Hey guys! It is going to be a little while before we continue the story. Bean lost the last couple chapters so it may take awhile. SORRY!

Also, sorry about the format.

Disclaimer: Yeah, you guys know by now that we don't own Inu or any lyrics used.

BONUS

The Illness

Winter was ending. The last drifts of snow were growing smaller, but winter wouldn't leave so easily. Just as spring peeked around the corner, a nasty spell of the flu swept through Kaede's village.

Several people died during the first few days before it was recognized. Sarah and Kagome could only buy so much medicine to help those who had first contracted it.

However, once it started, the two of them, along with Kaede and other village healers were able to stop the sickness in its earliest stages. The women had their hands full preparing medicine and tending to the sickly.

The men who were not afflicted, including Miroku, InuYasha, and Yuto, spent their time doing odd jobs, running errands, and bringing supplies to the women.

Finally, after several grueling weeks, the last of the disease had been destroyed. All of those who had been fighting the infirmity, prepared for a well-earned rest. Sarah walked into Kaede's hut, exhausted after the long haul, only to find Yuto leaning against the wall. He was feverish and sweating and looked as if he had just managed to crawl to that spot before he collapsed. Sarah forgot her fatigue and rushed to his side. She deftly laid him on a mat and washed his face.

He was burning up.

For three days Sarah sat beside him, tending to his malady. There had luckily been medicine left to deal with him, but it was a difficult time. His sleep was fitful and he got no rest.

By the third day, Yuto's fever began to drop and he fell into a peaceful sleep. Sarah leaned back on the nearest wall and, finally giving into fatigue, fell asleep.

Several hours later, Yuto woke to find Kaede bustling about him, preparing more medicine. He groaned at a slight pain in his head and she turned to him.

"Oh, so ye are finally awake. 'Tis about time."

"Where's Sarah," he asked in a raspy voice.

Kaede chuckled. "Of course she be the first thing on your mind. She's there," she responded, nodding to a corner. Sarah was still propped there, lightly breathing. She would mumble about being awake and to leave her alone whenever Kaede tried to move her.

"What is she doing?" Yuto asked, smiling warmly at Sarah.

"The lass sat up for three days straight tending to ye. Sleep finally overcame her but a little while ago."

Yuto stared at the girl. She stayed up all that time just to watch me? He smiled weakly.

Sarah stirred a few minutes later, looked around and promptly sneezed. Kaede felt her head.

"Of course. Your immunity has been worn down by the lack of sleep and now you've caught Yuto's cold."

Sarah looked at Yuto sleepily. "Hey," she said weakly. "You woke up."

He smiled kindly as Kaede helped Sarah lay down on a mat next to Yuto. The priestess went off to look for Kagome.

"Thanks, Sarah," said Yuto.

"For what?"

"Staying by me."

"Heh, no problem."

Yuto slipped his hand out from under the blanket and Sarah took it. By the time Kaede returned with Kagome, both Yuto and Sarah had fallen asleep, holding each other's hands.