Title: Distance chapter 2

Rating: R overall, PG for this chapter

Pairings: Still not quite sure yet (or I'm just trying to surprise you )

Warnings: Nothing really, just remember, future citrus, language, violence, and angst

Disclaimers: Don't own, don't sue

Author's Notes: I seem to be writing this story a little quicker than my normal rate (trust me, that's a good thing) so I'm able to get these chapters out to all of you! I want to thank all of the people who have reviewed this story, it means the world to me. (And I noticed I seem to write faster if I know there are people reading it...hint hint...-grin-) Again, all comments and crits are welcome, especially what you do/don't like about it and if you think I can be doing something to make it better! I'm always up for suggestions! Thanks for reading!

Kyo couldn't help but feel a little surprise as he saw Yuya turn in his direction. He should have realized that her instincts we still as sharp as the last time he'd seen her. But then again, he wasn't quite at the top of his game yet, either.

Headaches, growing more fierce as he started to follow Yuya, plagued him likes flies on festering flesh. He knew it was Kyoshiro, his other half, locked away in a mental prison guarded by Kyo's own inner turmoil. Kyoshiro wanted to be free from the bond he shared with Kyo, free to pursue his own dreams that didn't include a bounty-huntress-turned-medicine-woman whose only concern at the moment was finding a place to stay. No, Kyoshiro didn't care about Yuya.

Kyo did...

It wasn't love, that he knew. Nor was it lust, although he would be the first to admit that the woman wasn't lacking in that department, either. It was more a need for a companionship, seeking someone who knew him, and wasn't afraid. There were times when he couldn't even approach a village for fear of frightening off all of its inhabitants. They would back away, flinching in fear. He couldn't take it any more, and he needed the stability her companionship offered. She would keep him sane.

Kyo watched Yuya walk through the village, noting how she paused to talk to one of the village men, pointing in the direction of the hut she'd just left. He couldn't hear what she was saying but the man was nodding as if in agreement before continuing on his way. Yuya gave him a smile any man would be jealous of before going back to her walking, opposite of the man, the hut, and the village altogether. There had been no Inn.

He watched her continue to walk, the well-traveled path giving way to something no more than an overgrown animal trail. He was glad to see that she was alert, her head twitching with every noise and her body poised with tension. He didn't have to worry about rescuing her; she was able to take care of herself.

The sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon when Yuya decided to stop at a clearing not far from the trail. She was humming lightly, something Kyo found oddly endearing. She unrolled her bedding, and then gathered enough kindling to start a fire before going out to gather more, piling a stack big enough to last the night.

Finally able to settle in her bedroll, she let her blonde hair down, a soft sigh of relief escaping her throat as her head hit the lumpy mass she used as a pillow. Her eyelids fluttered closed over emerald eyes, and Kyo watched her whole body relax as sleep overcame her weary body.

While Kyo knew she would wake up instantly if something startled her, he knew he would be able to move quietly enough not to disturb her rest. So, with as little noise as possible, he moved closer to her, just beyond the edge of her firelight, letting a little of his protective nature come out. He could hear her breathing, a soft cadence mingled with the simple night noises of insects and birds. Her bottom lip was caught in her teeth, and she seemed almost lost in her land of dreams.

He was sitting on the ground, his back against a tree and his murumasa lying across his lap. Yuya was to his right, her back towards him. His eyes were fixed on a spot just to the left of her form, not allowing himself to focus completely on the object of his thoughts. Allowing that would be losing the focus he had on the situation. Terrible things could occur.

But he couldn't help it.

His eyes were drawn to her, anyways, rolling over her sleeping body as if he'd never be able to see her again. He started at the top of her head, focusing on the blonde hair that she always tied back with that ribbon. He hated that ribbon.

His focus moved lower to her body, deceptive in its softness. Beneath all of that female gentleness there was a core of steel, muscles stronger than most of the men he'd met in his time. She was able to wield a weapon as good as she was able to smile; that, in itself, was a weapon she could use to her advantage.

"I thought the rumors were true..."

Kyo's eyes widened as he was caught off-guard, but he showed no other movement in his body. The voice was familiar, coming from just behind him.

"Is that why you are sneaking up on me?" There was a snicker as a form materialized out of the shadows and was instantly engulfed in a thick fog.

"If I was sneaking up on you, Kyo, I would still be hiding." Kyo glanced in the direction of the figure, his eyes glowing a fierce red. "No, I am not sneaking up on you."

"What do you want, Yukimura?"

Yukimura laughed quietly. "Why do you assume I want something?" He sat down next to Kyo, holding a jug out to Kyo. "Sake?"

Kyo shook his head. "You didn't answer my question."

Yukimura sighed. "I didn't." He shrugged the bottle towards his lips, appearing to take a drink but not really swallowing the liquid. "I simply wanted to talk to you. Is that such a problem?"

Kyo 'hmphed' turning his head away. "It is when it deals with you." Kyo then turned his head back and glared at Yukimura. "What. Do. You. Want?"

Almost as if switching a channel or flipping a page, Yukimura's face fell into seriousness, his sake long forgotten as he brought his knees up to his chest. "Why do you keep your distance?"

"Huh?" Kyo wasn't expecting that. Maybe some personal questions, perhaps even his reason for still being alive even though all possible outcomes of that battle presumed him dead.

"Your distance. You know, why don't you just go up to Yuya and tell her you are still alive and stalking her? Why do you insist on following her?"

"That is none of your concern." It hadn't been a difficult question, but Kyo felt odd at answering it. It was something more personal than even he would allow himself to admit.

"Kyoshiro...How does he feel about all of this?"

"He doesn't."

"But he knows?"

"He knows."

Yukimura drank some sake, contemplating over Kyo's simple-minded answers. Answers that explained more about the fiery demon than most explanations ever could.

Kyo cared...

At least, Yukimura thought, he hoped he cared. Because what he was about to do would have Kyo killing him once, and bringing him back to kill him again. He was only trying to show them both the bigger picture. He just hoped that his beliefs were right and that nobody, not even Kyo, could get angry once they realized the outcome.

He hoped...

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tbc...

-hope you all liked it!  Again, all comments and criticism is welcome!  Thanks for reading!  Hopefully the next part out within a week! (hopefully...)