Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha.

It was mid-afternoon in early summer, and Kagome was over at her mother's house. She was sitting in the living room on the couch with Souta as they watched the sports channel. Ami was running around in nothing but a diaper. Her little legs were working over time trying to work up to the speed she wanted, but the action had her practically bouncing instead of running.

Kagome glanced over at her daughter as she suddenly plopped down onto her bottom. She stuck out her bottom lip as she sniffed the air. "Yucky." She banged her chubby little fists against the floor as she yelled this time, "Yucky!"

Kagome sighed as she pulled herself off the couch, and made her way over to her daughter. "I know, Baby, I know. You're nose is sensitive. Mommy will have you smelling fresh in no time." She picked the diaper bag before going over to sit on the floor next to her daughter. After some persuasion, she got Ami to lie flat on her back.

As she went through the now second nature changing ritual, Dr. Higurashi watched with a thoughtful expression. Once Kagome was finished, Dr. Higurashi said, "I think it's time you started potty training Ami."

Kagome looked over at her mother as Ami once again started running around the room. "Why? She's not even two yet."

Dr. Higurashi nodded in agreement. "Yes, which is why I think you should start now. She'll be starting preschool before you know it and she should be potty trained before then."

Kagome looked back out to where Ami had dropped to the ground and was now in the process of bringing her foot up to her mouth. Maybe it was time for her to start at least trying to use the toilet. Ami had a very sensitive nose and it was getting a little tiring to have to change her the second she had done her business. Kagome let out a sigh. "I don't even know where to start."

Her mother patted her on the shoulder. "Honey, that's why you have me." she said with a laugh. Kagome smiled up at her mother as she picked herself up off the ground. "So, are you willing to start potty training your daughter?"

"Sure, why not?" Kagome replied as she crossed her arms over her chest. "So how do we begin?"

"Well, Dear, we have to go buy a potty chair." her mother replied.

Kagome nodded before a thought struck her. "Oh, you know what? I saw a cute potty seat that played tunes while the child uses it. I think that'll be motivating, don't you?"

Her mother, instead of agreeing with her like Kagome had thought, just shook her head. "No, Kagome. I would recommend against that. Real toilets don't play music so you shouldn't train her on one that does. The transition won't be easy if you do."

Kagome took in what her mother said and had to admit that it made sense. Although, the knowledge made her feel more helpless in the situation than she had before. "Alright, how about you tell me some other dos and don'ts. Cause I sure don't know what I'm doing."

Dr. Higurashi just smiled. "Well, I'm glad it's summer. It's the best time to start because she won't be wearing much clothes. It'll be easier for her to want to use it by herself if she doesn't have to get frustrated with her removing her clothes."

Kagome nodded in understanding. "That makes sense." She felt like she should be taking notes, but instead of going and getting a pad and pen she waited for her mother to continue.

"After introducing her to the potty seat, you should keep in every room she's in. That way she'll get used to it. Once that happens, start keeping in the bathroom." Dr. Higurashi smiled at how serious her daughter was listening. "When she does it right, always clap and smile. This will encourage her to continue to do it. When she has an accident, don't scold her. Just tell her she'll get it right the next time. This will encourage her as well."

It didn't sound too difficult, but with Kagome being new to the mothering world it was almost like culture shock. She smiled at her mother anyway and gave her a quick hug. "Thanks for the advice, Mom." She looked over at her toddler to find that she had some how managed to remover her clean diaper and was now running around naked. Kagome let out a sigh before saying, "I'm so glad you're helping me with this because I don't think I could have done this alone."

The rest of the evening went sour after the incident between Kagome and InuYasha. Kagome had marched over to Kouga and insisted on going home, and when Kouga asked her why she had merely replied that Ami looked tired. Although Kouga could sense that that wasn't really the real reason, he nonetheless agreed to take her home. When they arrived back at Kagome's, InuYasha stayed for only a few moments to say goodnight to Ami before leaving. This relieved Kagome immensely because she wasn't sure if she could handle being in a close proximity so soon after what had transpired between them.

It wasn't until he was pulling out of her driveway that she felt like she could actually breathe again. She plopped down onto the couch, and let her shoulders sag. She let her head fall onto the softness of the back of the couch as she felt Kouga sit down next to her.

"Ami's down for the count. She was in dreamland as soon as her head hit the pillow." he told her with a smile, but it slowly changed into a frown when she stayed in her distressed position. "You know, I thought it odd that Muttface didn't stick around to tuck his own daughter in… And you didn't even stay in there long enough to see her fall asleep." Kagome stayed quiet throughout his observations. "So, tell me. Did something happen between you and InuYasha? Did he say something to upset you? Is that why you wanted to leave all of a sudden? Because if he did I'll-"

"No, Kouga, InuYasha didn't upset me." she interrupted him as she lifted her head off the couch to look at him. She had tensed when he mentioned something happening between her and InuYasha, but quickly hid it. She hated lying to him, but she didn't want to hurt him with this. Whatever this was. She was just so confused. "I just thought Ami look tired, and if she's already asleep like you said, I'd say I was right." She gave him one of her fake smiles, hoping he would just let it go.

