Beautiful Soul
By: SlayerSango23
Disclaimer: I do not own the Inuyasha characters, nor do I own the video game Mortal Kombat, nor do I own the Rockefeller name.
A/N: I apologize for the wait. Some new characters will be introduced/or mentioned in this chapter. Enjoy :)
Chapter Two: Inquiring Minds...
"Thanks for the ride, Kagome-chan." Sango remarked as they pulled into her apartment complex.
"Oh, it's no problem! I wouldn't be a very good friend if I made you walk, now would I?" She gave her a smile bubbling with trademark 'Kagome sweetness'.
Sango simply smiled in response.
"And besides, I was planning on going to Inuyasha's tonight anyway. It's kinda convenient having your best friend and boyfriend in the same apartment complex."
"So, coming up for awhile?" Sango asked.
"Sure. Inuyasha will be home soon, but we will have a little bit of time to talk before then. It seems like we are always too busy to just sit down and talk much at work."
Sango got out of the car and headed inside, as Kagome followed behind, chattering away.
"So, Sango...?"
"Yeah?" Sango absentmindedly asked while fumbling for her keys.
"Today was pretty interesting, wasn't it?"
"Um, I...guess..." Sango knew what she was getting at.
"Well, what do you think of 'Mystery Man'? Do you think he's going to come back and see you tomorrow? I can't believe he left you such a huge tip! And you didn't accept it!" Kagome prattled on. "Kagome, I don't want to talk about him. And if you insist upon talking about him, then...I'm not letting you in!"
Sango headed up the stairs, leaving a momentarily stunned Kagome standing at the bottom.
"Hey, Sango! You were kidding, right?" The young girl quickly followed up the stairs.
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Miroku arrived at his penthouse, carrying a carton of Chinese takeout. He did enjoy a nice dinner out at a quality restaurant, but it simply wasn't the same without the company of a lovely woman. So, when he didn't have such company, he found takeout to be acceptable. Although, it was quickly becoming old hat.
He sighed, thinking of how his day off had been interrupted, thinking of how he'd been dragged away from that beautiful waitress.
Was that really necessary? Sometimes I wonder if those people could do anything without me...
He turned the key to his apartment but was startled by the voice of a young girl.
"Hi, Miroku-sama!" came the perky voice from behind him.
Miroku turned. "Oh, hi Rin-chan. How are you?"
"I'm fine, but–"
"Let me guess. Drill sergeant Jaken has you practicing your violin for hours upon end?"
Rin nodded. "Can I come in and play video games again?"
Miroku had wanted some time alone with his thoughts, but he was too kind-hearted to turn the 13 year old away, so he agreed.
Rin had been orphaned several years before. She had been taken in by Miroku's eccentric and seemingly aloof billionaire neighbor, Sesshomaru, only six months ago.
Though he'd tried to keep the matter secret, word had somehow gotten out that the shrewd, cold-hearted businessman, aptly labeled the "Killing Perfection" for his dealings in business, had adopted a child. It had been a major shock and was still making headlines and tabloids galore.
Miroku wasn't quite sure why his neighbor had adopted the girl. It didn't seem to be consistent with his character. Still, he didn't doubt that Sesshomaru cared for Rin, for he had his own ever so subtle ways of showing it. For one, he had taken to turning the girl into a child prodigy. She had private tutors that came to her home, as well as a plethora of different lessons: violin, piano, singing, martial arts, and even horseback riding (which she had to travel for).
Sesshomaru's faithful assistant Jaken, an obsequious, impish little man with an almost greenish complexion, had been recruited to undertake much of Rin's training, due to Sesshomaru's busy schedule.
Miroku felt sorry for the girl, despite her privileged life. She hadn't really been allowed to be a kid, orphaned so young and forced to grow up and face reality. Even now, living a life of privilege, she was constantly pushed to attain incredible goals and given little time to enjoy her youth. Nevertheless, it hadn't seemed to have any effect upon the girl's sweetness.
One day, Rin had found a loophole to her dilemmas, though. During one of her designated practice sessions, she had snuck out her window onto the balcony and found her way over to Miroku's adjoining balcony window, which had been open. It turned out that Miroku was just a big kid and had quite the video game collection. Rin had been in heaven. And Miroku couldn't deny a child video games, especially considering he had somewhat of an ongoing feud with Sesshomaru.
When Sesshomaru had moved in, he'd demanded to have the entire top floor of the building to himself and had attempted to force Miroku out. Miroku wouldn't have it, though, and the two reluctantly agreed to share the space, but the tension was constantly there. It usually wasn't a problem, though, for they kept out of each other's way for the most part, and Sesshomaru was not the type of person to acknowledge others, unless necessary, or exchange pleasantries.
And Miroku wasn't generally the type for vengeance, but Sesshomaru could somehow bring it out in him...
For instance, Sesshomaru didn't allow Rin to play video games. How better to get back at the arrogant elitist than to provide his 'pet project' with exactly what he forbid?
Rin followed Miroku into his apartment and immediately made her way to the big screen. She fired up Mortal Kombat, as Miroku slumped onto the couch with his Chinese and watched.
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"Kohaku! Are you home, Kohaku?" Sango called upon entering her apartment. "Kagome, have a seat, and I'll be right back."
"Ok, Sango. No problem."
Sango knocked on the door of Kohaku's room. "Kohaku, are you in there?"
"Yeah, come in, Ane-ue." he called from inside.
She entered to find Kohaku reading a comic book on his bed.
"Good. You made it home safely. How was riding the bus today? No one bothered you, did they?"
"No. It was fine." he said, still skimming over the comic book.
"Ok, good. I was so worried about you." She sat on the edge of his bed and mussed his hair.
"Hey, cut it out, Ane-ue. Why were you worried?"
