A Few Years Left to Live by Firestar385

Summary: Party-boy Miroku's signature pick-up line earns him more slaps than dates. Sango is the only girl who can see beyond it to the hurting young man underneath. MirSan, InuKag.

Disclaimer: InuYasha and all its characters belong to Rumiko Takahashi. This is written for fun and no money is being made from it. All mistakes are mine.

Sorry for the delay in updates. I honestly don't know what happened. I recently was sucked into the Twilight fandom but I rediscovered some of my older stories and was reminded of how much I like Inuyasha and my other mangas. So, here is the next chapter of this story. The next should be out before too long, but I'm getting ready to graduate from university and there is still a lot to be done. *sweatdrop*

Chapter Three - Getting to Know You

Three days passed before Miroku ventured into the coffee joint again when Sango was working. Taking a deep breath, she walked resolutely to his centrally located table. "Good afternoon," she greeted.

Miroku looked up at her in surprise. "Sango. I had hoped to make it through a whole chapter before I was interrupted." He held up one of his textbooks. She fidgeted, then frowned when he noticed and smirked.

"Your usual then?"

"Of course." Sango hurried away, mentally berating herself for being such a wimp. She returned shortly with the drink.

"Is something the matter, Sango?" asked Miroku. "Usually you avoid me like the plague."

"I have better things to do than worry about you. You're just another customer like any other."

"How have I fallen out of your esteem?" Miroku looked crestfallen.

"I realized that I was being silly for caring about anything you say or do."

"You did put a lot of effort into making me feel unwelcome," agreed Miroku.

"Yet you still keep coming in here. The coffee isn't that good."

"I like the atmosphere."

"Lots of females to insult, are there?"

"Insult, dear Sango? I only offer the opportunity to…"

"You treat girls like dirt, Houshi. I told you to call me Miss Tajiya."

"It only took three times," said Miroku under his breath but Sango heard him just fine. With a huff, she turned to leave. Her conscience yelped loudly. She spun back around.

"I'm sorry for acting unprofessionally the other day, even if you are an asshole."

"Apology accepted," said Miroku dryly.

Furious, Sango pulled out the second chair at the table and sat down across from Miroku. "What is wrong with you?"

"Me? You're the one acting strange today. You never speak with me more than what is absolutely necessary."

"I'm trying to do my job. Why do you keep with a pickup line that usually earns you a hard slap and eternal loathing?"

"I thought you didn't care about me anymore." Miroku didn't like where this conversation was heading. It was getting too personal. He could tell from the glint in her eye that she was suspicious of his ulterior motive in using the line. He slipped his book back into his messenger bag and zipped it shut. "Can I please get a to-go cup?"

"Answer my question."

"You had your turn to slap me and loathe me eternally. I'm not so much a masochist to ask the same girl twice."

"Just out of curiosity, what would you do if anyone did say yes?"

"I wouldn't want a girl who'd sleep with a stranger. A to-go cup, please?"

"Then you're never going to find your dream girl to have dozens of children with and grow old together."

"Where did you hear that?"

Sango flushed when she realized her slip. "Kagome," she admitted.

"So you two were talking about me," said Miroku.

"Well, she was trying to convince me that you're an enigma, not simply a perverted jerk."

"She's wrong. I am just a perverted jerk. Can I have my cup now? I want to leave."

"Why do you want to be alone for the rest of your life?"

"Where did you get that idea?" Miroku decided to abandon his mocha as a lost cause. He had to leave before Sango figured out something he didn't want her to know. He stood up and dropped the strap of his bag over his shoulder.

"It's obvious," said Sango. She remained seated. She had actually just blurted that out without really thinking about what she was saying, but with his reaction and a bit of reasoning, it was obvious. "You approach girls with a line that no self-respecting female would accept and you reject the ones who would accept it."

"It's a waste of your time to think about it. I'll see you around, Miss Tajiya." Moments later, he was gone.

Sango frowned as she pulled the abandoned drink toward herself. The more she thought about it, the more she was sure she was correct. She took a sip of the sugary drink. "What happened to you that you purposely drive girls away?" She would waste a lot of time during the next few days thinking about it.

