance your beauty. The bending over and kneeling work wonders for trimming the waist, and the natural healing ingredients within the herbs will gather in your fingertips and smooth out your skin's texture." Kagome was secretly glad that Miroku didn't exist in her time as a salesman; she'd be out of money listening to his honeyed words.

Sango giggled. "Oh really? In that case I guess I should go then!" and happily picked up a basket and Kaede's list. Miroku chuckled. He didn't really think it would work; Sango was never one to care about her looks, though she was, in his eyes, already stunningly beautiful.

He turned to Kaede. "So they don't know yet? About the curse?"

She shook her head. "No, I did not find the right opportunity to inform them. Though I think it would be better if you two told them on your own accord. Come now, I have to show you the scrolls." They entered the old, dusty shrine and Kaede pulled out an armful of scrolls out of the crates. Then another armful. Then another. And another...

Kagome and Miroku's eyes turned the size of saucers. "How are we supposed to read all those!"

"Quickly," said Kaede darkly, "unless you want to face Naraku without Inuyasha and Sango."

They scrambled down and began going through the ancient manuscripts. "I wonder why Naraku hasn't attacked yet...he got Inuyasha and Sango where he wanted right?" Miroku wondered.

"Don't jinx it!" Kagome threw a scroll at him and all three started the tedious task in hopes of finding a cure to their friends' predicaments.

oooooo

Meanwhile...

"Dance of blades!" Kagura flipped her fan and several demons are sliced apart. She snorted in disgust. Why did she have to waste her time dealing with these weaklings?

In fact, Naraku was deep inside his castle, recovering. An old enemy had come from the North to take revenge on Naraku, and was surprisingly strong. Kagura didn't think anyone came close to being able to injure Naraku other than Inuyasha and Sesshomaru. Though Naraku had defeated his enemy in the end, the battle had caused him many injuries, and was now slowly building up his body again. So Kagura was left to play babysitter.

She sliced some more demons that were attacking that castle due to the lack of demonic aura. Oh well, better this than having to run around playing messenger for the guy. She looked around, frowning. I wonder if Kohaku and Kanna are as bored as I am...say, I wonder where they got to?

oooooo

It was midday. The sun was shining brightly, but the light rays did not reach the pair that were hunched in the dark shrine reading. Kaede had been called out to aid one of the village men who had fallen with a fever, leaving Kagome and Miroku to strain their eyes to the itty-bitty writings.

Needless to say, neither were in a very good mood when Inuyasha hopped in. "Oi! Come on out! You'll turn into mold if you stay in the shrine that long!" He laughed good-naturedly. "What are you doing that's so important you're wasting a nice day like this anyway?" Kagome twitched. If he mentions the sunshine again...her teeth grinded in annoyance. It's not like they're stuck in this predicament for their health! She and Miroku were doing it for his and Sango's sake! Ungrateful dog!

"Kagome, do you think we should tell Inuyasha? The sooner we get it over with the better and they'll stay out of trouble." Miroku pointed out.

Kagome had her doubts about the staying out of trouble part. An image sprang into her mind of Inuyasha petting a big bear demon, teasing it like he would with a bunny rabbit...

"Yeah okay, but let's get Sango too so we don't have to repeat ourselves."

Inuyasha went off to get her. Within minutes, he came back accompanied by Sango, Shippo, and Kirara. When Miroku gestured for them to sit, the girl plunked herself down on the ground beside him without hesitation...well within groping distance...

Miroku dug his nails into his palms, using all his willpower not to grope her...

"So what's so important that you guys need to talk to us about?" Sango flipped her hair casually, and her proximity allowed Miroku to catch a whiff of her flower-scented mane, sending him into a temporary heaven infused with lavender and orchid...

Kagome nudged him. "Huh? Oh, right." He cleared his throat. "Inuyasha, Sango, do not be alarmed by this, but you both have been hit by a curse." At the look of, inevitably, alarm, on their faces, he quickly continued. "Don't worry, it doesn't physically harm you. You won't find yourself missing a limb or growing fur all over in the morning...or having a hole in your hand." He added the last part bitterly. On either side, Kagome and Sango put a hand on his arm simultaneously for comfort. He smiled and continued. "Now, haven't you felt different between yesterday and today?"

