Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. The characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi!

Author Note: For those of you who requested some Sango/Miroku interaction…I should warn you though, I didn't re-read this or anything so there's bound to be a sufficient amount of spelling and grammatical errors…

Chapter 11
It Was Only a Kiss

"Um hum, no problem, thanks a lot…bye" Sango placed the receiver back in its original position after having another conversation with a member of the Higurashi family. Kagome hadn't returned from wherever she went and Sango felt bored out of her mind. It was a perfectly beautiful Saturday morning and she would be spending it alone. The thought was depressing…

"Hey sis," a voice piped up. Sango turned to see her little brother Kohaku shyly peering into her room. She motioned for him to come in and he did so, his freckled face lighting up into a smile. Kohaku had his hair tied up into a ponytail and was wearing nothing but his swimming trunks.

"Will you take me to the pool?" Kohaku knew that his sister liked things succinct, and chose not to dawdle. He mustered a pair of watery chibi eyes and knew that, if carried out right, he would succeed.

Sango covered her eyes laughingly. "Oh no! Not the chibi eyes!"

Kohaku rushed to his sister and tried to pry her hands away. After a good five minutes of tickling and laughing, Sango caved in. "Okay, okay. You win"

Kohaku jumped to his feet and did a victory dance. Sango shoved her little brother playfully and shooed him out while she changed.

"Arigato oneechan!" Kohaku rushed out the door and ran downstairs. Sango could hear Kohaku shouting excitedly, "Papa! She said yes! She's gonna take me swimming!" The brunette smiled fondly as she opened up her closet. Swimsuits were hung on the right side, but pushed more towards the back since she rarely ever swam. Speaking of which, Sango couldn't remember the last time she'd visited a pool.

Sango grabbed two swimsuits which stood out particularly. Heck, if she was going to go swimming, she might as well go wearing something nice. One swimsuit was a cotton candy pink, brimmed with magenta. The other was lavender in color and had small dark purple blossoms stitched in. After much deliberation, Sango slipped into the lavender colored suit and threw on a tank top and shorts.

"Let's go!" Kohaku drummed his feet against the floor when he spotted his sister jogging down the stairs. The effervescent kid hurried out the door, calling a last goodbye to dad. Father glanced up from his newspaper and looked instructively at Sango. "Drive safely."

:-:-:

The temperature had risen to 30 degrees Celsius, not unusual weather during the autumn season in Tokyo, Japan. As soon as the two siblings entered the car, Sango had switched on the AC and drove towards the local swimming pool, twenty miles away.

"Doesn't dad usually take you swimming?" Sango asked, pulling to a halt at the red light.

Kohaku nodded. "Yeah, but he said that he's busy today."

"Mm" Sango replied, taking a quick peak at the backseat. There, her duffle bag sat, filled with items like sun block, tanning lotion, and bug spray. Letting out a contented sigh, Sango smiled warmly at her younger brother. After their mother had passed away years ago, aside form his father, Kohaku looked to his sister for love and support.

Ten minutes later, when the duo had arrived at the pool, Kohaku exited the car and sprinted towards the pool. Sango grinned, knowing that he would return shortly. When he did, she handed him 800 yen without saying a word. Kohaku panted out a thank you and was rewarded with a pat on the head.

"I'll wait for you this time sis," Kohaku promised, grabbing the towel that she handed him.

When Sango was all sure she had everything, the two made their way towards the white gates. There was no denying that this pool was a paragon of excellence, bearing in mind that people had to pay to get in each time they favored a good swim. Sango was so deep in thought that Kohaku soon lost interest in trying to start a conversation with her and dashed off. By the time that she'd reached the gates, she bought a bracelet/pass from a young college girl and wrapped it around her wrist.

"Have a good swim!" the girl closed the box in which she stored money.