It was four days before Miroku dared to return to the coffee joint. He had hoped that enough time had passed for Sango to lose interest in him so he could get his coffee fix in peace. His hopes were quickly dashed when the waitress was on him even as he sat down. She didn't even bother with the pretense of bringing him a damp cloth or menu. She arrived with a medium mocha, extra chocolate.

"I have a few theories," she said as she sat down across from him again.

"I have homework," he said, holding up a book on ancient Buddhism.

"First, did you have a bad breakup and now you think all women are heartless wenches?"

"No."

"Okay, then did your parents have a messy divorce and now you think true love doesn't really exist?"

"No, and even if that was the case, it's none of your business."

"Are you secretly gay and hitting on girls so no one finds out?"

"Sango! I am not gay."

"Damn, that was all my guesses."

"Thank Kami. Will you go away now?"

"No. I want to understand why someone as cute… why someone like you would want to scare everyone away."

"You think I'm cute?" Miroku preened. He hoped he could redirect the conversation or at least embarrass her enough to make her leave.

"I have eyes," said Sango. She pointed to the objects in question. Miroku hadn't missed them - they were one of the first attributes of hers he had noticed the first time they met, after her firm behind. He especially liked the way her pink eye shadow accented the deep brown color. He quickly pushed those thoughts away. This girl was driving him crazy. He reminded himself that he wasn't attracted to her. "So what happened?"

"I wouldn't tell someone I barely know, who loathes me eternally and can't mind her own business."

"So something did happen," Sango said, feeling triumphant. She ignored the last part of his comment. "You're right, we barely know each other and that is something to be discussed by friends. So let's get to know each other."

"I don't want to get to know you."

"That's rude."

"You're insane. Why would you want to get to know me? I supremely insulted you the very first time we met. You're supposed to stay away from me."

"Am I really the first girl to see through your little act?"

"It's not an act." Miroku started eying the exit. He wondered if he could leap over a few tables during his dramatic escape. That should get the point across. He would also miss his mochas, since he'd never come back here again and he really couldn't afford to go to a more expensive shop.

"I can tell you're lying. Why won't you give anyone a chance?"

"I don't want to form any attachments." He started to sweat. How was she seeing through him so easily? He knew she was human, so she shouldn't have the same prying power as Inuyasha's brother. She was making him feel very exposed.

"Let's make a deal. I promise not to get attached to you if you let me solve the great mystery that is Miroku Houshi."

"What's in it for you?" asked Miroku warily.

"A sense of pride and gloating rights," responded Sango eagerly. Miroku hesitated. What did he really have to lose? It was just a challenge. Besides, he was smart, cunning, and witty. He was sure he could win this game. Besides, Inuyasha wasn't really a good mental sparring partner. It could be fun to go up against someone a bit more quick on the uptake.

Looking at it like a challenge calmed Miroku's nerves. His heartbeat returned to normal and he was able to smile genuinely. "Fine, you're on. You'll never figure it out, anyway." Even if you do, I won't tell you.

Sango smiled. "Don't be so sure, Houshi." Unfortunately for her, a rush of students piled through the door and Sango had to go serve her customers. By the time she had a minute to breathe, Miroku had left.

Sango decided to start simple. The next time she and Miroku ran into each other at the coffee joint, she refrained from asking about his love life. Instead, she surprised him with, "What is your favorite color?"

"Purple."

"Why purple?"

"It's the color of royalty. Yours?"

"Yellow."

"I'd have thought pink. You seem to wear it a lot."

"Nope, it's yellow. Pink just goes better with my complexion." Miroku had to admit she had a point there. "What's your favorite flavor of ice cream?"

"What is this, twenty questions?"

"There are common getting-to-know-you questions," said Sango. "Mine is butter pecan."

"Rocky Road."

They continued to discuss each other's favorites, hitting on subjects such as favorite subject in school, coffee drink (even though Sango already knew Miroku's), movie, book, hobby, animal, and much more. Miroku eventually got into the spirit and started firing his own questions back at Sango. She would have to leave occasionally to wait on her other customers but she always returned ready with another subject.