He could tell she was lying, but by the way her fake smile was becoming even more forced he decided that if she wanted to talk about it she would. "If you say so," he said before he continued he grabbed her hand. "but just know that you can tell me anything. I love you, Kagome, and I'll always be there for you." He leaned forward, and kissed her on her forehead.

As he pulled back, she looked into his eyes and found that they were full of the love he spoke of. Determination filled her eyes as she pulled his face closer to hers so that she could capture his lips. She wanted to see if any of the heat she had felt with InuYasha could be felt with Kouga. She put as much passion as she could into it, trying to ignite something. He kissed her back with just as much fervor, but no matter how much more intense the kiss got no spark or heat irrupted.

Kagome pulled back, and leaned her forehead against his, panting heavily. Kouga's breathing was just as deep and hard. "Kagome," he said as he took in a much needed breath. "I know you don't feel like you can say that you love me yet, but if that kiss was any indicator… It was just…. Wow…."

Kagome laughed a little, but she was just too disappointed in herself to put much life into it. She peeked her eyes open to find him already staring at her. "Oh, Kouga, I'm so lucky to be with you. Not many other guys would be as patient as you have been, and I just want to thank you for that."

Cupping Kagome's cheek, he replied, "You don't have to thank me for anything. I'm happy to be here with you, and as far as the patient thing goes, well, I waited eight years to be with you. I can wait longer for you to say the 'L' word." He winked at her to show that he was going to be a good sport about the topic.

His good attitude only had her feeling worse about what had happened earlier that day. How could she have done that to him? Kouga loved her so much, and what did she go and do? Make out with her ex-boyfriend while Kouga was in the vicinity. She was a horrible person, and she didn't deserve him. She reached up and caressed his cheek. She was about to tell him that he was too good to her, but he interrupted.

"You look tired as well. Maybe I should leave so you can get to bed?" he asked as she cocked an eyebrow.

As much as she wanted him to stay, she also wanted to be able to work through some of her mangled thoughts. So, she nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I am a little exhausted." He stood as she said this, and she got up to walk him to the door. "Thanks for the picnic, Kouga. It was a lovely idea." She told him when they reached the doorway.

He reached for her hand, and brought it up to his lips for a kiss. "It was my pleasure, and I'm glad that you and Ami had a good time." He dropped her hand as a slight scowl flittered across his face. "I just wish Muttface hadn't of come. It would have made it one hundred percent better."

A little part of Kagome couldn't help but agree with him. If InuYasha hadn't of come, then she wouldn't have all these confusing emotions to sort through. …However, there was still a whole other part of her that felt that maybe this was something her heart needed to sort through. "Yeah, well, maybe next time will be better then."

Kouga smiled slightly as he leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "Get some sleep." he said as he pulled away. "I'll call you tomorrow, alright?" Kagome nodded, and watched as he made his way to his truck.

Once he was out of sight, Kagome shut the door before sliding down it to the floor. She hugged her knees to her chest, and buried her face against them. "What is wrong with me?" she muttered to herself. How could she have kissed InuYasha like that? Did she have absolutely no control over herself? She felt the tears she had been keeping at bay rise to the surface. They started to blur her vision, but she didn't care. Once they breached the brim of her eyes, she let them slide freely down her cheek. She was grateful that Ami was sleeping. She didn't want her see her in this state.

She needed to talk about this with someone. There was no way she was going to get through this by herself. With one last sniffle, she pulled herself up off the floor and made her way over to the telephone. She debated mentally over who to call. Her best friend or her mother? She quickly decided on the first because if push came to shove she'd just head over to her mother's house later on that night. She dialed the familiar number and waited three rings before hearing Sango's voice. "Hello?" she answered in a rushed tone.

"Sango?" Kagome replied timidly trying to keep her wild emotions in check.

There was a momentary pause before Sango answered, "Kagome?" She could tell that something was up because usually when Kagome called they'd skipped the introductions and just started talking like they were already in the middle of a conversation. "What's wrong?"

A small halfhearted smile appeared on Kagome's face. She loved the fact that Sango could tell something was wrong just by the way she greeted her on the phone. "Everything." Kagome squeaked out, still trying to keep the tears that suddenly welded up in her eyes at bay. "You have know idea how confused I am right now. I feel like such an idiot."

