A/N: Okay, I'm getting so caught with all of this. This fic is actually coming out better than I thought it would and I'm so delighted that so many people took the time to read and review it. Thank you; it really means a lot to me, and I hope you enjoy this next part!

Chapter 3 part two

In some moments near the vast forest, Miroku and Inu-yasha observed the wild environment in front of them. The trees spread all through the area with many small plants and vine wrapped around them. They remember how much of a hassle it was coming out the forest the first time since there were so many vegetations around. With all the various trees that displayed before them, they would have no problem bringing enough wood back to Nekomi's home.

"Hey, houshi. I cut and you gather," stated Inu-yasha jumping up to a branch.

As he took his leapt, he swiftly grabbed his long sword out and started to get to work. He would quickly step on the large branches, jump off from it, and cut it down in just a short amount of time. On the ground, Miroku began to observe and jump out the way for falling limbs. At first he wanted to curse Inu-yasha for not giving him time to move, but he knew his friend didn't mean it. Still he could have warned him.

"Okay, Inu-yasha, I think that's enough. Cut some of these limbs down," commanded Miroku pulling the cut branches closer in the same area.

Soon enough with the quick motions of the hanyou and the long ribbons Miroku had, there were four separate piles of logs neatly tied up. Miroku sat down on the ground while Inu-yasha watched his every move. His eye varied from the ground to the piles of wood. He looked lost in his mind. Inu-yasha took a seat across from the houshi and placed his hands between his long red sleeves. He wasn't just here for wood and he knew it.

"Inu-yasha, I'm only asking this to you because you're the only one I can talk to without feeling ashamed, and you are going through the same as well," simply said Miroku still glancing down at the pile of wood.

"Okay? What is it, Miroku," replied Inu-yasha with an annoyed voice.

"I think I am in love with two women," said Miroku firming his grip on his staff.

Inu-yasha's ear twitched at his comment giving the monk his undivided attention. Though he saw the signs of this idea, he never thought he would really take it seriously. He thought Nekomi was another one of those women who Miroku took notice of for a short while, but returned back to normal when Sango began to give him her usual glares. Was it really that different?

"Sango is the one I have been around with. She puts up with me and my antics and her presence makes me smile when she gives her rare blushing. She is perfect woman with such a brave spirit."

"Now with Nekomi, it is different. I dreamt of a woman like her. She is selfless, sweet, and beautiful and knows how to have fun with her company. Every day I spent time with her, I could feel so much of a loving aura that makes me want to hold her, protect her, and comfort her when she feels alone. I can see in her eyes that she is so happy with having us all there around her. She doesn't feel alone," commented Miroku finally looking to the hanyou.

"Well you do have a problem there," simply stated Inu-yasha scratching his head.

"What do you think? What should I do?" asked Miroku waiting patiently for Inu-yasha's words.

"Why should I be the one to help? I won't be helpful at all! Hell, I don't even know how to fix my problems," said Inu-yasha gesturing his hands.

"Please, Inu-yasha, please take this seriously and think for a moment."

Inu-yasha gave a loud huff and began to think of ways to help. He didn't like being the one to help people. He wasn't a guy to help someone out with their problems. He liked to think Kagome was the one for the job or Sango when she isn't upset with the life she has.

"Okay, I'm going to help you out one time. I DO know what you are going through. It is so difficult to make a decision like that. With Kikyo, I know she is alone. She has no one else, but with Kagome, if we didn't work out, I know she will find another….. It's such a weird concept to realize. I care for both women, but can I really see myself with them? Maybe that's the question you need to consider. Can you see yourself living without Sango or Nekomi?" admitted Inu-yasha looking dead in Miroku's eyes.

"With Sango, I can see so much. I would feel a sense of understanding and I wouldn't be worried leaving her when I needed to travel, but with Nekomi, I would have a real woman to really protect and a wholesome home the way I always wished for," replied Miroku drawing with the staff in the dirt.

"That's a toughie. This is ultimately your choice and decision. There are consequences either way you choose and, well, you got until tomorrow. Our seven days are up and we will be living early tomorrow morning," told Inu-yasha getting up.

Miroku watched the silver hair hanyou stand up and grabbed two bundles of wood. He then motioned Miroku to do the same and began walking toward the exit of the forest. Miroku stood up and paused for moment thinking about Inu-yasha's advice. He hated to say it, but the hanyou was clear and gave very good points. Maybe today was going to be a day of contemplating until he knew.

"Here, Sango, lay these out to dry," stated Nekomi.

Nekomi brought many damp clothes to Sango's side and the taijiya spread the clothing out to dry under the sun. Sango looked up to the sun with her hand shielding her eyes from the bright rays. It was such a pretty day.