She had just returned from distributing lattes to a group of first-year girls when Miroku asked her where she would go if she had the chance.

"I could go anywhere in the world?"

"Anywhere."

"Then, Antarctica."

"Why would you want to go there?" That place was far down on Miroku's list.

"How many people can actually say they've been there?"

"You have a point," said Miroku with a soft smile. "It'd be cold, though."

"I wouldn't mind. Where would you go, Houshi?"

"That's hard. I want to see the whole world before I die. First, I'd probably go to America. I hear it's quite the place."

"You like to travel?"

"I do. I love meeting people from different cultures and learning about their histories."

"I think I'd get homesick."

"I've never had a home to really miss," admitted Miroku. Sango wanted to follow that line of conversation but her job forced her to leave the table. When she returned, Miroku had more favorites to ask her about.

"How did you become friends with a hanyou?" asked Sango. There were very few customers at the late hour so she hoped to have less interruptions during their conversation. Since their favorites conversation a few days ago, she'd thought long and hard about their next topic of discussion.

"There's nothing wrong with him being a hanyou," said Miroku.

"I didn't say there was. The fact that you're getting defensive shows that you know it's not a common friendship."

"We met in elementary. Neither of us had any friends. I was sick of being an outcast, so I figured the one person who couldn't deny me was the other boy in our class who didn't have any friends."

"How could you not have any friends? You're so… charismatic."

"It was no secret that I lived with my god-father. I guess being an orphan doesn't make for good friends."

"Nor does being a hanyou," said Sango softly. "I don't have a problem with youkai like most humans. I think it says a lot about someone who can be friends with others, regardless of their species."

"That's interesting, considering your family name means 'demon slayer.'"

"I come from an old family. During the feudal era, my family were celebrated demon slayers and the name stuck. Those times are past. Not all youkai are evil."

"No, they're not."

"I have a neko youkai named Kirara. She's one of my best friends."

"Really?"

"Yup. She's been with my family since I was in diapers. I still think it's cool that she has two tails."

"That's a sign of a more powerful youkai."

"I know. She's very protective of me and my younger brother. I've missed her a lot since coming to university." Sango decided to revert the conversation back to Miroku. "When did you become friends with Kagome?"

"When she started dating Inuyasha. She was a blessing. Finally, there was a girl who could look past his puppy ears and claws to see that he's really a big softy at heart."

"Did you try your line on her?"

"Ah, yes," said Miroku. He looked a bit embarrassed.

Sango grinned. "Did she slap you?"

"Not as hard as you did."

"What about your other friends?"

"Well, Inuyasha and I live with a wolf youkai named Kouga. He was vying for Kagome's attention at the same time Inuyasha was, so that was a disaster waiting to happen most days. Finally, Kagome was able to make it clear to Kouga that she was only interested in Inuyasha. About the same time, Ayame, a cute redheaded wolf youkai, showed up and caught Kouga's eye. During their courtship of Kagome, Kouga and Inuyasha came to respect each other and eventually they got over their differences and became friends. I think Kagome had a lot to do with it."

"Did you try your line on Ayame?"

"No. When I first met her, she was already hooked on Kouga and I have a healthy respect for Kouga's claws and fangs." Miroku shuddered as he thought about the damage Kouga could do with his natural weapons.

The manager of the coffee shop came over to tell them that it was closing time. Sango needed to help clean up before she could go home, so Miroku took his leave and promised to return soon. To his surprise, he found himself actually looking forward to their next conversation.

Sango traded shifts with one of the other girls so she could work in the morning instead of the afternoon. Therefore, she was just coming off work when Miroku stepped into the shop. He looked surprised to see her removing her apron.

"I switched shifts," she explained. "I hate having to interrupt our conversations to serve others."

"That was thoughtful of you. What shall we talk about today?"

