I'll be there for you
These five words I swear to you
When you breathe I want to be the air for you
I'll be there for you
I'd live and I'd die for you
Steal the sun from the sky for you
Words can't say what a love can do
I'll be there for you
-I'll Be There For You, Bon Jovi
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Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #8
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She kneeled on the tatami floor traditionally, her feet tucked under her fashionably. Her head bent as she looked at her hands blankly. She could feel herself trembling . . . and she hated it. She hated the fact that she feared the reaction of the man before her. But what else could she do? She had every right to feel fear, he held her very life in his hands . . . literally.
"So the fox wants to continue playing games then." The voice was cold, emotionless, a statement. That was normal for him, he usually sounded that way. Like ice, cold and smooth.
Kagura hated it.
It made it impossible to decipher what he was thinking, planning. The fact that his back was turned to her as he looked out the window only made things worse. Sometimes she could gauge his anger when she saw his face, his crimson eyes would narrow and his lips would purse. It gave her a fair enough warning to run. But not this time . . .
"Yes Naraku. The kitsune has banally refused to give you the jewel. He believes that you haven't fulfilled your end of the bargain." Kagura said, thankful that her voice remained steady. She refused to show weakness to anybody. Especially Naraku.
He remained quiet for a moment, looking fixedly out the window and into the world beyond the castle walls. He closed his eyes, a deep chuckle emitting from his throughout. He turned to face his daughter, his eyes flashing dangerously in the dim lighting. "Well then, we'll just have to play along with his little game . . ."
Kagura shivered, cringing as she found herself pitying the fox. She had warned him earlier that Naraku didn't like to lose. Now he would be experiencing the full extent of his competitive edge. "What do you plan to do?" She inquired, watching intently as Naraku walked over to the white baboon pelt that lay, folded neatly, in the corner of the room. Stroking the soft fur with a sinister air about him that provoked her to wince.
It was as if he were not stroking his baboon pelt . . . but a fox pelt.
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It was amazing really. That one could easily walk in the back of the group with out looking suspicious. Though Miroku had given him a knowing smirk when he did so, the monk himself having done the same thing countless times. It seemed that the temptation to sit back and watch those luxurious hips swing as the woman walked was simply too great for both of them at times. Though the subject of their attentions did differ. His eyes never had time to make their way to the slayer, because they were constantly occupied with the miko.
Not that the unusual green skirt had made matters any better. It was a wonder that she hadn't been molested yet. With her showing off those long, shapely legs to the world. The skirt swaying with her hips, rising tauntingly before falling down to it's original position. It was enough to drive a man insane with frustration.
Though Youko was no man, and as far as he was concerned, his demonic needs suppressed any human males. A fact that, within itself, caused him trouble. It took all his will power to stay in the back and not walk up next to her and pull some more . . . oh what did they call them . . . oh yes!
Stunts.
Though remembering the incident that morning gave him the will power that he needed to control his urges. As wonderful as the experience was, recalling her distress afterwards was enough to keep him in line. He would much rather see her laugh . . . as she had that morning. Though the reason evaded him.
It didn't even matter that she was partly laughing at his distress. Though it did bruise his pride a bit, her happiness made it worth the damage. He . . . he wanted her to stay that way. When she was happy her beauty tripled, her face glowed as she smiled.
He of course chalked it up to the fact that he was a kitsune. For they of coarse liked beautiful things, so naturally he would like to keep her that way. Though part of his mind whispered a different reason . . . a personal reason. He be damned if he admitted it was right. Which it wasn't . . .
Youko frowned softly at the internal argument. It shouldn't matter. He was sent to steal the shards, not to fall for some human girl. Not that he was falling of coarse. He simply found her extremely interesting . . . and bright and beautiful and caring and - no! It didn't matter. She was a mission. He just didn't want to see her sad because it ruined her beauty. That was it, end of story! So he just wouldn't pull any more pranks.
