Little by little, inch by inch
Tearin' down the walls
Screamin' scratchin'
Tearin' down the walls
Little by little, inch by inch
Tearin' down the walls
-Tearin' Down the Walls, Poison

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Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #5
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"I-Inuyasha!" Kagome stuttered out, her eyes wide. Considering the furious look in his eyes she guessed that he had seen the whole thing. Well, at least the kissing part . . . but that STILL wasn't good! She suddenly felt queasy . . .

Youko however smirked and stepped in front of Kagome airily. "Why Inu! What a pleasure to see you here!" He taunted, taking a little bow. Amused when the dog demon growled back at him.

"You bastard! Get away from Kagome!" He snarled, lunging at Youko, his claws extended ready to kill the strange kitsune. Not stopping to think about what he had just witnessed.

"Inuyasha! SIT!" Kagome yelled, her hands balled at her side. As her eyebrow twitched in irritation.

Inuyasha's eyes widened in shock, soon finding himself buried into his own crater. Groaning he lifted his head, growling when he saw the kitsune smirking smugly. "What the hell Kagome! I need to kill that-"

"You will not be killing anybody!" Kagome said firmly, crossing her arms. She wasn't to happy with Inuyasha at the moment, having remembered her treatment when she told him about what had happened at the hot spring. "He gave us back the shards! And he is now apart of our group! So your just going to have to accept . . ." Kagome's rant suddenly stopped. She didn't even know his name!

"Youko Kurama!" An awed voice yelled from behind Inuyasha. Scampering into the clearing on all fours came Shippo, stopping only when he reached Youko, looking up at him in complete admiration.

Youko smiled smugly, as he crouched down closer to the younger demons eye level. Ruffling his hair. "Well at least someone knows who I am!" He gave Kagome a pointed look.

Kagome huffed, crossing her arms. "Well it's not like you ever told me!" She defended, shooting Inuyasha a look when it looked as if he was about to protest something. Content when he shut his mouth, though she was fairly sure she could hear him grumbling under his breath. Though before she could make sure Shippo had begun sniffing her clothes. Picking him up, she smiled. "Shippo, what are you doing her?"

He looked up at her innocently, big green eyes curious. "I woke up and you weren't there. So I sniffed you out!" Shippo stated, proud to have been able to track her down. "But Kagome, why do you smell like Youko? And why do you smell different? You smell kinda like my Mama and Papa use to . . ." He asked, wrinkling his nose in his confusion.

Kagome blushed deeply, hearing Inuyasha's growl in the background, she had an idea what the other smell was . . . and it was not something she wanted to explain to Shippo. Now or ever . . . she would have Inuyasha do that. When he was older of coarse.

"Well apparently it's because I'm a kinky kitsune." Youko offered innocently, scratching his head. Startled when Kagome's fist down at him, hitting him right between the ears. "OW! What the hell was that for!" He pouted, rubbing the top of his head. Wincing when he felt the small bruise. He was actually surprised she was able to cause one. Maybe she wasn't as weak as he had thought . . .

Kagome's face flamed, though they were all unsure if whether it was because of embarrassment or fury. "Don't use that kind of language around Shippo! He's a very impressionable child!" She exclaimed, glowering at him.

Youko pouted, his arms folded over his chest grumbling under his breath. "Well it's not you told me what it means." He defended, shooting the inu a nasty look, having heard him snickering. "I wouldn't laugh dog, at least I don't find myself face first into my own crater." He stated coldly, turning his nose up.

Inuyasha's amusement was quickly snuffed, he himself now glaring daggers at the kitsune. A soft growl issuing from his throat. His fists raised threateningly. "Stupid fox! Don't get me mad! Unless you want me to kill you of coarse." He stated arrogantly, a hand resting on the sword that hung off his side.

"You? Kill me? That is highly implausible. It would make a nice dream though wouldn't it?" Youko scoffed. Turning slightly into a fighting stance, his eyes daring the hanyou to attack.

