Author's Note: I have re-written the end of this chapter because I decided adding Shippo to this story right now was too soon and I was having a bit of trouble fitting him in. I have an idea in mind for his placement, and I hope it's not one that'll disappoint. Sorry for the change, but at least I get to delve into some fluff and introduce a couple new characters to this story so far. Wonder who they'll be? ' -MC
Disclaimer: I do not own the InuYasha characters but I did create this story.
"..." Speaking
'...' Thoughts
Our World Is A Canvas
Chapter Three: Enter Sango: Goddess of Hair and Fury
The appointment was called in and set while the dishes were piled in the sink with a generous amount of liquid soap to soak as miko and lecher abandoned the apartment for their day of errands. Kagome had some how managed to find a bandana to cover over her mass of hair, or disaster area as some would describe it, instead of that hat theory she thought up earlier. Grabbing light jackets and her keys from the wall hook, the two friends left to start their day.
The day was a warm and welcoming one. With the sun shining and white puffy clouds dotting the blue sky, fresh blossoms of Sakura trees, roses, lilacs and other such plant growth happily made their seasonal debut from the bitter winter snow, and permeated the air with their sweet gentle fragrances. Laughter of young children echoed as they played in the park. Many folks were out and about with cheery smiles as they went about their daily outings or spontaneous routines and Miroku was praising the Kami's that jogging season was back in full swing. Not for his health mind you, just to enjoy his usual hobby of "being able to scope out the latest fashion of clothing for womankind," as he mildly put it.
Arms linked together, they strolled through a farmers market bustling with people buying and selling fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and different meat products here and there of all sorts of varieties. The smells were too enticing to pass up the opportunity to buy something just to taste, so after about a ten minute walk about, Kagome settled on munching on a plum while Miroku opted to taste a juicy cucumber before heading back on their journey to the hair salon that was established just across the street.
The salon wasn't a huge establishment. Just large enough to seat three or four clients with the usual hair dryers and sinks towards the back of the shop with stations against the wall to the left set for manicures and such. Mirrors lined the walls along with shelves containing hair, facial, and other assortments for beauty-type care, as well as several comfortable chairs for those waiting their turn. A fresh stack of fashion and hair magazines were neatly piled on a couple tables and other larger scaled photos hung around the salon as well.
The owner must have finally been able to have the air conditioning system fixed for a cool breeze greeting the pair as they strode through the door causing a small dainty bell to ring signaling their arrival.
A girl in her late teens had a white phone squashed between her left shoulder and ear while jotting down a name and time in the shops' appointment book. She had beautiful brown hair pulled up in a pony tail and sparkling, innocent brown eyes. With the click of returning the phone to its base, a smile spread infectiously across her face.
"Kagome! It's so nice to see you on your day off. What brings you in today? A day of pampering perhaps?"
"Afternoon Rin," Kagome greeted. "As nice as that sounds, and well deserved I might add," with a quick glare to her companion who now had his hands jammed into his pants pockets rocking slightly on his heels and toes, "I need a disaster fixed as I mentioned on the phone."
"Oh Miroku. She only sounds like that after one of her blind dates or a bombed exam which, by the way, doesn't happen that often… Well come with me then, and we'll see what we can do for you."
"Try not to laugh, okay?" Once seated in a comfortable leather chair, Kagome slowly unleashed the fury beneath the bandana with a heavy sigh. "And?"
The young stylists' jaw dropped immensely with wide unbelieving eyes. "Oh good heavens! What did you do to her?!"
Miroku followed through with his all too familiar trademark of guilt resting his hand behind his head looking rather guilty under Rin's glare. "It was an accident. Hee hee. Clumsy friends?" he shrugged as Kagome snorted with crossed arms.
She slowly shook her head with pity as she inspected Kagome's hair. She picked at it carefully, picking up strands slowly pulling away from the scalp and up watching the many different lengths fall, and examined for split ends. "Hmm. I think maybe a layered cut might help make the, erm, diverse lengths look good though it'll be just above your shoulders, pending on how it lifts after the weight is gone. I think there's hope for you yet." she patted Kagome's shoulder reassuringly. "Wait here a sec, okay? There's a new girl here who could fix this better than I can."
