There was a lonely man
A man with no direction, with no purpose
With no one to love and no one to love me for, for me
Aw girl then you, then you came into my life
You made my jagged edges smooth
You made my direction so clear and you aw woman
You became my purpose my reason for livin' girl
-Just to Be Close To You, The Commodores

(:)(A)(:)
Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #11
(:)(A)(:)

It was hard to go to sleep, despite the fact that the night was virtuous. Perfect in nearly every way. It was a cloudless evening, neither too cold or too warm. The full moons light illuminating the forest floor with a soft, luminous glow. The only thing that altered it's beauty was the disturbing thoughts that continued to plague him.

Youko sighed dejectedly, opening his eyes lazily to stare across the clearing blankly. No, he would not be getting any sleep tonight, or the next night, or the night after that. It was a fact that he had accepted since Naraku's confrontation three days ago.

Sleeping was out of the question. Not when he could be planning, scrambling to find a way out of the mess he had gotten himself in. For the first time in his life, he was immensely worried. There was too much at risk this time, he wasn't about to let everything he earned go. No, not that easily. Not without a fight.

He rubbed his throbbing temples, wincing when he felt a new jolt of pain through his skull. It was a miracle he was able to act remotely normal for the past few days with the insistent migraine that continued to plague him.

Youko growled lowly in his throat, his ears flattening against his head. There was so many things he could do, but which option to choose continued to weigh heavily on him. Burdening him with a sense of helplessness that he had never before felt. What was he going to do?

The sound of a nearby twig jolted him from his thoughts, catching him unprepared. In a panic he attacked it without thinking, his overused mind unable to fully comprehend what was happening as it allowed instincts to take over. He felt his hand close around the soft column of someone's throat. It wasn't until his hazy vision cleared that he recognized the two pale blue orbs that stared back at him in shock. Kagome.

His eyes widened, pulling his hand back slowly, unable to stop the shaking in the mortified limb. He winced seeing the confused look in her eye as she reached out for him, collapsing back onto the ground in a unstable heap. Holding his head between his knees as he fought desperately to rid himself of the voice that had haunted him for near a weeks time.


"You have so many options, what will you do I wonder?" He taunted, smirking maliciously when his prey let out a frustrated growl, his hands clenching tightly. Hardly noticing the fresh blood that dripped from his claws when he pierced his palm in his anger. Naraku chuckled darkly, running his tongue over his pearly fang. He took a step closer to the kitsune, hovering behind him as he whispered sinisterly. "Or maybe you could just take the easy way out. It would be so much easier just to kill her yourself . . . think of the blood . . . surely you would be doing her a favor by making her end a quick one. Or you could just do as I say and she'll be unharmed . . . well . . . mostly . . ."

God, he had almost killed her. He had nearly crushed the delicate column of flesh that was her neck. He took a deep calming breath, licking his lips self consciously. "Shit Kagome, don't ever do that again you hear! Damn! Do you realize I could have killed you!" He hissed out, containing the urge to shout. It wouldn't do him any good to wake up the rest of the group . . . especially if it meant them seeing him in such a state.

Kagome frowned worriedly, kneeling down next to him and placing a comforting hand on his knee, the ring he had given her giving off a soft glow in the moonlight. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you . . . I guess I just thought that with your demon hearing you would know I was there . . ." She apologized softly, taking her hand off his knee in order to wrap it around his waist. Snuggling into his warmth, in an attempt to help calm both their nerves. "I-I was just worried . . . about you that is." She tilted her head up to look at him from her place against his chest, her lower lip caught between her teeth. "You've been acting so strangely since I've been back . . ."

Youko sighed, pulling her closer to him in an effort to comfort her. Feeling a pang of guilt when hearing her voice become scratchy in her attempt to hold back tears. He kissed the top of her head lovingly. "I'm sorry, I suppose I have been rather lost in thought lately . . ."

Kagome chewed on her lip anxiously. The abused flesh turning rosy between her teeth. "Well . . . what's been bothering you? Is it something I can help you with?" She asked softly, silently hoping to be informed of his inner turmoil.

