Awww *snifsnif* I'm so glad there are other M/S fans out there who like my story! All the feedback has been very positive and I just wanted to say thanks!!

Lady Pyro: If you really like my story that much, go right ahead! ^_^ Oh, but make sure you credit me under the name VaSt Rising

Disclaimer: I don't own Inuyasha, but maybe it's better that way. If I did, I doubt I'd be willing enough to share with anyone else. Good thing Rumiko Takahashi is in charge of this circus.

On with the fic!

CHAPTER 3: The Monk's 'Good Night'

I wonder why the girls are smiling at me like that…Miroku thought absently as he downed the last of his drink, glancing over at Kagome and Sango out of the corner of his eye. Throughout the course of their meal in Kaede's hut, they had been glancing furtively at each other and at himself, carefully suppressing grins, and generally eating in silence, which was something highly unusual, especially for Kagome. Their odd behavior had not escaped Inuyasha's notice either.

"Oi! What's the matter with you two? Did Kaede-baba slip you something in your drinks or what?" The girls froze immediately and looked over at Inuyasha with guilty looks.

"Uh, heh, um what makes you say that Inuyasha?" Kagome asked hesitantly.

"Feh, it's just the fact that you and Sango have been acting like a pair of baka the whole evening. I'd expect it out of you, but not Sango," Inuyasha said insolently.

"Oh, is that all?" Kagome and Sango both relaxed visibly and resumed eating.

Inuyasha gaped at the two girls slightly, not knowing what to think.

 Miroku however, was instantly put on the alert. OK, now THAT was strange. Kagome's given Inuyasha the S-word for less than that and Sango didn't even seem mildly insulted. Something's up…Rising carefully, he said calmly, "I think I shall prepare for bed." He blinked slowly, suddenly feeling very tired, and made his way outside.

Kagome nudged Sango, who blushed, but couldn't help grinning. They quickly finished their meals, thanked Kaede, and, feigning yawns, made their way outside.

Inuyasha, who stood up to leave a moment later, was the only one who bore witness to the *wink* that passed between Shippo and Kaede.

"Feh," he muttered under his breath as he exited, "They're all fucking crazy."

Shippo waited until he was sure Inuyasha was out of earshot before turning to Kaede. "Kaede-san, just what was it that you had me slip into Sango-sama's drink again?"

The old miko chuckled. "Tis a simple draught created ages ago that heats the blood and lowers the inhibitions."

"Is it sake?" the cub asked eagerly.

Kaede chuckled again. "No, young one, but it is close. Tis weakened, however, with some of the sleeping draught given to the monk, so that he and Sango may only whet their appetites for each other this evening."

The young kitsune's face brightened with a grin. "Perfect!"

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The heat of the day had not subsided with the setting of the sun, and so the group had decided it would be more comfortable to sleep outside rather than indoors and enjoy what few breezes there might be that night.

By the time the others had exited Kaede's hut, Miroku had already prepared a small fire (as it was only the dim light and not the heat that was necessary), and had cleared the surrounding area so that the others could make their beds. Inuyasha, as per usual, made his way into the lower branches of the nearest tree. Kagome unrolled her sleeping bag, but instead of crawling in with Shippo, she sat on top of it while the kitsune found his own place inside. Pulling a book out of her pack, she folded her legs underneath herself, and with a look of extreme nonchalance, appeared to simply be reading by firelight.

Miroku watched her drowsily as he settled down on the opposite side of the fire. Because of the heat, he decided to remove his dark outer robes and use them to pillow his head. He yawned. Sleep called to him, whispering around the edges of his consciousness. He fought to stay awake, however, as he saw Sango approach the fire and sit down next to Kagome. She pulled the hiraikotsu over to her and began polishing it absently.

Miroku's brows furrowed as he settled far back against a log, his head resting against the small bundle of his robes. This is most unusual. Something is definitely up. He blinked his eyes several times, trying to clear his vision. For a moment he felt his alertness return, only to lose it a moment later to a huge yawn. Forcing his eyes open a final time, he noticed the two girls watching him intently. The monk grew nervous. He willed himself to move, to adjust his position to a more upright (and less vulnerable) one, but his limbs felt weighed down, heavy with sleep. With glassy eyes, he watched as Sango languidly rose from her spot, slowly walking towards him with a superior sort of calm.

Time slowed.