Not that it mattered, he wouldn't have been able to do much any way since she was walking next to the mutt. Walking along with the pink device that he had learned was called a bicycle.' He had seen her ride it on a few occasions, and he had to admit it seemed to be quite a useful thing for humans to have. Though when he asked her how she got it, there was a thick silence. They didn't want him to know something . . . and the fact had been bothering him since that morning.
What could be so important that they wouldn't want him to know? All he asked was where she got the device, it wasn't as if it were some weapon of mass destruction.
He sighed. One of the curses to being a kitsune was the undeniable curiosity that came with it. If one didn't know something, didn't know a secret, they would strive to find out no matter what the costs. It was simply part of their nature. They had to know things. And though it was the reason they tended to end up in trouble, it was also the reason they grew up so knowledgeable.
He took another long look at the bicycle. It was something so unusual . . .so . . . unearthly. It wasn't a surprise that he was instantly curios of its origins. He cursed the device mentally for being so damned mysterious before turning his attention back to its owner, who was currently hiding a yawn with the back of her hand.
His eyes softened slightly, they had been walking for nearly five hours and she was undoubtedly tired. Especially with that heavy pack she insisted on wearing. Yet another thing that held his curiosity.
The mutt had offered to carry it for her, but she had politely declined. Though Youko could easily see that it was a struggle for the young woman to even remain standing with it's weight bearing down on her. He was surprised that none of them had yet to ask for a break. Though he supposed that they were all feeling awkward with his presence.
He sighed, shaking his head with a roll of his eyes. Enough was enough, and he planned on making that clear. His strides lengthened purposely, as he quickly passed the slayer and monk, both of which looked at him curiously. He ignored them, instead coming directly behind Kagome. With a small smile to the kitsune on her shoulder before taking her wrist in his hand. Successfully stopping her as she turned around, looking at him curiously.
"Take your bag off." He demanded sternly, ignoring the warning look he was currently receiving from the hanyou a little ahead of them.
Kagome blinked, unsure if she truly understood. "What?"
He rolled his eyes, crossing his arms over his chest as he frowned down at her. "Take your bag off, I'm going to carry it for you." He said bluntly, holding a hand out.
Kagome frowned, a hand laying protectively on her backpacks strap. " I can carry it!" She defended. Giving the kitsune a soft glare.
He raised a delicate eyebrow skeptically. "I'm sure you can. However, considering the fact that you can hardly stand on your feet, I will be carrying it from now on." He demanded already helping the bag off her back. Well . . . trying to at least.
"I can carry it! I am perfectly capable! Now let go of my bag!" She growled out, pulling on her end of the bag roughly. Using the remainder of her strength to try to rip it from his grip.
Youko scowled down at her. Pulling on bag sharply, causing his attraction on the other end to collide into him from the force. In turn causing her to glare menacingly up at him, of which he returned. "I know your capable! You just can't carry this pack!"
Kagome's eye twitched madly, as her teeth clenched. "What is that suppose to mean!" She yelled up at him, tugging at her bag, even though she knew very well that it wouldn't be pulled out of his grip.
"It means that I will be carrying your bag!" He yelled back down at her. His patience being driven to the edge.
"NO YOU WILL NOT!"
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"Wow . . . This is possibly worse than when Kagome and Inuyasha fight . . ." Miroku stated from the sidelines, watching the two with an undivided interest. Slightly worried for their health.
"Only because she can't sit him . . ." Sango murmured, she too watching with wide eyes, holding Shippo in her arms. The young kit had evacuated the war zone as soon as he had sensed it coming. Which had been somewhere between Give me your bag.' and I can carry it.'
"What's that suppose to mean!" Inuyasha defended. Though in truth he was enjoying the argument thoroughly. The only thing that could have made it better if Kagome had indeed given the fox a rosary. . .