Sango didn't know how to respond. She could tell something was seriously going on with Kagome; however, her friend couldn't have picked a more worse time. Miroku would be at her house to pick her up for their date in fifteen minutes, but as excited as she was about the night ahead, Kagome was her best friend. If she needed her to rush over there and help her through whatever had happened, then she would. Miroku would just have to understand. Sango signed quietly to herself. "Oh Kagome, what happened?" she said as she sat down on couch.

Kagome took a deep, calming breath before she launched into the story. She told her how InuYasha had come over to spend the evening with her and Ami, and how Kouga had surprisingly showed up to take them on a picnic at the beach. She continued to tell her how Ami had pressured InuYasha to tag along, how the dinner had been nice but awkward. She even told her about the peaceful walk she had shared with Kouga.

"So after Kouga and I got back from our walk, he took Ami on one," Kagome took another breath as she approached the highlight of her story. "which left me and InuYasha alone. At first we were talking about unimportant things, and then we got onto the topic of us. He told me that he regretted leaving me, and that he wanted to be with me again."

Sango took in a deep breath that almost sounded like a gasp. "What?" she replied on the exhale as she wondered what could have been going through InuYasha's mind. "What did you say?"

Kagome tried to swallow the lump in her throat, but failed miserably. "I didn't say anything, but… what I did is what has me feeling like a horrible person." The anticipation was practically tangible as Kagome gathered her courage to just come out and say it. "…I kissed him."

Silence stretched on as Sango tried to process what her friend had said. Could she had heard her right? "You kissed him?" she asked in an eerily calm voice.

"Yes." Kagome sobbingly breathed into the phone before she bit her lip in apprehension.

Sango mulled this bit of news in her mind. The things that could be done is less than three hours. "Well, judging by how upset you are about this, I'm guessing it wasn't a peck on the lips, right?" The answering whine was all Sango needed to continued. "Did Kouga see?"

"No, thank goodness. I don't think I could have bared to have seen the hurt look in his eyes." Kagome explained with relief evident in her voice.

"Alright," Sango said, "then do think you might want to tell me why you did it in the first place?"

Kagome paused. She didn't know how to answer. "I… don't know." she whispered. "It was just that he was so close, and… well, when you hear your first love say they want to be with you again… all your common sense goes out the window."

Although, what Kagome said made sense Sango couldn't help but disagree with her. If her first love were to come back and say that he wanted to be with her again Sango was pretty sure she'd look at him like he was crazy. Not because he was such a bad guy, they had actually split as friends, but because she had the prospect of Miroku. Why would she blow her chance with someone she really liked for some relationship that hadn't worked out in the first place?

But she had to admit that Kagome's circumstances were different. She and InuYasha shared a daughter, and they had been spending a lot of time together lately. Although, it was also for those circumstances that proved her statement false. It wasn't just the fact that InuYasha was Kagome's first love, no, the real reason for what happened was that Kagome was beginning to have feelings for him again. Sango was willing to bet on it. Kagome was just too confused to see it, but Sango was determined to open up her eyes. And she knew just the way to do it. "Kagome, can I ask you something?"

"Yeah, sure." Kagome answered.

Sango was taking the conversation from earlier that morning to get Kagome to be open about the situation. "When you kissed InuYasha, … did you feel anything?"

Blush spread across the bridge of Kagome's nose and she felt her cheeks heat up. "Wh-what?"

Sango sighed. "This morning you said when you kiss Kouga you feel nothing, and now I'm curious. Did you happen to feel any heat in the kiss with InuYasha?"

Kagome was now regretting the conversation she'd had with Sango. If it had never of happened then Sango wouldn't know the exact question that Kagome didn't want to answer. She stayed silent until Sango sighed in frustration. "Kagome, even though your silence kinda says it all, it's just a simple question! Besides, I'm your best friend! What are you afraid I'll do? Judge you? Because I won't. What you do with your life is your own choice. I have no right to judge. Now, please answer the question."

"Yes." She said it in such a small quiet voice that Sango almost didn't hear it, but when she did she couldn't say that she was surprised. She had seen this coming from a mile away. "It was instant too. As soon as my lips touched his." Kagome let a humorless chuckle before she continued. "I'm a horrible person. I kissed my ex-boyfriend and felt more with him than I do when I kiss my current boyfriend."

Sango could feel Kagome's pain, and her heart ached for her friend. "That doesn't make you a horrible person. It just means that you have more chemistry with InuYasha, that's all." Kagome's answering whined indicated to Sango that what'd she said didn't exactly help Kagome feel better about the situation, but Sango couldn't help but feel that Kagome needed to hear the truth. She was silent as she let Kagome muse over what she'd said before asking, "…So, what are you going to do now?"

"I-" Kagome began, but was interrupted when she heard Sango's doorbell ring through the phone. She was momentarily confused as to who Sango could be expecting when a certain part of the conversation she'd had with InuYasha flooded her mind. "Oh my gosh, Sango, I'm so sorry! I've been so caught up in my own problems that I completely forgot about your date tonight!"

