Winters Paradise

"She's late … did she change her mind? What if something happened? Should I go look for her?"

"Shippo!"

Shippo let out a sigh of relief when he heard Kohana's voice.

"What took you so long? You're late."

Kohana laughed and kissed him softly. Then she pinched his nose "Aw, did I make the little kitsune worry?"

"Well, if you haven't noticed, I'm a full grown demon and could easily rip your head off if you make me wait that long again."

"Oh come on I'm only teasing!"

The two laughed as they headed deeper into the woods. Winter always brought the darkest sky and the moon offered little light. Shippo lead Kohana by the hand and wouldn't give her any hints as to where they were going. After forty-five minutes of traveling they came to the forests' edge overlooking a large field.

"What is this place?" Kohana was in awe of the fields beauty in the moonlight, but she had a feeling she visited this place before.

Shippo pulled out a blanket and covered the two of them as they looked over the field. The temperature was dropping and he didn't want Kohana to catch cold.

"Look closely and really think about this area, I know you know this place."

Kohana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them she saw the same field but the season had changed. Spring was all around and the fireflies danced in the light of the full moon.

"The fireflies were dancing … I remember wanting to dance with them."

"You did. And my heart stopped beating the moment I saw you." Shippo turned Kohana into him and he kissed her with all the passion and heat his body would permit. "That was the first day I laid eyes on you. Before I had enough courage to talk to you I would come every chance I had hoping to see you dance in the moonlight with the fireflies. Never in my dreams did I think I could ever have you."

Shippo rested his hand on her check and she leaned into it looking up into his eyes. Kohana smiled and grabbed Shippo's hand leading him out into the middle of the field.

"What are we doing Kohana?"

"Just trust me."

Once they reached the center Kohana threw her arms around his next and Shippo placed his hands on her waist.

"Dance with me."

Smiling, Shippo held her close and rested his forehead against hers as they danced in a blanket, under the moonlight, as the snowflakes gently began to fall.