Where is your heart, cause I don't really feel you
Where is your heart, what I really want is to believe you
Is it so hard to give me what I need
I want your heart to bleed, that's all I'm asking for, oh
Where is your heart.
-Kelly Clarkson, Where Is Your Heart

(:)(A)(:)
Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #10
(:)(A)(:)

Silence engulfed the small hut as the old woman, Kaede, stirred a pot full of stew. The delicious aroma tickling his senses, mercelessly.

Youko sighed, leaning his head back against the hard wall. Normally he would be starving by this time, but for some reason his appetite escaped him . . . possibly because of the dead silence that weighed heavily on the room. Which was probably due to the absenses of Inuyasha and Kagome . . .

A light tug on his pant leg shaked him from his thoughts, causing him to look down questioningly at the kit that had disturbed him. "Yes?" He inquired, his eyebrow raised delicately as he surveyed him, oblivious of the sudden attention that he gained from the rest of the people.

Shippo blinked up at him with wide eyes. "You don't have to worry about Kagome. She'll be back." He stated innocently, crawling up to sit on the older kitsune's knee in order to be at a better eye level to him. His tiny claws leaving small indents as he struggled to keep his balence when the knee's owner tensed unexpectadly.

Youko's eyes widened, his body tensing uncomfortably. "Who says I worry?" Youko asked defensively, fighting to regain control of the situation. He wasn't suppose to have feelings for the miko . . . but he did. That in itself would cause him trouble, and having other people know would only triple it . . . was he really that obvious?

A light chuckle was edmited from across the room, it's source currently resting his head on his hand as he watched Youko with mishivious violet eyes. "I'm afraid you don't need to say anything my friend. Like Inuyasha, your actions alone speak volumes."Miroku said lightly, amused by the frown that covered the kitsunes features.

Shippo shook his head voilently. "I don't think he's THAT obvios. His sulking is much more discreet than Inuyasha's. Especially since he isn't grumpy." He stated knowingly. Recalling all the times he had been on the recieving end of Inuyasha's ill temper, he had easily found that the he was hit much harder when Kagome was in her time . . . and more often.

Youko slumped against the wall in defeat. ‘So I am that obvious . . .' He looked down at the kit on his knee, at least he was on his side . . . he personally didn't want to be compared to the rash hanyou. "I am NOT sulking. I'm just bored." He defended, looking around the small hut without interest. "Is it always so dull without Kagome around?" He asked, truly curious. It was the first time he was actually bored with the small group, it was rather unerving to think that it was all do to a single girl.

Sango sighed, staring intently at the pot of stew as she spoke. "Kagome's . . . like daytime. When she's around things are lively and bright . . . When she goes home night comes, and things are much quieter. Though I suppose it will be louder when Inuyasha returns." She said wistfully.

"Aye, Kagome does brighten up the room, doesn't she?" Keade added, using one of her larger spoons to serve the steaming stew into the old wooden bowls. Looking up to Youko with her good eye, she gently pushed the first one to him. "Here ye are. I suggest you eat it before it get's cold." She advised, before giving the others their own bowls.

Youko nodded his head in thanks. Taking a few delicate sips from his bowl before turning his attention back to the exterminator. "So . . . Inuyasha won't be staying with Kagome at her home?" He questioned, his eyebrows furrowing.

Sango blinked at the unexpected question, unable to answer his question before the monk at her side answered for her.

"No. Unfortunately he only drops her off at her home, then comes back here to wait for her return." Miroku chuckled lightly, taking a sip of his stew before he continued. "That is, unless he gets impatient and drags her back . . . as Shippo mentioned, he is always in a better mood when she's around." He said wistfully, staring at his stew in thought before sighing and continued eating.

Silence lingered between the party, the only sound being the cackles the fire made and the soft clinking of dishes. A sense of sadness could be felt, like a cloak draped over them, trying to smother them with it's dark folds.

