There was no day off. Whether helping or working at the hotel, having some other part time job for extra cash, or going to school, Sango was ALWAYS busy. It sometimes seemed the only vacation she was granted was a night's sleep. That wasn't saying much because Sango normally got six hours. Even when she had time off from college due to no scheduled classes, the occasional holiday, or teacher meeting, Sango wasn't allowed to screw around. There was no such thing as too much studying.
Thus, Sango sat at the low-set table with books in front and around her, still in sleeping yukata. The mussed futon splayed almost directly behind her, mostly to keep from being seen and a temptation this early. Despite the alarm Kagome-chan set to get only herself up, Sango forced herself as well to pick through a few chapters. She knew it was only polite to offer to help, but they both knew she couldn't do much. Judging by the smell, look, or feel of cooking something wasn't as easy as it sounded; it was hard to master and Sango could only assume her friend learned from her mother.
A pencil tapped over her textbook as Sango propped her chin up. Sometimes her friend was an enigma. Kagome-chan arrived at the hotel years before her and all Sango knew was the woman stumbled in. She didn't want to pry and ask questions to her senpai, but at times it made her feel like she knew a stranger. Often Sango wanted to open her mouth, but feared causing a rift. The first time she set foot in the hotel about a job, Kagome-chan was the one to make her feel welcome. Kagome-chan, having more experience, counseled and comforted her in difficult times in the beginning.
Heaving a sigh, Sango tried to get herself back on track. She shifted with intent on using the different position to refresh herself and immediately regretted it. Spending an unknown time sitting on her legs, both feet were numb and the backs of her knees highly protested. Sango sat back on her rear and flopped onto her futon, arms throwing wide as she waited to use her legs again.
Some minutes later, footsteps neared and the bedroom door slid open. Sango couldn't see who it was due to staring at the ceiling and her legs blocking the view, but she assumed the pause was due to surprise.
Brown eyes blinked hard and looked to make sure her fellow hotel resident wasn't hurt or she was imagining things. "Ano...Sango-san?"
Hoisting herself on elbows and dropping legs out of the way, Sango looked across the short space. "Yes Rin?"
"Kagome-san said to come get you while she set the table."
Was breakfast ready so quickly? Or had she really been studying so long? Whatever it was, Sango stood and situated her yukata as best as possible with only kohishimo keeping it closed. The pair ascended the flight of stairs and went to the back. Sango turned for the chabudai, but Rin made for the kitchen. Sango ignored the stares as she settled on her zabuton. She watched the table, listening to the others putter around.
"I hope Rin didn't wake you too harshly Sango."
Sango tried to keep from gritting her teeth lest her hostess see. She didn't miss the subtle hint to her attire and that she didn't change for breakfast or tie the upper folds properly for a woman.(1) But having remained in her room the entire time, Sango told herself not to get angry for assumed laziness. She pasted on a small smile and turned to her senpai. "Actually Kikyou-sama, I've been studying since Kagome-chan woke up."
Kaede leaned forward and set her teacup on a small coaster. "Doesn't your schedule say you have today off Sango?"
Brown shifted. "I do Kaede-obaasan, but I don't want to miss the opportunity to get some extra studying in. I have no work either, so this is a good opportunity to get ahead."
The trio turned at minute rattling. "Sango-chan...are you still in your sleepwear?"
Sango smiled despite the chastisement, feeling a little conscious of near nakedness. "Gomen Kagome-chan...I have been made aware of my fault." Brown resisted looking at Kikyou-sama with her defense.
"Good dress habits show your character." Kikyou murmured, sipping her tea.
Sango stood, unable to sit and let herself be lectured, especially this early in the morning. She pasted on a smile at startling her friend. "Let me help you put dishes on the table Kagome-chan."
Kagome blinked. "Eh? No Sango-chan; I DID wake up you up after all."
A hand waved as Sango started for the other room. "Nonsense Kagome-chan. You allowed me to get some needed reading done. This will be my thanks."
Breakfast was quiet and mildly small since the twins and Ayame-chan were at their dorm. Sango took an extra break to help wash and dry the dishes before excusing herself from tea to continue.
Time slipped by as western and Latin terms and katakana swarmed around Sango's brain. She opened the balcony door for extra light and folded the futon for space. One arm propped up her head on the table against the mass of hair in a low ponytail, legs again folded underneath.