"Stop this right now! Both of you!" Kagome shouted at them, holding Shippo to her chest protectively. It was obvious that both of the males were at their wits end, both ready to kill the other. "There is no reason for this!"

"Bull shit their isn't!" Inuyasha snarled, his eyes still locked onto his opponent. "He'll just steal the shards again! Do you really trust the word of a thief!" He swiftly unsheathed his sword, watching as the blade transformed holding it out in front of him. Angered when the kitsune didn't seem the least bit threatened. But was instead watching him with a calm confidence.

"I suggest you listen to Miss Kagome mutt. Unlike myself, she has your health in interest." Youko stated coldly, eyeing the hanyou's blade with a bored interest. The hanyou's attacks were clumsy, having no thought put into them.

Inuyasha seethed, his grip on the hilt of his fathers sword tightening to the point where his knuckles became white with the strain. "We'll see whose health we have to worry about!" Inuyasha seethed, lunging forward. His sword raised over his head to make the final blow.

Everything seemed to slow down for Kagome, who watched with fearful eyes. Holding Shippo close to her she cringed, turning her head to spare her the visual. Afraid of what the out come would be. Waiting to hear the scream of agony, or the sound of a dead body hitting the ground. . . but there was only silence.

Slowly, she turned around. Her eyes widening at the scene in front of her as her grip on Shippo slacked. Before her, Inuyasha was suspended above the ground, his eyes wide in what she could only imagine as shock. It was only when she looked closer did she see the tangle of vines that were wound tightly around his body and mouth, both paralyzing and silencing him.

Her eyes followed the vines to Youko, who kept his cold calm demeanor, his entire right arm also wrapped in the living plant. She felt a shiver run down her spine. His cold callous eyes engraving itself in her minds eye. Before she had thought he was dangerous . . . now, she was seeing it.

"He controls plants." Shippo explained, his awe obvious in his voice. As he looked up at the older kitsune with wonder, his idolization for him evident in his young eyes.

Kagome nodded, putting Shippo down carefully. "Stay here ok Shippo" She ordered, not looking back as she cautiously made her way to Youko. He didn't move. She knew that he must have heard her coming, those ears must have picked up the sound of her approach. But yet he didn't give her any recognition. It worried her. What if he wasn't what she thought?

She tentatively placed a gentle hand on his forearm, her fingers instantly getting intwined with the vines, who wrapped themselves around her hand eagerly. Promoting a gasp from the unprepared woman, who immediately recoiled.

"Don't move." Youko ordered sternly, still glaring at the vines victim, also known as Inuyasha. "It will only attract them more."

Kagome immediately stopped struggling, biting her lip as she urged her self to remain calm. Watching intently as the vines slowly loosened it's grip though didn't not free her fingers. She looked up at him, her eyes meeting his. He had finally faced her. "Youko . . . I think you can let Inuyasha down now . . ."

He examined her closely, taking in her figure with expressionless face, that, for a moment. Nearly duplicated Sesshoumaru's stoic stare. Though the replica was nearly broken with the smirk that was inching across his face. "What will I get for it?"

Kagome mentally recoiled. By now she recognized that smirk all to well. And remembered the outcome even more vividly. She blushed. She still wasn't sure if the outcome had been a bad thing . . . she shook herself from those thoughts. Opening her mouth to protest.

"Hiraikotsu!" Echoed throughout the clearing, as the large boomerang sliced through the night air. Tearing apart the vines that connected the two demon males. Exciting a scream of protest from the plants. As they dropped Inuyasha unceremoniously to the ground before retreating back to Youko's hand. The vines coiling around itself as it steadily grew smaller to the eye. Almost has if it were eating itself, before reversing back into the state of a small seed. Almost like a chestnut in it's appearance.

The boomerang swung back to it's owner, who caught it easily. Skidding back as the force it her, stirring up the dust and rocks as they flew away from her. "What's going on!?" Sango demanded harshly. Glaring at Youko with untrusting eyes.