As quickly as she left, Rin lead a taller girl in what Kagome guessed to be in her early or mid twenties with long brown hair pulled up in a high pony tail. A thin line of pink eye liner showed off her elegant face and soft smile. Miroku of course was ultimately stunned by her features. Curves in all the right places, a graceful stride with her head held high with confidence. 'Simply amazing.' he thought racing up to her, bowing humbly.
"Uh, hello?" she asked quizzically, slightly taken back at his speedy actions.
"Good day to thee fair lady. How lovely you are. Would you grant one as unworthy as myself your name?"
"Miroku, hands off." warned Rin, "Trust me, you don't want to mess with her."
"Uhm, Sango. My name is Sango. Could you please stop kissing my hand?"
"Ahh, Sango, a beautiful name for such a radiant being. Would you do this humble monk the honor of bearing his child?"
Kagome and Rin noticed the sheer look of horror flooded her eyes and braced themselves.
"Bear your chi-child?! How dare you PERVERT!" And so the love struck lecher of a monk lay sprawled on the floor, unconscious as the now seething Sango stepped on, up and over his back to see about the client needing of her skills.
Kagome buried her face in her right hand, resting her elbow on the chairs arm rest. "When will he ever learn?"
"Apparently not anytime soon." Rin groaned along with Kagome. "Kagome, this is Sango. Like I said; she's new here but she does wonders. I've already seen her work, and so I know you will be in good hands. Sango, this is Kagome. She's usually in here to help sweep hair off the floor and minds the front desk. She's not a cosmetologist as we are, but she needed work so I took her in so to speak."
"Rin was a life saver for me. When I started school, I needed some way to get by and I am still forever indebted. So you're Sango?" she extended her hand. "Hi, my name is Kagome and I must say it's an honor to meet you. Nice right hook, I might add." she grinned.
Sango happily accepted her outstretched hand. "I'm Sango. And thank you Kagome. Tell me, is he always like that?"
"He's not so bad as he seems at the moment, but don't -ever- let him 'set you up' with one of his friends."
Rin left the two to chat as Sango evaluated the task at hand as she dragged a staggering Miroku to a chair near the front desk. Better to keep him in close range should he try another move at her most recent employee. Sango could defend herself easily and could accidentally kill the guy, (not that the lecherous tendencies would be missed), but all the same. She didn't feel like going through the process of having been a witness to murder.
After about an hour of cutting, trimming, and scrutinizing, Sango had worked her miracle and Kagome finally had a head of hair worth showing off. She decided to let it stay as long as possible and the layer actually looked like a good match for her. Long explanation short: she was amazed. "Sango… it's… wow. I can still pull it up into a pony tail, too. Oh thank you so much! You're a genius."
"Any time Kagome. So your date was the one who scorched it almost to oblivion? I'll keep in mind not to let him set me up."
Kagome couldn't suppress a chuckle. "You might not have to worry about that, anyway." she was given an odd expression from her new friend. "'Cause I'd say from the spark in his eyes upon first seeing you, I'll wager he'll try to date you himself instead."
"Ha. Fat chance." she retorted as she began sweeping hair off the floor then work station. "Like I'd want someone like him, especially with those wandering hands of his. Does he have no self control?"
"Actually, he could have been worse. He has his ways, Sango. Trust me, I've known him for years. I think he's got a head of steal, though. I mean, after hits like the one you delivered, it's got to be something."
"Thanks for the warning. So when do you work next?" she smiled.
"I think tomorrow I have off and this is my last week of classes. Exams and all that gore is taking place this week then I'm all cap and gown. I think a hair cut was a nice change; kinda goes with the whole 'starting a new' life theme don't you think?" she laughed.
"If you look at it the right way, I guess you could. I think I saw you scheduled for Monday afternoon from 4:00 to close. Did you want to get a bite to eat after work?"
"That would be great Sango. I'd like to get to know you better. Let me go pay for this and we'll swap numbers alright? I got to talk to Rin about work this summer anyway. Oh, before I forget. Here, you've earned this."