The afflicted shook their heads. "We aren't cursed. I feel totally fine. And it's just the same old me." Inuyasha said.

"But you only think you're not cursed, Inuyasha. See, you think you've always been like this, but you're not. Usually you're violent, mean, jealous, rude..." Kagome trailed off at the hurt look on his face, not sure if she should continue.

"Never mind, Kagome. The point is, Kagome and I are in here studying ancient scrolls that might have the key to how we could change you back to what you were. It doesn't matter that you don't realize anything's wrong, as long as we get you back to normal and you two stay away from demons and any other harm until we cure you got that?" Inuyasha and Sango nodded compliantly.

Kagome glanced at the stacks of parchment and sighed. "Now, we still have lots of work to do, so try not to do anything dumb and don't get in trouble. The sooner we finish reading these the better for all of us. I'm going to need glasses if we keep this up much longer."

They trooped out quietly, but Inuyasha lingered at the door.

"Kagome?" There was an intense look in his eyes.

Her heart skipped a beat. "Yes?"

"What are glasses?"

oooooo

The day had come and passed with little interruption. Glancing down at her watch, Kagome noticed that it was 5pm and she was ready to scream. They had gotten nowhere for the past...how many hours?

"Kagome! Miroku!"A young fox demon's voice flowed in through the door, followed quickly by the said individual. "Come on! I have something to show you guys!"

"Can't it wait, Shippo? You know we're doing something really important here." Kagome frowned. As much as she'd like to leave, it was an important task she was leaving behind!

Miroku got up and stretched. "Let's go, Kagome. Don't worry, we've worked long enough that we deserve a break. Besides, it will soon be too dark for us to read anyway. Let us go and enjoy some fresh air and see whatever Shippo wants to show us."

The three of them strolled out of the village and came across the clearing near the well. Today, however, a slightly different scene greeted them instead of the calm green of the grass. There was a jumble of colours in the middle of the field. Their noses told them what it was before their eyes even gave a hint.

"Hey...it smells like..."

"Lobster!" "Peaches!" "Salmon!" "Mushrooms!" "Papaya!" "Pheasant!" and a lot more exclamations of delectable foods followed, as Kagome and Miroku took in the sights and smells of the variety in front of them, laid out on a blanket, and Sango and Inuyasha each tending to some meat or seafood over a merry fire. There were even, Miroku grinned inwardly at this, two bottles of sake peeking out from the mound.

"Took you guys long enough to get here! I was certain this roast duck was going to burn if you had taken any longer!"

"Where did you get all this!" an incredulous Kagome cried out.

"Well when we found out you were cramped up in that musty old room all day for our sakes, with the lecher nonetheless," smirked Inuyasha, "even if we don't know why you're doing all that, Sango and I still think we ought to show our appreciation. So, we were hunting around here and there, picking fruits and vegetables along the way and we conjured up this great feast! Now hurry up and dig in before it gets cold or Sango burns it!"

She slapped him playfully on the arm. "Hey!" I'm no worse of a cook than you are!" Sango poked at the fish she was roasting and cut a small slice from it. "Try some of this Kagome! I'm sure you never get fish quite this fresh in your time!"

Kagome gratefully accepted. A plaintive mewing was heard as Kirara pawed at Sango's kimono with some impatience.

"Yes of course you too Kirara." Not wanting to get the food dirty, she nimbly held a slice between her fingers and fed Kirara. Looking up she met Miroku's eye, and his facial expression made her laugh. "Don't worry Miroku, I didn't forget you. I suppose you want me to feed it to you too?" she cracked a smile and went to sit next to him, fish in hand. Placing a hand on his back to keep her balance, Sango kneeled and dangled the fish in front of him, teasing him like she would Kirara. He chuckled at her childish antic and grabbed the slice in his mouth, not before wrapping an arm around her waist naturally from the position she was in.

"Mmm...ravishing." He didn't know if he was commenting on her or her cooking, but she didn't seem to mind. She giggled and settled herself leaning comfortably on him, occasionally sharing a peach with him or sneaking a bite from the food in his hands. Kagome hid a knowing smile.

