Chapter 3: Coffee Break

"Did you need anything else?" Kagome asked as she grabbed her coat and keys.

"Not that I can think of. Don't forget to drop by Inuyasha's. Kikyo said she might need your expertise with choosing colours for the baby's bedroom." Said Sesshomaru as he gave her a kiss on the forehead. "Drive safe."

"I will. Love you. I'll see you after?" she asked while still glued to his side.

"I have paperwork so I'll be here." Sesshomaru leaned against the doorframe. Kagome continued to hug him. "Kagome you have to go. Inuyasha's expecting you."

Nuzzling his side, she mumbled, "But you smell good." and leaned up for a kiss. He embraced her closer and then nuzzled her neck.

"I'm sorry I can't come with you but you know I have a deadline Monday. And you know how Inuyasha is."

"I know," she sighed and put her coat on, "I don't get why you don't sort things out."

He shrugged, "We've agreed to be content with our differences."

Sighing again, "Okay…" then declares, "Alright then I'm off!" and pecked him on the cheek.

"Bye." Sesshomaru smiled.

Kagome headed to the elevator as he closed the door to his apartment. Getting off at the fifth floor from the eleventh, she made her way down the hall. She came to door 508N and knocked lightly.

"Oh hey, Kagome," as the door opened, "Sango's still sleeping."

"Hey Miroku," as she stepped in an took off her shoes and coat. "Is she feeling better?"

"Yeah she just had a fever last night. Her brother's at a band retreat with his school."

"Right, I remember her mentioning something." as Kagome sat across Miroku in the living room. After a pause, "If my mother calls just say I spent the night again."

"I'll let her know you tried your best to cure Sango with chicken soup." Miroku smirked, "Don't worry I got you covered. Though, I really shouldn't be here either." He winked at her as he got up to get a cup of coffee. "So what brings you here so early?"

"I'm supposed to go over to Inuyasha's later and pick up a book." Kagome sulked.

"You mean the 'Inu Race' book?" He grinned.

"Wha- How did you-? Gah! History buff…" she mumbled as she accepted a mug of coffee he brought over to her.

"No, actually I came across it when I helped Inuyasha and Kikyo move into their new place. I knew his mother was a physician back in her day and she did publish a few books later in life." He recalled while settling on the adjacent couch, "It was quite…interesting."

Kagome's eyes widened, "You READ it?!"

"Only the part about bitches," He smirked proudly at the pun.

"Of course you would." She narrowed her eyes at him and took a sip of her coffee. "You never change."

"Hey, to my defense -" he took a pause, "Sango still loves me."

"Psh, uh-huh." Kagome rolled her eyes with her sarcasm. Thinking of her best childhood friend, she smiled warmly. "You know she loves you to death."

"I know." He said softly.

Silent thoughts filled a brief moment.

"I'm going to ask her to marry me." He said as he glanced up at her. Her reaction said it all, "You can't tell her!" He said panicked, "you CAN'T ruin this for me!"

"No no I won't! I swear!" she said beaming.

"That's what you said when I wanted to surprise her on her birthday!" Miroku exclaimed.

"Hey that was NOT my fault, that was…Kohaku's." It really was her fault, but Kohaku wasn't supposed to say anything! Little brothers….

"Just please don't say anything." He pleaded.

"I won't I won't." She paused and asked, "Can I tell Sesshomaru?"

"He knows already."

"He does?" she was surprised. She didn't know he and Sesshomaru were close.

"He helped me pick out a ring. Something about a family friend who owns a jewellery store?"

"Oh…right... Does Inuyasha know?"

"There is no way in hell I'd tell Inuyasha. He's worse than Kohaku." Miroku groaned. "Anyways, what time are you meeting him?"

Kagome checked her watch, "Oh I should head soon." and got up from the couch. "Thanks for the coffee."

"No problem, you look a little tired." Miroku's smirk returned. "You should try resting at home once in a while. I hear Sesshomaru's fairly…well…I'm sure you know."

Kagome blushed and glared at him at the same time. "Jerk." Putting her shoes on as Miroku opened the door, she said, "Let Sango know I dropped by. Tell her to feel better."

"Yeah, I'll let her know. See you later Kagome." He smiled a farewell.

"See ya." Kagome waved, then headed again to the elevator. Her best friends were getting married! She grinned at the idea. It was about time they did.