Getting used to things
Sangos children played happily in the backyard where there was a small creek cutting between tall trees. Kazuki was playing with them, laughing and enjoying the company of other children. He still had a heavy feeling in his heart from losing contact with Hotaka, but he still hoped to see him someday soon.
Amaya however was in the kitchen helping Sango wash the dishes. She admired Sango and the way she did everything intrigued Amaya. Earlier that day she even let Sango brush her hair and put it up and she never let anyone do that other than Kagome. Amayas hair was put up in a lose poly tail like Sangos and two beautiful silver ribbon curls hung over her shoulders.
Sango washed the last bowl and dried her hands before reaching over and affectionately rubbing Amayas dog-like ears. "Aww you're so cute!" She said tenderly.
Miroku came into the room at that moment "I'm just going out to the market to buy some things." He then looked down at Amaya. "Did you want to come little one?"
Amaya looked at Miroku shyly but nodded. She wanted to see their market and hoped that if she asked Kagome nicely she could get herself something.
"Alright then." Kagome smiled at her child tenderly when requested to go out with Miroku. "But get Kazuki something too alright." Then she handed Amaya a couple of extra coins.
"Where are you two going?" Kazuki ran up to his twin sister. "I want to come too." He said looking up at Miroku. Apparently Kazukis shyness had completely faded away over night.
"Alright then." Miroku said after looking at Kagome who smiled and nodded.
"Dad I want to come too." Said Sango and Mirokus oldest daughter, Sen.
"Alright honey, but behave yourselves alright everyone."
Their youngest daughter ran up to Sen giving her some coins and asking her to buy some treats for her and their brother. Sen accepted the money before nodding and walking out of the door with her father and the twins.
The marketplace was busy but Miroku seemed to know exactly where he was going. He bought a lot of strange looking vegetables and fruits that the twins had never seen before. He bought rice, and some strange equipment. Finally they came to a stall that sold deserts and treats. He bought large quantities and handed treats to each of the children.
"But we have our own money." Amaya said. "You don't have to buy this for us."
Miroku smiled at her. "It's alright, I'll buy them for you this time." He then put a finger up to his lips. "But don't tell your mother that I bought them for you then you get to keep the coins she gave you for another time."
Amaya blushed and nodded. The treats were very delicious and as they walked down the path back towards Mirokus house a small boy came running up to them.
"Hey Miroku!"
"Hello Tanaka! How are you today?"
"I'm great thanks!" The boy was an average height and was about nine years old with short brown hair and green eyes. "Who's the cute girl?" He asked smiling towards Amaya and blushing slightly.
"Oh these are my friend's children. They're living with us for a while. This is Amaya, and this is Kazuki. Kids this is Tanaka, he is one of our neighbours."
Tanaka smiled almost boastfully at them. "Nice to meet you!" He said. "Feel free to drop by my place whenever you like! I only live down the road from Miroku!" Tanaka looked up at Miroku. "I better get going now, my mum is probably wondering where I am." He chuckled. "See you later!" He winked at Amaya before running away.
She gasped and went beetroot red.
"Hmm." Kazuki frowned and whispered into his sisters ear. "I don't like that boy very much for some reason."
Amaya had nothing to say to Kazukis comment; she was still feeling a little flustered about the forwardness of the boy she had only just met. Amaya suddenly became sad again and looked at the ground as she thought about Hotaka. What would he have said about this?
"Let's go home now kids." Miroku directed everyone towards the path home.