xoxo Miroku's POV xoxo

"Ah, but I hate having a pre-determined course of events." I groaned propping my feet up on the coffee table.

Title-Different Colors

Chapter 14-Brushing the world off my shoulders

By-Moon Prynces

"What?"

"Since when did you start using such big words?" Inuyasha asked mockingly. I sent him a glare.

Kagome cut in before anything else was said. "Stop complaining. You knew about the party since Friday. Don't tell me you'd forgotten?" She asked, disbelieving.

I scratched my head. "Oh! Sango's party? I thought you meant something else." I waved and laughed it off.

Everyone face-faulted as I laughed. Really, I'd never forget dear Sango's birthday party. Anyway, we were all sitting around the living room of my place. Kouga and Kagome sat on the biggest sofa together, Inuyasha sat on the single and I sat on the last one. I think Souta was off playing with his friends and I have no clue where anyone else was.

I watched as Kagome put her feet up and snuggled closer to Kouga. Just watching this makes me queasy. It's just so odd to see one of my best friends get together with my own cousin. But I know there's nothing I can do about it so I left them alone and tried to ignore it.

Besides, I doubt this relationship will last very long, not to put them down. I just have this feeling... and just looking at them something seems off. There's also the fact that they're both just using each other, and from the looks of it, it seems to be a mutual agreement.

Also, in the background anyone can notice Ayame and Inuyasha glaring at the couple. I find this comical though. Why is she trying to tear them apart so badly? And why/how does this irritate him? The fights that ensue make me feel like I live with a pack of wild animals.

I stared at the three, who were currently watching the television. I noticed as Inuyasha glanced back at the other two as they moved closer together.

I got up and moved toward the kitchen door. On my way I tapped Inuyasha's shoulder. "Say, feel like fixing a sandwich with me?"

He grunted but got up and followed me. Even after the kitchen door stopped swinging I didn't say anything as I moved around preparing my meal. He sat down at the kitchen table.

"What is it Miroku?" He finally blurted out.

I paused and looked over to him. "I know that you like her." I said returning to my earlier task.

He didn't say anything but I could tell his eyes were darting around searching for something to say, the same as ever. "What makes you think-"

I turned around to cut him off. "She's my closest cousin, almost like a sister. I'm always watching her carefully, and the people around her."

We both stared at each other.

"Feh."

"Doesn't this feel familiar to you?"

"What?" He asked surprised.

"This conversation. This situation. Although it's not all that similar." My lips quirked upward.

"It is?" His eyes were curious but not recognizing what I meant.

"C'mon Yasha. It wasn't that long ago, only a year."

His gold eyes darkened. "This isn't-"

"Yes it is." I said firmly. "Stop denying it. It's all the same. And Inuyasha I know why you're drawn to her." I bent my head, bangs covering my eyes. "She reminds you of Kikyo. And I won't let you near her if that is the case. But for your sake I hope I'm wrong."

Suddenly he jolted out of the chair, which fell back onto the floor. "You have no idea what you're talking about! I don't like her! And there is no way she reminds me of Kikyo!"

"Calm down, look, all I'm saying is that you are one of my best friends, Inuyasha. But if you try to do anything that might hurt her, well, she is my family."

I looked up and we both stared at each other before a squeak from the kitchen door was heard. We both looked over to see a stunned Kagome push open the door slowly, looking at the floor. In the back, Kouga was still on the couch but looking over Kag's shoulder at us.

"Kagome-"

"Kag, I-"

She didn't say anything but walked over to me and looked up. "You guys were talking about me?" She asked slowly.

"How much did you hear?" I asked back, just as slow.

"Uhm... the last thing you said, that's all." She replied. "Is there something going on?" She turned to look at Yasha.

"Nothing." He turned around and left through the back door.

xoxo

Two days later I decided to drop by Inuyasha's house after school, since he hadn't come at all that day. Nor did he inform Kouga or I about this.

I rang the doorbell and only had to wait a few seconds.

"Ah, Miroku! Er, hi!" Rin greeted me awkwardly, turning red and acting weirder than normal.

"Hey Rin." I said, walking inside. She led the way to the kitchen.

The always pleasant Ms. Abaki was there, putting away the groceries. Rin and I sat down at the table.

"Oh Miroku! It's so good to see you again." The woman said jovially.

I smiled. "As it is to see you."

"You must be here to see Inuyasha. I'll go get him." She said and left the room.

I looked to Rin who was staring at her fingers. She wouldn't look up at me but I began conversation anyway.

"So, it's a surprise to see you on your own. You and Kohaku hang out so much lately that it's odd to see you apart." I started.

Her eyes darted upward once and then back down. "I... We..."

"Is something wrong?" I leaned across the table slightly. "Where is Kohaku by the way? How is he?"