Youko stared down at the kit on his knee in thought. The bowl of soup in his hands being temporarily forgotten, as he gave a soft grunt. Heaving himself up after putting the bowl to the side, being especially careful to move Shippo of his knee beforehand. He ignored the curious looks he was receiving as he made his way to the exit. Looking over his shoulder to say his departing words. "I'll be leaving for a short time . . . there is some business I wish to attend to. I should return with in the next ten days." He stated blandly, giving a small, respectful nod to Keade. "Thank you for the delicious meal. It was most filling, but I'll be on my way now." He said curtly, walking out the doorway without another word.

"Wait for me! I'm coming too!" Shippo shouted after him, scurrying out the door to his idol before any one could stop him. Leaving the adults to give each other curious looks.

"Do you think we should go after him?" Sango asked worriedly. Confused at the sudden departure of both kitsunes. "He could be up to no good . . . he left rather quickly . . . What if he puts Shippo in danger?"

Keade smiled lightly, looking out the door tenderly. "Thee worries more than necessary. Both will come back in one piece." She looked at Sango sternly with her good eye. Watching as the slayer looked down at her lap. "Besides, he may be a demon . . . but he has more humanity then he himself would wish to admit." The elderly miko chuckled at that thought, heaving herself up with some effort. Her old knees creaking unpleasantly as she did so. Shuffling across the room to collect the finished bowls, she continued. "I have yet to meet a demon who would. Though I assume Shippo will prove me wrong when he becomes older."

Sango sighed, hugging her knees to her chest as rested her chin against them, frowning softly. "But why would he leave so suddenly? ‘I have some unfinished business'? It just sounds too suspicious . . . what if he went out to go steal? He is a theif after all." She protested, still unsure about his loyalty.

Miroku gave a snort, choking on his laughter as he leaned against his staff. "Lady Sango! You sound so untrusting!" He wiped a small tear from his eye, blinking away the remaining water as he settled down. Giving Sango a cheeky smile. "I can assure you he isn't out to go steal something." Miroku asurred her. Running a hand through his dark bangs before leaning his head on his hand. His voilet eyes looking into hers merrily.

Sango scowled at him. "How can you be so sure? Do you really trust him that much!" Sango got to her feet, her voice rising in volume as she stood over the monk threatingly. "How can you talk as if you know for a fact that he won't! Are you really going to risk Shippo on your intuition!" She shouted down at him, her eyes flaming with passion as she looked down at Miroku's startled face, her hands fisted at her side.

Keade put the bowls in the corner to be cleaned later, shuffling to the door before turning back to the two with a sigh. "I'll leave ye two alone. As it seems ye has a conflict to sort out." She said deeply, before she too left them.

They both blinked, looking at the door silently for a moment, before Sango once again turned back to Miroku. Her scowl planted firmly on her face as she tapped her foot on the rough floor. "Well?"

Miroku rubbed the back of his head timidly. "What were you saying again?" He asked, giving a Sango a small smile. In hopes that it would lighten her current mood . . . it didn't.

She tensed, answering his question through clenched teeth. "How can you know for a fact that-"

"Oh that's right!" Miroku stated happily, smiling up at the now fuming woman. Who was obviously not happy about being interupted. Seeing that her mood was only getting worse, he hurriedly answered her previous question. "Well you see, I was on my way to the river to fetch some water for camp when I stumbled upon Youko and Kagome talking-"

"You mean you were spying on them." Sango accused, raising an eyebrow skeptically. Rolling her eyes when he looked chuckled nervously.

"Well . . . yes . . . but any way! Kagome had Youko promise not to steal anything while he was with the group. It was a challenge, but she eventually convinced him to agree. He wasn't too happy about it though . . . he was grumbling the rest of the day." Miroku hastily explained, scratching his head sheepishly. Noting that the woman in front of him didn't seem as relieved as she should. He frowned slightly at her, worried when she didn't say anything. "Sango?"

She sighed, hearing the worry in his voice. "I just don't trust him. How are we to know that he won't brake his promise?" She questioned, chewing her lip unsurely as she sat down next to him, her arms wrapped around her body, before continuing. "What if promises don't mean anything to him in the first place?"