"I'm on my last load, Sango. I think you can pick up the dry ones over there and start folding those up," stated Nekomi continuing on her work.

"Today is such a beautiful day. Too bad Kagome is still sleeping with Shippo and Kirara. She would love to be out here," commented Sango walking over to the dry clothes.

"Yeah, but she had such a handful with the kitsune and Inu-yasha today. They were fighting up a storm and wouldn't let off. Do they always act that way?" asked Nekomi rubbing a rock over with the stream pouring on her laundry.

"Well, usually, I guess, but it isn't as if they hate each other. I think deep down Inu-yasha sees him as a little brother. Besides, Shippo is such a whiner to Kagome and is always wanting Kagome's attention, which might annoy Inu-yasha," chuckled the older girl.

"Oh, I guess I could tell that Inu-yasha and Kagome did have such a close bond between one another," replied Nekomi looking over to Sango.

"Yeah, they both care for one another a lot and I envy them sometimes. I wish I could be so expressive like they are even though they don't use words that much. I try many times with that stupid houshi but he always gets me so mad." Her voice trailed off as she realized she was confessing the feeling she had to her somewhat rival.

She looked over to the doctor and watched her silently twisting the clothing to drain as much as she could and placing it aside. She couldn't see Nekomi's face anymore, which worried her a bit. She was trying to have nice day with her and not try to bring up so much tension in the air. Still, maybe it was time to talk about him. They both needed to get things off their chest and make sure that evil aura wasn't in the air.

"Nekomi, I know you have feelings for Miroku, which isn't a problem, but you don't know him like we do. He is a different person," stated Sango calmly.

"So? That doesn't mean I can't love him….." her voice trailed off as she decided to get to retrieve clothes.

"Well, still, you might care for him, but love is too bold to say. You only known him for a week," replied Sango continuing her folding.

"Look, Sango, I know what you are trying to tell me because I thought up all those excuses. I told myself that we barely even knew each other, he was on a journey, and that deep down he might have strong feelings for you. But still, I love him," confessed Nekomi looking right through Sango's chestnut eyes.

"Nekomi……. Think about this. Your thoughts were right; he is on a journey. When he leaves, he might just forget you."

"I know, but I know I won't forget him. He made me so happy this whole week. He tried his best to help me out, made sure I wasn't alone too long, and he was always concerned with me. I never met a man like him to even care," replied Nekomi.

"Okay, okay, I believe you. Nekomi, I am your friend, but what if he doesn't feel the same?"

"Sango let me make mistakes if I must. Why ask so many questions?" asked Nekomi.

"You know why! I care for him as well, but I can't tell him how I feel yet," replied Sango softly looking down at her folded clothes.

"Well, it's not fair that if you can't speak out your feelings that I shouldn't either."

Nekomi looked down at the clothes in her lap and pondered more how this talk evolved. She made such a big deal about him. She didn't think she would and she felt herself almost arguing with the taijiya. She didn't want to start problems but she knew how she felt and no one was going to change it.

"I'm sorry, Nekomi. I am being selfish and Miroku isn't mine anyway. We are just friends, but we had our times when we felt so much," stated Sango looking over to her.

"It's okay. I know I'm being selfish for taking him everywhere with me when he should be here with you. You'll be leaving in the morning; maybe I should just keep my feelings to myself. I wouldn't want to bother him with my problems," replied Nekomi looking down at the stream in front of her.

"You know, I think it might be best if you talk to him. Express yourself to him; I haven't had the ability to tell him myself, but I know when it does happen, I'll feel so much better," replied Sango.

"Sango, tell me about him," asked Nekomi randomly.

"What?"

"What is the real Miroku like? Can you please just tell me? For my own sake," replied Nekomi washing a sheet.

"Of course," stated Sango with a slight nod.

"Thank you, Sango," she whispered softly.

She looked over to the older woman to reveal a small sweet smile. Sango couldn't help but to return the favor with her own. They both felt so much comfortable with the other around now. Though they were rivals, they had no ill will against once another. It was as if they gave each other a silent "Let the best woman win".

Later that night, everyone decided to fall asleep a little early. They all planned to get a good night rest for the journey ahead, but Miroku had some thoughts still left in his head. He felt as if something needed to be completed before he left. He walked along the outskirts of the house until he stopped at Nekomi's door. He closely looked at it so deep in thought.

"Nekomi….." he spoke softly placing his palm on her door.

"You called."

