To anyone looking in on the scene it may have been a romantic sight. Young secret lovers meeting before the morning sun chased their feelings underground. Perhaps this was in some ways an accurate assessment of the situation. The two standing at the edge of the forest may not have agreed if someone had asked them.

The glow of the sun was just beginning to make itself known over the horizon. The world around the figures was bathed in shadows allowing Michelle to feel isolated while still actually being fairly near the building. She felt as if they had privacy- not that she could imagine that anyone would be awake at this hour.

Except her.

And Him.

He rested his back against the tree, seeming to not mind the bark against his skin. It was a large mature tree with a trunk so thick that she couldn't even begin to warp her arms around it if she tried. It was the largest on the edge of the forest. Michelle imagined that it was used as a landmark. 'Clear everything from this point forward!' she could almost hear a man in a hardhat saying in the distant past before the temple graced the land.

"You are not dumb." He stated simply, watching her closely.

"No, I guess not…" her voice trailed off. She stood close to him, within arm's reach. The wind was softly blowing, causing stray locks of hair to dance in front of her face. She forgot how long her hair had gotten and made a mental note to trim it as she tucked it behind her ears, only to have it blow away again.

"I am drawn to you, I have made it obvious." His hand reaches out to catch some of her hair. As he moves to bring it to his nose, she is pulled closer to him, yet that was not his intention. She doesn't even remember moving her feet.

"Why?" her question was hardly more than a breath as a light blush stained her cheeks.

Well hello again my friends! Hello to the new followers, you know who you are!

Ladyellesmere, I have more for you!

KioshiUshima, Hello again! Your review sent me over the moon. Dumbrat had to suffer through me not writing anything for months while I wrestled with how to write Kurama forever. I had such a hard time meshing how I viewed him, how I felt he would fall for a woman and his views on his past. On the other hand, I am still very unsure of myself, my writing and the quality of my work. I very much want people to love my writing and my story. I worried that if I didn't write him how the love struck teenagers (no offence to any teenagers...) see him, as perfect, seeing everything has a human would and always warm that no one would like the story.

But I don't see him as perfect. He has a past that he isn't necessarily proud of. He isn't human. He isn't always warm and fuzzy. He isn't the perfect man, in the end he is just a man.

"I enjoy causing you to blush, flustering you. I enjoy the game." His eyes sparkled in the dark, seemingly lit from within. Michelle couldn't look away. It was the one thing that could give away his demon nature. No human soul could light up eyes like that, she was sure of it.

"Not what I asked." Her voice was sharp in a playful way. In a fluid movement she leaned next to him, arms only an inch apart. She could feel the warmth from his skin. It felt inviting. He felt inviting, yet dangerous in ways she couldn't even imagine.

"I am aware of what you asked." The scent of moonflowers lingered in his nose. Her hair was soft. "You are unique. Your weakness. Your strength. I cannot say. You have gotten under my skin and I can't seem to shake you."

"Is that a bad thing?" Her voice was soft and meek. With a small shift of his body he turned to look at her, giving her more of his direct attention.

"For you, it could be." Her eyes dragged themselves up from the ground. She took in his bare feet, black pants that looked to be made of silk, abdomen and chest before locking back on his eyes.

"How?"

"I am a demon." His eyes returned to the stars. "My life in this human shell… it has taught me a lot over the years, but it does not change what I am."

"And what? You can't care for a lowly human." She laughed. It was a brittle sound, as if he moved to fast it would shatter. He wondered if a human heart would shatter as easily as that sound.

"No. Yes." He sighed before looking at her. Why did things seem so damn complicated right now? He was used to having clear answers. "Not like a human man could."

She nudged him with her shoulder and gave him a smile. "Maybe that's okay?"

Suddenly he was keenly aware of how close she was to him. If he pounced on her, she would have nowhere to go, not even time to flee. The breeze carried her hair toward his face and along with it that delicate scent. It was brighter now that the sun started to peek over the horizon; however they were still caught in the land of in between. Night had not yet given up its territory to the morning sun. It was dark enough still that he could seem the moonlight reflected in her eyes. Or perhaps, it was the light of possibilities.

