Happy New Years everyone! I'm hoping to be posting every week now that the holidays are over, so without further ado, let's get to the story.
The next day, Sango is recounting Mr. Taisho's dinner with Koga, Inuyasha, and Kagome over lunch. The team's workload is minimal since they haven't heard from the agent still, so Sango actually gets a normal lunch break.
"I can't believe you actually said that to my brother," Inuyasha laughs, his chopsticks precariously balanced over his ramen cup.
"I can't believe you said that to the HEAD boss!" Kagome cries, looking absolutely mortified. Sango sighs and sets down her tea.
"Honestly, I couldn't help it! He was putting Kohaku in the worst position imaginable and I just snapped…"
"I think it was very brave," a voice states behind the group and Sango jumps in her seat as she spins to see Miroku smiling down at her, "I see you all are having a great lunch break,"
"Sango duked it out with Sesshomaru and won. We're celebrating," Inuyasha chimes and Sango flushes with embarrassment.
"I wouldn't consider that a good thing…" she quietly says and Miroku chuckles lightly before sitting in the free seat next to Sango.
"There is a reason I came to find you all here, actually. I wanted to let you know I got the project approved," Miroku exclaims and all of them gasp.
"Finally! How?!" Koga hollers, "I've had that agent ignoring me for days now!"
"Easy. I went to the author. She's a friend of a friend, so I took the edited manuscript straight to her. Turns out her agent was fired last week," he explains. He looks down at Sango, his eyes warming as a smirk crosses his lips, "She absolutely loved the changes you made to her novel,"
"Thank you, Miroku," Sango blushes at the compliment, hiding her red cheeks behind her tea cup as she takes a sip.
"This is definitely cause for celebration!" Kagome cheers before going into a long-winded rant about the best bars and restaurants in the area. Finally, Inuyasha grabs her forearm, a glazed look of confusion on his face.
"How bout you arrange everything…yeah?" he says and the others laugh.
"I'll let you guys get back to planning. Congratulations. The next project is due two months from now so keep that in mind," Miroku mumbles as he stands.
"Wait, Miroku, you should come with us," Sango quickly exclaims and the others nod.
"We really wouldn't be able to celebrate without you," Kagome adds in before a smile consumes his face. He glances at Sango as he nods.
"Thank you, I appreciate the invitation. I work late tonight though, so I may not be able to arrive right away,"
"Sango can text you the directions," Kagome interjects with a grin. He flashes her a dazzling smile.
"Sounds wonderful. I will see you all tonight then," Miroku states as he wanders away from the group. Sango turns to her friend with a quirk in her brow.
"Why won't you text him?" she asks.
"Because you're the one who's interested in him," Kagome teases, waggling her eyebrows as she breaks into a giggle. Sango sighs lightly.
"He's our director,"
"You're still female. Have fun tonight," Koga says before the others laugh. Sango's blush consumes her cheeks, staining them red.
"I hate you all," she whispers, sipping at her tea.
"No, you don't," Inuyasha counters.
"Oh, and you should dress nice tonight. I think this'll be a wonderful night," Kagome coos.
…
"Why did I agree to this…?" Sango reluctantly groans as she stares at her open closet. Kohaku and Rin sit on her bed; the former looks pathetically bored while the latter is excited. She hops off the bed and scurries over to the closet.
"It'll be a good change, sis. That's why you agreed," Kohaku grumbles, lying on his stomach with a pillow at the end of the bed.
"The point is to have fun. And you will!" Rin chimes as she quickly flips through Sango's wardrobe, "You don't have a lot of party clothes though…"
"They weren't practical," she justifies as she joins Rin in front of her wardrobe, "I think I have one nice dress—"
"Not the one you wore last night," Rin teases and Sango laughs.
"No, it's a maroon…somewhere back there," Sango mumbles, digging deeper in her closet past all her business attire before pulling out a red dress with a low neckline, skinny straps, and a flare skirt that ends midthigh. Sango holds it up and cocks her head at Rin, "Think this'll do?"
"It's perfect! Now to just jazz it up a bit," Rin squeals. Sango laughs before turning to Kohaku.
"All right, now shoo. I need to get ready," Sango says, and he dramatically sighs before rolling off the bed.
"Gladly," he groans and Rin giggles before following him out. Sango strips out of her sweats and tank top; she wiggles into the dress and a pair of black tights, the delicate material working over her legs before she steps into a pair of black heels. She quickly spruces up her makeup, adding a dramatic maroon lipstick to her simple look. She braids her hair in a messy side twist and smiles, admiring the final product. Because of the chill, she pulls on a black leather jacket and hurries from her room. Her phone pings with directions from Kagome, and she quickly sends them to Miroku.
"Blue Moon Bar…easy enough," Sango mumbles as she gathers her purse, "Kohaku, I'm going! Please get your homework done, and remember Mr. Taisho's rules," she adds, looking over at the happy couple snuggling on the couch. Kohaku groans as he rolls his eyes.
"It's the weekend, sis…do I have to?" he sighs and she laughs.
