She is smiling like heaven is down on earth
Sun is shining so bright on her
And all her wishes have finally come true
And her heart is weeping.
This happiness is killing her.
She'll be right here in my arms
So in Love
She'll be right here in these arms
She can't let go
-She'll Be In My Arms, Him

(:)(A)(:)
Every Rose Has It's Thorn
Chapter#14
(:)(A)(:)

He leaned against the tree comfortably, taking in another breath of the cool night air, savoring the familiarity of the forest around him. Knowing that if danger found him, he could disappear through the back door. Go through the maze of tunnels, and back into his miko's arms . . . his miko from the future.

The miko that defied the laws of time, and traveled five hundred years to the past . . . his present. The things she told him about her home both intrigued and confused him.

She talked passionately about boxes that showed pictures, telling millions of people news of what happens around the world and ‘movie' things that he was told were similar to a play done in a theater. . . just stuffed into the magic box.

She told him of wheeled carriages that needed no horses to move. Of buildings taller than the biggest trees found in any forest. He tried to grasp the concept of so many humans, millions she had told him, living in Japan . . . and yet so few demons. How could so many people possibly grow enough food to feed themselves? She answered his question enthusiastically. Trying her best to explain foreign trading and agricultural technology. There was no question she wouldn't answer. It was as if she was thrilled to finally tell him.

Youko smiled. Had he not forced her to sleep, she would have probably talked all night. And had he not known how tired and worn her body was, he would have let her. Listening with ever growing fascination as he struggled to hold a picture in his minds eye. But the training had worn her out, the healing of his hands using up a great deal of her energy.

He looked down at his hands, which were now perfectly smooth. Free of any blemishes that has marred his skin earlier in the day . . . she really did do a wonderful job . . .

He continued to stare down, his eyes scanning over his wrists, his palms . . . before lingering on his left ring finger. Words echoing through his head.

"See, in my time people marry for love." Kagome explained, cheeks flushed with her enthusiastic story telling. "The man, well . . . usually it's the man-"

"Continue." Youko said, before she could get herself off topic. Something that had happened a good ten times since she started telling him the story of her era.

Her eyes widened at the realization that she had completely forgotten what she was explaining. It took her a moment before remembering where she left off. "Oh yes! Any way, the man (usually) will get down on one knee, and propose!" A delighted blush spread across her cheeks. "It's so CUTE!"

Youko on the other hand didn't share her enthusiasm, instead looking at her in confusion. "Why would the man get on one knee? And what is this ‘propose' your talking about?" In his time, seeing a man get on one knee for a woman was unheard of. Especially for a future wife, someone who is suppose to kneel to their husband and take care of all his needs. To kneel to a woman would be considered . . . degrading. Could her time's culture really be so different?

She put a finger to her lip. "Well . . . I guess they kneel because they're basically offering themselves . . ." At his bewildered look, she continued. "That's what proposing is. You offer yourself to the person you want to spend the rest of your life with. So, when you pop the big question, ‘Will you marry me?' Your telling the person your proposing to that you want to be with them, and love them, take care off them . . . marriage in my time isn't like it is here. Here it's usually about politics . . . not love. In my time, you ask the woman you want to marry . . . and she will say yes or no . . ."

Could it really be so easy in her time? To just love some one and spend the rest of your life with that person . . . in today's world it would be merely a dream for most. To choose your wife, instead of having your parents arrange a marriage . . . such a privilege . . . he wondered . . . could he take advantage of a privilege of the future?

He sighed, running a clawed hand through his bangs. An old habit of frustration that was only recognized by a few. "Why must she make things so complicated?" It was a rhetorical question, one meant to be left unanswered . . . but answered it was.

"Such things happen when you wait to long."

The smooth voice rolled over the foxes senses, sending an unpleasant chill in the air. And once again he wondered, how much more time? "What do you want Naraku." How many more days? How many more hours? Minutes?