Her face shot up to look at me... in desperation? "We are not always together! In fact, I've barely spoken to him since... Saturday." She tried to argue, but her voice faltered at the last word.

I blinked. "Why? Anything happened between you two?" I asked cautiously.

Instead of bursting out with another reply, she went mute. I didn't push her, instead asked about Sesshomaru and the businesses he has to manage. Twenty minutes passed before Inuyasha showed up.

Rin sensed the tension. "Well, I've got some homework to do. I'll see you later Miroku-sama!" She said before leaving.

After she left Inuyasha went to the fridge. "So what do you want?"

I paused to take in his less-than-tactful conversation starter. "How come you didn't say you'd cut school today? I would've come along."

"Feh. And who said I'd let you?" He glanced over his should to give a look.

I sighed. "Stop being so difficult." He 'feh'ed again. "I came over to say I didn't mean to be so harsh that day. But still, I meant every word."

"Forget it. I don't wanna hear anything about it anymore." He moved, closed the refrigerator door and we stared at each other. There was a silent agreement not to bring up any of those subjects from that previous day... at least not for a while.

He sat down at the table and began chowing down on a piece of cake. I watched him eat for a moment, then moved my gaze to the window.

"What's up with Rin?" I asked, avoiding his inevitable face-fault.

"What do you mean?"

"She was acting kind of strange."

"Around you, of course she does."

"No, not just that." I replied hastily. "I asked about Kohaku and she got freaked out and mad."

"Mad as in angry or mad as in crazy?"

I gave him a look to say 'stop joking'. "She's your own sister, haven't you noticed anything? Since Saturday?"

Yasha made an annoyed face. "All I know is she went out somewhere that night, with some friends. But I wasn't home at the time she left and I didn't get home till Sunday afternoon."

I made a thoughtful look. "Something must've happened. The way she talked, it seemed as if she were avoiding Kohaku."

I heard a knuckle pop. "If he tried anything, I'll kill him when I find out!" He yelled threateningly.

"Oh, calm down already." I said nervously, hoping no one heard him. "Kohaku wouldn't do anything, he's a great kid. Not to mention he's related to one of the best looking females I've ever known." I said as a mental image came to mind.

Then I felt someone hit me over the head and looked up to see Inuyasha standing next to me holding a metal pan. He twitched in annoyance. I twitched too.

"What was that for?" I asked, folding my arms.

"To get rid of that perverted grin I saw creeping up."

xoxo

An hour later I was once again ringing the doorbell to another home. Inuyasha had gone off somewhere else saying he had to meet someone.

I was hoping to meet the gaze of a vivacious female as the door opened. But alas, it was only her brother.

"Hello Kohaku." I said with a small wave.

"Hey Miroku. Sorry, Sango's at work bro." He replied, letting me in.

I sighed. "I figured as much. So how are things?" I asked as we sat down in front of the t.v.

"Just... fine." He answered in a strained voice, looking ahead at the flashing box.

"Mm, I see." We watched the program in silence for a few minutes. "So, have you talked to Rin lately?"

"No, not really." His face saw set as if concentrating hard on watching the television.

"I was over there, at their house, earlier today. To see Inuyasha." I commented.

"Oh. So... how are they?" He asked slowly.

He's better at this game than Inuyasha, I thought to myself.

"Look, I know something's up." I said directly, looking at him. "Rin was acting weird, and so are you. I just wanna make sure nothing bad happened to her. Do you know anything?"

He turned off the t.v. with the remote control and slowly looked up to the side, at me, with this worried expression. Then he sighed and looked back down.

"I don't know if I..."

"You don't have to tell me, unless you want to, unless it's something bad." I tried to assure him, smiling.

"I think... I do need to tell someone. Well, Ryan knows but he really didn't know how to react."

I nodded. "I think Rin was trying to tell me about whatever happened..."

He looked back up at me. "Yeah, but... I guess since she... uh, you know... you..."

"Oh, about her liking me?" He nodded. "Right, so what happened to upset you both so much?"

"It was... at a party on Saturday night." He stopped and I nodded, trying to encourage him to continue. "Miroku, we almost had sex!" He said jumping off the sofa and began pacing.

As for me, my face was set in stone, with shock. Rin and Kohaku? Rin? As someone who's known her since she was a baby, this was hard to take in.

I tried to regain my composure quickly. Obviously this was harder on them than it was for me to process.

"How? What happened?" I asked swiftly.

"I don't know!" He yelled in frustration and sat back down, almost pulling at his hair. "One minute we were talking and the next we were making out in a room alone. But I know we were both drunk. We were so close, almost fully undressed. But... I can't remember. We were both just too tired, I think. So we just fell asleep." Then he did pull at his hair. "I haven't actually talked to her since we woke up with hangovers Sunday morning." He sighed, staring down at his feet. "I just wish we could talk, and clear this thing up."