Miroku watched, helpless, as she moved hypnotically closer, the firelight flickering and licking along the curves of her body, still clearly delineated by Kagome's clothing. With her hair loose about her shoulders, and a strange, heated look in her eyes, Sango knelt down beside the dazed monk. She placed her fingers delicately over his eyes, gently forcing them to close. This can't be real, the monk thought fuzzily. Even though he could no longer see, and sleep was pulling desperately at his senses, he felt Sango's presence moving closer. Her breath trailed teasingly along his jaw, and the last thing he remembered was the feel of her lips barely touching his ear as she whispered to him.

"Good-night, houshi-sama."

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A/N: Hehehe. Karma.

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"SANGO!" Kagome hissed across the fire, "What are you doing?! You didn't just kiss him did you?!"

Sango's head whipped up, startled. "N-no! I just, um, told him to go to sleep." She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "I'm sorry Kagome-chan, I don't know what came over me. It was just…the way he was staring…" she finished helplessly. She shivered slightly, remembering the look in those deep, violet eyes as she had closed them. It had been hopeful…pleading…hungry.

Kagome hid a smile. "It's all right. I know the feeling." She shifted to a more horizontal position atop her sleeping bag, taking care not to disturb Shippo, who only made a soft baby growl and curled into an even smaller bundle.

"Kagome-chan! Why are you laying down?! I thought you were going to help me!" Sango looked over at her friend, a slight hint of panic creeping into her hoarse whisper.

"I am, Sango-chan, but Miroku-sama is all yours. I wouldn't dream of touching him. I'm here to offer moral support and suggestions." Kagome's grin couldn't be described as anything but evil.

Sango snorted. "Well it seems as though your support for my morals has failed me, so just hurry up and tell me what to do!"

"There really shouldn't be anything to it, Sango-chan." Kagome yawned as fatigue began to overtake her. "Just test out what you think would be a sensitive spot. Try starting with his ears and neck. Then try the backs of his arms…or maybe his knees…" her voice started to trail off.

"KAGOME! Don't you dare go to sleep on me just yet! What if he wakes up?!"

"Sango-chan, that was the point of the draught Kaede-san gave us. If you found his hotspot while he wasn't knocked out, then he'd probably wake up and catch you just like you caught him. But with the help of the potion, he won't be able to wake up totally and you'll get the benefit of seeing what he reacts to most." Kagome grinned sleepily over at her friend.

"But what if—"

"Sango, he WON'T wake up. Just so long as you don't get too rough over there—"

"I wasn't planning on getting rough." Sango interrupted flatly.

"—and make sure you put his clothes back where they belong so he doesn't get suspicious in the morning."

"KAGOME!" Sango gaped indignantly, blushing furiously. If his hotspot is in a place that can be covered by clothing, then it won't do me any good knowing where it is anyway.   

"Get to it girl, you're wasting time." Kagome rolled onto her side, yawned again, and let sleep take her.

Sango turned back to the sleeping monk, sighing in defeat, ready to abandon the whole plan altogether. Her gaze wandered over his face, taking in his features, open and vulnerable in sleep, his hands relaxed and his lips just barely parted. Something inside her surged, and she felt flushed, suddenly tempted to trace a finger along his lower lip. Well…She smiled an ironic smile. I've come too far to back down now. I'd never get a chance like this while he's awake…he's too busy chasing kimonos whenever we come to a village. I know I'm just a quick grope to him, but…She let her hand come down to the side of his face, her thumb stroking his bottom lip with a feather-light touch. She closed her eyes as the blood began to pulse hard through her brain. Memories of Miroku flashed through her mind: Miroku battling demons with the kazaana, risking his own life to protect his comrades…Miroku failing to hide the fears inspired by his tragic past…Miroku's voice, calm, soothing, speaking reason to calm frayed nerves…Miroku's eyes, stormy with the emotions that he held in check so often…Miroku's smile, charming, boyish, and capable of piercing all of her defenses…Miroku's whisper, as his breath grazed along her neck…

 Ah, Kami…

Sango inhaled deeply. "No one will ever know…"

Across the fire, Shippo grinned into the soft material of the sleeping bag.

A/N: AHHHHH!! I'm evil, I know I know. And yes, I know I said Miroku's hotspot would be revealed in this chapter, but, well, things don't always work out like you plan ^_^;; I tried to make this chapter nice 'n' waffy to make up for it though! No worries, I am still gonna try to get Ch.4 up sometime this evening. So be happy! 2 Chapters in one day! And remember, R&R or else! ::evil grin::