Sorry it took me so long to update. School gets in the way, as does writers' block. I apologize ahead of time for any mistakes my story has. However, I'm too lazy to correct it at this god-forsaken hour of 4 in the morning.

A special thank you to Bishi and Tashio for their ideas!

Hope you like it!

It had been a week since Ikuto and Kagome had become partners. And Ikuto had gotten more 'friendly' than ever. Although Kagome could tolerate most of his acts, she absolutely hated when he got all touchy and feely.

Kagome shuddered. One Miroku was enough in the world.

She had just gotten out of class and walking out of the entrance when she heard someone call out her name. Speak of the devil…

Turning towards the source of the voice, Kagome snapped, "What do you want, Ikuto?"

He was high up in a tree off to the side of the small courtyard. Ikuto leaped from the branch he was on and sauntered to her. "Now is that any way to treat your friend?" he purred.

She shot him a glare. "Why are you here?"

"Can't I just see my favorite miko?" At her glowering look she gave him, Ikuto sighed. "So unbelieving," he muttered. In a louder voice, he said, "Since we've recently become partners, why don't we get to know each other?"

Kagome blushed. "No!"

Ikuto rolled his sapphire eyes and said, "Not that way," he assured her. "I just meant go out somewhere or something. Perverted kid."

"Don't call me a kid. I'm the same age as you," the miko retorted.

"So you admit you're perverted?"

She blushed and gave an adamant deny.

He walked up behind her. "You know, Kagome-chan. It's not healthy to be living in denial." Ikuto whispered.

"I am not living in denial!" she shrieked, slapping him upside the head.

Ikuto pouted. "Mou, Kagome. That hurt," he whined. "If you're going to slap something, slap somewhere else!"

She kicked him. Repeatedly.

Groaning, he replied, "Okay! Fine! I'll stop! I just wanted to ask if you wanted to go to the hanami tomorrow! Shippou said you like that stuff! I think there's on in Ueno Park, or something."

Ceasing her abuse, Kagome stared at Ikuto. "Hanami?"

"Or yozakura. Whichever you want."

Kagome squealed. In a rather bipolar action, she wrapped her arms around Ikuto tightly. "Can we stay for both?" She felt a chuckle resonate along his chest, followed by his agreement. "Arigatou, Ikuto!"

Laughing softly once more, he rest his chin on her head. "You're paying, though."

They had spent several hours bickering at the Taisho Estate about who would pay. Kouga ended up shouting at them that he would pay for the trip if they would just shut up.

Several days later, Kagome skipped around the lot happily, Ikuto following her, his hands in his pockets.

"Slow down," he called. "I'm not going to carry you when you get tired, you know."

Kagome turned around and poked a small pink tongue out at him. "I won't need you to carry me." She paused, noticing something for the first time. "Ne, Ikuto? Where's Yoru?"

He snickered. "You just noticed? Yoru's somewhere around the park, gorging on food. He ran off a while back."

Her mouth formed a small 'o' shape before widening into a bright smile. Grabbing Ikuto's hand, she said, "Whatever! Let's go see the sakura flowers!" She dragged him inside Ueno Park, towards the entire crowd of people.

The two walked into the park, strolling amiably, Kagome taking in the beauty of the sakura blossoms, and Ikuto taking in the beauty of her.

"Sugoi! These are so beautiful!" she exclaimed happily, beaming at him. "Thanks for taking me!"

People around her took in the stunning girl with an equally handsome boy among the falling cherry blossoms, creating an empyreal air to the scene. They seemed to float from one stand to the next, the girl cooing over small trinkets as the boy looked on in amusement. They walked to the ice cream vendor.

"Higurashi-san?" the older one asked. "Is that you?"

And the scene was ruined.

Wide sapphire eyes widened. Crap, she thought violently. It's Hojo-kun!

"Higurashi-san, is that you?" Hojo repeated.

Ikuto immediately moved in front of her. "Who are you?" he demanded.

"Higurashi-senpai, what are you doing here?" asked the younger one. Seiichiro Suzuki was here too…

Forcing a smile onto her face, she asked, "Ohayo, Suzuki-kun. I'm here for the hanami."

Hojo turned to Suzuki confusedly, asking how he knew her. Suzuki replied that they went to the same school. "Do you know of a girl named Higurashi Kagome? You share the same surname."

Kagome looked uneasy. "She's, ah, my cousin." She paled slightly when the junior asked why they shared the same name as well. "We're very distant cousins. Our fathers were cousins, as well."