"First off Kohaku, you shouldn't tell anyone else about what happened that night, especially Inuyasha or Sessh. Both of them will try to kill you painfully." I gave a slightly comforting pat on the shoulder. "Second, I don't think you should worry about it. Just... wait a while and then try to talk to Rin. She probably regrets this as much as you do."

He suddenly looked up to me. "But that's the thing, I don't regret it. Our friendship is never going to be the same."

xoxo

I sighed, walking into the big shopping complex known as the mall. Usually, strolling in to flirt with a few girls cheers me up, but I hardly noticed a group of eyes follow me as I passed by.

Man, is it really Thursday already?

I just left from talking with Kohaku. I'm not sure what's going on with the world nowadays. It seems everything is getting so screwed up.

I didn't realize I had made my way to the second floor until I spotted an empty table in the food court. I spaced off for a few moments with my chin in my palm until a voice brought me back.

"Well, I'm surprised you haven't tried to grope me yet." Ayame said, pulling out a chair and taking a seat.

I automatically grinned and inched my hands closer but she smacked them away. "Hey, isn't that what you wanted?" I whined.

She gave me a sour look. "Why are you here anyway? How come you're not with anyone?"

"Oh, just wandered in, got nothing better to do. What about you?" I asked curiously.

"I'm on my break, from work." Ayame replied. "Where's Kagome-chan? I hardly get to hang out with her now that she's going out with that loser." She spat out.

I studied the red-head carefully. "I just don't understand why you dislike Kouga so much." I said shaking my head. "Did something happen between you two?"

She shot me a cold look. "This isn't any of your business."

I reached out and put a hand on top of hers. "I can tell that whatever it is, it's eating at you. It's better if you just told someone, and although we don't know each other as well as we'd like, you can tell me Ayame."

Her surprised look remained for a little while longer, before she blinked and nodded unconsciously. Then she looked down, trying hard to find a way to say it. "It's just..."

I saw something out of the corner of my eyes, but ignored it.

"Seventh grade." She said weakly.

"That was the year we got separated. Inuyasha and Kouga were in another class together." I mumbled to myself. "Didn't have classes with them."

She nodded to herself. "He's just such a bastard. He made my life hell for the next two years Miroku!" She looked up at me with pleading eyes. "I just can't stand him, for what he did, and who he was. And I can't watch as Kagome does the dumbest thing on earth by going out with him!" She cried out in exasperation.

I nodded, trying to take in her point of view. "You know Ayame, everyone sees things differently. You may see Kouga as an asshole but Kag, she might see him as a great person. And maybe he's not even like that anymore, he could've changed so much since then."

Ayame just glared at me. "You're taking his side cuz you're friends with him." She protested.

I shook my head. "No, I'm not. In fact, I still don't completely understand the situation." She folded her arms and looked away. "All I can say is you should stop trying to break them apart." She looked back at me sharply. "Karma's funny and it'll probably backfire on you anyway."

"I just-"

"Don't think about it anymore." I said, moving my chair closer and swinging an arm over her shoulders. "Besides, I'm pretty sure they won't last all that long anyway."

The red-head sent me a quizzical look. I grinned. "Why do you think-"

"OW!" I yelled as she twisted my arm behind my back as I lay on the floor.

"Houshi, don't ever grope me again! I'm warning you!" She threatened.

I groaned as she got off my back so I could get up. Yes, people were staring, but I'm used to it. A glimmer of silver and I turned to see what it was as I stood and dusted off. Ayame followed my scrutinizing gaze.

"Who is that?" She asked, and then gasped. "It couldn't be..."

We both stood there, staring at a corner of the food court where Inuyasha was seated with a dark-haired girl. Short, dark hair. Leather mini-shirt, leather halter-top... and the eyes of Yura, who sat across from him in a booth. They both were awfully close to each other, saying something.

I made my way to them without a word. Ayame followed me nervously. I narrowed my eyes.

When I came to the booth, I slammed my palm down on the table and smiled in an apprehensive/evil way.

"Hey Yasha. Didn't expect to see you here." I commented, quite loudly. Both their faces were set in shock, mouths hanging agape. Ayame gasped but quickly covered her mouth with a hand. "Do you mind if we joined you?" I didn't allow an answer and Ayame silently followed me to sit in the booth, uninvited. "So then, what have you two been up to?" I asked with a big, fake grin.

Yura looked down into her lap. Ayame fidgeted with her hair. When Inuyasha recovered he glared hard and long at me before speaking.

"Actually Miroku, we were kind of in the middle of something." He said in a calm way, his words seething.

"Oh, that's no problem. I only needed to talk to you for a bit. Alone." I added, standing up.

"Fine." He consented.

