Spring was so nice. Clear mornings had that mix of fresh air and cool breeze with sunshine to keep warm. Kagome liked spring; it always made her feel so refreshed and active - she couldn't get enough of this kind of weather. Right around sunrise was the perfect time to be outside. She could stay out here all day, but it promised to be another sunny, mildly warm one.

It was a perfect time to get some laundry done. Since the lines were on the roof - no better place to dry laundry really - it was a trick sometimes. Winter was hard and they had an indoor dryer for too cold temperatures, but warmer weather saved electricity. Kagome didn't mind doing laundry, just like she didn't mind making meals. Busy work was a good thing and she felt helpful, even with such menial tasks.

There wasn't much of a wind, so Kagome finished draping clothes quickly. She would check on everything in an hour to see how they faired. Grabbing the empty basket, she brought it to a storage closet and stopped upon hearing footsteps. Curious at who would be making such noise so soon after breakfast, Kagome headed upstairs. She easily followed the sounds to her room and peeked inside. She blinked and stepped past the threshold. "S - Sango-chan?"

Sango startled and dropped the clothing she was picking up. "Ah, Kagome-chan...was there something you needed? Is it about the noise? I'm sorry I was making so much - I'm in a hurry."

Raven furrowed in a funny look as Kagome watched her friend try to hang up clothes. "You're heading out today?" She stepped forward to help at seeing her friend fumble with a shirt. "Let me help Sango-chan. It might help you get out of here sooner."

Sango sighed and nodded. "Thanks Kagome-chan." A smile lit her face, hands clenching in excitement. "I'm just so excited! I finally get to spend a day of fun now that finals are over!"

"Heh? So that's the reason behind the fuss, ne? Well I'm glad you can take a break now Sango-chan. You deserve it for all the hard work each semester."

Sango nodded in agreement. She didn't have too much free time due to summer classes starting soon, but until then she would gladly use her morning and afternoon for something she wanted for once.

"So what're you going to go do Sango-chan?"

Sango's smile slipped a notch. She hadn't said a word to anyone about today because it was too personal to share - even to Kagome-chan. She didn't want to mix this place with family as much as possible and though she didn't say words, she had a feeling her hostesses knew exactly what she was intending. A hand rose and fiddled with a loose strand of hair. "Ah, well...I thought of going to another district and maybe shop a little with someone."

Kagome's brow rose. The way her friend seemed timid and almost shy about giving an answer made her suspicions rise. "Oh? A FRIEND, ne?" Kagome smiled.

Sango blinked and shook a hand at the insinuation. "Ah - nothing like that, no, no! It's nothing really! I have to get going if I want to meet him on time."

Kagome stepped back and watched her friend. "Him?"

Fear of digging herself into a hole, Sango pasted on a grin and grabbed her backpack she stuffed some things inside for today. "Nothing like that I swear! I really must go Kagome-chan. Gomen!"

Kagome nodded, letting her friend off the hook, though she was still bemused. Why was Sango-chan like that? It was so strange.

"Really...I know that girl is in a hurry, but running down the stairs is a bad idea."

Kagome blinked and stuck her head into the hallway. "Eh? Kikyou-sama? You know where Sango-chan is going?"

Kikyou looked down the hall and nodded. "Sango cleared her work schedule today. Said she wanted to make time for her ototo."

Again, Kagome's brow rose. 'Eh? Kohaku-kun?' Why didn't her friend just say that then? Why did she make it sound like she had a date? 'Sango-chan...' Kagome stared down the hallway, ignoring when Kikyou-sama disappeared into her room. Her brow furrowed a little when one point came up. Sango-chan told Kikyou-sama who she would be with, but not her. She couldn't help but feel a little hurt that Sango-chan couldn't be honest.

These were the times she felt a little alienated from her friend. They didn't know everything about each other that was true, but she knew almost nothing about her friend's ototo. She would like to, but didn't ask for information she knew wouldn't come. For some reason, Sango-chan was uneasy to speak of him. Of course she wouldn't bring him around; Kagome could understand that much. She wouldn't want to bring her family and stain the image they held of her.

Part of her tried to sympathize and not get upset. After all, she didn't share her life before the hotel with Sango-chan, so she shouldn't expect much else. It was good enough that they got along so well for having different personalities and sharing a room. She couldn't be greedy and hypocritical at the same time.

Kagome shook her head and forced a smile. She turned to the room to finish straightening to clothes her friend didn't finish.

-.-.-.-

"Nee, aneue."

"What is it Kohaku?"

"Is it okay that I get this?"

Sango looked over at the item held up and smiled. "I told you Kohaku. This is your day. If you want something, I will buy it for you." Her eyes closed with a smile. "How often does your aneue get to buy you something that you want?"

