Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha.

Chapter 2- Fair of Face

Two days later, Miroku had been coerced into cooking breakfast while Kagome, Shippou, and Kirara helped Sango down to the creek. Kagome had suggested it, knowing how grimy Sango had to feel.

Not that he was completely hating having some time to himself. In fact, it was the complete opposite. He'd never noticed how much Inuyasha had done for the group daily, but now that he was gone, Miroku barely had a minute to think before now. He'd definitely needed one, too. Kagome had been acting increasingly weird since the other day.

He had no idea what to make of it. Well, there were a few ideas he could think of, but they were pretty much impossible. Kagome loved Inuyasha. It had been the first thing he'd learned after joining the group. The second, following quickly, being not to mention that very love to either of the involved parties.

"Miroku-sama?"

At the sound of the miko's voice, Miroku turned. And froze. Kagome had either decided to try a new, waterlogged look or Shippou had pushed her into the creek. He hoped it was the former, especially if she decided to keep her white sailor top.

"Are you listening?"

Her hands were fisted on her hips as she narrowed her eyes at him. He grinned, "Of course, Kagome-sama."

From her expression, he knew she was doubtful but she thankfully dropped the subject and asked, "Are you all right?"

"Yes, thank you. Why the concern?" he asked, confused.

Kagome responded with one word: "Breakfast."

Understanding immediately dawned and Miroku looked down swiftly. Technically, it was still edible, but the noodles were clearly overcooked and the fire was almost expired from the boiled-over water hitting it. He gave her a sheepish look, to which she responded with a soft smile and a shake of her head.

As he moved to take the pot away from the flame, she moved to her backpack and pulled out a set of fresh, dry clothes-- what she called 'jeans' and a 'tank top.' Or something like that, he thought.

He had a pout on his face as he added the seasoning packets. Kagome's scrumptious legs would be hidden today. She glanced over and, when she saw him, grinned-- knowing what he was thinking. "Wasn't the wet T-shirt enough?"

Miroku blinked. Was she flirting with him? No way. It just wasn't possible. She loved Inuyasha, right? ...Right?

"Hey. Turn around."

Miroku gaped and did as she commanded. Now he was certain something was going on. He knew Sango loved him-- she couldn't make it more obvious, really-- but she'd never done anything like this. Never, not that he would complain if she did. Not that he was complaining now. He was going to get to the bottom of this strange behavior of Kagome's-- preferably without stopping it-- and there was no better time than the present. Or near future, as long as Inuyasha wasn't around to pummel him for bothering Kagome.

"Okay. I'm done."

He turned back to face Kagome. She'd put her hair up, which was becoming a common occurence. Sango had asked her about it the other day and she'd explained that it got in the way when it was down and the only reason she hadn't before was because of Inuyasha.

Miroku couldn't blame the guy. Kagome's neck was like something out of a myth, as lovely as Ame-no-Uzume. It looked slender, soft, and sweet. He wanted to touch it and see if it was as soft; taste it and see if it was as sweet. And he was only human.

So he did.

Kagome let out a squeak and slapped a hand over the spot his teeth had pressed against. Her eyes were wide as she stared at the carnal grin on his face. He moved cautiously to close the distance between them and was almost within touching distance again. She'd managed to bolt to the opposite side of camp as quick as Inuyasha did tried when Kagome's eyes got that certain 'osuwari' gleam, perhaps even faster. As he reached his hand out, she squeaked again and scurried behind the nearest rock and glared at him. Her face was flushed as she cried out, "What on Earth do you think you're doing?! Were you-- Are you even thinking?! What if Sango-chan saw that!?"

"Saw what?"

Kagome, with a yelp, started as Sango spoke from behind her, entering the camp astride Kirara. The school girl was stammering, trying to give the taijiya an answer. Miroku decided to spare the poor girl and help with what he did best.

"Hello, Sango dear. Enjoy your bath?"

She responded to his truthfully innocent query with a suspicious glare. He just grinned in return. "I was just expressing to Kagome-sama how much I appreciate her new hair style."

Miroku turned away from her still doubtful look and saw Kagome fixing Shippou-- who suprisingly said nothing upon his arrival with Sango-- a bowl of soggy, shrimp flavored noodles, muttering to herself.

He saw her glance in his direction, quickly turning away when she saw him reciprocating. Her face is really red now, he thought.

He smirked, turning back towards Sango to offer his assistance, which she quickly refused. Kagome was certain good at dishing it out when it came to seduction-- probably because of when she grew up-- but it certainly seemed like she couldn't take any. The monk couldn't wait to give the feisty miko a taste of her own medicine.

His smirk grew, now looking almost evil. Oh, yes. This is going to be fun.

A/N: These will be slow on getting up, since I had to relocate and am now unable to get a reliable signal. Sorry for any inconvenience. I hope you enjoyed it.