Disclaimer: I do hereby disclaim all rights and responsibilities for the characters in this short scene… especially for the one who's contemplating positions. A nod of recognition is bent towards Rumiko Takahashi for her creative prowess.
A version of this drabble was originally posted to Live Journal on April 28, 2009.
After Hours
"You're taking your sweet time, tonight," Miroku grumbled, giving his trusty silver pitcher a final polish before putting it away for the day.
"In a hurry?" Inuyasha asked.
He shrugged noncommittally and glanced at the clock. Closing time had been six minutes ago, and the hanyou still hadn't locked the front door; until that happened, Miroku was bound by their agreement. Violet eyes drifted towards the only other occupant of Founder's Coffee Shop. Over the last couple weeks, Sango had made the corner booth her home away from home. Midterms were coming up, and she'd stay after her shift to study… and drive me crazy.
"Keep your pants on," Inuyasha sighed, pulling keys from his pocket. Cuffing his friend's shoulder, he added, "Literally."
The second the lock clicked, Miroku was through the gate and sliding into the seat across from Sango. "Big test tomorrow?"
She looked up in surprise. "I thought you weren't allowed past the counter."
"During regular business hours. We're closed," Miroku pointed out smugly.
"Already?" she exclaimed, pulling her notes together. "I didn't realize it was so late."
"Wait!" He laid a hand on her arm. "Please?"
"What?" she asked cautiously.
"Let's be friends," Miroku blurted.
"Excuse me?"
"Friends," he repeated, quickly regaining his composure. "We could be much more friendly with each other."
"I'm not interested in 'getting friendly' with you," she retorted primly.
"How do you know?" he countered smoothly. "You don't know me well enough to decide that, and there are benefits to being friends."
"Friends," Sango repeated coolly, closing her satchel. "With benefits?"
Miroku's eyes widened, then glazed over. "Ah, well… while I wouldn't be opposed…"
"I don't think so," she snapped, cutting him off.
Inuyasha relocked to door behind her and joined Miroku. "Smooth," he smirked.
"I think I misrepresented my intentions," Miroku mourned.
"You sure about that? You're kind of a pervert, you know."
"She's the one who brought up benefits packages."
"I don't think Sango's the sort to offer benefits to part-timers," Inuyasha remarked.
"I wasn't even thinking about applying for a position," Miroku insisted, drumming his fingers on the table as he stared into space.
"You sure about that?" Inuyasha repeated, bemused.
End Note: This drabble was originally written for the Live Journal community mirsan(underscore)fics, Promp #5, Friendship. My contest entry was pruned back to 250 words, but this version stands at 363 words.