You see in all my life I've never found
What I couldn't resist, what I couldn't turn down
I could walk away from anyone I ever knew
But I can't walk away from you
I have never let anything have this much control over me
Cause I worked too hard to call my life my own
Yes I made myself a world and it worked so perfectly
But it's your world now, I can't refuse
I never had so much to lose
I'm shameless...shameless
-Billy Joel, Shameless

(:)(A)(:)
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Chapter #9
(:)(A)(:)

He could hear her breathing from across camp, the steady rhythm comforting him immensely. For though she had gotten through the battle with the vulture demon in one piece, she didn't come out unscathed either. It hadn't been until later that night that they noticed her breathing had become rather forced.

Upon further inspection, of which she was unwillingly forced into, they found that she had bruised several ribs . . . the result of his rescue. When seeing the dark purple bruise marring her ivory skin, he cringed. Knowing that he had saved her didn't seem to make up for the fact that he could have done the saving a little more gently. If he had been more careful she wouldn't have been hurt at all.

Kagome must have sensed his guilt, for later that night when everyone had fallen asleep she had confronted him without shame.


"Youko? Are you awake?" She asked softly, laying a hand gently on his shoulder as she knelt on her knees. Leaning in closely, as she struggled to see his face with only the dying embers as a light source. Her human eyes squinting, a cute little frown gracing her features as she found that it was simply too dark to make out his features. Though he on the other hand could see perfectly well . . .

"You will get your sleeping attire dirty if you continue to kneel like that." He stated, eyeing the pink, kitten oriented pajamas. He had been relieved that she had decided on wearing that pair to bed instead of the other one he had seen her in. In the time he had seen her, it had seemed that she only had two pairs, her pink ones as well as a blue one. However the blue did not cover nearly as much skin as it should, and with the recently cold nights he wished that her warmer pair stay clean for her to use more often. Fall was to soon be around the corner . . . and then winter. Of which would certainly be to cold even for her pink attire.

Kagome smiled. "It doesn't matter, I'm going to have to wash them soon anyway." She slowly lowered to the ground, leaning against the tree with him as she stared out across camp. Her thoughts wandering momentarily as she gazed into the dying embers. "Youko?"

He to stared impassively at the embers, not bothering to look at her. "Yes?"

Kagome chewed on her lip, her hands fiddling nervously in her lap. "You . . . you won't tell any one about earlier today will you?" She asked tentatively, her lips now rosy with their abuse.

Youko looked over at her with a calm golden eye, scanning her face with precision. "Do you not want me to?" He inquired, turning his gaze back to the embers as he awaited his answer.

Her eyes fluttered closed, unable to shake off the feeling that she was being selfish. "It . . . would be preferred if you didn't . . ." She looked down into her lap. "I'm sorry to bother you with this . . . I know it's not really that big of a deal . . . I just don't want the others to know . . ." She whispered softly, wincing as she took to big a breath.

"Then you have no need to worry. I will not spread something that you wish not to be. I wouldn't have told anyone if you hadn't come here, so I'm afraid you have wasted your valuable sleeping time." He stated, gracefully rising to his feet with a single fluent motion, his eyes set across the clearing. "You do realize however, that the hanyou already knows. He undoubtedly would have smelled it." He stated with a small frown. "As much as I hate too admit it, his sense of smell probably surpasses mine. Him being a dog demon." He looked down at her wistfully, his eyes focused on her parted lips. "And I can can smell it even now, then it is indubitable that he has already."

Kagome craned her neck to look at him, her brows furrowing in her confusion. "Youko . . . I-I don't understand . . . what would Inuyasha smell?" She asked, biting her lip when seeing the queer look she was being given.

"With the activities that were happening during the battle, one isn't going to come out without the other person's scent all over them Kagome. Even if he didn't smell me on you, he would have smelt you on me. There is no way he could NOT know. Even I can give him that much credit." He scowled, having not liked admitting the fact that the mutt bettered him in that area.

Kagome's eyes widened as a blush spread across her cheeks. "O-oh! I-I didn't realize you were talking about that!" She stuttered, covering her flushed cheeks with her hands as she diverted her gaze to the ground. "I-I was talking about the whole ‘me feeling useless' thing . . . " She whispered softy, looking down into her lap.

Youko turned to her, using both eyes to study her huddled form. "I will not . . ." He promised softly, his eyes taking on a tender glow, before turning his gaze to her covered ribs. Knowing fully that a dark bruise marred the skin beneath the cottony fabric. "It's the least I can do to make it up to you . . ."