"I want nothing. I simply came to remind you of your, rapidly dwindling, time . . ." Slowly, he stepped out of the shadowed forest and into the small clearing. A slow, sadistic smirk spreading across his face. "You do realize that you have only less then three days correct? One such as you would not loose track of time so easily . . ."

Youko growled softly, successfully hiding the fearful leap his stomach took. Less than three days . . . "Maybe had you given me more time I wouldn't have to worry about the deadline so much." He growled out. ‘Don't let him see . . . don't let him know how much she really means to you.'

Naraku's eyebrow surely would have raised if he had not been covered in the baboon pelt. "Oh? Why is that? Either way you would end up breaking her. . . unless of coarse you wish to prolong it simply because you don't wish to hurt her . . . Could the great Youko, King of Thieves really be . . . in love?"

Youko snorted, giving the demon in front of him a distasteful look. "Don't be foolish." ‘Hide it. He can't know . . .' "You told me to break her heart. To properly do that she needs to love me." Youko raised an eyebrow, ignoring the thought of betraying her with his words. ‘I have to do this, for her . . . it's the only way.' "That was what you asked for correct?"

Naraku remained silent for a moment, studying Youko closely. "I suppose . . . though I must admit . . . your actions toward the miko with in the last few months haven't been very . . . supportive of your claim fox . . ."

Youko raised an elegant eyebrow, his arms crossing over his chest. "How so?" ‘Play dumb. Don't give anything away.'

"Watching over her at night, being jealous of the wolf . . . that lovely ring you gave her . . . it all seems to point to one thing. Care to explain?"

So the bastard didn't believe him. Youko wrinkled his nose, knowing that he would have to spin out more lies than he originally planned. "You really think I'm in love with that wretch don't you?" He winced inwardly, but didn't pause in his masquerade. "Your more of a fool than I originally took you for."

His tone was condescending, matching his degrading words perfectly. With amusement, Youko noticed Naraku's lips tighten into a thin line. ‘He's falling for it.' "I watched over her at night so Inuyasha could see, that got him out of the picture. It wouldn't do any good if she fell back in love with Inuyasha would it? The same for the wolf. I needed her in love with ME." He looked at his claws, as if the topic bored him. "If she wasn't then how was I to break her?"

"Then the ring?"

‘Ah, still some doubt . . . we'll change that.' Youko shrugged. "What do woman love more than fine jewelry? It was a completely ingenious move if I say so myself. Say a few sweet words, toss one of my less valuable rings at her and I'm immediately showered with love!" He was in full acting mode, the cold hearted thief making his appearance. Boasting of his latest conquer, Kagome's heart.

"Hmm . . . you seem to be sincere . . ." Naraku contemplated. "But how can I know that you are not merely acting now? That your behavior with the miko is showing how you truly feel . . ."

Youko raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Would you enjoy being in the company of a miko, who is foolish enough to never look into her powers-"

‘You enjoyed teaching her, you taught her because you knew she'd be safer . . . you don't want her to hurt . . .'

"Who hangs off your arm ALL day, talking in your ear-"

‘You love her voice . . . you want to hear it right now . . .'

"And the disrespect she shows the male members of society is atrocious! In all this time she hasn't given any men she's crossed the proper respect that a woman should give-"

‘You love that she stands up for herself . . . that she's brave enough to go against society . . . just like you are . . .'

"There is nothing I would rather not do, than to be with that filthy whore."

‘She's not a whore . . . she's the most beautiful woman you've ever known . . . the purest jewel in a mountain of dirty, worthless coal . . .'

 "I despise her, I can't wait till this is all over."

You love her . . .

Youko's eyes flamed dangerously, fueled by pure hatred. But not for her, no, never her. But for the demon in front of him, who gave him no choice but to spit out these vile lies. While his conscience corrected each and every one, reminding him that every word he said . . . would brake her heart if she heard.