"You give me enough of your money as it is aneue..." Youthful brown eyes stared at the manga in his hands. "Is this really okay?" Of course this was the latest issue of a manga he was saving up for, but he couldn't tell his sister he spent money buying comics.

Sango's eyes rolled. She put the book in her hands back and stopped in front of her brother. A hand rested on his shoulder as she took the volume from him. Brown momentarily stared at it. "You're interested in this stuff right? It's not too much that I can't buy you this. You have other volumes don't you?"

Kohaku looked away and nodded. He would have to be truthful here for her sake. If he lied and said he had none, she would end up buying more, he just knew she would. "Actually...I have them all."

Sango smiled. "It's settled then." Without letting him get another defense in, Sango took the mini novel to the front to pay for it. She would get herself something from another bookstore. She was interested in the book she put away, but could always buy it later - the important thing right now was to spoil her baby brother as much as possible and that required haste. If she went back, he might try to take the manga from her and not let her pay for it. She wouldn't have that - today was their day and if she wanted to get him a gift, she would do so.

The pair waited for sliding doors to open. Sango stepped to one side and handed him the bag. "Hai kore."

Kohaku took it with a bowed head and sheepish smile. "Arigatou aneue."

Sango ruffled his hair affectionately, heart swelling as they walked in pace. How she missed this! It seemed forever since they joked and lightly bickered and hung out together. They always got along well despite the lack of a full family, but Sango surmised that being Kohaku's surrogate mother helped their closeness. She had to admit, the want to spoil him like a mother spoiled their child wasn't too far apart.

The day was perfect for taking a stroll and window-shopping. They walked from the train station to a trail of shops. Sango didn't come here often because she didn't have time, but it was fun to see everyone and the styles of today. She didn't adhere to fashion because she couldn't blow cash that easily, but was always curious. Hongo campus saw some latest trends, but Harajuku was sometimes called Tokyo's teenager town.(1) This district catered to young people and by the sheer numbers swarming all over, Sango could see that.

It didn't take long with so much looking and walking that a stomach was going to rumble. Kohaku's did first and Sango saved him with hers a minute later as they tried to decide where to eat lunch. There were plenty of places around with different ethnicities as well. Sango let Kohaku choose since it was his day. The only problem was, he couldn't decide what it was he wanted.

Sango sighed and turned to scan the area for anything to name off. It didn't help to stand around in the stream of people and block the walkway for who knew how long. She searched for a few seconds before brown widened and her breath hitched. Adrenaline and fear suddenly hit her like a sledgehammer and Sango froze. She couldn't even mask her emotions to keep Kohaku from looking, but her brother slowly fazed from her mind at the sight walking a few meters away...slowly coming in their direction.

As always, she forgot the name. She never bothered to remember of course. But she knew his character. Why someone of his stature would be walking around at a place like this was beyond her, but the group of people his age, also in suits, gave her a clue. It WAS the normal lunchtime after all and he was probably with his other co-workers going out. Or perhaps it was a business lunch meeting. Either way, it was only a matter of seconds before that man spotted her and then her cover would be blown.

Sango would try to hide herself, but she couldn't suddenly drag Kohaku off the streets into any random building without explanation and him discover something was up. Being young and innocent to most of life's more nefarious things, Sango guessed he might presume wrong, but she didn't want him assuming anything.

"Aneue? Aneue...is something wrong?"

"Ah, Kohaku...I think I left my wallet at the bookstore we were at. Can you see if it's still there please?"

Kohaku sighed and shook his head. "Really aneue. That's not like you to be so absentminded."

They were coming closer. Sango grit her teeth for a second, whirling to her brother before she could stop herself and slapped a hand on his shoulder. "Kohaku...please go get it for me. I'm afraid it would get stolen. I'll wait right here for you."

Kohaku's brow furrowed in concern for the change of attitude, but passing it off to her panic of losing all her money and information, Kohaku nodded and headed back the way they came.

Sango stood frozen and watched as Kohaku passed the group of businessmen without batting an eye. Her old client didn't pay him any mind and Sango visibly breathed a sigh of relief. Her shoulders slouched and she was so happy to know the man didn't see the resemblance to her that she forgot she was in their path.

"Eh? I know you don't I woman?"

Brown whipped to the voice, indignation flaring. Sure it was a simple word and it was what she was, but the way it was said made her blood boil. This man, this old client of hers, picked her because he liked her spirit. He had to be middle-aged with a receding hairline like that, but his eyes made him younger. He was definitely not attractive, physically and personality-wise. She could remember quite clearly the few times he asked for her after their first meeting and his horrible treatment. She could tell he was trying to break her by the way he laid with her and the way he made her feel after. She hated this man for his atrocious treatment and obvious dislike for women in general. She believed in more equality of the sexes after all.

"I'm talking to you woman." When she didn't answer, he stepped forward and grasped her chin to bring her face closer to his. The man's eyes crinkled as he smiled in almost malicious glee. "Yes, yes I do. I remember you now woman."