Kagome looked up sharply, looking at him questioningly before allowing her eyes to follow his gaze, ending up at her middle regions. Her lips parted in a silent gasp of realization, turning to him sharply . . . only to find that he was gone. Looking around the small clearing frantically, she found was able to locate the white blur walking away from her and into the darkness of the forest.

She scrambled up to her feet, wincing as they action caused a sharp pinch to her ribs. Gritting her teeth, she used the tree for support, before once again looking up to the retreating figure.

She bit her lip, and with a dose of willpower, she pushed herself from the tree. Stumbling across various roots and shrubs as she tried to catch up to him. Panting for breath as she saw his form come steadily closer. She reached out a hand, attempting to grab his wrist. Though her hand closed on air, and with deafening realization . . . she found herself falling forward, her foot entangled in a vine that she had overlooked. She would have groaned with exasperation, had it not died in her throat when she was faced with a white clad chest instead of the ground.

"Are you trying to get yourself hurt? Or is it just an unusual skill you have?" He pressed, annoyance seeping into his voice. Even as he swept her feet from under her, causing the girl to give a small yelp of surprise and latch onto his neck tightly. His ears twitched, at the unbidden noise and he frowned lightly at her. Of which was promptly returned with a sheepish smile.

"Sorry . . . are your ears really that sensitive?" She asked in a hushed whisper. Tensing as she felt him reposition her in his arms, before relaxing once more as she felt his feet moving from under them. "It doesn't hurt Inuyasha when-"

"Inuyasha is a half-breed. Dog demons have horrible hearing compared to foxes in the first place, and with him being only half. His hearing is undoubtedly insuperior to that of a kitsunes." Youko stated bluntly, gingerly stepping around a muddy patch of ground. A distracted frown etched on his features as he glared at the offending puddle that had crossed his path.

Kagome giggled, at the childish display. "A little squeamish about mud are we?" She teased, tugging on a lock of his silver hair playfully. Marveling at the fine strands between her slender fingers.

Youko gave her a hard glare. "I'll give you a total of thirty seconds to take that back." He threatened, even as he stepped around another puddle. ‘How the hell did she manage to get around all this without stepping in it!?'

Kagome only gave another giggle. "You know, sometimes you really remind me of Sesshoumaru." She wrinkled her nose at the thought, her brows furrowed. "Well . . . except for the fact that your WAY nicer." She stated.

He gave her a small frown. "Surely you don't mean Lord Sesshoumaru?" He asked dubiously.

Kagome smiled brightly. "Yup! That's the one! Oh! By the way," She started, pointing to their right. "There's a gravel path over there that doesn't have any puddles."

Youko stopped abruptly, blinking as he looked to where she pointed, where there was indeed a rocky path. He gave a pout. "Well you could have told me that earlier!" He grumbled. Mumbling under his breath about the absurdity of it all. "Any way. How is it you know about ol' Sesshy?" He asked, genuinely interested.

Kagome blinked up at him. "He's Inuyasha's older brother- hey! Watch where your going!" Kagome chastised as she felt him trip, nearly falling forward and dropping her.

"Brother! That mutt is the Lord of the West's brother!" Youko exclaimed, his eyes wide at hearing this new insight.

A smirk slowly appeared across his face as laughter erupted from his throat. The deep sound seeming to echo through the forestry, even as it quieted down to a light chuckle. "Well I'll be damned! So the mutt's related to the very Lord we barely escaped from . . ." He said lightly to himself, a small smile on his lips as he turned up old memories.

Kagome frowned in confusion. "What are you talking about? Whose ‘we'?" She asked, tugging on his tunic impatiently. "Youko! Answer me!" She whined, her curiosity getting the better of her patience.

The kitsune looked at the young woman in her arms tenderly. Unable to help but relate her too a whining kit at that moment. Though he was slightly surprised that she had actually been listening so closely to his ramblings. But then . . . he had been pretty loud . . . hopefully he hadn't woken any one up . . . he thought worriedly as he stepped into the camp. His ears twitching as he took in the sounds of every one's slow breathing before giving a sigh of relief. Turning back to Kagome to answer her question in a soft whisper.

"Me and Kuronue had stolen from him around forty years ago. Nearly got our hides tanned for it too . . ." He grumbled. Setting her gently into her sleeping bag, tucking the fluffy folds of fabric close to Kagome protectively.

