There's a slight chill in the air as a shiver causes goose bumps to flair up his arms. He had decided to go for a walk around the grounds of the small mansion they were staying at for the night. Earlier that day, they were just passing by through a town when a man ran up to him in the street and begged him to officiate his master's daughter's wedding because their priest had fallen ill and they were scrambling to find a replacement. It had taken a little pushing but Inuyasha had begrudgingly agreed to let them stay and help the man. Plus, not only was Miroku going to be paid handsomely but they were allowed to stay at his master's mansion till after the ceremony. The others were in their rooms, preparing for bed and the half demon had disappeared somewhere. Probably to brood alone about their journey being cut short. But he didn't think he was too miffed about it, oddly enough. They had just battled a great beast a day ago so the rest and the abundance of food was a great reward for collecting a jewel shard.
Miroku made his way to a large Sakura blossom tree. The petals of its flowers swayed with the wind, making a few fall and scatter on the small grassy incline. He took a seat, careful to find a soft patch of grass near its large base so he could lean on the tree's trunk. The full moon with its stars was quite bright tonight, illuminating the darkness around him. He's hoping the calmness of the night will help him sleep because even though his body was dog-tired, his mind wasn't. He's been having sleepless nights and tense shoulders for the last few days leading up to the battle. He wonders if it was a premonition for something bigger to come.
"Hey," whispered a voice coming from above him. Looking up, he's greeted by the missing half demon lounging in the tree's bough.
"Hey," he responded with a tired sigh.
"Why aren't you sleeping, monk?" the other asked with raised brow,
"Not sleepy yet. Was hoping a walk would help me get there but…" he trails off shrug. Inuyasha free falls out of the tree but lands on his feet before crouching down next to him.
"Well, you look tired," he said as he gently put the back of his hand on the monk's forehead, "you don't seem warm or smell like you're sick either."
It's been about a month since the events in the cave and neither man has wanted to talk about it. Directly, at least. Miroku has noticed a few things have changed. They were physically closer, whether it's on their journey from village to village or on the battlefield, Inuyasha was now always in his peripheral vision. Always close enough to graze but never taking the initiative. Lingering glances and almost touches. A heated gaze ever present, warming the flesh on his neck and back. This was the first time the monk felt the other man hands on him since the cave. He almost groaned.
"I-It's n-n-nothing, I'm just a l-little wired up since the last fight.. That's all," he stutters, trying to avoid the half demon's disbelieving gaze and touch. "O-once I can relax, I'll-...I-Inuyasha hold on a sec-", he stammers, now unable to move from his spot as the other man traps him against the trunk.
"Can you wait a lil' longer?" he asks as The half demon had straddled his legs, leaned into space as if to inspect his flushed face closely.
"What?"
"Kagome was hinting at going back to her time again and Sango's gonna need to repair her weapons after the fight we had. And Shippou will probably stay with Kaede or something. So just wait a little longer, okay?" Inuyasha says, as he wrapped his arms around his midsection and rested his head on his shoulder. Taking a deep breath, releasing a shaky exhale.
"Inu- Wha- What are y-you ta-," Miroku stammers again, unable to form a proper sentence before he's cut off by a frustrated growl.
"Quit playing dumb, Miroku," he snaps through clenched teeth and a roll of his red eyes, "you think we can't tell? You can pretend to ignore it all you want but we know what you need."
It's been a month since the events in the cave and Inuyasha is still dealing with the effects of the spell. His stronger emotions still rear their head, revealing themselves with every colour that flashes in his eyes. But luckily, Miroku is the only one who can see it. The first instance was when Kagome had sat him and his eyes flashed to a dark maroon. His clear annoyance and frustration was evident on the windows to his soul and Kagome didn't blink when he glared at her with maroon coloured irises. He was quite thankful for it, not ready to explain to the others why that is and what happened to cause it. Not even sure what to make of it as these lingering effects weren't in the scroll the village doctor had let him read. He didn't know his skin would still burn everywhere the half demon touched. How it's still hard to breathe when he's near. Finally realizing Inuyasha's lingering looks were a silent need, a question he didn't know how to answer.
The monk doesn't get to respond before the half demon is kissing his breath away. He doesn't remember how his hands got tangled in his silver locks or when he started kissing him back. He doesn't remember missing the taste and the feel of the other man as much as he did now. Meeting him with just as much vigour as always, only pulling away to breathe. Either man finds it harder to release the other. Trailing hands finding curious paths up thighs and down broad backs as they stayed close. Their warm breath created a fog between them as they pressed their foreheads together.
"If the walls of the room weren't so thin, we'd put you to sleep," the half demon growls a taunt, nuzzling his jaw and neck.
"Making me cum 4 times back to back is not putting me to sleep, Inuyasha."
"You fell asleep, didn't you?"
"I passed out!" the monk laughs, pushing against the other man's shoulder playfully.
"Same difference. Now," Inuyasha says, moving back to stand, pulling Miroku to stand, "Come on. You've got a wedding to officiate in the morning. Time for bed."
The second Miroku laid his head on his pillow that night, he fell right to sleep. His mind allowing him to rest, finally. It was the most restful sleep he's had in a while. Snuggling into a warm chest and careful arms as a mix of amber and red eyes watched over him as he slept.