Youko openly winced, scooting her onto his lap so that he could cradle her small form more efficiently. "I'm afraid not my miko." He rested his chin on her head, allowing her to snuggle comfortingly into the side of his neck. Which she had taken full advantage of, allowing her fingers to grip the fabric of his shirt as she struggled to understand. He sighed again, giving her a small squeeze of reassurance. "I'm sorry to worry you, trust me on this though. It's nothing you need to worry about . . . in fact, forget about it altogether. All right?"

His tone was soft, pleading to her ears, and she found herself nodding her head softly. Despite the lingering sense of dread that sickened her stomach. Every cell in her body cried out that something was amiss, but she ignored it. He would tell her when it was time . . . he wouldn't leave her in the dark forever . . . would he?

Youko closed his eyes in blissful release, the last thing he wanted was for her to know. It would be disastrous if she did, he wouldn't even be able to live with himself if she found out. No, this was how it had to be. "Thank you." He whispered in her hair before giving it a small kiss. He heaved himself up, not surprised when her hands tightened around him in an effort to make sure she didn't fall. He smiled tenderly at the bundle in his arms, enchanted by the way her eyes widened in childish wonder as she looked around at their surroundings. Trying to determine their destination, though such a thing was nearly impossible for her. Youko had already found that she had a horrible sense of direction, if she didn't have any landmarks to lead her back she wouldn't be going back at all. It was a miracle she hadn't lost herself on the way back from the hot springs let alone too it. Though the kitsune had found out later that she had merely marked the trees with the tip of one of her arrows to find her way back. The girl really would be helpless without someone next to her . . .

Youko frowned at that thought, being reminded once again of the ultimatum that was given to him. She would need to learn how to protect herself, now more than ever. If not for the numerous demons after her, then for the sake of his sanity. "You really should'nt have wandered out of your bed this late at night Kagome." He chastised softly, walking silently back to her sleeping bag. Idly wondering how many times he would find himself tucking her into the fluffy folds of fabric.

Kagome blushed lightly, though it went unnoticed in the dark. "Well it's not like I can't see . . ." She defended feebly, her cheeks warm with delight over the worried tone that had sprung from his lips. Engulfing her like a warm blanket, pushing out all previously negative thoughts and feelings. "The moon gives off enough for me to see by . . ."

Youko rolled his eyes, setting her into her sleeping bag and tucking her in. Kneeling by her side as he smoothed back a piece of her hair from her face tenderly. "Kagome, you may be able to see decently in this lighting. But for a demon this light is as good as day, if not better for some. It puts you at a disadvantage and you should be more careful." He lectured lovingly, securing the blankets around her one last time before standing up.

Kagome looked away sheepishly, touched by his concern and embarrassed by her own reasoning. "Well . . . you would protect me right?" She asked softly, the words nearly inaudible to even his demonic hearing.

He looked down at her then, giving her the most devoted, tender look Kagome had ever seen him wear. If she had been standing she knew she wouldn't have been able to keep her knees from going so weak that she couldn't help but collapse in his arms. It was almost like a dream . . . where she was the princess and he, the noble prince. They would fall madly in love and every look he sent her would make her legs feel like Jell-O, and every smile she caused would make her heart burst . . . the impossible fairy tale that everyone dreamed of . . . she found herself not wanting to wake up. And he didn't make her. "Always my miko. Always."

Kagome smiled brightly at him, and as promised, when he smiled back she felt her heart burst with a sudden joy. Her troubles washed away from her then. The shikon no tama, Naraku, her math test next friday, all of it. Right down the gutter.

It was this feeling of sudden relief that provoked her to speak to his retreating back, sitting up in her sleeping bag. Her heart only knowing that she wanted him there, with her. Where they could lose their troubles and enjoy the peace together. "Youko?"

He halted, craning his neck to look over his shoulder at her. His fierce gold eyes questioning as they wandered over her face, searching for something, anything, in those beautiful orbs. "Yes?"