"Who's Kuronue?" Kagome questioned, yawning sleepily as she felt herself sink into the cushion of her warm bag. Her eyes suddenly becoming heavy as she snuggled into the covers Youko had just tucked her in. "Is he a partner of yours?"

Youko stalled, nearly wincing at the use of present tense in her innocent question. Though he quickly composed himself, and with a sudden impulse he answered. "Yes . . . yes he is." He whispered softly.

She smiled, not hearing the wistful tone his voice had taken on due to the sleepiness that weighed heavily on her. "That's nice . . . I'll have to meet him someday." She yawned widely, her eyes fluttering close.

He smiled down at her sadly, his eyes taking on a tenderness as he brushed a hair away from her cheek and standing to his feet. "Yes, I think he would like that . . ." He whispered, before turning from her and beginning his trek to his sleeping tree, or so he had dubbed it.

"Oh, and Youko?" Kagome began drowsily, her face still smothered in covers. "You shouldn't blame yourself. It wasn't your fault . . ." She said softly, before once again becoming silent as sleep engulfed her.

Youko paused to look back at her, smiling at the vision she made. A small form in a mass of fluffy covers, she seemed so childlike. Yet . . . she was far too wise for a child. She was an adult, a woman who had yet to realize her significance.

That was three nights ago, and since then she had been pampered to the best of their abilities . . . despite her continuous protests. Though it was worth it, seeing her healthy and healed in such a short time. A relatively short time considering she was human, but Youko supposed her miko abilities had some part in her fast recovery.

He traced over her form once again with his eyes, he knew he should probably get some sleep. Especially considering he had been up watching her for the past couple of days . . . but somehow . . . he couldn't. He still felt responsible, even with Kagome's comforting statement.

Youko sighed, leaning his head back against ‘his' tree and looking up into it's thick branches. It had seemingly become healthier since he had taken it up as his sleeping place, the result of his powers. Well . . . at least that's what he believed. He had never really stayed in one place long enough to find out. As a thief it was dangerous to stay in one place for too long . . . especially after you've taken something from a lord.

"Can't sleep either huh?"

Youko's ears flickered to the hanyou's direction before looking to his left and spotting him in the tree. He too looking down at the slumbering miko. Youko scowled at him, snorting as he turned away from the hanyou. "What do you want hanyou?" He asked icily. "You've never been descent to me before, so you must want something."

Inuyasha sighed, running a hand through his silver locks. Knowing full well that this was going to be difficult. "I . . . I just wanted to apologize." He said softly, looking over to the kitsune. Not at all surprised to see the suspicious look on his face.

"Apologize for what I wonder?" Youko asked, an eyebrow raised delicately. Apologizing was a VERY rare thing for Inuyasha, even he knew that. Despite the fact that he had only known of him for a total of two weeks.

Inuyasha's eye twitched, feeling his impatience take it's toll on his temper. "Look! I just wanted to apologize for not trusting you with Kagome ok!" Inuyasha ground out, his hands fisting at his sides as he turned away from the kitsune. "Just make sure you take care of her. . ."

Youko blinked, his bitterness toward the hanyou diminishing as his words turned over in his head . . . ‘Just make sure you take care of her . . .'

"Does this mean . . . you approve of me courting Kagome?" Youko asked, his brows furrowed in confusion. He had never thought that Inuyasha would come to agree to this . . . especially considering he still cared deeply for the girl himself.

Inuyasha's eyes glazed over as he looked down at their current topic, watching her chest rise and fall with each breath. "I had my doubts about you at first . . ." Inuyasha let out a small snort. "You are a thief after all. How could I possibly trust you with her? I would never forgive myself if I had let you have her." He heard a growl from below him, and ignored it in favor of watching Kagome mumble into her pillow, his eyes softening at the scene. "But . . .after you saved her the other day, I realized that maybe I could actually trust you . . ." He looked down at Youko, catching his eyes with his own. "Besides . . . you obviously care for her if you've stayed up all this time just to watch her."

Youko looked away, a small pout forming on his lips as he crossed his arms. "I don't know what your talking about." He stated, even as he fought with himself. It couldn't be the truth, he had a job to do. He wasn't suppose to care for her . . . but he did . . . but maybe if he denied it then the feeling would go away . . .