"Homework, no. Rules, yes. Rin needs to be home by 9:00, and right now it is—" Sango quickly glances at the clock on the wall, "7:45. With the train schedule, you should leave here by—"
"8:30, I know I know," Kohaku mumbles before Sango gives him a quick hug and ruffles his hair.
"Be good. I'll see you tonight. I should be back by midnight," Sango says.
"Hopefully later than that," Rin giggles with a waggle of her brows. Sango just laughs and exits the apartment, locking the door behind her as she thinks back to Rin's words with a blush. She likes Miroku, but she honestly doubts anything like THAT is going to happen. He is her director after all. These thoughts whirl through her head as she walks the three blocks to the bar.
She's the first to arrive, so she waits for a table for the group. Black leather booths fill the walls with tables in the center for people to mingle and drink at. A teal blue dance floor lights up the center of the room, a few dancers already swaying to the heavy bass beats coming from the DJ. As she's escorted to a table, she notices a giant aquarium covering the back wall. It's filled with exotic fish and corals, adding a bright, unique touch to the bar. Sango is led to a table in the back corner with leather barstools that match the full booths.
"Can I get you anything while you wait?" the waitress asks as Sango perches on one of the chairs.
"I'll take a whisky. Thank you," Sango says before a deep chuckle consumes her senses. She spins around quickly to see Miroku standing there with a smirk on his handsome face. He's wearing the same dark suit he wore to work, yet he takes off his coat and drapes it over the chair to Sango's left. He sits down, rolling up his sleeves until they rest at his elbows, giving him an air of casualness that he never possesses when they are at work.
"Getting started early I see?" he teases as he loosens his purple tie and the top button on his shirt. Sango forces herself not to gawk by shrugging lightly.
"I figured it wouldn't hurt since you all would be here soon. I'm surprised you're the first one though. I thought you had work,"
"I got off about ten minutes ago and figured I'd just head on over here instead of heading home," Miroku says with a smile. His eyes wander languidly over her body, "You look stunning," he quietly says before the waitress comes back and sets a drink in front of Sango. She blushes brightly and sips at her whisky while Miroku orders his own drink.
"Thank you," Sango mumbles as the liquor burns a trail down her throat, empowering her with its bold taste.
"There's no need to thank me. I just speak the truth," Miroku smoothly retorts before Sango chokes on a scoff.
"I'm sorry, but you'd be surprised how rarely I hear people admit to the truth," Sango mumbles and his eyebrows furrow slightly.
"And here I thought you were a hopeless romantic…your ex still bothering you?" Miroku asks and a blush consumes her cheeks.
"Not recently, but he hasn't accepted my rejection. And I'm not hopeless," she replies and his smile widens.
"You just don't date?" he teases.
"I don't date because I'm busy. My life hasn't been a picnic," Sango explains, her heart pattering in her chest. It's hard for her to admit that in the male department, she is seriously lacking. Before Miroku can continue along that line of conversation, Kagome, Inuyasha, and Koga all show up at the bar. Sango waves to them as they bob and weave through crowds of people. Kagome perches in the chair across from Sango with Koga on her left, and Inuyasha on her right.
"Hey, I'm glad you could come tonight! I was hoping you wouldn't cancel on me," Kagome taunts as she takes off her coat. Under her coat, she wears a tight green dress with white bangles on her wrists and a strappy pair of heels on her feet.
"I wouldn't miss this," Sango says with a bright smile on her lips and relief flowing through her veins. Another moment alone with Miroku would've been beyond embarrassing.
"I didn't know you owned a dress, Sango. You look good," Koga teases and Sango sticks out her tongue.
"Don't be a jerk; I wear dresses to work all the time,"
"But those are business wear. I didn't know you had a nice rack," Koga counters.
Sango scoffs, crossing her arms over said 'rack', "Koga, I never knew such a crude speech would ever come from your mouth; what are we to do with you?" Everyone laughs, including Sango. She can feel the whisky warming her body as the others order their drinks and tease Koga for his raunchy behavior.
"Sango's not your type anyways," Inuyasha says as he drinks from his beer, "She's too much of a challenge,"
"Is that a compliment or an insult?" Sango questions, cocking her brow at Inuyasha as if warning him to choose his next words carefully. Throughout the banter, Miroku quietly watches the group, a warm smile on his lips. Sango never opens up like this at work, and watching her fun, feisty, side is always entertaining for him.
"Insult," Koga exclaims before Kagome elbows him.
"It's a compliment, Sango. It means you're not easy. And some men like a challenge," she quickly says, covering for her friend.
"Name one man who likes a challenge," Inuyasha grumbles before Kagome flashes a death stare at him.
"I do," Miroku pitches in, and all eyes are on him. Sango's cheeks flare as he looks down at her with a smile on his lips, "Women who are a 'challenge', as you so eloquently put it, are ones who know who they are. They stand up for themselves, and set boundaries, and if that means you have to work harder to seduce them, then that's even better. At least she's interesting enough to keep my attention,"
"Very well said," Kagome chimes with a bright grin on her face, her mind already whirling with her matchmaking plans. She turns to Inuyasha and grabs his hand, "Come dance with me," she demands, dragging him on the floor. Koga looks like he wants to interject until some pretty blonde wanders over and asks him to dance. He glances at Sango, who just nods, and he takes off, following the blonde like the wolf he is. Miroku watches, chuckling quietly to himself.
