Yesterday had passed normally. Mizoshi had idled by her paints in her living chamber for the afternoon, spent some time on the veranda in the early part of the evening, and then retired to bed. Now, it was morning. Again.

One day passes into the next so smoothly. It's as if I never slept at all.

She was akin to a noblewoman in a sense. A life of leisure had been thrust upon her, and nothing was asked for compensation.

However, Mizoshi still suspected that Naraku kept her around for one purpose and one purpose only. Obviously, the arrangements in this household were by no means proper.

But I'm not a whore. I know not his feelings for me, but I know I care about him. No matter what.

Sitting up in the rumpled bedding, Mizoshi rubbed the languor out of her eyes. Her world may not be changing in ways she had hoped, but she had to make the effort regardless.

As she went to rise off the mattress, something shiny caught her eye. An object had been placed beside her while she had been sleeping. Gleaming koi tails swam behind its clear glass. Astounded, Mizoshi counted off the fish that had been placed in the large bowl. Eight. Eight of them had been scooped out of the pond from the walled garden. Was this a gift?

To confirm her suspicions, a rice-paper scroll tied with a piece of creamy silk had been placed by the fishbowl. There was no mistaking whom the sender was. Untying the bit of paper, Mizoshi smoothed it out and read the elegantly scrawled characters painted there:

A present. Meet me in my chambers tonight for dinner.

Speechless, Mizoshi let the paper flutter to the floor below. The note had been left anonymous. There was no real point in signing it. Who else could it be?

A dinner. A private dinner that was to be held in his quarters. Why now? She'd been taking up space in this castle for the better part of a month, and no affairs had ever been planned, save for Naraku's occasional appearance at breakfast, and even those events had tapered off. What could be the purpose behind this dinner? Not to mention an actual present…

In essence, I may not know much, but I know Naraku never does anything out of casualness. There must be a deeper meaning behind this dinner--perhaps something he wants to discuss.

Of their own volition, her musings turned all the more tumultuous and fantastical. Was this about what he had murmured in his sleep? Or, at least, what she believed he had uttered. Was Naraku to confess his affections to her at long last?

Mizoshi's sudden raucous laughter filled the room as soon after the bizarre thought bloomed in her mind. What a romantic, trusting fool she was. Maybe that's why he really kept her around. Because she was too stupid to run.

Oh, was it all finally taking its toll? Being isolated from the rest of the world? Being constantly surrounded by bloodthirsty youkai? Constantly guessing if a cold, uncaring demon returned her affections?

If I'm not careful, I'll end up mad, Mizoshi cheerfully pondered to herself.

A pause came. Then…

I wonder what I should wear?

Mizoshi hummed to herself as she brushed on the crimson lip polish. Ordinarily, it would never cross her mind to wear it, but tonight was special. And if it weren't, she would just pretend it was. The kimono was beautiful enough though. The black material fell in silken folds around her generous curves. Her shoulders were left bare. In her opinion, it was very revealing. This particular robe was most likely taken from the wardrobe of a courtesan. Still, the kimono was undeniably stunning. The sea green herons flying across the swarthy fabric seemed to open their beaks in approval.

She'd worn her hair up. She rarely did so. Mizoshi marveled at her reflection when she was finished dressing her hair and face. She looked like a lady. No longer a village maiden, but a real lady.

I'm wearing my hair up like Kagura and covered in cosmetics too. Maybe I'm turning into the wind sorceress!

But, of course, there would always be major differences. Personally, Mizoshi though her features rather plain compared to the perfection Kagura coyly concealed with a flutter of her lethal fan. Also, the incarnation's eyes were of scarlet while her own eyes were of gold. No one could mistake that fact.

I'm not in competition, she reminded herself. The wind sorceress hated her master. Almost as much as she hated Mizoshi herself.

Satisfied with her appearance, she wandered out into the hall. Hopefully she could make it to Naraku's doorway without running into a certain someone. Luckily, the yawning corridor was deserted. Stepping over the threshold that led to his quarters, she was automatically greeted with the delicious scent of food. Seafood to be exact. It was her favorite. After all, her former village had been near the seaside. And there, in the center of the room, was her "host."

Naraku was dressed in his mauve and cream yukata from when they had first shared a meal together. He was not clothed nearly as formally as she.

"Ah, Mizoshi." His lips arranged themselves into a small smile.

"Good evening, Naraku," she said timidly.

The dark hanyou's eyes scanned her body, but he did not remark on her extravagant attire.

"Well? Sit." Naraku gestured to the table in front of him. Laid out on it was a crab. A steamed crab that was evoking the most appetizing vapors.

Taking a seat on the mat, she positioned herself in front of the spectacular meal. She couldn't help noticing his own table was bare. Naraku detected her gaze.

"Do not worry," he chuckled, "for I do not eat."

Mizoshi took this in warily. Unsure of what to do or say, she simply began to eat. The fluffy white meat that had been loosened from the red shell tasted perfect.

But I must not look like a pig.

After five steady minutes of eating, a glass was thrust into her face. Inside was a clear amber substance.

"Would you care for some sake, Mizoshi?" Naraku was busy filling his own glass.

"Yes, please," she said before sipping her rice wine.

Carelessly, the dark hanyou set his glass down; eyes hooded. Was he planning something? Why was he being so…nice?

"Thank you for the gift, Naraku. The fish will certainly brighten up my room."

"Yes. The fish. Some lucky ones will survive the frost anyway."

An uncomfortable silence had sprung up between them. Ever since Mizoshi had heard the impossible, Naraku had visibly been on edge. Does he know that I know? Is he struggling with his feelings? No. It was impossible. She'd admitted it herself.

It wasn't long until the crab was consumed. Her wine glass had to be filled twice. By the end of the dinner, she was feeling pleasantly flushed. When Mizoshi had first made her entrance, she was a bundle of nerves. Now, she was totally relaxed. Happy even. Contentedly, she smiled at Naraku. He indulged her by smiling back, although guardedly. To be honest, the dark hanyou seemed quite pleased.

Oh, gods, I made myself drunk. And he knows it.

Yet she was not concerned. Mizoshi could be like this forever.

"You are finished with dinner I see," he intoned. "Now, how about dessert?"

All she could do was nod gamely.

Reaching for something on the floor, Naraku came up with a bowl of cherries. With purpose, he firmly placed it on the table. Mizoshi looked at it uncomprehendingly. Why was it all the way over there?

Naraku's smile widened. "Come here for a treat, Mizoshi." Those red eyes smoldered seductively.

Well, this was to be an interesting night…

Hmm, I made myself hungry by writing that…

Thanks to those who reviewed. You guys are great :)

Just for future reference, I personally feel that all movement in the story has stopped. It's like the plot is hanging, and there's not much being resolved. So, in the next couple of chapters, I'm going to shake things up a bit. (Or a lot!) But, no matter what, there will be no babies or deaths. And yes, Mizoshi and Naraku will end up together at the story's end. (I wouldn't be that cruel.)