Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha. It belongs to Rumiko Takahashi and lotsa companies.

Chapter 3- Full of Grace

Kagome was amazed at how majestic something that people salled savage and uncivilized back home could truly be.

It was, she knew, not the best time to be thinking of such things. Nor was it the time to be hoping the monk's robes would raise a bit higher as he returned to the ground after a nice mid-air shakujou smack, but she was. She couldn't help it, though. Those muscular legs of his were just so yummy! She almost wished he'd wear one of her skirts.

Kagome shook her head. Focus! She returned her arrow to the attacking oni as she stood over Sango, having been the one voted to protect the injured taijiya.

She held her breath when the oni swung its club at Miroku's head. He quickly crouched down and, simultaneously, sent the staff swinging out again to trip the small-brained demon.

His movements were beautiful. In comparison, Inuyasha's style was wild and reminded her quite often of a berserker fighting. The only being she'd ever met who could rival his form was Sesshoumaru and, in all fairness, shouldn't count because he was perfect at everything.

Kagome winced, as she focused back on the battle, and that sound rang out. That singular, final 'thwack' of the staff hitting part of the oni's anatomy. She'd always hated that part, since before Mistress Centipede, even.

She looked towards Miroku and flushed, turning back away quickly. He had been staring at her. No, not me! Sango. Miroku and Sango are happily involved, she reminded herself again. But had he seen her flinch? Seen her weakness?

Kagome grimaced. She remembered exactly when Inuyasha had figured it out. Ironically, it had been a Tuesday then as well. (For some reason, she'd never had much luck with the day.) He hadn't taken it well, calling her a weak girl and taunted at how Kikyou had killed demons without the slightest hesitation almost daily.

Her sour expression turned when she remembered the nice 'vacation' she'd taken home afterwards.

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A gust of wind pushed Kagome closer to Miroku's meditative form. She frowned momentarily at the out of place gale, then shrugged it off. These were mountains after all.

"Is something concerning you, Kagome-sama?"

She jumped slightly. His expression hadn't changed at all. "No, not really. I just came to tell you that Shippou said Kirara's almost back with dinner."

"All right. Thank you."

She knew she was being dismissed. It was crystal clear from his tone. She narrowed her eyes as she turned away. What was that all about? Now that Sango is done PMS-ing, he doesn't want to play with me anymore? Am I to be another man's booty call!?

She turned back towards him. "I don't think so."

Kagome glanced back, making sure Sango was occupied with her weapons' sharpenings, then glared back down at the idiotic, oblivious monk.

Luckily, they were eye level, making her task easier. She grabbed the sides of his face and pulled them together as his eyes sprung open.

Kagome tried to recall all the romance novels she'd ever read. What was she supposed to do next?

His mouth opened slightly and it hit her. Tongue. That's what came next. She pulled away and left little pecking kisses all over his face before returning to his mouth.

She couldn't tell how long it lasted. But the next thing she knew, Kirara was roaring as she entered the clearing. Kagome shot back, panting. She felt Shippou run past her towards the nekomata and glanced down only to see the bushy tail bouncing past. She could feel her face heating up as she looked back towards Miroku.

"Well, I must say--"

"Shut it, Miroku," She snapped, narrowing her eyes threateningly. "I know you love Sango, but I won't have you only acknowledging me when it's convenient for you. I wont be another man's strumpet!"

"I love Sango?"

"Oh! I, umm..."

Kagome could see Miroku's eye twitch. It was quite understandable, considering how often Sango managed to chime into their 'discussions' even with an injured leg.

She watched, with something akin to jealousy, as Miroku rose and moved to take Sango's hands. She didn't think she could watch them anymore. She might be sick. Fortunately, Shippou gave her a distraction as he hopped onto her shoulder.

"Kirara-chan is back with dinner. Can we start fixing it?"

Kagome nodded and was reminded of how glad she was that the little kit was there. She turned away from the lovers, trying to ease the clenching feeling in her chest.