Though he hadn't been with her in many months, Sango feared giving the hotel a bad reputation now that he connected the lines. She debated whether to pull her face away or not, figuring he wouldn't allow himself to be so callous to a stranger in front of his colleagues. The man snorted and eventually released her, brushing his fingers along her cheek as he did. Sango fought to keep expression from her face, from gritting her teeth at the action.

"I missed you whore. I've been meaning to get back to that hotel and see you again, but work is a pain sometimes. I was hoping you and a few of your friends could entertain me and mine someday. Would you like that whore? You would I bet...you and those sisters charge enough just to have you under me."

Never had she felt so cheap in her life. The day was ruined and all Sango wanted to do was scrub herself clean of the man's face and his words. Her anger boiled and she openly glared, not caring that she was being rude to someone who so openly disrespected her. His companions were a few paces back, apparently giving him some space to not listen in, but she could tell a few heard some of his words by the raised brows and smiles.

She stepped back and glared him down, being about the same height. She poured all the hatred into her eyes, hoping he'd whither before her. The world would be so much better off with a snake like him gone.

"Oh? Still the same as you always were. I suppose I'm fine with that; your fiery spirit was what drew me in the first place." A hand shot out and grasped the back of her head, pulling her forward to let his lips get close to her ear. "I did so enjoy those few times I had you. Did you act compliant just for me, or did I start to teach you your place? I think from the way you carry your head, you need another lesson. Perhaps I should call Gachi-san again, hmm?"

Finally snapping from her shock, Sango put arms against his chest and pushed, but he was stronger than he looked. "Let GO of me." She hissed, not wanting to make a scene. There were too many people here and perhaps that was why the sleaze was being so forward. He didn't think she'd fight back. Sango couldn't afford to start shouting at this man in case Kohaku discovered her wallet was not at the bookstore and was on his way back already. It was actually safely in the back pocket of her jeans.

"Still fighting me little minx? Are you trying to tempt me in front of all these people?"

"I said LET GO of me!" She repeated, on the verge of shouting. She didn't care if she busted this man's eardrums if she had to scream into them. The thought was sorely tempting.

Sango's neck was hurting. She didn't think she'd ever get free until her training started coming back. She suddenly took a step forward, arm swinging up. The man was too surprised at her sudden retaliation and his grip was knocked away. Sango whirled to put some distance between them when a hand latched onto her arm.

"If you hurt me in any way I swear I'll have you thrown in jail for assault whore." The man hissed. "Nobody crosses me like you do and gets away with it."

"And perhaps I should charge YOU with assault Yarashii-san. Perhaps I should add emotional distress to a perfectly harmless and innocent girl as well?"

For the second time that day, Sango was shocked still. Her heart beat fast at the thought of yet another old client in the district, though this one seemed to be coming to her rescue. She could use the help to get out of this thing without using anymore Aikidou, but she didn't want the help of THIS man. She just wished they would all leave her alone! This was turning out to be a bad day.

Sango stepped back to release the tension on her arm and looked to the direction of his voice. The group involved looked over. "Eh? Enzen-san, what brings you to Harajuku?"

Miroku pushed the wire-rimmed glasses up higher and gave a stare to the man still grasping the poor girl's arm. "Lunch my good man. Everybody needs to eat Yarashii-san. I assume that's what you and your bunch were doing before you decided to start picking on innocent girls?"

Yarashii immediately dropped his hold and turned to Miroku. "This doesn't concern you Enzen-san so why don't you go finish your lunch and leave us in peace."

An empty smile appeared as Miroku stopped next to Sango and threw an arm around her shoulder. "I would do that, but you see I just can't. It brings out the lawyer side of me to see someone being done wrong. And it's not your day, since you are messing with my girlfriend Yarashii-san. I would take it as a personal insult and make sure you are put away for a few days. Just enough to damage your reputation in your business."

Yarashii stepped back, looking disgruntled, but definitely beaten. He looked away with a frown. "My apologies Enzen-san. I didn't know this whor - this woman was yours." The two met eyes for a second. "If I were you, I'd keep a better eye on her work habits."

The smile never slipped, though Miroku's hand tightened around Sango's shoulder. Sango, for her part, didn't even have time to be surprised at his insinuation of their dating life since it was the greatest lie that could get her out of this right now. She knew the best thing to do was not to say anything.

"I'll do that." Miroku tightly answered. "Good day Yarashii-san."

The group headed around the pair, giving each plenty of space with the threat still installed. Sango stood rigid in Miroku's hold, eyes following until they were out of her peripheral vision. She didn't dare turn her head, but she noticed her partner in crime did and spared him a look. Her eyes widened to see him with a serious stare. She was confused at the sudden save, let alone why he was here for lunch of all places. Didn't a man like him have work right about now?

