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Chapter 6 – Speculation

"Inuyasha…" Sango looked at the hanyou, who was sitting on the floor of Kaede's hut with his arms crossed. "What exactly happened the other night when the demon attacked Kagome?"

Inuyasha looked at the demon exterminator who stood above him. "How do you mean?"

"It's not like you to wander off like that." Sango knew that something had been bothering him. She could tell by the way he'd been so withdrawn lately.

"Yeah…well…" he didn't finish. He still felt guilty about the entire incident and he didn't want to explain why he had been restless lately. This was a personal matter between him and Kagome.

Miroku made his way through the door of the hut. "I hope Kagome comes back through the well today. It's already been four days since she's left." He eyed the cloth which covered his Kazanna.

"Well," Inuyasha looked toward Miroku, "you know how she is. She'll probably take as long as she damn well pleases. Don't be surprised if that thing sucks you up before she returns. Not that it would make any difference to me."

Miroku looked curiously at him. "Yes. And I'll make sure you're somewhere nearby when it does."

"Is that a threat, monk?" Inuyasha's ears flattened down to his head.

Miroku sighed. No use starting a quarrel with him. "Nevermind. I just hope Kagome returns soon."

"Sang-" the monk turned to look towards Sango, but she had already left. "Where did she go?"

*-*-*

"Mama, I'll be back in a few days." Kagome lugged her pack over her shoulder and made her way back out towards the well. It was a little more over-packed than necessary this time. She had made sure to include something special for all of her friends in the feudal world, including some of the carbonated beverages Miroku seemed to like so well.

*-*-*

When Kagome had made her way into Kaede's hut, she gave Inuyasha and Miroku a polite "Hello."

"We were just talking about you, Lady Kagome," Miroku smiled at her. "We're glad you're back." Gods he has the most beautiful smile! Kagome thought to herself.

"Miroku, I've brought something back for you." The monk watched with interest as she pulled the six-pack of orange soda out of her backpack and smiled brightly at him. "It's sort of a thank you gift for saving me the other night."

Miroku accepted the gift with a smile. "How thoughtful. Thank you, Lady Kagome."

Inuyasha scowled. "A thank you gift?" he asked exasperatingly. He watched as the two exchanged conversation. Kagome shooting him cute little smiles. Smiles that would normally be directed towards him. He felt like a wallflower, just sitting there being ignored. What exactly is going on here? Whatever it was, he wasn't going to let it continue.

"Yeah, that's all wonderful, Kagome," Inuyasha looked at her angrily, "but we have to get out there a find some more shards. We're wasting our time here. It's bad enough you selfishly waited an entire week before returning."

"Try four days, Inuyasha. Or do you even know how to count?" she demanded. Kagome pulled out a few packs of his favorite instant noodles and threw them at him. "Here's your damn noodles dog breath, and you're welcome." A hurt looked crossed her face as she made her way outside. She sat down next to a tree near Kaede's hut and pulled her knees up to her chest, buried her face in her hands, and began to cry. Why is he doing this to me? Why is he always hurting me like this? He must hate me. She quickly wiped the tears from her eyes when she noticed Miroku was approaching her.

The monk's face showed a look of concern. "Kagome?" She turned her head in the other direction so that Miroku wouldn't see her tears. He kneeled down in front of the girl and cupped her chin in his hands as he gently forced her to face him. "Kagome, don't cry. You know that Inuyasha didn't mean what he said. He never does."

Kagome sniffed a little and looked at the monk tearfully. "Yes he does, Miroku." The monk sat down next to her and put his arm around her shoulder. Inuyasha has a lot to learn about manners…and women, he thought to himself.

"I only come here to help him, and he treats me badly. I have a life of my own you know!" Kagome sobbed. "I can't give up everything."