"Yes, do tell." Came Miroku's smooth voice, though it was tainted with distrust as he too eyes the kitsune with unease. His staff ready for use as he stayed to Sango's side.

"Who cares! Just fucking kill him already!" Inuyasha growled out, falling to the ground as he tripped over one of the vines that had been cut off from the rest. Earning a snarl from the frustrated hanyou who desperately tried to kick the remaining plant off of him. Only to end up tangling himself further. He glared at the monk and slayer expectantly. "Well are you going to just stand there! At least help me out so I can kill him!"

Youko resisted the strong urge to laugh as he watched the dog fall repeatedly. Though could not help the tight smile that spread across his face. "I thought we talked about this mutt. You can't ki-"

"Youko!" She shouted at him, her temper raising. Knowing full well that he was only going to start another fight with the aggravated hanyou. "Knock. It. Off!"

Youko sighed dejectedly, pouting as he kicked the ground. Much like the way he would when he was a child, when his mother would put an end to his fun. "Well you don't have to be so loud about it." He grumbled.

"Wait! Kagome! You know him!" Sango exclaimed, halting her efforts to free Inuyasha. Miroku too stopping in his work. Both staring at Kagome expectantly. Much to the annoyance of Inuyasha, who remained tangled as ever.

"Yeah! That's Youko Kurama!" Shippo stated from the sidelines. Missing the way Youko instantly puffed with pride. Preening in the attention. "Kagome says that he's going to be part of our group!" He voiced cheerfully.

There was silence surrounding the area, disturbed only by the soft growls that came from Inuyasha. Seeing, or rather hearing, no sounds of recognition Youko's prideful demeanor deflated. His shoulders sagging in disbelief. "You can't be serious! None of you have heard of me!" He gestured to himself. "Youko Kurama! Hello!? The greatest thief Japan has ever seen!"

Sango and Miroku looked at him blankly, as Inuyasha finally kicked off the last confining vine. "Feh! Like it matters! Either way I'm going to kill you!" Inuyasha stated arrogantly, brushing off the dirt on his hoari.

Youko ignored him, deciding that since it would be Kagome who would secure his position in the group it would be better to keep in her good graces. "I can't believe this . . ." He grumbled, crossing his arms and leaning against one of the trees. "Even the kit knew who I was! And a slayer and monk don't!" He tsked. "Shameful. Just shameful."

Sango glared at him. "Well I'm sorry we don't have enough time for gossip. Were too busy trying to defeat Naraku." She stated icily. Not bothering to note Miroku's appearance by her side.

Youko opened his mouth to reply when Kagome cut him short. "Does it really matter?" She asked, obviously annoyed at all the bickering that she's had to put up with in just the single day.

Youko stood directly in front of her, pouting. "Of coarse it matters! Not only is my reputation at stake. But that also means that the mutt is doing a horrendous job of getting information!"

Kagome rubbed her temples, beginning to feel the days events as she stifled a yawn. Seeing a flash of white from the corner of her eye she mentally sighed. "Sit boy."

Inuyasha slammed to the ground, halting his attack immediately. He growled into the ground. "KAGOME!"

"I told you before Inuyasha." She sighed, turning a meaningful gaze to Youko. Who was smiling like a fool, obviously happy with the fact that she had 'saved' him. "He's part of the team now. And team members don't try to kill each other." She turned on her heel, picking Shippo up as she began her trek to camp, looking over her shoulder. "Now I'm tired. So if you don't mind I'll be going to sleep. And don't you dare fight." She gave Inuyasha a pointed look, clearly hinting to him.

"Why are you looking at me like that! Did you forget that that damn kitsune had me gagged and tied, in VINES!" Inuyasha yelled angrily, pointing at the nonchalant Youko, who was smiling smugly.