She suddenly found herself shy, toying with the edges of her sheets with a renewed interest. Her cheeks flamed with hot embarrassment, but she continued on. "I-I was wondering . . . it's rather cold out . . . and you don't have a sleeping bag . . . so you- you can share with me . . . if you want that is . . ." She offered softly, suddenly wondering if she should have just kept her mouth shut. The way she said it, just seemed so . . . sluttish to her.

Youko blinked, knowing full well that the weather was anything but cold, even for a human. He gave her a long look, taking in the blush that stained her cheeks with admiration. Even with the way her hair fell over her shoulders, the seductive words she whispered, and the moonlight bathing her soft creamy skin, she still remained the perfect image of innocence. He was stunned into silence.

Kagome bit her lip as she tried to get her emotions under control. She didn't have to look at him to know that he was now studying her with calculating eyes. Though that didn't bother her nearly as much as the fact that he had yet to so much as udder a word. She frowned. Maybe the way she asked was offensive . . . or just didn't sound right . . . that certainly was the case for herself. But he was a kitsune, he would have had tons of lovers . . . her asking him to join her in the sleeping bag shouldn't be such a big deal . . . right? After all, she had caught him in her bed the night after they had made their deal. Yet still, he made no move toward her.

She sighed in frustration, though it was aimed more at herself then the kitsune across from her. She couldn't help but think that she did something wrong. Or maybe she was just unappealing to him . . . maybe he had someone else that she didn't' know about yet.

The young miko's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Could he be seeing someone else? It would explain why he was so intent on his thoughts earlier . . . She snuggled into the protection of her covers at that thought, temporarily forgetting that the man of her contemplation was right behind her. It was because of this, that she was jostled from her thoughts when she felt him slide into the bag with her. His large form molding against her small one with in the confined space. And suddenly she felt a rush of relief. There couldn't be someone else, he wasn't the type to beat around the bush. If there was another woman, he would tell her. That much she had learned. And for the moment, she was glad of his honesty. Even if it was a tad harsh at times, sometimes even downright cruel. She smiled, feeling herself relax as his thumb stoked her hip gently, his other hand running down her back sensually. His honesty could hurt her at times, but if it meant knowing that she could trust him then a little pain was worth it.

She smiled, turning to her other side in order to burry herself into the crook of his neck. Her arm draping over his hip as her slender fingers brushed against the base of his tail. She sighed in satisfaction, before the soft rise and fall of her full chest began to brush against her's at a slower pace. Kagome had fallen into sleep.

Youko's eyes fluttered softly, enjoying the feel of the small woman in his arms, as well as her arms encasing him. The soft texture of her ebony hair felt like silk under his chin, tickling his senses. Though nothing was as glorious, as reassuring as the feel of her full breasts flush against his toned chest. Allowing him to feel every breath of crisp night air she took in, and hear her heart beat in time with his own.

He kissed the top of her head, inhaling the soft scent of lilac that she gave off with desperation. It was suddenly obvious as too what he had to do, all the options he had been given paling in comparison. If he wasn't given an option that suited him, then he would make his own.

He looked down at the fragile bundle in his arms tenderly. It would be hard on her . . . much harder than he would like. But it had to be done . . . if not . . . Naraku would have his way with her, and that was something he would NOT allow to happen. Not to his miko, not to his Kagome. To a girl who, with just the soft touch of her hand, could make him feel at peace when everything else could not.

His eyes drifted close, holding her closer to himself. He would have to prepare her for what was to come. But for now . . . for now he would sleep. Naraku and the nightmares that came with him be damned. This time, when he awoke in the morning, he would have Kagome's bright face to wash them away again.

Naraku looked down upon him, his white baboon pelt hiding the intense crimson eyes that laid behind it. "I still want you to take the jewel shards . . . but as punishment for not obeying my orders in the first place . . . You will take the miko. All of her. Heart, body, and soul. And then . . . and then, you will take the shards, and leave her utterly broken. To the point where she will not have the will to step on the battle field again. You have forty days fox . . . if it is not accomplished . . . then I will kill her myself." He smirked evilly. "Though I can't guarantee that I won't have fun with her before hand . . ."

