A/n: Yeah, I'm on chapter three! I wanted to update two chapters because I left you guys for such long time, but I'm back from the break and coming up with some awesome ideas!

Chapter Three part one

Nekomi and Miroku walked through town as she held a container in her basket. Nekomi was taking another remedy to a patient and Miroku decided to accompany her. She didn't want be trouble for him, but he insisted. Secretly, she was happy that he wanted to; it made her blush a bit that he would want to do such a thing for her.

"So, what's inside the capsule?" asked Miroku looking down into the basket.

"Oh, the patient we are visiting just came over a horrible sickness and I'm just delivering this to her so she can become better quicker," replied Nekomi looking up to the houshi.

"I guess as doctor of the village, you know what herbs to use for each problem."

"Not all the time. My father showed me how to do basic like for quick healing for wounds, easing pain in sickness, etc, but when we come across new illness and sorcery, I'm clueless."

In minutes, the duo approached a small house as Nekomi knocked on the door.

"Sayuri, I've brought your medicine," proclaimed Nekomi waiting for her patient.

"Oh, Nekomi, it's you! I'm coming!"

As soon as she finished her speech, the young girl appeared out of her as she began to wipe her hands on her apron. Her curly raven hair was wrapped in a big bun with her chestnut ayes observing the two in front of her. She straightened her posture and dusted off her green kimono and white apron making her seem presentable. Though with small white smudges of flour were on her face, she looked very cute.

"Neko-san, It is such a pleasure to see you today," stated Sayuri with a welcoming smile.

"Yes, you seem so much better," replied Nekomi displaying her smile.

"Oh, yes, I've been off my feet for days, but my little siblings need to be taken care of while my father is gone on his trip. Though I'm still a little weak, things must be done," replied Sayuri looking back to her hut then back at the doctor.

"Oh, okay, take this container. It has herbs that'll quicken your recovery. Oh by the way, this is Miroku. Miroku is a traveling houshi," spoke the violet hair woman as she bestowed the container to the girl.

"Hello, Miroku, my name is Sayuri," replied Sayuri taking the container in her hands.

"Hello, yourself, my I'm such a lucky houshi to be surrounded by lovely women," commented Miroku looking to both girls.

"Wow, Nekomi, you have a keeper. Thank you again, Nekomi. I must be off to finish the rest of the chores," said Sayuri turning towards the hut.

"Okay, be safe and use those herbs," replied Nekomi turning on her heels as well.

Miroku looked back at the young girl before following Nekomi. It was unusual the way he was acting and he knew it himself. He hasn't touched anyone's butt, asked anyone to bear his child, or even given the slightest flirting word except for compliments. He knew sometimes things like that would get him in trouble but he never thought he would stop. Why did he all of a sudden just stop?

"Miroku-san, is everything okay?" asked Nekomi stopping in her track.

"Oh, nothing, Nekomi, I'm fine!" stated the raven hair man as he walked over to the doctor.

"Oh, now, you can tell me anything on your mind. I'm very reasonable and good if you need advice," replied Nekomi placing a small hand on his shoulder.

"Well, ever since we met, I haven't been acting my usual self. I'm a different man, Nekomi. I guess it is your presence and I don't really understand why did you set me this way when maybe I should have been set by Sango……" his trailed off when he saw Nekomi's face.

"Oh, so you and Sango were together? Oh, I see," she spoke while looking down at her basket.

"No no, Sango and I are friends, but….."

"Oh, you don't have to explain to me anything; you guys are just travelers and will be gone soon. Don't worry about me. Now let's go, I have some washing to do."

Before Miroku could say another word, Nekomi shot him a wide smile and walked away. Miroku stood there for a moment then ran to catch up with her. He could tell when women were upset though he liked to play dumb for his advantage. Nekomi was getting upset over nothing, or maybe it was something? Maybe this is the time to really think of what he really wants and needs.

