What Sango Wants – Part Eight: Rendezvous

Aamalie: Well, since I'm putting Shot Down on hold, I might as well update this chapter, ne? Sorry this is taking so long... I've been busy trying to break through my bout of lost inspiration on SD, and ended up ignoring this story. Baaaaaaaaaaaaaaad me. *hits self with her digi hammer and falls over backwards, swirly eyed*

Taena: *prods Aamalie with her digital pitchfork* Freakish... What a moron.

Aamalie: @__@

Maela: You are aware she has cameras everywhere and will know you said that.

Taena: *holds up a plug, snickering* Sure... Anyway, I might as well get started writing...

Aamalie: *springs up* Think again! Hey... What's that plug to? Tell me later... Onto the story!

M & T: >>'

Disclaimer: Like you don't already know... *huggles Miroku* Noooo... I don't own Inuyasha or any other--- *frowns at the cue card the lawyers gave her* Eh heh heh heh... *runs with the houshi in tow*

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"Close your eyes."

"Excuse me?"

"Your eyes. Close them."

"Why?"

"Because that's the point of a surprise! You have to close your eyes!"

"What sort of surprise? Let me guess... You being a hentai?"

"I haven't forgotten the promise. Just close your eyes!"

"Surprises are planned. You're up to something."

"Sango!" growled a very irritated houshi. The frowning taijiya glared back at him in an unannounced staring contest. Finally, she sighed, blinking.

"Fine. But I swear, if you try a thing-"

"You'll beat me senseless. I know from experience. Now, close your eyes." She stared at him for a short moment longer, eyes narrowed, until she finally let her lids drop, only to have the fly open again half a moment later when he stepped closer.

"What did I just tell you?!" she snapped, hands balling into fists. He gave her a long-suffering look.

"It's a bit hard to navigate your steps when your eyes are closed. But, if you'd rather run into a few trees, close your eyes and follow my footsteps then," Miroku said, turning, and making as though to walk off. Her fists loosened, and she ran a hand through her hair.

"What do you suggest you do to keep me running into trees then?" she asked, exasperated. *Kami-sama... If I didn't feel for him, he'd be dead about now...* Miroku turned back to face her, smiling calmly, but she could almost see that conniving gleam in those eyes of his...

"How about this?" he suggested, stepping close, slipping his hand around her so it rested steadily in the middle of her back, using his other to take her hand. Her mouth moved wordlessly for a moment as her all too familiar flush reddened her face.

"Houshi-sama, I don't think-" He cut her off.

"Lady Sango, just this once, trust me. I swear I won't do anything you would find... offensive." She considered the ground, trying to ignore the fact he was so close as she tried to think this through.

*Calm down, calm down, CALM DOWN! So far, he has kept his promise... Kuso... I wouldn't mind pounding him, the stupid lech... But... He hasn't moved his hand yet... If he moves it an inch, I'll break each of his fingers...* This caused her to smile slightly, the blush receding somewhat, and she looked back up to meet his gaze. "All right," was all she said, steadying herself with a breath as her eyes flickered closed.

Miroku paused for a moment, just to look at her like that. With her eyes closed, she seemed so serene, and with that blush of her still hovering about her features... He smiled, shaking his head at himself. Considering her thoughts at the moment, which were devising ways to torture him if he dared go where he shouldn't, now wouldn't be the time to go back to old habits... Or attempt something worse. He was knocked from his reverie when Sango cleared her throat, her forehead knitting with annoying.

"Well? Are we going to walk or just stand around here all day houshi-sama?"

"Hn? Oh, right. Gomen, Sango. Something caught my eye and distracted me for a moment." An eyebrow raised.

"Care to tell me what exactly this 'something' was?" she asked quite innocently. The houshi chuckled dryly.

"It's nothing you would be really interested in," he said, pushing her along so she had to concentrate on her steps rather on speech. "Watch your step... There's a root." She nodded, navigating her way slowly, concentrating on keeping her eyes shut.

"Try me."

"Eh?"

"Just tell me what distracted you," she demanded as he led her into a wide clearing, unbeknownst to her.

"No."

"Excuse me?"

"Would you rather your surprise or the answer?" Sango paused. If he was going through all of this trouble, it was probably a good surprise. On the other hand, she really wanted to know what had been distracting him, for some inexplicable reason. The former curiosity won out.

"Very well. Surprise please." Miroku smiled, knowing he had one that little qualm.

"Then open your eyes."

"We're here already?"

"Hai."

Slowly, hesitantly, Sango's eyes fluttered open, taking in the scene around her. She gasped, completely shocked. It was a small clearing, trees springing up around it to keep it hidden. The ground was a bit uneven, but it was covered by thriving grass, dotted here and there with brightly hued flowers. What caught her the most was the sound of water, and, craning her neck a tad, she could catch sight of the telltale sparkle of a small body of flowing water.

Feeling more than a little confused about what he had in mind bringing her to this secluded spot, Sango turned her gaze to Miroku. It seemed a place where you would bring someone you cared deeply for, not just a friend. The houshi, who had been watching her take in her surroundings, smiled.

"I come here sometimes to think, or meditate, if you will. I thought it might be a nice place to have a meal without being so close to the road."

"Meal?" He gestured to the basket he had brought. "Oh. How did you discover this place?" Miroku's features went peaceful, making him the picture of a righteous monk, which caused Sango's eyebrow to arch in suspicion.

"I was, ah, searching for an... Alternate route.."

"To where?" Something along the lines of a slight blush crossed Miroku's face.

"That, my dear taiji-ya, is irrelevant. It was a while back and I do not clearly recall what it was exactly that led me to this rendezvous. Now, shall we seat ourselves by the glistening stream and feast, or do you wish otherwise?"

The glare she offered him was long and calculating. Moving water... Water that moved at an angle nearing their camp. A hot springs near their camp. A certain houshi. Miroku winced internally as her thoughts added up the facts, coming to the correct conclusion. Sango gave an exasperated sigh.

"I say we eat, baka hentai," she murmured, brushing past the relieved monk. *So, THAT'S how he kept getting past the traps. Looks like Kagome and I will have to be a bit more thorough from now on... Then again, he has kept his word.* Glancing back at the following Miroku, a smile flickered over her face.

To most, one day was hardly a relief. A week maybe would be preferable to start wondering.

But for Sango... She felt otherwise.

It was an opportunity.

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Aamalie: And there's the update for ya! It was gonna be a lot longer, but I decided to cut it into two so that I can put more effort into the fluff.

Taena: Plus, she has to work out the details with Hayley...

Maela: Yeah... Anyway, review! Or we'll stick you in a room with Jaken and Barney, who will be alternately be singing THAT SONG or kareokeing to Britney Spears!

Taena: You forgot the part about them suffering from the side effects of vodka.

Aamalie: And sake too!

Maela: Eh heh... Yeah. What they said. Review, onegai?

PS: To who reviewed asking... Iie: no and Kuso: Sh...nickers! ^^'