(:)(A)(:)

"God damn it Youko! Stay still!" Kagome ground out through gritted teeth. Her body lurching forward as she tried once again to punch him. Her fist meeting thin air as his white clad form danced out of the way. His feet seeming to float over the shriveled flowers of their training ground. As he had predicted, they had all died off, with the exception of those who were under the demonic tree, of which were only beginning to lose their life energy. Their petals curling around themselves.

"Kagome, I'm not even going at full speed." Youko said calmly. His monotone voice seeming to frustrate her even more as he sidestepped another punch. He sighed, catching her fist as she tried to once again tag him. "Take a break, your going to wear yourself out."

Kagome scowled, her free fist pulling back before gaining momentum on it's way toward him. "Not until I hit you!" She growled out, giving a small scream of frustration when he caught that hand as well. "Damn it Youko!"

Youko smirked, pulling roughly to his chest with a thud. His eyes roved her her body hungrily. Taking in the way her chest heaved with her loud pants, the pieces of hair that came out of her disarrayed pony tail sticking to the newly acquired layer of sweat. "Calm down love, I'm sure you'll hit me eventually." He stated in amusement. Leaning forward to kiss her parted lips. Surprised and upset when she turned her head away from him. "Well that wasn't very nice. Denying me in my uncontrollable need to taste you." He said with a mock frown. Pulling her closer to himself as he griped both off her wrists in his large hand, leaving his other free to capture her chin.

Kagome huffed, resisting the soft, insistent hold on her chin and looking away from him. "Maybe I wouldn't if I wasn't mad at you right now." She spit out, jerking her chin out of his grip.

He frowned, stroking her neck lightly with the pad of his thumb before releasing her hands from behind her back. Disappointed when she gave him a venomous glare. "Why are you so angry at me?!" He pouted, his mind reeling with sudden confusion.

Kagome only glared harder, her chin jutting out proudly. "Because we've been at this for over four days! FOUR! And I have yet too hit you! You just go at your own god damn pace!" She gave a roll of her eyes, bitterness seeping into her voice. "Letting me know that even though your not even going a fraction of the speed you could go, that I still can't hit you!" She shouted out at him, her fists balled up at her sides.

Youko's frown deepened, freeing her wrists from his hold with uncertainty. Watching carefully as her stubborn form backed away from him with a small huff, he himself fighting the urge to growl in frustration. He closed his eyes, taking a calming breath. "Kagome please understand . . . I'm not trying to upset you. I'm just . . . worried. I want you to be able to protect yourself." He sighed, rubbing his temple wearily. His voice softening, the subtle hint of pleading lacing his voice. "Do you understand?"If he didn't think the training was necessary then he wouldn't have been working her four days straight. But his mental clock refused to stall, ever other thought consisted of numbers . . . thirty-nine days, thirty-eight, thirty -seven days, thirty-six days . . . time was one of the few things he could not defy, and now, he found that time was working against him.

Kagome's form relaxed, her eyes shifting to the ground guiltily. Her shoe grinding into the dirt idly. "I'm sorry . . . I guess I'm just a little tired . . . I've never really been pushed this hard . . ." She said sheepishly, knowing full well that it was true. Youko had been kind in his training . . . but not relenting. If he said something was to be done then he expected it to be done by the end of that day . . . just yesterday he had her training her miko powers until nightfall. Refusing to allow her to quit until she was able to pull it's source into her hand . . . and holding it for a good minute. It had been exhausting work, and it was a miracle to find that her physical energy had been replenished by the next morning, though her miko powers had yet to return.

The kitsune visibly flinched, knowing very well what she was referring to. His ears laid back against his head, he too feeling a pang of guilt. He hadn't meant to push her so hard . . . he was just worried . . . he HAD to know that she could protect herself. It was vital to his plan. "I apologize . . . how about we take a break?" He asked, hoping to make it up to her . . . even if they would be training afterwards as well . . .

Kagome paused, putting a finger to her lip as she thought. "Well . . . I don't know . . . I really wanted to HIT YOU FIRST!" She threw herself forward, her arm extended as she once again tried to hit him. Her other hand preparing to hit him as well as she brought it back to her shoulder.