Kagome's eyes narrowed slightly in warning. "Inuyasha, you started the fight intending to kill him. And he retaliated with out so much as scratching you. So I'm afraid that you have NO argument. Now good night!" She stated, once again walking to camp. Not bothering to look behind her, Sango quickly catching up to her.

The remaining men stood in silence, watching the woman slowly disappear into the thick forest. Youko yawned, stretching. "Well I don't know about you, but I'm tired as well." He stated, beginning to follow after Kagome and Sango. Eager to play out some plans that he had in mind for a certain miko . . .

Miroku stopped him with his staff, abruptly holding it in the way of Youko's destination, Inuyasha coming soon as well to block the path. Both males looking at the kitsune with distrust, though a certain hanyou had an added murders glint to his eyes. Both unfazed by the cold look that also entered Youko's golden eyes. "Do understand. We can not trust you as easily as Miss Kagome." Miroku stated smoothly.

Youko glared down at the monk, his lips pursed into a thin line. He reigned his urge to growl, instead his hands clenching at his side. "Fine. I won't follow you into camp . . . tonight. However, tomorrow will be a different story." Youko said coldly, daring them to disagree with the deal.

"How about you just leave!" Inuyasha growled out. Memories of him kissing Kagome playing over in his mind. His true reason for not wanting the fox to join them. He didn't trust him with her. He would never trust any one but himself with her.

"Inuyasha that is obviously not possible. Kagome made a deal with him. Which means that we too have to respect her decision." Miroku stated. Stopping whatever argument would have pursued. Just taking a glance at Youko's stiff form told him that Inuyasha's constant insults and teasing would get his friend in trouble. "We will except your offer. However," Miroku lifted a hand in a fluent gesture. "If you lay an unwanted hand on either of the ladies . . ."

"I have no interest in your slayer monk." Youko stated bluntly. "You harass her enough. She won't need some one else." Youko teased, though his voice remained the same monotone droll. Though it did bring a small smile to Miroku's face. "I have however taken an interest in Kagome." Youko stated, looking at Inuyasha straight in the eye. "But I won't do anything she objects to. As long as it does not interfere with any deals we've made."

Inuyasha growled his hand itching to strike the proud youkai. "Interest my ass! You lay one finger on her again and I'll-"

"You'll do nothing." Youko stated coldly, interrupting the hanyou. "For if my memory serves me, which it always does, you left her." He stated an edge adding to the already hard voice. "You are in no position to tell me what I am and am not permitted to do. Now since the monk has wisely accepted the agreement, and I to his. I will be going now. Tell Kagome and the kit goodnight for me."

"Why you . . ." Inuyasha growled out, rolling up his sleeves to plummet the kitsune while he walked away. The only thing stopping him was Miroku. Who quickly held him back.

"It won't get you any where Inuyasha." He stated bluntly, releasing his friend when he felt his muscles slack. A tinge of sadness laced his voice. "And . . . he is correct. By leaving Kagome, you have practically given her to him." He looked at his friend, his eyes soft. "You told her to find someone else to be happy with. And it turned out that he may have found her. Be happy for them. . . You owe it to her."

Inuyasha remained silent. Part of him recognizing the truth, the other part wanting only to shred Youko till he could no longer be a threat. He looked to where the kitsune had disappeared. "Your right Miroku . . . I do owe her. But that does not change the fact that he will have to pass my approval first."

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Ok! There you have it! 5th chapter! Took my long enough huh? Sorry about that, Stupid family doesn't understand my need to write. I now have time limit. It sucks big time. But I'll try my hardest to keep this updated as soon as possible. And yeah. Oh! If any one could tell me why the hell my borders aren't showing up that would be great too! (see chapter one to see what I'm talking about) Oh! And I think I may be doing something a LITTLE different. If you guys like the idea that is.

I think I'm going to give out points, that's right. Points. To reviewers. For small things like 1. just reviewing. And then I'll give out more points for things like being observant and putting out ideas and constructive criticism! The person with the most points will have the last chapter dedicated to them. Not much I know, but really now, what else COULD I give you! So just tell me what you think of the idea. If you guys like it, I'll do it. And I think that's it . . . except for my glorious reviews! Which I will address . . . . NOW!