The arm suddenly lifted and Sango took a step back. "They're gone." Miroku met her eyes, his brow creasing. "You don't want to make an enemy of any man who owns his own company."

Sango spared the direction they left a glance to find them out of sight. "I didn't want to see him in the first place, nor did I want him to see me. I know his character without you needing to tell me about him. He's a vile man and I hate him."

Miroku hummed. "Even so, you might have gotten thrown in jail if I weren't here. I've had that man as a client and I had to deal with him in the past. He's not the easiest to get along with." Miroku spared her a more thorough look, hand going to her neck. "You're not hurt are you?"

Sango immediately stepped back, looking away in discomfort. "I'm fine - he didn't hurt me. I wouldn't let myself be taken down by the likes of him on a day like today anyway."

Miroku's brow furrowed. "Day like today..."

Sango's eyes widened yet again as she scanned the opposite direction. "Shimatta! I forgot all about him. Oh I hope he isn't in the area!"

Miroku stared in bemusement, too much at a loss for words to ask questions about what was going through this girl's head. Her distress concerned him and he was about to gather his courage and put himself into her business when she let out a gasp and stepped back. "What is it? Is there someone else after you?"

Sango's head shook as she tried to pick up her mind, eyes locked on the shaggy mop of hair heading her way. "N - no. Nothing like that." Sango whipped to Miroku, hands pushing at his chest. "You can't be here right now! I'm indebted to you for saving me, but please go away!"

Miroku's eyes widened as he tried to get his balance. This wasn't supposed to be happening - he saved the damsel in distress and now she was shoving him aside and telling him to get lost? He was hoping she would agree to go out with him. "What? What're you doing? Don't shove so hard!"

"Please go away - you can't be here." Sango repeated, urgent. She didn't want her worlds to merge! Who knew what would happen if questions started cropping up and this guy answered them honestly? Her secret would be thrown wide open and then her whole world would crash.

"What's gotten into you? Why're you doing this?"

"Aneue! I'm over here. Aneue!"

Miroku's brow furrowed. 'Aneue?'

Sango let out a little 'eep' and stepped back. Biting her lip in sudden thought, she grabbed the wallet from her back pocket and shoved it to her companion. "Take this! Take it and play along. I'll explain everything later, but please don't mention where you and I first met!"

Miroku took it on a reflex, staring at it dumbfounded. "I don't need your money for saving you. Your thanks is enough...and maybe a date later on?"

Sango met his eyes and charming smile in disbelief. Her mouth flew open to deny him, but she saw her brother getting within earshot. "Fine, I don't care. Just do as I say alright?"

Miroku grinned and nodded. He took the wallet and kept a firm grip on it as a young boy stopped next to the distraught girl. He started to decipher her problem and what was going on by watching their interactions, hoping to figure most of this out on his own to keep from being clueless.

"Aneue, the bookstore said they didn't have your wallet. I asked and had them check the lost and found, but they said no. Are you sure you lost it there? It's not in the street somewhere is it? We'll never find it that way."

Sango put on a smile and a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Kohaku. Actually...while you were gone I did a little looking around and this gentleman here came up to me. He said he saw the name inside and the picture which matched me." Sango gave Miroku a fake grateful look. "Thank you so much again sir for finding it."

Miroku mentally snapped to attention, giving a bow. "It was no problem ojou-san. I just couldn't leave a person like yourself to be so...harassed by the situation."

Sango's eyes widened in warning, trying to plead with them to him to keep his mouth shut. "Ah yes...you're too kind...I'm sorry, I'm horrible with names mister..."

"Enzen. Enzen Miroku. Do you mind if I call you Sango, Tsuyoi-san?"

He still remembered her name from their last encounter? Now she felt like an idiot. "E - ee."

Kohaku turned to his sister's savior and bowed. "Thank you very much for retrieving my sister's wallet. I would hate for her to lose all her possessions and money."

Sango smiled and wagged a finger at Kohaku. "You haven't even decided where we're going yet Kohaku. Oh!" Sango turned and extended a hand. "I'm sorry; you were just about to give me my wallet when Kohaku turned up. Excuse my lack of attention."

Miroku promptly handed it over as if it were no big deal, but smiled. "Nothing to forgive Sango. All will be forgiven if you introduce me to your friend."

That was the last thing Sango wanted to do, but she couldn't be rude to her savior in front of Kohaku. In a way, she was saved the trouble, because Kohaku did it for her.

"I'm Tsuyoi Kohaku, fifteen years old. I'm aneue's ototo."

"Heh? I guess that's no real surprise. You two look a lot alike."

Being told that he looked like the person he admired a lot, Kohaku beamed. "Eh? Hontouni?"

Miroku nodded and dropped a hand on Kohaku's shoulder. "I can see the family resemblance. Now what was this about deciding on something?"

