Sweet Temptation

"Are you alright?" Miroku asked.

"Yeah, I'm fine," Sango said.

"Then, I'll see you later?"

Sango nodded and walked away without another word. Miroku watched her go, knowning she truly was upset. She and Kagome left with Inuyasha, leaving him at his car. Shima walked out of the front doors of the school building and instantly found Miroku. She walked over to him and smiled brightly. Miroku nervously smiled back. He motioned her to get into the car and hastily got into the driver's seat. He didn't plan on spending more than an hour with her, but anything was bound to happen. Anything could happen. Hopefully nothing would. He had to remember that she couldn't be trusted automatically.

"So, are you ready for summer?" she asked him.

"Yeah, I suppose I am."

"Do you have any plans yet?"

"No, I'm not looking to do anything outrageous this summer."

Shima sat quietly. She kenw what he was referring to by that.

"What about you?" he asked.

"I don't know yet, I'd like to travel."

"Oh, where to?"

"Maybe Europe, or to The States."

"Why do you want to go so far?"

"It seems interesting over there."

"I guess it would be," Miroku shrugged.

"I might come back here next year, too."

Miroku glanced over at her in surprise. He didn't want to be rude, but why would she do that? Her school was much better than this one.

"You don't seem to like that idea," she said.

"Its not that, I just don't see the point."

"My mother wants me back, its closer to her home... And farther from my fathers."

Right, her parents had gotten a nasty divorce. Her mother had fought for sole custody. The process had been dirty and apparently still was. He could tell from Shima's voice. She had always been closer to her father. The new living arrangement must not have been going too well. Miroku avoided the subject, it was too much for him to talk about. He drove to a local diner and parked in front. Shima's mood seemed to improve once figuring out where they were. It used to be her favorite place to eat at, he hadn't forgotten.

Miroku ordered food for the two of them while she looked for a booth. He began to feel guilty agian, thinking this might not be okay. But he couldn't turn Shima away, even if it meant telling Sango he was unavailable for her. After he had the two trays of food he spotted Shima at a window. He walked over to her and placed her food in front of her. He sat across from her and popped a french fry into his mouth.

"Thanks for this," Shima said.

"No problem."

"So, how does Kagome feel about me being with you?"

Miroku did'nt know if the answer would be helpful.

"I mean, obviously she would have something to say."

"She doesn't approve, she doesn't trust you."

"I understand. I'm touched that you've forgiven me."

"I wouldn't say that."

Miroku began to eat his burger and lookedo ut the window. He wasn't going to let the past fade away, neither the good or the bad. She had abandoned him. Yet, he couldn't do the same, no matter how much he needed to. Then again, it was only her second day back at school. Nothing could possibly happen that could cause any damage. With Shima he could be perfectly honest about how he felt. As she sat, eating her food, she looked content. Once they were both finished, she refocused on him.

"What's been going on with you these days?" she asked.

"Not much, honestly. Just school."

"I heard you got into a fight with Bankotsu."

"Yes, I did. How did you find out?"

"Through a few girls. He always causes trouble."

"He used to be good enough for you," Miroku said.

"Er, well, not for long. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Neither do I."

"It had been a temporary weakness, I let him get to me. The way he talked-"

"I don't need to hear the details."

"Sorry, I just wanted to get everything out and in the open."

"We were younger, Shima. Things are different now."

"Yes, you're right. Its still difficult, though."

"Really."

"Its been hard not having you."

"Thats not really-"

"Appropriate? I know, sorry. I couldn't help it, saying that."

"Its okay, not a big deal. Are you ready to go?"

Shima hesitated and then nodded. Miroku was weary. He had had enough of going down memory lane. If anything, he felt more awkward with her now than before. He drove her home in silence. She didn't want to give up. She continued to talk, mostly about their relationship. She wanted to be friends. If that were possible. Miroku secretly wanted to also, but he didn't know that he should trust her. Once he pulled up in front of her house he looked at her expectantly.

"Miroku, I don't think you've opened up to me yet."

Was that a serious statement?

"I just mean that I don't want you to hold anything-"

"Shima, I don't think you have the right to tell me that."

"No, I don't. But you've always been able to forgive people. I just want you to forgive me."

Shima looked at him with deep sorrow. She suddenly put her arms around him and hugged him tightly. She smelled good, intoxicating. She pulled back, ever so slightly, her nose nearly touching his. Her eyes were almost glowing. Something fluttered into Miroku, some kind of feeling. Her lips looked enticing and they moved closer to his. Miroku pulled back and cleared his throat.

"I'll see you tomorow," he said.

"Yeah, sorry."

"Goodbye."

"Bye."

Miroku drove away when she got out and sighed heavily. Something could have just happened with him and Shima, and he was fortunate that nothing had. Sango had sent him a text message already but he felt too guilty to reply. He made his way home with an uncomfortable feeling settling within him. Shima still affected him, he couldn't deny that. He wanted to move on and forgive her, but it wasn't right. He shouldn't talk to the one person he had loved and that had cheated on him.

Shima was dangerous. She was beautiful and Miroku couldn't lie about the attraction he felt for her. That was one of the main reasons why he was hesitant about being associated with her again. He had Sango, so it didn't matter anymore if Shima had cheated. He wasn't holding onto that. But he couldn't be close with her, Kagome wouldn't' approve of that. Neither would Sango. He could see that she was unsure of the situation. Sango was too kind to say anything, though.

Once Miroku got home he went straight to his bedroom. His mother was still at work, as usual. At least he could find peace and quiet at home. He laid on his back and stared up at the ceiling. Shima and Sango. Complex love triangle...

An okay chapter, I guess. Sorry it took me awhile to post.