Sango gasped as Kagome tried to hand her a twenty dollar tip for her services. "Kagome no, it's too much of a tip. I couldn't possib…"
"Shush. You did earn it. I thought I'd have to suffer with a crew cut and you did a great job. I don't have to suffer humiliation because of you. Please, it would make me feel better. I won't take no for an answer anyway, my friend." she smiled as Sango gingerly accepted with a grateful thank you and made their way to Rin at the front of the salon.
Rin looked up from her reading, (it was slow for a Saturday), and whistled a sexy cat call causing Kagome to blush and Miroku's head fly up. "Looks good Kagome. I knew Sango wouldn't let ya down. By the way, it's on the house."
"Rin, no…"
"As you said: 'I won't take no for an answer anyway.'" she chirped.
Kagome laughed. "Shrew."
"Of course. You leaving us now?"
"Yeah, but I need to talk about hours this summer."
"Alrighty." Rin nodded as she whipped out a pad of paper and pen to jot down Kagome's needed days off. "Fire away!"
"Well you see, I'm taking off for the Shrine this summer to help out my family. Lots of tourists are already flooding the gates so to speak and so my mother, grandfather and brother seem to be a little over whelmed. My mother called to ask if there was a way I could possibly go help them out. I can come in two, three or four times a week for a few hours if that'd be okay?"
"Sure, sure." Rin waved her hands happily and stuck the note in the appointment book. "I think we can work around that. So, business that good huh? I'm very happy for you and your family. Glad it's picking up again after what you said of it being poor the past year."
"Yeah, me too. Thanks Rin, it means an awful lot to me for being so understanding. I'll repay you for everything I promise."
"I know you will Kagome, so don't worry about it. Now you take that fiend of a hoshi out of here before he inches anywhere closer to Sango's assets, and lands in the hospital." she laughed hugging her goodbye.
A loud resounding slap and a thud reached their ears.
"Second that," Rin sighed. "Get him out before he ends up getting himself killed…"
After saying their goodbye's, swapping of phone numbers, and having her scheduling matters discussed, Kagome and Miroku left Rin's Hair Boutique. The sun was beginning to descend and the sky was illuminated with shades of yellow, orange, and read as the clouds were tinted pink. The air slowly grew chilly, no longer warmed by the sun, but the scent of Sakura blossoms were still lingering lightly in the cool breeze. A nice calm washed over the city.
"I think it's going to take me a while to get used to having shorter hair." she mused. "Can only imagine how Mamma is going to react to it."
Miroku gave a hearty chuckle as he draped his right arm around her shoulders leaning her gently into his side. "I'm sure you're Mother is going to love it. Hey, I'm really sorry you had to go through that. I had hoped it would have gone better. However, I know we both believe in things happening for a reason, so in all honesty, I like how your hair turned out."
"Just don't set me up again, all right? Thanks though."
"Mmm hmm. Lady Sango did in fact a very fantastic job. She has great talent that should prove to take her far."
"Far as in what? With hair or with you? Or even -your hair-?" she smirked up at him.
"Ghastly!" he reformed. "I would never…"
"Damn right, she'd kill you first."
"Hn. She's got a fierce swing, that she does, but the pain…"
"'The pain as worth it', I know I know." she sighed then perked up. "Hey, it's about five o'clock right now and I'm getting hungry. So, you want to get a late lunch or dinner, rent a movie, go to the arcade?"
"How about we rent something and bring lunch back with us? I think I could go for a sub of some sort. How about you?" he suggested. "Just no 'chick flicks' if you would please?"
"Who do you take me for? 'Chick flicks.' Pish posh." With a chuckle and happy nod they walked into their favorite local sub and pizza place. She picked out the action thriller while he grabbed a couple bottles of soda, bag of chips, dip, and a couple sandwiches before heading back through the farmers market for home.
The rest of the evening past by uneventfully. The two room mates had watched the movie in the living room while eating an early dinner and agreed that enough "quality time" had been spent that day by around seven-ten that night. Thus currently leading to Miroku's shower in preparation for his date that he would be leaving for in half an hour and Kagome sitting behind her desk finishing writing a ten page thesis based on the history of art culture including Western style painting as well Ancient Japan as part as a final for class Monday. She paused several times chuckling to herself while writing remembering the crazy stories her Grandfather had ranted about over the years of her beloved Shrine home. 'Everything in that shrine has a history according to him. Even the chicken bones buried under the Goshimboku Tree by Buyo.'
