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That was so long ago, Sango thought as she smiled. So much has happened over that period... It won't be long before the baby is born, I think. Her thoughts swirled. What would they name it? What would it be? So many questions came to her mind. It was almost overwhelming for the to-be mother.

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Miroku sighed of relief when he passed the final house before he got back to the inn. He was glad to be back, see his Sango. His beautiful Sango. The mere thought of her sent a warm feeling to his heart, as a content smiled crossed his face. With no further delay, he stepped though the wooden doors.

Inuyasha was first to notice Miroku was back, thanks to his demon senses. He turned slightly, giving Miroku the look that normally gave regards. It was Inuyasha after all… Sango snapped out of her dream world, back into her perfect reality as she struggled and wobbled, attempting to get up. Kagome, noting Sango's immense battle, turned and waved.

Miroku looked upon Inuyasha and Kagome, giving them a quick bow, then turned to his wonderful Sango, placing his hand flat, as if he were laying it on a table of air. A notion for her to stay seated. He would join her momentarily. Stepping up to a bowl full of water, Miroku dipped one of the apples in it, washing it off. Kagome had suggested that it was a good idea, and Miroku would do anything that would keep Sango safe. Miroku paused, looking over his shoulder at Sango, his eyes loving and content. "I picked up three Fuji apples and an orange. Would you like one, Sango?"

Sango nodded "Fuji apple, thank you, Miroku." He takes such good care of me…

Miroku gave her a quick thumbs up, "Peeled?"

"Yes." Sango replied quickly. Miroku went to work, peeling away at the apple. He finished it quickly, for he had much practice at this. Miroku took it over to her, sitting down. Sango took the apple from him, setting it on the table, while she threw her arms around him, as best she could at least. Miroku chuckled to himself, placing his arms around her gently. It felt so comforting, holding her like this. Why, a year ago, it would be a shy act, but over time, they'd become very close. Sango would even kiss him in front of the other two, not gloatingly of course, but still! It would have never happened a year ago. Miroku spoke in a soft tone, still holding onto her delicate frame. "Good morning, dearest." Sango looked up at him with a smile.
"Morning… How are you?" Miroku smirked. "Wonderful. How could it be any less? And what of you? Did you sleep well?"

Sango nodded. Miroku took one of her hands, then placed his other hand on her stomach, leaning down. "And what about you?" he said, beaming. Anyone could tell it was from pride. Miroku gently kissed her stomach, then straightened himself, looking at Sango, who apparently thought this was the cutest thing in the universe. She gave him a slight laugh, still holding onto his hand, taking her breakfast in the other.

Kagome sighed helplessly at the two, shaking her head. They were so adorable. She could only wish someone else would do something that cute every once in a while. She chuckled silently in her head. Inuyasha was never one to make any sort of move, unless it was in a battle. Once more, she gave a sigh of helplessness, looking over at Miroku and Sango. "So, according to the calendar and books I've picked up from the future… you're due any time Sango. Maybe a week, was it?"

Sango looked over and nodded. "Yes, a week or so… I can't say I'm not nervous."

Miroku closed his eyes, bowing his head in agreement. "Indeed…"

The hanyou across the table gave a scoff. "Hmph. I don't see why… It's just a baby. So what?"

"Inuyasha!" Kagome snapped. "You're so insensitive! If I were about to have a baby, what would you be doing!?"

Inuyasha's eyes suddenly widened as they pin-pointed onto her. "I'd probably be wondering why the hell you, of all people, would be pregnant!"

That was it… the final straw for Kagome. Both Miroku and Sango averted their glance. This wouldn't be pretty. Her eyes raged in a flame as she stood up, quick as she could. "You… big… JERK! Sit!" And once more, Inuyasha slammed into the ground. "I could get any guy if I wanted to!" she paused, "Or… I could just go to Kouga-sama… I'm sure he wouldn't mind having me around…" She said it teasingly, which probably wasn't the best course of action, for Inuyasha's eyes once more lifted to her in anger.

"Fine! You do that then, see if I care!" and he stormed out.

Miroku waited a moment before he spoke, letting the moment sit. "Don't let him get to you, Kagome-chan. You know Inuyasha… he's protective of you, and you bringing Kouga-sama into the conversation… well, you know. He takes things very serious."

Kagome sighed lightly, placing her elbows on the table. "I know. I shouldn't do that. I shouldn't use the prayer beads like that either. He probably doesn't appreciate it?"

Sango chuckled lightly. "Probably?"

This brought a light snicker between the three of them. After a few moments, Kagome stood back up. "I'll go apologize… now I feel bad." she said with a smile. And with that, she stepped outside, in search for Inuyasha.

Sango and Miroku exchanged looks. Miroku smirked, placing his hands on the sides of her arms, pulling her closely to him. Sango loved being in his arms like his. It was comforting to the soon-to-be mother. Miroku placed his hand on her stomach, rubbing it just slightly. The two remained silent, almost afraid to shatter the moment with words. It was nice with just that.

The next week and a half was certainly busy. Inuyasha had gone around with Kagome collecting any shards they could within the vicinity. They would come back at dark, or shortly after, depending on if Inuyasha had spotted a new demon or not. Miroku stayed with Sango, except for the few moments he went to get breakfast, or something along the sorts.

Sango was honestly growing somewhat impatient, waiting for the baby. She often looked down onto her stomach, hoping that it would come right that moment. Nights even became long as some cramping hit her, causing sleep to be interrupted. In the days, Sango always found herself wanting to eat. She knew it wasn't normal, for she had been eating continuously before, but now it was just ridiculous! Miroku reassured her when the emotions of a pregnant woman would take over, but it was still stressful.

"Please, Sango. Sit down. I'll get your pillow, and you can just relax. I'll get everything you ask of me." Miroku was saying to her one late afternoon. She sighed, finally taking a seat after many trips of getting up, moving around, searching for a non-existent object, and trying to fill her food craving.

"I'm sorry, Miroku," she apologized. "I just feel as though I need to be doing something. You know how the baby gets to me now. It wasn't so bad in the first trimester."

So she thinks, a voice said to Miroku in his head. He chuckled silently, not wanting to attract attention to himself. Instead, he shook his head, sitting up.

"It's no worry, dearest. I'm as restless as you are."

Sango nodded. He was right. They were in this together. For the moment, she'd be quiet. Night passed without interruption, other than the occasional bathroom break for poor Sango, and morning came with bright drops of dew illuminating the blades of grass.

It would be a nice day.