Authors Note: Important developments this chapter! Look out! Not beta'd.

Please review, it makes me happy and want to keep writing.

Updated: February. 15, 2012

For the first time since he had met her, Miroku saw Sango outside of the hidden room. Her back was to him, and she was all the way across the room, but he could tell that it was her. She was reaching up to put a red book on a higher shelf. Her clothing was the usual colorful blouse and sexy, yet practical skirt type of outfit.

He began to walk over, but his body was frozen in its spot. He tried to move, but his limbs were very heavy, as if he had been swimming in jeans and a sweater for a couple hours. Suddenly, he felt a warm, prodding feeling. He looked down and blinked. His body was covered with that vivid, pink-white youki that was so impressive. He followed it with his eyes, and saw the body it belonged to, and to which it was attached at the tips of the clawed fingers.

The demon was now in front of him. Miroku had to guess that if they were side by side, this stranger would be at least half a head taller than himself. His eyes had InuYashas golden hue, but were infinitely more fierce, with their slit-like pupils. His ears were pointed as Shippos, yet his long, straight hair, which was pulled back into a braid, was the color of new silver. He wore a pin-striped business suit, and dress shoes. Miroku opened his mouth to introduce himself.

"Don't speak." The demons voice was deep and soft. Miroku started to raise a hand, fighting with his heavy arms. The demons eyes narrowed. "Stay still." Miroku froze. It was half involuntary on his part, for the moment the demon had uttered those last two words, the youki had pressed against his body more insistently than before. If he had had no sort of powers, he probably would not have been able to move at all. "Hnn..."

Miroku watched as this handsome and imposing stranger stared at him. The look on his face made it seem as if he were sizing him up, then golden eyes settled on brown ones. The demons eyes narrowed even further as he gazed, and Miroku began to feel as if he was being read, like one of the books that he so very much enjoyed writing. It was as if the demon could see right through him. Then the youki dispersed, and the demon turned. Without a word, he walked out the door, not a wrinkle in his suit and not a hair out of place.

Once Miroku could breathe again, he wondered who this stranger was, and why he was so interested in him. It gave him a nervous feeling in his stomach. He tried to shake it off, and continued on his path to Sango. She turned and smiled at him before he made it three-quarters of the way across the room. He waved and she returned it.

"Hello Miroku." Her voice was cheery and her eyes were filled with sparkles. "It's been a while."

"It has." He couldn't help but smile at her sunny disposition, and willed the uncomfortable feeling to go away. "You're in a chipper mood," he commented.

"I am, and I have a surprise for you," Sango responded. She turned and lifted one of the red books from the box at her feet, and held it out to him. He blinked at it.

"No," he took the volume from her hands, "it can't be." In his hand was Saigas newest book. He stared at the scarlet cover in shock.

"Yes! Saiga finished it early, and brought us over advanced copies today! I knew that you'd be in soon, so I wanted to tell you myself!"

"You were thinking of me?"

"This one's really good! You'll love it!" She spoke over him, ignoring his question.

"How thoughtful of you, Sango." He reached out and hugged her. She stiffened in his arms, and he heard a chuckle from behind him. Shippo gave him a thumbs up from behind the computer, but then shook his head. Hesitantly, he released her from his grasp with a sheepish grin. Sangos face was no longer glowing. It was reserved, and showed no emotion. She wouldn't meet his eyes. He'd made the wrong move.

"Sorry."

"I have to get back to work," she said, stepping back from him, and pulling an invisible wall up around herself. Miroku cursed himself inwardly. How could he have done that? He probably just set their relationship back about five steps. He and Shippo exchanged looks and Shippo shrugged, turning back to the computer screen.

Miroku silently excused himself, believing it to be a choice for the better.