Ten minutes later, a finished thesis and a few discarded crumpled sheets of paper later, a soft knock on her door frame snapped the young miko artist out of her thoughts. Looking up to see why he was knocking, she smiled and swiftly let loose a friendly cat-call.
"Wow, Miroku! Lookin' pretty sharp."
Indeed he was. There stood the modern perverted monk wearing a white button up shirt, black bow tie, black slacks, shiny black shoes, dark purple cumber bun around his waist complete with black jacket which was momentarily being sported off by being held draping over his right shoulder, as he leaned against the frame with his left shoulder smiling.
"It's nothing, but thank you."
"Still, you clean up very nicely. May I what the occasion is?" she wondered.
"My date tonight is a pediatric nurse, and the hospital is holding a dance to raise money in benefit for children with cancer at the Masonic Hall in the city. She asked if I'd escort her there this evening. Ah, such a splendid woman with a good heart."
"And splendid curves, am I right? So she asked you, did she? Some how, I find it a bit hard to believe she asked you first before you had the chance to work your so called 'charm' on her." she remarked leaning back in her chair crossing her arms across her chest. "If you had charmed her like you tried this morning with Sango, I'm sure you'd be sporting a black and blue eye to match the attire this evening."
"Buddha must be on my side today, it appears." he sighed dreamily picturing the new love of his life, Sango, before continuing. "The reason I interrupt is because I wanted to ask if you would like to join in the festivities as well. There will be many men there as well as the beauties for the taking. Successful Doctors, Kags; and it'll be beneficial to the children. Can't go wrong." he winked. "Say you'll come along."
Sighing with a sad smile, Kagome looked at her friend with appreciation for being concerned for her happiness and then dread as she chuckled in response, "If it's anything like those dates you've set me up on the past couple of years, chances are toes will be trampled, the punch will be spilt on the floor, pastries galore, and I don't even want to get on the topic of lit candles…" she trailed off. "As fun as it sounds, Miroku, and how nice of you to ask, I think I'd rather take a bath and crash early, tonight. Besides, I'd feel too out of place."
"Oh come on. It's not like I'm setting you up this time. Sit on the side lines if you'd like. Pick a partner at your own leisure. The music should prove to be good, as there will be a live band, easy jazz, and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, no match making by me, my word as a monk-in-training."
Watching him bow low to her, she felt guilt and temptation over whelm her senses. What could going out for one evening to enjoy music she did enjoy listening to and dressing up for this once hurt? Well, she was one to try new things and hey, no blind dates. "How long till you leave?" she finally relented, though presenting an award winning smile towards her best friend.
"I shall call Ayme to let her know she has an extra half hour to prepare so that leaves you with almost an hour I'd say. Will that be enough time?" he beamed, please she decided to go out for an evening.
"How formal? Gowns or semi-formal, and also how much?"
"I shall worry about the funding and leave the dressing up to you."
"Miroku, at least let me pay half of the fee, it's got to be expensive."
Ignoring her offer, he decided to help her start getting ready by poking around her closet, jacket still slung over his shoulder. "Hmm. Ah ha! Hai, I think that this lovely dress you wore that one evening would be perfect, dearest Kagome. It makes this monk very humbled to have you accept his offer to an evening out."
"Hai, blue dress it is and I think an hour will be more than enough time. Please wait in the living room for me, then?"
"Certainly fair lady." He gently laid the midnight blue dress onto her bed and proceeded towards the kitchen to call his date to inform her of the slight change in plans.
"Well, who knows. Might find prince charming at the masquerade ball." she mused feeling a slight pick me up attitude over take her. So with a curt nod to herself and standing up to stretch out her sore muscles, she set out about getting ready for her evening of music and dancing. "Let's do this," she smiled, and headed off for the bathroom to shower and do her hair.
I apologize if this is a bit late. Life finally caught up with me and so I found there were things I needed to do.
Clearwater-Faerie: "I wonder, is Sango going to be in this story?"
I hope you approve of Sango's debut to this story in this chapter. I wouldn't dream of leaving Miroku alone, however, the two major characters are going to be InuYasha and Kagome, but I promise to do my best to include the others.
