Just Hold On Loosely, but don't let go
If you cling to tightly,
you're gonna lose control
Your baby needs someone to believe in
And a whole lot of space to breathe in
-Hold On Loosely, .38 Special

(:)(A)(:)
Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter #12
(:)(A)(:)

They watched in stunned silence. Watching unblinkingly as the three men before them bickered profusely. Their snarls and insults trading back and forth.

"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN ‘YOUR WOMAN'! SHE'S NOT YOUR POSSESSION YOU FLEA BITTEN MUTT!"

"ME?! A MUTT?! DON'T MISTAKE ME FOR DOG TURD OVER THERE YOU WOMAN STEALING FOX!"

"SHE'S NOT YOUR WOMAN!" Two voices echoed viscously.

Miroku scratched the back of his head, grinning nervously. "Exactly how long has this been going on Lady Kagome?" The monk asked, turning to the miko to his left. Who was sitting at the base of the demonic tree, her chin propped in the palm of her hand as she watched boredly.

"An hour . . . maybe an hour and a half." She answered blandly, tilting her head over to the demon slayer on the other side of her. "I don't suppose you have anything that we can entertain ourselves with while we wait for the idiots over there to get a clue?"

Sango promptly closed her gaping mouth. She was now very thankful that they had taken the time to catch up to Inuyasha. She coughed into her hand, muttering a soft ‘no' before she looked back onto the verbal battle. "Kagome . . . have you even attempted to stop them?" She asked worriedly, the thought of three bloody bodies to clean up didn't sound very appealing at the moment.

The miko sighed, leaning back into the tree as she pressed the heels of her hands on her closed eyes. "Of course I did. But do they listen to me? Nooo, of course not! They're too busy proving who has a higher testosterone level!" She bit out, raising her voice in hopes that a certain group of males would hear her.

"I WILL NOT REPEAT MYSELF WOLF! I AM NOT FORCING HER TO DO ANYTHING WITH GOD DAMNED MAGIC!" Youko roared, his eyes glinting dangerously.

‘No such luck.' Kagome thought bitterly, retaining a sigh as she continued to nurse her growing headache. If she hadn't been so exhausted she would have probably blown up by now . . . luckily for them her first outburst had sapped her of most of her energy.

"THEN WHY THE HELL DOES SHE STINK OF YOUR DISGUSTING STENCH!"

Come to think of it she could probably summon up the strength to give them a verbal lashing . . .

"Kagome?"

Her head turned down into her lap, softening her features in favor for the kit sitting there. "Yes Shippo?" She asked sweetly. Her mood temporarily calming at the sight of the adorable boy looking up at her with innocent green eyes.

"What is testosterone?"

She froze, her mood once again dampening as she patted his head with a sigh. "Nothing Shippo. Forget I said it." The miko said softly, her temple beginning to pulse painfully. God will the day ever end?

"WHY THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU FUCKING FLEA BAG!?" Inuyasha snarled, his hand resting on the hilt of the Tetsaiga warningly. His anger unfazed when the wolf full heartedly snarled back.

"MAYBE IT'S BECAUSE SOMEONE WASN'T DOING THEIR JOB AND PROTECTING HER FROM SCUM LIKE THAT!" The wolf prince snarled, pointing an accusing finger in the silver fox's direction. Hardly realizing the trouble he had gotten himself into with the single statement.

The silver haired men stiffened, their hands balling at their sides before looking at each other. "So, you hold I hit?" Inuyasha stated gruffly, releasing Tetsaiga as he glared at the wolf dangerously. Spreading his legs as he prepared to lunge.

Youko scoffed, he too slipping into battle position as he eyed his current enemy coldly. "How about I hold, and we both beat the every last drop of blood out of him?" He bit out harshly.

Inuyasha smirked, taking his first few steps to build up momentum. "It sounds GOOD TO ME!" He accepted, hefting Tetsaiga over his shoulder in order to bring it down upon the wolf. Smirking at the wolf's suddenly fearful features when he found that his leg was held fastly by a single vine that emitted from the ground. Taking a small glance to his right, he wasn't surprised to find the kitsune right beside him, his hand drawn back in striking position. His smirk widened as he looked back to the cowering wolf, he would finally pay for all those things he said about-

"SIT BOY!" He crashed to the ground, Tetsaiga and all. His already bad mood dampening even more so. He had been so damn close to killing the wolf . . .