"You have a very interesting set of friends," he says and Sango laughs, leaning back in her chair, crossing her legs at the knee.
"You can say that again. Sometimes I wonder how we can ever get work done, but then I see them in action, and I admire them. They are great at their jobs when we aren't goofing off," she exclaims, finishing off her whisky drink. The music changes to one of Sango's favorite songs, and a dreamy smile crosses her lips.
"Can I entice you in a dance, Sango?" Miroku asks and she blushes before nodding. He stands and offers his hand to her as she slips off the chair. He leads her to the middle of the throng of dancers, her body swaying blissfully to the song.
Sango twirls her hips, her arms above her head as Miroku dances next to her. He watches her with a fire in his eyes before capturing one of her hands. Her eyes widen as he spins her into his arms, swaying his body with hers. He stares down at her, his face inches away from Sango's maroon lips. His eyes flicker down like he wants to kiss her, and her heart pounds loudly in her ears. Instead, she takes the opportunity to spin in his arms, quickening her dancing as the song picks up pace. Miroku rests his hands on her waist, dancing with her as his breath teases her neck.
Her entire body is sensitive to his touch from the roots on her head to the heat pooling low in her belly. It's been too long since she's been with a man. That's all. That's why she's enthralled with the feeling of his hands on her waist, and the way his chest brushes against her back…right? It's just pent up frustration that makes her want to twirl right back around and kiss him. At least that's what she tells herself as she peels out of the crowd and wanders back to the table. She cannot let herself fall for her boss. There's just no way…
"Are you all right?" Miroku questions once they reach the table again. Sango smiles lightly and takes off her jacket. Pride warms her skin as Miroku's eyes widen, fully taking in her strappy dress and low neckline.
"I'm just hot…" Sango mumbles as she sits on the tall chair again. Miroku doesn't respond; he just stares and she cocks a brow, "Earth to Miroku," she waves a hand in front of his face and he looks up, shaking off whatever spell enraptured his gaze on her skin.
"I'm here. I heard you," he quickly babbles and Sango giggles, her blush tainting her skin brightly.
"Uh huh, sure you are. What were you thinking about?" Sango asks curiously. Miroku sits in the chair across from her, his legs brushing against hers.
"I don't think I should answer that question," he purrs, his glorious violet eyes wandering over her body once more. For some reason, Sango doesn't hate his ogling or his touches. Hell, he could grope her right now, and she'd probably like it. The waitress brings over a fresh whisky, oblivious to the tension she just walked in.
Just pent up frustration…that's all it is… she reminds herself as she takes a sip of her new whisky. Miroku sips at his own drink, his fingers drawing Sango's attention. His hands are long with calloused fingers, yet they're attractive in their own way. Sango sets the whisky down, almost rolling her eyes at her own thoughts. How can hands be sexy? That was just ridiculous, and yet as she stares at them, she's thinking of all the ways he could please her with those hands of his. She shakes her thoughts off and smiles at Miroku.
"I promise, your thoughts aren't any worse than some of the books I read for a living," Sango says, diverting her attention from her own salacious thoughts. Miroku laughs as she takes another sip of her drink. She licks her lips lightly, taking in every bold drop of the liquor, yet the flick of her tongue has his eyes flickering over her red lips.
"I doubt that…" he coos, his deep voice wrapping around her and causing her cheeks to flush. A new heat whips to life in her body, and it begs for some relief.
"Try me," she retorts, and his smirk widens. He leans in closer, his lips inches away from her face.
"I was captivated by a drop of sweat trailing its way between your breasts. I imagined chasing it with my tongue," Miroku whispers, his breath tickling her neck, though it is his words that have her breathless. She looks up him with wide eyes and he chuckles, "That look is worth the threat of you slapping me again," Sango's heart races as her cheeks brighten in her flustered state. Part of her wants to slap him for such a statement, and yet the majority is consumed by his violet eyes and the desire pulsing through her body.
"I…I need some air," Sango murmurs as she stands and wanders to the exit. Kagome, Inuyasha, and Koga are all entranced in dancing, and none of them see her slip through the front door.
"Sango! Sango, wait!" she hears Miroku cry and she stops outside of the door. As soon as he reaches her side, he grabs her hand gently, "I'm sorry if what I said upset you in any way,"
"It…it didn't,"
"Then why did you leave? Is it because of Kuranosuke?"
"No, he—"
"Then, what's wrong? Please, I know we've only been working together for a week or so, but you can trust me," Miroku exclaims, his hand warm and soft in hers.
"Miroku," she sighs, and before she can stop herself, she stands on tip toe and kisses him.
And that's all she wrote! I hope to have the next chapter out Monday, but I am warning you now that chapter is rated M for Lemons. If you don't like smutty scenes, go ahead and skip it. I'll summarize in Chapter 12 for those of you who do skip. See you next time!