Later that night…

He checked his watch once more, and sighed at sight. His weary eyes found the door, but he was once again disappointed by the lack of silver. Next to him, his girlfriend fidgeted impatiently, inspecting the dirt under her nails. She flashed him another look that demanded an explanation, but he simply shrugged. He had already tried calling him five times, but no answer. It was a bit unusual for him to be late, especially in cases like this. He was never one to be tardy when food was calling.

After a few more painfully hungry minutes, the roar of an engine was heard from outside and he closed his eyes. 'Finally…' He looked up just in time to see him enter, scowl and all. He shoved past the waiter, who protested lightly, and plopped down in the seat across from them with an exhausted thud.

"You're late." Sango informed indifferently, opening up her menu.

Golden eyes met her own. "Yeah I know…sorry."

At his apology, Miroku's eyebrows rose slightly. When was the last time Inuyasha had apologized to him? And willingly nonetheless. The look Sango gave him confirmed that she was thinking the same thing, although she didn't even bother trying to keep the surprise off her face.

"Rough day?"

"Yeah. Some kid threw up all over the slide and I had to clean it up." The two individuals across from him shuddered involuntarily and scooted away. He rolled his eyes. "Did you honestly think I would come here without taking a shower first?" he sounded annoyed now.

Well at least that explained his lateness…

Miroku cleared his throat. "Well other than today, how have the community service hours been going?"

"Fine…I guess it's not so bad." His index finger moved in a circular motion around the rim of his glass.

"It's good to see that you're enjoying yourself."

"Keh. What makes you think I'm enjoying myself?"

Miroku stroked his chin. "Well if memory serves, I asked you the same question after the second day of your community service. You said, and I quote: 'I hate it. It is the worst, most pointless, idiotic, annoyingly persistent, self-centered thing I have ever had to deal with! I'm sick of it!'" He paused. "Although I still don't get what you meant by the last two insults."

The half demon blushed for a split second and Miroku's eyes widened. But as soon as it was there, it was quickly gone. "Keh. Everyone seems to care so much about this stupid park. I really don't see what a big deal it is."

"Suza Park is one of the proudest landmarks in all of Tokyo. It has been around for hundreds of years and the fact that it still stands today is amazing." Sango commented. "I even grew up in Suza Park as a child and it was one of my best childhood memories."

Inuyasha snorted loudly and Sango frowned at the sound. Guess the old Inuyasha was back…. Miroku sighed.

"Shall we order?"

The three of them chatted away in to the night, Miroku discussing his law practice promotion with the other two mainly listening. The food came soon enough for the hungry three and they all immediately dug in, Inuyasha practically inhaling his food. They ate mostly in silence. About halfway through the dinner, the half demon's eyes flickered out the window aimlessly.

Miroku paused in his eating, noticing something. Was it just him or did Inuyasha look a bit different? Not in a drastically different sense, but in a very subtle way. As he looked more closely, he noticed that the half demon's eyes were softer, less rough Usually they were hard as topaz, unwavering and stubborn. Not necessarily cruel, but definitely guarded. But now they seemed lighter, more yielding and at ease. Small but easy to miss, there was no doubt of this slight change that seemed to bring a whole new look to his face; a less fiercer look.

He must have been staring for quite a while, for the golden eyes suddenly shifted toward him. "What?"

"Nothing." Miroku replied immediately.

Inuyasha's eyes narrowed at the brief answer, but then shrugged, his eyes moving back to his plate. He ate a few more bits before looking back out the window, his fork remaining paused on his plate. After a few seconds he suddenly blinked, something registering in those amber eyes. Curiously, Miroku's eyes followed his friend's.

Across the street was a tiny little bookstore, specializing in the more classic books. It was a simple store, nothing too fancy or unique, its old aged wood panels and windows leaving nothing suspicious or eye catching. Just a quiet little shop, most likely with a quiet little owner. The store had always been there, across the street, so why the sudden interest in it?

Miroku brought his coffee cup to his lips. "Have you taken a sudden interest in literature?"