Naraku saw the way his eyes slit, fires of hatred burning across his irises . . . but he misinterpreted where all the hatred was directed too. He smirked. "That will be proof enough. Since I see you are clearly sick of the girl . . . I'll do you a favor . . . tomorrow night . . . I'll make sure you and the miko are left alone. You can take her then, take the shards, give them to me, and be done with this meddlesome girl."

"-Give them to me-"

The words hit something in his mind, unlocking a series of jumbled thoughts that passed in an instant.

"See, in my time people marry for love."

"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"

"Only me and Inuyasha are able to go through the well."

"Youko Kurama, I believe I owe you something."

"Take the shards, give them to me-"

"And I love you . . . My Kagome."

The path he should take was so obvious . . . if he was careful . . . and planned accordingly . . . he could save her . . . "It sounds like a plan . . . Naraku"

"You taught her because you knew she'd be safer . . . you don't want her to hurt . . ."

(:)(A)(:)

Kagome sighed, fiddling with the hem of her kimono. ‘I can't believe he had me sleep in this . . . at least I didn't sleep too long . . .' Still, looking down at herself the wrinkles in the fine silk were obvious. She groaned, falling back onto the futon with a soft thump. She idly wondered when Youko was getting back . . . she had been awake for a good 15 minutes . . . and she had only slept for a good 5 hours or so according to her watch . . .

She let loose a frustrated growl, her fists pounding into the futon, her anticipation getting the better of her. "Youko! Where the bloody hell are you?!"

"Do you always throw tantrums when I'm gone? Or is this a recent development?" Youko teased lightly, his smooth voice washing her as he remained leaning against the cave wall.

She sprang up in surprise, a rosy blush spreading across her cheeks. "Youko!" Suddenly finding herself bashful, she hugged the kimono tighter around herself. "H-how long have you been there?"

He shoved himself off the the wall, sauntering over to her with a grace that met no bounds. With his knees bent, and his chin propped up by his palm, he looked at her. His smirk growing until it matched the delighted spark in his eyes. "Long enough to notice how delightful you look when you squirm . . . on my futon no less."

Kagome gave a high pitched ‘eep'. Blood rushing to her pale face as she struggled to cover her mortified blush with her hands, failing of coarse. "Y-Youko! Don't joke!"

He cocked his head to the side, his eyes alone showing his dissent. "Why would I joke?" He was . . . confused. Maybe even a little hurt that she thought his words to be so menial, when they were nothing but the truth.

She blinked at him, her blush fading as her hands dropped from her face and onto the smooth silk of the covers. She leaned forward, her head tilting with his as she looked at him, their faces so close that she could feel his breathing. "Why wouldn't you?" Her heart was howling at her, pounding against her rib cage in disagreement. She knew why. She heard the words that he told her just that morning . . . but could she believe him? She had thought she was over this, but in truth it still tugged at her mind. But her heart told her otherwise, it screamed and wailed to trust him fully, to let him in with out question. ‘Just one more time. Just let me hear it one more time.'

He stared back at her for a minute, his gaze never wavering from those big blue orbs that had caught his attention all that time ago. It was amazing, the way he could read so many emotions from just one look into stormy seas. Worry. Doubt. Fear. So easy to read, yet so hard to understand at times.

The scarce space between them crumbled away as his lips planted themselves firmly on hers. Soft, undeniably lush lips parted willingly under his ministrations . . . and yet, she seemed to hold herself back.

He pulled away slowly, finding himself lost once again in those eyes. Something was wrong, so amiss that even a kiss would not banish the almost timid ridges in her irises.

His hand raised to caress her cheek, kissing the corner of her mouth softly before whispering against her soft flesh. "Why do you doubt? Is it that my actions are not convincingly honest? Or that my words seem too menial to be true?" He kissed lightly along her jaw line and down to the nape of her neck, not out of passion, but out of need. Need to feel her, to know that she was still there. He sighed, his forehead resting on her shoulder, his hair creating a silvery curtain around his face. "What do I need to do to make you understand?"

Her arms slowly twisted themselves around his neck, one palm cradling the back of his head lovingly. She starred forward at the opposite wall, the wheels in her head spinning out of control. Was it possible to lie so convincingly?