"Yes." Miroku gave her a light squeeze. Kagome could feel her pulse quickening. She snuggled up a little against his warm body. It feels so good to be next to you. Kagome looked into the monk's thoughtful eyes. Miroku grinned faintly at her. "Inuyasha knows that, too. He's just…stubborn. And selfish. He cares a lot for you, Kagome. I can tell." Kagome eyed the monk sadly. That's where you're wrong…

Miroku and Kagome hadn't noticed that Inuyasha stood nearby, watching them. He wasn't aware of it before, but now it occurred to him—Kagome had developed feelings for Miroku. She had been giving him so much attention recently it was nauseating. Offering him rides. Tending to his injuries. Bringing him presents. It all made perfect sense now. And that's why Sango was so upset lately. She had obviously noticed it as well. Is it too late to undo what I have already done? I want to tell her so badly, but I can't… Damn that monk.

*-*-*

Inuyasha set out to find Sango. He needed to confirm his speculations. He followed her scent and found her sitting near a tree outside the village. She was staring at the ground desolately.

"Inuyasha." She noticed that he was now standing next to her.

Inuyasha looked at her, "Sango, have you noticed what has been going on between Miroku and Kagome lately?"

Sango nodded. "Yes, Inuyasha. I have."

"Do you think…Do you think Kagome loves him?" Sango noticed a saddened look on the hanyou's face.

"I'm not sure Inuyasha…" Sango replied quietly.

"Does it bother you?" he asked.

Sango looked angrily in the other direction. "Why should it?" she asked. "Why would I care about a perverted monk. He can do whatever he wants." Inuyasha knew she was lying. He could tell by her tone and the way that she wasn't even able to look at him. She obviously cares for him. She's showed it many times.

"I wonder if Miroku knows." Inuyasha gazed at the sky uncertainly.

"Doubtful. He seems oblivious to the entire situation." She stared thoughtfully for a few moments. "I'm surprised. You would think a womanizer such as Miroku would pick up on such a thing, being such an expert on woman."

"It's not that surprising, Sango." He looked knowingly at the girl. Sango blushed. He knows how I feel about Miroku…

*-*-*

Inuyasha decided it was time to head back to Kaede's hut. He had remembered that tonight was a new moon, so he would have to take refuge in the hut tonight instead of sleeping outside. He could never be too careful the nights he was human.

There was a lot of tension in the hut that evening. Everyone was feeling it, except for Miroku, that is. Idiot. He doesn't even realize what's going on, Inuyasha thought to himself. Kagome sat next to the monk's side, chattering along while Inuyasha glared at the monk. Miroku sensed his anger. He looked at Inuyasha and shrugged. I can't take this any longer, Inuyasha thought. I need to stop this now.

"Kagome. Outside. Now!" Inuyasha demanded forcefully. Sango gazed at him curiously.

Kagome looked stunned. Miroku merely frowned at the now human boy. "There's no need to be rude, Inuyasha." Inuyasha gave him a death glare.

"Please, Kagome. I need to speak with you," he added, this time more politely.

"Alright, Inuyasha." Kagome reluctantly followed him outside the hut.

"What's the deal with you and that monk?" he demanded, once the two were outside of the hut.

"What is it any of your business?" Kagome frowned furiously.

"You have a little crush on him. Don't deny it—it's obvious."

Kagome's cheeks turned bright red. "What does it matter to you, Inuyasha?" she asked. "Don't tell me you're jealous. You don't even care about me."

"Feh. Kagome, don't be stupid. Miroku doesn't love you. He has one thing on his mind, and one thing only—and that's finding someone to bear his children. All he'll want from you is an heir." Inuyasha tensed up at the thought of that monk trying to become intimate with Kagome.

"What do you know about love, Inuyasha?" she demanded irately. "Miroku isn't like that, he's…different."

"I'll say." Inuyasha crossed his arms.

"Just stay out of this." She huffed and turned to walk back into the hut.

"I just don't want to see you get hurt Kagome…" he added sympathetically. He was definitely in touch with his human emotions on this particular night.

Kagome frowned. "You don't want to see me get hurt?" she asked. "You mean see me get hurt again." A sad look crossed Inuyasha's face. "Don't worry, Inyasha. No one could ever hurt me as much as you already have," she added before entering the hut.

Inuyasha's heart sank. What have I done?