Thank you to those of you reading and adding the story to your favorites list and a much appreciated thank you to those who review. I appreciate you all reading.
Please review if you've the time.
-MC '
Disclaimer: I do not own the InuYasha characters but I did create this story.
"..." Speaking
'...' Thoughts
Our World Is A Canvas
Chapter Three: Enter Sango: Goddess of Hair and Fury
The appointment was called in and set while the dishes were piled in the sink with a generous amount of liquid soap to soak as miko and lecher abandoned the apartment for their day of errands. Kagome had some how managed to find a bandana to cover over her mass of hair, or disaster area as some would describe it, instead of that hat theory she thought up earlier. Grabbing light jackets and her keys from the wall hook, the two friends left to start their day.
The day was a warm and welcoming one. With the sun shining and white puffy clouds dotting the blue sky, fresh blossoms of Sakura trees, roses, lilacs and other such plant growth happily made their seasonal debut from the bitter winter snow, and permeated the air with their sweet gentle fragrances. Laughter of young children echoed as they played in the park. Many folks were out and about with cheery smiles as they went about their daily outings or spontaneous routines and Miroku was praising the Kami's that jogging season was back in full swing. Not for his health mind you, just to enjoy his usual hobby of "being able to scope out the latest fashion of clothing for womankind," as he mildly put it.
Arms linked together, they strolled through a farmers market bustling with people buying and selling fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and different meat products here and there of all sorts of varieties. The smells were too enticing to pass up the opportunity to buy something just to taste, so after about a ten minute walk about, Kagome settled on munching on a plum while Miroku opted to taste a juicy cucumber before heading back on their journey to the hair salon that was established just across the street.
The salon wasn't a huge establishment. Just large enough to seat three or four clients with the usual hair dryers and sinks towards the back of the shop with stations against the wall to the left set for manicures and such. Mirrors lined the walls along with shelves containing hair, facial, and other assortments for beauty-type care, as well as several comfortable chairs for those waiting their turn. A fresh stack of fashion and hair magazines were neatly piled on a couple tables and other larger scaled photos hung around the salon as well.
The owner must have finally been able to have the air conditioning system fixed for a cool breeze greeting the pair as they strode through the door causing a small dainty bell to ring signaling their arrival.
A girl in her late teens had a white phone squashed between her left shoulder and ear while jotting down a name and time in the shops' appointment book. She had beautiful brown hair pulled up in a pony tail and sparkling, innocent brown eyes. With the click of returning the phone to its base, a smile spread infectiously across her face.
"Kagome! It's so nice to see you on your day off. What brings you in today? A day of pampering perhaps?"
"Afternoon Rin," Kagome greeted. "As nice as that sounds, and well deserved I might add," with a quick glare to her companion who now had his hands jammed into his pants pockets rocking slightly on his heels and toes, "I need a disaster fixed as I mentioned on the phone."
"Oh Miroku. She only sounds like that after one of her blind dates or a bombed exam which, by the way, doesn't happen that often… Well come with me then, and we'll see what we can do for you."
"Try not to laugh, okay?" Once seated in a comfortable leather chair, Kagome slowly unleashed the fury beneath the bandana with a heavy sigh. "And?"
The young stylists' jaw dropped immensely with wide unbelieving eyes. "Oh good heavens! What did you do to her?!"
Miroku followed through with his all too familiar trademark of guilt resting his hand behind his head looking rather guilty under Rin's glare. "It was an accident. Hee hee. Clumsy friends?" he shrugged as Kagome snorted with crossed arms.
She slowly shook her head with pity as she inspected Kagome's hair. She picked at it carefully, picking up strands slowly pulling away from the scalp and up watching the many different lengths fall, and examined for split ends. "Hmm. I think maybe a layered cut might help make the, erm, diverse lengths look good though it'll be just above your shoulders, pending on how it lifts after the weight is gone. I think there's hope for you yet." she patted Kagome's shoulder reassuringly. "Wait here a sec, okay? There's a new girl here who could fix this better than I can."