Miroku gave her a tender look, laying a hand on her knee comfortingly. "This isn't about Shippo is it?" He asked softly. Taking in the way she turned away from him as soon as the question had left his lips. He sighed, giving her knee a squeeze. "Sango, he's not going to hurt her. You must have seen the way he looks at her, it's obvious that he cares about her-"

"So did Inuyasha!" Sango bit out, tears beginning to prick the back of her eyes as her throat tightened. "And she still got hurt! Miroku, I won't let her go through that again! It nearly killed her inside! Whose to say this . . . stranger, won't do the same! If not worse!" She cried out, holding her body tightly as she shook her head furiously. "She doesn't deserve it Miroku! She doesn't!"

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, holding her close to him as he made soft shushing noises, hoping to calm her down. "Shhh, it's ok . . . you forget that Youko doesn't have Kikyo. He can love her with all his heart, just like Inuyasha wished he could with Kagome . . . I don't think he could bring himself to hurt her if it meant his life."

Sango sniffed lightly, allowing herself to be comforted by the monk beside her. "But who's to say he doesn't have someone else? What if he's just acting? Kitsunes tend to be good at lying you know! Not to mention the fact that he's-"

"Sango." Miroku interrupted her softly. "Give him a chance . . . he deserves that at least . . . and you know it." He reprimanded, giving her a soft squeeze.

Sango remained silent, fiddling with the folds of his robe absentmindedly. Mentally going over everything that had just happened with precision. Before a thought came to her. "Miroku?"

"Hm?"

"Why were you spying on Kagome and Youko in the first place?" She asked, suspicion lacing her voice.

He let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his neck with his free hand. "Well I was making sure that they weren't going to do anything inappropriate! I mean with the way he was looking at her! I was looking out for Kagome's safety!" He lied, twisting the truth to his favor.

Sango clenched her teeth. "Miroku . . ."

"Yes?" He whimpered, not liking the way she said his name. When she spoke to him like that there was usually a sharp slap to the face that came after it . . .

SLAP!

Yes, he knew all to well . . .

(:)(A)(:)

Kagome sighed, watching boredly as the teacher wrote a new equation onto the board. The white chalk squeaking softly as it ground against the smooth green surface of the board. The sound making her fingers itch unpleasantly. ‘You would think that with all the new technology around today your teacher would let go of his old fashioned ways and use one of the schools overheads.' She thought bitterly.

She had found herself unusually irrated when she had gone to school this morning. Though she had chalked it up to the fact that she had been up all night before due to her being unable to stop thinking about the incident a few days before . . .

"Kitsunes are very lustful beings Kagome. We crave a lovers attention regularly, and since lovers are rarely consistent we have a certain . . . appeal . . . that keeps us from going partner less. It's not something we can control I'm afraid."

Was that really the only reason she was so attracted to him? Because she had been caught up in his kitsune charisma? Or was it something more . . . was he actually a good match for her? If he wasn't a kitsune would she still feel so . . . attached to him?

Kagome groaned. Even now, in the middle of class, she couldn't get her mind off it. It was just so unnerving . . . not knowing if she feels something because she feels it, or because of some spell . . . like . . . thing. It was enough to drive her mad. Her whole life she had known what she was feeling, and now . . . she couldn't tell. Because her feelings could be the one's lying to her this time.

"Miss Higarashi?!" Kagome jumped, startled by the harsh voice that broke through her thoughts. Looking up to her teacher who towered over her. Scowling down at her through his thick glasses.

"It would be for your own benefit if you would pay attention. You miss enough of school being sick, it would be best if you use the time you DO have here paying attention instead of day dreaming." He bit out, turning back to the board before continuing continuing his lecture. "Now as I was saying. To solve this linear equation you must-"

Kagome blanked out, mentally scolding herself for getting in trouble. This had been her first day back to school and she had already made a mess of her new school year. Worse even was that it was to be her last school year, the most crucial year in high school. She bit her lip, how was she suppose to get into college if she didn't pay attention?

Brrriiiiiiiinnnnnnnnngg!

