Every Rose Has Its Thorn

by AbsentAngel

YYHIY crossover Youko is hired by Naraku to steal the Shikon No Tama in return for the thrill of the hunt. But when Youko's part of the deal isn't fulfilled he intends to improvise . . . KagYouko

6. Laying Down the Line

Stop beating around the bush
You're just wasting time
Let's get down to the business honey
And lay it on the line
-Body Talk, Poison

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Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #6
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"So . . . Do you like him?" Sango asked her friend after hearing the details of Kagome's story. Including the previous parts she had left out when she told her about what happened at the hot spring. Walking close to her as if her nearness would help push an honest answer out of her.

Kagome blushed, but remained silent. Hiding a portion of her face with her bangs. Hoping to hide the blush. Unfortunately Shippo, who was currently seated on her shoulder, saw it almost immediately.

"You do!" Shippo exclaimed happily. Already concocting ways to bring the two together. He liked Youko after all, how could he not? He was a legend! Even if no one else in their group knew who he was. It was certain that every kitsune would. He himself could remember vividly the stories of the famous thief that his father would always tell him. His father had always laugh heartedly when he had claimed that he would become the next legendary thief. His mother quickly scolding him afterwards, though she too smiled. Those had been some of his fondest memories of his parents. And he was determined to get Kagome to see that Youko was definately better than Inuyasha. Even if it was the last thing he did.

"I do not Shippo!" Kagome yelled, flustered. The deep blush still coloring her cheeks.

"You do too! That's why your blushing!" Shippo pointed out happily. His face beaming, despite Kagome's small glare. Instead sticking his tongue out at her, delighted when she returned the childish gesture.

Sango smiled at their antics. But she was still worried. From what she had heard and seen, Youko was dangerous. And she wasn't sure if she wanted Kagome to take a chance with him. What if he only broke her heart? "Kagome? Do you?" She asked hesitantly. She didn't want to say anything to upset her. She had already had a tiring day.

Kagome looked away. "I-I don't know . . . I know I'm attracted to him . . ." She looked at Sango and Shippo in turn, sighing as she looked at the ground. "But I don't know him. It's confusing."

Sango smiled at her friend. Accepting her answer with open arms. It was the decision that she herself had hoped she had picked. She didn't trust the kitsune, it was just so . . . sudden. It had been just Kagome, Shippo, Miroku, Inuyasha, and her for so long now. Hell, even Kirara was counted in their bizarre family. The idea of someone new just unsettled her, especially since that someone new happened to be a thief. 'Just like Onigumo . . .' The thought echoed through her mind. Was that why she was so against him? Was she really that judgmental?

"Sango? Are you all right?" Kagome asked worriedly, her concern for her radiating of her. The kitsune on her shoulder also eyeing Sango much in the same way.

Sango smiled softly at her friend. "I'm fine. I was just . . . thinking." She answered. Wincing when she heard the guilt laced within her her own words.

Kagome shared a look with Shippo, both not accepting the vague answer. "Well what were you thinking about?" Shippo prodded, jumping from Kagome's shoulder to Sango's.

Sango sighed, looking at her friend. She bit her lip, what if Kagome was getting attached to him? And she was right for not trusting him? Or worse yet, what if she said something and he was perfectly trustworthy? Would Kagome be angry with her if she spoke out?

Seeing Sango's hesitation, Kagome laid a hand on Sango's free shoulder. Smiling gently. "It's ok Sango. You can talk to us. We won't get angry . . . and we won't tell." She gave a pointed look to the kitsune on her shoulder. "Isn't that right Shippo?"

"Yes Kagome . . ." Shippo grumbled, pouting. He was hoping to maybe use some of this information to tease Inuyasha. But a promise is a promise. Besides, he had already seen what happened when you broke a promise to Kagome. And the consequences were NOT something he wanted to go through.

Kagome smiled approvingly at him, before once again turning her attention to Sango. "See? Just tell us!" She prodded gently. Though her undying curiosity underlined the almost motherly tone.

Sango sighed, but she gave in. Knowing full well that Kagome would never let it go until she knew. "It's just that . . ." She paused, taking a deep breath before taking the plunge. "I don't trust him Kagome. What if he hurts you? What if this is all some kind of scheme to-"

"I know." Kagome cut her off. Her voice unusually wistful, as her eyes stared forward into the forest. Seeing the shadowy figure of her cooking pots and the dead fire next to it. They had reached camp.

"But . . . if you know then why are you taking the chance? It . . . just seems unlike you to get over Inuyasha so quickly . . ." Sango asked concerned. Sincerely wanting to know what Kagome's reasons were.

She sighed, reaching towards her sleeping bag as she carefully unzipped it. Having to fiddle with it when it got jammed. "Because we made a pact. I don't fully trust him either, but . . ." She paused, the zipper finally coming loose as she crawled into her sleeping bag, zipping it up around her. "Sometimes the word of a thief is the truest. . . Goodnight Sango, Shippo. I'll see you in the morning."