"Feh, don't bother trying to deny it. It's so obvious it's not even funny." Inuyasha scoffed. Putting his hands into the sleeves of his fire rat coat and putting more weight into the trunk of the tree as he readied himself for sleep. "Just remember if you hurt her . . ." He gave the kitsune a pointed look. "I will kill you. Because personally, I don't like you at all, but I'll deal with you . . . for Kagome's sake." With that said, Inuyasha let out a catlike yawn, closing his eyes. "And just to give you fair warning, she has a strange fixation with ears. So don't be surprised if she tries to take yours off when she gets the chance. Just thought you might want to know."

Youko smirked, looking across the clearing and over to the so called ‘ear offender'. "I'm proud to say that I have already found that out."

(:)(A)(:)

"Youko! I don't want to! Can't we do this some other time?!" Kagome whined, even as she struggled to keep up with his faster pace. Hoping beyond hope that maybe, just maybe, he would let go of her hand so she could make a break for it . . . like she did last time . . . But this time she wouldn't trip and fall. No sir! This time she'll get away!

She looked down at their linked hands, and sighed. Now if only her hand was released so she could carry out her plan . . . the thought of training may not have been so bad . . . if she wasn't suppose to go home today that is. And even then, it would still stink.

"No." He said bluntly, continuing to pull her along as he searched his surroundings. "Now where is it . . ." He mumbled under his breath, pushing a lush branch out of his way, his lips spreading into a wide smile as he saw what was behind it. "Ah! Here we are!" He stated happily, holding the branch and moving to the side so his partner could see.

Kagome took a tentative step forward, her curiosity winning over her urge to get away while his grip on her hand had loosened. She looked up at Youko, who was still smiling brightly at her, his eyes taking on an excitement. She cocked her head to the side, as she stepped past him letting out a sharp gasp. "Y-Youko! It's beautiful!" She whispered in awe, her hand covering her mouth as her wide eyes surveyed the sight in front of her. She had expected him to lead her to a clearing, but nothing like this . . . Not this piece of heaven.

Their was but one tree, it's immense size making it the centerpiece of the surreal visual. It's large knarled branches spread out to catch the sun's rays, winding down into it's majestically carved trunk which had settled itself in the midst of wildflowers.

"There's a small stream farther back. Though I'm afraid you can't see it from here." Youko stated behind her, his smooth voice instantly bringing the girl from her daze. He walked up beside her, his eyes sweeping over the clearing. "I wanted to show it to you before the wildflowers cleared away . . . I always thought they added an extra touch of beauty. . .I knew you didn't look forward to the training, so I wanted to give you a reason to actually like it. . ." He said wistfully, before turning to her his eyes questioning. "Do you like it?"

Kagome blinked, her eyes wide as she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. "How could any one not!" She exclaimed, gesturing to the masterpiece in front of her. "It's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen! I thought I was dreaming at first!" She praised, a bright smile on her face as she leaned on her toes to plant a light kiss on his cheek. "Thank you for trying to make this fun for me."

Youko smiled back at her, shaking his head lightly. "Though it doesn't change the fact that I'm still going to train you." He stated lightly, dashing her hopes as he began to lead her into the meadow unyieldingly.

Kagome groaned, allowing herself to be led as she dragged her feet in annoyance. "Why! Why can't we just go sit here and-"

"No." He stated, the grip on her hand tightening slightly as he quickened his pace toward the center tree. "And you know perfectly well you need training. Hell! You practically begged me for it during that last battle! If you want to be of more use then you have to work at it."

"Well maybe I changed my mind!" She huffed, looking away from him with a pout. Wishing she had enough strength to get out of his grasp and run for it.

Youko rolled his eyes, even though a small smile could be seen on his lips. "Well in that case. You and I have made a deal. To late to get out of it now love." He informed, giving a slight tug on her hand as they reached the tree's shadow. He positioned her an arms length away from him, ignoring her confused look as he squared his shoulders. "Now hit me." He commanded.

Kagome's eyes widened, threatening to leave the sockets. "What! Youko I can't hit you!" She said, horrified at the prospect.

Youko sighed, putting a single clawed hand to rest on his hip impatiently. "Kagome. Your human. A single punch isn't going to hurt me too much . . ." He stated, before his eyes widened. "Just don't put any miko powers into it . . . Because as strong as I am that would still be rather painful." He said sheepishly.

Kagome rolled her eyes, as she raised fisted hands. "Oh yeah, because I even know how to do that in the first place!" She shouted, as she put all her physical power into the punch that she aimed right at him. Making a soft sound as it impacted with his toned chest.

