Disclaimer—only own the characters I create. Not Inuyasha or any of the others upon which this story is based.

Thanks and Notes: Taijiya-yea for fluffiness! If the rating ever goes up there will be lemons too ;)

The Big W—Ah, life. Don't you hate it when life gets in the way of fun? The beads and Sango will be explained one day. And Kikyo…I just love Kikyo. I think that some people take her too much at face value; but I find her to be complex and really interesting. Anywhoo, this chapter is especially dedicated to you. I love your idea of inner dialogues, and I've decided everyone will have at least one dedicated to them about where they are in mind and heart at a particular time. So thanks.

Everyone—If any of you ever have a preference or idea when one of these inner dialogues would especially benefit one of the characters, let me know. If it works, then I'll put it in next.

Ashe—Thanks for trying; I appreciate it. Who knows (cause I haven't decided for sure who will end up where at the end yet) maybe Sesshomaru will wind up alone.

Dreams will be in bold (hopefully).

Sango finished her dinner. She wanted to take a bath now, however, that was probably a bad idea. Maybe a rest…."How much longer?" She looked over at Miroku. Miroku put down his bowl of rice and closed his eyes momentarily.

"Awhile still" he decided. He began eating once more.

Sango nodded and stood. "I will go for a walk then."

Amarra glanced over at Sango, figuring she was going to go searching for the hanyou. Miroku had the same thought, but before he could express it, Sango called for Kirara and they left the hut.

When Sango got outside, she looked ahead. The forest was in her sight, but she realized that Miroku was probably right. Though she would never tell him, often Miroku was right.

She had no idea what Inuyasha was going through right now, and she should probably leave him alone for a bit.

Besides, there were times when all she wanted was to be alone.

She started the other way, Kirara bounding next to her. They walked in silence for a bit, until Sango found a small hill that peaked her interest. It would be a good place to sit and think, maybe allow her eyes to close she decided, hiking to the top.

Once she arrived, she sat down and Kirara jumped into her lap. Sango stroked her fire cat's fur, and soon Kirara was purring contently, her eyes shut to the world. Meanwhile, Sango looked up at the sky.

The moon's silver glow was captivating and she basked in its beauty. Kagome would say it was 'awesome'.

Kagome…

Sango missed her friend. Having someone to talk to about…things. Though normally it was Kagome who did the talking, who put into words Sango's attraction to Miroku. Sango would generally protest, but Kagome was very perceptive about such things.

Which is why Sango was angry with her now too.

Since Kagome was so perceptive, how could she just leave Inuyasha the way she did?

Did she not know how devastated Inuyasha would be without a good-bye?

That was what angered Sango. Not that Kagome left. As was said to Shippo, Kagome had every right to leave once she determined that Inuyasha would never be able to give her what she needed.

Yet, Inuyasha deserved a goodbye.

They all could have used a goodbye.

But Inuyasha…deserved one.

There was a time when Sango figured it was best for her to split with the group. A time when she would have just run off without a word.

But those days were long passed. She couldn't imagine just….leaving. No matter the reason.

Sango found herself wondering what would be the reaction if she decided to leave. Shippo would be the one it would affect most, she gathered. Yet, however, it was becoming clear that Amarra seemed to have a way with Shippo that would make her a good "mother" to the kit. Unlike Sango and Miroku, Amarra had no emotional ties to Shippo, yet she had a much more subdued temper than Inuyasha, so she was good at letting Shippo know when he was in the wrong.

Something Kagome never did.

Shippo was rather spoiled because of it, Sango now realized.

Amarra would fix that if she had the chance.

And Sango thought that perhaps Amarra would be a good enough replacement for Miroku if Sango decided to leave.

Technically, there was nothing between Miroku and Sango. Kagome always figured they would be together, there was a time when Sango wished for such. Even now, she couldn't say for sure that they wouldn't be together when all was said and done.

Actually she could.

The time for her and Miroku seemed to have passed somehow.

Sango sighed, the silver of the moon just didn't compare to…

Inuyasha.

Sango already admitted that Inuyasha held an appeal. That she could see what led Kikyo to him time and time again. That she could see what Kagome found so appealing.

Sango figured she could have developed a so-called crush on Inuyasha if left to her own devices. Yet, she hadn't been. She pretty much pushed those thoughts down, because it was soon obvious that Kagome had feelings for Inuyasha, and vice versa.

Kagome and Sango became so close so quickly, that Sango saw it as a sort of betrayal to Kagome each time she found herself drawn to look at Inuyasha.

Yet…Sango's cheeks grew warm….even that guilt never stopped her from stealing glances at him now and again.

