Author's Note: Okay, I know it's been a long, long while. All the same general statements apply…I don't own Inu Yasha; the characters may be a little OOC…etc, etc.

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Chapter 3: Misunderstanding

Another day had passed, and Sango's strength was slowly returning to her. The events that had occurred during the battle with the demon were still hazy, everything save for that creature's haunting words. "My radiance…is his. What does that even mean?"

She sighed softly as she spoke to herself, making her way slowly to the door of the currently abandoned hut, using the wall to support her weight as she stumbled slightly, sending her long brown ponytail into her face. Behind her trailed a small cat-demon, who meowed in concern as she faltered. The slayer's weary eyes shifted upward, focusing on the man on the street outside. A monk with his dark hair in a short ponytail…a monk who had saved her life…a monk who- was flirting with two other girls! Her eyes narrowed at this site as she thought about how she had just been considering thanking him the previous day! How could she have even begun to think she meant anything to him!

"Miroku…" She grumbled just loud enough that he caught her dangerous tone and turned to see her leaning on the doorway. To think that he had spent three days at her side waiting for her to regain consciousness! Now that she was safe, it seemed that he had begun making up for lost time in his lecherous habits!

"Sango!" He sputtered as he saw the angered expression on her face, "It's not what you think, I swear!"

"Of course not." She muttered sarcastically as she sank into a sitting position, Kirara resting settling to her haunches at the woman's side. The two girls outside had dispersed and Miroku walked towards her, "It's never what I think, is it. Not that I care, you letch." She clenched her fists on her lap to try and control her temper, she was so tempted to slap him, "At any rate, I suppose I ought to thank you for helping me during that last battle, monk."

The monk sighed in exasperation. This time, he actually HADN'T been flirting with the women…

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The group had dispersed from the small hut they'd been occupying the last four days, each with a task they wished to complete. Sango's condition had improved now to the point that they weren't s worried about leaving her alone. InuYasha, it seemed, had been desiring some time to himself and had found a tall tree with a pleasant view to perch himself in. Kagome and Shippo had taken some of the little money the troupe had left and traveled into the market looking for supplies.

Miroku had been the last to leave the small hut, his violet hued gaze lingering on the sleeping figure of Sango. A small smile spread over his features as he took in her appearance. Most of the colour had returned to her features, and she seemed far less frail than she had the previous day. The fear of losing her had made the monk once more stop to appreciate just what he had. Perhaps he should stop his lecherous ways…and tell her how he felt. Well…that might be asking a bit much, but at the very least he could get her a small token of friendship. A flower perhaps. He'd seen a stall selling blossoms in the market.

So the monk set out, his mind made up to purchase a flower just as lovely as Sango was. However, he hadn't made it more than a few steps out of the small hut when two girls, probably around age eighteen, had come running up to him, their cheeks flushed. One was clad in a soft blue kimono, her ebony lock curling gently about her face, her companions robe was crimson, and dark hair danced in long tousled waves along her back.

"Mr. Monk," The first of the girl's put a hand to her warming cheek as she addressed him, "U-um…word has gotten to our village of…well…"

At this the second girl burst far more eagerly into the conversation, "We'll do it! We'll gladly bare your children! Strong health boys too!"

Miroku blinked wide eyed at, for the first time, having the request posed to him! He took a step back as he pondered what to say, not really having time for his old lecherous habits. A small smile played on his lips as he at last gave his response, resting his staff against the crook of his elbow he took the hand of each girl in one of his own, "Lady's I'm very flattered that you would be willing to do this. However at the moment I have something rather important I must get done."

The two girl's faces fell into disappointed frowns, then, in mere seconds shifted into wide eyed gazes over Miroku's shoulder. Something in their eyes told the monk he was about to get in serious trouble. And his fears were confirmed when he heard a low and angry voice from behind, "Miroku…"

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"And that's what happened," Miroku finished his explanation, leaving out only the detail about what his true destination had been. Somehow he felt that adding it might make his story seem more like an excuse, and less like the truth, "I swear to you!"

"The girl approached you?" Sango quirked an incredulous brow, still sitting against the wall just outside the hut, "And you turned them down?"

"Yes!" Miroku nodded enthusiastically, hoping she would believe him.

"Somehow, monk, I find that hard to believe." Closing her eyes the slayer turned away from her companion, still wounded by this perceived act of betrayal. After having spent three nights watching over her, how could he have then posed his ridiculous question to the local girls! It was infuriating!

Using the wall to brace herself, Sango prepared to climb to her feet. Miroku reached out to help her, taking hold of the weakened girl's elbow, but Sango pulled away, which only caused her to lose her balance and begin to fall. Of course, Miroku was right there to catch her, and help her steady herself.

"Please," He spoke in his most sincere tone, not releasing his grasp even after Sango had regained her balance, "I'm telling you the truth."

Something in his tone tugged at the girl's heart. She desperately wanted to believe he hadn't, once more, gone chasing after other women; but given his track record, it took a leap of faith. Still, "Alright…I'll over look it this time."

It wasn't the same as saying she believed him, but the monk was at least getting another chance. He smiled gratefully at his comrade, "Come, Sango. Let's go back inside; you probably shouldn't be walking about yet."

Sango gave a slight nod, and with that the two turned to head back into the small hut the group had been sharing for the last four days. Just as they made it through the doorway, however, Sango double over, clutching her stomach in pain and emitting a sharp gasp.

"Sango!" Miroku's concern was renewed as he quickly helped the clearly pained girl to the reed mat shed been using as a bed. He turned to the feline who had been following them, "Kirara, you'd better go and find Kagome!"

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Author's Note: I hope the next chapter will be longer, because I'm trying out a new writing method…I actually had this one typed and just needed to post it. But then my father blocked and I had no other access to a computer, so I couldn't post. Bah. Anyhow, here it is, hope you like it. And I have a new webpage…the link's in my profile…just click "Homepage". ;