And once again, he caught it with ease. His fist closing around her's firmly, his lips forming a frown. Opening his mouth he started to chastise her once again, until his thought process was cut off by the realization that her other hand was in midproccess of striking.

His eyes widened, tilting his head just in time to feel her small finger graze against his left cheek ever so slightly. Though it was enough to bring out the kitsunes instincts as he grabbed that hand as well. Giving her a small glare before he pushed her back, refusing to stop until he had sandwiched her between the demonic tree and himself. ignoring her shocked expression. "That was a very rash decision Kagome . . ." His voice was low, smoldering in intensity, the mass of silver bangs masking his eyes.

Kagome fidgeted, trying to break the firm hold on her wrists, only to have him force them above her head. Pushing his hard body into hers, promoting a gasp from the young miko. "Y-Youko?" She asked softly, her eyes wide as she struggled to breath. His closeness leaving her emotions jumbled and confused. Though one became much more prominent when she saw the sly smirk spread across his face . . . she was nervous as hell.

His smirk grew, smelling the nervousness that rolled of her petite frame, taking delight in it as he brushed his cheek against hers sensually. Whispering into her ear huskily as he took both of her small wrists in his large one. "You realize, as your instructor that it is my duty to make sure you learn . . ." He ran his claws lightly down her body, from her wrists to her hip, pleased with the shiver she gave in response. "Well how can you learn by your mistakes if there isn't a consequence?"He bit her earlobe lightly, pulling it before letting it slip through his teeth before he kissed down her jaw line and to her throat.

She gasped, her face flushing as he sucked lightly on her pulse. "Y-Youko . . ." She tilted her head, her eyes fluttering closed as she breathed out his name. A small smile lingering on her face as a thought occurred to her. "I don't see how this is punishment . . . are you sure your not doing this for yourself?" She teased breathlessly, even as she arched into him with a soft moan.

The silver kitsune only growled, pushing her against the tree harder as he lifted her by her knee, forcing her too wrap her legs around his waist. This happened to be his favorite kind of punishment. Though she did not see it as a consequence now, he knew she would soon feel the full effects. For her to be unable to touch him while he performed his ministrations would be torture for her, and he was thoroughly awaiting to hear her beg him . . .

He moved up to her lips, brushing his lips against her softly. Refusing to press his lips fully onto her's just yet, despite her small protests. His hand traveled up her thigh gently, barely skimming her flesh before he cupped her bottom, giving the piece of flesh a squeeze. He smirked, watching her face as she threw her head back, letting out a frustrated moan, sweat beginning to form in droplet's at her temples. The torture had begun.

Though it hadn't come without his own consequences. If the way she arched into his body, or the sensual sounds she made wasn't enough to arouse him, her spiked scent was. The scent of her pleasure surrounded his senses, and it wasn't long until a small amount of his own scent was mixed with hers . . .

But he still held onto his small amount of control, refusing to give into his urges before the punishment was over. He wanted to hear her beg for it, crave it with every fiber of her being . . . he didn't have to wait long.

"Gods, Youko please!" She whispered under her breath urgently. Whimpering as she struggled against his hold on her wrists. The action causing her to slip farther down his body . . . allowing her to feel exactly how much she was affecting him.

She looked up at his face, their eyes connecting as they panted lightly. She licked her lips, and with a sudden burst of bravery, she rubbed against him. Gasping at the sudden jolt that shot through her, barely registering the way Youko slammed her back into the tree. His head resting against her's as he looked into her eyes as if contemplating something. Before he grinded against her, hissing as his breathing quickened. It drove her over the edge, and with her nails digging into his confining hands she cried out to him. "Youko! Please! Oh gods please!" She moved against him, as best as she could, her pleas never ceasing. Her begging must have worked, for a second later her hands were free.

Her mouth crashed upon his, her small hands diving into his silky hair as she kissed him passionately. Her hands roamed his body as she desperately memorized every inch of his toned skin, her lips still latched onto his.

He responded with equal passion, his free hand cupping her breast as he ran his thumb over the covered nipple, feeling it harden under his fingertip. His tongue drove into her mouth, running over the column of teeth before rubbing sensually against her own tongue.