The students quickly got from their seats, hurriedly rushing to the cafeteria to eat, eager to get away from the class room. Kagome stood up slowly, taking her time when putting her supplies away before she too walked out the door. Breathing a sigh of relief when her teacher didn't say anything. Though when seeing her three friends glowering at her from the door way she gulped, giving them a nervous smile. ‘Maybe the teacher would have been safer . . .'

"Kagome! What's wrong with you! You use to always worry about your grades! What happened! You never use to space out during class! Especially math!" Yuka accused her friend. Her hands planted firmly on her hips, her toe sparaticly tapping against the cold tiled floor.

Kagome cringed, putting her hands up defensively. "I know, I know! It's just that . . . I've had a lot on my mind is all . . ." Kagome mumbled out, looking down at her feet as she wrung her hands in her skirt.

Her three friends exchanged looks. "Kagome . . . is this about that selfish-"

"Pig headed-'

"Jerk?"

Kagome rolled her eyes, starting to walk away from the classroom and to the cafeteria with the rest of the crowd. "No Eri, Yuka, AND Ayumi. It has nothing to do with him. . . I'm just a little confused at the moment . . . but please! Don't worry about it. I'll figure it out and get right back on track!" She stated confidently, fisting her hand in the other with determination.

Yuka gave her queer look as they followed Kagome. "So if it's not that guy . . . then who is it? Is there someone new?"

"Yeah! Who's the new guy?" Ayumi followed up, clasping her hands in front of her chest as she waited eagerly for an answer.

Kagome froze, her eyes wide as she studied her friends. "W-who said there was someone else?!" She stuttered, a light blush tinting her cheeks as she tried to quicken her pace to her destination.

"Well there must be someone else! The only time your this distracted is when you have boy trouble! So it must be about a boy, and if it's not about that last guy you liked, then it must be someone new!" Yuka exclaimed, waving her hands in the air sparatically.

"That is true Kagome." Eri confirmed in a soft voice, giving a sweet smile Kagome's way. "Though I don't think I've ever seen you THIS distracted. You must be having some big problems for it to affect you this much."

"Yeah! So fess up!" Ayumi prodded. Her face set into a firm scowl as she pointed a finger accusingly at the young miko.

Kagome sighed, knowing full well that her friends wouldn't let her live it down unless they were informed. She rubbed her temple, feeling another headache coming on. How was she going to explain this one? "Ok, ok." She groaned. Wincing at their high pitched squeals they gave. "But I don't want to explain here. How about we go somewhere after school?" She asked, hoping to figure out a way to ‘edit' her story by the time she was forced to explain.

"How about WacDonalds?" Eri chirped. "That's where we usually go anyway. Plus the food is cheap." She stated, nodding happily. Oblivious to the way her friends rolled their eyes. Eri always had been stingy when it came to spending money.

"Well, sounds good to me." Ayumi said, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly. Turning to Yuka to see her nodding as well.

"Yup, me too."

Kagome ran a hand through her hair, suddenly feeling tired. "All right then, WacDonalds it is. I'll see you guys later then, I have to go to the library to study."

(:)(A)(:)

"Ok Kagome, time to spill the beans." Yuka stated, slurping up the last of her coke noisily, before reaching for a french fry.

The miko sighed, leaning back into the booth's cushion. Taking a deep breath before starting hesitantly. "Well you see . . . there's this guy . . ."

Ayumi rolled her eyes. "Duh! We knew that part! Get to the part that we DON'T know!"

Kagome scowled darkly at her friend, feeling a vein in her forehead pulse. "I was getting to that Ayumi, if you would let me finish!" She growled out.

Ayumi pouted, crossing her arms over her chest as she looked away. "Well sorry!" She grumbled.

"Any way, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted." Kagome started, giving a small glare over at the offender. "There's this guy . . . and well . . . I think . . . I think I like him . . . a lot . . ."

They all blinked at her, not understanding the dilemma. "What's wrong with liking someone?" Eri asked confusedly. Her eyebrows furrowed as she struggled to understand.

Kagome lowered her eyes. "Well he has this . . . magnetic affect . . . it's like every girl that sees him is drawn to him-"

"So your worried that some chick is going to steal him?" Yuka piped, leaning over the table anxiously, her eyes wide with excitement.