As quickly as she left, Rin lead a taller girl in what Kagome guessed to be in her early or mid twenties with long brown hair pulled up in a high pony tail. A thin line of pink eye liner showed off her elegant face and soft smile. Miroku of course was ultimately stunned by her features. Curves in all the right places, a graceful stride with her head held high with confidence. 'Simply amazing.' he thought racing up to her, bowing humbly.
"Uh, hello?" she asked quizzically, slightly taken back at his speedy actions.
"Good day to thee fair lady. How lovely you are. Would you grant one as unworthy as myself your name?"
"Miroku, hands off." warned Rin, "Trust me, you don't want to mess with her."
"Uhm, Sango. My name is Sango. Could you please stop kissing my hand?"
"Ahh, Sango, a beautiful name for such a radiant being. Would you do this humble monk the honor of bearing his child?"
Kagome and Rin noticed the sheer look of horror flooded her eyes and braced themselves.
"Bear your chi-child?! How dare you PERVERT!" And so the love struck lecher of a monk lay sprawled on the floor, unconscious as the now seething Sango stepped on, up and over his back to see about the client needing of her skills.
Kagome buried her face in her right hand, resting her elbow on the chairs arm rest. "When will he ever learn?"
"Apparently not anytime soon." Rin groaned along with Kagome. "Kagome, this is Sango. Like I said; she's new here but she does wonders. I've already seen her work, and so I know you will be in good hands. Sango, this is Kagome. She's usually in here to help sweep hair off the floor and minds the front desk. She's not a cosmetologist as we are, but she needed work so I took her in so to speak."
"Rin was a life saver for me. When I started school, I needed some way to get by and I am still forever indebted. So you're Sango?" she extended her hand. "Hi, my name is Kagome and I must say it's an honor to meet you. Nice right hook, I might add." she grinned.
Sango happily accepted her outstretched hand. "I'm Sango. And thank you Kagome. Tell me, is he always like that?"
"He's not so bad as he seems at the moment, but don't -ever- let him 'set you up' with one of his friends."
Rin left the two to chat as Sango evaluated the task at hand as she dragged a staggering Miroku to a chair near the front desk. Better to keep him in close range should he try another move at her most recent employee. Sango could defend herself easily and could accidentally kill the guy, (not that the lecherous tendencies would be missed), but all the same. She didn't feel like going through the process of having been a witness to murder.
After about an hour of cutting, trimming, and scrutinizing, Sango had worked her miracle and Kagome finally had a head of hair worth showing off. She decided to let it stay as long as possible and the layer actually looked like a good match for her. Long explanation short: she was amazed. "Sango… it's… wow. I can still pull it up into a pony tail, too. Oh thank you so much! You're a genius."
"Any time Kagome. So your date was the one who scorched it almost to oblivion? I'll keep in mind not to let him set me up."
Kagome couldn't suppress a chuckle. "You might not have to worry about that, anyway." she was given an odd expression from her new friend. "'Cause I'd say from the spark in his eyes upon first seeing you, I'll wager he'll try to date you himself instead."
"Ha. Fat chance." she retorted as she began sweeping hair off the floor then work station. "Like I'd want someone like him, especially with those wandering hands of his. Does he have no self control?"
"Actually, he could have been worse. He has his ways, Sango. Trust me, I've known him for years. I think he's got a head of steal, though. I mean, after hits like the one you delivered, it's got to be something."
"Thanks for the warning. So when do you work next?" she smiled.
"I think tomorrow I have off and this is my last week of classes. Exams and all that gore is taking place this week then I'm all cap and gown. I think a hair cut was a nice change; kinda goes with the whole 'starting a new' life theme don't you think?" she laughed.
"If you look at it the right way, I guess you could. I think I saw you scheduled for Monday afternoon from 4:00 to close. Did you want to get a bite to eat after work?"
"That would be great Sango. I'd like to get to know you better. Let me go pay for this and we'll swap numbers alright? I got to talk to Rin about work this summer anyway. Oh, before I forget. Here, you've earned this."
Sango gasped as Kagome tried to hand her a twenty dollar tip for her services. "Kagome no, it's too much of a tip. I couldn't possib…"
"Shush. You did earn it. I thought I'd have to suffer with a crew cut and you did a great job. I don't have to suffer humiliation because of you. Please, it would make me feel better. I won't take no for an answer anyway, my friend." she smiled as Sango gingerly accepted with a grateful thank you and made their way to Rin at the front of the salon.