He could have taken her right then and there. Thrown their clothes to the side and made love right under the very tree he had planted as a kit, and she would have welcomed it. But like so many moments with the miko in his arms, something had to end it.

"Get your hands off of my woman you dirty fox!" This something came in the angry voice of a furious wolf.

(:)(A)(:)

// Well how's that for fluff? I hope you guys liked this chapter, even if it is a little shorter than the last few. I don't think I liked this one as much personally, the words just didn't seem to flow like they usually do. I hope I haven't been diagnosed with writers block DX that would be awful! Any way, before I get onto the review responses I would like to give a shout out to keiko89 . . . for showing me that some people are not mature enough to handle constructive criticism . . . This was keiko89's review:

Dear keiko89,
First of all, thank you for the review for the story Reality. Though I was rather disappointed how you handled your response to my review to your story Dangerous Dancing. It was not meant to be offensive, and I apologize if it came off that way. But I have noticed that you have reviewed poorly to other people who criticize your work . . . it's slightly disturbing. Reviews have two main purposes, to support the writer, and to give constructive criticism for the author to use to better his/her writing. I did not in any way insult you as a writer, I gave you that review because I believe that you can become better in certain areas. I personally found that the quality difference from the beginning of your story to the latest chapter to be astonishing. So if anything, a constructive review should be taken as a GOOD sign. It means that serious writers are looking at your fiction and taking the time to help you. I know that I myself am thrilled to receive constructive criticism . . . it gives me something to improve on as a writer. I suppose I was hoping that you would see it as that too, which is the reason I am slightly disappointed to find a flame on not only Reality, but someone else's fic as well . . . For the first time ever on , I found myself wondering exactly how old an author was, because I could only see a child acting this way. Which leads me to ask, exactly how old ARE you? The review you gave may have actually effected me if it weren't for the fact that you obviously had NOT read it. For not only did you fail to notice that it was a one-shot and prone to fewer reviews, but you had also failed to notice that it isn't my story. Yes, that's right. You accomplished flaming my friend's story. You would have known that had you read it. I host it because she had no account at the time (As stated in the story), I've been meaning to take it off mine for months now, but have never gotten around to it. I hope this has helped you understand my reasoning in the review I gave you, as well as help you become a better writer. I would be even more thrilled however, if you learned a life lesson from this experience . . . and would handle criticism in the future more efficiently.

Now on to the reviews!! (Those of you who reviewed twice will probably be listed twice, just for reference)

kite-wolfdemon: XD well I'm glad! Are you enjoying it still?

sacaku: Live? I Assume you meant that you love this story XD. Though either one is great news!

Vami+Hoshi: Well I'm thrilled you think so! XD Here's another chapter for you!

kawaii-girl-anime: Well I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long! And I hope you liked this chapter as much as you liked ten!

Kuramasgal: Hehe . . . yeah . . . once again. Sorry about that! I totally screwed myself over when I tried to upload it from some one else's computer! I'm sure it won't happen again . . . at least I hope not! DX

sessywuver: I did as soon as possible! Sorry!

tbiris: Sorry! . . . again . . . //

Fire Phoenix: Well I think you got EXACTLY what you wanted in this chapter ne? XD Serendipity at it's work huh? You want some ‘training' action, and I happened to be planning it! XD hope you enjoyed it!

Huh??: . I'm assuming that's not your screename . . . sorry! . . . again . . . .

Fallen-666-Angel: XD I'm glad you didn't! I actually laughed when I saw your review! Though I do wonder . . . exactly who are you smacking yoyo's at? .

Kagome-reincarnation: NO! Please don't cry! DX You'll make me cry! I'm sorry so so so so so so so so so so so so so SORRY!!!! Please forgive me!! (hehe, that reminds me of the hostess at the hot springs in Fruits Basket XD) any way . . . Sorry!

Kiara 17: Wow! You know what's funny? Kiara is my dog's name! Kia for short! XD Any way . . . just thought that was kinda funny . . . and yes . . . the dearest things to us always do end up on milk cartons . . . it's so sad . . . it makes me dislike milk actually . . . (notes to self) from now on we'll buy jugs.

kawaii-girl-anime: Wow! You reviewed two times! Sorry about the whole, nonexistent chapter thing!