"FINE! IF YOU WANT TO CARRY THE DAMN BAG THEN CARRY THE DAMN BAG!" Youko roared, not giving her the chance to talk as he let go of his end of the bag in turn for swiftly picking the girl up and swinging her over his shoulder, conveniently ignoring her cries of protest. Not to mention that the previously argued bag that was dropped to the ground unceremoniously. "I'LL JUST CARRY YOU!"
"LET ME DOWN YOU BRUTE!" She cried out, fisting her hands in his shirt as she purposely yelled in his sensitive ear, making him flinch.
Miroku stepped up hesitantly, walking over the hanyou that currently lay on the ground laughing hysterically. "Look, how about we just-"
"STAY OUT OF THIS!" They yelled in unison, leaving a stunned monk as they continued their bickering.
"Will they ever stop?" Shippo asked with wide eyes, he had never seen Kagome so angry . . . the arguments he always saw ended with a simple 'sit' and it was done. Unfortunately it didn't seem as if that would work in this case . . .
Though as if on cue, there was a sudden silence between the two. As Inuyasha suddenly coming to grips with the lack of noise, his laughter died in his throat, instead looking to them. Examining their still forms as they looked ahead of them. Kagome whispering something under her breath as the fox nodded slowly. "What's going on?!" Inuyasha shouted at them, jumping to his feet as he sniffed the wind. Which was unfortunately blowing in the wrong direction.
Kagome slipped down from Youko's shoulder with the fox's help. Looking at Inuyasha, licking her lips. "I sense some jewel shards coming . . . fast."
Inuyasha instantly relaxed, rolling his eyes with an annoyed groan. "The wolf again? When is he going to leave us-"
"I don't know who this wolf' is that you speak of. But I can tell you that what's coming isn't him." Youko stated as he looked across the horizon. Not bothering to turn and look at the hanyou.
"What makes you so sure?" Sango asked, though she had already readied her Hiraikotsu, as well as the fully transformed Kirara by her side.
Youko turned to look at her, an eyebrow raised. "Well last time I checked wolves don't fly."
"Well then," Inuyasha stated, swinging his Tetsaiga into it's transformed state before resting it on it's shoulder and walking past Youko confidently. "I'd say it's about time we introduce ourselves then." He looked at Youko from over his shoulder. "I suggest you don't get in my way fox, I won't hesitate to make a blow if you do." He stated coldly, ignoring the disapproving look that Kagome shot him.
Youko crossed his arms nonchalantly. "I don't think you have to worry about that. I plan on sitting this one out and watching." He stated, his eyes never leaving the hanyou's.
"What's wrong? Scared?" Inuyasha sneered, ignoring the fact that the enemy was nearly upon them.
Youko smirked. "On the contrary, I simply like to sit back and watch you get pounded because of your poor fighting ability."
Inuyasha was about to retort something, but he never got the chance as a loud screech filled their ears. It seemed the vulture demon was ready for them. And so the fight began.
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The battle had already gone on for at least a good half an hour, and Kagome watched it with hazy vision. The adrenaline leaving a fiery trial in her veins as she notched another arrow. Carefully aiming it at the currently grounded vulture youkai, who had just sent Inuyasha flying in the opposite direction with powerful swipe of it's beak, leaving her a clear shot. "Incoming!" She released, the miko arrow leaving a stream of purple energy behind it before hitting it's target . . . well . . . almost it's target. The arrow was meant to hit the birds beak where she sensed the jewel shards were but the arrow seemed to have different plans, veering downward and to the right last minute before hitting on of the birds shoulders. Sizzling as it imbedded itself within the bird, painfully purifying whatever it touched.
An angry screech filled the air, the shrill sound nearly deafening. Sango and Miroku dropped to their knees, cradling their heads with their hands, Quickly followed by Kagome who was farther away from the screaming beast. They could only imagine how bad it was for Inuyasha, who had flattened his ears against his skull, in a futile effort to block out the sound. Though unlike the rest of them, he managed to stand up despite the pain. Throwing a nasty glare at the kitsune who laid languidly in one of the trees, bitter that the fox was far enough not to be in pain.