As soon as Sango stepped passed the entry, she could only gape in astonishment at the size of the sparkling pools. There were five of them, each as magnificent as the one before it. Hoards of people had showed up on this scorching hot day. Groups of babies and toddles splashed around in the heart-shaped kiddy pool. Sango spotted Kohaku cannon balling into the deep end of a rectangular pool and line of kids eagerly waiting their turn. A whole bunch of girls sat tanning on immaculate white beach chairs while boys fought hard not to ogle.

"Sango Taijiya," Sango whirled around, almost flinchingly and saw the last person that she'd wanted to see: the houshi himself.

She tried hopelessly to hide her surprise and embarrassment. "What are you doing here?"

Miroku grinned. "I work here."

Sango took a step back and frowned. What!

"Yeah," Miroku grabbed the back of his neck nervously. "Our rules are that no one is allowed in the premises without a bathing suit on so…" His blue eyes swept her entire body, making her shiver involuntarily. Damn it Sango thought resentfully. Why did I pick this day to wear a two piece?

"You'll also need to shower before entering the pool." Miroku pointed out where the changing rooms were and Sango gladly ran off. The houshi works at the pool! But I thought he worked at Takahashi! Could this be a second job? Doesn't the radio station pay him generously enough? Why did I have to wear a bikini today? Arrgg! All these thoughts raced through the brunette's mind as she quickly disposed of her clothes and showered. Now all she needed to do was muster up the courage to step out into broad daylight.

:-:-:

"You're cute," a girl with raspberry colored hair giggled. Miroku chuckled. He was currently seated between two very beautiful women. Being a lifeguard certainly had its advantages. The other girl, a redhead with gorgeous green eyes and long curly hair began stroking his chest. Miroku took a quick look at the doorway to the girl's changing room. As it was his duty to look after this region of the pool, Miroku had to make sure Sango came out wearing a swimsuit.

:-:-:

Sango poked her head out to check if anyone was watching. Particularly a lifeguard whose named started with an M. When she spotted Miroku, Sango narrowed her eyes precariously. The lecher misinterpreted it as a sign of acknowledgement and called out an enthusiastic "Come join us, Sango-chan!"

Sango blanched and wrapped the towel she carried tightly around her body. Even hidden behind a thick wall, she felt bare and naked. Damn that pervert!

"And demote myself to their level?" Sango threw dirty glares at Miroku's playthings. She could hear them protest and see them turn to Miroku with pouts. When he didn't respond right away, the two stood up and stalked away in unison. He reacted to their departure without delay.

"Hey wait! Come back!" The pervert boy jumped to his feet. "At least give me your numbers?" Now it was his turn to mope. Sango laughed at the gloomy expression on his face, but not out of cruelty. Over the years, she had learned that Miroku got over one girl as soon he spotted another one. Her laughter died down when his cobalt eyes rested on no other than herself.

"Don't even think about it." Sango snapped, backing away slightly, even thought she knew she was safe in the girl's bathroom.

"Are you still angry about Friday night?" Miroku asked, looking at her curiously. Sango felt her cheeks flame up. Kami, he made it sound so perverted!

Sango, for the first time, was able to take in his nicely built, tanned form while she gaped at him incredulously. He wore black swim trunks that reached past his knees, and his chest and hair glistened with a mixture of water and sweat. It wasn't until Miroku spoke that Sango realized she was shamelessly staring.

"I guess I can't blame you." He stood up and started to walk away. She probably should've said something, but no matter how hard she tried, her lips wouldn't budge. And, as destiny wouldn't have it any other way, Miroku spotted another girl.

:-:-:

Sango leaned back against a striped beach chair. Correction, make that striped beaches chair with leg rest. She had propped her legs up, but still hadn't removed the fluffy white towel hiding her body from view. Miroku was long gone; off flirting somewhere with that blond. Adamantly, she downplayed the feeling boiling in the pits of her stomach as dyspepsia.

"Oneechan!" Kohaku appeared, toweling his wet hair. "Aren't you hot?" He looked at the towel she sported with puzzlement.