It was a game. He told himself such all the previous day. A mindless distraction. Some excitement to get him through the sometimes boring days. But now, the offer of more hung in the air. He only needed to take it. Did he want it? Gods yes. But he didn't want the responsibility that would come with courting a female, for their protection and wellbeing. Didn't he already saddle himself with those duties?

It was clear to him he had done just that when freed her from Hikoku's grasp. He still remembered the thought he had, alone in the small toilet room- 'mine'. Until a time when he no longer saw her as 'his' he knew that she was already trapped with him. He may as well have her by his side willingly than hide in the shadows preventing other males from taking what was his alone.

Michelle watched as he was lost in his own thoughts. Her question still hung in the air. Her stomach felt like it was tied in knots. With a shaking hand she reached out, fingers just brushing the skin on his shoulder. In a heartbeat gold flaked his eyes and he was in motion.

Her eyes went wide as his palms planted firmly on the tree, trapping her between his strong arms. The speed of his movements and her surprise caused her to pull her hand back but it wasn't enough. Michelle's fingers rest curled gently against his chest. The contact startled her but her surprise and the warmth from her hand only drove him farther.

He remembered what it was like, the feeling of chasing the most delectable prey. The rush of catching her, of finally having her in his hands, it was something he forgot he could feel a long time ago. This however, felt different.

With the females in his past, there always was a game of power. Who was stronger, who would lead. A misstep could end in a knife his back. Courting was a dangerous dance, much like battle. But with this insignificant little human woman, he could lead the dance. He could enjoy it. The only fear he would have would be someone taking his woman from her.

While his mind wandered, he hovered in front of her. He could feel Michelle's hand shaking on his chest but he couldn't pick up the scent of fear. It fascinated him, watching nervousness dance in her eyes. Her breaths came shallow, almost like she was scared to breathe.

Maybe that was true. Michelle wasn't aware of her shallow breaths. She was far too busy being aware of how close Kurama was to her. Her heart beat faster and faster in her chest as with each small breath she took he seemed to move closer.

"You can still turn back." His voice was soft, giving both her and himself a chance to get a grip on their senses. It wasn't too late.

"But do I want to?" Her voice was just a hair above a whisper.

"No." The word had almost no sound. He smirked. The look was subtly devilish, like a fox caught in the hen house.

The moment when their lips met was sweet. His lips felt like silk against hers. For a moment, she questioned if her lips were chapped but the thought was quickly lost. She couldn't seem to keep any thoughts in her head for that matter.

He can feel her arms relax as his arm snakes around to rest in the small of her back. Kurama pulls her to him, wanting to feel more of her. In his mind however, he battles to not lose any more control over his actions. While he has yet to scare his prey off, the possibility that he could still do so remained present in the back of his mind but he wanted more of her.

Ring.

His phone vibrated as the classic sound of the cell phone's ring tone filled the air. He ignored it as he breathed in her scent.

Ring. Ring.

He pulled his lips from hers and rested his forehead on her shoulder as he took a moment to compose himself. When he stood back to his full height and pulled his phone from his pocket, Michelle was treated to the sight of the slight flush to his cheeks. He however, was pleased to see her cheeks flush much darker.

"Yes?" His voice was a bit husky as he skipped the pleasantries. It was a sound Michelle liked. "Ah, hello Mother, good morning." His voice quickly returned back to his normal tone. Michelle was curious if the person on the other end of the line noticed the change.

He was silent while he listened to the voice on the other end of the phone.

"My what?" One eyebrow rose as he looked off into the woods behind Michelle. He still stood painfully close to her however she did let her hands fall from his chest. She can't hear the other end of the conversation however annoyance radiates off him.

"I'll be right home Mother… Yes… Good bye." He hangs up the phone and sighs. While he was angry at being interrupted, it was for the better. Now he must deal with whatever petty girl is at his home feeding his mother stories.

"Is everything alright?" He watches as Michelle looks away shyly and runs her fingers through her hair.

"It seems my girlfriend is at my house." Annoyance was clear in his voice. He watched as sadness took over her face. She sidestepped away from him and slowly put space between them.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had-" He cursed himself as he caught her wrist in his hand, preventing her from retreating. Tears shone in her eyes however she willed them not to fall. She felt stupid.