Albeit a little curious as to how Kagome knew she had a date tonight, she went ahead and replied in a reassuring voice, "Don't be ridiculous, Kagome. There's no reason for you to apologize. Hold a on a second," She paused for a moment as she got up off the couch and headed toward the door. "let me just go tell him that we'll have to do this another night."

"Sango, no! Please don't let me ruin your night too." Kagome took a deep breath to calm her racing mind. "Look, I'll just go to my mom's house. …I'll probably end up staying there a few days to clear my head, so if you need to contact me that's where I'll be."

"You're not going to be at work tomorrow?" she asked confused, stopping halfway to the door as its bell was rung again.

Kagome let out a sigh. "No, I'm probably gonna have Mom pull some strings so that I can take a few personal days. I just need to really sort through some things." Sango knew that Kagome was confused about her feelings so she was in agreement with her taking some days off, but she really wanted to console her friend when she was in need. "So, Sango, you go out and enjoy yourself with Miroku. Don't even worry about me."

"How about I worry about you while I have a good time with Miroku?" she said, trying to make light of the situation her friend had gotten herself into.

Kagome smile slightly. "If you promise that the merriment will take precedent over the worrying." she answered. "Now go have fun. I'll talk to you later and I'll be awaiting the details."

"Alright Kagome, I'll talk to you then. Take care." And with that they both hung up the phone. With one last sigh, Sango headed over to the door. She opened it to find Miroku in the process of ringing the doorbell a third time.

"Oh, Sango, hey. I was a little worried that you'd forgotten about our date." Miroku said with an easy smile. He took in his date's appearance, happy to see that her attire proved that she did indeed remember their date. "You look beautiful."

Sango blushed modestly. "Thank you. Um, why don't you come. I just need to run upstairs to grab my purse." She stepped to the side to allow him access inside her house.

"You might want to grab your jacket too. It's a little chilly tonight." he commented as he stood just inside the foyer. Sango smiled over at him in thanks before she disappeared down the hallway. As he waited, Miroku looked around the entryway. It wasn't a very open space, but it wasn't cramped either. The cozy space had a bench/coat-hanger, sitting up against the wall, so he decided to take a seat there and wait.

It was only a short time later that Sango came back wearing a light jacket and carrying her purse. "You ready?" she asked, barely containing her excitement.

Miroku smiled warmly as he stood to greet her. "Only if you are." he replied as he stuck out an arm for her to hold on to. Sango took it eagerly, and after locking the door they made their way toward his car. Miroku, being the perfect gentleman, walked her to the passenger side and opened the door for her. "Hop right in."

She smiled courteously as she slid into the passenger seat. Miroku closed the door after her and then proceeded to go around the car before getting in himself. The beginning of the drive was silent. Sango just couldn't get her mind off of Kagome to really put any effort into conversation. She felt bad about that, but worrying about her friend was all her mind could handle at the moment.

At first Miroku took her quietness as nervousness, but has he studied her countenance and began to realize that something was worrying her. His mind automatically went to the worst scenario that she was second-guessing agreeing to this date. He cleared his throat nervously before saying regrettably, "Sango, if you're having second thoughts about tonight then I can take you back."

She looked up with alarm and hastily replied, "No, Miroku, no! I'm not having second thoughts. I've… I've just got a lot on my mind tonight." A small sigh escaped her lips at her confession. She hated that she had made him think for even a moment that she wasn't exactly where she wanted to be.

With a concerned look he asked, "Like what? If you don't mind my asking?"

Sango lightly bit her bottom lip as she contemplated whether or not she should answer. She concluded that she would only tell him only enough to please him. "Right before you got to my house, Kagome called me. She was upset and now all I can think about is how miserable her own feelings are making her."

Miroku was quiet for a couple of moments before he replied with a calculating expression. "This doesn't have anything to do with InuYasha, does it? Because you know, when he got home he went straight to his room without a word to me. Which is weird considering he's the one who convinced me to call you today. I was kind of expecting him to tease me or something. So, I'm guessing something happen between them?"

"Yes," she stated guardedly. "But if you want to know the specifics I'd really appreciate you getting them from InuYasha. I don't really feel comfortable advertising Kagome's business without her permission.

"Fair enough." he said as he leaned over and took her hand in his. "Kagome's a smart woman. I'm sure whatever is going on between her and InuYasha she'll sort it out. Just give her time. Besides, with a friend like you, I'm sure she'll bounce back before you know it."

"Thanks, Miroku." she replied and after a moment she gazed down at their intertwined hands. She began to feel a giddiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. She looked up at him and took in his profile in wonder. How could her beginning feelings of extreme annoyance towards him morph into something so pleasurable? She didn't know how this man had enchanted her, but she knew that she didn't have any objections to it.

