Masquerade

Chapter 5

A few days has passed since the girls helped deliver the baby girl, Nozomi to Anzu and Rei. They were all getting ready to leave when Rei handed a small pouch filled with coins to Miroku.

"Please take this. I know you've asked for no payment but at least purchase supplies and other things as needed. Each one of you is always welcomed in my home. I do hope you would come back again for the summer masquerade festival."

Looking hesitantly at the pouch, Anzu came outside with her baby in her arms "don't say no or else I'd consider it an insult!" she chuckled. "Thank you for helping us. We are truly blessed by kami."

Taking the pouch, Miroku and the others bowed in acceptance. Miya held Nobu's and handed some rice balls to Sango "I will miss you all. Please come by again!" As she hugged the girls with the little boy squished in between with a giggle.

"We will. Thank you for the hospitality." As the pack said their goodbyes.

They continued on their journey when they came across Sesshomaru leaning under a tree in the forest.

"What the heck do you want now!" Inuyasha yelled.

Ignoring his brother "since this one is going to my palace in the same direction, this one will accompany the miko and slayer on the way."

Miroku laughed at the girls blushing faces.

"Hey! I'm the alpha here! Not him!" Inuyasha crossing his arms.

"Why are you behaving like a baby, Inuyasha? Kagome rolled her eyes at him. "Let's get going before we hear you complain about not covering enough ground." walking away with the demon lord, slayer and monk following behind.

Inuyasha's face turned red in anger as his brother joined them and took Kagome's attention away from him.

Lady Mizuki was sipping on tea as she watched the group walk off into the west.

"My goodness. These boys are seeking attention from the miko. My son, do you truly have feelings for her?"

Rin knocked on the door gently and bowed "good day my lady. I have finished my studies for the day. May I go into the garden?" as the little girl spoke softly.

"Oh my Rin! I see your manners are improving. Yes you may go to the garden." as the demoness smiled.

She noticed Rin trying to peek at the mirror "Would you like to take a look?" Motioning to the hand mirror.

The little girl's face lit up "yes that would be delightful!" as she skipped over and peeked into the mirror as she sat next to the demoness.

Gasping in delight "oh wow! My lord is with his brother and the others. That is quite interesting! He usually travels alone or either with myself, Jaken and Ah Un."

They giggled as they noticed Kagome got angry and sent Inuyasha crashing into the ground as she stormed off with Sesshomaru smirking following behind. Sango and Miroku standing off to the side shaking their heads in acknowledgement of 'I told you so' look.

"Rin, we shall have some visitors in a few days. How about you help me plan a banquet for their arrival?"

Jumping for joy forgetting about all her proper manners "yes my lady! That sounds like fun! Ohhh! Can we have it outdoors by the wisteria tree? It's full and fragrant right now!"

"Sounds like a good idea. Go fetch Jaken and we shall start planning."

"Yes my lady!" As the little girl took off running out the room.

"It's about time for some lively entertainment around here and it's all thanks to my dear son." laughing in amusement.

"Sit!" Kagome yelled. "I'm so tired of your whining! You're giving me a headache!" as she stormed off rubbing her temple.

Sesshomaru smirked at his brothers pitiful attempts at getting the miko attention once again since they left the village. It's just after midday and they haven't covered much ground.

"Inuyasha! Quit it already! You are slowing us down." as Sango walked by.

The monk offered a hand to the pitiful hanyou "need some help".

"No thank you!" As he is able to stand up and dust off following everyone else.

"I suggest you stop complaining. You're going to get Kagome really mad." Miroku advised.

"Why he gotta be here!" He grumbles.

"Do I sense your jealousy?" Miroku elbowed him teasingly.

"No, I'm not jealous! I just don't like him!"

"Yeah right. I can see it all over your face. If you keep behaving like that, you would only push her into his arms."

Inuyasha narrowly eyed the pair in front walking and chatting.

'Since when does ice prince talk so much and to a human woman. I thought he hated humans. We need to ditch him soon or else Kagome would get attached to his company.'

Sango looked over her shoulder arching her eyebrows at Inuyasha having an inner conversation with himself and giggled knowing he's jealous.

"What's so funny my dear?" Miroku asked, noticing her amusement.

"The love triangle that's going on in front of us." she whispered. "One of them better confess to Kagome soon or else if Koga appears then it would be a love square!"

"I agree but we have to stay neutral as they are our friends and acquaintances." as he tried to grab her butt.

"POW!" You pervert! as she stomped off and passed the others.

"Sango wait up!" as Kagome ran after her.

"Ya look for that pervert monk!" as Inuyasha walked past him in a tumbled mess on the ground.

The demon lord remained with his stoic expression as he heard all the previous whispered conversations.

It was almost sundown when they made camp by a nearby spring.

Inuyasha went to hunt so he could release some anger and Miroku made a fire. The girls went to wash up and fetch water while Sesshomaru went to scout the area.

"Hey Sango. Where's Kagome?" asked the lonely monk.

"She has a headache and wanted some quiet time before coming back. Inuyasha really behaved worse than a kid today." as she placed the kettle over the fire and sat close by.

Inching his way closer "so... who do you think will confess first?"

"I don't think either of them. Both of them are stubborn. I wonder if their father was like that?"

Taking her hand into his "how about if I confess?"

Looking at him puzzled "what do mean? Confess to a Kagome?"

"No silly woman. How about I confess to you?" Looking into her hazel eyes.

Feeling her cheeks heat "I hope you aren't messing with me, monk!"

Holding her hand tighter "Sango, I really do like you. I may tease and flirt but I only want your attention and love. How about giving me a chance to show you?" as he leaned in closer.

Sango went frozen after hearing his confession "are you for real Miroku? This isn't just a game ya know. If you are serious…" as the monk moved in and quieted her with a kiss.

"Yes it is real." Kissing her again.

"Uh.." the slayer welcomed it the second time and felt hot.

"Oh my god! Get a room!" Inuyasha dropped a boar in front of them.

Feeling embarrassed, Sango ran off back to Kagome by the spring.

Glaring daggers at him "I wish I could use those beads to make you sit so hard! I finally got the courage to confess and you came along!" Miroku sighing in defeat.

"It's not my fault you chose now to do it!" Looking around "where's Kagome?"

"She was by the spring and wanted quite because she had a headache." Walking away to the nearby tree and leaning back his head.

"Hey! Clean this up! I caught it! Inuyasha yelled.

"No you clean it and cook it! You really have been a pain in the ass today Inuyasha! the monk shouted, got up and walked off.

'Geez! What's everyone's problem!' as Inuyasha scratched his head in confusion.