"Nope, not at all," Sango replied hastily. "How's the pool feel?"

"Terrific!" Kohaku proclaimed, giving her a big grin. "Come on in and see for yourself!" The twelve-year-old proceeded to make an effort at tugging his sister to her feet until she finally conceded and tossed aside her towel.

"So where will we be playing?" Sango asked brightly. She followed the little mop of brown as it bounced towards its destination: the water slides. Conquered by a massive group of children, this area hosted other great attractions such as waterfall trees, a wave pool, lazy river, bubbling geysers, and—Miroku?

Sango stopped dead in her tracks.

"Coming, sis?" Kohaku turned around to face his petrified sister. "What's wrong?"

Sango forced her legs to take on a quickened pace towards her little brother. "Nothing! Nothing at all!"

Kohaku looked at her a bit skeptically. "Um, okay."

:-:-:

By the time they'd reached to swimming area, Miroku still hadn't spotted a frantic Sango, much to her relief. The two made their way up a long staircase and Kohaku took the steps two at a time until he reached the end of the long line. Sango ambled after, artfully watching Miroku all the while. At present, he was preoccupied with not one, but five beautiful girls.

"Whatcha looking at?" Sango leapt a couple feet in surprise. She averted her eyes from their obvious target, but did so a little too late.

"Hey! That's Miroku!" Kohaku chortled. "He was my swimming instructor!" Knowing what was about to happen before it did, Sango's hand reached out to cover Kohaku's opening mouth. Again, she was a little too late.

"Miroku-sensei!" Kohaku yelled. The little kid waved his arms recklessly while leaning against the staircase, and just seconds later, caught the attention of the frustratingly handsome boy named Miroku. Miroku smiled before waving back. When his eyes met those of the flustered schoolgirl standing beside Kohaku, he simply stopped waving and gawked. The look on his face only made Sango blush more and wish that the bars covered a little more than knee down.

Her worst nightmare though, came when Miroku turned to the girls he was chatting with to wave sayonara. He then turned to look at her and Kohaku and approached them after some assurance and persuasion from Kohaku.

Traitor! Sango eyed her little brother evilly.

"Hey, Kohaku," Miroku gave the kid a high-five and ruffled his damp hair. That's when Sango noticed that Kohaku had been tying his hair a lot lower than normal…like Miroku's. Kohaku grinned proudly and bounded on ahead since the line was growing shorter.

Sango became aware of the unnerving fact that Miroku could now see all of her and took a giant step after Kohaku. Miroku grabbed her wrist and halted her planned actions. His grip was firm, yet gentle.

"You're looking real good today, Sango-chan," Miroku complimented, flashing her that common playboy smile.

"Do you tell that to everyone you-" she didn't get a chance to finish her sentence.

"Nope." Sango stared at him, expectantly.

"Only to all the girls," Miroku finished, laughing a little.

Sango just about fell over anime style, but kept her composure. "Humph!" she copied Kohaku's earlier actions by taking the steps two at a time, to escape the evil clutches of Houshi-sama!

"But, but Sango!" Miroku sputtered.

Sango froze when she ceased to hear Miroku's voice. That could only mean that he'd found a good place to stare. Hell, she was wearing a bikini! That fact alone was inviting enough! Just as she was about to turn around and give the houshi a much deserved slap on the face, a nagging voice in the back of her head reminded her that unless she completed Yura's dare, she could forget about getting sweet revenge.

"Just what do you find so interesting back there?" Sango asked, her voice dripping with restraint. She paused to think for minute.

"Never mind, don't tell me."

"Are you sure you don't want to know?" Miroku spoke up finally, causing Sango to tremble ever so slightly.

"H-hurry it up, Houshi-sama," Sango grabbed his wrist and tried to close up the gap between herself and Kohaku. Already, they'd made it to the top of the winding staircase, to come face to face with the terrifying 55 ft. free fall water slide. Each year, this local swimming pool received renovations, making it appear more and more like a water park.