Miroku felt Sango's eyes on him, so he snuck a peek at her from the corner of his eye. "I'm rather surprised, Sango." he said as he squeezed her hand. "Most women can't contain their curiosity when then don't know where they're going."

That fact confused her for a moment because it hadn't even occurred to her that she didn't know where the evening would take place until then. She mentally slapped herself for being so spacey. Once the silent scolding was done, her curiosity multiplied by tenfold. She looked out the car window to see that trees lined both sides of them and that they were traveling on a small country road. Not even a guess could be thought of as she tried to process where they were going. "Okay, now you've got me really curious. Where are we going?"

A laugh existed his lips for he could tell that she was practically bouncing in her seat and he couldn't help but think her completely adorable in that moment. "Don't worry. We're almost there. No use to ruin the surprise now. Anyway, I have a feeling that you'll really like it."

Sango went immediately into a pout. "Fine." she said in a dejected tone before going back to looking out the window.

It was a few more minutes before Miroku pulled the car over in a little grove. He let go over hand and gave her an excited smile. "Our date will take place right beyond those trees." he said as he gestured over in said direction.

The excitement quickly overtook Sango and she hastily got out of the car. Miroku met her in front of the car and took her hand to led her over to get a better view of their destination. When Sango glimpsed her surroundings its majesty took her breath away. The noise she heard on their approach had been coming from a small cascading waterfall. The riverbed that traveled through the small clearing was decorated with a variety of ferns and wildflowers, but the thing that made the scene complete was how fireflies lingered here and there.

"Oh my gosh, Miroku. …How did you even find this place?" Sango asked in wonder. Places like this she always believe only existed in fairy tales.

Miroku smirked to himself. "Well, truth be told, in one of my classes last semester we went around testing water samples from around the city. This place happens to be the water source I used for my research."

Sango let out a small laugh. She should have figured as much. After all, there was a waterfall and she was on a date with a guy that was studying it for a living. She gave him a coy smile. "So, are you going to start this date off with a random fact about water?"

He gave her a contemplating look. "No, I don't think so. I think I'd rather start this one off on the little less dull side." he said with an easy smile.

Her eyebrows raised in surprise. "Dull? What are you talking about? I thought your facts were really great and I'd love to hear another one." She said this with honesty, but mostly the reason for wanting to hear another fact was because she wanted to see his eyes light up the way they had last night.

Miroku just stared at her in silent wonder for a short moment before slightly shaking his head and saying, "Well, in that case, we might want to get the date started before I, huh, start entertaining you."

Sango watched him head back to the car in confusion. She had been under the impression that their date had started when they arrived at the waterfall, but apparently she was wrong. Two minutes later Miroku came back into view carrying a huge picnic basket and a thick blanket draped over his left arm.

"Did someone order a romantic dinner for two?" Miroku asked with a playful grin as he placed the basket on the ground and then spread out the blanket.

Sango couldn't compress a giddy smile as he gestured for her to sit across the blanket from him. After she complied, she asked, "So, what are we having on this romantic dinner for two?"

Bending over the basket, he pulled out a huge plate of cucumber finger sandwiches. "The appetizer, Madam." he said in his most debonair voice. "For the main dish, we'll be having vegetable udon and for desert we'll be having two huge, delicious chocolate chip cookies." As he said each of the things they would be eating he pulled them out of the basket.

"Very nice." Sango commented appropriately as Miroku arranged them nicely on the blanket. "And what, may I ask, will we be drinking tonight?"

He looked up at her and gave her a secretive smile. "To drink we'll be having a glass of pinot noir." As he said this he pulled out the very bottle of wine he had mentioned. He then proceeded to pull out two long stem glasses.

Sango's smile grew. "I must admit I'm impressed." she said as he popped the cork off and poured her and himself half a glass of wine. He then handed her the glass, which she took graciously. "Not just with the wine, you know. The way you planned tonight. It's beautiful."

Miroku watched her sip her drink before he answered, "I wanted it to be special for you. I mean, the second date's important right? You obviously saw something in me that you thought was worth something. So that means it's my job to make sure you see it again." Slowly lowering her glass, Sango watched him with intent eyes. After a moment, he started to mentally squirm. "What?"

"Nothing." It was then that the wind lightly blew causing her hair to blow onto her face. She pushed it out of the way like it was second nature. Miroku chuckled and helped by pushing a stray strand she'd missed behind her ear. Blushing slightly, she asked, "So, I take it the date as officially begun. May I now hear one of your water facts?"

"I suppose so." he replied before taking a drink of his own wine. As he lowered his glass, he began going through all the things he knew. He sorted through all the things that he assumed would be too over her head before he came up with one. "Alright, did you know that in the course of a year it takes a million gallons of water to grow and harvest rice?"