Her gaze wandered down to the top of his head, where his two triangular ears laid flat against his skull. She held him tighter. No one could lie like that, not even the great thief Youko Kurama. "Just tell me one more time." She whispered into those furry appendages. "I just need to hear it one more time . . ."

His head lifted from her shoulder then. Eyes locking onto those orbs that were glazed with unspoken emotion. He would have asked her what it was that needed to be said, he really would have. But when one knew the answer, there was no point in asking the question. Yes, he knew what she wanted to hear. He knew it with all his demonic heart. "I love you . . ." He kissed her nose gently. "And I swear to you, that will not be the last time you hear those words from myself."

She sighed, giving him a grateful smile. Her fingertips skimming his flawless cheek lovingly. It was only when she felt the first tear drop that she realized she was crying. And it was only a second later that her beloved Youko was kissing the rest away with such dedication, and love, that only more sprang forth. Until slowly, she fell into a light slumber- Youko still kissing her tears away.

(:)(A)(:)

It was a familiar scene, one he had dreamed up many a time before. The large castle stood high upon the center hill top, the forest of bamboo shoots nearly hiding it's magnificence from view.

He jumped over one of the larger boulders before looking to his left, giving his partner a smirk. Everything was going according to plan. They made it in, and they made it out with out a scratch . . . perfect.

The crow demon beside him smirked back full heartedly. Black eyes glinting gleefully as the ruby pendant dangled from his hand. "Another job well done my friend."

The fox demon gave a short chuckle, slashing at a bamboo shoot that had been in the middle of his path. The stalk caved in immediately, sending an army of wooden splinters to the ground. "I believe I will agree to that Kuronue."

They both laughed vivaciously, continuing their sprint away from the guards that were surely following them by now . . . until something in the tempo changed . . . and the soft ‘tink' sounded behind them.

Youko regarded it as nothing, a loose coin had fallen or something of the sort. But with a look to his side he saw that his partner was gone . . .

Standing a few paces back was his friend in black . . . staring a couple yards away at that ruby pendant that he held so dear. Youko growled in frustration as the crow demon made a mad dash to it. "Kuronue! What are you doing! Just leave it!"

There was no hesitation as the crow demon yelled over his shoulder. "Keep going! I'll catch up!" He didn't even hesitate as he closed in on the last four feet. His hands closed around the pendant, the stone seeming warm in his cool palm.

Youko shook his head in disapproval, watching as Kuronue made a tight turn, beginning the run again. Youko too turned, increasing his speed until his silver ears picked up a rather peculiar sound. He took the risk, and looked behind him.

The first thing he noticed was Kuronue's limp body, black hair spilling over in grisly waves. Blood slithering down the bamboo spears that impaled him . . . his blood red pendant clasped in his hand.

No words came from the kitsune's mouth, his silence matching his partners as he ran toward his fallen friend. He reached him with a skidding halt, sending a rain of pebbles clashing to the blood soaked ground. The name of his fallen partner clutched at his throat, and yet, just when he was to utter his name, the bloody head lifted up . . .

Cascading tresses flowed to the ground in black waves. Perfect, pale skin glowing against the darkness . . . a vision of tragic beauty . . . with a pair of desperate blue eyes staring at him. A bloody hand reached for him, but all he could see was those eyes . . .

Youko's body lurched forward, bare chest glistening with beads of sweat. Muscles jerking, twitching as he struggled to come back to reality. His eyes darted around the room nervously, before landing on the woman sharing his bed.

Kagome.

Instantly those eyes strike him, causing him to recoil in horror. The image of her like that . . . it was too much for his heart to take.

He buried his head in his hands, looking at that beautiful girl, the source of all his happiness and troubles, through laced fingers. Her breathing was regular, her sleep peaceful. Despite her complaints about sleeping in her current kimono, she had fallen to the spell that sleep had cast on her. If the image of her blood running to the ground wasn't still plaguing his mind he would have been jealous.