He looked to over his left shoulder to be greeted with a small hand on his shoulder. Nekomi stood with a sheepish smile as she motioned him to follow her. She walked down toward the front of her home and took a seat on her steps. He observed her for a moment and then took a seat beside her. He looked down at the butt of his staff as she looked over away from him; the moving breeze of the night was all that kept the area from being ultimately silent.

Miroku finally took his eyes off his weapon and looked over to the violet hair beauty beside him. He had so much to say, so much to learn from her. He observed how a single strand flew through the breeze while the rest of her hair glided behind her back. He wanted to place it behind her ear, but he didn't know if he would be able to. The slightest touch from might make his honest thoughts about the woman become more sinful.

"Tonight the star looks a lot more beautiful. Don't you agree, houshi-sama?" asked Nekomi looking up to the sky.

"Oh, yes quite beautiful," replied Miroku regaining his thoughts and following her eyes up.

"This night is so special to me, Miroku, this night is the last night that we will be here talking together, chatting about anything we want to," spoke Nekomi trying hard to keep her composure.

"Yeah, we shall all miss you. You've been such a nice, caring girl to take us in and spending time with us all," replied Miroku writing his staff into the sand.

"I know, and it was fun, especially with you….. I didn't even believe that seven days would be done so soon. Still, I don't regret keeping you guys here, even if it was selfish of me," stated Nekomi fitting her hand under her folded legs.

"Well, actually I enjoyed and was very happy that you did what you did. It was fun to see Inu-yasha's face like that, too. You are pretty tough."

"I have to be. I only have myself; nobody but my father gave me love and friendship. I have to be strong even though I don't seem so." Nekomi placed her chin on her knees looking out to the dead city.

"Well, I think you are tough and even if you are, I think you just need to find that person who will help make you stronger by protecting you."

As he finished his small compliment, Nekomi looked at him contemplating on his words. He was such a great speaker. He always knew what to say in predicaments. Still, he wasn't telling her the things she needed to know or hear. Maybe he didn't understand how vital this was. Maybe she needed to show him.

Suddenly without another thought, the violet hair took Miroku's hand into hers and gently squeezed it. He looked up to the woman wondering why when he looked into her eyes. Her soft cat like eye looked dreamily yet lovingly through his round chestnut eyes. He could read so many messages through her eyes, but he didn't know which one it would be.

"Miroku, I need to know," Nekomi simply said.

"What do you mean?" asked Miroku looking deeper in her eyes for an answer before she spoke.

"Why didn't you ask me to bear your child?" Miroku instantly widen his eyes as he was taken aback with her question. How in the world did she know about him and his usual 'greetings' to women? Did someone tell her in spite of him or to her? He didn't understand why she asked it, but he knew he would simply give her an honest answer.

"I didn't think of you like that," stated Miroku looking at her face calmly.

"Why? I heard that you do that to a pretty girl whenever you meet them. Am I not pretty, am I not good enough to bare your child?" asked Nekomi grabbing his other hand with a hint of sadness in her face.

"No, no, it's nothing like that! Nekomi, you are one of the most beautiful women I have ever met and I would be so proud to have children with you, but at that moment when I saw you, I felt as if I needed to be a better person," replied Miroku gently rubbing her hands with her thumb slowly and affectionately.

Nekomi looked at him with the hint of redness along her cheeks. She carefully listened to his comment and was simply happy to hear so many wonderful compliments from his mouth. The biggest compliment of all was that he would be proud for her to bare his children. Still, she wasn't satisfied enough; she needed to know his feelings. She be damned if he left her without even letting her know how he felt and how she felt about him.

"Miroku-kun, I have to tell you something. Please bare with me if I slip up a couple of times since I haven't rehearsed," spoke Nekomi softly looking down at their hands and then at him.

He nodded in agreement as she simply pulled him up.

"Since I met you, Miroku-kun, I have felt an instant attraction with you. You showed me such kindness and attention that it left me quite intrigued. When I made you and the others stay here longer than needed, I was happy. I wanted to know more about you, to see if we could become better acquainted. I mean sincerely, I wanted to make friends with everyone in the group, but at the time, you were the one on my mind. I wanted to get to know you and when I did, I began to fall in love with you."

"At first, I thought it was still just a simple crush, but I really did fall for you. I was in heaven every time you wanted to talk to me, every time you wanted to come with me when I went into town, and every time you smiled at the stupid things I said. Even knowing that you were here foe a couple of days, I still had such a deep affection for you.

"Sango and I talked today since we needed to speak to one another about some issues, but even when she questioned my feelings, I knew even more that my feelings were never going to go away. I knew even if you died, I would continue to love you. Even if you don't care for me the way I would like, I would still love you. Even, if you………married and love someone else………I would still love you."