Ayame got up so we could leave the booth. She sent me a pleading look and even tugged at my shirt. It was clear she didn't want to be left alone with Yura. There was nothing I could do but give her reassuring look before we left.

I led Inuyasha out of the food court and stopped to face him. We glared at each other for moment before I sighed.

"What are you doing?" I asked incredulously. "What's going on?"

His glare stayed put, even after mine had diminished.

"Come on Yasha, talk to me." I tried again after a few moments of silence.

"About what Miroku? What is there to talk about?" He shot back, almost angrily.

I sighed again. "I don't want to do this." I stated calmly. "Didn't we just make-up over our last disagreement earlier today?"

"Well if you don't want to argue with me, don't ask anything."

"I can't." I said firmly. "Why are you with Yura? Don't you-"

"Don't say it Houshi." He said lowly.

"I can't. I need to. Someone needs to remind you. She was with Naraku damnit! How can you forget, or even pretend to?" I yelled at him.

"It doesn't matter anymore. Things have changed," He moved to walk away but I grabbed his shirt so he turned back to face me. Then my arm shot out and made contact with his face. He stumbled backwards and I looked at him hard, my hand still in a fist.

"Why? Is this some dumb test to disprove what I said two days ago? If so, I'll hit you even harder."

"This has nothing to do with that bitch!" He shouted.

My eyes lit up suddenly, in realization. "You don't... You two are... When..." I thought outloud. "You like her? You actually like her?" I asked in disbelief.

His face turned down, bangs concealing it. "Butt out Miroku. This isn't your business."

"I beg to differ." I replied after coming out of my stupor. "I thought you would've at least told me of something like this. I take it Wolf doesn't know any of this."

"None of you needed to know." He replied.

I shook my head, although he couldn't see. "But we're your friends Inuyasha! Why couldn't you just tell us?"

"Actually Miroku, I'm not sure what we are so I wouldn't use the term friends so easily."

I stood there, stunned, for a few minutes before looking down with a completely lost and defeated expression. "I see." I said, scanning the tiles on the floor. "Just tell me one thing. How long have you been seeing her?"

His face turned to the side. "A few weeks. Maybe a month."

I nodded, more to myself. And soon we made our way back to the table, that only occupied a nervous looking Yura.

"Where's Ayame?" I asked half-heartedly.

"She said she had to get back to work." The dark-haired girl replied.

"Oh, I would've liked to apologize for ditching her." I said and turned to leave.

As I walked home and laid down on my bed when I got there, I tried to process my twisted up life. It's just too bad I never get the chance to freak out like everyone else, I thought with a cynical smile.

Kagome and Kouga going out, more than a month now. Rin and Kohaku almost sleeping together, and while under the influence too. Ayame and her pent up animosity towards Kouga and his relationship with Kag. And now... Inuyasha and his relationship with Yura. I just can't believe I never noticed something was going on with him.

I turned off the lights after coming in my room from a hot shower, hoping tomorrow would be less... full.

xoxo

I woke up the next day, Friday, at ten in the morning but still felt quite tired. I wondered if I should bother to go to school at all. I shook my head and got dressed.

When I got out of the house I looked around, not sure what to do. Putting my hands behind my head, I began walking towards a café I knew.

As it came into view, so did more silver hair. Luckily though, it belonged to the eldest brother. He was sitting at a table outside, under the shade of an umbrella and reading a newspaper.

"Hey Sessh." I greeted as I stopped by the table. He nodded. "Be right back." I went inside to get some coffee and then came back to sit down with him. "So... how's..." I thought of Inuyasha and then Rin. "...the business?" I asked cheerfully.

He gave me a studious look. "The same as usual."

"Probably much better than dealing with high school and being a teenager." I muttered with my face in a palm.

He raised an eyebrow. "I am still eighteen yet. I only graduated last year."

I sighed and shook my head. "It's just all getting so complicated."

"Or maybe it's only complicated because you're carrying everyone's problems for them." He replied, surprising me.

I just smiled, defeated. "Well, I'm taking a break from school today. Have you got anything to do?"

"Not really. I was planning on heading home in a bit."

Still smiling, awkwardly I asked, "Where's Inuyasha?"

A pause. "I don't know. I can't be sure he went to school, but he's not at home, I know." Another pause. "You want to come over, huh? No where else to go?"

I didn't answer, just looked up at the sky even though most of my view was blocked by the many umbrellas towering above us. Silence settled in as we both sipped our coffee.

I'm actually pretty relieved Sessh didn't ask anything about Yasha or Rin. I know he must've noticed their strange behavior. He must also know I know more about what's going on. I'm just glad I have at least one friend to turn to, even if it's not to talk. Kouga's too busy hanging out with Kag and Inuyasha is just drifting away.