"Well . . . no . . ."

"Well then it's because you feel like your not good enough?" Eri asked, she too leaning over over the table. Watching her friend worriedly.

Kagome grit her teeth. "NO! Now stop interrupting!" She ground out. Giving Ayumi a harsh glare when she opened her mouth to speak. Satisfied when her friend's mouth snapped shut. "Any way. I guess . . . I'm just worried that I like him for the wrong reasons . . . what if I only like him because of his looks?" She stared down at her palms intently, her eyes tracing over the lines meaningfully. Remembering vividly the time Eri had brought a palm reading book to class one day. Intent on reading everyone's palm and telling them of their future. When it had come to be Kagome's turn she looked at it with a frown.

"Kagome . . . Your heart line is so jagged . . ." Eri stated worriedly, as Yuka and Ayumi crowded around. They too staring at her open palm.

"Yeah it is . . . it has a couple breaks in it too . . ." Yuka stated, furrowing her eyebrows as she struggled to remember if that was a good or bad sign.

Kagome looked between her two friends, her eyes wide. "Well? What does that mean?! Is that bad?" She rushed out, snatching her hand back to look at it closer.

Eri frowned, putting her hands back on her lap as she looked Kagome straight in the eye. "Kagome . . . it means that your doomed to have hard relationships . . . your in for major boy trouble . . . and your life line . . . it's pretty jagged too . . . so your bound for tragedy . . ."

Kagome remained emotionless, staring at her hand in dismay before cradling it too her chest. A sense of dread seeping through her . . .

Kagome had brooded for the rest of the week, constantly staring at her hand. Tracing the offending marks with the tip of her finger mindlessly. Needless to say, Eri didn't try to read another palm since. It wasn't talked about ever again. Almost has if it had never happened.

Kagome sighed, running a hand through her hair dejectedly. "I guess . . . what I'm trying to say is . . . I don't want to hurt myself . . ." She looked up at her friends, finding that they were unusually quiet, each giving her their full attention. She began to feel herself tear up, the salty liquid pricking the back of her eyes. "I-I don't want to fall in love only to find out it wasn't love . . . to know that my own feelings tricked me . . . I don't." A single tear rolled down her cheek as she choked on her words. Covering her face in her hands as her friends gathered around her worriedly. Soothing her with comforting noises.

"Now now. It'll all be ok, don't worry. It'll all be fine, you'll see." Eri said comfortingly, hugging her friend's arm as she leaned on her shoulder.

Ayumi stroked her hair. "Yeah! I don't think it's possible to love some one only for their looks. So . . . if you love him . . . then it has to be true right? You know the difference between attraction and love . . . what you feel has to be true."

"Besides . . ." Yuka started, clasping Kagome's hand in her own. "Your too pure Kagome, you could never love someone just for that." She leaned in close, whispering into her ear. "Trust yourself."

Kagome's eyes shot open, removing her hand from her face to give a watery stare at them. Could it be that they were right?

‘Trust yourself.'

She smiled, giving them all a clumsy hug. "Thank you. I needed that." She whispered passionately, giving them a small squeeze before releasing them. Allowing herself to bask in their relief, as well as her own. Something true stuck to what Yuka said. She was pure . . . a miko. . . and he was . . . a demon. So maybe . . . the effect of his presence is weakened somehow . . . maybe it is just her. Could it be that she truly loved someone else so soon?

Yuka smiled mischievously. "So, what's this guy like any way?" She asked for all three of them. Leaning on her chin on her hand.

Kagome allowed a wistful smile grace her face as she stared out of the restaurants window. Her conclusion made.
"He's . . ."

(:)(A)(:)

"Perfect."

Shippo looked up from the silver goblet that he had been examining. Curious about the wistful tone the older kitsune had taken up. "What's perfect?" He asked, bounding across the treasure room to where his companion was.

Youko gave a small smile to the kit. Kneeling on one knee as he opened his hand. "This is. I thought I had something of the like buried in here . . . it would fit Kagome perfectly don't you think?"

In his hand laid a single ring. It's silver band intricately carved with small leaves on each side of delicate sapphire that nestled between them. It was a small piece, simple in it's making but beautiful in it's design . . . just like her.