The giggle couldn't be stopped. He was just too cute when he was trying to impress her, plus his eyes had lit up just like she thought they would. "I love how you can just pull them right off of top of your head."

"It just comes naturally, I guess." he replied while scratching the back of his head self-consciously. He cleared this throat before he said, "Alright, enough about my trivia facts. I know you can't be that interested."

"Of course I'm interested." she said as she reached over and grabbed on of his hands. "I think it's very inspiring. Education's not to be look down on and you're obviously very passionate about what you're studying. That fact is amazing on its own. Not many people make a career out of something they love. It's sad really."

"Yeah, that is sad." was the best he could come up with. Her praise, as flattering as it was, was making him feel uncomfortable. He gently removed his hand to busy himself with the finger sandwiches. He didn't like not being able to rein in his emotions. Usually when he was with a girl he'd say all the right things just so he could get into her pants. He was never able to be himself around women. This new territory was unnerving, but… it was also exhilarating. This woman was making him feel things he had never felt before.

Sango smiled slightly. "So, …what are you working on at the moment?" she asked, genuinely interested.

He quickly glanced over at her before replying, "I'm working on my dissertation. …I'm actually in the last few stages of it. I've still got a few kinks to work through, but I can now start to visualize the ending."

A laugh escaped Sango's lips as she recalled her own dissertation. "I remember mine. Gosh, I hated writing it." she said a was a fond smile. "Don't get me wrong. I love the subject, but I had already taken the job offer for the hospital once I graduated. I was more excited about actually doing the thing I loved rather than writing about it."

"That's understandable. You probably saw it as an obstacle." he chucked.

A warm smile spread across her face. "So, what's your topic?"

Miroku faltered for a moment before finally saying, "…Development of the theory of stationary and non-stationary water movements."

Sango was quiet for a long moment and was pulled out her shock by Miroku amused laughter. "Wow. …That sounds …interesting?"

"I think so, but I'm sure to a doctor such as yourself it would seem pretty dull." Miroku stated, then handed Sango a plate of udon. She accepted gratefully. "So, enough about work or school. I want to hear more about you."

"About me?" Sango asked, faltering a little bit. "Like what?"

Miroku thought about it for a moment and then asked, "What were you like when you were growing up?"

Sango brought her chopsticks up to her lips and slurped the noodles off of them. She thought about what to say. It's hard to describe oneself, especially when you're a little one. "I… I was really playful. Motivated, I guess. I mean, my family supported everything I did. They were a big part of my life."

"Were?" Miroku asked and Sango answered with a sad smile. "Would you tell me about them? If you don't mind, that is."

"No, I don't mind. I love talking about them. It makes it seem like they're still with me." Sango paused and wondered where to start. "Well, my mother died when I was very young. I was six and I think Kohaku, my brother, was maybe two. In any case, we were little. I don't remember her much. The only thing I can picture is her smile. It would light up a room."

When she paused, Miroku reached over and took her hand. He patiently waited for her to continue.

"My dad raised us. Kohaku and I never went without love that's for sure. He'd always want us to do our best. Whether it be in sports or school work, he believed in us and thought we were destined for great things. I think that's why, when Kohaku was diagnosed, Dad took it so hard." Sango explained, but had to stop to steady herself before she began speaking about her brother. "Kohaku was such a good boy and he didn't deserve the life he got. He had loved the simple things in life like bugs and flowers. …He was eight when his illness was identified and he died two weeks after his eleventh birthday. I was fifteen. …We were always close and for a long time I didn't want to believe he had passed."

Miroku patted her hand soothingly. "I'm sorry you had to go through that."

She had to blink back tears. She didn't know why after fifteen years she still got teary-eyed when talking about her brother's death. "It was hard for a long time. For months my dad and I couldn't look at each other let alone be in the same room, but one day out of nowhere my dad got this new motivation. He told me all we had was each other and that he'd make sure that nothing ever happen to me." Sango said with a smile. "He died from cancer two years ago. I miss him everyday, but he told me to live everyday to the fullest and I plan to."

Miroku slowly took in her story and desperately wanted to pull her into an embrace, but he pushed the urge down. "You are such a strong woman, Sango. You have so much life experience yet you're so young." he commented and Sango bit her lip diffidently. A thoughtful look appeared on Miroku's face as he continued, "In a way, we're something a like. We're both orphans."

Sango's eyes widened. "What?" she asked in shock.

Amusement lit Miroku's eyes. "I know you've only been orphaned for two years, but it still counts." Sango's expression told him that she wanted to know his story and with a sigh he began. "I never new my parents. I was told that they died when I was barely a year old. I wish I could express the appropriate sorrow for them, but the only sorrow I feel is the lose of the idea of having them as parents. I know it sounds selfish, but when I hear about their story it just sounds like it happened to some else's parents."

"I can understand that." Sango replied as she squeezed his hand.