Rin looked up from her reading, (it was slow for a Saturday), and whistled a sexy cat call causing Kagome to blush and Miroku's head fly up. "Looks good Kagome. I knew Sango wouldn't let ya down. By the way, it's on the house."
"Rin, no…"
"As you said: 'I won't take no for an answer anyway.'" she chirped.
Kagome laughed. "Shrew."
"Of course. You leaving us now?"
"Yeah, but I need to talk about hours this summer."
"Alrighty." Rin nodded as she whipped out a pad of paper and pen to jot down Kagome's needed days off. "Fire away!"
"Well you see, I'm taking off for the Shrine this summer to help out my family. Lots of tourists are already flooding the gates so to speak and so my mother, grandfather and brother seem to be a little over whelmed. My mother called to ask if there was a way I could possibly go help them out. I can come in two, three or four times a week for a few hours if that'd be okay?"
"Sure, sure." Rin waved her hands happily and stuck the note in the appointment book. "I think we can work around that. So, business that good huh? I'm very happy for you and your family. Glad it's picking up again after what you said of it being poor the past year."
"Yeah, me too. Thanks Rin, it means an awful lot to me for being so understanding. I'll repay you for everything I promise."
"I know you will Kagome, so don't worry about it. Now you take that fiend of a hoshi out of here before he inches anywhere closer to Sango's assets, and lands in the hospital." she laughed hugging her goodbye.
A loud resounding slap and a thud reached their ears.
"Second that," Rin sighed. "Get him out before he ends up getting himself killed…"
After saying their goodbye's, swapping of phone numbers, and having her scheduling matters discussed, Kagome and Miroku left Rin's Hair Boutique. The sun was beginning to descend and the sky was illuminated with shades of yellow, orange, and read as the clouds were tinted pink. The air slowly grew chilly, no longer warmed by the sun, but the scent of Sakura blossoms were still lingering lightly in the cool breeze. A nice calm washed over the city.
"I think it's going to take me a while to get used to having shorter hair." she mused. "Can only imagine how Mamma is going to react to it."
Miroku gave a hearty chuckle as he draped his right arm around her shoulders leaning her gently into his side. "I'm sure you're Mother is going to love it. Hey, I'm really sorry you had to go through that. I had hoped it would have gone better. However, I know we both believe in things happening for a reason, so in all honesty, I like how your hair turned out."
"Just don't set me up again, all right? Thanks though."
"Mmm hmm. Lady Sango did in fact a very fantastic job. She has great talent that should prove to take her far."
"Far as in what? With hair or with you? Or even -your hair-?" she smirked up at him.
"Ghastly!" he reformed. "I would never…"
"Damn right, she'd kill you first."
"Hn. She's got a fierce swing, that she does, but the pain…"
"'The pain as worth it', I know I know." she sighed then perked up. "Hey, it's about five o'clock right now and I'm getting hungry. So, you want to get a late lunch or dinner, rent a movie, go to the arcade?"
"How about we rent something and bring lunch back with us? I think I could go for a sub of some sort. How about you?" he suggested. "Just no 'chick flicks' if you would please?"
"Who do you take me for? 'Chick flicks.' Pish posh." With a chuckle and happy nod they walked into their favorite local sub and pizza place. She picked out the action thriller while he grabbed a couple bottles of soda, bag of chips, dip, and a couple sandwiches before heading back through the farmers market for home.
The rest of the evening past by uneventfully. The two room mates had watched the movie in the living room while eating an early dinner and agreed that enough "quality time" had been spent that day by around seven-ten that night. Thus currently leading to Miroku's shower in preparation for his date that he would be leaving for in half an hour and Kagome sitting behind her desk finishing writing a ten page thesis based on the history of art culture including Western style painting as well Ancient Japan as part as a final for class Monday. She paused several times chuckling to herself while writing remembering the crazy stories her Grandfather had ranted about over the years of her beloved Shrine home. 'Everything in that shrine has a history according to him. Even the chicken bones buried under the Goshimboku Tree by Buyo.'