"I don't." His grip was tight and firm on her wrist. The words he spoke drew her eyes back to his. "I don't have any other woman." She stopped pulling and when her arm hung limply in his hand, he lessened his grip. His hand moved from her wrist to hold her hand gently.

"I don't understand?" She was confused.

"I will see to it. Know that whatever lies this girl speaks, you are the only one I have my eyes on." He gave her lips a soft sweet kiss, now in better control of himself. "I must see to this, I will be in touch."

She nodded and watched as he returned to the house. She could imagine the scene painted in water color, the soft morning light reflecting off of his hair and skin and sparkling off the dewdrops on the grass. Michelle leaned against the tree and pondered over what had just happened.

She couldn't really fathom how dating a demon would be much different, though she could already note possessiveness in his touch. He was five years younger than her in body and so she thought on that as well. It would look odd to some but she had the advantage of looking on the younger side herself.

After slowly collecting her thoughts, Michelle made her way into the temple to find breakfast already made and everyone eating. The sound of idle chatter filled the room. Kurama entered shortly after Michelle started eating.

"I'll be leaving shortly." He announced as his toast popped up from the toaster. "I am needed at home."

The others complain and grumble about the announcement as Michelle sets her empty plate in the sink. As Michelle washes her hands, Kurama makes his way out of the temple. For a moment Michelle considers just letting him go, not really knowing what she is to him, but decides against it. It took a short jog to catch up with him and for a few moments they just walk side by side in silence. Michelle's mind works in overdrive, not sure of anything other than the fact that they shared a kiss.

"I ah…" Words are lost to her. This temple feels like a different world to her. Behind them, Yusuke and the others have gathered on the porch, watching to see what would happen.

"What's the big deal?" Kuwabara mumbled, not sure as to why they would be spying on Michelle and Kurama.

"Shh, I want to see what happens!" Grumbled Yusuke, only to be silenced when Kurama's hand reaches out to snag a portion of Michelle's hair from the breeze. He brings the silky stands to his nose, breathing in her scent before letting them slip from his fingers to be again carried in the wind.

"I'll not be long."

"Wait, what" her voice trails off as she again has to grab at courage. "What are we?" She hated being in the dark, not being sure of where she stands with someone.

"We can be whatever you desire. Know that it is my desire to have you as mine alone." His voice was soft, as was his fingers as they tilted her head up while he spoke. What silenced the spectators however, was Kurama's lips meeting Michelle's in a fleeting kiss.

Then, he was gone, down the stairs and away with inhuman speed. Michelle was left with a slight blush on her face and alone.

Suddenly Yusuke and Kuwabara appeared at her side, seemingly out of nowhere. Each had an arm draped around her shoulders and leaned around to grin at Michelle. Their sudden presence caused her to jump and flinch back from their goofy faces.

"So," Yusuke started, pulling Michelle to start walking down the stairs. "When did that happen?"

"Eh?!" Michelle's blush returned. She tried to school herself; she was too old to care if they saw them talking just now and it had started to work, the blush started to fade from her face.

"Yeah! We saw you two!" Kuwabara was making kissy faces as he spoke.

"So! We had just been talking! That's all!" Michelle yanked out from under their arms and marched down the stairs, mentally chanting to herself 'don't blush'.

"And I saw you earlier, kissing under the tree." Yusuke dealt the death blow.

Michelle missed a step as she turned to glare at them, her face redder than a tomato. From there, it was all over for her. As she attempted to catch herself, her other foot slipped and she fell backward. Thankfully they had made their way down most of the stairs and thus she wasn't in danger of much physical harm from the fall.

The boy's, ever helpful, enjoyed a good laugh at their teacher's expense rather than attempting to catch her. Luckily for the three of them, all that was hurt was Michelle's pride. She proceeded to be the butt of their jokes for the entire trip home.

In less than an hour, Kurama was walking up to the door of his human home. He steadied himself with a deep breath before opening the door to confront the female who so dared to present herself to Shiori as his 'girlfriend'.