Weeping Willows

Disclaimer: The characters of InuYasha are not mine; they are property of Rumiko Takahashi. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Hey Guys, I'm here again. First of all I want to thank TruGemini . I appreciate your suggestions and encouragement. I cannot tell you how much it means. I did try to break it up tell me if this was better.

Secondly thank you Knifethrower for your review and encouragement. Again it meant a lot to me.

You Guys so ROCK!

Chapter 2: The Cook Out

"Hey Kagome," said Sango as she rounded the corner of the house Kagome lived in. Kagome turned to see her best friend walking towards her with hamburger rolls in her hand. Following close behind was her other best friend, Miroku, carrying a bag of ice in one hand and a case of beers in the other.

It was Kagome's weekend to host the party so she decided to have a cookout since the weather had been so nice. She had always enjoyed the outdoors and fresh air so it was ideal. Her best two friends, burgers and dogs on the grill, and beer.

"Hey guys, what's up? Everything is just about ready so you can go on and put everything down in the gazebo," said Kagome as she turned back towards the grill to flip the burgers. Miroku and Sango did as they were told, Miroku knowing the drill started to set the table. Meanwhile, Sango went over to the radio to find something good to listen to.

"Shoot," Kagome exclaimed. "I forgot the condiments. I'll be back in a sec guys." Kagome stated dashing into the house.

Miroku's eyes followed Kagome into the house. Once the door shut he turned to Sango dropping the smile he had plastered on for Kagome's sake. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy spending time with her. She was one of his best friends for goodness sake. But he really wasn't comfortable with his fiancés meddling in her love life.

Kagome previously had a rough time in her relationship with her ex. And yes, he did notice that since then she seemed to go through men a lot faster but that was her business. He had been there during the end of the relationship and had seen how she had been treated. He'd gotten into quite a few fights himself with that ass Inuyasha while defending her honor.

Once it was all over, he and Sango did all they could to help her heal and move on. They tried to get her to see that she was not the one to blame and also to talk about it. They knew it wasn't healthy for her to keep everything bottled up and they worried for her.

Miroku had witnessed firsthand how hard she had taken the breakup and if she wasn't ready for a serious relationship right now then so be it. She would be ready eventually, but his beloved Sango had other ideas on the matter. Ideas that involved sticking her nose in where it didn't belong and as much as he loved her, sometimes he would love to just choke Sango to death.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Miroku said softly to Sango. "You know it wasn't too long ago that we couldn't say the "I" word without her clamming up and getting that lost look on her face."

Sango drew in a deep breath resisting the urge to roll her eyes at him. She loved him dearly but sometimes he could be so dense. This is what Kagome needed; she just had to be pushed a little in the right direction. She and Miroku had already discussed this, several times in fact and it was done. He might Kagome's friend too but she had known her much longer. Sango was also a woman; there were just some things that men just didn't get. Miroku had to just wait and see, it would all work out. Sango knew what she was doing.

"Yes, I am sure for the hundredth time. We are not discussing this again," Sango said quickly as she looked toward the door that Kagome had disappeared into not long ago.

"You at least could have said something, warned her. Not just spring this on her suddenly," Miroku said heatedly.

"She would never have agreed, you know that!" Sango replied turning back to the radio as she resumed browsing radio stations.

"Maybe that's because she doesn't need help! She is a grown woman and when she needs help like this I am sure she knows how to ask. How can you…" Miroku closed his mouth quickly as he heard the sounds of Kagome's approach.

Kagome then reappeared carrying the condiments along with a deck of cards for later. As she neared the gazebo she slowed down. Looking between the two Kagome knew something was up. The three had been friends for a long time and the awkwardness that was between the two of them right now was not normal.

"Sorry I took so long you guys, my mom called as I was coming back out and I couldn't just say sorry I have company and hang up. I had to at least talk to her for a minute and make sure she was alright. She is fine though. When I mentioned I had to go because you two were here she understood. I promised I would call tomorrow so we could talk." Kagome explained as she took a seat.

"Don't worry about it Kagome we are not guests, we know where everything is and have made ourselves quite at home," said Miroku stretching out in the lounger so he could put his feet up. Sango was still facing the radio and strangely quiet.

"Alright guys what's going on?" asked Kagome hands on her hips looking quite exasperated. "I know something is up, and Sango why won't you turn around?"

Miroku cast a glance at Sango's back and Kagome suddenly got very worried. Getting up Kagome walked up to Sango putting a hand on her shoulder. "Did something happen between you two? The wedding is not off is it? MIROKU!" Kagome yelled suddenly turning on the now very uncomfortable male. "WHAT did you do? I know it is your fault."

Hearing Kagome's statement Sango turned around to face Kagome, a weird expression on her face. "No, no Kagome. It's nothing like that. We just had a difference of opinion and I got irritated, that's all. Nothing for you to worry about," said Sango trying to calm her now very irate friend.

Kagome took a deep breath and noticeably relaxed but then looked between the two curiously. "What were you disagreeing on? You two are like peas in a pod it must have been something very serious for you two to argue about it."

Miroku looked at Sango with an expression that said you tell her I want no part of this, while Sango looked away guiltily. She looked off to the side rubbing her arms in a nervous fashion, the corner of her lip pulled between her teeth.

"Well is anyone going to explain or not? " Kagome said. She started to tapping her foot in agitation. What was going on here and why did everyone suddenly lose the ability to speak?

"I'm afraid I am to blame for that," a deep voice behind her said. Kagome turned to see the speaker of the voice and froze.