Ten minutes later, a finished thesis and a few discarded crumpled sheets of paper later, a soft knock on her door frame snapped the young miko artist out of her thoughts. Looking up to see why he was knocking, she smiled and swiftly let loose a friendly cat-call.
"Wow, Miroku! Lookin' pretty sharp."
Indeed he was. There stood the modern perverted monk wearing a white button up shirt, black bow tie, black slacks, shiny black shoes, dark purple cumber bun around his waist complete with black jacket which was momentarily being sported off by being held draping over his right shoulder, as he leaned against the frame with his left shoulder smiling.
"It's nothing, but thank you."
"Still, you clean up very nicely. May I what the occasion is?" she wondered.
"My date tonight is a pediatric nurse, and the hospital is holding a dance to raise money in benefit for children with cancer at the Masonic Hall in the city. She asked if I'd escort her there this evening. Ah, such a splendid woman with a good heart."
"And splendid curves, am I right? So she asked you, did she? Some how, I find it a bit hard to believe she asked you first before you had the chance to work your so called 'charm' on her." she remarked leaning back in her chair crossing her arms across her chest. "If you had charmed her like you tried this morning with Sango, I'm sure you'd be sporting a black and blue eye to match the attire this evening."
"Buddha must be on my side today, it appears." he sighed dreamily picturing the new love of his life, Sango, before continuing. "The reason I interrupt is because I wanted to ask if you would like to join in the festivities as well. There will be many men there as well as the beauties for the taking. Successful Doctors, Kags; and it'll be beneficial to the children. Can't go wrong." he winked. "Say you'll come along."
Sighing with a sad smile, Kagome looked at her friend with appreciation for being concerned for her happiness and then dread as she chuckled in response, "If it's anything like those dates you've set me up on the past couple of years, chances are toes will be trampled, the punch will be spilt on the floor, pastries galore, and I don't even want to get on the topic of lit candles…" she trailed off. "As fun as it sounds, Miroku, and how nice of you to ask, I think I'd rather take a bath and crash early, tonight. Besides, I'd feel too out of place."
"Oh come on. It's not like I'm setting you up this time. Sit on the side lines if you'd like. Pick a partner at your own leisure. The music should prove to be good, as there will be a live band, easy jazz, and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, no match making by me, my word as a monk-in-training."
Watching him bow low to her, she felt guilt and temptation over whelm her senses. What could going out for one evening to enjoy music she did enjoy listening to and dressing up for this once hurt? Well, she was one to try new things and hey, no blind dates. "How long till you leave?" she finally relented, though presenting an award winning smile towards her best friend.
"I shall call Ayme to let her know she has an extra half hour to prepare so that leaves you with almost an hour I'd say. Will that be enough time?" he beamed, please she decided to go out for an evening.
"How formal? Gowns or semi-formal, and also how much?"
"I shall worry about the funding and leave the dressing up to you."
"Miroku, at least let me pay half of the fee, it's got to be expensive."
Ignoring her offer, he decided to help her start getting ready by poking around her closet, jacket still slung over his shoulder. "Hmm. Ah ha! Hai, I think that this lovely dress you wore that one evening would be perfect, dearest Kagome. It makes this monk very humbled to have you accept his offer to an evening out."
"Hai, blue dress it is and I think an hour will be more than enough time. Please wait in the living room for me, then?"
"Certainly fair lady." He gently laid the midnight blue dress onto her bed and proceeded towards the kitchen to call his date to inform her of the slight change in plans.
"Well, who knows. Might find prince charming at the masquerade ball." she mused feeling a slight pick me up attitude over take her. So with a curt nod to herself and standing up to stretch out her sore muscles, she set out about getting ready for her evening of music and dancing. "Let's do this," she smiled, and headed off for the bathroom to shower and do her hair.
I apologize if this is a bit late. Life finally caught up with me and so I found there were things I needed to do.
Clearwater-Faerie: "I wonder, is Sango going to be in this story?"
I hope you approve of Sango's debut to this story in this chapter. I wouldn't dream of leaving Miroku alone, however, the two major characters are going to be InuYasha and Kagome, but I promise to do my best to include the others.
Thank you to those of you reading and adding the story to your favorites list and a much appreciated thank you to those who review. I appreciate you all reading.
Please review if you've the time.
-MC '