"Look's like we've got company." Sessh commented, making me look up. He was staring at something behind me. I half-turned and put my arm on the back of my chair to see.

Kagura was walking down the street with a thoughtful look and a frown. What was surprising was her attire. She wore a denim skirt if average length, a black tank top and a denim jacket over it. I would've been attracted to her if it weren't for the simple fact that she was one of Naraku's groupies.

She almost passed right by our table without noticing us but I caught her attention.

"Care to join us?" I asked sarcastically.

Her eyes darted to our faces. "I've got better things to do." She replied, stopping at our table.

"Oh that's right, gotta report back to the boss, huh?" I went again.

Now she glared at me. "He is not my boss. I take orders from no one."

"What's with the outfit? Isn't like you to dress up so." Sessh commented.

Kagura turned her gaze to him and smirked, resting a hand on her hip. "Why, I didn't know you paid so much attention to my clothes Sesshomaru. Do you have some fascination with what I wear, or don't wear?"

"Why would I care?" He said in his usual monotone voice.

"Exactly my thoughts. So stop giving me your critical eye."

I blinked and sweatdropped. What was going on? Was that... Were they... kind of... flirting? Being the person I am, I easily noticed these things. Although right now, I wish I couldn't. In some twisted way it seemed like they were but didn't see it themselves.

She was leaving but I quickly asked, "What's going on with Yura?"

She turned back to me. "You mean with her and Inuyasha." She restated. I nodded slowly. "You know, I thought you were the smart one Houshi." She knocked my head like a door.

Sessh growled, probably thinking otherwise.

"In short, you shouldn't be worried about their... relationship, at all. I can tell you now it will be short-lived and nothing serious will happen."

"Then why are they together at all?" I ground out angrily.

She gave me a sympathetic look. "To heal each other I suppose. Or maybe just common experiences."

"What are you talking about?"

"Kikyo and Hiten."

"Huh?"

She gave me one last look before leaving. I glanced back at Sessh to catch him staring at her retreating form unemotionally. I sighed, once again.

xoxo

The next day, Saturday, I was trying to sleep in past noon. Unfortunately I had once again forgotten it was an important day.

Someone stormed into my room at one something. I had my face turned in the other direction, lying on my stomach. I was actually awake, but I just didn't feel like getting up. I wasn't sure what to look forward to.

"Miroku! Wake up already." Kag whispered harshly.

"Why?" Came my muffled voice.

"The party! Remember?"

I flopped over on my back and looked at her out of the corner of my eyes. "Yeah... great."

"You should've been downstairs helping! We're almost done setting up!" She said again, this time louder. "How come you stayed in bed so late? It's really not like you." She walked closer, staring at me.

"Nothing's wrong so don't bother worrying." I said sitting up, moving the covers and jumping out of bed. "I'll be down soon." I got a towel and left for a shower.

After that and getting dressed I went downstairs to see the living room transformed and everyone helping out or being lazy. Kagome and Ayame were putting up some more streamers near the kitchen door and chatting happily. Kouga sat on the couch, far away from them but Ayame was resisting the usually evil looks she'd give him. Rin was helping Souta put up a Happy Birthday banner at one end of the room, while Kohaku, Kanna and Shippo worked at the other end. Rin and Kohaku avoided looking at each other. Sesshomaru was even there, also sitting down and watching t.v. with Wolf.

I walked up to Kagome. "So, it looks great. I don't recall anyone saying the party would be at our house though." I stated, raising my eyebrows in question.

"Oh, that. It's okay! I already asked Auntie and Uncle so it's fine." She said smiling and waving a hand dismissively.

I turned to Ayame. "Hey, sorry about the other day and..."

She shook her head and closed her eyes. "No problem."

I looked around. "So... where's..."

"Inuyasha?" Kagome supplied.

Rin must've overheard and thus moved over to answer. "He said he was going out and he might not make it."

"Thanks Rin." I smiled.

She mumbled a 'you're welcome' and moved away quickly.

"So, how's Sango gonna get here?" I inquired again.

"Actually." Kag smiled nervously. "This is where you come in. Your job is to pick her up from work."

"Since when?" I asked, baffled.

Kag glanced at Ayame. "Well, Ayame suggested it since you didn't help decorating or buying the cake or food."

I glanced at the red-head as well. Then sighed. It was the least I could do, after all. "So what time then?"

Kag looked to the clock over the fireplace. "Her shift ends in about half an hour but maybe you should leave now in case."

I went to the kitchen and pulled my car keys off the hook and walked back through the living room. As I was walking through the front door Kag called out.

"And make sure not to grope her, Miroku! Not even once!" She shouted.

I waved a hand and replied, "I know, I know," without looking back.

I knew where Sango worked already. I remember Kag telling me... and then warning me to never go there to harass her if I ever wanted to lose my virginity... scary...

