It had now been two weeks since Miroku made his promise to Sango. There was a small celebration amongst the group, and the information was for their brains only. If Kuranosuke were to find out about Miroku's sudden commitment to Sango, it would only mean that he would try harder at a marriage demand. Kagome had folded the quilts and stored them in the wooden cabinets, and began to work with Sango on lunch. Rain began to fall in steady drops, then poured down in an almost violent-looking shower. The servants remained indoors, but Kagome had written a small sign on their door, signaling them not to disturb.

Miroku sat down upon a decorated bolster, watching as Sango's perfect slender hands kneaded dough in Kagome's borrowed bowl. Her fingers moved with ease, pulling at the dough and whirling it into disks for flat bread rolls. Kagome was trying to prepare a decent lunch as a celebration for Miroku keeping his word to Sango.

"Sango, I..." Miroku began, wringing his hands as he spoke. Sango looked up, wiped her hands, and pulled a strand of hair back from her eyes. "What is it, Miroku?" she asked calmly, her eyes fixed on his. Miroku heard Sango's heart beat–or was it his own?–as he asked her to dinner. "I...uh...wanted to see if you wanted to have supper with me...later," Miroku exclaimed, his vision turning to the kneading bowl. At first Sango sat perfectly still, taking his words in like an announcement from her parent. Then, she turned back to him and smiled.

"I'd love to, Miroku. It's very kind of you to ask." Miroku's eyes widened in disbelief. "R-Really? You really want to?" Sango laughed and hugged her knees. She was very happy with the dinner invitation that she completely forgot about cooking. Kagome came and swooped the bowl up in her arms. "I'll take over the cooking, Sango. Go have dinner with Miroku. He's doing this all for you, you know." Sango felt her face heat up, and raised her hand to her cheek, trying to hide it. "Well, I...if you insist...I'll get ready."

Kagome raised her eyebrow. "But dinner isn't for two hours. What's the rush?" Sango got up, her hands fluttering in a hurry. "I...uh...have to see what I have to wear." She ran upstairs suddenly, and Miroku saw a hint of blush on Sango's face before she closed the screen to her room.

Sango spent the two hours fussing over her hair, her clothes, jewelry...nearly everything that a normal village girl cares about. This was the only time since she went after Naraku that she was asked to a date. A dinner date, even! She walked to her cabinet, gazing at the shawl Kuranosuke had bought for her. No, she thought suddenly. If I wear this, it might make Miroku think about Kuranosuke. And that won't be very pleasant, I'm sure. Instead she turned to a pale yellow shawl made of the same material, only embroidered with soft pink cherry blossoms on the ends. Sango smiled, and gently pulled the shawl from her small pile in the drawer. She held it up and twirled it around her like a gown before laying it on her bed.

She reached for a skirt and top of light pink, and gazed into the ivory-framed mirror. She hoped it wasn't too revealing, and adjusted the rim of the chest on the top, just to be sure nothing was showing. Knowing the old Miroku, Sango guessed that on a date with a woman, he would stare at her chest more than listen to her personality. She slipped on her usual wooden sandals, and even added a silver chain around her ankle. Once her hair and makeup were prepared, she smiled at her reflection before waiting by her door.

Up in the men's quarters, Miroku pulled on a baggy gray shirt that looked similar to Kuranosuke's. It wasn't as fancy; just something decent enough to present himself to Sango. He pulled on some black pants, just as baggy as the shirt. He smoothed the creases out and sighed. Miroku left his golden earrings on, and twisted a silver cuff around his left wrist. Miroku decided to put a black cloth over the cover for the Wind Tunnel, just to match the outfit. He left his same sandals on, too, and sighed before going to fetch Sango.

Sango and Miroku decided to eat their lunch in the courtyard, under the nice shade of a premature cherry blossom tree. They talked little; Miroku not knowing what to say to her, and Sango thinking of what to say to him. Instead they took the time to admire the scenery, and while Miroku gazed at Kuranosuke's bird cages, his hand slipped over Sango's. They turned their eyes toward each other, and they both blushed and withdrew their hands. Sango didn't realize that Miroku would be so caring, even without using words.

An odd but pleasant feeling went through Sango's system. Her heart nearly skipped a beat, and she imagined Miroku felt the same. The thought of his reaction at her asking made her stomach tighten. She kept her eyes to her plate until Miroku gently prodded her arm. She looked up at him, as though expecting him to fold her into his arms. She wanted him to do it, but at the same time, the idea made her feel stupid. Why was she thinking about these things? Was she nervous, or just surprised? Even she didn't think that Miroku would make it this far without groping or asking a woman for his child. She, well, almost appreciated it. It was as though Miroku was a whole different person...and yet he was the still the same...it was all too confusing.

Miroku shook his head as his eyes met her confused gaze. "Never mind," he said quietly, shaking his head. "It's getting late. We should get back." Sango nodded her agreement, unable to say anything. As they stood up to leave, Miroku smiled. "Oh, and Sango?" She turned, halfway up the path. Sango brushed her hair away from her face, so that Miroku's eyes came into full view. "Thank you," he replied. "Thank you for staying with me, and seeing that I can truly change." She listened, and finally gave a small nod and went back to the castle.