He looked up from his crater as much as he could considering the spell had yet to wear off, nearly leaping for joy when he saw the mangy wolf held up by his throat, a certain kitsune on the other end. He smirked, ‘At least HE can get the job done'. He thought, hardly noticing Kagome jog past him to get to the currently homicidal pair.

"Youko! Put him down right now!" The miko growled out, her breathing becoming uneven by the time she reached them. Her growl of frustration intensifying when the kitsune had yet to even acknowledge her presence. "Youko! I said-"

"No." It was a blunt refusal, careless as he didn't even turn his eyes away from his prey. Of which was currently gasping for breath, clawing at the kitsune's hand desperately. Leaving long, open wounds on his arms and wrists, yet he paid them no heed. Instead, he continued glaring at the wolf, his gaze piercing through his soul, igniting an instant predatory fear.

Kagome would have exploded . . . had it not been for the blood streaming down his arm, before being soaked up by his pure white tunic. Leaving a large, growing blood spot that engulfed most of his shoulder.

She bit her lip, her eyes narrowing in both worry and frustration, as she closed the difference between them quietly. Reaching out to his free arm, holding it to herself as soon as it was in her grasp, burying her face in his attached shoulder. "Youko . . . please let go of him . . . he's not worth it." She buried herself further into the clean side of his clean tunic, taking in the masculine fragrance it gave off, his scent. "Please, just let him go . . . your hurt. Just let him go and let me treat your wounds . . ."

He growled softly, his shoulders tensing as he fought to keep his voice down. "No. He has not only insulted me by calling me degrading names, but has insinuated that I would even think of hurting you, it is unforgivable." He gave her a sideways glance, eyes ablaze with his anger. "I will NOT let him go unpunished."

Kagome winced, hearing the pure anger in his voice. "Youko . . ." She tugged lightly on a lock of his hair, forcing him to look at her fully. Biting her lip, she looked up at him through her eyelashes. Turning his hair between her fingers sensually, she turned her gaze to his lips, one thought ringing in her mind. ‘Womanly wiles, please don't fail me now!' "I'll make a deal with you . . . let him go and . . . I'll answer any question you want to ask . . ."

Youko's resolve faltered, the miko's husky whisper soothing his sharp mood. The way she played with his strands of hair, a seemingly innocent gesture, set a sudden wave of heat over him as he saw the gleam that lit up her eye. Flashes of their interrupted moment flashing in his mind, and realization hit him. She knew exactly what she was doing.

He smirked, his eyes roving her body before he pulled her flush against him. Amused by the the small squeak of surprise she gave as her soft body it his. "Any question my miko?" He whispered into her ear, nipping the lobe lightly. Temporarily forgetting about the wolf that was still gasping for air in his grip.

She blushed lightly, fully aware of the intent gazes aimed at her back. "Uh . . . yes . . . But you have to let Kouga down before he suffocates . . ." She said sheepishly, an uneasy giggle managing to bubble out of her. ‘It seems my womanly wiles may have worked too well . . .'

He sighed, rolling his eyes as he carelessly dropped the wolf prince to the ground. Not even bothering to look down as he coughed and sputtered, holding his neck while he struggled to bring in the large quantity of air his lungs starved for.

Youko snorted, a disgusted look falling on his features when he bothered to look at the sight. "Remind me why I'm sparing his life?"

Kagome rolled her eyes, stepping away from him as she crossed her arms. "Because I said so." She said shortly, her temper rising with the careless way the kitsune had handled the wolf prince. "Kouga is my friend, I don't want you killing him!"

Youko frowned, not liking the way she was defending the demon at their feet. "Well then you can make better friends." He said haughtily. He too folding his arms across his chest as he watched her.

"You don't just replace your friends Youko! It doesn't work like that!" She seethed, eyes flashing dangerously as her hands balled themselves into fists at her side.

"Well then maybe you should choose better friends in the first place. For this scum is not worth so much as a second of your time! " He bit back, his lip curling in distaste at the mention of the wolf. Who, at this moment, had finally gained enough breath to speak.

"Watch your. Mouth you, damn fox!" He puffed out, still rubbing his raw throat with a clawed hand. Struggling to get up from the hard ground and regain his dignity. Stumbling as he fought to remain on his feet. "My Kagome doesn't need to hear all the fucking shit that comes out of your prissy mouth!"