"Aneue and I were going to have lunch and she let me pick the spot until she remembered she lost her wallet."

"Now Kohaku. Let's leave that embarrassing situation in the past now, ne?" Sango didn't need to be reminded of her blunder within a blunder. She was too busy trying to figure out how to get herself away from this Enzen Miroku.

Miroku grinned and sneaked a look to the quiet beauty. "Well that's exactly what I was doing as well. Why don't you two join me? Good old Japanese food."

"Eh? Is it okay? Aneue?"

Sango met Kohaku's questioning gaze, before staring at Miroku's mirthful look. Her eyes narrowed a little, trying to convey how unhappy she was with the situation. But she couldn't get out of this without hassle, so it was best to go with the flow. "If it is alright with Enzen-san."

"Please call me Miroku."

Only for a little while she would. Only in front of her brother. "Hai, Miroku. If it is alright with you."

"Splendid. This way please."

The place turned out to be an indoor / outdoor café. Sango at least had her answer to why she was spotted by Enzen-san in the first place. He must've seen her movements for some reason and decided to get involved. Not that she wasn't grateful, she was actually, but this was not what she wanted to do right now. She wanted to finish spending the afternoon with Kohaku and have fun, not worry about someone who might reveal her other life.

The trio sat down and Sango watched in curiosity as a laptop was closed and couldn't help herself. "Were you at work Enz...Miroku?"

"Ah, excuse me for not introducing that." With ease, Miroku grabbed his business card holder from his shirt pocket and produced a card to each sibling. "I am Akamatsu International Law Office's shushou chousadan."

"A lawyer? Wow!"

"Kohaku, please keep your voice down for other people."

"Actually Kohaku, I'm not a lawyer, but I am the head of the research department for the defense side. My boss is Jouryuu Sesshoumaru-san."

"So do you get to be in the court room when the trial goes on?" Kohaku continued. This was amazing - he never knew or met someone with such an important job before! High school and his little dorm area kept him closed up from a lot of people, but here he was talking to someone who dealt in the system of law.

Miroku smiled, relaxing with Sango's brother, even if said person herself seemed too tightly wound. He knew this was too sudden for her to be calm, since she was probably remembering her assault from earlier, but he was curious at her words.

0-

"I'll explain everything later, but please don't mention where you and I first met!"

0-

She didn't seem to have too much of a problem with it until her brother showed up. Miroku, making it his job to collect facts, knew Kohaku was the key to the whole thing. Well, if it was so important to keep a secret, he would play along for now. But since she promised him answers, he would have to wait until they could be alone. He mentally smiled. 'The first date would be a good one for conversation.' He mused.

"So," Miroku piped up, "let's get you two something to eat, hmm? Waiter!"

Sango resisted groaning and putting her head in her hands. This wasn't how the day was supposed to go! She didn't want to share her time or attention with Kohaku, or visa versa. Kohaku seemed rather taken with this person who came to her rescue. She assumed he was being nice, but the two made quite a bit of conversation, so much that she had to remind him at times that it was rude to ask so much of a person's life. Of course Enzen-san brushed her warning aside and countered it with questions of her life in the process. Sango tried to answer as vaguely as possible, but Kohaku kept giving more details than she wanted. As much as she loved her ototo, she wanted to smack a hand over his mouth right about now. Now this man knew where she went to college, what major, some of the classes she was enrolled in, that she was busy at work, and even some things she liked on the menu! Sango was glad when their food finally came and Kohaku was too busy eating to bother with anymore talk. With her stomach in knots, eating was a mild chore, but Sango reminded herself that she needed to get by the rest of the day without being affected.

Miroku watched the pair eat, having ordered something else for himself to not make the two feel like they were intruding on him despite the invite. He really only came for a nice spot to sit and play on his laptop - and browse the female section - not food. A drink and a small bowl of rice suited him. But now he had a feeling he was going to need the extra nourishment and although he wasn't that hungry, made himself eat it for whatever might occur later. Besides, this was his lucky day it seemed. If he played his cards right, he might be able to spend some more time with the annoyed enchantress next to him.

-.-.-.-

The afternoon never ended. Hours passed by like days and Sango found it so hard to finish out the rest of the day with her brother. All because that idiot was invited by Kohaku.

A fist clenched as Sango showed annoyance. She thanked the man for saving her, that was enough...but then he had to tag along for three more hours of talk and window-shopping! Sango drew the line at eating dinner together and made an excuse of wanting to get back home due to a headache. She ignored Kohaku's concerned looks and suggestions that she go to a hospital for medicine. She only wanted to go home and have a little peace and quiet.

They headed back to the subway and Sango wanted to accompany her brother to his dorm, but there were two issues with that. One; she was in the opposite direction and would use extra money to get back home, and two; he lived in an all boy's dorm. Girls weren't allowed as a general rule unless one had a really good excuse.