Anonymous: Sorry! Got to see the next chapter for that one!

Lady Kisa Sohma: I'm not really sure what you meant in your last sentence . . . but if you asking if anything important will happen in her time then . . . no . . . that's the sequel. Thanks for the review!

anime-lavuh: Yes it was! And he most definitely is! I think he may be to sexy for that shirt of his. (wink)

Bekkablair: Yeah! Plots!! And I don't think any one in their right mind would mind in Kagome's position! Well . . . maybe a guy . . . but they don't count unless they are gay! And you got the very portrayal of the line that I was trying to put off! Very good! You get a cookie!

TheFrozenCow: You. Yes you. You are very very observant . . . THANK YOU GOD! Yes I love Poison and all those other 80's bands! I'm trying to make all the the quotes Poison for this story since the title comes from one of their songs. It's been pretty hard, but since they did a whole bunch of sexual songs I think I can do it! *since Youko is both sexy and perverted!* And yes I do like Queen. How could any one in their right mind not?

ptbear: They'll be a little twist when it comes to defeating Naraku. But it will be great none the less! But I can't say to much, so keep reading and find out!

silverkitsunekagome: Yeah! I'm glad you thought so! And I hope you liked this chapter!

inudemoness247: You guessed right! And I'm glad you thought she was in character. It's one of my goals as a writer. So it means a lot!

sunstar kitsune: Hehe! Not if he can help it! As Kagome said, he is a 'kinky kitsune' (phrase created by yours truly . . . that means me.)

The Vampire Story Hunter: (smiles) I had been thinking about that, and I think I will use it. But Shippo will look at Youko as more of an idol than a father. It will be easier for the story that way.

GriffinWingGoddess: I know! That is a lot! This one was a little longer too! I is proud of myself! And thanks!

BlueDove: Yeah! And sorry it was a little late!

sha-chan: It won't be THAT juicy. But it will probably have a lime. Not a full lemon. But a lime. Now. I have updated for your sanity!

: Thanks! And I will definitely work on the fluff! (wink)

DragonBitchKiller: Wow! Aren't you enthusiastic! Well I'm glad you like it so much! Here's another chapter for ya!

storyspinner1600: That is the longest, and most helpful review I believe I have gotten so far! Thank you so much for your time! And I'm sorry for the whole, view switching thing. But I feel that for the story to be a success I need the reader to be in both of their minds. And the simplest way to do that is by going paragraph to paragraph. And I know! I have horrible grammar! One of these days I will probably go back and correct all of them. And no, I'm afraid I don't have any original work posted! If I do in the future though I'll be sure to tell you!

kagie-chan: Well this is pretty soon considering when you reviewed! And I'm glad you like my story!

Jin's girlfriend: Sorry! Took a bit longer than expected. But as I said. I have a time limit now+ school. So it's going to be tough. But stick in there with me! (P.S. GO JIN!!! WOOT!)

Baka KitsuneBri: Yes it is. And we will most likely get to the part where Youko 'betrays' her about second to last chapter if I carry out all my little plans. But I can't tell you exactly when! Sorry!

gurlhushere13: Well lucky you! I updated the day after you reviewed! Bet that makes you feel special huh?! And I just HAD to put that scene in their! It was just too perfect!

And that's all for now! Though I would just like to thank all my reviewers once again. It really does help, and that's the very reason why I spend so much time responding to you individually. Like I have spent . . . about 40 minutes, just responding to reviews. And I just wanted to let you all know that. Because that IS how much it means to me. And I want to at least give you something back, even if it isn't much. And with that said, I'll get out of my little uplifting speech and post this! Because unfortunately it's as close as I'll ever get to owning either shows. (sigh) But I can still dream! And so can you! So good dreams!!