Ryukotsusei: Well I hope you still feel that way! Despite the whole chapter not uploading right thing! XD

: He he . . . yeah . . . sorry . . . again . . . yeah . . . I hope this chapter made up for it!

Anonymous: Yeah they would! He would be a dead man walking! Just thinking about it makes me feel sorry for him! XD

Richelle: OMG! You have to tell me . . . is that your name?! 0.o because I'm going to like, wig out if it is. It's sooooo similar to mine! Just switch the ‘i' to an ‘a' ! Wow, that is crazy! XD Like meeting my other self! Hello other self! I'm Rachelle!

tbiris: (nod nod) DEFINITELY not good.

Gilded-Daemon2004: Glad you think so! I hope you continue to enjoy it! (P.S. tell me if you find some other really good ones. I can always to for some crossovers! ~.-

lalagal889247: Sorry it took awhile! Here you go!

Tenchi-No-Kaze: Aw! I see! XD well I'm glad you found it again! And sorry about the cliffie . . . well . . . CLIFFIES now. // I just couldn't help myself!

Fire/Ice Fox: ^//^ I'll take that as a compliment. I hope you continue to enjoy it!

CrimsonEyes7806: I believe it was you who found me on wasn't it? In answer to your question there . . . yeah it's me. // not that you probably wouldn't have figured that out by now considering I'm responding to you. Hope you liked the chappy.

SacredKoorimeKitsune: Gah! I hate when that happens! Homework sucks so extremely much! Not that I should be talking . . . I usually do it at school the day it's due. //

silver starlight kitsune: Oh trust me . . . he'll find out soon enough . . . XD Mwahahahaha!

ptbear: Glad you liked it! Hopefully you liked this one just as much! Probably not though, I do think the last one was written better . . . but you got WAY more fluff in this chapter XD!

SunStar Kitsune: Uh . . . Who said I was going to kill Youko 0.o I'm confused! I didn't say that did I? (Ponders)

inukuramaRmine: Well your enthusiastic XD! Here's the chapter, even if it is a bit late.

Keta: Wow! The very first line worried me for a second! I thought I had done something wrong! XD . . . again if I'm not mistaken! You certainly have a way of scaring me! XD lol. Sorry it's a tad late.

Yusuke's Angel: YUSUKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok . . . over it . . . sorry. // He's my favorite character from the show. But no one seems to have him in their name so yeah . . . any way! Here's your update!

kagegrl: Glad you think so! XD

nunofyorbiz: Yes he is! XD Very very VERY close to Kagome . . . hehe . . . yeah, that was my pathetic attempt at an innuendo. //

sacaku: Glad to hear it! But really, I totally understand about the whole school thing. It's part of the reason my chapters tend to come out late sometimes. Not to mention all the stress stupid men give you. 9.9 but that's another thing entirely . . . stupid men . . . and they say WE'RE confusing! Ha!

darksaphire: Of course I am! I came back from the dead a couple days ago silly! XD any way, thank you for the suggestions! Though I'm afraid that they wouldn't be able to fit in the story line. Though on another hand . . . you did get part of your wish! Youko and Naraku are still in an alliance . . . sort of. //

Cattibrie393: Thank god! It drives me absolutely crazy when they don't work! Especially when I put so much time and effort into making it look pretty! DX it's so sad! Thank you for telling me!

BlueDove: Yeah I know // I was having some technical difficulties with my e-mail (mostly due to the fact that I have a crappy brain) so my proof reader was having a hard time reading and correcting it. I just got it a little while ago though so an edited version should be up soon XD. I'm sorry about your computer! My mouse and keyboard will freeze up occasionally. It drives me nuts. DX

Auroratwin: Gah! I'm sorry! // I guess I should have made that more clear. Yes, it is still in flashback mode . . . will be until the near end of the story. Don't worry, I'll make it perfectly clear when the flashback is all over and done XD. And thank you so much for the compliment! (blush) I guess I should have put it under Youko/Kagome/Kurama huh?