That broke the trance. "Huh?"

He inclined his head toward the store. "You've been staring at the store for the past few minutes. I was just wondering why the sudden interest."

"Keh. Who said I was looking at the store?"

"Oh so you weren't?" Miroku turned his head. "So I am to assume you were staring at that old lady instead?"

Inuyasha growled. "No…I was just thinking…"

"Thinking?" Miroku questioned, his eyebrows raising a fraction.

He merely grunted in response, suddenly finding his food appealing once more. He stabbed at his steak with half-heartedness, the topic clearly not gone from his mind. His eyes flickered to the window a few times before he let out a sigh. Giving up, he pushed his plate away from him and threw his napkin down on the plate.

"Inuyasha?"

"It's nothing."

"Nothing?"

He shifted uncomfortably, bringing his eyes back to the store. "They sell books there, right?"

"Well yes…I do believe so." Miroku replied slowly, taking in the large 'Book Store' sign out front.

"What sort of books?"

"Hm…it is a bit old fashioned so I'd imagine more older books. Not too many modern readings."

"Like how old?"

"I don't know Inuyasha. Why are you asking this? Are you trying to find a book?"

He growled. "Just forget it."

Miroku nodded, the topic not lifting from his mind. He was hiding something, and eventually he would get the truth out of him. A few more minutes passed and the dinner progressed smoothly, their conversations carrying on without any more confrontations. Once they had all finished, Miroku called the waiter over for the bill.

Sango checked her watch. "We better hurry Miroku. We've still got that movie to catch in half an hour."

Miroku nodded. Quickly he pulled out his credit card for the both of them. Inuyasha pulled out some cash as well, handing the bill folder to the waiter. Miroku and Sango grabbed their coats. "I'm sorry for leaving like this Inuyasha."

His friend waved him off. "Its fine."

"Do you have any plans for tonight?"

"No. I'm just going to go home."

"Oh…" Miroku said, finding no other words to say.

The waiter soon returned with the receipt for Miroku. He thanked them all for coming and walked off. Miroku felt a tug on his shirtsleeve. "Miroku, we really need to get going." Sango whispered in his ear.

"Right, of course. We'll be seeing you Inuyasha." He turned to go, but then suddenly paused, remembering something. He quickly reached in to his pocket, shuffling through the insides. His fingers found nothing and he looked to his girlfriend. "Do you have any small bills? I totally forgot the tip."

But she shook her head. "I only have my cards."

"I got it." Inuyasha spoke, digging a few more dollars from his wallet.

"Really?" Miroku couldn't keep the surprise from his voice.

"Its no big deal…" His friend slammed the money on the table and walked out with them. They said their goodbyes as they got in to their respective cars. Sango slipped in to the passengers seat with Miroku in the driver's, starting the engine. In front of them, they could see Inuyasha's signature red car already taking off around the corner. Carefully Miroku pulled out of the spot and head toward the theater.

"Was it me, or was he a bit off today?"

"I sensed the same thing Sango. He did seem a bit different."

Sango sighed. "Do you suppose it has something to do with his community service hours?"

He shrugged. "I'm not sure, but I have a feeling that could be the case. Perhaps we should investigate this further."

She laughed lightly. "You never stop thinking about politics, do you?"

"Nope."

"Why am I not surprised?" she laughed once more. "Although I do like what you're thinking Miroku."

He grinned. "You always like what I'm thinking…"

"Shut up pervert…" she snapped playfully, sending an excited chill down his spine.

"My apologies Sango." He said. "But you agree?"

"Yes. I think we should pay Inuyasha a visit during his service hours…just to 'investigate.'" She smiled.

He matched her smiled with one of this own. "Agreed."

XxXxXx

Sorry for the late update. College has been crazy and I barely have any time as it is. Thank you for your patience! Also, sorry if this chapter was a bit…rough. I really wanted to get this out and I only reread it a few times. If there are any mistakes or concerns, please let me know! I promise to have at least one more chapter out by this weekend! Thank you all!