"If you call her YOUR Kagome one more time I won't hesitate to kill you later when she isn't looking! You useless wolf!" Youko snarled, his fur bristling in pure rage as he felt his demonic blood boil at the insinuation that HIS miko belonged to someone else.

It was the light touch of her hand on his forearm startled him out of his homicidal rage. Causing him to blink down at her pleading blue eyes. "Youko . . . Please . . . Let's just go? I don't want you to fight." How could he say no to that? The answer was simple.

He couldn't.

"All right . . . let's go." He said softly, his muscles relaxing under her caring touch. Though he didn't miss the look on the wolf's face, when he pulled his miko closer to his body. Wrapping an arm possessively around her waist as he led her away.

(:)(A)(:)

"Ginta had been knocked unconscious, as well as the rest of my pack. So the responsibility was left up to me to kill the new flock of birds of paradise! So I-"

Youko let out a growl, his eye twitching irritatingly as he watched the display from across the small camp site. Feeling his blood begin to boil as he noticed the calm, collected way Kagome sat next to the wolf prince. Nodding eagerly for him to continue his story. Which of coarse he did, ecstatic by the display of her obvious interest. "How the hell can she even stand to listen to him!?" He grumbled to himself.

"Feh, because she doesn't know any better." Inuyasha scoffed. He too watching the scene with intent eyes, before heaving a frustrated sigh. "I'm going to find some more fire wood. I don't need to sit and watch as Kagome feeds that fucking flea bag."

Miroku shook his head as the hanyou pushed himself from the tree he had been leaning on and walked into the darkness of the forest. The monk sighed, giving Sango a small wave as he too rose. "I suppose I will go along with him, even if it is just to make sure he doesn't get himself into the usual trouble"

"I heard that monk!"

Miroku scratched the back of his head sheepishly. Giving the slayer and thief a final departing wave before jogging after the irritated hanyou. "I was just joking of coarse!"

Inuyasha rolled his eyes, his arms crossed as he waited for his companion to catch up. "Sure you were."

"I was! I swear on my monkhood!"

Sango sighed, shaking her head slightly as Miroku and Inuyasha stepped into the forest and out of their sight. Turning back to her soup and scooping up a spoonful. "Shippo why aren't you eating? Are you full?"

The kit shrugged his shoulders, playing with his own bowel of soup boredly. His chin propped up on his hand, as he laid on the hard ground. "I guess." He answered shortly. Stirring the liquid with a tiny clawed finger and letting out a soft sigh.

"Is there something bothering you kit?" Youko asked evenly before the slayer had the chance too. If Kagome wouldn't pay attention to him at least the kit would.

Shippo heaved a sigh, changing his position so that he sat cross legged in front of the older kitsune. "It's just that it's so boring when Kagome is with Kouga." He answered softly, keeping his eyes to the ground. "She doesn't pay a lot of attention to me when she's treating his wounds. And Inuyasha's not here to argue with her, so theirs not really anything to do . . ."

"Shippo, you know very well that Kagome can not give you all her attention all the time." Sango chastised softly, though she to gave a lingering look at Kagome. Who was still in the process of bandaging his neck. Nodding absently to whatever it was that Kouga had decided to spout off about. "Kagome . . . is just to kind hearted for her own good at times."

Youko snorted softly, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned back against a nearby tree. Glaring full heartedly at the two across from them. "Don't worry kit, he won't be here long." He growled out, his claws flexing instinctively as he eyed the wolf dangerously. "Damn wolf is lucky Kagome's softhearted."

Sango gave a sharp laugh, that sounded suspiciously like a scoff. "Even if Kagome hadn't stopped you, I would have."

He huffed indigenously. "That's simply based on the fact that you don't like me." He stated bluntly. His eyebrows raising delicately as he watched the slayer roll her eyes.

"Who said I didn't like you?" She challenged.

"It's kinda obvious." Shippo piped, shrinking under the woman's small glare. "Hehe . . . well . . . I think Kagome needs help bandaging Kouga . . . bye!" The young kitsune said nervously, giving a quick wave before scampering away.

Youko watched, hiding his amusement with little difficulty. "See? Even the kit sees it."

The slayer grumbled under her breath. Not daring to look him in the face. "I don't mean to give off that impression . . ."