The shadows created by early morning sun shifted a few inches. Having only a simple alarm clock - one Kagome-chan put away after each use - Sango had no clue to the hour. She managed to concentrate quite well the entire time and get ahead two chapters with plenty of notes to show for it. She was almost through an extra chapter in a different class when the door suddenly opened. In an instant, the bubble surrounding the room popped.
"Gomen Sango-chan, I don't mean to bother you while you're studying, but I need to get something from here."
Sango followed her friend in blatant curiosity. Her friend respected the wish for solitude when she studied, so if Kagome-chan needed something, she must've waited as long as possible before coming in. "It's fine Kagome-chan." She assured, still in position. The pencil rested in her hand as she resisted propping her head up. She took quite enough of the room with the silent allowance to let her be; the last thing she wanted was to give the impression that she was barged in on a shared room. Dark brown furrowed as a bag was pulled out. "Are you going somewhere Kagome-chan?"
"Mm." Kagome turned and smiled for a second before going back to rummaging. Being organized, it didn't take long to find her suits. "Kikyou-sama says since we're all idling around, we could go to class and spend some time there."
Sango continued watching with raised brows as Kagome-chan packed everything and zipped it closed. It sounded fun, when was the last time she'd been there? It'd been a week or two, but maybe longer - they normally went as a group and her studies usually kept her grounded. Like now.
Kagome stood and shouldered the small mass. She looked down with a congenial, inviting look. "Would you like to come with us Sango-chan? We'll only be two or three hours at the most."
It was a shaky offer and they both knew it. More study time meant better comprehension, more correct answers on tests, and therefore higher grades. Everyone in the hotel knew of her seriousness to get her degree in nursing and a good job to take care of her ototo. As much as Sango could say a few chapters were good enough, the load she had was not to be judged lightly. Her teachers would not be lax, so she shouldn't either.
It was a hard road, college was. The competition to get good grades, graduate well into the upper class, and get a job based on that was a constant, silent pressure.(2) The others at the hotel who went to college were the only ones who fully understood. Sometimes Sango felt like an utter loner with as much time as she spent away from her fellow roommates, but it was an unmanageable.
Sango's lips pressed together as she looked to the desk. "Gomen Kagome-chan."
Kagome's smile fell a degree before it quickly picked up while her friend's attention was diverted. "I understand Sango-chan. Your studies come first."
The fist at her side clenched. She could tell the small tone change and felt a little guilty. Bangs shadowed her eyes as she sat in mental turmoil in that realization.
"Well then...I will get out of your way. Please have something to eat though. There are some leftovers if you don't feel like fixing anything."
Sango listened to her friend pad to the door to open and close it. Her jaw clenched. Isolation hit hard as footsteps almost slowly headed down the hall.
Defeat, guilt, isolation, responsibility, hard work, fun, friends, and family all converged at once. Sango knew what should be done versus what she could be doing. She knew it was easy to leave her work and have fun, but if she did that she would neglect everything she wanted to get done today. What she wanted to get finished was uncertain; she was only using the free time to get through as many chapters as possible.
The steps soon died as her friend surely headed downstairs to meet the others at the front door. Sango's shoulders hunched. It seemed the choice was made for her. And now there would be only Kaede-obaasan to keep company, but the only thing the elderly woman would bother her for was a partner for tea.
Frustrated tears burned as Sango almost spitefully took in the room. Never had she felt more alone. Part of her yearned to decimate that and after a second of dwelling in it, it took hold before she could fight it. Sango shot to her feet and immediately fell. Another length of time weakened her legs and she all but crashed over the mini table. She cried out and grit her teeth against the small bout of pain. Catching her breath from such surprise, she lay there for a second.
"Matte..." She breathed, inching upward.
Sango stood, shaking hair from her eyes and pulling her yukata tighter. Brown eyed the mess, but left it. If she stopped, she would not only miss them, but realize her foolishness. She almost wanted to get her bag out and throw everything in, but she was unpresentable. There was no time to get dressed until she could buy five minutes once she caught up with them.
She threw the door open, all but banging it against the frame on the other side, and tried to hurry with the yukata around her legs. 'Matte...matte kudasai!'
This urge to be with someone grasped her heart and emotions. Too much time alone strangled her and she needed human contact right now. Sango couldn't - and DIDN'T - want to fight it and tried to think of where they'd be. She should check outside, but it was better to go on a balcony instead of running all the way down. "Matte! Please wait!"