"Wow! Are you going to give that to Kagome?" Shippo asked, his eyes wide as he gazed upon the ring. Tracing over the masterpiece with precision.

Youko smirked. "I believe I will. Do you think it would be to her liking?" He inquired, trusting the young kit's opinion. He was after all, like a son to Kagome. He of all people would know.

Shippo nodded vigoriously, his green eyes wide with excitement. "Kagome would love it! It looks like something she would wear too!" He hopped onto Youko's shoulder, looking at the palm from his point of few.

The older kitsune chuckled at the kit's obvious show of excitement. Standing up he carefully placed the ring in his pocket, patting it affectionately before craning his neck to look at Shippo. "Well then, I think we are ready to leave. Now remember-"

"I know, I know. This is a secret base and I'm not suppose to tell any one about it." He rehearsed, rolling his eyes. "I won't tell a soul. Promise."

Youko smiled. "Good, now let's be on our way." He declared, stretching out his youkai to the wall of vines in front of him. Watching disinterestedly as they obediently parted for him, allowing him to walk through easily.

They both remained silent for a while, lost with in their own thoughts. Though the lack of conversation didn't bother either of them. In fact, it was rather comfortable. But that didn't change the fact that there was something Shippo felt he needed the answer too. "Hey Youko?"

"Hm?"

"I was just wondering . . . are you courting Kagome?" He asked innocently, his tiny claws digging into Youko's shoulder when he felt the older demon stumble.

"W-what!?" Youko stuttered, thrown off guard by the bold question. Trying to regain his composure and his pride, he coughed into his hand. "That is, what ever do you mean?" He asked, attempting to sound as regal and calm as he good. Though a thought echoed through his mind. ‘Good god, that woman has me stuttering now.' He could almost hear Kuronue laughing at him . . .

"I asked if you are courting Kagome." Shippo repeated, a frown marring his features when Youko didn't answer right away. It was an easy question after all.

Youko swallowed hard. Was he courting her? He had never stopped to think about it but . . . looking back now . . . he supposed he was. He smiled, his hand going around the ring gently. "Yes. Yes I am. Though I'm afraid it has yet to be official. I haven't talked to Kagome about that yet."

Shippo nodded, more than satisfied with the answer. "Well in that case, watch out for Kouga. He's courting Kagome too."

Youko froze. His blood chilling as the words hit him like a blow to the head. "There's . . . someone else . . ." He asked, stupefied by the idea of their being some competition that he didn't know about. He didn't smell any one else on her other than her companions . . .

Suddenly his blood began to boil, his possessive nature sinking in. How dare someone else try to take what was his?

Shippo shivered, feeling the sudden rush of anger coming of the thief. "Yeah, but Kagome doesn't like him like that. So you don't have to worry." He informed quickly, hoping that it would soothe the tide of anger.

The words had the right effect, and Youko was soon back to his normal self. "Well then. I suppose I won't have to worry then will I?" He stated calmly. "By the way . . . I've been meaning to ask. Where is it that Kagome goes?"

Shippo gulped, scratching his head sheepishly. "I'm not allowed to tell you . . . Kagome would kill me if I did. She'll probably tell you eventually though." He said, yawning tiredly. Despite the fact that the sun had yet to set. "I'm tired, are we almost there?"

Satisfied with his answer, Youko shook his head. "I'm afraid not. It will take us at least two more days to get back." He said regretfully, he too starting to feel the last couple weeks events catching up to him. They had tried looking for a suitable kimono for a certain miko a few days ago. But to his dismay, they had found none to their liking. But then they had been extremely picky as well. It wasn't easy to find a kimono that would be suitable to fight in.

"Two days?" Shippo whined, his shoulders drooping. "Kagome was suppose to come back today . . ." He said sorrowfully.

Youko's ears perked, suddenly feeling a jolt of energy. "Well in that case, we can make it in a few hours." He stated, his pace beginning to quicken. "Just do me one favor?"

Shippo tilted his head, curious. "What? I'll do anything if it means seeing Kagome sooner!" He exclaimed.