"Kohaku, be careful, ne?" Sango hugged her little brother from behind and attempted to kiss him. Kohaku squirmed away from his embarrassing sister.

"Nee-chan!" Kohaku complained whilst blushing a cherry red. Sango laughed and caught a pair of dark blue eyes. Miroku too had cracked up a bit, teasing Kohaku by making kissy noises. The two laugh and joked until it was finally Kohaku's turn.

"Poor kid," the young man in charged of the slide gave Kohaku a sympathetic smile. Sango and Miroku were too busy wiping away tears of mirth, Miroku's face half covered by Sango's head since she'd pressed her head against his shoulders for support.

"Your Mom and Dad giving you a hard time?" the man asked. Now it was Kohaku's turn to laugh at his sister's shocked appearance, a faint tinge of red splashed across the bridge of her nose. She, Sango Taijiya had just leaned against Miroku…a bare-chested Miroku. In addition, that guy thought Miroku and her were…married!

"We're not-" Miroku and Sango exclaimed at the same time. They stopped to look at one another while Kohaku tried to hold in his amusement. Funny how they still held onto one another.

"Oh, I'm sorry," the man chuckled. "Here, let me help you out, kid." Kohaku sat down on the slippery surface of the slide, its little vents shooting out perturbed blasts of cold water. Glancing back at his sis and maybe future brother in law, Kohaku gave them a thumbs up and a grin.

"See ya at the bottom guys!" And with that, he let go of the sides and threw his arms into the air.

"WOOOO HOOOOO!"

:-:-:

"Well, umn," Sango awkwardly released her hold on Miroku's shoulders and cleared her throat. "You first?" Miroku glanced at the serpentine fall and then back at the brunette. He was smirking faintly.

"How 'bout a goodbye kiss from my lady?" Miroku winked. Instead of blushing and dashing off like a rabid schoolgirl, Sango did the unexpected. Thoughts of completing the dare along with a secret desire to kiss the number one playboy fueled her to the point where she could do just about anything. Sango leaned over and planted a solid kiss on his lips. She pulled back before he could have the satisfaction seeing her swoon. As Miroku opened his mouth to speak, he was gently pushed down the slide, all the while, seated backwards.

"And you tell me you guys aren't married?" Sango continued to smile and wave at the retreating form of Miroku. The man that had previously given them a hard time applauded the raven-haired girl for her bold move.

"Though I can't help but feel sorry for you." Sango was a little baffled by his statement.

He peered over the edge of the slide and waited a while before drawing a deduction. "Yup, he's waiting for you down there."

Sango covered her face with her hands to hide her creeping blush.

:-:-:

While waiting for Sango to make an appearance, Miroku passed the time by watching scantily clad girls sunbathe. Occasionally, they would catch him staring and smile shyly. The giggles and gestures were inviting, very inviting.

"Whatcha lookin' at, Nii-chan?" Kohaku splashed water on Miroku, disrupting the older boy's concentration.

Miroku looked down at the tiny mop of brown hair and at that instant, came up with a great idea.

Miroku ruffled the little kid's hair affectionately. "Kohaku, wanna do me a favor?" Kohaku nodded eagerly, like a little puppy.

"Ok then. Look out for your sister and tell me when you see her come down that slide." Miroku pointed at the particular ride.

"Ok." Kohaku began swimming around in the moderately deep pool, his eyes scanning the surface of the cerulean blue water. No signs of Sango yet. Miroku patted himself on the back for coming up with such a brilliant idea and ambled to the surface where three beautiful ladies were waiting…

:-:-:

"Is it safe yet?" Sango was too afraid to look.

"Um hum."

Exhaling a breath she didn't even know she was holding, Sango released her grip on the rim of the waterslide and let out a WHEEE! noise as her body descended, breezing through limitless twists and turns.

Little did she know what was waiting for her at the bottom.