Inuyasha let out a feral growl, gritting his teeth as he swung the Tetsaiga over his shoulder, readying himself to make the final blow. Only to look up to a scene that made his heart stop.
The bird was going for Kagome, and this time, Inuyasha was in no position to save her. "KAGOME! RUN!" Inuyasha yelled out, panicked as he struggled to run to her. Hardly noticing when the awful screeching had stopped.
Kagome looked up, relieved when she could lift her hands from her ears. Though it was short lived as she looked over to Inuyasha, running towards her. His eyes wide in what was . . . fear? She gave him a confused look, not understanding why he was frightened. That is until she felt a shadow come over her.
She gulped audibly, lifting her head to the sky and paled. Hovering over her was the vulture demon, it's naked neck arched back as it prepared the final blow. Kagome looked down at her fingers that lay sprawled in the grass, not wanting to watch her fate come crashing down on her. She was going to die . . . Kagome squeezed her eyes shut, hoping that it wouldn't be to extremely painful.
They say that when your about to die your life flashes before your eyes. This wasn't the case for Kagome. Instead, the world stopped spinning, and everything seemed suspended and silent. Every second felt like ten, every minute felt like twenty. As if her brain was trying to prolong her life as much as humanly possible. She saw Inuyasha running in slow motion, the shocked expressions of Sango and Miroku and then . . . Shippo. The fear in his eyes as he too watched from a safe distance. Right where she had told him too. She felt a prickle of tears behind her eyes. She would be he third parent he lost. She sent him an apologetic look and a soft, bitter smile, before looking back to Inuyasha and mouthing one word. Goodbye.' Before closing her eyes and waiting for the end.
She felt two strong arms wrap around her waist, hooking under one of her ribs as they bolted forward. Her eyes shot open, wondering if an angel had come to get her so soon. She looked up at her captor, craning her neck to see his face. Her mouth parting softly as she looked in a sudden stupor at her savior. Youko Kurama. She blinked, as if to make sure if vision was correct. It was, and with sudden urge, she reached her hand up, touching his face softly. Her last confirmation.
He looked down at her, golden eyes swirling in confusion at her sudden impulse. Though Kagome said nothing, watching her hand with a fascination as it traced over his lips, seeming to have a mind of it's own. She looked back into his eyes, which were now not showing so much confusion, as pure wonder.
And so the world sped up, leaving Kagome lost in the surrounding blur around her. Pushing her to grip onto Youko's shoulders. Beginning to feel the bruise that would be formed later that night from her rough rescue, she winced slightly. Holding onto her savior tighter as they landed on the ground roughly before he pushed off the ground once again, distancing themselves from the battle.
Finally he stopped, holding perfectly still so the disoriented girl could regain her bearings. "Are you all right?" Youko asked softly, trying his best to ignore the fact that current position was driving his imagination into full gear. He could feel her every move, every shaky breath she took pushed her rounded chest flush against his, the hot breath teasing his neck. The squeeze of her thighs around his waist whenever she felt she was going to fall, not that she would have. The firm grip he had on her hips and back wouldn't have allowed it.
Kagome snuggled into his neck, unconsciously making the kitsune's situation harder on him. She listened to his quick breathing, assuming that it was due to his quick rescue. Little did she know that she was the cause. She drew in a final shaky breath, closing her eyes as she fought to regain her composure. "Did you know that everything slows down when your about to die?" She asked lightly, feeling her heart finally slow down.
Youko sighed, relieved at the show of humor, despite the slight morbidness of it. "I'm afraid I didn't. You'll have to explain in more depth sometime." He stated, looking across to the battle now that he knew she was ok. It seemed that the vulture was intent on fulfilling it's revenge. Struggling to get past the hanyou and the humans to get to them. Youko frowned, loosening his grip on Kagome so she could stand on her own. Biting his tongue as her legs slipped over his hips before reaching the ground, her hands gently resting on his chest as to balance herself.