"Sango-chan? Are you okay?"
Sango skidded to a halt in the narrow passage, nearly losing her balance and banging into the wall as she made to head downstairs to catch them despite rational thought. "K - Kagome-chan?" She breathed, heart pounding as the voice floated down. Hope and curiosity appeared...they weren't WAITING for her were they?
Kagome's head popped out of the sitting room as she hopped steps to the upper level, a smile on her face. "Sango-chan, you don't have your stuff together yet?" Her brows furrowed.
Sango blinked in bemusement. "My stuff..."
Rin's head popped out next to her friend's. "Hai Sango-san. Kagome-san wanted to give you a few minutes in case you changed your mind." Rin's brow furrowed. "Are you okay? We heard a crash."
Friends were the best and this just proved it. Sango's eyes closed to hide tears of gratitude. Bangs concealed her eyes as her head bowed. "Arigatou minna...if you will give me five minutes tops, I will be ready to go."
Kagome's eyes followed her friend. "Take your time Sango-chan. We wouldn't want you to get hurt if you injured yourself."
Sango was true to her word. Still disregarding the mess with the vow to pick it up later - and continue studying when they got back - she grabbed her bag and outfits, stuffing everything in haphazardly. A regular t-shirt and jeans was thrown on, her yukata left on the floor to be picked up later. Really, Kagome-chan would be quite upset with her for making and leaving such a mess, but right now Sango was too happy with her friends to care.
Skipping steps, she paused on the next level and grinned. "I'm ready, let's go!"
-.-.-.-
The phone rang again and Inuyasha sighed as he realized whoever it was wasn't going to let up until he picked up. Mildly irritated at pausing in his work on the latest webpage, Inuyasha made for the phone stand across from him.
"Jouryuu residence, Inuyasha speaking."
"About time you picked up, you lazy ass."
Inuyasha sighed. "What do you want now? Don't you have work or something to be doing? I know I do."
A grin formed as he paced the apartment, getting things put together. "Not today - can you believe I get a day off work now and then? And if I do, then so do you. Now put some things together. We're going out."
Hazel rolled. "But UNLIKE you, I prefer to not take the day off until I actually have free time. Offer declined Miroku - go by yourself."
"You don't even know where I'm going!" Miroku retorted, zipping up a duffle. "Come on, it'll be fun. I haven't been out to my favorite place in a while and you normally come with me, so I know it's been a while for you too. Get your stuff ready and be waiting for me."
"No." He practically ground out. "I've got work to do."
"Let it wait. We'll only be a few hours max...then you can get back to your workaholic schedule."
Inuyasha looked rather put out. He stared at the computer screen full of codes he was working on. He didn't like being disturbed when he was in the middle of the good stuff. Just because Miroku had it in his head to have some fun didn't mean he had to drag everyone else in with it. A day off? Big deal. That only made him even more behind and his employers wouldn't like him gallivanting around Tokyo when he should be working.
Inuyasha leaned against the wall, arm wrapping around his waist to support the other holding the phone. "I find it hard that Sesshoumaru would let you have time off. You call ME a workaholic...isn't he working on three different projects at once or something?"
Miroku snorted. "He's doing routine cleaning of the office. A lot of people are helping, but only so many people can be in those file rooms without being too crowded. I put in some time already...and now I get the rest of the day off."
"Didn't know Sesshoumaru was the giving type."
"Enough of that - quit stalling and get ready! We're going to the normal spot."
Inuyasha sighed. "I've got too much work to do!" He protested, not ready to give up, though the sound of a good workout wasn't that bad. Naturally, he loitered the apartment constantly the past few days, only going on the balcony when he needed to stretch his legs from the chair.
Miroku gave the wall a mildly annoyed look. "I'm not taking no for an offer. I'm already ready and if you don't have everything put together and waiting for me by the time I get there, I won't forgive you for making me travel the whole way when I could skip your apartment and go straight there."
"This's your idea not mine!" Inuyasha grit. It was no use. Miroku had hung up. Almost slamming the phone down, Inuyasha plopped into his chair, clasping fingers together to prop his head up. "This's just great...why did that dumb ass have to pick me to go with him? Doesn't he know anyone else?"
Miroku was just being friendly, Inuyasha knew this. His friend was also right in when he said that they hadn't been out together to that spot in some time. It'd been since around February or beginning March at least. What could he say? They both had busy work schedules that were demanding. Free time was in short supply.