Sango and Shippo shared a look, as Kagome turned her back to them. Drifting into a restful slumber. Both wondering what would come the next morning . . . .

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"Naraku isn't going to be happy about this you know." Said a feminine voice from above him. Blunt, uncaring, and direct.

Youko chuckled, turning his molten gaze to the wind sorceress. "I'm sure he won't be. But this is what happens when deals are broken." Youko stated, his voice hardening. His way of showing his displeasure.

Kagura snorted, her nose wrinkling in distaste. "Deal? Naraku never makes deals. At least never any honest ones. What made you think that your proposal would be any different?"

He smirked at her words, as serious and spiteful as they sounded. They only amused him. "Who said I believed that? I'm simply saying that my end of the arrangement WILL be met if he expects his to be. Very fair actually." He stated, never abandoning his well known smirk.

Kagura however frowned disapprovingly. "Naraku won't have it. He'll kill you before he let's you get away with disobeying him." Her hand instinctively went to her left breast. Where her heart should, and would be. Wincing as she recalled all the times she had disobeyed her 'father'. As well as the extreme pain that had come with it.

"Once again Kagura." He looked her directly in the eye. Daring her to condemn him again. "If he doesn't play by the rules, neither will I. You tell him that." His eyes hardened, defending his foreboding words. "He will know the consequences of doing otherwise."

"I follow Naraku's orders! Not your's fox!" She snarled. Jumping from her current seat on her tree branch to face him. Her defiance radiating off her, causing Naraku's scent to intensify immensely.

Youko regarded her calmly, his eyes moving up and down her body in a suggestive manner. "Well if you would like to stay, by all means. Stay." He purred. Inwardly laughing as he saw her reaction.

She growled warningly, but she could not hold back the blush that tinted her cheeks. Much to her disappointment. "Save that for your miko fox. As it seems your getting a soft spot for her." She ground out from clenched teeth.

He stiffened, but then quickly relaxed. Letting out a long chuckle which soon evolved into full out laughter. They deep sound hearty sound bouncing off the many trees. He wiped a stray tear from his eye, sighing. "Boy, I haven't laughed that hard in a while!" He exclaimed, calming himself down.

"And how is this so funny?!" Kagura snarled, her hand resting on her fan. Her anger rising to new hights. She had been angered before, but she had never been PUSHED to anger.

Youko smirked. "Why. It's just that I never knew you could get so jealous Kagura! I would have thought you would have known that there is plenty of me to go around!" He teased, giving her a wink just to infuriate her further.

"Why you!" Kagura opened her fan, raising it over her head as she prepared to release her fury upon him. She would have done it with no problem too. Had she not felt that familiar tug at her heart. Or where her heart WOULD be. Her attack stopped in mid stroke, growling her frustration. Which was further provoked when she looked up to see Youko's victorious face. "You got lucky fox. Don't expect it to happen again. I don't let things go easily. Just ask the wolf when you meet him." She threatened. Pulling her feather out of her air, and hoping on it with an experienced air. Leaving Youko to himself.

He smirked. "Well then. She seemed quite cheery." He joked to himself. Chuckling at the situation as a whole. Though he did wish she had stayed longer to explain who 'the wolf' was. He flashed a fang. That or to have a little fun with him. Or even better both . . . at the same time . . .

He chuckled at that thought. Jumping onto one of the surrounding tree's branches swiftly. Gracefully seating himself comfortably against the trunk as some of the branches moved to cover him from sight. It wouldn't do to die tonight. Oh no. Not when he had such wonderful plans for morning . . . .

The next morning . . .

Sunlight creeped through the canopy of the trees. Floating across Kagome's closed eyelids, causing her to groan in discomfort. Attempting to turn away from the bothersome light, only to find herself tangled within her sleeping bag. She groaned again, blinking her eyes open to the world surrounding her.

The camp seemed unusually still, everyone still sleeping soundly in their normal places. Taking further observation she realized why.

The small amount of light that filtered through the branches was only enough to see their figures. Making her wonder what had woken her up so early.

She felt a patch of warmth laying against her stomach, which she automatically assumed was Shippo. As the little fur ball had always acted as her teddy bear of sorts. Not that he minded. The child had always loved and craved the attention.

She smiled to herself, reaching a hand under the covers to pet his head lovingly. Though once her hand reached it's destination she was shocked to find, not Shippo, but a hand.

She frowned in confusion as she contemplated. There was no way Shippo's hand could be that big. But if it wasn't his then who's was it?

"Mmmm . . ." Youko groaned, nuzzling into the back of her neck. His hand on her stomach slipping down to her hip. Sighing as he stilled once more, still lost in sleep. Though his partner was now VERY awake.

"HENTAI!!!!!!!!!" And chaos insued . . . .