"Will you tell me about your family?" Miroku bit the inside of his cheek. He didn't like talking about his parents much, but over the past week and a half, he'd come to feel more open with Sango. She was easy to talk to and she'd never turned anything he'd told her back at him. Perhaps he might be willing to share with her, on one condition.

"If you tell me about yours, first."

Sango agreed. She told him about being raised by her father after her mother died. Her father had done his best by her and her younger brother. He had had the help of some of Sango's aunts. Kohaku was much younger than her, being still in junior high school. He dreamed of being a diplomat after graduation from university. Both Sango and her brother had been trained in martial arts from a young age, a legacy left in their family from the days of demon slaying.

"Your turn," said Sango. Her eyes had taken on a soft look as she thought about her small family. Miroku couldn't help smiling with her for her contentedness, even though it was a sharp reminder of his own lack thereof.

"Well, my father died when I was three. He had been sick for a while, so it wasn't really a surprise to my mother. When I was five, she was in a car accident."

"That's horrible," said Sango. She frowned sympathetically.

"I barely remember either of them. After my mother died, Mushin, my god-father took me in. He was a bit of an alcoholic, but a harmless one. He really did care about me, I guess. He had been good friends with my father. After I met Inuyasha, I started hanging around his place more and more often. Growing up, I didn't have much money and Mushin spent most of his on sake. So, Inuyasha always had nicer things than me and cooler toys. Plus, his dad was so thrilled that Inuyasha had a friend that he spoiled the two of us. He really became more like a father to me than Mushin and Inuyasha's mother is a doll."

"She's human?"

"Yes. She used to tell me how nice it was to have another human around, because living with youkai could be exasperating. Things were rough between her and Sesshomaru for a long time, I guess. I think things are better now, especially since Sesshomaru adopted a human girl."

"Is Sesshomaru the youkai who was with you that one night?"

"Yeah. He's Inuyasha's older half-brother from their dad's first marriage."

"How did he end up with a human girl?"

"That is another mystery," said Miroku with a shake of his head. "Sometimes, I don't think Sesshomaru himself understands it."

"Hey, what do you think about meeting somewhere besides this shop?" asked Sango.

"You don't like it here?"

"I feel like I live here."

"I think it's charming."

"You would. It'd be nice to talk to you without feeling like I have to jump up and grab a menu every time someone comes though the door."

"I think it's funny," said Miroku. "Plus, I get a nice view of your delectable butt."

"Shut it, pervert." Sango blushed and looked down at her folded hands.

"Did you have any place in mind?"

"Nothing in particular. Maybe we could try the park. I like sitting under the trees."

"That sounds heavenly."

"I work most afternoons, but could we meet on Saturday?"

"Unfortunately, I work all day on Saturday. Usually I have to spend the whole day at the docks. Also, next Wednesday I have to go into Tokyo for most of the day." Wednesday was one of their days to meet at the coffee shop.

"Oh." Sango frowned. "What about this Thursday evening? My shift ends at seven."

"I can make that. It's a date." Shit, did I really just say that?

Sango grinned. "A date."

They both left shortly after that. Since they lived in opposite directions from each other, they said their farewells on the sidewalk in front of the coffee shop. As Sango walked toward her dormitory, she couldn't keep the silly smile off her face. If any of the students giving her strange looks had asked, she would have told them that she had a date with Miroku Houshi.

Thursday evening, Miroku met Sango at the coffee shop just as her shift ended. He ordered his mocha to go while Sango got a simple latte. The park was close to campus so they walked. Neither said much during the trip. Each was simply content to enjoy the cooler evening air and the presence of one who was slowly becoming a friend. Once in a while, one would sneak a peek at the other but they never managed to make eye contact.

Sango found a bench that overlooked a small stream. She dropped onto it with a grateful sigh. Her feet hurt from a long day rushing between tables. She told Miroku as much. He suggested that she kick off her shoes, which she did. She also pulled off her socks, revealing toenails that were painted the same shade of pink as the eye shadow that so captivated Miroku.

"If you ever got up the guts to actually get a girlfriend, how would you treat her?" asked Sango. She kept it to herself that she'd spent a good part of the last few evenings imaging herself in such a role.

