Wrapping his arms tightly around her, he brought her down to the floor. In his embrace, she felt totally surrounded and safe. It was a dark haven where the harshness of the morning light couldn't reach her. A soft sanctuary that would always be. An asylum she couldn't escape.

As the kiss deepened, Mizoshi noted her body heat was warming his cold skin. Idly, she entangled her fingers in his raven strands; closing her eyes. She did so shamelessly. There were no rules or conducts of behavior to follow now save that of her own emotions.

Suddenly, he broke contact with her lips and began nuzzling her neck. Her eyes widened at this unexpected move. His desire for her was growing. Indeed, Naraku's heart beat against hers with the same rapid intensity. Searchingly, her grasped her around the waist and pulled her into his lap, his mouth scarcely leaving her flesh. Slowly, he stroked the side of her neck, and then lower still, sliding the fabric of the kimono off her left shoulder; leaving it exposed and vulnerable while Naraku's other hand threaded itself in the contours of her ebony tresses.

"Your hair is so soft," he murmured silkily. "And dark."

On her own accord, she kissed him fervently in response and he answered in kind. This felt right. It felt good to be held. Whatever was the matter was this? Yet, her mother's warning about matters like these tumbled around in her mind: Don't trust the men folk, Mizoshi. Boys when they come of age only want one thing, and once they take it, you will be disgraced for life. Make sure you are married and settled well. Never go into the trees and indulge in youthful passions…

Except this wasn't in the trees. She wasn't certain demons bothered with martial unions, however, she had learned about martial relations. Her mother had described how this came about whilst her younger features had blushed profusely. Still, she wasn't concerned. Naraku's touch couldn't be wrong.

Yet, her perceptions proved to be false when Naraku's fingers drifted down to her kimono tie. Obviously, he wanted something more.

"N-n-araku?" she stammered. "This is…a little…" Abject fear tinged her voice. But would he listen?

She wanted him, but not like this. Not so soon. Her mother's warnings were louder now. And for how precise, meticulous, and practical the good woman was; she certainly hadn't followed her own examples when "going off into the trees" to meet a handsome half demon under a sliver of moon.

He sighed annoyedly. Cupping her face in his hands, she was left staring into heated crimson orbs. "Don't you trust me?"

"Of course…but can't you just hold me a little while longer?"

A bit reluctantly, he contented himself with enfolding her in his tight embrace. Contentedly, she laid her head upon his chest. Mizoshi couldn't tell if he was satisfied with this or not.

"Where were the past few days?" she whispered.

"Attending to important business. Did you miss me?" There was a constraint in Naraku's tone she couldn't place.

"Yes," she replied honestly.

He sniffed curiously at her neck. "You smell nice," he commented. "I trust you have received my gift?"

"Yes," she repeated mildly. So, here was the mysterious sender of the peony perfume. It had been positively absurd to accuse Kohaku.

The two were quiet for a precious minute before Naraku shifted uneasily behind her. Eventually, he removed himself entirely from her body while Mizoshi grunted in protest. Confused, she turned around. "What is it?"

"Other business to attend to. I'll meet you outside in the garden at nightfall."

No morning breakfast? What caused this abrupt change in his personality? Her mouth gaping open in bewilderment, she watched the man she now loved leave the chamber.

Dumbfounded, she lay back on the floor. As she did so, something appeared different about the lighting in the room. Fastening her gaze on a nearby candle, she noted the flame was burning steadier and higher. How could that be?

Nonetheless, before she could grasp at the waxen cylinder for closer examination, the fire returned to normal. Was it all her imagination?

Women. were. impossible.

Irritably, he raked his fingers through his flowing black locks. What did Mizoshi want? She had been happy to see him, she had given her consent and accepted his kiss, yet, when he wished to reach completion of the affair; she pulled back in panic.

He must be doing something wrong. Perhaps he should get a female opinion. As if on cue, Kagura suddenly materialized into the length of inky corridor ahead. No. Kagura's view doesn't count. She isn't truly a woman, he mused nastily. Well, it'd have to do.

"Kagura," he called out to his rebellious incarnation.

Reluctantly, she walked to her master. "I see you've returned."

"Happy that I did?"

She simply smiled in reply with flickering red eyes that revealed her lurking distaste.

"So, how was the girl in my absence? Was she grieving?"

"I didn't observe her that closely. She was the same as always: mooning and depressed. My heart would go out to her, but quite frankly, I don't own one."
"Don't," he growled dangerously. "I came for your esteemed opinion after all."

"Really? And what would the subject matter be?"

Naraku scowled. He hated to stoop to this level for information, but sometimes one could learn much from another's confession. And then use it for one's own designs later. He asked his question carefully and deliberately. "What does the female desire?

Swiftly, the demoness' face turned from amazement to scorn. "Easy. Freedom."

"Ah, the sole thing I cannot give. Besides freedom, Kagura, what do women want the most?"

Kagura's lip trembled slightly. "Love."

"Love. And how does one achieve this medium?"

The wind sorceress couldn't reply. She had not the answer herself. Without another syllable, she spun around back to whence she came.

It became clear he would have to solve this mystery on his own. Perhaps he'd just bide his time until Mizoshi flew into his web of her own accord…

Thanks to all my reviewers for your continued support :) Now, to answer more inquires. GiR, Mizoshi's mother and younger brother Nibori are dead, but Ken's whereabouts are unknown (meaning I haven't decided to include him in the story plot-wise or no). And bowwowlover, a lemon might be tempting, but I honestly have no experience in writing them and I'd definitely have to change the rating to R. Sorry, but I don't think I'm going to include any lemons; just subtle hints and light situations. Hope that's okay with everyone.