For a moment he believed that she would be fine, but it was quickly dashed as her knees failed her and she came crashing into him. Though with a little support on his part, she was able to stand on her own. Seeing this, Youko let go of her hips, taking a step away from her. "Stay here." It was an order, not up for discussion.
Unfortunately, Kagome had a hard time swallowing orders. "What do you mean stay here'! I need to go help!" She argued, her hands fisting at her sides as she frowned. Knowing perfectly well that she was in no position to help out.
Youko gave her a hard look. "You are staying here!" He growled out, daring her to argue back. Though in his heart he knew it was futile. She would refuse to be left behind.
He was right. "You can't tell me what do to! You don't own me!" She cried out, she could feel the prickle of tears in the back of her eyes, but she refused to cry them. Instead walking unsteadily toward the battle, right past Youko, who growled. His frame shaking as he suppressed the urge to slap some sense into her.
"That's it!" He growled out, picking her up from behind as he stalked forward a few paces. Bending down with some difficulty due to the furious woman he held, he was able to plant a single seed into the ground. Splaying his hand over the spot, he allowed the plant to feed off of his energy, feeling the roots grow rapidly beneath the surface, causing the earth to bulge from underneath them. It wasn't long before the deep red petals burst from the ground around them, silencing the girl in his arms abruptly. She was too busy watching the petals curl over their bodies as each petal steadily met each other. The result, a crimson barrier of petals. The protection was thin, letting in a small amount of light through the walls of the flower, but it was extremely durable. At least enough to protect one from a vulture youkai.
Youko set her down gently, pleased with the result of his seed. As well as the silence that came with it. "Since you seem to have trouble keeping yourself safe, it seems I'll have to do it for you." He stated, probably a little colder than necessary, but he was still extremely upset. She had almost been killed, and yet she wanted to go out and put herself in danger again. It was enough to drive him mad. "Now stay here." He demanded needlessly, he knew very well that she couldn't get out. Though he still felt the declaration was necessary as he turned to leave, holding a hand out as he prepared to order the flower to open.
"Wait! You can't just leave me here! I need to help!" She cried desperately, grabbing his wrist. Trying to do anything to stop him. She needed to help, if she didn't she would feel useless. It was one of the things she hated most, one of the things that she was that Kikyo wasn't. What made her better. "You don't understand!" Perhaps that was the wrong thing to say, for as as soon as it left her lips, she felt him tense under her fingers. He himself turning so rapidly that she hardly had the time to blink before both of her own wrists were captrured in his.
"I understand that you nearly got yourself killed out there! I understand that it was I who saved you! I understand that you are unfit to even protect yourself! I believe that it is you who fails to understand!" He growled, gripping her wrists tightly. Though he was extremely careful not to harm her in his anger, if anything her wrists would be sore. With that thought he let go of wrists quickly. Watching as she brought them to her chest and rubbed them, glaring at him coldly.
"Well since I'm so stupid why did you save me?!" She yelled back at him, her teary eyes widening as he stalked toward her, scooping her chin in his hands and forcing her to look at him.
"Would you have rather me have just sit back and watch you die?" He whispered harshly, his eyes boring into hers. He could smell the salt that emitted from the tears that pooled behind her eyes, threatening to spill over at any moment. He would have normally felt extremely bad, knowing that he was the reason for her sadness. Hell, he had just declared that he didn't want to see her sad that morning! But he would much rather see her sad then dead, and right now, she needed to understand where he was getting at. Despite the fact that it took all his will power to remain angry at her, if he didn't he would no doubt give in. And right now, that was beyond unexceptable.
She wanted to look away, but his gentle but firm grip wouldn't allow her to do so. Something that only angered her forward driving her to say something she never wanted any one to hear. "If it meant that you wouldn't remind me that I'm useless! That my damn incarnate is so much better than me, then YES!" The words came came out before she could stop them, and she cried out at her own stupidity. Taking advantage of his loosened grip and turning away from him, crying softly into her hands.
