Hey everyone. Sorry it's been so long since I last updated. Life has been uber crazy but I'm back now and I hope everyone enjoys the next chapter of the story. Again, this story contains some major adult themes and is rated M for a reason so if you cannot handle that or are squeamish please hit the back button now. For everyone else, enjoy!

Miaka gazed at Tamahome in surprise. He was the last person she had expected to see standing her doorway. After everything that had happened between them recently she couldn't imagine him wanting to be anywhere near her. She struggled to think of something to say but her words failed her in that moment. Her hazel eyes turned sad as she dropped her gaze to the blanket covering her.

"I don't know what to say," Miaka said, gazing very steadily at the blanket.

Tamahome felt a stab of guilt in his heart as he looked at her and slowly approached, taking a seat on the bed. He took one of her hands in his, his thumb tracing little circles on the back of her hand.

"I'm the one who should be lost for words….I was horrible to you Miaka. I don't even have the right to ask you for forgiveness….But I'm sorry…I'm so sorry I hurt you. That I hit you. I never want to hurt you Miaka, you've had enough of that in your life…I just…I was so jealous, and angry…I just wish I had told you sooner. If you knew how I felt…if you knew…"

His words were tumbling out of his mouth faster than he could draw breath, all his feelings pouring out of him but he had to get this out now. If he didn't tell her how he felt about her now, he might not ever. He might chicken out and have to admire her from a far, and he couldn't do that. Wouldn't do that.

"If I knew what?" Miaka asked looking up.

Her eyes searched Tamahome's trying to decipher the expression on his face.

"If you knew that I was in love with you…"

Tamahome looked into the depths of Miaka's eyes as he spoke, searching for some sign of her feelings, of some sense of her regard for him. His heart pounding as he awaited her response, fearful he had blown it and would never have a chance with her again after the way he had hurt her.

"Tamahome I…I love you too," Miaka said as tears slipped down her cheeks.

A smile bright enough to light the heavens spilled acroos Tamahome's face as he gathered Miaka into his arms, hugging her tightly to him, completely forgetting that there was nothing between them but a blanket. He held her close, breathing in the scent of her skin, feeling the softness of her hair. He never wanted to let go of her. He wanted to wrap her in his arms and give her the love and happiness that her own world had denied her for so long.

"I love you Miaka. I'll never let anyone hurt you ever again."

Miaka sobbed quietly into Tamahome's shoulder and for once, it was tears of joy that spilled from her eyes. She could finally give name to the feelings she had been keeping bottled up inside her. Tamahome had somehow, in the brief time that had known each other, managed to creep into her heart. And she never wanted to lost that.

"Oh c'mon you two are makin' me sick," Tasuki said with a grin from the door way.

"Tasuki…"

Miaka didn't know what to say as she looked up at the flame haired bandit who had for a very short time been her lover. How was she going to explain this to him? But the look in his eyes told her she didn't have to. He had always known, somehow, he had always known that it was Tamahome who held her heart, and yet, there was no sadness, no anger in his eyes.

"I just thought you'd like ta know the ol' bag is asking for us all to meet her."

"Old bag?" Miaka asked confused.

"He means Tai Itsukun. She's the one who saved your life. We're in her home.," Tamahome said.

"Oh…I remember Hotohori mentioning her name before. I guess I should get dressed then."

Tamahome smiled and handed her the pile of her mended clothing from the end of the bed. He stood from where he sat and playfully dragged Tasuki from the room.

"Come on you perv, let's step out and let her dress in peace."

Miaka thought she surely had to be hallucinating. Wasn't it only a short while ago that Tamahome and Tasuki had been at each other's throats? How was it that they had come to be such close friends? Miaka shook her head as she quickly dressed. No matter what she felt like she owed them both apologies. She had done things that had hurt both of them and they both deserved apologies for her actions. Glancing once at her reflection in the mirror, Miaka couldn't believe this was who she was now. How much her life had gone downhill and how having Tamahome's love could put a light back in her eyes.

Opening the door, Miaka walked out to find Tamahome, Tasuki, and Chichiri talking amongst themselves.

"So where is Tai Itsukun? " Miaka asked.

"I'm sure the ol' bag is hanging around here somewhere,"

"WHO ARE YOU CALLING AN OLD BAG?" screamed an unfamiliar voice.

Tasuki turned to see Tai Itsukun right behind him, screaming in surprise as he nearly fainted.

"Make some noise next time you sneak up on somebody!"

"Silence! I will do as I please! Now, " Tai Itsukun said turning her gaze to Miaka, "Priestess of Suzaku, it is time you and I had a talk…."

So what did you guys think? Sorry it's kinda short but more will be coming soon!