An uncomfortable silence descended on them, making Sango fidget lightly. "You know . . ." She started, staring at her soup's contents. As if the floating pieces of meat and veggies mesmerized her. "Throughout this whole adventure . . . we didn't know anything. Whether we would die the next day, or be beaten by Naraku. Maybe lose some jewel shards . . . but through all those doubts, there had been one thing we had always been sure of. One thing that gave us hope . . ." She looked at Youko, her eyes piercing as she examined him. "We were always so sure that Kagome and Inuyasha would be together . . . that they would get their happy ending . . . that alone gave us so much hope . . ."

She looked across the clearing longingly, watching as Kagome gave Shippo a light pat on the head in her effort to control her temper around the wolf. Her eyebrow twitching slightly as Kouga continued his heroic tale of grand valor, oblivious of the annoyance he was causing in the young miko. Sango smiled lightly at the scene, reminded of older times. "It's not that I don't like you Youko." She said wistfully, turning her head to look him full in the eye. "It's that I miss having something to lean on."

Youko remained silent, meeting the slayers eyes with a bewildered, yet thoughtful, gaze as she finished speaking. His ear swiveling toward his miko when hearing the wolf prince yell out at the small kitsune on her shoulder. Who, as he saw from the corner of his eye, sticking his tongue out defiantly from behind the protection of Kagome's shoulder. "Just because I'm right doesn't mean you have to yell at me!" He defended tauntingly, finding courage from the coverage Kagome's thick hair provided.

Youko's lips lifted at the corner in an amused smile, remaining there as he got up from his place on the ground, intent on making his presence remembered in the eyes of his miko. Though not before giving a knowing smirk over his shoulder to Sango. "You know, when one's walking stick has broken, it becomes near impossible to fix . . . many find it in their better interest to find a new one to help them around. Rather than to cling to the old broken one that shall never help them again." He stated smoothly, wise eyes bearing deep into the mature woman's soul.

"But what if I can't find a new one?" She questioned hesitantly, intent on his answer.

His smirk softened into a simple smile. "Then create a new one from scratch."

She nodded dumbly, somewhat surprised by the kitsune's sudden display of wisdom. Watching as he walked toward Kagome in long, confident strides before taking her hands and pulling her up to his chest. The miko's face flushed at the contact, knowing that there were now other eyes watching them intently. Though the change in her face color didn't seem to effect the thief, as he pressed his lips against hers urgently, demanding her full attention. Though through the passion filled kiss, Sango could see the small smirk on the corner of his lips as Kouga growled bitterly, his fangs peaking out from under his lip in a silent snarl that remained even as the fox broke away from her.

"So what were you and Sango talking about?" Kagome asked, a bit breathlessly. Giving Kouga a warning look when it looked as if he was going to yell something out. The wolf immediately quieted his dissaprovment to a low grumble.

"Why do you ask?" He questioned back, smirking lightly at the way her already tinted cheeks gained more color.

"I don't know. It just seemed like you were talking for a while . . ." She answered softly, as she fingering the folds of his tunic shyly.

He nuzzled her nose tenderly. "Well, to tell you the truth my dear miko." He kissed her forehead. "We talked about sticks."

She blinked up at him, unable to hide the confusion in her voice. "Sticks?"

"Why the hell would you talk about sticks? You see Kagome? I told you he was a dumb ass!" Kouga bit out, refraining from attacking the kitsune due to the fact that Kagome was still in wrapped in the other males arms.

Youko clenched his teeth, reminding himself once again that he would be on bad terms with the miko in his arms if he injured, or preferably killed, the wolf. "I do believe that no one was addressing you flea bag." He said evenly, as his hold on Kagome tightened tauntingly.

"Don't call me a flea bag you fucking stick lover!" The wolf prince bit out, unable to think of a better insult at the moment.

Sango couldn't hold it in any more, her soft giggles turned into a full blown laughter. The corners of her eyes filling with delighted tears as she held her side, struggling to control herself. Though the laughter continued, making her choke on hiccups. But still it did not stop.

"Kagome . . . is she ok?" Shippo asked in a soft whisper, his eyes wide as he watched the display.

The miko promptly closed her open mouth. "Um, I'm not really sure Shippo . . ." She turned to Youko. "What the hell DID you talk about!" She asked accusingly.

He laid his ears back against his head, smiling sheepishly. "I swear I have nothing to do with her acting like this! I don't even know why she's laughing."

"B-Because!" Sango puffed out, her face red from the amount of oxygen her laughter was taking up. "I just found my new stick! You, and Kouga-" " Her laughter doubled. "Your so dumb!"