(:)(A)(:)

Yup. Another chapter done and complete. I tried to end it on a comedic note, and as far as I know, I think I succeeded! But yeah. The next few chapters are probably going to be a little more laid back, with a whole bunch of fluffy lining. But after the fluff . . . comes the sweet sweet drama . . . . oh yes . . . . beware. ALSO! Due to my overactive mind you will most likely see a one-shot appearing soon. From what show you ask? Well you know what? I have no bloody idea. It will probably be a Gundam Wing fic. Since I've been wanting to do one for a while now. I actually have a multiple chapter one in mind too . . . but that will probably be put on hold since I have other stories I wish to start before. Since I have been planning it for what seems like forever!!! But yeah. I may actually take a toll on what you guess want me to start on next AFTER the sequel! (so no worries, this story is going to remain foremost important since I'm not going to distract myself with other stories) But yeah . . . . Now one to the reviews!!!(Which by the way are almost up to a hundred!)

Bekkablair: BROWNIES!!!!! Hehe! Yeah! I didn't want to do the whole 'father' thing since it seemed really overused. Not to mention that Shippo wouldn't react that way to someone so soon. And I'm sorry about the error! Though I still can't find it . . . . (I'll keep trying though! Since it will bug the hell out of me until I do!) But just for mentioning it . . . . (gives her TWO cookies) Yeah! Cookies! :o)

GriffinWingGoddess: Yes indeed! Though I do sort of sympathize with him . . . sort of . . . it was mainly just to get him out of the way in a less . . . harsh way. Though I do agree. He had it coming! (Automatically thinks of the Chicago song) Oh damn it! Now it's stuck . . .

sunstar kitsune: Nani? I'm confused . . . but yes . . . Youko can be very scary at times . . . but very VERY sexy at the same time! Oh yes! (wink)

anime-lavuh: I know! Poor Inu! He and Kagome will still be real close though. You got to remember. He ditched her. So he's TECHNICALLY not getting ditched. Though it still bothers him a bit. He'll get over it though . . . after he gives Youko a long, demanding lecture . . .

Samurai Demon:God Sekikage: Hehe! You are very good at predicting things! It has been something I've been mulling over for a loooonnngg time! It will most likely happen in the next few chapters. :)

kagie-chan: Well here ya go!

Anonymous: Why thank you! And here you go too!

: I'm sorry! You got a little bit of fluff in this chapter! And alas, I did not write them! They are Poison lyrics. And I don't think him calling Kagome by her name when he was 'sat' was THAT ooc. I've heard him do that before. (nod nod)

Muki: Very very much trouble! As you will soon find out! Their will probably be lots of scheming! (snicker)

inudemoness247: Once again. Not to much in this chapter. But surely more to come. Especially since Kagome's little 'deal' and her punishment. ;) (snicker snicker)

Fox Gal: Really?! Oh! That's so sweet! Thank you so much! I hope this chapter didn't disappoint you! :)

Baka KitsuneBri: I would do that but it seems to be a little overused. Plus you know that Youko would EVENTUALLY get it off. But I will take it into consideration. And thanks!!

sacaku: Ah. Yu Yu gang comes in the sequel. At least that's how I'm planning it. THIS story is taking place in the feudal era. With the exception of Kagome going home and such, of coarse. And thank you! I'm glad you like it so much!! :)

ptbear: Ah yes. Not to much happening, but yet some crucial points too. Wasn't the best I'd say. But then I usually save the best for last! . . . depending on your tastes of coarse. (shifty eyes)

Skuld-hime: Inuyasha? Yes she does! A very very VERY protective and jealous big brother!

Jin/Touya lover: hehe! That's ok! Were all perverts in our mind! Or is it our mind . . . (shifty eyes) Arigato! Fluff will come soon!

BlueDove: Hmm . . . I'm afraid I don't see the connection with Titanic. Though I haven't watched the movie in a long time. I'll take your word for it though! (wonders if gray is good)

Megan Consoer: But of coarse! If you think I'm going to ditch this story when it has near a hundred reviews you are very mistaken! This thing will go to the end! So don't you worry! :)

Lady of Chaos 2005: Well here ya go!

Why?What?Shutup: Very! ;)

Youko'sVixen: NO! I'm Youko's vixen! He wuvs me more! ;) jk. I'm not to fond of Kouga, but he's good for a laugh!

Haruko 4491: Really? Who recommended it too you? (ponders)

Well that's it! . . . . I think . . . if I missed you, you can hit me on the head with the monks staff.

Miroku: Why certainly! ;)
Me: BAD MONK! KEEP YOUR DIRTY THOUGHTS TO YOURSELF!!! . . . . AND YOUR STAFF!!

(Oh! And in case you didn't know all ready . . . I don't own shit . . . except for this story . . . for which if you steal I must warn you, you will have one crazy bitch on your heels . . . with a pointy stick . . . and some very sharp knives . . . Ja ne! And have a nice day!)

OH! By the way! I'm interested in getting a proof reader!! Any one who wants the position say aye! You get to read the story sooner! ;)