Swiveling away from the computer screen, Inuyasha knew he didn't want to be on the bad side of his friend. Miroku was a nice guy unless you seriously pissed him off and then he was not a happy person to be around. Growling a little, Inuyasha shoved himself from the chair with an irate look. "Stupid, annoying, insisting moron. Why did he have to be my friend?"
Throwing a few necessary things in a bag, Inuyasha zipped it and headed to his desk. He carefully saved everything and shut it down; giving the energy meter a break for a bit whilst he was out. Heaving a sigh, disbelieving he was so lenient, even to someone he knew, Inuyasha made for his shoes. He dropped keys in the bag and started for the entrance doors.
Miroku was there not too long after. Living in the next district up, it was easy for him to get to a train station and find a quick route over. The walk wasn't long either, and thankfully it was plenty warm - despite it being the raining season right now - and didn't slow him any.
Miroku grinned when Inuyasha pushed the entrance doors open with a mildly disgruntled look. "I see you managed to get ready in time."
A glare formed. "Don't give me that shit Enzen. I just know what it's like to piss you off. You're quite annoying when you're mad."
A sly look donned Miroku's face. "Nice to see you see things my way. Shall we go? It's a few minute walk to the station."
Throwing the strap around his head, Inuyasha rested a hand over the length of his bag and wordlessly kept in step with his friend.
-.-.-.-
"One, two three! One, two, three! Watch your legs in the back. Raise the arms and to the left. One, two, three! Now to the right."
Ten minutes later, partially exhausted and half-sweaty, the four walked out of class with a towel around their necks. Sango heaved a sigh, a glow on her face from such exertion, but feeling better that she came and had no regrets about leaving everything where it was.
"Okay Sango-chan...shall we play with the machines next?"
Sango grinned and bowed. "Lead the way Kagome-chan, I'll use whatever you wish."
Rin watched the pair leave. "Do you want to use the machines as well Kikyou-sama?"
Kikyou mutely nodded, giving a congenial look to the young woman. "Let's not stay on one too long though, shall we Rin?" The second pair continued after the first while Kikyou wiped down an arm with her towel. The comfortable temperatures soon turned cold and she wanted to get working again to warm up.
Sango took an exercise bike next to her friend, watching a news report on a nearby ceiling tv with half interest. "Nee Kagome-chan?"
"What is it Sango-chan?"
Sango smiled, eyes on the tv. "Thanks for waiting for me today."
Kagome smiled. "I can't begin to understand the depth of duty on your shoulders Sango-chan, but I do realize it is very hard work. Helping you study the few times I have makes me see this."
"But...how did you know I wanted to come along?"
Kagome's lips twitched higher as she looked over, finding curious brown on her. "The look in your eyes screamed out to me. I asked Kikyou-sama to give us a few minutes more before we left. I figured it wouldn't take you long."
Sango sheepishly laughed, suddenly paying more attention as the speed in the bike program turned up two levels.
The group took turns on many of the running and bike machines, soon using almost every weight machine for a few rep sets. Sango wanted to run a few laps on the upstairs track, but Kikyou-sama said it would be a good idea for them to practice their Aikidou to keep from getting rusty. Sango gave in, since she didn't want to run alone and because Kagome-chan agreed as well.
Considering the fact that all four were not in proper attire to practice such a martial arts - leotards, shorts, and tights not appropriate - Kikyou wanted them to change into sets offered by the club for those types of exercises. They made a quick stop in the women's dressing room and exited in more traditional hakama and haori tops.
The four spotted an empty aerobics room, making a note to watch out for when the next class came in, and propped the door closed. Since Rin was still learning much of Aikido, Kikyou put Sango and Kagome together and paired up with Rin to teach her.
The pair bowed to each other and with dual 'onegai shimasu', adopted a fighting stance and fierce look. Both started training shortly after working at the hotel as a mandatory rule. Aikidou was more of a defense martial art than offense, but there were a few things to help the learner fight back without seriously injuring their opponent. It was perfect because if one of their clients tried to come at any of them, they could avoid harsh feelings by seriously hurting them after the whole thing blew over.
Kagome-chan had more years than her for sure, but Sango liked these kinds of things and her enthusiasm helped her catch up. It didn't take her long to get most of the moves down and though she only practiced when they came to the gym, her memory of everything was very good.
