A/N: This is chapter 10! I can't believe I finally got this far! It's almost over, though... UU It's sad how time flies... amoung other things. I apologize for the wait. I've been really busy. I've decided to name the chapter something different, because I've run out of titles that are straight forward... My Bad!

Disclaimer: Yo! I do not own! So do not sue!

Love and Deceit

Chapter 10: When Fireflies Bite

By: Kate the Inuyoukai01

"So, exactly how long has it been since you've been in the company of someone other than myself?" Kagome asked as she and Inuyasha sat in a grassy field. It had been three weeks since she had told Sesshomaru of her plan, and she had seen Inuyasha every day since then. She had to keep reminding herself of the fact that she was only communicating with him to avenge her family. His sweet-faced lies were rather convincing, but she would not fall for them.

"I usually surround myself with people like myself... but they are all the same. They think that war and thieving are the answers to their problems..." he paused and smiled shyly. "I haven't had company quite like yours, and it's... refreshing."

He is trying to be honest... Kagome thought as she laughed, he is restricting himself, though. He knows who I live with, and will do anything for me not to figure out exactly who he is.

"Thank you very much," she said as she picked a small pink flower. Spring had returned, covering the fields and meadows in colorful flowers.

Kagome giggled as Inuyasha took the flower from her and put it in her hair.

"You're so sweet, Kibakichi," she smiled sweetly.

The sun was beginning to set by this time, and Kagome feigned disappointment as she stood, dusting off her lavendar and salmon kimono as she stood. The elaborate swirls on the kimono seemed to move as a gentle breeze flew by, causing the layers to shift and flutter. She could feel the curled tendrils at the side of her face and the back of her neck fall back into place as the breeze died down, and she knew Inuyasha was staring intently at her.

"I have to go, now, Kibakichi. My brother and friends are expecting me home soon."

Inuyasha nodded lightly, "You mean you have to go back to Sesshomaru-sama?"

Kagome looked over at him in surprise, "What?"

Inuyasha averted his gaze, as if he was disappointed in himself, "I-I followed you home one evening..." He glanced up at her, then quickly turned away. "I'm sorry... I just wanted to protect you from danger... I had no idea that you were one of the Western Lord's maidens."

"'Maidens'?" Kagome asked.

Inuyasha turned, a mischievous gleam that Kagome couldn't help but notice in his golden eyes. "I hear that he collects beautiful women and keeps them in his palace in a life of luxury... You must be one of them, dressed like that..."

Kagome's eyes widened as she stuttered, a blush on her face, "N-no! I am just a servant! He treats his servants rather well."

"Oh, yeah," Inuyasha snorted. "Name one."

Kagome laughed, "Oh, I can name several!"

"Oh?"

"Mmhm! First, there is Suki Imamori. She is one of my best friends in the castle. She actually let me borrow this kimono out of her collection for today!" Kagome lied, spinning gracefully. "Then, there is Mika! Now, Mika is one of the Western Lord's most trusted servants. She lent me this jeweled comb in my hair." Kagome indicated the lavendar crystal encrusted chopsticks that held her hair in an elegant knot. "Riina, Jei, Mian, Torika, Saiuri, and Sushina-all of them have the most beautiful belongings."

Inuyasha's eyes had widened during her explanation, "I see... you must love it there."

"I do," she smiled as she turned toward him. "But now, I must go. I will see you tomorrow afternoon? We can take a walk."

Inuyasha smiled, then nodded, "Yes. I'd like that."

Kagome nodded, then made her way to the forest.

"Kagome, wait!"

She turned and Inuyasha ran up to her and kissed her fiercely. His calloused hand cupped her face, his claws slightly pricking the soft skin of her cheek as the other hand wrapped gently around her waist. Kagome's eyes went wide and she gasped, accidentally allowing his tongue access into her mouth. He pulled away gently, nipping her lower lip as he did so and causing her to yip.

"I won't apologize for it..." he grunted. "I love you, Kagome... I've loved you since the first day I met you."

Kagome made to speak, but he held up his hand.

"Just hear me out... I'll let you rest on it, but tomorrow I want an answer."

"'An answer'?"

"Either you love me, or you don't. If you do, you can come and live with me... and if no, we can just remain friends." He stared in her eyes, "Deal?"

Kagome gazed back into his eyes. She saw the evil, now that she knew him so well, but she saw something else, too. She saw love... and it was so pure that she nearly gasped at the way it twinkled and make his eyes glow.

"Deal."

He smiled, picking her up and twirling her around. As he sat her down he hugged her, "I'll see you tomorrow."

She nodded and headed back towards that castle. When she got at a distance, she turned and waved. There was one thought running through her mind.

--

"It's time."

Sesshomaru looked up from his paperwork and quirked a brow, "Excuse me?"

"I am taking Inuyasha on a walk close to the castle tomorrow afternoon," Kagome spoke softly. "It's time for you to make your move."

Sesshomaru sat his work down, folding his hands into the sleeve of his haori, "In such a short time?"

"H-he professed that he has deep feelings for me," she said as she blushed. "He wishes me to give him an answer tomorrow afternoon."

"And you are sure these feelings are indeed true?"

Kagome averted her gaze, "He also made a point to physically approach me as well."

Sesshomaru narrowed his eyes, "And, how, per-se, did he approach you physically?"

"He kissed me."

She heard an almost inaudible growl at that. In the past few days, Kagome had noticed that she and Sesshomaru were spending a lot of time together. Mostly because she gave him daily reports of her progress with Inuyasha, and mostly because she loved spending her time with him. Even when they bickered, she found herself feeling a sense of progressing tenderness between herself and the seemingly indifferent demon lord.

"That is certainly a good indication," he snapped, cracking his knuckles. He was clearly jealous, though he wouldn't admit it if it would save his life. He sighed inwardly and controled his anger. What right did that pathetic whelp have to kiss what was his?

It is only a ruse to get Inuyasha close to you. His inner mind rationalized. He agreed. After this whole ordeal was over, and that bastard's blood stained his claws, he could rest.

Kagome watched his expression change from anger to cooled relaxation. She didn't know what his problem was... Sudden realization hit her and she silently gasped. What if he has feelings for me? She questioned, a slight blush staining her cheeks.

"We should begin the preparations." Sesshomaru said cooly as he motioned for her to sit. Kagome closed her eyes and moved from her postion in front of the shoji to make her way to the desk.

Tommorow... this will all be over tomorrow... Their thoughts syncronized for a moment.

That's when Kagome tripped over the tatami mat in front of his desk. She gasped, and almost fell if it weren't for Sesshomaru's strong arms wrapping around her waist and holding her steady against his chest. She had clenched her eyes shut after she'd tripped, and she looked up into golden eyes that were looking down at her in amusement. This had happened several times, and most of the time she would fall. Sesshomaru usually just stood there and called her a 'clumsy wench.'

She blushed as she stared into his eyes. He noticed and smiled lightly as he leaned down to press his lips to her ear.

"Our little miko isn't so innocent."

"Bastard." she cooed as she pulled back slightly and glared up at him.

He chuckled and leaned down again. This time, he captured her lips in a chaste kiss. Kagome sighed, wrapping her arms around his neck. She couldn't help it. She wanted him. She sighed and pulled away, earning a questioning look from the demon lord. She admited to herself that she was falling in love with him... But they couldn't be together... Not until this was over.

She sighed and staightened his clothes, "Business first."

He sighed and moved away, settling himself in his large chair as she sat next to him.

"Fine then," he muttered as he looked up at her, "let's continue."

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A/N: So, that's chapter 10! The story is almost over... and it makes me so sad... I love this story so. Please Review.