She felt his hand on her elbow, trying to turn her toward him and she jerked her elbow away. "Leave me alone!" She screamed though her hands. Turning on him violently as he embraced her instead, pounding her fists into his hard chest. "Leave me alone! Leave me alone! Leave me ALONE!" She screamed at him, before sliding down onto the floor, his arms still around her. This time her hands fisted themselves in the white fabric he wore, crying into his chest as he whispered nonsense into her hair, trying to soothe her.
She held onto him tighter, convinced that if she didn't he would disappear. "Y-you weren't suppose to hear that." She sniffed, closing her eyes blissfully as he ran a hand through her hair comfortingly.
He kissed the top of her head, giving her a soft squeeze as he lifted her further onto his lap, leaning back against the petal's wall. Satisfied that he did the right thing when he felt her snuggle further into him. "I'm sure I wasn't. Though since I did, would you care to explain?" He asked softly, running his fingers through her hair as he smoothed out the tangles. His chin resting lightly on her head.
She bit her lip, snuggling deeper into the crook of his neck before taking an uneven breath. "It's just that . . . everyone can fight you know? Inuyasha, Sango, Miroku, even Kirara! And-"
"What about Shippo? He doesn't fight." Youko pointed out, his hands leaving her hair to rest on her thigh and back, where he stoked her skin with a soothing thumb.
"Well, no . . . but he's just a child! I'm an adult! I have no excuse to be so useless to the team!" She whimpered, feeling her voice crack. The tears were starting to roll down her cheek again and she quickly raised hand to wipe them away.
Youko was at a loss. He had never comforted a crying woman before, not to mention hold one. He was in completely new territory, and in a panic, he did the only thing he could think of to comfort her. He turned her chin up and kissed her. It was soft, undemanding as he caressed her lips with his. The closest thing he could think of that would provide the comfort she needed. Though when he felt her slowly respond, he forced himself to pull back only enough to keep contact as he whispered breathlessly against her lips. "Your anything but useless. Don't let me ever hear you say otherwise."
Kagome sucked in a breath of air, licking her lips, an act that caused her partner to groan. She smiled softly, whispering a small apology. Knowing full well that he was holding himself back, and act that surely took a lot of will power. She pulled back from him, searching his eyes. "How can you be so sure? You hardly know me . . ." She whispered.
He smiled, cupping her cheek with his hand as he gave her yet another soft kiss. "It doesn't take long to realize your not useless Kagome. Your the very heart of this group, whether you realize it or not." He kissed her brow, he knew that she wouldn't realize the significance of doing so. That the simple act showed her his respect, maybe he would tell her someday. "Without you, there wouldn't be a group."
When it seemed she was about to protest, he held a finger against her mouth, silencing her. "Think about it, if you weren't here would Sango and Miroku have joined the shard hunt? No. And Shippo would undoubtedly be an orphan still. And even if they did join, I'm sure the mutt would have scared them away after a week." He joked, giving her a soft squeeze.
She slapped his shoulder, though she was smiling. "That's mean!" She chastised, her mood brightening. She had needed this for a long time now. But it had always seemed that she couldn't get it from Sango because she wouldn't be able to trust her to tell her if it was other wise. And she definitely couldn't have talked to Inuyasha. Youko was perfect for the job, for he was so completely unbiased. He said it like it was, and for that she was thankful.
He gave her a smirk. "Ah, but I don't hear you disagreeing now do I?" He stated, his heart warming when he saw her give a bright smile.
"I never said I agreed either." She said defiantly, sticking her tongue out at him playfully. Causing him to chuckle lightly.
"If you don't put that tongue of yours back in I may just have to make some use of it." He warned, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.
"Really now?" She asked, gracefully raising herself off his lap and walking to the opposite wall, before once again, sticking her tongue out at him. "I don't believe you."
He raised his eyebrows, stalking towards her and putting his hands on the petal walls. Trapping her. "Don't you? Or are you just craving me?" He teased, though in truth he was giving her the last chance to back out. Surprisingly, she simply raised an eyebrow, her tongue refusing to retreat. He smirked, his face lowering to hers. "I guess it's the later hm?"