They all blinked simultaneously, before each head turned to Youko. "What!? I didn't do it I swear!" He cried out defensively.

Kagome crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow skeptically. "Oh really?"

He looked offended for a moment. "Yes, really!"

" . . ."

"See Kagome! I told you he was a sleaze!" Kouga whispered to her, making sure that he was loud enough for the kitsune to hear as well.

He growled in frustration, his silver tail bristling as he raised his right hand. "I, Youko Kurama, solemnly swear that the slayers temporary insanity is in no way my fault and that-"

"What did you just say!" Kouga sputtered, his light blue eyes wide with sudden realization. As his hands fisted themselves.

Youko gave him an annoyed look. "You wolves really do have a bad sense of hearing. I said, ‘I, Youko Kurama, solemnly swear-"

"Holy shit" He pointed an accusing finger at the silver kitsune. "You mean to tell me that you are Youko Kurama? That fucking thief?"

" . . . Yes . . . though I would appreciate it if you would refrain from swearing more than two times in a sentence." He jerked his head toward Kagome. "My miko doesn't need to hear from your foul mouth."

Kouga ignored him, instead turning to the said miko. His finger still pointing accusingly at Youko. "Kagome! Do you realize who this is?! "

She gave him an odd look. "Yes I-"

"Do you know how many people he's killed? Millions surely!" He looked around the group, noticing the sudden lack of laughter from behind him. He turned to Kagome, who was looking at him questionably, her lip turned downward into a confused frown as she hugged the Shippo to her body. He stumbled, didn't she see? He tried again, determined to open her eyes to see the devil that stood in front of them. "Not to mention all the things he steals! Why, he's stolen from the poorest villages! Wiped them clean of all their rice that they had! He-"

"That's enough!" Youko snarled, pushing Kagome behind him as he glared mightily at the wolf. "She knows who I am, if you had let her speak you would have known that! So stop over exaggerating my past and spreading rumors to scare her." His eyes gave off a malicious glint. "I was very serious when I said I wouldn't think twice of killing you if I so desired. Kagome is the only thing keeping you alive right now, but even my love for her has it's limited benefits for your sake, if you keep at it." He took a threatening step toward the wolf. "So get out now before I make you."

Kouga bristled, turning to Kagome in one last desperate attempt. "Kagome, listen to me. This guy is no good! He'll only end up hurting you!" Still, the miko looked doubtful, looking from Youko, to himself. "Please Kagome! Listen to me! You don't want to get involved with this, this, this thief!" He spat the word out, as if it were rancid on his tongue, his arms gesturing wildly as he informed her of his distaste.

Kagome took a step backward, her face contorted in confused worry. Youko's growl rose in volume, causing her to flinch slightly; before laying a comforting hand on his forearm. Licking her dry lips and adjusting Shippo against her chest. "Kouga . . . I'm sorry you don't approve of Youko . . ."

Her soft, apologetic tone told him where she was headed, and he didn't like it one bit. "Kagome he's a bloody thief! He-"

"He's my friend." Her voice hardened disapprovingly. "I know he doesn't have a very . . . virtuous path. But that doesn't mean he can't change and be a better per-"

"Demon." Shippo corrected, tugging on her shirt lightly.

She rolled her eyes. "Fine, DEMON." She looked down at the little fox demon in her arms. "There, happy?"

He nodded, letting out a tired yawn before snuggling back into her shirt. His eyes beginning to droop. "Yeah, that's good." He mumbled.

She sighed. "Any way, just because Youko has a bad past doesn't mean he's a bad per-demon, now." She bit her lip, contemplating her next words carefully. "Kouga . . . I'm sorry . . . but it's my choice as to whether or not I trust him . . . not yours."

"But Kagome!"

"Kouga, I think it might be better if you leave now." The words came out colder than she intended, even to her ears. She cringed, reminding herself that he was her friend and only worried for her safety. She began again, softer this time. "Kouga . . . I know your worried for me . . . but really. I'm going to be fine." She looked up at Youko, giving him a small smile. "Were going to be fine . . ."

Kouga watched the exchange through rage filled eyes. He turned his back on the couple, his fists clenched angrily at his sides. "Fine." He hissed through his teeth, before taking off in a gust of wind. Intent on going to one person who would be more than happy to exterminate this impostor.

He headed toward the Western Lands.