The pair waited for what seemed an eternity, trying to figure who would defend versus who would offer to attack. There was no spoken rule about who should go first, but both offense and defense needed to be used to create a situation the other could try and get out of. Sango's eyes narrowed the barest of slits before she moved forward with a false punch, using the momentum to spin around into a hook kick.
With barely any time to think, Kagome threw both arms to the side of her face, stepping into the length of her friend's leg to lose any connection her friend's foot might've made. Hands shot out as she grabbed Sango-chan's top and a leg shot out, sweeping the only foot on the floor out from under her. Brown eyes widened as she instinctively latched onto anything to keep her from falling, but Kagome's grip was firm as well as her stance.
Kagome smiled. "One point for me." She announced.
Sango smoothed her uniform top with a smile. "You are in good form today Kagome-chan."
Kagome fixed the sleeves on her top to sit better and adopted another guarded stance. "I feel energetic is all." Again, the pair stared each other down in anticipation to see who would budge first and attack.
0-
"Would you LOOK at all this? Machines, exercise rooms, lap track, hot and sweaty women in skimpy outfits..."
Hazel eyes swept the area in embarrassment in case anyone heard that normal voice tone comment. "Will you behave while you're here? We don't need any crap that might get us thrown out again."
Miroku sniffed in distain, head tilting up as he started for the changing room. "I merely complimented the young woman on her choice of matching outfit is all. She had good taste - should I have let the opportunity to flatter her fly by me?"
The look Inuyasha adopted clearly said he didn't buy it. "I remember damn well what happened and I'm not even going to repeat what you ACTUALLY said. Fucking hentai." He grumbled, pushing the door open.
"Inuyasha, you wound me!" Miroku threw a hand to his chest as a few men looked at them in surprise at the outburst. "Such cruel words...and here I was kind enough to bring you along with me."
"You dragged me here!" He grit out, opening his locker and trying not to cause a scene. He could already feel a few eyes and it caused him to slowly retreat to the side a little more.
Miroku opened the one next to his with a smile. "You needed some air. When was the last time you went out? That time I remember us all going together not too long ago comes to mind."
Inuyasha knew all too well what Miroku was talking about; the tone of voice insinuated it. "I'm not getting into THAT with you right here." He murmured, pulling the t-shirt over his head.
Miroku followed suit and went for his jeans. "Why not? It's such a memorable experience. The day you became a man."
His cheeks flamed and any resolve to ignore the idiot went up in smoke. A finger jabbed in Miroku's face as he glared. "That was NOT my first time you blatant, lying, perverted, excuse for a friend! Just because I don't parade myself in front of women as you do doesn't mean that was my first time with them."
Miroku grinned as his friend turned around to ignore him and finish changing, obviously uncomfortable at having such a conversation where anyone could hear. Fighting a chuckle at getting his friend riled up, Miroku hurried to finish changing as well, knowing Inuyasha would leave him and head out the second he was finished.
The pair exited the locker rooms and soon decided to warm up with a few laps on the upper floor. Inuyasha forced him to run a little faster than normal to keep up and Miroku knew his friend was still annoyed at the comments from earlier.
It was fun to get the stoic guy going. Inuyasha knew most of it was in play, but the poor thing holed himself up so much he slowly grew used to only himself and what he thought. Miroku took it upon himself to poke fun at every opportunity to make Inuyasha see there was a whole world out there - also because it was fun. Though his friend dealt with the world through the internet, codes didn't talk back. As Inuyasha's best friend - and most likely only friend - Miroku took it upon himself to keep the guy from being too introverted.
Inuyasha was definitely a handful and the hoops Miroku had to jump through to get him to come were just one of them. It was a little tiring and although Miroku worked with Sesshoumaru who was like his brother in some aspect, he couldn't imagine the pains the man took in dealing with his ototo on a daily basis. Inuyasha was clearly anti-social, which didn't fit Sesshoumaru's people person job, even though Inuyasha made enough money with his programming.
The pair stopped after four laps and headed downstairs. "So what do we start with next? Personally, machines are boring. I prefer something challenging." Miroku piped up.
"Basketball if that's what you really want. They've got a few nets down." Inuyasha answered, looking around.
Miroku nodded and went to the entrance counter to get them a ball. When he came back, he noticed Inuyasha staring off to one side with furrowed brows. "Inuyasha, what's up?"