He dug his palms into his eyes, hoping the pain would push the image out. He couldn't see her like that, it would kill him. He wouldn't be able to leave her if he kept seeing that bloody image.

He knew it wasn't a premonition, he knew better. Kagome wasn't going to die . . . he wouldn't allow it. It was another part of the dream that truly shook him to the core . . . would he abandon her like he did Kuronue?

He shook his head furiously. ‘Of course not, I'm doing this only for her. Always for her. There is no other way . . .' Still, despite the truth in his logic, his thoughts plagued him.

It could have been the low growls that woke her, or possibly even the spiking of his energy levels, but either way, she woke. Rubbing her eyes with a tiny fisted hand, she blinked away her sleep filled eyes. "Youko?"

She attempted to get up, but a clawed hand gently pushed her back down. At her whimper, his hand moved to her face, brushing a wisp of hair behind her ear tenderly. Leaning down, he kissed her forehead before she could argue. "Shh, quiet love. I've just been thinking, that is all. Now go back to sleep. You need to be rested for tomorrow."

Blinking drowsily, she sank back into the futon before letting loose a large yawn. "Tomorrow?"

"We will be leaving to find Inuyasha and the others so that we can reunite, now sleep."

His order was obeyed instantly as Kagome was pulled back into her dreamless sleep . . . never aware of the eyes that traced every curve of her face with painful longing, never knowing that it would be one of the last nights that she would have his arms wrapped around her . . .

\(:)(A)(:)

"My Lord Sesshoumaru! My Lord Sesshoumaru!" Jaken screeched, running awkwardly to his master, stumbling awkwardly over the small rocks engraved into the dusty ground. His breathing becoming haggard by the time he finally reached his place at the Demon Lord's side. "Did you find the thief?"

The lord didn't answer, instead he continued walking in long, purposeful strides . . . the hidden rage hidden behind the familiar emotionless mask.

It was this silence that drove the green imp to continue talking, never realizing that by doing so he was digging himself farther into his grave. "Did that wolf scum lie to my lord?! Surely Kouga wouldn't be so foolish as to think that my lord would not come back to kill him if he did! Why- aeeeeek! My lord I'm sorry! I have spoke to much!" Jaken wailed, though he did not try to free himself from his masters strong grip . . . to do so would result in his spine being crushed . . . instead of just being suffocated.

Sesshoumaru waited until Jaken's naturally green skin grew to a deep purple before letting him drop to the hard ground. Looking over the ledge of the cliff before him boredly. "You would have a better chance of survival if you would simply cease to talk. Now find Rin some food before I decide that you are not worth my time."

The toad like demon immediately panicked at the threat . . . his master had killed him many times before . . . and he had no doubt that he wouldn't hesitate to do so again. "Y-yes my lord! Right away!" Scrambling up from his place on the ground, he waddled as fast as he could past his master's charge and to the nearest village.

The girl blinked after the imp before turning back to the powerful demon in front of her. "Lord Sesshoumaru? What did the thief steal?" She asked innocently, resisting the urge to tug on her caretakers sleeve, knowing it to be something of his dislike.

He remained silent for a moment, contemplating whether to even acknowledge the question before speaking. "Nothing of true importance to me."

Rin only blinked up at him, scratching her chin in confusion. "Well then why does it make you so angry?"

Sesshoumaru's eyes narrowed, glaring angrily at the horizon. "He stole a curse, a curse that this Sesshoumaru did not wish to be stolen." For the first time since the conversation he looked down at his charge. "That is reason enough for him to die."

Rin gazed up at her lord, admiring the power in his words. All the while wondering . . . just what was the curse?

(:)(A)(:)

Inuyasha was worried, very worried. As well as the rest of the shard hunting group.

It had been nearly a whole day since they last saw their beloved miko and her mischievous kitsune, and over 13 hours since Sesshoumaru had made his appearance and disappeared into the forest when finding out that the where abouts of the kitsune was not with them.

Is she all right?

