She and Kohaku spent all afternoon together. The next day, they spent an even more pleasant day together. Sometimes, Kohaku would become silent for long periods of time, but Mizoshi enjoyed the quiet. And yet, something was wrong. No, someone was still missing. Naraku.

At first, she was relieved. After bursting into tears on that fateful day, she'd been a little leery about approaching him. Now, on the third day of his disappearance, she was beginning to miss the rather aloof hanyou.

Still, the boy eased her lonely days. As another gift, she painted a picture of a koi fish from the garden pool he was so entranced with. Mizoshi gave it to him to keep, and he'd been thrilled. She remembered a conversation they shared that morning:

"Look at that big one!" Kohaku exclaimed, following the large water dweller with his eyes.

"Yes. He's big, isn't he?"

"Do you have a favorite fish, Mizoshi?"

"No. I like every one."

The day was surprising mild, and the clouds began to shift: revealing the bright blue sky underneath. The last week of summer weather was upon them before the inevitable frost, and they reveled in each passing moment of it. Coincidentally, Kohaku was thinking along the same lines.

"What will happen to the fish, Mizoshi? Will they freeze?"

She swallowed hard. Would they? "They won't," she decided. "I'll tell Naraku to have them brought into the castle." Strangely, she felt a need to comfort him. He was younger than her after all.

Kohaku visibly shuddered. "Please don't say his name."

"Why not?"

"Because he'll let them die."

She shuddered when she thought of it. Kohaku was understandably guarded where Naraku was concerned, even when he couldn't remember what the demon had done to him or his family. Indeed, the boy would tear out his hair in grief if his memories were restored. Mizoshi knew the truth from Naraku's own lips, but came to the conclusion that Kohaku's ignorance made it possible for him to survive in this bleak atmosphere. Naraku's lips…

Frustratingly, her thoughts were always focused on him. What was he doing? Where was he? Was he teaching her a lesson of some kind? Kagura was bearable, but just barely. It amazed her that the household was all the more rigid when he was gone. The wind demoness didn't dare leave, for her master perpetually held her heart, no matter where he was presently. In any case, Kanna would alert any schemes as quickly as possible. It seemed as if the ghostly little girl and maybe Kagura knew of his whereabouts, yet no one saw the need to tell Mizoshi.

It was now the third night of Naraku's absence. She and Kohaku both sat upon the bedding, with every candle in the room lit. A breeze wandered in the chamber from the sliding screen doors. During Naraku's withdrawal, Mizoshi and Kohaku had gotten closer. Obviously, the master had left orders that the two "guests" be paired up together. But why? With the aloof hanyou, there was always a reason. Then it hit her with such startling clarity; she was nearly bowled over with revelation. To distract her.

Trembling in rage, she let the facts sink in. He was distracting her from plans of escaping. Kohaku provided company, thus she'd be less likely to bemoan her fate and gain dangerous ideas. Also, he guessed correctly she'd feel bad for leaving the boy behind.

"Damn it!" she cried out.

He jumped. "What is it, Mizoshi?"

"Oh, I…there's a mosquito on my arm," she finished in a rush. She feigned slapping at it. "There. It's gone now."

"Maybe we should shut the doors." Kohaku began to get up.

"No! It's fine. The night breezes are refreshing."

"Good. But actually, Mizoshi, there was something I wanted to talk with you about."

"What is it?" she asked.

"Oh, well, it's just that I enjoy spending time with you. A lot."

Not now. Oh, please, not now. She didn't much care for where the conversation was headed. "I enjoy spending time with you too, Kohaku. You're my best friend here."

"Yes, but…" he trailed off. He paused a bit before continuing in a strained voice. "Your eyes. They're nice." He reddened.

She sighed. "No they're not. They're the cause of all my troubles. Had they been brown, my family may not have been persecuted."

"I don't care. Your eyes are gold. Like the sun."

"Why the talk about my eyes? Really, Kohaku, I don't follow."

"Because they're pretty. You're pretty."

"Kohaku, I don't-"

"Mizoshi, please listen. I've been lonely, and I don't know how much longer either of us shall live in the future. Tell me, do you like me too?" At her hesitation, he went on. "I've never felt this way about a girl before. Isn't that silly?" Kohaku laughed nervously.
"Kohaku," she began carefully. "I'm a hanyou. Doesn't that bother you in the least?"

"No. I'm not concerned about that. I think in the past I used to, but not anymore. Often, I have wondered what caring about someone would be like. If only I knew you felt the same." He gazed up at her hesitantly.

He was desperate. She could see that. For so long he had been rejected with his emotions left completely ignored-until she had reawakened them. He was ready to latch onto anyone who paid him any attention. Boys around his age wanted female companions, didn't they?

Oh, she would've done anything to head off this discussion. It wasn't safe to speaking such words, and she honestly viewed him as a true friend. Well, whatever Kohaku's destiny was, it wouldn't be with her. Mizoshi couldn't afford to repeat her father's mistake in any case. Most importantly, her heart was in another place. Still, she hated to break his.

"I'm extremely sorry, Kohaku, but I love another." As soon as the sentence left her mouth, a throaty chuckle came from behind her. No! It can't be! He didn't hear me.

But, he did hear. Naraku was framed in the doorway, and his eyes were flaring in triumph. A smile twisted his lips. How long had he been spying there? Immediately, Kohaku was on his feet. Thankfully, Mizoshi didn't think her answer registered in the boy's newly fearful state.

"Kohaku, return to your quarters. I'd like to spend a few private moments with Mizoshi."

Alone now, Mizoshi watched him glide toward her; robes of royal purple and navy sweeping the floor. Naraku seemed healthier and more handsome than before, if that were possible. His ivory skin glowed with a supernatural paleness while those crimson eyes shone akin to red jewels. She couldn't help noticing he was the grinning the widest she'd ever seen, as if he appeared to be pleased about some hidden conquest. "Is it true? Did you mean what you said?" he inquired excitedly.

Quickly, her mind tried to scan over what had just transpired, but this was no matter for the brain. Somehow, his absence had made her heart grow fonder for him. Was she falling in love? Or lust?

"Yes," she answered. "It's true." Rationalization was no longer a necessity.

Instantly, his hungry lips were her own, taking Mizoshi by complete shock. But on this occasion, she didn't draw back.

That's it for this chapter! As always, thanks to everyone that reviewed. Now, for some answers. Bowwowlover, what I mean by Naraku's time of the month is from the episode "Howling Wind of Betrayal." (My favorite eppy actually.) In it, it's revealed Naraku seals himself up in his basement and regenerates his demon limbs for a couple days out of the month. Unlike Inuyasha who becomes human during the new moon, Naraku chooses the time period where he's out of commission. And laliberte, yes that was Mizoshi's brother who died. Very sad. (Why do I write so much angst?) Werewolfpixie, I honestly don't know how long the story will be, but I'm guessing 35-38 chapters. It shouldn't go over 40 I would think. Oh, and Sesshoumaru will be showing up in due time. I don't want him interrupting any romantic interludes. ;)