"Well, it's a dangerous city out there."
"I can take care of myself."
Sango simply smiled at her younger brother's confidence. "Well, that's a relief." She gave a wry smile. "I'm going to start dinner. I'll call you when it's ready."
"Ok."
Sango returned to the living room. "Kagome, I need to make dinner. Would you like to come into the kitchen so I can talk while I make it."
"Sure."
"Would you like to stay for dinner? Inuyasha can come, too."
"No, Sango. That's all right, but thanks so much for the offer."
"Ok then."
Kagome supported her head in her hands and watched Sango. "So..."
"So?" She's just dying to ask me more questions about that guy...
"Why are you avoiding my questions about that guy?"
I knew it... "Because...it's foolish."
"But why?"
"Because it was no big deal."
"Come on, Sango. I need a little excitement in my life..."
Sango sighed. "Well, I wouldn't want to deprive you of any excitement, Kagome...even though it's kinda sad that you get your kicks from talking about my life..."
"Oh Sango..."
"What would you like to know?"
Kagome beamed. "Ok, first of all, did you find more out about him than his first name?"
"No, that's about it."
"Hm...I know I have heard that name Miroku before..."
Sango shrugged, going about her business.
"So, what happened between you two while I was back in the kitchen? I know something must have happened!"
Sango blushed slightly. "What do you mean what happened?"
"Oh, you know, like...what did you guys talk about...was there any chemistry...?"
"What is it with you and 'chemistry'!"
"You never answered the question!"
Sango groaned in frustration. "We didn't really talk about much. He mostly just flirted with me...rather poorly, I might add..." Sango looked away, turning up her nose in proud indignation.
"Mmhmm..."
"What?"
"Nothing...so, no chemistry then?"
"Because he obviously liked you...a lot."
Sango wished she could halt the annoying warmth that kept creeping onto her cheeks.
"What makes you say that?"
"For starters, he groped you..."
"That just makes him a pervert!"
"Yeah, but a pervert who likes you..."
"Perverts like everyone!"
"Someone groped you, Ane-ue!" Kohaku asked wide-eyed, as he entered the kitchen.
"Yes, if you must know, little eavesdropper!"
"All right, who is he! I'll go and kick his a– butt!"
Sango glanced at Kohaku, then shook her head in amusement. He was certainly protective of her.
"Thank you, Kohaku, but that won't be necessary. I slapped him for it."
"Good." Kohaku replied.
"I shouldn't have, though. He was a customer."
"He didn't seem to mind it. He left her a 98.50 tip..." Kagome added. "Also in favor of him liking you..."
"He only had 100 dollar bills!"
"Oh, come on, Sango!" Kagome exclaimed. "That's a lousy excuse..."
"He left you a 98.50 tip! Who is this guy, a Rockefeller!"
Sango and Kagome shrugged.
"He did, but I didn't take it." Sango continued with dinner, trying to ignore her interested brother and friend.
"Why not!" Kohaku exclaimed.
"I didn't feel right about it." Even though we really could have used that money...
"Ok, then if he doesn't like you, why did he ask if you were working tomorrow? He is obviously planning to come back and see you. He might even ask you out tomorrow!"
"So, so...what if he does like me? Even if he does, it doesn't matter."
"You don't like him?"
"I...uh...Kohaku, don't you have homework to do?"
"Some. I guess I should go do it so you two can talk alone..." He slowly exited the kitchen, clearly disappointed.
"Perceptive, isn't he?"
"Very."
"So, do you like him?"
"You're exasperating, Kagome-chan!"
"Come on, just answer..."
"No! I don't fall for perverts!"
"But it seems like aside from that he is a nice guy."
Sango thought of how he'd kissed her hand but quickly dismissed the memory.
"I don't care. I don't plan on getting involved with anyone right now."
"So, you just plan to be alone forever?"
Who knows...? Maybe...
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"FINISH HIM!" the announcer screeched, as Rin slaughtered the enemy once again, then threw up her hands in victory.
"You're getting really good at this game, Rin."
Rin giggled. "Thanks for teaching me all those cool finishing moves!"
Miroku smiled. "No problem." He continued picking at his Chinese food with chopsticks. Maybe I am exposing the girl to a little TOO much violence. I think I've created a monster.
"Wanna play, Miroku-sama?"
"No, thanks, Rin. Did you have your dinner?"
"Yes."
"Would you like something to drink?"
"No, thank you."
"Ok."
Another victory later...
"How was your day, Miroku-sama?"
"Oh, it was fine, thanks."
"What did you do?"
"Well, I got up and went for a jog, then I went to this café for some coffee...and I met this waitress there..." Miroku's tone unwittingly became suggestive, and he began to create images of Sango in his mind. What a beauty she was!
"Was she pretty?" Rin asked, still concentrating on the game.
Miroku gave a contented sigh. "She was beautiful..."
"You should ask her out!"
Miroku was amused by the teenager's directness. She certainly didn't mince words, just like her foster father.
Still, perhaps she was onto something...
"Oh, you think so, huh?"
"Sure, why not?"
"Well, maybe I'll just do that then Rin."
"Bonsai!" Rin exclaimed.
That is, if she doesn't hate me... I guess I didn't make the best first impression when I groped her... Although, when we parted, it didn't seem like she hated me...
Sango, she's certainly beautiful, but I think there is something more than that pulling me toward her... I feel like I want to get to know her, and I feel like I can trust her. I don't believe she would go after me simply for my money... Wouldn't that be a change from the women I usually date.
Miroku sighed. Getting to know Sango, hm? I think it is definitely worth a shot!
End of Chapter.
A/N: Sesshomaru supposedly means 'killing perfection,' hence the nickname. He just seems to be the type of guy who would secure some sort of powerful nickname.