"Kagome! Kagome! Are you in there? Kagome!" Youko let out a growl, he could see the hanyou's silhouette through the thin walls and he was beyond pleased. He turned an accusing glare at the woman in front of him, who smiled tauntingly.
"You planned that." He accused, a pout forming on his lips as he crossed his arms. Though he made sure to keep his voice down as the flowers walls had already begun to lower under his command.
"Maybe, maybe not. You'll never know will you?" She teased, hopping over the remainder of the petal wall and greeting the hanyou with a smile. "Hi Inuyasha."
He sighed with relief, quickly grabbing the girl in a huge hug. "Oh thank god your all right! . . . You are all right aren't you?" He pushed her back, examining her with his nose. Startled to find the scent of tears clinging on her. "You've been crying!" His worried tone became harder as he gave Youko a hard stare. "The fox didn't-"
"No Inuyasha!"Kagome corrected quickly, already knowing what the hanyou was about to accuse. "I was scared and Youko comforted me." She said, smiling at the said person, who gave a quick smile of his own.
Inuyasha remained silent, watching the small exchange with interest. He sighed, he would have to make peace with the fox later. He saved Kagome, and for that . . . he might as well love her too. Despite how much he didn't like it. The fox was still better than Kouga. At least she liked Youko back . . . "Come on Kagome, the others are down the hill. And Shippo's throwing a hissy fit." He stated, starting down the hill.
"Oh! My poor Shippo! He must be so worried!" She cooed,following Inuyasha down the hill. Though not before throwing a bright smile over her shoulder at Youko.
Youko watched them depart, standing his ground, the smile's affect still having it's hold on him. The warmth that spread through his heart shook him to the core. It was then that he was able to admit it. It was the other reason.
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Oh I bet you're all just having a party! An early chapter that is oh . . . 18 pages long!!! MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
I mean! Am I the coolest or am I the coolest! (don't answer that) Any way! If your confused about the last line it's referring to when Youko was contemplating on whether he liked Kagome happy because he liked beautiful things or because of the personal reason.' Well you didn't find out what that reason was until the end of the chapter. If you STILL don't get the connection I'll make it extremely blunt. The other reason was because it made him all warm and happy too. Yup. I'm pretty happy with this chapter! As I believe I fulfilled all my promises! It's longer, sooner, and fluffier! :) And this story has officially reached a 100 pages! WOOT! Though I'm not sure how long it would be if I didn't include the Au's . . . . but we'll just ignore that!
And before I forget(which I almost did) I will now explain the last chapters ending. Even though it was pretty much covered in this chapter . . . any way! Basically, he was saying before when she was all upset that he didn't like to see her sad, well when she laughed at the end of the chapter, it both surprised and pleased him. You should know the rest from there ;)
Also someone made an extremely good point in a review that I would like to point out. This would be the review:
Tsuki Yume:
How can he be such a hypocrite? Not Inuyasha, though he always seems to be one in stories. But honestly, how can you plan to seduce and trick a person to get something that to her, determines her worth, and then complain about others breaking her heart? Huh? How?
This person has an extremely good point. And though I did cover it, I'm afraid I didn't make it clear enough in the chapter so I will go over it now. Youko isn't trying to seduce her in the way your thinking. He would love to go have a tumble in the hay but that's all he want(ed) (s) He isn't planning on making her fall in love with him and then breaking her heart. That's the difference that Youko sees. Inuyasha knew that Kagome loved him and he didn't exactly tell her other wise. Youko being as blunt and honest as he is. Would straight out tell her if he didn't care. So if they 'did it' he would definitely make sure she knows where his feelings lay. His sense of right and wrong are engraved into who he his, but it's hard to follow his reasoning sometimes. So there is logic behind it, it's just a little harder to see then some other peoples.