At Nekomi's home, Sango walked around looking for Miroku. She had some questions to ask but it seemed he wasn't around. It wasn't like him to just suddenly not be here. She wondered where the houshi went without telling the group. Though she didn't have any idea where he was, she did have an idea of who was with him.

It wasn't as if she didn't like Nekomi; the girl was wonderful and sweet and she felt pity about her past and lonely life. It was great that though she was given a bad life, she kept a bubbly, caring personality to others and especially to the village. She could even be inspirational, but she had her eyes set on Miroku. It was obvious that this was happening, even the whole group could tell.

As Sango continued to stroll around the home, she saw a glimpse of silver hair near the koi pond. She stopped to look back and saw Inu-yasha sitting on the ground. She observed her friend looking down at the pond not even sensing anything else around him. Maybe this was perfect time for them to converse about the embarrassing night.

She slowly walked up to the hanyou's as his ear twitched. He noticed her tall shadow peering down on him, which finally made him look up to her.

"Inu-yasha, I was wondering if we could have a word," she spoke taking her long weapon off her back.

"Sure, Sango, whatever you want. It's not going to kill me," replied Inu-yasha moving over for her space.

She softly bowed to him and took a seat. He recollected himself and sat with a straight back and his sword leaning across his chest. She slid her weapon onto the ground and curled her legs under her bottom. At first both sat in silence not knowing what to say. Of course they both knew somewhat what it was about, but did they really need to bring it up?

Sango softly coughed into her hand and then looked up to Inu-yasha. He didn't

"Um, Inu-yasha, I have been wondering if you noticed that we barely make eye contact. It's as if you are avoiding me," spoke up Sango looking out to the pond again.

"What are you talking about, Sango. I treat you the same way that I treated he others," replied Inu-yasha looking down to the ground.

"Bull; you know what I'm talking about. It didn't start until that night that you saw me…." She didn't need to finish her words. She couldn't; Now that she thinks about it. It WAS pretty embarrassing.

Inu-yasha glimpsed down at the taijiya and observed her cheeks glow brightly red. Was she really blushing? He smirked watching Sango obviously trying to continue the conversation, but still trying to think of the right words. It was quite entertaining to the hanyou. He couldn't help but to chuckle for a minute.

Sango looked back up to him and raised an eyebrow when he asked, "What's so funny, Inu-yasha?"

"You're face; you just look so confused and embarrassed! I have never seen your face so red before," replied Inu-yasha calming his laughter down.

"Oh, is that so? I guess Kagome will think it is funny if I tell her about this as well," spoke Sango as she rose from the ground.

"Hey, sit down! Come on, I was just kidding," replied the hanyou immediately pulling her back to the ground.

"We really need to talk about this, Inu-yasha. I don't want you to ignore me and be distant. I know we aren't close like Kagome is to both of us, but I really do respect and care about you and I would hate for this incident to change everything," announced Sango trailing her fingers into the soft grass.

"You care about me? When did this come up?" questioned Inu-yasha with a hard expression on his face.

"Inu-yasha! I've always cared about you. You are my ally and I trust you. I can't believe you think that!" stated Sango with her eyes wide open to him.

"Ha, I know. I was just seeing what your answer would be, Sango."

"Oh okay….." She simply looked back to the pond and observed a lily on a pad floating in the water. The small flower glided along the pond as she awed silently at its beauty. Inu-yasha looked at the flower as well until a question appeared in his head.

"Hey, where is the houshi?" asked the hanyou.

Just as he asked that question, he could sense a shift of emotion in the taijiya. It wasn't anger or sadness, it was more complex; it was frustration. He had watched Miroku acting differently in the presence of Nekomi, but he didn't think that Sango would care. After all, they weren't really together, were they?

"Sango, are you okay?" he asked with concern in his voice.

"……He is so different. Why is he like this? At first I thought Nekomi could just be another girl, but what if she is the one for him and what if he realizes it now?" Her words were to the point and rolled off her tongue as if she thought out it just as the words came out.