The group contented themselves with the delightful meal just as a lazy orange began to tint the previously blue sky. There was no feeling more wonderful than satiating oneself on a gorgeous view, delicious food, and the company of close friends. At that moment, Naraku and all their troubles seemed to vanish along with their meal; the world was beautiful, serene, and cheerful. The comforting breeze reminded them how lucky they were to be alive, to have each other. Anger, frustration, and sorrow faded away as the sunlight gave way to the dawning of night; they had everything to live for, and every moment to look forward to.

oooooo

Nightfall. The evening was as nice as the day foreshadowed, with no traces of clouds obscuring the soft light from the stars. Shippo had fallen asleep from the big meal and Kirara had given him a ride back to the hut. Kagome had insisted that Inuyasha go on a walk with her, claiming she was too full to sit down. In reality she just wanted to "set the mood" for her two friends, or perhaps set it for herself? The moon smiled down, almost shyly, at the couple left to themselves on the grass, admiring the soft atmosphere and just being complacent next to each other.

Miroku gazed at his companion. Though he adored her for her many inner qualities of strength, determination, modesty, and consideration, he was not one to deny that she possessed fine features. His glance traveled from the graceful curve of her neck, slowly up the feminine chin to her coral lips, slightly and naturally apart revealing a hint of those fetching set of teeth. Her skin was so milky white; how she manages to stay so fragile-looking despite her hardships and occupation will always remain a mystery to him. He didn't mind; there were many mysteries in life he was satisfied to not solve, for often it would obliterate the excitement and sensuality that the world needs, and reality is frequently too cruel a reminder. Miroku would content himself with never knowing why Sango's hair smells so good, or how she always manages to make his heart flutter with her fingertips, or how...but he's losing track. Where was he? Oh yes, that divine little nose that had a tendency to wrinkle adorably when something wasn't to her liking. His eyes traveled higher and...found that Sango was watching him. Chocolate met violet and held.

"Your father must have been quite a thief," murmured Sango, breaking the silence.

Miroku was hurt. "Just because I occasionally deceive some wealthy landowners out of a nice fire and a roof doesn't mean..."

Sango continued as if he hadn't interrupted. "It must have been difficult stealing the twinkle out of the stars to put into your eyes."

He stared at her in amazement. She gave a lopsided grin. It was the cutest adornment she could've worn.

Miroku laughed. Usually he was the one coming up with...what did Kagome call them? Yes, "pick-up lines". He preferred to label them "the suave charms of the noble priesthood". It made a rather amusing change to hear Sango flirting with him. His left hand rubbed the back of his head, a little out of awkwardness from not knowing how to respond. Was this why women blushed so much? Or hit him so much? Because they didn't know how to answer?

He didn't need to worry; Sango wasn't expecting him to speak. She picked up his right hand, his cursed hand, and ran her fingers lightly along the rosary beads and the cloth. When their fingers met, they unquestionably intertwined; there was no "first move" by anyone, they sought out each other from mutual agreement. The couple glanced out again, their emotions had woven like their fingers, so that it was hard to tell whose finger was whose.

The demon slayer was feeling sleepy. It seems that she disperses her energy faster when she is letting herself romp around like the kid she used to be, before experiences and tragedies befell her. She rested the side of her head on Miroku's shoulder, and the monk smiled down at her. She's had a full day of finding food and cooking and playing, he realized, and she needs a good rest, with no nightmares or worries to haunt her. He instinctively wrapped his arms around her, shielding her from the gradually chilling night air. They simply sat there for a while, enjoying the stillness and the warmth of each other. No words need be spoken to express the care and understanding that permeated the air between the man and woman.

oooooo

A/N: I apologize if the story seems to be going rather slow...I've always had a problem with getting to the point in my past works (in my daily life too actually...hmm...) I threw in that bit about Naraku so you wouldn't wonder why he set all this up but isn't attacking them. Also...does one roast fish? You can tell I'm not much of a chef, but most people seem to prefer roast over broil, bake, boil, steam. Please let me know if I am slow and you're getting bored, but the next chapter is going to be filled with sweet fluffy moments between our favourite couple! Hold on to the edge of your seats for "Operation Seduction"!