“For all we know you could be his reincarnation, so I don’t see why I shouldn’t sneak out with you every night,” she said crossly, lower lip trembling dangerously.
Miroku looked amused. “Lady Kagome, I hardly think..”
“Why? You could be!”
“Lady Kagome, I am from the same time period as he, which makes it quite improbable.”
“Oh.” Kagome flushed.
“However, I appreciate the thought, and I would be happy to entertain you nightly despite my, ” here he paused and examined his nails, “err, shortcomings in the reincarnation area.”
She stared at him, face bright red. “That’s not what I meant, you pervert!”
“No?” This time he actually stopped her slap from connecting. Suddenly his eyes were very dark and very serious, and Kagome’s heart skipped a beat. He was still holding on to her hand and simply watched her. “I could be his reincarnation, ” he offered casually. If that’s what you need.
“No, ” Kagome found herself whispering. “You are.. you. You’re Miroku.”
Miroku looked surprised, then smiled at her; a geniunely happy, boyish grin, and for a moment he was very beautiful. Then he looked down at their still joined hands and gave a start.
It wasn’t until they were almost back at the camp he’d returned to his usual self, and even then his groping was almost insultingly unenthusiastic.