"Like the goddess she'd be."

"Goddess?" scoffed Sango.

"She'd have to be to catch my eye," said Miroku jokingly. Sango forced herself to laugh though inside she pouted. She was by no means a goddess.

"So what treatment does a goddess deserve?"

"Well, to start, I'd tell her every hour how beautiful she was."

"What if she's ugly?"

"To me, she'd be beautiful. Don't interrupt. Then, I'd bring her little gifts occasionally so she knows I think about her while we're apart. I'd always offer to carry her bag, open doors for her and pull out chairs. I'd call her in the middle of the night to talk about our days. We'd go out to dinner and end the evening on my yacht, staring up at the stars and planning our future."

"That sounds nice," said Sango wistfully. I am not jealous.

"What about you? What are you looking for in a guy?"

Sango sat up straighter and clasped her hands together over her heart. "He'd be handsome and strong and a gentleman. He'd make me feel protected, but let me live my own life, too. He'd respect my opinions and listen to me. He'd let me take care of him, too. Maybe he'd even buy me things once in a while."

"You deserve a guy like that," said Miroku, keeping his eyes trained on the water.

"Too bad you don't fit the bill. You're the first guy I've really gotten to know like this."

"You don't think I'm a gentleman?" It's better this way, anyway. I don't want her to like me, even if I am starting to like her as more than a friend.

"You?" Sango snorted. Yes, you are, and much more.

"You're mean, Miss Sango."

"But you love me anyway, Miroku." She grinned at him playfully. Please see that I'm not really joking.

"You called me Miroku." He was stunned. "You've always called me by my family name."

"You've called me Sango since day one. It's only fair."

"True." I don't mind at all. Please, say it again.

"Miroku?"

"Hm?" Yes!

"Do you really want dozens of kids?"

"Maybe only ten or so."

"I hope you find a sturdy wife then! I think I could only bear having about four, tops."

"Four is a good number."

"Twin girls. That would be fun."

"You think so?" I don't know about that…

"Sure." Sango giggled. "I used to wish I had a twin sister. Instead I got a younger brother."

"I used to wish for siblings at all. Then I got a best friend."

The two sat in companionable silence after that, watching the sun dip toward the horizon. It was Sango who first spoke again.

"It's getting late." Offer to walk me home.

"You're right. You have an early class tomorrow, don't you." Do you really have to leave?

"Don't remind me." Fine, don't ask. Bum.

"Is that the class you're in with Kagome?" Keep her talking, Miroku.

"It is. We've become study pals. It really helps understand the material. Kagome is a great girl, too."

"I'm glad you're becoming friends with her."

"Me too."

It was quiet for a slow minute. Sango, giving up on getting more out of her stubborn companion that night, resigned herself to waiting for another opportunity to convince him to give love another chance. "I suppose I should go. I'll see you around?"

"Definitely."

Miroku stayed on that bench for another half hour by himself, staring into the future.

In class on Friday, Kagome asked Sango why she looked like she hadn't slept at all the night before. Sango admitted that she hadn't slept much. She had stayed up most of the night wrestling with her feelings for Miroku.

"To think, a couple of weeks ago, you hated him," said Kagome. She beamed at Sango. "I'm so happy for you."

"Don't get too excited. He doesn't like me back."

"Oh, don't say that. He talks about you all the time."

"He does?"

"I've never seen him so hooked a single girl before. You've really made an impression on him, Sango."

"That's… good to hear. I wish knew what he was so afraid of. I'm falling for him and I still don't even know why he's opposed to a relationship."

"Even Inuyasha doesn't know. When you figure it out, you'll be the first."

"If ever," said Sango darkly.

"Hey, I have an idea. Do you want to go see Inuyasha's yacht tomorrow?"

"Er… I guess so. According to Miroku, it's pretty nice." Sango didn't really think that sounded like a good time, but she wanted to spend more time with her new friend.