As I pulled up to the café my eyes scanned the street for a free parking space. It took me nearly ten minutes to finally get one. This place needs a parking lot, I thought getting out of my car. I had to park all the way down the block. It could only be because of all the stores and shops lining the street.

I looked in the windows as I reached the door and walked in. I took a seat in a corner and noticed there really wasn't much business today. I also noticed Sango wasn't anywhere visible. But she could have been in the kitchen or something. I waited two minutes before calling over a girl who looked new.

"Excuse me, do you know a girl named Sango that works here?" I asked with a charming smile.

The girl blushed and stuttered. "Uh... S-Sango? Oh... uhm, I think... She's seeing the boss r-right now. Er...maybe you could... go knock on his door and see?" She suggested and pointed to a door at the left of the long counter.

I nodded and smiled gratefully as I stood up and moved toward the door. I froze when I heard bits of the conversation on the other side.

"Look Sango, you're a great girl... I've had my eye on you as you're been working..." Was a male voice.

"Why thank you... I was wondering... a raise... maybe... a few extra hours..." Came Sango's hopeful voice.

The male's voice was stronger this time so I was able to hear all of what he said.

"Actually Sango, my intention was not to discuss things work related."

"Uh... yes, ok."

"How about you have dinner with me, tonight?"

A moment of silence.

"You mean... as in a date?" She asked loudly, surprised.

"Yes, so what do you think?"

"But... I mean, I can't. We... You're my boss! That makes no sense and..."

"So what? It doesn't have to change our job atmosphere and I'd try not to treat you any differently."

"You make it sound like it would turn into a lasting romantic relationship."

"Maybe... maybe it could."

"But... Hey! I can't-"

This was what I needed to turn the knob and shove open the door. Both surprised looks were aimed at me. Sango was on the desk, her hands pinned next to her in his tight grip.

"Who are-" The guy tried to ask.

"Miroku?" Sango asked, bewildered.

I glared and he quickly pulled off and backed himself to the wall next to the desk. Sango peeled her back off the desk and stood, taking two steps toward me before stopping. Instead of waiting I strode over and wrapped my arms around her securely. Her body sagged and relaxed against me.

The guy held his head. "Oh God. Sango, I didn't mean... I'm so..." I recognized the look on his face. He looked so lost and defeated, and... confused. I realized that was exactly how I had been feeling the past few days.

After a few moments Sango turned her head away from my chest to face him. She smiled unsurely.

"It's ok, Max." Was the only thing she said.

He dropped his head. "It's just... the stress... and my marriage... falling apart..."

Instead of wanting to punch him, I started to feel sorry for him. I didn't give the feeling any time to grow.

"We should go." I said looking down at her. Sango looked back up to me and nodded, sliding out of my grip and taking uncertain steps out of the office.

When she reached the door she looked back at that Max guy. "I'll see you... Monday." And then kept walking. I led the way to my car after she collected her things.

As we drove to her apartment I kept side-glancing to check on her. She noticed though, and looked away, out the window. I tried to make conversation.

"So I take it you wanna go home and do nothing the rest of the day?" I asked.

Sango looked at me and shrugged.

"Well, too bad. Kag sent me to pick you up for something. She wants me to get you there too."

"Why? What're we doing today?" She questioned, finally speaking.

"Oh, I'm not sure exactly. Just hanging out I guess." I shrugged.

She gave me a suspicious look. "Shouldn't this be the part where you grope me?" I guess the effects of her earlier predicament had finally worn off.

I sighed. "I'd want nothing more. But Kag'll kill me or at least prevent me from ever experiencing intercourse."

Sango slowly turned red and then quickly turned back to looking out the window. But she did speak. "You're still a virgin?" She asked meekly.

I almost let go of the brakes as we sat at a stoplight. Did I just let that out? I stared at the side of her head, wide-eyed. "Huh?"

"Nothing." She mumbled quickly.

It's not that I wasn't into confessions but I still had a reputation to uphold. No one except Kag, Inuyasha and Kouga knew I was still a virgin. Though the same is true for them too. And now Sango knew and I could only hope she wouldn't use it as blackmail.

We got to the apartment and I accompanied her up the stairs and to the door.

Sango, once again, eyed me with suspicion. "Shouldn't you be going now? I could just call you to pick me up." She stated.

"Nope, Kag had instructions that I need to carry out." She was still giving me the look. "Hey, I already said I can't grope you." I said, putting my hands up in defeat.

She shrugged and nodded before opening the door and walking in. I followed and she closed the door behind me.

"Alright, I'm gonna go take a shower and get ready so... you can watch t.v. or something while you wait." She said looking in my direction, as I had already taken a seat on the couch. Then she moved to her room and then the bathroom.

I didn't feel like watching anything. I rested my arms and head on the top of the sofa, staring up at the ceiling.