Oh! And even though I know you don't care . . . I think that last chapters song fit this one better then that one! DX Tis is so sad! But I couldn't find another one . . . Grr! So if you have any suggestions for that (or other) chapters, please! Speak up! Over and out!
Phew! Now that that's settled! Let's get on to the reviews!
Fallen-666-Angel: Yes I did. :) And you were VERY close. ;) Though that was also something that I was hinting at, it wasn't the main thing.
Samantha: Well . . . it's soon! XD
bAkA kItSuNe 2000: No need to apologize! And no, I'm proud to say she is not going crazy. XD Though i'm sure two kitsunes in the group will eventually drive her to the point of pulling her hair out XD. jk.
maleficus-lupus: Why thank you! XD nice to know I made your day!
sacaku: Glad you think so! This chapter has come out VERY soon for me. :)
cattibrie393: Thanks! XD I do enjoy writing him so much! He's such a fun character to play around with!
Samurai Demon-God Sekikage: Really?! He reminds you of Kuwabara? See, he reminds me of Yusuke soooooooooo much! Just the whole attitude, though Yusuke DOES come up with much better comebacks. XD And you read my mind! That was a scene I have been planning on using for a long while now! Though I intend to use it when a bit more love is floating around in the air. ;)
Caladriel: I know! It drives me nuts! It's like they meet and then 'poof!' their in love! It really ruffles my feathers sometimes. Though I don't tend to like when they are taking it TOO slow, because I get really excited. XD Though I recognize that those stories are also the ones that I love dearly, despite the fact that I want the pairing to get together sooner. I know that it would ruin the story if it did. So sorry guys! But your to be left in your torment! XD
Baka KitsuneBri: Your welcome! XD I wish there was a precise age, it would make things SO much clearer. But alas! I am left to my own recourses . . . hehe . . . not that that's a bad thing! XD
Tsuki Yume: Uh . . . yeah . . . I answered you up there in the AU. Hope you didn't mind being pointed out DX.
SunStar Kitsune: I would laugh so hard my sides split. XD but I'm just that kind of person . . . I laugh when my friends trip and fall on their face . . . mostly because I'm the one who tripped them. XD (not really. Though I do laugh when they trip . . . as long as their not withering in pain. But if their not then it's ok! XD)
Faero of Egypt: Why thank you! And considering your name, I'll assume you have an interest in Egypt? Fascinating place, I use to be obsessed with it back in elementary school. I use to try to memorize all the gods/goddeses. XD
GriffinWingGoddess: Yeah they are! DX enough to make you cry!
Bluespark: Yes they are! It would be much to dull if it weren't XD. And I have a question for you! Is your name Bluespark as in Blue Spark or Blues Park? It's been bugging me forever! Yeah . . . I know . . . I have no life.
Haruko 4491: Really? Hmm . . . I'll have to check it out! But before I do . . . I have a question for you (hey that rhymed! . . . shutting up now.) Are you bAkA kItSuNe 20 under a different name or are you a friend? XD come on! Answer honestly! Or are you just being a cool person? Hm . . . me wonders . . . XD
Din7: Yes yes ma'am!
Kimpatsu no Hoseki: Thanks! XD
silver phoenix kitsune: I would too XD But I don't think they had hot chocolate back then ;)
PinkFlamingoQueen520: Thanks! Though I'm VERY curios as to what Em stands for. XD Though I'm going to guess that their your initials.
Skuld-hime: Nani!? Inuyasha was going to start a fight! Youko (being as smart as he is) didn't want to hurt him because he knew Kagome would have his ass for it! And no . . . not yet ;)
Ryoko: Thanks! :) I'm glad you think so!
: Nope, not yet! XD And don't worry, she will!
Well . . . now now that that's done and over with. I have just one last thing to say. I don't own YYH or IY. So I hate to disappoint you but I'm not going to let you sue me! I will however allow you to review me! XD See! It rhymes! Get it? Sue, review! . . . shutting up now . . .