Inu-yasha watched Sango slump her shoulders as her eyes stared lower to the ground. He has never seen this taijiya so upset since she lost her village and her struggle with her brother. It wasn't as much of a big deal as those events, but it must mean a lot of value to her. He wasn't a person to show concern in a lot of things, but he did wonder if the taijiya would be able to handle changes like these. Nevertheless maybe he should try something at least.

"Sango, can you and Kagome take Shippo out of our room. The little brat always has to pick a fight with me plus he snores and it annoys me a lot," stated Inu-yasha.

Sango looked up to the hanyou and just stared blankly at him until she couldn't help but to laugh. He was trying to get her mind off of Miroku and Nekomi, but the way he did it was so random and quite entertaining.

"What's so funny? It's true, he never stops and I think he appreciates you women better," added Inu-yasha looking out into the sky.

"Fine, Shippo will stay with us. I mean he isn't a problem, you are too harsh with him," replied Sango playing with a strand of her hair with her fingers.

"Now, it's because he is a brat and he needs someone like me to keep him in place," replied Inu-yasha curling his hands into fists.

"Whatever you say, Inu-yasha. But try to be nicer to him a little bit," replied the brunette as she shook her head.

"We're home!"

Sango turned her head to see the houshi waving his hand to them with Nekomi by his side. At first glance, she was jealous to see Nekomi with him, but then she became concern. She observed the sad, small face the doctor held as she slowly made her way to the herb/ medicine making room. Why was she so sad and what made her leave Miroku's side so quickly? Did something happen?

"Hey, Inu-yasha, where is Kagome?" asked Miroku walking up to the hanyou.

"Well, Shippo and Kirara are taking naps, so I think she is joining them," answered Inu-yasha as he stood up.

"Why does Nekomi look so sad? Did something happen?" asked Sango bluntly while looking over to the room.

At first Miroku opened his mouth to answer, but decided to not tell. It was their business to why Nekomi was so upset with him. No one needed to get involved and Sango, of all people, didn't need to interfere until he understood what was going on in his mind and heart.

"She just has chores to do, I guess, and she has been so busy with us. Inu-yasha, she asked me to get some wood for later, why don't you join me," casually stated the houshi.

Sango and Inu-yasha looked over to one another and didn't know what to say to that. He was acting very suspicious, like he was hiding something. Still the hanyou turned back to him and nodded his head.

"See ya later, Sango," said Inu-yasha walking over to Miroku with his back to her.

"Uh, bye, Inu-yasha, houshi-sama," replied Sango slightly bowing her head.

"Oh, and Sango, if you could, check on Nekomi if she need help with anything," replied Miroku with a small genuine smile.

"Um, I guess, sure." With that answer Miroku and Inu-yasha made their way out toward the forest in the background.

After a couple of seconds with the boys leaving, Nekomi left the room with a large basket of clothes. She looked over to Sango as their eyes met. It was awkward at first, but Sango could see the sadness in her heart. What did happen? She was going to get to the bottom of this one way or another.

"Nekomi, are you going to the river to wash?" asked Sango walking closer to her.

"Uh, yes, then I'm hanging them out here to dry," replied Nekomi looking over to the older woman.

"Let me come, we can talk and get things off our chest," stated Sango placing a hand on the doctor's shoulder.

"Oh, okay, but let's just keep it between you and me. I've seen that Kagome girl and I like her, but she would tell Inu-yasha everything and anything," simply stated the violet hair girl fidgeting the basket in her hand.

"Ha, yeah, it'll be between us. Let us go now," replied Sango with a sharp chuckle as she gently pushed Nekomi toawrd the direction of the river.

TBC

A/N: Dang, it takes me forever to be satisfied withthis chapter and then update. Still, this chapter was actually going to be longer, but I don't think the attention span of some readers would really keep reading (I know sometimes I wouldn't unless it is good). So actually that means the next update will be part two of this chapter and that Nekomi will be in it one more update.