His elder sighed dreamily. "I should have guessed that a girl as beautiful as you were related to Higurashi." Ikuto put a hand on her shoulder, gripping it tightly. "She was always a goddess. And what's more, I think she liked me back too!" His grip tightened. "Next time I see her, I'm going to ask her out! And then we'll become boyfriend and girlfriend, and she'll call me "Hojo-koi," and…" Hojo went on and on, ranting on many dreams he had for her.

Ikuto's long fingers tightened into an almost painful grip, his cobalt eyes darkening with annoyance and… what was that? There was something in his eyes that burned. Was he jealous?

She put a small hand onto his, relaxing his hold slightly. Kagome took his hand off her shoulder, gripping it tightly in her own small one. "Suzuki-kun, Hojo-kun, I think it's best if we leave. Ikuto and I would like to enjoy the hanami. The season is almost over."

Coming out of his fantasy, Hojo noticed Ikuto for the first time. "Who is this? Your babysitter?"

The miko glared at the naïve boy. "He's Kagome-chan's boyfriend," she said stiffly.

Ikuto seemed as though he were holding in a smirk. "What's it to you?"

He colored. "I, uh, I'm sorry. About ranting on about Higurashi-san like that." With that, he hurriedly grabbed Suzuki's hand and pushed the cart away, embarrassed.

Once he was out of earshot, Ikuto let out a loud laugh. "Your boyfriend, huh?" he asked teasingly. "I didn't know you liked me that much."

"Oh, shut up!" she retorted, giving him a defiant stare. "I needed something to get him off my back!"

The cat let out a derisive snort. "You make him sound like he's a stalker or something."

She shot him a deadpan look, immediately dropping his hand. "Think of Hojo as Utau."

Ikuto's eyes widened. Shuddering, he replied, "No comment."

"Come one. I didn't come here to discuss my past stalkers." Kagome said, rolling her eyes. "Let's go look at more flowers!"

"Sure. I am your boyfriend, of course." Ikuto answered, smirking.

"No you're not!"

And so the day went on, both teenagers enjoying the beauty of the springtime, as well as each others' company. However the serenity was ruined soon after.

As they were walking in a secluded area, the ground began shaking slightly. Fine eyebrows furrowed, the miko ki flaring slightly. Suddenly, an explosion filled their ears, debris clouding their vision.

"You have the Shikon no Tama, do you not?" a voice snarled. It was a lizard demon.

The miko seemed unfazed. "Of course not!" she spat. "The Shikon is long gone. It is foolish to search for it now."

The demon rolled its yellow eyes. "Don't give me that shit. I am not a fool. I am fully aware that you are wearing the jewel around your neck."

Kagome let out a silent sigh. So the aura had protruded from the mask. "That may be true, but how do you plan on retrieving it?" she queried, her voice somewhat smug.

It unmasked a large portion of its aura. Damn. It was stronger than Kagome took it for. No matter. It will never succeed.

As Kagome was battling the youkai, Ikuto watched the scene in awe. He had no idea that Kagome was such a powerful being. She fought the demon, shooting arrows at a blinding speed. Unfortunately, she would tire. Even an ordinary boy like him could see that this demon was strong, and difficult to defeat.

Kagome materialized a bow and arrow from her ki, draining a small amount of her power doing so. Notching the arrow, she allowed energy to seep into it, turning the arrow into a vessel of holy power. He watched in awe as she did so, amazed at the power of the attack. Unfortunately, the demon dodged the arrow.

"Ikuto, nya!" Yoru cried, flying over to them. "What's going on!?"

Ikuto glared at him. "Kagome needs help. My own heart, unlock!" A bright light engulfed Ikuto, swallowing his form momentarily. It faded quickly, revealing Ikuto, fully decked in cat ears, a dark midriff shirt and pants, a cross adorning his chest, as well as metal claws attached to the cloth on his right arm. "Character transformation, Black Lynx!" With his transformation complete, he lunged at the demon.

Kagome watched dumbfounded as she saw Ikuto attack the demon, skillfully launching blows, dodging the youkai's retaliation expertly. Ikuto kept up with its rapid speed easily, not once faltering in his assault. She gasped and moved to form a katana when the lizard bared its fangs. However, Ikuto merely swung his claws at him, cutting the teeth to a stub.

Roaring in anger, it released its power, a small orb of energy forming in its claws, shooting it at Ikuto. He dodged with trained agile and launched into another series of slashes. Ikuto let out a small hiss as a small portion of the orb landed on his arm. "Slash Claw!" he shouted, moving his claw in for an attack. The demon blocked with his, resulting in the claws to be sliced in the same fashion as its fang.

