Miko and Monk

Chapter 8

"I am so sorry Miroku! My friends are always like that but they have good intentions" Kagome was catching her breath at top of the shrine steps.

"It's quite alright." Miroku tugged at Kagome towards the house. "Females are curious by nature. I find in this time they are bold. Umm...Are you ok? I saw your discomfort. I didn't mean to pull you away but I feel I had to save you, only it's not a youki but from other girls!" he laughed.

"Yes I'm good. Let's get these bags inside."

Later that afternoon, Miroku and Souta were playing soccer in the yard while grandpa was tending to his bonsai plant. Kagome and her mama was making a simple dinner of karage (*japanese fried chicken) and potato salad.

"Time for dinner. Make sure to wash up" mama called out to the guys.

Kagome finished setting the table. Everyone was settled and digging in hungrily. Miroku poured some beer for grandpa and Ami. In turn, Kagome poured some for Miroku.

"This looks amazing! I've never seen and smelled any food this good." Miroku bit into the crispy fried chicken. "This is amazing!"

"Try it with the spicy mayo" Souta passing over the bottle.

Miroku looked at the bottle unsure how to use it.

"Let me show ya" as Souta took the bottle and squeezed a bit on his chicken. "Now you try. Don't squeeze it too hard or else too much will come out."

Miroku squeezed a bit out and dipped into it. "This gives it a spicy flavor. I really like this". Ami-san, please show me how you make this next time."

Mama face was a little flushed from the few sips of beer especially since she doesn't really drink but beer tastes good with karage "it was Kagome who made this. She usually cooks when she's home. I just help prepare. Try a sip of beer. It tastes really good as a pairing" as mama sipped on her cup.

"Kagome you always seem to impress me. This is delicious." Miroku raises his cup to her.

"Awww! Thank you!" she blushed slightly.

Everyone chatted thru out dinner about their day. When everyone finished eating, Kagome got up to clear the table. Miroku stood up to help her.

"I got it Miroku. Relax. I'll bring some tea."

"Let me help Kagome. It will get done quicker." as he followed behind with plates in his hand.

Grandpa and mama looked at each amused at their interactions. About 30 minutes later, Miroku brought out a tray of tea and Kagome followed with a plate of macaroons that she bought from the French bakery while out shopping earlier.

"Macaroons!" as Souta paused his video game to join everyone.

"These are heavenly Kagome! Soft and sweet." Miroku bitting into his second one.

"Yes they are! Next time I'll get cream puffs.' Kagome looked amusing at Miroku.

"My boy tomorrow, I'll show you around the shrine. I left a set of robes in your room." grandpa drank the rest of his tea and slowly got up. "I'm off to bed." as he made his way to his room.

Mama picked up the tea cups and headed for the kitchen. "Souta time for bed" as she called from the kitchen.

"Alright mama" Souta got up and high fives Miroku. "I'll show you how to play video games tomorrow!"

"I look forward to buddy!" Miroku smiled.

"I'm off to bed. Don't stay up too late. Mama followed Souta upstairs.

"Thanks for playing with Souta. I know he had been lonely while I was away."

"He's a good kid." "Kagome, have you remembered anything?" Miroku asked with concern.

Kagome shakes her head "no I haven't. What about you?"

"Last night, I dreamed we were falling in a black hole but that's about it."

"Sigh. It's ok I'm sure it will come to us eventually."

"Time for bed. We have another long day tomorrow. Grandpa will definitely put you to work." Kagome chuckled.

'She has a beautiful smile. Why am I being like this? She's like a sister to me.'