"Goodbye Kohaku, it was great meeting you."

"You too Miroku; thanks for spending the day with us."

Miroku grinned and stuffed hands into his slacks. "Believe me, it was my pleasure." He snuck a peek at Sango's distracted face taking in the empty subway port. Her severe expression seemed like she was almost willing the train to come along faster than it should. He mentally sighed, though mildly amused with her behavior.

Kohaku's train was first. Sango paid him mind when she could hear the screeching of the rail and put hands on his shoulders. "Listen up Kohaku. Hurry straight home and make sure you don't forget to read that manga I bought for you. After you have fun, don't forget your summer homework, ne? Hmm, something else I'm forgetting...oh yes. Don't forget to make yourself something for dinner. No junk food now!"

Kohaku brushed her off with a blush at being mildly lectured in front of his new friend. "Aneue! I got it, I got it. I know what to do; I'm not a baby anymore."

Sango smiled, hiding her hurt by looking away for a second. She inhaled for strength and drew him for a hug. "You may be a teenager, but you can still give your aneue a hug goodbye-for-now."

"Ah!"

Whether Kohaku was being so rowdy on purpose because he was embarrassed normally or because of Miroku, Sango wouldn't allow him to get away without a touch of tenderness. She would miss him greatly until the next break; however long it would be before that. She wanted to remember this moment on a happy note. "You take care of yourself; study hard. I'll try to clear my schedule again when we both have time off, okay? I promise that."

Kohaku gave in and finally returned the hold since his sister wasn't budging and he could tell in the way her voice softened that she meant every word. "Aa. I understand. Aneue mo, ne? Try not too work too hard okay?"

Sango pulled away and smiled, willing tears not to form. She wouldn't let him see her cry over yet another long absence that was a necessity for a few more years. Sango could only hope Kohaku could forgive her for putting them through this. "I promise I'll try to take it easy."

Wind came suddenly; the screech even louder and almost unbearable. The pair separated and Sango looked to her brother's person to make sure he had everything she bought him. Seeing nothing off, she put an arm around his shoulders in a quick squeeze before letting him go to the open doors. Sango waved until the doors shut and the car pulled away. She took a few steps forward to watch it leave, staring at the gaping hole. She heaved a sigh and finally let her vision blur.

Miroku had the distinct feeling he was all but forgotten ever since the pair embraced. Though he wasn't even two meters away, they enfolded in their own world that only a brother and sister could go to. Miroku was mildly envious at their good relationship and watched the interaction. Sango loved her little brother, that was a certainty.

He watched the car go and stared at the back of a high ponytail that suddenly bowed. An arm rose, a hand vanishing from his vision and Miroku could easily deduce what was going through the poor girl's head. He remained in split indecision for a second before walking next to her and looking at her out of the corner of his eye.

Sango gasped and turned to him, horrified that he saw her crying. Her tears were her own and definitely not for those that she didn't want to show to. She didn't really care about strangers, but this man wasn't one she wanted to acknowledge anymore.

"He seems like a very special person to you."

Sango ignored the soft voice, not wanting it to touch and affect her, and took a breath to control herself. She started walling herself to his presence, trying to go back to the way she was when she forgot all about him.

She turned and started for the board to find the wait time for her train back to Shinjuku. It always depressed her when these things happened, but she would rather have Kohaku get on the first train, being younger and less capable to defend himself in more ways than one. She didn't want to taint her only relative as much as possible and though crime wasn't a big problem in Japan, she didn't want to take the chance.

Miroku startled at the sudden turn and whipped around. He gazed at her back and was a little stunned at her sudden mood shift. How could she go from such a caring person into a cold stranger? He didn't know and wanted answers for her rudeness. In an instant, he caught up to her stride and grasped an arm.

Sango reacted mostly on instinct. Still too sad to see her brother leave again, she figured Enzen-san left after her actions. She whirled around, twisted her wrist to dislodge the grip, and made to move and grasp lapels when she recognized he still around. She stopped herself before her hands could grab, though they were almost touching, and inched back.

"Well, well, it seems someone doesn't like me."

Sango looked away and put some space between them. "Sorry. You scared me. I wouldn't advise trying that to people who know self-defense."

Miroku smiled and flexed his fingers against the minute pain inflicted when they were suddenly twisted off. "I'll take that into consideration for next time."

Sango continued her trek to the board, not stopped this time. She scanned the list, looking for her ride, when the same presence stopped next to her again. Showing an annoyed look, she twirled to face him, careful to put air as a wall. "Are you taking another subway?"

Miroku met her with a congenial look. "No my dear, in fact, I live in Harajuku."

"Then what're you still doing here?"

Miroku sniffed and placed a hand on his chest. "My dear Sango, you wound me! Here I was offering my time to wait with you until YOUR train came like you did with Kohaku and you spear cold words at me."