(:)(A)(:)

AHHHHH! I'm so sorry this took so long to get up DX. Writers block seriously sucks! I suggest you don't get diagnosed with it! It's awful! I also apologize for this chapters shortness. // I figured you would rather have it earlier than longer.

This is also my first chapter that I will have uploaded on my new laptop! Is that exciting or what? I know I'm thrilled. Even if it did cost a pretty penny //. But it was worth it.

Now, I believe an explanation for Kouga's behavior at the end of the story is needed. Kouga is a very confident person, as we have seen in the series when he doesn't exactly . . . understand that Kagome doesn't love him. So for him, the possibility that Kagome actually LOVES Youko doesn't exactly go through his head . . . hence the reason he accused Youko of using magic on her at the beginning of the chapter . . . something he STILL believes.

However, as confident as Kouga is, he also understands when he is no match for someone . . . sometimes. //. Hence the reason he himself will not try to attempt murdering Youko. On a normal basis he would most likely just up and leave and forget the matter altogether. Only one thing is stopping him from doing that this time . . . this time it concerns HIS woman. So instead of trying and save her and get his ass kicked . . . and still NOT have saved her. He decides the only thing he can do is get an ally strong enough to take him . . . and eager enough to the the job with out payment.

Now, without further delay (since theirs been enough of that on my part already //) one to the review responses!!

Ryukotsusei: 0///0 oh dear, now THAT would be interesting. Though I don't think I would have the heart to put Kouga through that (sweat drop) Though he did kinda get tied up in some vines. //

Tenchi-No-Kaze: Yes I did. Sorry this one took so long!

Bekkablair: I'm sick too ='( it's very saddening, especially since I need to get well before I see my boyfriend Monday DX. I'd feel horrible if I got him sick! And yes, it was VERY interesting ~.^

Yusuke's Angel: NONONONONONO! I love your name! Yusuke is one of my favorite characters in the show! He just makes me laugh XD. Sorry it took so long to update, hopefully this chapter wasn't a complete failure DX.

Kitsune-Miko-Tenshi: I'm glad you like it ^.^

nunofyorbiz: XD I won't kill him, promise. As for Kikyou, I haven't really put much thought as to when she'll appear. // it's one thing I'm really not sure about in this story. She probably won't have a big part in the fic, since I'm really not sure what to do with her. // I'll have to try and sneak her in just so everyone knows she's alive . . . well . . . kinda. //

Anonymous: Ya it could. XD and it did. Sorry the chapters a little late.

Tsuki Yume: I'll have to work on the sentence fragments. // I believe some one else mentioned something like that as well. As for the "punishment" scene, I can understand where your coming from. // I was trying to make it more of a scene where you can really see Youko's playful side . . . and it kinda turned out different. // I've actually been planning to go back and tweak it a bit when I have time.

Fallen-666-Angel: 0.0 I want some yo-yo!! And crossing the fingers didn't seem to work this time DX. The dreaded writers block has come. Hopefully it'll be out of my system by the time I get through with the next chapter.

darksaphire: XD so I have. I'll see if I can work something out. At the rate this is going though I'm not to sure if I can promise that new fic any time soon. . especially since the sequels still there to get through. I don't think there will be that many more chapters in this fic though. The end is definitely coming. ^.^

kawaii-girl-anime: Yes, yes he did. XD Kouga just isn't one to sit back and take it.

Kitty pup 13: Yeah, sorry if that's confusing . This is still in flashback mode, you'll know when were back in the present timing. Sorry for confusing you!

: 0.0 wow! Lot's of ideas. Ok. As for Kagome putting up a barrier. . Kagome hasn't learned how to do that yet. I plan on having a scene next chapter that gets into that a little more. On the whole Kouga and suicide thing, I don't think Kouga would really do that. He's just too cocky to roll over and take something. As for Inuyasha getting mad about the whole ‘smell' thing. He knows that he doesn't really have much of a say in anything any more. Plus he's come to respect Youko's courting of her.

Night Ember: Yes, yes I did. ^.^ Sorry for the trainees!

Kage Otome: Yes, the sexual tension does seem to be rather thick doesn't it? XD Hope you enjoyed this chapter, despite the lack of fluff.

silver starlight kitsune: XD poor Kouga, just got an eyeful.

SilverShadowKitsune: Well I'm glad you liked it. . even if I'm still not really satisfied with it. Sorry this chapter took so long!

Kuramasgal: I hope you still love it even though it took so long!