Youko smirked, happy with the kits answer. "Then hold on." He sprang forward, his pace breaking into a full out run. Feeling Shippo's claws dig into his shoulder he winced, but brushed the thought of the pain off. It would only serve to distract him.

He saw something coming at them from the corner of his eye. But before he could stop he felt it whiz right in front of him, lightly brushing against his tunic. It was only then he realized what it was.

An arrow.

He looked up at the hill, panting lightly. His dangerous golden orbs searching for the offender after putting a shocked Shippo to the ground. Though when he focussed on her, he felt his breath hitch. Running to him was Kagome, her bow in hand and a horrified expression on her face.

"Oh my god! I'm so sorry! I was yelling at you but you didn't seem to hear me! So I tried to get your attention with the arrow! I didn't time it right though! I'm so sorry! Are you hurt? Oh my god your bleeding! Hold on! I'll get some bandages, and-"

Youko couldn't resist himself any longer. He pulled her to his chest and crashed his lips against hers. Allowing all his pent up passion to silence her, as he deepened the kiss. He felt her body melt against his, threatening to overtake his senses. He hated to admit it but he missed her . . . he missed her a lot. He pulled back, licking her swollen lips apologetically, delighted by the breathy sigh he received in return. "Don't worry. The blood is from Shippo's claws. It's probably healed up by now any way." He consoled. Nuzzling his nose behind her ear, inhaling her scent with contentment.

Kagome giggled, wrapping her hands around his neck. "Youko! That tickles!" She chastised playfully, even as she tilted her head to give him easier access.

Youko smirked, nipping at her jaw before licking it soothingly. "You don't seem too upset about it." He gave another kiss to her throat, before continuing his way down the column. Enjoying the breathy moan she gave. He could hardly stand it, he wanted more. He wanted to pin her against a tree, feel her breast pressed up against his hard chest. He wanted to-

Shippo coughed, a rosy blush spreading across his cheeks. "Um, Youko? Isn't there something your suppose to give Kagome? So I can like . . . leave you two alone." He said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

Youko's eyes widened, realizing what he had nearly forgotten. He reached into his pocket, fingering the ring before taking it out. He looked at Kagome, her flushed cheeks were bright red due to being caught by a child. Though her blue orbs were focussed on him, curious as to what he held.

He smirked at her, slipping the ring on her finger as he whispered huskily into her ear. "For you love. I realize that what I said a few weeks ago may have scared you . . . but . . . I want you to know . . . even if you aren't sure if the feelings are returned . . . I-" He took a calming breath, his eyes closing as he continued. "I've fallen for you . . . hard . . . my blue eyed miko." He pulled away from her slowly, ashamed to find tears running down her cheeks. His ears drooped, feeling awful for making her cry.

Kagome then did the unexpected. She launched herself at him, devouring him in a passionate kiss. Catching the kitsune off guard as he blinked, gripping her waist uncertainly. She pulled back, she stood on her tip toes, using his shoulders as leverage to reach the triangular ear atop his head. "As do I, my kinky kitsune." With that, she gave him another quick kiss before moving back. Picking up Shippo she gave him a light kiss on the forehead. "Let's go back to camp Shippo." She began walking, throwing a seductive smile over her shoulder to the still stunned Youko, before disappearing over the hill. Trusting that the kitsune would follow her scent when he was ready.

Youko stood there, his mind still replaying the recent event. Going over every word she said, before he smirked to himself. "I still need to find out what kinky means . . ." He let out a chuckle, which soon turned to full out laughter. God what was this woman doing to him!

"I wouldn't be laughing just yet fox."

Youko froze, his head snapping around to face the voice. His heart giving a lurch when he saw who it was in front of him. "Naraku . . ."

(:)(A)(:)

I'm so so so sorry! I uploaded this at my cousins house! I guess word document doesn't like me. DX I was hoping to get this chapter out extra early too! Well . . . on the bright side I made a new record . . . this chapter currently stands at twenty-two pages! And that's not including the author notes! But now, since I don't have too much time, I'll just get onto the reviews! (not counting the ones from the ‘nonexistent chapter ten' as I have so doubed it.