Sango saw right through his rant and wasn't amused. She looked to the board, trying to keep from losing her cool with this guy. She knew that showing too much emotion meant to lose control. "I'll be fine. As you just saw, I can take care of myself."

"Ah, but I wouldn't be a gentleman if I didn't stay with you. Besides, we can use the time to discuss our next free time for that date you promised."

She looked at him in shock. "DATE? I never - I wouldn't - I -"

0-

"Your thanks is enough...and maybe a date later on?"

"Fine, I don't care. Just do as I say alright?"

0-

She couldn't believe it...duped into going out with this guy. Hands went to her head as she growled. "I can't believe this! Of all the...I can't believe you would do that to me! What nerve! Right when I was trying to get the day back to normal too!"

She looked pretty when she was angry. Miroku shook himself and followed when she started ambling away. "You were the one pushing me. And you also drug me into some plot concerning your brother that was apparently false, I might add. I think I'm deserving of a few answers. Since you don't seem like the agreeing type, some time alone was called for."

Sango faced him and pointed an accusing finger in his face. "You've showed some abnormal interest in me since we met at my job! I thought you would've taken a hint that I didn't want to talk to you when I tried to brush you off the first time. I was trying to let you down nicely, but apparently you don't take a hint."

Miroku grinned, not fazed by her anger. He encouraged it actually; this was the first time she'd ever been so improper in front of him. "Nope. I'm kind of a dense lot." The false cheerfulness slipped as he met brown eyes. "But I can be pretty perceptive as well. I do know you're hiding yourself from your brother by your utter panic earlier over not wanting him to know where you and I met. Would you like me to surmise why?"

Sango's hands trembled. She took a step back, shivering in foreboding. "I - I don't want to talk about that...right now." She quickly looked at the small crowds around and was lucky no one seemed to care about their quarrel.

"Hmm. Well you seem quite angry with me about SOMETHING my dear Sango -"

"Don't call me by my first name!(2) And stop using pet names. I only gave you permission because of Kohaku. I never intended on calling you by your first name after he left anyway. I don't intend on getting that personal with you."

Miroku blinked, jaw dropping. "That...personal? Sa - Tsuyoi-san, I beg to differ. I think we were VERY personal a little while ago."

A fist clenched as she looked away. "You think something like that matters? Business is business. I don't keep something like THAT in my head any longer than it takes me to scrub myself clean." Brown eyes burned into brown eyes, narrowing in revulsion. "You invited yourself in on a day that was between me and Kohaku. It's been months since I saw him last and you all but ruined the day for me. I don't intend on sharing his attention unless I allow it. And you Enzen-san were not allowed into our world this afternoon."

"Don't you think you're being a little too protective of him? He's fifteen and in upper-secondary school after all. He's not a child anymore."

Her blood boiled. Sango stopped centimeters away, jabbed a finger at his chest, and stared him down. "Don't you DARE tell me what I can and can't do with MY brother! He's all I have in this world and if I mother him too much it's for his own good as his aneue!"

Miroku was taken aback at her rage and his mouth opened without words. He wanted to offer his apologies for assuming too much, but wasn't allowed the opportunity.

"You don't know anything about me so don't presume you do! Anything I do to keep Kohaku safe I do for a good reason and I'll kindly thank you to keep anymore opinions to yourself about my family."

Miroku found his voice when she turned for the board. He let her look and steam - hopefully to cool down - for a minute before daring to speak. "I truthfully apologize for my words." He murmured, bowing. "It was wrong of me to say anything without knowing the facts and I hope you can forgive me."

Sango wanted to ignore him. She wanted him to go away so she could go home and try to bury herself in homework and be miserable that school and work and life were keeping her separate from the one she loved most in this world. Why couldn't this idiot take a hint and take a hike?

But, try as she might, she could tell he was being sincere and couldn't let herself be a total bitch at that. "Y - you're forgiven." She mumbled, annoyed at her amount of compassion. Why did she have to be too nice for her own good?

"Now that that's settled...I suggest you start thinking of free time. I'll try to clear my schedule for an early night off so you and I can relax and have some time to ourselves."

Sango's gaped at him. "You CAN'T be serious!"

Miroku held up his hands, fingers all uncrossed. "Dead serious Tsuyoi-san. You DID promise me a date, although I admit I used your distraction to my advantage, but you did agree. I swear I'll behave myself the whole time and make sure you're comfortable. I AM a gentleman after all."

"So you keep saying." Sango speared him a bored look. After meeting his congenial look for the longest time, she finally gave up the struggle against something she could sense she wasn't going to sneak by with. "Fine. ONE date and one only. I don't intend on getting suckered into another one so easily."