Hieiforever: Yeah I do, school takes up so much time. It's crazy. I'm afraid I'm not entirely sure what you mean when you say "I feel pity for Youko that he feels guilty but half of me thinks he deserved it." What's he feeling guilty for exactly?

Tenchi-No-Kaji: YES! Lot's of fluff. // And NO! This fic will definitely NOT have a lemon! Lime is as far as I'll be going. Probably not even a bad lime at that.

Monkey-gurl15: ^//^ well I'm glad you enjoy it so much! Here's your update (even if it is a little late)

Richelle: Wow! That is totally weird! In a good way of coarse! I hope you liked this chapter!

YoukoLover: XD ahaha, a lot of people seem to be upset with Kouga for some reason (shifty eyes) XD hope you enjoyed this chapter.

Baka KitsuneBri: XD ahaha, I don't know if that is a word either. But as for the constructive criticism, I'm thrilled to know that you have none to give as well XD

Keta 1123: No he shall not, and for that . . . . we give him a pity pat . . . . Hey! That rhymes!

Keiko89: Apology accepted. Though I do recommend you try and let out your frustration in a better manner. =( Otherwise your going to get yourself into some serious trouble. And I'm sorry about your cat! My best wishes for her health!

Kurama's Angle: XD I'm glad you like it!

Amanda: XD Yeah, a lot of people are! I'm glad you liked it though!

whirleeg: Yes, me and my cliffies get along really well if you haven't noticed already XD. As for the different take on the pairing, why thank you! It's something I've been striving to do, and I'm glad that for at least a couple people it's true!

gurlhushere13: I'm glad you liked it! Hopefully you liked this one just as much!

phoenixs_paiste: XD As I've said before, I love my cliffies. Hope you continue to like this fic!

kagegrl: Well, the update isn't soon . . . but hopefully you loved the chapter any way!

Cattibrie393: Yes it did! Thanks again! XD

Fire Phoenix: XD your guesses are pretty close, but not exactly correct. XD you'll find out soon though! Hope you continue to enjoy this fic!

Yami+Hoshi: Glad you liked it!

RoseFire-shadows666: Well, it wasn't ASAP . . . but I tried. //

AnimeMoonlightGoddess: I'll try my best to do that for you next chapter!

Rose Fury: Ah, yes, Youko . . . who doesn't wish to be in Kagome's shoes?

Lady Rose: Yeah, I have a proof reader. But when I'm late like this I'm just so eager to get it out! The edited version should be up in a couple days. *nod*

Yokaigurl: DORI!!!!!!!!! Just keep swimming, just keep swimming. ^//^ from Finding Nemo! (don't ask how I know this, I just do =P)

Saphire Dragon: Yeah, I put this fic up on before Mediaminder. So it has more chapters. Come to think of it though, I need to update the one on MediaMiner. // Thanks for reminding me! Happy reading.

inuyasha-lover-forever: XD please do! Any notice is great in my eyes!

SunStar Kitsune: Hmmmm . . . . // god I hate being stuck in a position where I can't say anything or else I'll give it away. Let's just say though that I try really hard to keep it as close to the author's as possible though.

Demon-girl-kit: XD Glad you like it! Here's another chapter for ya!

dragon85: Thanks!

kitsune'sangelofflames: Maybe, maybe not. You won't know until the end XD.

gothmiko: All right! XD maybe I can show that to my parents instead of my math grade //.

bAkA kItSuNe 2000: Not at all XD! Yes, Kouga has arrived, and it won't be the last time we see of him either.

kagome of the western lands: ^//^ I don't know about genius. I'm glad you like it though! And the yes, the series WILL have a happy ending. Promise!

FireIce Fox Goddess: XD Glad to hear it!

Nine-Tailed-Fire-Fox: Yes. Yusuke and company WILL make an appearance. BUT, that isn't until the sequel. So just a little longer and we'll get there!

Kurai-demon: XD I can't stand knowing the endings to stories, it just totally ruins it for me. The ending of this should be coming pretty soon. I've actually run this thing longer than I though I would 0.0. I expected it to be ended my chapter 12, but instead, the end is still a few chapters away!

Sakura Blossom-Cilla-85: XD People usually do burn in hell, I don't think you really need to specify that certain detail for Naraku.

CrimsonEyes7806: XD Gee whiz! How'd you know it was Kouga? ~.^ Hope you enjoyed this chapter!