Inuyasha's head shook. "Nothing...just thought I recognized someone." Turning for the court, hands went to grab the white braid to tie his hair up for the game.
Inuyasha finding someone he met here? The guy didn't know enough people, unless he worked with them, and many of them wouldn't be here at a time like this. Nor would they be in Harajuku; they'd be more in Shinjuku working.
Miroku's eyes widened when a movement caught his eye through the window and the back of a head turned around. In an empty room were a small group of women in traditional martial arts attire. Three of them were complete strangers, but fourth the one was currently putting an arm lock on her partner.
Miroku blinked and rubbed his eyes. He knew this woman - but he needed to get a better look at her face than halfway across the basketball court to be sure.
Inuyasha suddenly slapped the ball from his hands and lined up for a shot. "Okay, let's go. One on one to twenty-one points." Taking initiative at Miroku's lack of defense, Inuyasha quickly shot the ball in. "I'm winning so far."
Miroku snapped to his senses and caught the ball before it could hit him and rounded his friend. He would keep his eye on the group whenever possible and approach them later - right now he had a game to win. If luck had it, this would be a quick game and they would still be there.
0-
"Okay, okay Kagome-chan...I give." Sango panted, slapping the floor.
Kagome immediately released the arm lock on her friend and helped her stand. "Are you okay Sango-chan? I didn't hurt you did I?"
Sango rotated her arm with a smile. "Daijoubu. Shall we begin again?"
"Nee Kikyou-sama." Rin piped up from her own guard stance. "How long have we been doing this?"
"You can't possibly be bored Rin." Kikyou surmised. She remained in initiative stance for something to happen, no expression on her face. "We haven't been at it this long and Sango and Kagome are doing better than we are."
Said pair ignored the exchange and waited for the other to attack. As her friend made to grab her lapels, Sango's hands latched around her wrists and twisted her hands to dislodge the ability to grip. A stamp to the floor came as elbows protested and Sango immediately released her.
As the pair straightened their clothing again, Sango looked to the two. "Actually Kikyou-sama...isn't there anything else we can practice on while we're here?" She gave an apologetic look to her partner. "Nothing against you Kagome-chan, but I don't know when I'll be here again...I'd like to get the most out of this visit while I can."
Kagome smiled. "None taken Sango-chan. Why don't you see if there are any shinai or bokken at the front desk? You and Kikyou-sama can practice that and I can work on Aikidou some more."
It did sound like a wonderful idea. Sango didn't know when she was able to hold a bokken last. Sometimes the club would have the less dangerous weapons to use, since they were still highly practiced despite the no samurai sword law in Japan. Shinai clubs were famous in Japan and many held practice in many of the districts.
Sango looked to the eldest. "Kikyou-sama?"
Kikyou nodded in defeat. "Please see if you can bring back two shinai or bokken Sango." She turned to Rin with a bow. "Doumo arigatou gozaimashita."
"Doumo arigatou gozamiasu." Rin repeated.
"I will be back in a minute Kagome-chan." Sango bowed as the other two had, her friend copying. "Doumo arigatou gozaimashita."
"Doumo arigatou gozaimashita." Kagome straightened and looked to her newest partner. "Okay Rin-chan...ready?"
Rin nodded and immediately bowed. "I'll try my best Kagome-san."
Sango headed around the empty part of the basketball court in the center of the gym, eyes on the desk in easy view. A ball suddenly bounced directly in her way, quickly halting her movements with wide eyes.
"What the hell was that for! You totally missed the backboard!"
"Sorry! That was my fault entirely!"
Sango whipped to the voices, staring as a body and recognizable grin met her before it ran past to get the ball. Sango was too dumbfounded at the sudden event to move and the body backtracked to stop in front of her with a mildly deep bow.
"Please excuse my horrible aim and behavior. I wasn't trying to hit you, I swear."
Dread hit Sango in the stomach the second she made eye contact when the bow ended. She took a step back and fought against another, fists clenching. "You...you're..."
"Ah, please let me introduce myself again. I thought I saw your beautiful face and wanted to say hello to you, but I found myself enveloped in a game of twenty-one."
Sango's mouth gaped open. She forgot his name, as she forgot most of the one-timers, but she knew his face. She couldn't forget it, no matter how hard she tried. It wasn't easy to be able to ignore everyone that came into the hotel, since most were Japan natives who lived in the area. Therefore Sango set about disregarding what she could to keep from remembering if she saw them on the streets here and there.