The question was in every one's thoughts as they marched on silently. Hoping that their hours of searching would lead to the couple . . . but the thief had obviously not wanted to be found. With the scent scattered, Inuyasha couldn't go ten feet with out having to backtrack and start all over again. It was beginning to seem as if the search was hopeless, but they continued on. Mostly because none of them would be able to stand sitting still while wondering where their dear friend was.

Though out of all of them, only one was brave enough to voice all of their fears out loud. "Sesshoumaru wouldn't try to hurt Kagome right?"

The little kitsune's question had the rest of the adults staring guiltily at the ground. None of them wanting to answer the kitsune's question . . . if Sesshoumaru was intent enough to search for the thief then the demon lord would surely do everything in his power to hurt him . . . even if that included hurting the one that Youko cared for most . . . Kagome.

"I'm sure he wouldn't Shippo." Sango said, raising her eyes to the kitsune perched on Inuyasha's shoulder . . . the half demon had permitted it only due to the circumstances. "Youko's smart, he wouldn't allow Kagome to get hurt."

Shippo nodded, biting his lip uncertainly. Even he, a young child could sense the small amount of doubt in the air. But he remained quiet, fearing that if he asked another question it would be answered too honestly.

They stayed quiet for a moment longer, the sound of their footsteps being the only sound until Inuyasha spoke. "Damn fox probably has them both hidden away some where, considering how well he covered his tracks." He said gruffly, bringing some hope to the small group. Though no one knew for sure if he said it to comfort the young kit on his right shoulder, or to comfort himself.

They would never find out.

With a sudden gust of wind that nearly knocked them off balance, Kagura stood before them . . . along with her crew of lesser demons.

Red lips curved into a smirk as she snapped her fan open cockily. "It is time to dance once again Inuyasha . . . try and see if you can keep up." At once, the demon filled sky lurched forward, and to the tired, and unprepared shard group . . . minus two of their members.

With a heave, Inuyasha took slid his sword out of it's sheath. His features solemn as he spoke to the kitsune, eyes never leaving the groups impending doom. "Run Shippo." At once his order was heeded, and as the kit scampered into the bushes and out of sight, Tetsaiga was hefted into the air . . . and coming down with all the power that it held wiping out over a hundred demons, leaving a temporary gap until it was filled up once again by wailing bodies of serpents and trolls. With a vicious snarl he charged into doom. "FOR KAGOME!"

And the battle raged.

(:)(A)(:)

She felt nervous . . . very nervous. And yet . . . she had no idea why. The forest they walked through was beautiful and perfectly calm, and with Youko's fingers laced loosely with hers, there could be nothing wrong in her world. Yet something tugged at the back of her mind, something familiar but foreign enough that she just couldn't put her finger on what it was. Which in turn, made her even more uneasy.

Youko sighed, pulling her to his chest with ease and being greeted with a soft ‘oomph' as she collided into him. "Stop being so jumpy." He growled softly into her ear before nipping the lobe disapprovingly. "Your making me nervous."

Kagome blushed sheepishly, allowing him to wrap his other arm around her as she leaned against him. "Sorry, I don't know why but . . . something seems wrong." She frowned, curling her fingers into his tunic. "Like . . . something bad is happening . . ." She looked up at him with worried eyes. "You don't think-"

He cut her off with a soft kiss, pulling back only when he felt her body relax. "Inuyasha and the others are fine, no stop worrying." He rolled his eyes lightheartedly. "If you don't your going to drive me to my death." He inwardly winced at the underlined truth, but hid it well by stroking her cheek tenderly. "All right?"

Kagome grumbled under her breath, but nodded.

Youko chuckled, nuzzling her cheek. "You worry too much love." He pushed against one of the many trees, eyes glinting playfully as he gave her a kiss on her nose. "Do you need me to distract you again?"

