Back at the village, the gang set off once again toward the east. Inuyasha was quite embarrassed the first several minutes of traveling because the stunt Kagome pulled. She came to check on them and Miroku answered the door shirtless. The Miko stepped in without invitation and saw Inuyasha lying there, naked all except his Haori covering his lower half. Kagome left immediately and apologized many times after it happened. He still wasn't too happy.
…A month passed by and Kagome needed to go back for studies and homework. Again. Inuyasha was angry because they had just caught up with Naraku. She left quickly before he could tear her head off.
In the meantime, Inuyasha and Miroku went to stay with Mushine for a couple days while Kagome was gone. Sango Kirara and Shippo just stayed at the village.
Once at the temple, Miroku introduced Inuyasha to his grandfather properly. "Mushine, this is Inuyasha. He's a close friend of mine." The older monk bowed and fell on his face. Miroku sighed and rubbed his eyes. "Drunk again I see. Is there ever a time when you are sober?" Mushine stood up. "Of course there is! Anyway, it is nice to meet you Inuyasha." The adopted father to Miroku scratched his head. "But weren't there more? I thought there were two girls and a fox child." Inuyasha lightly blushed. "They're back at the village." Mushine nodded in understanding and noticed their linked hands. Inuyasha blushed even more. ~Did Miroku not tell him?~
His lover smiled warmly. "Did I forget to mention? I've found someone." Mushine smiled with pride. "Ah! Who is the luck young lady? Is it that slayer girl? She's a keeper!" Miroku gulped. "Oh uh no actually. It's Inuyasha here." Mushine froze and held his breath. Inuyasha pulled his ears back and squeezed Miroku's hand. Mushine sighed. "Oh. I see. I'm still happy for you though." Miroku smiled back. "Thank you." The Hanyou saw a look of disapproval in his grandfathers intoxicated eyes. Mushine turned his back to them. "I will be in the garden if you need me."
He walked off and Miroku started to walk off until he was stopped by Inuyasha, standing in the same spot. Miroku tilted his head and stood in front if his Hanyou. "What's wrong?" Inuyasha lowered his head, his bangs covering his eyes. "I don't think he likes me Miroku. Maybe I should go." He shook his head and hugged Inuyasha. "No it's ok. He just needs to accept the fact I love you. No matter what." Inuyasha embraced Miroku and tensed. "Ok." The monk sensed something was wrong and lifted Inuyasha's chin, seeing tears in his golden eyes. "Oh Inuyasha." He wiped away a stray tear and smiled. "Don't cry ok?" He nodded and drooped his ears. Miroku kissed his Hanyou on the head. "How about I give you an ear massage? Would that cheer you up?" Inuyasha pulled an embarrassed smile and nodded silently. Miroku ruffled his hair. "Ok."
The two went inside and saw it was nearly dark. Miroku sighed. "Where are the days going?" Inuyasha shrugged. "Time flies when you're with the one you love." The monk chuckled. "I guess you're right."
Inuyasha looked wearily outside and drooped his ears. Miroku put his arm around his waist and pulled him close. "What's wrong?" He leaned against Miroku and sighed. "It's nothing."
Before Miroku could reply, the door opened and Mushine stood there. "Would you boys like anything to eat?" Miroku looked to Inuyasha and the Hanyou shook his head. Miroku smiled. "No. We're fine." Mushine nodded and shot a quick glare at Inuyasha before closing the door. Frightened by this, he moved Miroku's arm. His monk saw fear and discomfort in Inuyasha's eyes. "You ok?" He nodded. "Yeah I'm fine." Miroku faintly smiled and stood. "Follow me." Inuyasha stood and did so.
Miroku lead him to the zen garden and to stone steps near the back of it. "This way." He started up the steps, covered in vines and grass. Inuyasha looked around and carelessly tripped. Miroku turned around and gave him and concerned look. "Alright?" Inuyasha brushed himself off. "Yes." Miroku smiled. "You want on my back?" Inuyasha blushed. ~Weird. I'm usually the one doing stuff like that. Then again… it's only been Kagome.~ He nodded shyly and put his arms around Miroku's shoulders. The monk kneeled down and grabbed his legs. "There we go." Inuyasha smiled and let out a small chuckle. "Thanks Miroku." The monk sighed happily. "No problem."
Miroku carried Inuyasha to the top of the stairs and the vines cleared into somewhat of a platform. It was solid stone and has a beautiful view of the east. Inuyasha blushed and stared at the sight. "This is amazing." Miroku nodded and stood behind his Hanyou, putting his arms around his waist. "The sunset is stunning isn't it?" Inuyasha looked at the setting sun and tensed. "It is… but…" Miroku kissed his neck. "What is it?" Inuyasha flicked his ears. "It's the new moon." The monk rested his head on Inuyasha's shoulder. "Don't worry I'll protect you. Besides, there's a barrier around this whole place." Inuyasha intertwined their fingers. "But how am I here then?" Miroku gave his hand a small squeeze. "You're half human. The barrier only repels full demons. It's like that because I put it up in the first place." Inuyasha closed his eyes briefly as the last light dated behind the mountains. "You're always two steps ahead of me." The monk chuckled. "Guess I am."
Inuyasha's hair faded to black and his eyes turned brown. He shivered as a breeze settled in. "I'm so weak like this. I'm shivering over a breeze." Miroku stepped in front of him. "You're only human." Inuyasha rolled his eyes and walked over to the edge, seeing a steep cliff. "Wow…" Miroku stood behind him. "It's got an amazing view, but sadly no railings." Inuyasha scoffed. "I'm not three. I don't need a rail. I won't fall." He faced the monk and was frightened that he was so close. Inuyasha took a step back and slipped… He let out a gasp and reached out, only grabbing air. Miroku reached out as well, unable to grab his dearest. Inuyasha stared at him with fearful eyes and fell into the leaves, out of sight...