TheLightintheDarkness: I'm glad you approve! XD I'm sorry it skipped around so much. Hopefully this one is better!

KawaiiKoorimeYokai: Thanks! I hope I updated this soon enough for you! Despite the technical problems.

CrimsonEyes7806: Thanks! I'm glad both you and your sister enjoy it!

SacredKoorimeKitsune: Thanks! I hope you liked this one as well!

nunofyorbiz: Merry Christmas too you as well! (assuming that's what you celebrate of coarse) I'm glad you like this story as well!

pitbull123: 8/ (salute) Yes ma'am! Or sir! Or or . . . uh . . . whatever gender you are!! jk. Hope you liked this chappie!

Baka KitsuneBri: Well as you can see I tried my best to get this baby out! And I was reminded on the way how much I love my macintosh! (huggles mac) Oh what would I do with out you! XD

ptbear: Hehe! Well you'll see what Naraku is planning next chappie! Though I didn't get to allow much time for training scenes in this chapter. So I hope to fit it into the next. If at all possible. XD My chapters are getting crammed enough as it is!

InuKag91: Why thank you! I'm honored! And I think they make a good pair as well! Though I've been on a Yusuke/Kagome kick lately as well. XD Crossovers tend to be good in general when written right. It just allows to read something totally different. It's a nice change!

Ryukotsusei: I'm glad! XD Here's the next chapter for ya!

Cattibrie393: Sorry! For some reason my dividers didn't show up! DX I made sure that these would though . . . hopefully . . . technology isn't really on my side lately. . . (hopes and prays) Please oh please work! Jk. XD Hope you enjoyed this one!

: XD Yes! FLUFF! What kind of romance fiction would this be if their wasn't any! And of coarse I gave you more! I would just be suicidal if I didn't! XD

BlueDove: Ah! I'm sorry! The XD and DX are faces! I guess I should have explained that! If you look at them sideways you should be able to see it . . . just look at the D as the mouth! And yes, fluff is more than good! XD

.M.J: Happy Holidays to you as well! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!

kagie-chan: Yeah, I suppose that was kind of a bummer from your point of view. But it's all right now! XD Possibly even better! . . . possibly . . . (evil laughter) Anyway, I'm glad you thought the ending was different! And better yet, liked it! I try to do things differently! I'm glad I succeed! XD

Shaharra: Well here's the update! It had some problems, but it has finally arrived! Visible to the eye too! XD

kagegrl: Wow . . . maybe I should put this in the AU's . . . YES! Kagome will meet the spirit detectives! But not until the sequel! XD Sorry! But your going to have to wait a while longer!

SunStar Kitsune: I know! I hate that! It just doesn't make sense to me! Why make rated R stories and then ban them from the C2's!? It just doesn't make sense, hopefully they'll change it in the near future.

storywriter10791: Well I hope this is soon enough for you! XD I'm thrilled you like it!

Tenchi-No-Kaze: Well I'm glad you found it again! It would be a shame to loose a fan so early in the story because you couldn't find it again! How did you find it again? Out of curiosity of coarse! XD

Amanda: Gah! (bows) Yes ma'am! Anytime ma'am! XD

darksaphire: (sweat drop) Well . . . I'm trying! Though I shall try even harder to please you! XD And I'm glad you believe me to be qualified!

bAkA kItSuNe 2000: Ah! Got ya! I'm glad you liked that chapter! And don't worry, I'm not going to scold you or anything for not reviewing. I realize that people have lives outside fanfiction . . . but you better as hell put that aside to review my STORY!! AHHH!! Jk! XD

sacaku: XD I'm glad your enjoying it! It's been a blast writing it! It's nice to know that I'm not the only one having a good time with it!

Well, that's all for the reviews! So there is just one thing left to say . . . but what was it. (thinks) Oh damn it all! I can't remember! (goes around the rest of the day trying to remember what it was she was going to say.)

(Hours later)

Ah! I remember! I don't own shit! Yes! That's what it was! . . . or was it . . . (thinks again)

Ja ne!