Miroku nodded. "Anyway, I was raised by a man named Mushin. He lived alone and drank a lot, but he treated me like a son. I care about him a lot and he's helped me throughout my college career."

Sango gave him a sweet smile. "He sounds like a real respectable man."

"He is," Miroku replied, "but he's a bit of a womanizer. I suppose that's where I learned it all." A chuckle escaped him as he brought his wine up to his lips to drink.

Rolling her eyes at such a comment, she continued to eat her meal. They ate in contented silence and after a couple of minutes Miroku looked over toward the trickling stream. A grin spread across his face as an idea popped into his head. He cleared his throat and said, "Would you care to dance?"

Sango blinked in surprise. "But there's no music…" she replied slowly as she glanced around at their surroundings.

He chuckled as he stood up and then offered his hand to her. "Who needs music when we're surrounded by nature?" he asked with an easy smile. She let out a small laugh as she accepted his hand and was pulled up off the ground. Once on her feet, he pulled her close to him. He took one of her hands in his and placed his other hand on her hip. He then began to gently sway them back and forth in a soothing manner.

Letting out a happy sigh, Sango leaned her head on Miroku's shoulder. "This is really romantic. I've only heard of slow dancing to the sounds around us done in movies." she told him in a soft voice. "I have to say I'm surprised you tried this."

With a express of faux appall. "I'm shocked, Sango." he replied. "When I have the right inspiration, I know how to impress." Sango made a happy noise far too content to comment on such a flirtatious remark. "And …you definitely inspire me."

This statement had Sango raising her head to stare at him. "Miroku?" she asked. She noticed a small pink tinge to his cheeks.

"I don't know what it is about you, but you make me feel things that I've never felt before." he started, feeling vulnerable about what he was saying. "All I know is that I want to be with you. Your presence makes me want to be a better man. I know that sounds cliché, but it's true. You're an amazing woman and I can't help but be effected by you."

It was Sango's turn to blush. His words made her heart speed up and she had to look away quickly to calm herself. "Miroku, I… I don't know what to say other than I've grown to care about you faster than I could have ever imaged and that I like being with you too." She took a deep breath before continuing. "I'm not sure if you could tell, but last night was the first night that I had been out in a while. As you can imagine, that by itself can be pretty stressful and because it was a blind date it was even more taxing. I know at first I acted like you were the worst possible turn of events that night could have taken, but …with all that has happen …I'm so happy that our friends were conniving enough do set us up."

Miroku chuckled as he held her even closer and continued to sway her to the music of their environment. "I have agree. I don't how I'll ever repay them, but I hope that somehow I will be able to." he answered good-naturedly. He gazed at Sango's smiling face and felt as light as air. The way her eyes look… He wanted them to always look that way. He eyes wandered from her eyes to her lips. He felt a desperate need to claim them with his own, but he reined in his need. He didn't want to rush or ruin anything he was building with her. He'd wait until she was ready.

They held each other for several long minutes until Miroku let out a regretful sigh. "It's getting late." he said sadly as he stopped their little dance and unwillingly stepped away from her. "You've got work in the morning and I've got class."

Sango also felt remorse for the loss of their contact, but of course reality had a nasty way of coming back and ruining everything. "Yeah, I suppose we should start packing up."

They slowly picked up the forgotten dinner and throughout this slow process they would exchange little glances at each other. When ever they would caught each other in their stares, they would both look quickly away with a blush staining their cheeks.

When they finally made it to Miroku's car and packed their evening's spoils, they drove back to Sango's holding hands. Upon reaching Sango's home, Miroku walked her to her door where she turned to look at him. "Tonight was wonderful." she said with a huge smile on her face.

"It was. I had fun with you." Miroku replied, grinning in return. "Can I call you again?"

"Of course you can. I'd love that." Sango's smile faltered slightly as she contemplated what to do next. She slyly looked away as she stepped closer to him and took his hands in hers. She slowly looked up at him through her eyelashes with an intense look. The sight had Miroku struggling with his breath. Sango ever so slowly leaned up and pressed her lips very lightly against his.

Miroku's eyes widened, but then quickly closed as he firmly captured her lips with his. He tugged her hands up to his chest so he could wrap his arms around her. Their kiss was passionate and slow and before long they broke apart for the air they both needed. "Sango." Miroku managed to say as he pulled away from her.

Despite the fact that she was trying to regain her breath, Sango couldn't keep the smile off her face. "Wow." she said when the ability to came back to her. "It's been a long while since I've been kissed like that."

He caressed her cheek as a playful look appeared in his eyes. "Then I'll have to kiss you like that again." he replied as he leaned in again, but Sango moved out of the way at the last second.

She laughed at his shocked expression. "Don't go thinking you're going to get any tonight, Hoshi." she said in a playful voice. "It's going to take a lot more than just a romantic evening to get into these pants." With that she gave him an impish wink and then turned toward her door.