:-:-:

"BOO!" Kohaku popped out of the water and tossed his arms into the air sending droplets of water to trickle downwards. Sango shrieked and lost her balance completely.

"Kohaku!" Sango rubbed chlorine out of her eyes as she staggered to stand on her feet. Just as she was about to lecture him, Kohaku made his escape. The freckled boy swam his way to shallower waters, and then walked the rest of the way. He spotted Miroku doing what he did best; flirt. Kohaku wiped away the blush which stained his cheeks. As a shy kid, he'd always looked up to Miroku who had such an easy time talking with people, especially girls.

"Uh, eh, M-Miroku," Miroku turned around and grinned.

"Hey, Kohaku, get over here!" Kohaku made his way over to the four, stepping on his feet and keeping his head down all the way. Miroku stood up and took the boy's hand firmly. He then seated him on the beach chair which he had previously occupied. The three girls began pampering the little kid, dubbing him cute and sweet. Kohaku was a beat red, but he couldn't say he didn't like it.

"So, Sango is still over there, right?" A nod from Kohaku had the playboy jogging off.

:-:-:

Sango floated on her back, and astoundingly, nobody stepped on her. She vowed to find Kohaku as soon as she gathered the energy to stand. She found herself nearing a cluster of waterfall trees painted to resemble colorful umbrellas and mushrooms. Flipping herself upwards, Sango approached the only tree which wasn't in use. It was a giant spotted pink and white umbrella. Right as she was about to step inside, a pair of strong arms reached out and tugged her into the watery abyss.

"Houshi-sama, what is the meaning of this!" Sango found herself smack dab in the arms of her…nemesis. Miroku released his hold on her arms and leaned his head down so that his lips barely grazed her left ear.

"Are we going to finish what you started, Sango-chan?"

Sango woke with a start, beads of perspiration dripped down the sides of her forehead. It was only a dream. It was nothing but a stupid dream. Sango made a face. He was invading her dreams, damn it!

"Sango-chan!" Sango gasped. His voice! It was him and he'd said it. The exact words from her dream! As a last resort, Sango dove underwater and held her breath. Was this pathetic or what? Miroku chuckled at the sight, certain that he could even spot the brunette a mile away since most people were already packing up and leaving. The temperature had dropped significantly, forcing the pool to close earlier than usual.

"Sango," Miroku reiterated, this time more sternly. Sango, of course, hadn't heard a word. All she knew was that air was running short and Miroku was getting too close for comfort. When she broke to the surface for air, Miroku was standing right beside her.

"Um, I can explain," Sango blushed and her mouth open and closed without delivering a word.

Miroku smiled lazily. "Pools closing, let's get you out of this wet suit."

:-:-:

Miroku rubbed an aching cheek. It was bright red from where Sango had slapped him. When he'd offered to help Sango "get out of this wet suit," he'd meant every word. He, Miroku, wanted to assist the lady in remove her bathing suit. What was so wrong with that?

"Ok. I'm done." Kohaku appeared from the men's changing room with a bag slung over one shoulder.

Miroku had been left the duty of locking up after everyone left. At the moment, there was only Sango left. When she appeared, Miroku grinned sheepishly and saluted the proud beauty. Sango in turn smiled and walked with him and her little brother to the white gates. Miroku locked up and then glanced down at his watch. It was a little past one.

"Onee-chan, I'm hungry," Kohaku's mental clock told him that eating lunch was way overdue and he voiced his concern.

"Oh!" Sango slapped her head. "I packed a picnic lunch for today." She looked over at Miroku, wanting very badly to ask him if he would join them.

"Hey Miroku, you wanna join us?" Kohaku tilted his head to the side rather cutely. The older boy smiled, but then looked unsurely at Sango. She nodded, surprising even herself for acting so shy around a boy that she'd practically grown up around.

A/N: So I updated later than expected…ah well. Reviews are much appreciated! And be sure to answer the question: Was the fluffiness fluffy enough? Too fluffy? Insufficient?