Everything went suddenly silent as they both stared at her hand, before Youko sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Maybe we should start with your miko powers first . . ."

Kagome blushed brightly, looking down at her feet as she brought her hand back to her chest. The other one reaching up and playing with a lock of hair. "Right . . ."

Youko sat down, criss crossing his legs and resting his elbow on his left knee, cradling his chin with his hand. Tapping his fingers against his other knee as he thought. "Now let's see . . . where should we begin . . ." He mumbled, his amber gaze looking over the girl before him, causing her to fidget under his evaluation. "Let's start with you miko powers."

Kagome licked her lips, relieved when those piercing eyes took on a lighter mood. "All right . . . so what do you want me to do?" She asked, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear nervously.

Youko stroked his chin eying one of the wildflowers, his face once again thoughtful. "I'm going to convert some of my energy into one of the wildflowers." He looked up at her, catching her eyes with his own. "I want you to find it. Sound good?"

Kagome nodded in agreement, though her mind was reeling. How was she suppose to sense where the energy was? "O-ok!"

Youko smiled encouragingly at her. "All right then. I have already chosen a flower. Take your time." He chirped watching in amusement.

Kagome gulped, looking around the meadow, immediately intimidated by all the various wildflowers that greeted her cerulean eyes. How was she going to pull this off?

She bit her lip, walking into the large mass. Examining each one carefully with her eyes. Maybe she should have just asked him how do sense it in the first place . . . but then she would be a disappointment. He obviously thought that she knew how to sense this ‘energy' he was talking about.

She sighed, looking around her and spotting a orange poppy. "Well . . . might as well guess." She mumbled dejectedly. Plucking the flower with a quick twist of her wrist.

Youko watched her, blinking as she handed him the flower. He took it into his clawed hand, examining it carefully before looking back up to her. "Uh . . . Kagome? This is a joke right?" He asked hopefully, though it was quickly dashed as he watched her fidget, mumbling a few words under her breath. His heart skipped a beat as his eyes widened. "Would you be so kind as to repeat that?"

Kagome's face heated up, leaving a scarlet blush on her cheeks as she dug her toe into the ground. Suddenly finding it much more interesting then the demon in front of her. "I said, I can't sense energy . . . I don't even know what your talking about . . ." She said softly.

"You . . . can't sense energy . . ." Youko echoed, stunned by the confession, before chuckling heartily. "I must say! Your getting better at lying! To think! I would have believed you if you hadn't sensed that vulture demon!" He smiled at her, lifting himself onto his feet and tucking the flower behind her ear. "Now really, go find my flower."

Kagome winced, biting her lip as her hands started tugging lightly at his white tunic nervously. "Uh . . . Youko? That was only because I sensed the jewel shards . . . like I said . . . I don't even know what this energy stuff is . . ."

Youko's smile faltered, melting into a confused frown. Suddenly he felt so much heavier . . . "So . . . you really can't sense anything?" He asked weakly, collapsing into heap on the meadow floor as he saw her nod. "Oh what did I get myself into . . ." He asked himself, rubbing his temple.

"Y-you don't have to train me. I mean . . . I know it's a lot of work, even for you . . . so you don't have to worry about it . . . I'll be ok." Kagome comforted, kneeling beside him. Her hands twisting unbiddingly in her lap.

He sighed. "No. I said I was going to train you, and that's what I'm going to do." He stood up gracefully, dusting off his shoulders before offering Kagome his hand. "Come with me."

She took his hand, comforted by the reassuring squeeze given by the demon on the other end. Following him toward the center tree, she saw the small stream he had mentioned. She smiled, watching it trickle into a small waterfall farther down.

"Kagome?"

Youko called, his concerned voice startling her out of her thoughts. "Oh! Yes! Sorry about that . . . I guess I kinda spaced out." She said sheepishly her hand reaching up to tuck readjust the flower in her hair.

He smiled, taking her hand and putting it on the smooth trunk of the tree, laying his own on top of her's. Molding his chest against her back as he whispered huskily into her ear. Enjoying they way he felt her heat rise and her breath quicken. "This is a demonic tree Kagome. I grew it myself when I was younger, you should have no problem locating it's aura. Just concentrate on the tree and try to feel the life energy it's giving off. Understand?"