"You make me sound like an animal Tsuyoi-san." Miroku moaned, putting another hand to his chest as if wounded. "I promise you I'll cater to your every need and do nothing inappropriate. If nothing else, you and I can have a talk about your outbursts earlier this afternoon."

That was the last thing Sango wanted to do was to give this man answers into her life. She didn't want them to become cozy in any way. She had too busy of a life as it was and didn't want anyone like him to be in it to clutter it up even more. "I'd rather we leave that where it was and not discuss it at all."

"Ah, but you said - oh, how did you put it? - 'I'll explain everything later on'. I think during our date is the perfect time."

A hand massaged her forehead. If she faked a headache then, she was DEFINITELY getting one now. "Why can't you just leave it alone? I thanked you for your help, I'm sorry to involve you in something that was my fault, and I personally don't want it brought back up again."

Miroku stared. He could tell he was stressing her, but knew whatever other business in her life was taxing her even more. She couldn't keep this inside since it was apparently such a burden. If she talked to someone, she would feel better, he just knew it. "I..." A hand scrubbed the back of his head, trying not to pull his hair from its ponytail. "I guess I don't have a real answer to give you. I just feel that you are holding in something bigger than you can suppress. If it makes you react so strongly like you have, it must be getting to be too much for you to keep contained. I don't know you, but I'd be happy if you'd share the part that's troubling you so much."

Bangs shadowed her eyes. His voice moved her enough to where she couldn't say no. She couldn't form the words and push them past her lips. It confused her so much why someone, a perfect stranger, would care so much to listen to the troubles of these past years. Sango kept her eyes closed from seeing his face as she weighed whether to give him what he asked or not. She didn't like to go back on a promise when she agreed to give her time or attention to something, but this could be worse than breaking her word. The rules set up in her life were there to keep something like this from occurring. Why was this happening now? Why didn't a guy take a hint when he was being brushed aside and just leave? Why did this person have to stay and be stubborn? Sango didn't care if someone like that left; she could deal with the solitude as long as she had the knowledge of hanging out with her brother again.

He wanted answers...she supposed she could give something to him. But she would only indulge him the one time and then wouldn't see him again.

Sango looked up and seriously met his eyes. "Alright. I'll tell you. I have a few more weeks until summer classes start and then it's useless to ask for my time. I have my job in the meantime, so I have to figure out my schedule for next week."

Miroku nodded. "I have to do the same, so let me get a hold of you when I have an answer."

"Uh...I don't have a number." She stuttered, watching as he padded himself. "I only have the hotel's number, but I won't use that for personal calls. If you want to get a hold of me, write me."

Both brows rose. "Write you? I must say, that is interesting. What happens if I find I have the next day off and you don't get my letter on time?"

Sango smirked. "The main researcher for an international defense lawyer's office? You won't have any time off soon."

Miroku grinned. "Touché. But you're right. I imagine you might have more time than me, so I agree to write you. I'm afraid I don't remember the hotel's address..."

"I've got my own p.o. box I use for my mail. I'll give it to you, but don't start sending me all this junk mail afterward."

"Never thought to." Digging into his computer bag produced the needed item and Miroku pulled out another business card. He flipped to the blank side and scribbled his address. "There, now you have mine. Let me know your off days and I'll find what I can use."

Sango took the pen and grabbed the card he gave her. She wrote the box address on it and handed everything over, tucking the other card into her wallet. Something told her this was not going to be a good experience, but she could already tell it was going to be a disaster without woman's intuition.

'Might as well try to ride it out until things can go back to normal I guess.'

0-

Miroku watched as the doors closed and the mysterious creature was swept away from him in a cylinder of steel and glass. The anonymity surrounding Tsuyoi Sango kept attracting him and he thought back to the encounter that brought them together again. Surely fate was kind as it was vague to him. But he figured quick thinking got him the date so luck was in no short supply.

Fingers held up the card, looking at her handwriting. He could see nothing in it and so put it in his shirt pocket for safekeeping. This would be interesting - he never wrote anyone about a time to go out. But he could see her wisdom in not using a phone for idle chitchat. He didn't want to get in trouble with anyone for it either.

This was going to be fascinating and Miroku couldn't wait for the day to come. Sango already proved it by her personality all of today and now she was gone; leaving him with a void she filled by just being near and showing so much with her eyes. With a hum over the promised time together, Miroku exited the subway to head home.

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: Hai kore-This is for you/Here you go - Yarashii-Unpleasant/disgusting/repulsive/detestable - Shimatta-Damn it - Hontouni-Really/truly - Aneue mo-Older sister too

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:Hongo campus saw some latest trends, but Harajuku was sometimes called Tokyo's teenager town: Harajuku is a district southeast next to Shinjuku. It's well-known for shopping and the youth of Japan hangout.

2:Don't call me by my first name: Japanese are polite on a normal basis and calling someone by their first name, even without -san or -chan attached to the end, is pretty personal.