Nekomi froze as she looked down at the ground. She said it. She confessed everything that was in her heart and she knew she felt so much better. Still, in a way, she felt so embarrassed at her forwardness. She didn't even asked how he felt and he probably didn't even feel the same. All she did was just make a fool of herself. Now, she couldn't be in front of him anymore; she was done.

"Excuse me I have to go! I feel so foolish," she stated trying to pull away.

But as she pulled away, the houshi gripped her hand harder. She wanted to leave but he wouldn't let her. Damn him! She wanted to cry. She knew he didn't feel the same. Sango was so much better of a woman than her. She was stronger, prettier, and a full human. She just knew he just pitied her and didn't want her to cry alone and get depress.

"I pick you," Miroku stated.

She looked at him and saw his eyes look so lovingly into hers. He pulled her closer as he wrapped his arms around her waist gently. He leaned his head forward toward her and kissed her softly on the lips. At first, the young woman was shock, but soon yet slowly she began to kiss back leaning closer into their small embrace.

As soon as their lips parted, she began to cry. She didn't understand why she was crying like this but looking into his eyes and his touch made her give in to her emotions. She wanted to understand why. Why did he pick her?

"Why did-" she was cut off by a single finger of Miroku gently on her lips.

"I just knew. I thought about you and Sango all day. I needed to know who I cared about, who I wanted to be with for the rest of life after this journey. To tell you the truth, I was leaning more into Sango. She and I have fought together and she and I had a deep connection that I have never shared with anyone. Still, I had to think about it all day to know if it was love.

At one time in my life, when she could leave me to a prince, I wasn't upset at all. I knew if she left me, all I wanted was for her to be happy. I thought if I was in love, wouldn't I be more jealous? I wasn't at all. If she chose him over me, I would be sad but I wouldn't be ultimately crushed. Her happiness is all I want.

Now, when I thought about you, I simply smiled. This past week, I have felt nothing but bliss. I was also attracted to you and I simply couldn't pull away. I needed to know more about you, and I have. You are the perfect woman I dreamt about. I thought about what if you left me for someone else, would I be happy? Would a man be happy if the best dream he ever had just slipped away? I knew then I couldn't let you go."

Nekomi blushed heavily trying to look away in embarrassment. He thought so highly of her and she was just a quarter demon doctor; she nothing more than a lonely woman. She wasn't too special.

Miroku took his finger and pulled her chin up so she could look at him. She was so beautiful with such a blushing face. She was so warm and kind, but he could tell she had such a tough personality behind it all. He knew in his heart he had made the right choice.

"So, what now?" asked Miroku smiling at the woman.

"Well, you need your rest. You have to prepare for your journey. Though I really don't want you to go, I think it is best that you conquer your dream," she simply stated grabbing his hand in hers.

"Thank you…..Also, I was wonder if would you mind if I slept with you tonight?" asked the houshi placing his free hand along her soft face.

She simply blushed and replied, "Sleep with? Isn't that something we should wait until you get back?"

"Not that way, Neko-chan. I want to hold you in my arms while I sleep," chuckled Miroku.

"Well, what if the others see you in my room. Or better yet what if Sango sees you?" asked Nekomi looking down at her feet.

"I want to spend the last night with you. I don't know when I will return. I want to remember your scent and your touch so I have a reason to live after this is all over," replied Miroku firming his grip of her hand.

She looked at him and smiled vivaciously. She knew then and there she wouldn't be alone anymore. She didn't have just herself but someone to love her. She began walking up the steps leading back to her room with his hand in hers. She simply opened her door and walked inside as Miroku followed her and closed the door behind him.

After the door closed, a figure walked out of the shadow and it appeared to be a sorrowful Sango. She was only up to talk to Miroku but it seemed Nekomi beat her to the punch. She followed and heard them talking about everything. Her face was clearly filled with hurt and sadness. She wanted to scream, to hurt something, and to simply fall dead, but she couldn't. She just couldn't let anything like that take over her.

She simply had to take the new information; Miroku wasn't in love with her and now she was alone again. The young taijiya could feel the warm tears stream down her face as she went to her room. Maybe sleep will erase her emotions; maybe she could just pretend it was just a dream itself. But in the end, Sango knew, in the morning, she would remember it all.

A/n: There you go, another chapter. Boy, I hated to hurt Sango like that but it needed to be done. Still, if you are a big Sango fan like I am, you better get ready for the next chapter because she will finally get to confront Miroku with everything. Boy, I can't wait to get started on it, too!

Oh, and by the way, I love my faithful readers who have been waiting patiently for this chapter and keep on reviewing because those always get me to update even faster.