Kagome nodded, her eyes slowly closing as she slowly relaxed against his chest. Her eyebrows furrowed as she concentrated on the tree in front of her. Feeling it's cool bark against her fingers slowly warm due to her body temperature. It was then she felt it, the sudden pulse that vibrated through her body causing her to gasp, her eyes snapping open as she stared at the tree.

Youko smiled, nuzzling her lightly behind the ear. "You can feel it can't you. What does it feel like? Tell me." He urged, running his hand up her outstretched arm before allowing it to settle on her waist. His words echoing huskily in her ear. "Tell me what you feel."

Her eyelids fluttered, her mouth parted as she panted lightly. "I-it's strange. It's like a buzz going through your whole body. Starting from your head and just working it's way down . . . like a drug but your still perfectly coherent. Oh Youko . . . there's this beautiful shade of green that flashed . . . beautiful." She whispered passionately, her other hand clutched to her chest in an attempt to calm her racing heart. "Does it always feel like this?"

He gently took her hand from the tree, bringing it up to place a gentle kiss to her wrist. "No. As you learn it will become less intense. It may take a while but you will learn not to look so deeply into it. It will come naturally to you, like a second nature." He promised, holding her tightly against him, having noticed the way her legs quivered from under her. He frowned lightly, giving her temple a tender kiss. "Let it go Kagome, your going to wear yourself out."

"But it feels so nice . . ." She protested softly, to deeply infatuated with the current of pleasure going through her body to notice that Youko had turned her around and nestled her against his chest.

Youko's frown deepened, watching her carefully before sighing. "Then you give me no choice but to make you think of something more pleasurable." He stated, nipping her ear lightly before leaving butterfly kisses along her neck. "Not that I mind . . ." He whispered huskily against her lips before kissing her deeply. Enjoying the soft moan that came from her body. As well as the soft hands that entangled themselves in hair, pulling him closer to her. A purr of pleasure escaping him as she began to massage the tip of his ear with experienced fingers.

He could feel her mind begin to slowly clear, and he forced himself to pulled back, panting lightly at the immense effort the single action had taken. Leaning his head comfortably against hers, overjoyed to see the blush on her cheeks as she too panted for breath.

"H-how do you do that?" She breathed, her fingers sliding lightly along his scalp and neck before clutching themselves into the soft fabric of his tunic.

"Mmmm . . . do what?" He purred, leaning his head into the crook of her neck to inhale her soft feminine fragrance. Nuzzling her softly before landing a small kiss to her pulse.

Her heart quickened as she gave a breathy sigh, unconsciously tilting her head to give him better access. "How do you make me crave your touch . . . It's like I can't help but respond to you . . ." She whispered, her hands relaxing their tight hold on him as they slipped around his neck.

Youko smiled against her skin. "Kitsunes are very lustful beings Kagome. We crave a lovers attention regularly, and since lovers are rarely consistent we have a certain . . . appeal . . . that keeps us from going partner less. It's not something we can control I'm afraid." He held her tighter, lightly running his claws along her back.

She bit her lip, twisting a lock of his silvery hair selfconciously as she returned his tight embrace. "So . . . I feel this way because of what you are." She stated softly, a wave of worry washing over her. Was she be only feeling things because he had seduced her into feeling them?

He winced at the accusation, burrying himself further into her neck, afraid of the reaction he would see if he pulled away. His voice laced with regret. "Most likely."

Kagome pulled away from him, her sad eyes boring into his own amber orbs as she studied him. "You must be lonely . . . having so many lovers who don't truly love you, who don't understand you . . . it would make me feel lonely . . ."

Youko's eyes softened, cradling her cheek with his hand. "Yeah . . . I suppose it is . . . but maybe there's hope for me yet." He leaned down and kissed her softly, relieved when she didn't fight him over it. He pulled back, pressing his cheek against hers sensually as his lips barely brushed against her ear. "There's bound to be someone who can look past it."

‘You seem to . . .'

(:)(A)(:)

Yeah I know. This chapter was just skipping all over the place! 8/ Almost makes you dizzy! But it was coated in fluff! Fluff EVERYWHERE! From Youko finally admitting that he likes Kagome to cute little reassurances! Though I must say that looking back on the chapters I've found that there's been so much happening in a span of two days. DX Not good! So I think I may go back and change some dates and add a few ‘couple days latter'. I didn't realize how smooshed it was until I started looking over the last chapters! *tear tear* And I tried so hard to make it go slow too! *sigh* At least there's a reason I suppose . . . Youko's been interested for nearly a month now (including the time he was stalking her) and his sexiness is just irresistible! Though Youko has only just started ‘truly' falling. Those two little ‘Youko is touched' scenes made a BIG difference. Especially the whole Kurounu thing. (Which will come back up again later) As well as the last scene. So I suppose this chapter was significant as well as fluffy XD. Unfortunately, Kagome will most likely be distancing herself for a while and be in her time. So not so much fluff next chapter. Sorry guys!