"Who knows, we might even run into Miroku." Kagome definitely had a devilish glint in her eyes. For some reason, Sango had the eerie feeling that Kagome was imaging church bells and herself as mini cupids, flying around the heads of Sango and Miroku in wedding garb.

"What time?" Though nervous about Kagome's intentions, Sango found the idea a bit more appealing.

"Ten. Is that too early?"

"No, I'm usually up at eight, anyway."

"Great. I'll meet you at the entrance to the docks."

Saturday morning came too slowly for Sango's tastes. She found herself impatient at 9:54 am, tapping her foot and glaring down the road in the direction she knew Kagome would be coming from. Kagome, for her part, showed up promptly at ten, wisely ignoring Sango's anxious countenance.

As they walked down the wooden docks, Kagome told Sango all about the Taisho yacht. Sango listened with half an ear as she looked around, hoping to spot Miroku cleaning one of the other boats. During their coffee shop conversations she'd learned of his love for sailing. Surrounded by the boats, she was beginning to understand it.

She didn't even notice that Kagome had stopped walking until the other girl grabbed her arm. "We're here, silly." Sango was grateful that Kagome didn't make a comment about her daydreaming of Miroku. Kagome was awesome like that.

Sango had to admit that the Taisho yacht was impressive. Kagome had no qualms about going aboard even without a member of the family there. She knew that soon enough she would be a part of the family, anyway. Things had been getting quite serious between her and Inuyasha. Kagome gave Sango a detailed tour of the boat. To her surprise, Sango actually found herself interested. She asked Kagome questions, most of which the other girl could answer. To the ones she didn't know, Kagome told her to ask Miroku. That sly smile was back, noted Sango.

Finally, there was nothing left for Kagome to show Sango, so they ambled along the docks again, looking at the other impressive boats. To Kagome's excitement, when they managed to find Miroku, he was at his own little dinghy.

"Miroku!" Kagome threw her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. "Look who I brought with me."

"Sango," said Miroku, clearly surprised.

"Hi," she said shyly.

"Oh, no!" Kagome waved her arms around frantically. "I have to meet Inuyasha in ten minutes. I've very sorry, Sango, but I have to run. See you later, Miroku!" She dashed away.

"She did this on purpose," Sango realized easily.

"She's not smooth at all," commented Miroku.

"I'm not bothering you, am I? You're at work, aren't you?"

"Actually, I finished early. This is my yacht, which I work on in my free time."

"You have quite the imagination." Sango eyed the tiny boat appraisingly.

"I do. But yacht or not, this summer me and my little boat are going to sail around the island."

"Of Japan?"

"Yes."

"By yourself?"

"I suppose so. She's not really big enough for more than one."

"Won't you be lonely?"

"Nah." Miroku waved her concern away. "I'll be exploring new places. I won't have time to be lonely."

"I see." She hoped he'd miss her. "She's a nice little boat. I don't know much about them."

"Well, come on in. I'll teach you a few nautical terms." Sango took Miroku's hand so he could help her into the little boat. They sat side-by-side as Miroku taught her the different parts of the boat and gave her a quick lesson on boating. She was a quick learner and was soon able to repeat everything he'd taught her.

"I can see why you like this so much," said Sango, running her hand along the edge of the boat. "I can tell it's a dream of yours."

"One day, I'm going to sail into the afterlife in this boat."

Sango smiled at the thought, imagining it to still be many decades in the future. It was sort of romantic. Bravely, she leaned against his side, resting her head on his shoulder. Miroku absently wrapped an arm around her as he frowned at the water. What he was imagining would take place much sooner than that.

Miroku decided to enjoy the feeling of Sango against his side, since he wouldn't let them get into this position again. He knew Sango was beginning to have feelings for him, despite the initial condition of their game to not form attachments. He hadn't done any better. However, he would have to be the one to put things back on track. Just, not yet…

"Kagome invited me to the party that you guys are going to tonight," said Sango.

"Did she?"

"I told her I would come. I really like spending time with you."

Damn it.

To be continued in Chapter Four: 18 Months… Miroku receives bad news…

Please let me know what you think. Constructive criticism is always welcome.