"Please forgive me for not recalling your name off the top of my head. It was not that long ago, but only the main details are easy to remember when I look at you." The grin turned charming as Miroku took in her outfit. "I must say, you look rather becoming ojou-san. I am Enzen Miroku and I am both surprised and pleased to find you attend the same gym as myself. Why was it I never noticed your beautiful face around here before?"
Sango swallowed, the urge to forget the bokken or shinai and head back to the room with the others. She didn't want to be standing right here having any kind of conversation with this man. She made it a point to NEVER mix business and daily life. That wasn't too much of a problem considering many of the men that entered the hotel were businessmen and would work the entire time she was out and about. Sango simply didn't frequent the same social areas as almost all of them.
Save this one apparently.
"I...I..."
"Will you quit flirting and finish this game? Shit, I can't take my eyes off you for five minutes without having to save some poor woman from your pathetic advances."
Sango's head whipped to the new voice, immediately taking in the companion of her ex-customer. She didn't detect the same vibe this one was sending off and was mildly relieved at least. She took another step back as the raven-haired man advanced and all but got in the other's face. She was embarrassed to be the topic of conversation and worried someone would see them.
"You're really hopeless. Why don't you give it a break and come to work out for once? You don't have time for this kind of dating shit anyway. Our schedules are both hectic and if I don't date due to lack of time, you can't either."
"Ah, but I at least make it a point to be sociable with other human beings." Miroku pleasantly countered.
Inuyasha sputtered before glaring and turning to the latest victim of Miroku's roving eye. "Please excuse my friend. He's an idiot. I hope he didn't cause you any harm ojou-san."
Sango's mouth opened and closed without words. She was too much at a loss with this sudden turn of events. Part of her didn't want to be rude and assure her rescuer she wasn't offended, but the other half urged her to leave to the comfortable atmosphere of her friends.
"Sango...is there a problem here?"
Sango turned to the voice, relief showing in her eyes. "Ah, Kikyou-sama...this is..."
"Sama?" Miroku and Inuyasha echoed, giving the latest arrival an odd look. Who used such a formal, somewhat old-fashioned title nowadays?
Kikyou stopped in front of the men, her memory picking them out and identifying them. She didn't have a photographic memory so she didn't know their names, but their faces were familiar and she knew the only time she could've seen them was at the hotel for business. She gave a quick bow to be polite. "Please excuse the interruption to your conversation. I am Gachi Kikyou and Sango is my friend. I saw her talking with you two and my curiosity compelled me to check out why she was stopping you from your game."
The woman was gorgeous, even with her hair in a low ponytail and wearing the same outfit as her companion. Both could tell she was cultured and definitely older than them by her more impeccable and polite speech. Both Miroku and Inuyasha almost checked themselves for appearances at seeing how graceful she carried herself despite male clothing.
Miroku stepped forward and offered another bow. "Please forgive me Gachi-san. It is my fault entirely. I almost hit your friend with the basketball my friend and I were using." Miroku turned and clasped one of her hands, seriously looking in her eyes. "Please forgive me ojou-san for almost injuring you. I meant no harm by it."
Sango blinked, feeling his warm hand in hers. He had strong hands and they were definitely larger than hers. They also fit quite nicely. "I - it's fine..." She mumbled, blushing and snatching the appendage back, not expecting and wanting such close contact with a stranger.
It took Kikyou one second to see Sango's distress and she quickly intervened. There was no need for a scene and enough of one had already been created for her to see what was going on through the windows in the room. "Sango, why don't you go and do what you set out to do. I will finish talking to these gentlemen here for you."
Sango quickly bowed, mostly to thank her senpai for being so attentive. "Hai Kikyou-sama." She bowed to the two men and hurried around them, trying to keep it to a walk as she zipped to the desk to show off how unsettled she was. The sudden urge to practice and get out everything by swinging a sword started growing.
Kikyou waited until Sango was out of earshot before giving the two her attention. "I'm sorry; I didn't catch your name onii-san."
Inuyasha resisted a fidget against the cool, detached look. This woman was high class and reminded him of Sesshoumaru too much. Still, she was seriously beautiful and he almost figured he recognized her from somewhere. The name Gachi almost ticked a memory, but he couldn't figure it out. "Jouryuu Inuyasha." He answered, giving a small bow and hiding eyes from hers.