She was just about to go inside when Miroku spontaneously turned her around and pulled her into his arms for a last minute hug. "Keep an ear out for my call." he whispered and he felt her shiver against him.

To say that she was shocked would have been an understatement, but she was quickly pulled out of the daze when she felt a certain hand on her posterior. Her eyebrow twitched and she sent her hand up to his cheek in a resounding slap. "Pervert!" she yelled as she pushed out of his arms, stomped into her house and slammed the door. Once inside, a giggle escaped Sango's lips. It was weird how she was so giddy. She should have been upset, but she was feeling anything but.

The ringing of her cell phone pulled her from her thoughts. She dug it out of her pocket and checked the caller id. A uncertain smile spread across her face as she answered. "Yes?"

"I don't know about you, but I really want to see you again. What are you doing tomorrow?" Miroku asked in hopeful voice.

Sango bit her lip in excited happiness. "Well…"

InuYasha sighed as he once again hung up the phone in failure. It had been three days since the little beach incident and Kagome sill wasn't answering or returning his calls. Did she think she could hide from him forever? They needed to talk about what happened and it was really starting to piss him off that she was pulling something like this. Plus there was the other fact that pissed him off too. Not only was she hiding herself from him but his daughter as well. Three days was a long time to be away from that little girl and he'd be damned if he didn't miss her.

"She still not answering?" Miroku asked from the couch. InuYasha turned to look at him and although he knew he'd see Sango snuggled up against his chest he was still adjusting to the whole 'Miroku having a girlfriend' thing.

He shook his head. "No, I've been calling three times a day. She's avoiding me! I've left three messages and she hasn't replied to any!" he explained as annoyance filled his voice. He squeezed his hand into a fist. "If I have to resort to going to the hospital or to her house I will."

"Well, that'll get you nowhere 'cause she hasn't been to work since the 'little incident' happen and as far as visiting her home… well she isn't there either." Sango commented from the comfort of her boyfriend's arms.

"What?" InuYasha gave her a hard look. "You just watched me pace the house for an hour, call her two times, and leave a message and you're just now telling me this!" He let out a irritated growl. Taking a deep breath, he asked, "So, where is she?"

"Look InuYasha, just give her her space." Sango said rather than giving him the answer he wanted. "She's really confused right now."

"Is she at her mother's?" InuYasha asked instead of listening. He grabbed his keys in a hurry, but before he could make it to the door Miroku threw the phone's receiver at the back of his head.

"Hold up, InuYasha. I have to agree with Sango." he said as InuYasha turned around to glare at him.

Letting out a low growl, InuYasha bent over and picked up the receiver then set it on the counter. "You have to say that cause you have to agree with your girlfriend."

Miroku rolled his eyes. "No, I'm not. I really do think you should leave Kagome alone until she's ready to discuss this." he explained. "What happened between you guys was pretty big. She kissed you, so it's clear that she has some feelings for you. However, don't you think you should look at this from her perspective?"

InuYasha was about to grunt his reply, but Sango beat him to it. "She's with Kouga and she kissed you behind his back. Literally. She's feeling like a horrible person because this and if you just barge into her sanctuary right now you'll only make her feel worse. Just let her sort all of her feelings out. She needs this time."

InuYasha stood silently for a minute, contemplating what he was going to do. He really wanted to talk to Kagome, but… if she really needed this time… With a defeated sigh, InuYasha pocketed his keys and made his way over to the chair. "Fine, I'll wait. I don't know how much longer, but you can't say that I didn't try."

Sango placed her head in her hand, shaking it slightly. What a thickheaded man, but at least she spared her friend another night to herself.

AN: Okay, so in this chapter the Inu/Kag romance was practically non-existent. However, this chapter's lackings were necessary. Hopefully the next chapter will bring you peace of mind.

I am particularly proud of the Mir/San scene. It took me a while writing and perfecting it. I think the reason their scenes are so difficult for me is because it's like they have their own story (and in a way they do). I have to switch gears going from one type of romance to an entirely different type. Both couples are at such different stages of their relationships and it takes me a while to really get in the mind set of writing their scene. This also holds true for the Kou/Kag scenes.

Now, time for my excuses. Besides being in college and having little free time I just haven't had much inspiration for my writing. Don't fret. I will finish this story. It's my baby and to leave it would be too painful to bear. I love this story and I really want you all to see where it goes (as I do). Just bear with me on this.

I'd also like to take the this time to thank Sassybratt. She's been an amazing motivator for me. She was always trying to get me to write and even though she literally couldn't come over and kick my butt I still appreciate the figurative stuff. Thanks again, Sassybratt!

I hope this chapter was worth the wait and that you all enjoyed reading it. Thanks for your patience.

~Dreamer6164~