I wondered what would have happened if I hadn't burst in or been there at all. I glanced at the bathroom door and shook my head. I'm glad though that I did make it. The damage done was only minimal but still something that would make her uncomfortable, if she were to discuss it.

I got up and looked at the clock as I made my way to the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hey, it's me."

"I was wondering where you guys were! I swear Miroku, if you tried anything on her-"

"No, no, nothing like that. She just wanted to come home and take a shower, that's it." I said sweatdropping.

"Oh. So when'll you guys be here?"

"In about half an hour?"

"Great. Did you tell her anything?"

"Not anything to give it away. Just make sure you're all ready, Kag."

After we hung up I went back to my spot on the sofa. I didn't know I had zoned out until I blinked to find Sango sitting next to me, wrapped in a towel, poking at my face.

"Hey-" I swatted at her hand. "What're you doing?" I asked, annoyed and rubbing my cheek.

"Sorry, I just thought you were asleep with your eyes open or something and I wasn't sure what to do." She replied smiling as she stood.

"You remind me of Kag, she's rubbing off on everyone." I said as Sango walked out of her room before we left.

Just like Kikyo.

xoxo

As I pulled up and parked in front of the house, I noticed Inuyasha's car was also there. I wasn't sure if this was a good thing or not.

We got out and walked up to the door, which I found to be unlocked. But for once I wasn't going to lecture Kagome about it.

When we walked in, most of them yelled something, from 'Surprise!' to 'Happy Birthday!' to 'Hey! She's here!' as if this hadn't even been a planned party. I smiled in amusement. The lights had been on the whole time and no one had hidden and jumped out, which would most likely have ended in injury anyway.

Sango stared, very confused. I shut the door and moved her to the middle of the room. I also noticed two other people in the room I didn't recognize.

"But... my birthday's not till tomorrow." Was her confused tone.

"We know." Kagome beamed. "That's why it's such a good surprise!"

There was a bit more disbelief and chatter until Ayame brought out an ice cream cake with the seventeen candles on it.

After that, the guy I didn't know pulled me and Sango to the side.

"So, is this your boyfriend?" He asked Sango, then turned to me before she could respond. "Are you taking good care of her? Do you have a job? How is she getting food? I want answers!" He huffed, and opened his mouth to continue until a girl came and hit him a bunch of times on the head. Kagome even moved over to see what had happened.

I sweatdropped and Sango looked a bit red. The other girl smiled anxiously and reached out to give me a handshake. "Sorry about that, I'm Lor, and that loser is Jack. We work with Sango."

I nodded in understanding.

"What are you talking about?" Sango yelled at him and grabbed him by the shirt collar. "Who said he was my boyfriend?"

Jack grinned weakly at me before looking at the angry female. "Uh... Kohaku?"

What followed was a bunch of swearing, violence and yelling.

Most of the night was a blur but it was all basically a good time. At some point though, I spotted Inuyasha by the fireplace staring solemnly at the box that rested on the mantle. I walked over to his left and looked at it also.

"So what made you decide to come? I thought you might be busy." I stated in a calm, cold way.

"Stop acting like I threw you guys to the side, like you were unimportant." He bit back.

"Isn't that basically what you told me that day?" I replied, not angry, still calm and neutral.

"Come on Miroku. I've known you my whole life, Wolf too. Even if I wanted I couldn't get rid of you two." His voice was filled with good humor this time.

"Twice, Inuyasha. Twice in one week. And both times it was about the same person." I was still serious after his last comment.

He just looked at the box in silence.

"Kikyo."

"What?" He turned sharply to look at me.

"Directly or indirectly, that was still the reason."

He glared at me and in the end, decided to just walk away. I stared for a moment before silently making my way up to my room.

I laid down on the bed without turning on the light and put the back of my palm against my forehead. Why did I have to be such a jackass? Couldn't I just forgive and forget?

No, of course not. Part of this drags in Kagome, and she doesn't need it.

I laid there for a few more minutes in silence until there was a knock at my door. It didn't really matter though, it was already open an inch.

I replied anyway. "Come in." I moved and sat at the edge of my bed, resting my elbows on my legs and letting my hands dangle down inbetween them.

I saw the outline of a person, Sango, as she entered and slowly closed the door fully. She stood there a while, leaning her back against the door, staring through the darkness at me.

"Is something-"

"Miroku, I-"

We both stopped. I chuckled at the occurrence. "So what was it you wanted?" For once I wasn't sure I wanted to be near a beautiful girl, much less anyone at all.

She let out a sigh, and walked closer to take a seat, uncertainly, next to me. I smiled in assurance. Luckily the street lamps outside brought in a little light through the partly open window blinds.