Kikyou returned it before giving Miroku her gaze. "I do hope nothing is wrong here Enzen-san. Sango is a good person, but she is somewhat shy. Please don't take her silence and lack of words to heart. I am sorry she couldn't apologize to you herself."
Miroku bowed again, somewhat perturbed at the way the voice tone never changed. Normally women like this didn't exist anymore. Why she would be at a gym at all charged his curiosity. "Think nothing of it Gachi-san. Perhaps we are all at fault in some way. Let us just let bygones be bygones."
Kikyou nodded and bowed a final time. "Then I will let you get back to your game." Brown spied Sango heading back, two shinai in her grasp. "It seems I have something to get back to myself." Both watched as Sango handed over a shinai that was taken at the hilt in total confidence. "Well then...have fun with your game." Kikyou bowed, turning and tossing the bamboo sword over a shoulder.
Sango was still uncomfortable speaking to one she met at work. She merely bowed and followed Kikyou-sama back to the room, feeling their eyes and trying to ignore them. She tried to keep herself from walking too close to the woman to make it seem she was clinging to her, but it was hard when she was still so shocked and unnerved about this.
The two watched them walk away with unreadable expressions. Finally, when the door softly clicked shut and the pair made to practice swings, a grin appeared on Miroku's face. "Ah, today was such a good day to come to the gym."
Inuyasha immediately looked less than pleased. He whipped to his friend and pointed a finger in his face almost accusingly. "Don't get any bright ideas. I don't want to have to talk to them anymore than I already have. I came to work out, not to save more women from your pathetic attempts at getting a date."
"You seriously think she would agree to go out with me?" Miroku asked, giving a look to hazel.
Inuyasha almost balked. "Which one are you talking about? That high-cultured chick? Hell no, she wouldn't give you the time of day, let alone the time it would take to kick your ass after your lame endeavors to pick her up."
"I meant the other woman. I don't think I could date a woman like Gachi-san. She is a vision, but she's not my type."
Inuyasha smirked. "She's the type who won't put up with you."
Miroku sniffed as if wounded. "You're opinion of me is so low Inuyasha. I never knew you thought so little of me."
"When did I ever think highly of you?" He ground out, taking the basketball and moving back to the hoop.
Miroku knew those words weren't true. Inuyasha seemed like a cold, uncaring person, but they spent enough time together to be considered good friends. Plus, Miroku knew Inuyasha adequately to know those words were of more annoyance than actual anger. They said it was time to pursue basketball instead of women for now. If he was lucky, he would run into such an enchanting minx at a later time. Regardless of its size, Tokyo was smaller than he thought.
I am a BEGINNER Japanese learner, so if these are not 100 correct, please let me know if you care to do so. I only have a web page and a dictionary to learn from. This spot dedicated to new vocabulary only.
Translations: Ano-Um - Kohishimo-Tied underneath Kimono to prevent it getting worn out of shape - Matte-Wait - Matte kudasai-Please wait - Arigatou minna-Thank (you)/Thanks everyone
Aikidou-Way of harmony with the universe/Martial arts of defense - Onegai shimasu-I welcome you to train with me or literally I make a request; this is said to one's partner when initiating practice
Hentai-Transformation/metamorphosis/abnormality/pervert - Harajuku-District in Tokyo - Shinjuku-District in Tokyo - Daijoubu-I'm safe/all right/O.K - Shinai-Bamboo fencing stick
Bokken-Wooden sword - Doumo arigatou gozaimashita-Thank you very much, at the end of each class it is proper to bow and thank those with whom you've trained - Ojou-san-Young lady
Onii-san-Older brother/(vocative) Mister
Having done much research, this story will be highly Japanese orientated and probably confusing at points. Numbers at the end of sentences will describe the whole sentence, while numbers next to a word will describe only that. If any of these are wrong, please correct me.
1:She didn't miss the subtle hint to her attire and that she didn't change for breakfast or tie the upper folds properly for a woman.: The preferred shape for women when wearing kimono is tubular. When not folding the cloth over the chest area, it looks rather wrinkled and messy (I do this myself a lot, so I know). Also, woman are not supposed to show a lot of skin, so folding the top against the neck is also proper.
2:The competition to get good grades, graduate well into the upper class, and get a job based on that was a constant, silent pressure.: Japanese school systems are really competitive. There are two entrance exams just to get into college (especially the higher prestige ones) and where you went to college will sometimes help you get the job you want.