The action had the desired effect as, tossing her fears away, Kagome laughed. Squirming against him as she fought halfheartedly to get away. When it was obvious that she wouldn't get free, and that she didn't really want to fight him any more, she kissed his nose. Giggling when he responded with a playful growl. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she kissed him. "Maybe I do need a distraction . . . I hear too much worrying causes stress."

Youko's smirk grew as he placed a kiss to her eyelid. "Mm, well we can't have that can we?"

"No we certainly can not, so stop talking and kiss me!" She whined, tugging on a lock of silver hair insistently. Her pleading request was answered full heartedly as his lips crashed down upon hers. What started out as play soon became very serious as Kagome replied with equal enthusiasm.

Passion overrode reason, and they found themselves breathless with need. The closeness of their bodies teased their senses, driving them to want more. To feel each others skin with out the confines of clothing . . . it would have become to much to bear had Kagome not said those three sacred words that brought Youko back to reality.

"I love you."

Her words were husky, drunk with passion, but they rang true. And Youko found himself pulling back, just to get a good look at her. Blue eyes glazed over with lust, she seemed disoriented, as if she didn't understand what she herself had said . . .

But Youko heard, and with his mind cleared of it's lust, he pulled his body away from hers, holding onto her shoulders until he was sure that she was steady. Ignoring her confused, almost hurt look as he went down on one knee . . . taking her hands in his as he watched her expression change drastically. He could hear her heart beat speed up rapidly, saw the nervous look that entered her eye . . . it made him nervous, just has he told her it would. But with one last deep breath, he ventured on.

"Kagome?" Was it strange that he couldn't bring himself to ask it all at once?

Kagome was simply struggling to breath, the word nearly hitching in her throat as butterflies danced in her stomach. "Y-yes?"

"Will you marry me?"

There was a moment of silence as Kagome tried to the breath needed to talk, as she wondered if she was even old enough . . . but staring into those honest, almost pleading eyes gold eyes . . . all thought left her. And in a rush of emotion, she tackled him in a fierce hug, tears leaking from her eyes and onto his shoulder. "Yes, yes I'll marry you."

Suddenly kisses were raining over her, short and quick until reaching her lips . . . and the fire was rekindled, it's glow being far brighter than before. The flames licking at their hearts until the need became to great to withstand any longer.

Laying her softly to the ground, he dared not separate their lips. Nor did he dare to try and resist the long held desire to be consumed by her . . . and for once he did not think of Naraku, or minutes, or of what was to come.

Only her.

(:)(A)(:)

Sorry it took so long to update . . . again . . . School has once again started, and has once again taken over my life. I am in AP English this year . . . so it will be likely that the next chapter will be late as well . . . I sacrificed the rest of my sunday to get this done, because I PROMISED that this chapter wouldn't be as late as the last . . . even though I have an english essay due tomorrow that hasn't even been started on . . . though part of the tardiness can also be blamed on my boyfriend . . . as when I do have spare time it is usually spent talking to him.

I am also sorry that there are no review responses . . . I have heard that some stories are getting deleted by FFnet because of it and I do not want to take this risk . . . especially after breaking 300 reviews. So . . . ya.

But there is good news my friends. I will make a deal with you (whether you like it or not). This story is on 169 of your favorites lists . . . the most reviews per chapter I have received is 57. So here stands my deal, if I get 100 plus reviews for this chapter (which is approximately 59.1715976331 percent of you by the way) I will sacrifice my free time to bring you the chapter sooner. But be warned . . . I will not accept even one less . . . this is valuable time with my boyfriend that I will be sacrificing (which means a lot since we don't see each other a lot).

ALSO I do mean it when I say that, though you can review twice, I will only accept those with signed reviews. So go ahead and review more, but I want 100 of those people who put this story on their favorites to review. Even if it's only a ‘good job'.

This is your mission . . . good luck my fellow . And don't forget that reviewing one of my one-shots will give you bonus points. And we all know you like bonus points, because you are bonusy people.

So with that said, I leave you now . . . except not because I still haven't said that I don't own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho . . . but you'll get extra extra EXTRA bonus points if you buy them for me.