"I just wanted... to thank you, for... before." Her voice slightly fell at certain parts. "It's not that, you know, I couldn't take care of it myself. I was... just... shocked, that's all." I nodded. "He's really not like that and I know he wouldn't have done that if he wasn't so stressed and hadn't been drinking." She said, desperate to convince me of this guy's innocence.

I glared as I looked at her. A passing car illuminated her face to show her desperation clearly, and then it was gone.

I finally gave in and sighed. "Whatever." I muttered.

Sango looked away from me to stare at the wall in front of us. "Why're you up here?"

"It's nothing." I replied lightly.

"After I saw you go upstairs, Inuyasha left." She said in a low voice.

The only thing that came to mind was Yura. But I didn't want to think about it so I didn't say anything.

"Something's wrong." She said suddenly, so sure of this. "Why do you look so... depressed?" She asked, looking back to my face.

But I averted my eyes. "Nothing, it's too-" I stopped and with another sigh, but more deep and tiring continued, "-complicated."

"I think you should tell someone." She said firmly. But I was already shaking my head. "But Miroku!" Her hand shot out to grab my shirt sleeve. "It's not healthy. It's not fair to you."

"When was it ever fair to me?" It took a second to realize I had spoken this out loud. I looked away, and then suddenly there was a heat pressing against me. I turned back to see her leaning on my arm, her hands wrapped around it. A hand slowly moved up to push away at my bangs, and then retreat as she looked back down.

I stared, confused. Her eyes closed, it looked like she was sleeping. But she must've sensed my confusion.

"I'm going to try to comfort you, whether you want it or not, whether you realize you need it or not. Even if I don't know why you need it." Came her soft voice, and then a smile. And I guess, something hit me.

Maybe she was right. Because for once I was tired. Tired of being the light-hearted, yet rational one. Tired of helping everyone else, giving them advice, and looking out for trouble. Tired from all the burdens I had taken from so many people in the past week. Sure I was glad to have been of help, but didn't I deserve time to rest and not work and worry so much for them?

So I stopped resisting and relaxed, letting my head fall to the side onto hers.

A few moments later I realized something and I pulled away, removing my head from hers and my arm from her grasp. Sango looked up questioningly and I took this to quickly dare a kiss on her lips.

It must have been too fast for her to process. I smiled as she looked surprised and then confused.

"Huh?" Was what left her mouth.

I grinned. "A thank you, for... just being here... And this... would be your birthday present." I said, leaning in for another kiss, holding her waist as she moved her hands to my face and neck.

It was longer, and deeper, our tongues melding together but always moving. Obviously she wasn't as inexperienced and innocent as we had thought.

After finally pulling away, I was still grinning as Sango looked dazed. The next thing she said, before leaving my room, sent me into laughter.

"Wow... and compared to my thank you... it looks so modest..."

At least she was pleased with the results.

xoxo

Okay, yes there are some things I should go over before any of you decide to review.

Inuyasha-Okay, actually I had no idea that he would be going out with Yura, it just kind of happened. But as you can see, all signs point to that relationship not going anywhere. And well, in a way he's just kind of lost. So are Kagome and Miroku. The fic will be Inuyasha/Kagome though... just might take a while, sorry.

Miroku-Maybe he seemed kind of weird to some of you, but to me he's that character that every group of friends has, the one that everyone turns to and takes in everything and tries to help. Yeah, guess I speak from personal experience. And there is some breaking point eventually. And with Miroku and Inuyasha, well they are the closest and Miroku took the whole 'we're not really friends anymore' thing from Inuyasha hard. Maybe you would too, or that's happened to you already.

Kohaku/Rin-At least now you all know what happened to them last chapter. I know none or most of you didn't want them to do anything and neither did I. But I needed something to have happened to them. So they only came so close. I actually didn't know, and it just happened but now Kohaku's starting to change and most likely starts to like Rin.

Sango-I think maybe she seemed kind of out of character. And with what happened to her and her boss... well I like his character so I didn't want him to just be blamed and that's the end of it.

I won't even bother to discuss anything else since I'm not sure what else to say. If you have a question tell me in a review or send me an email.

I think one of the reasons people like this fic... is I made it too realistic. In a way it's kind of bad. I'm not even sure how I did that. All I know is that I don't want characters that you can blame so easily, characters that are bad or evil just for that reason, to be evil. I only have one character like that so far, and that's Naraku but I just don't like using him. Characters are just like people who are alive, nobody's bad for no reason, there's always something, stemming from their past, to explain why they act or behave a certain way. I want to know why, even it's my own imagination that's coming up with this stuff. I still don't know what's gonna happen next, just vague ideas.

Uh... enjoy this while it lasts. Not sure when I'll be updating again cuz I've got stuff to do, for school and other fics and shopping and yeah... I'll try. Next chapter will be Kag's POV.

8-23-05