And now, with Kagome no longer there and never coming back, it seemed that this attraction just was…exploding within Sango. As if Sango pushed it down down down for too long…and now her subconscious saw a chance to let it escape.

Yet, none of it made any sense to Sango. Miroku was so handsome in his own right, yet once Sango decided her attraction to him was a bad strategic thing, it was just…never more. She hadn't even found herself admiring him lately. Not even wanting to.

However, Inuyasha…

Despite knowing that being attracted to Inuyasha was even worse…she just couldn't help it.

What was that about?

In fact, if she were to leave the group, Sango was sure that Inuyasha wouldn't bat a beautiful eye. Hell, Amarra would probably be more affected merely by being the lone female of the group. Inuyasha wouldn't care less if Sango weren't around.

The thought hit her like a slap, and Sango found her eyes tearing at the stinging pain.

Sango took a shuddering breath, refusing to allow them to escape. She laid down in the grass, closing her eyes to the moon now, her stomach fluttering as Kirara moved from her lap, walking in a circle and settling in a ball on top of her.

Why was she thinking of any of this anyway? She was not leaving the group.

Not until she had Kohaku back.

Not until Naraku was burning in hell.

That was her focus. Yes, she needed to help take care of Shippo now that Kagome was gone.

Yes, she was determined not to let Inuyasha draw into himself not that Kagome was gone.

But those would be secondary…had to be secondary.

With that reminder, Sango allowed herself to join Kirara in a nap.

But as her conscious mind rested, her subconscious was allowed to play…

In her dream, there was no Naraku…no Kohaku…

Just her…

And…

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Sango gasped as Miroku's hand groped her familiarly. She flushed red in anger and slapped him.

"What the fuck was that for, bitch!"

Sango's eyes grew and she pulled back from the hold to find herself staring into Inuyasha's golden eyes. "I thought you were Miroku…" she stuttered quickly.

"Do I look like Miroku to you!" Inuyasha rubbed his cheek with his hand.

"No…" Sango's voice came out in a breath.

"You're staring at me again!" Inuyasha barked now, "Since Kagome left you're always staring at me!"

"I know. However I cannot seem to stop…"

"Why?"

" I…do not know…" even as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment now, Sango could not tear her gaze from Inuyasha.

"I think you do." His tone suddenly grew soft.

"No…" yet as the word escaped her lips, Sango knew it was a lie.

"I think you do" he repeated.

"I…cannot…"

"Here you can. Here…anything is possible." Inuyasha stepped closer to Sango, reaching up with his hand, the claws of his fingers stroking her cheek softly, sending a shudder through her.

"You are so…gentle…" Sango could not help but notice.

"At times." Inuyasha agreed with a nod. "I would never admit to such out there. Yet, you already know it is true."

Sango nodded in agreement. "Usually you're so…passionate" her body tightened for a reason unknown to her. "And beautiful…"

"Feh. A woman is beautiful…"

"Inuyasha, you are beautiful."

Light entered Inuyasha's eyes at Sango's admission. "I ain't thanking you if you expect it. Even in here."

"I do not expect it. You as who you are is what I am intrigued by."

"Is that why you stare?"

Sango nodded once more. "That is why I stare. Inuyasha?"

"What?"

"In here…would you care if I left?"

"Feh. That's the dumbest question I've heard since Kagome left. I gotta question for you. What the hell are you doing out here alone unarmed!"

"What?"

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"I said what the hell are you doing out here alone, unarmed you stupid wench!"

Sango's eyes shot open to find Inuyasha leaning over her, his hair blowing in the night wind. He was so close, a strand of it brushed against her cheek and the startle sent her flying upright.

"Why are you so close!"

"Because you didn't hear me the first time I asked. Get with the others." He stood straight as well. "It will be here soon. I'll be in the nearest tree…"

Sango's heart finally slowed to a more normal pace and she watched as Inuyasha surveyed the area.

"Will you go already!"

"You will get enough of yelling at me in a moment." Sango warned.

"Go!"

Sango stepped back at Inuyasha's command.

"We don't know what's headed this way, or how strong it is. And I won't be responsible for something happening to you because you ain't prepared! Shippo whines enough as is…Why are you staring at me!"

Because you are beautiful, appealing and I am intrigued by you, Inuyasha. Sango admitted to herself. But outward she replied, "I am not" before calling to Kirara. She grew in preperation for battle, and Sango hopped on top. In a moment they were off.

Sango couldn't help but look back to Inuyasha. But he was already gone.

Inuyasha worried about her, which did not surprise Sango…but it was a reminder to what she realized now was in fact a dumb question.

Inuyasha would in fact miss Sango if she just left.

Sango realized that now.