OH! And sorry this came out a tad late. *sweat drop* Christmas is one hell of a busy season! Crowds everywhere! Not to mention the traffic . . . and the stressed out people . . . and the people who steal your parking spaces . . . and your purses . . . and anything else they can get . . . People are greedier during Christmas then any other time of the year! 8/ It's crazy! So I have decided . . . I shall celebrate Festivus! For the Rest of Us!! Merry (insert holiday here)!! As well as a happy new year! And all that other fun stuff!

Now! Enough rambling! Let's get on to the part you actually care about . . . REVIEW RESPONSES!!!

Anonymousefanfic: Thanks! I hope you liked this one too!

Yami Ray: 8/ nothing happened to Youko's pretty fur! It was foreshadowing the fact that something bad was going to happen in the future! Youko's fur is perfectly intact. Promise ;) I'm happy it makes you smile and cry! Well . . . if your crying because I wanted you to be . . . not because my writing is horrible. DX that might not be as fun . . . hopefully that's not the case!

TheLightintheDarkness: I like your new name! It's easier to remember XD! I knew it stood for something! Thanks for telling me!

Baka KitsuneBri: Only I can find a way to convert a battle into a fluffy scene. XD My mind works in crazy ways! Any way, as you found out in this chapter. If and when Sesshoumaru sees him it's not going to be a very pleasant reaction!

Bekkablair: Damn straight! ;) I know!! This one is just about as long too! 8/ It's so amazing! I can't even comprehend how long you took on the last one! And I agree! Essays need to die! As well as the stupid poems about people you admire. *stupid Mrs. Broms* We've already done like FOUR! It's driving me crazy! And the fact that I don't really admire any one doesn't help either! I respect people! But that doesn't' mean I want to be them! Gah! She makes me want to cry!

Samurai Demon-God Sekikage: Your welcome! XD I'm afraid Inuyasha won't be driven off permanently though. He's too fun of a character to write! Plus he's got some major roles coming up! So can't help you there!

Griffin WingGoddess: I'm glad you liked it! XD And THAT my dear reader is yet to be found out!

ringurl107: *sweat drop* Hun . . . I think I covered that in the author note last chapter. _ But I don't read the AU's sometimes so I won't yell at you or anything! XD Just go look at the last chapters Author note. You'll find a full explanation.

BC1: Well I'm glad! XD

Cattibrie393: Oh yeah! It was a great chapter to write! Come to think of it . . . this one was too! But then, I just like to write fluff. and drama too of coarse! They are both just SO entertaining!

DragonessOfDarkness: Really? Go to my Favorites list! You'll find a whole bunch of Youko/Kagome/Kurama pairings! XD Though I can't guarantee the quality! And thank you! *tear tear* I'm feel so special!

Haruko4491: Oh no! I believe you! XD Just curious is all! Some people will do that sometimes. I think I've read your story . . . I can't remember. *checks it out*

nunofyorbiz: Die? Who said he was going to die? *shifty eyes* But Kagome will meet Kurama in the sequel. Promise. ;) And thanks for the originality point!

lamoonangel: Well . . . I can't say it came out too soon . . . but it's here!

sacaku: *salute* Yes ma'am! *dances around happily* Yeah! I'm on your favorites list! XD

rocknroll7806: I must say! I was a bit scared when you started off by calling me onna! XD I kept imaging Hiei getting ready to threaten me! (You know how in the fics he always calls Botan the onna) Any way! Thank you for the lovely review!

Well! That's all for the reviews! I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Because you can consider it your (insert holiday here) gift! Since you know . . . I don't own anything and I'm poor I can't really buy you all stuff! XD Oh! And I would just like to say one thing! Fruits Basket has GOT to be the cutest show ever!! I love it to pieces all ready! I want a rice ball purse! So if you haven't seen it I highly recommend it! Well . . . that's all! Have a good holiday! (P.S. It's 2:00 in the morning! XD)