She decided it was time to intervene. Tossing aside her bow and arrow, she formed a katana, surrounding it with her miko ki. Kagome lunged, fighting alongside Ikuto, both slashing furiously at the demon. This went on for several more minutes, both of them splattered in blood, belonging to both the demon and themselves. They only slowed once they simultaneously plunged their blades into the youkai's heart.

Both jumping back from the writhing being, Kagome tossed aside her blood-stained sword. Summoning her bow and arrow once more, the miko notched another arrow, and surrounded it in holy energy once more. Releasing it, she shouted, "Hama no ya!"

As it purified the demon, it let out a piercing shriek before rasping out a revenge threat to the miko and her partner and disintegrating. Both Ikuto and Kagome looked uneasy.

That demon most likely has a family or a clan. She inwardly groaned. We're in deep shit…

Noticing her discomfort, Ikuto put a hand on her shoulder. "Come on, Kagome. We better get changed. I don't particularly like being covered in blood." He eyed his bloody clothes with disdain. "I bet they sell some yukatas here."

Kagome nodded as Ikuto grabbed her hand and lead her back towards the crowd.

Once obtaining their spare clothes (Yoru had run off sometime afterwards), they were lead to a changing room. Unfortunately, there was only one left. As they were cramming themselves into the fairly spacious stall, Kagome grabbed a small first aid kit to treat their small wounds. Before undressing, Kagome stole a glance at Ikuto, who was only in his boxers. Blushing at his undressed state, the miko noticed a large gash running from his chest to his lower abdomen.

Ikuto smirked. "Like what you see, Kagome?"

Despite her blush, Kagome's eyes narrowed at the wound. "No. I don't." His smirk immediately dropped. She inwardly chuckled at the expression before moving closer to him. "Does this hurt?" she asked softly, gently fingering the flesh around the cut.

He flinched slightly at the action. "N-not really."

"You liar," she stated, glowering up at him. Kagome gathered some of her ki into her palms, resting it on his wound. His face twisted in pain before relaxing soon afterwards as it subsided. They stayed like that for several minutes, her hands on his chest, and Ikuto leaning into her touch. When Kagome lifted her hands off his chest, the gash had vanished, no scar remaining.

She backed away, giving him another once over. The miko gasped softly. Blood was flowing rapidly down Ikuto's right leg. How the hell could I have missed that!? I can't believe I didn't see him limp! Kagome raged, mentally kicking herself.

Kagome immediately moved to heal it, paying no heed to where the wound was. Lifting up the leg of his boxers, caught sight of the wound as well as… something else. Blushing crimson, she attempted to ignore it as she placed her small hand atop his thigh, healing the injury.

Once finished, Kagome stood up straight and looked at him. "I can't do much with my ki for your other cuts, but I can bandage those for you. Give me your arm," she ordered. "We'll start there."

The miko worked tediously, bandaging his small cuts and abrasions. It was only when she was healing the last cut when Ikuto noticed that she, too was bleeding heavily from a gash in her stomach.

Tugging his arm gently from her grip, he demanded for her to take her shirt off. Kagome, being a conservative miko, denied fervently. She complied quickly when Ikuto gave her a glare, motioning towards her abdomen.

"Fine!" she huffed, pulling her shirt over her head. "I'm perfectly fine, though! It's just a scratch." She was silenced as he gave a defiant stare.

"No, you're not. Let me bandage that," he offered, kneeling to her eye level. "You've used up too much of your power, anyways."

Kagome conceded, handing him the bandages. Ikuto accepted and began treating her wound. She hissed in pain as the antiseptic did its work, stinging badly. "I-it's alright," she ground out. "I can do the rest." He nodded before letting her heal it.

Ikuto stood up, walking to the door and calling for a wet washcloth. A female worker came to his order, giving him a wet towel. Kagome didn't need to see her faces to know what they were thinking. The woman had undoubtedly seen them in their undergarments. She was willing to be that they were wondering if they were doing something kinky…

He kneeled in front of her once more and brought the cloth to her bloody flesh, gently wiping away the grime using slow ministrations. Kagome had to suppress a moan. Resting a hand on her waist, Ikuto continued up, cleaning off the blood right below her bra.

"You're not even an A-cup, are you?" he remarked. "What happened to your boobs? They seemed so much bigger when you were older."

"Just finish cleaning," she hissed, coloring slightly. "And for your information, I am an A-cup."

Ikuto merely chuckled and continued to wipe. When he was done, he stood up and said, "I don't think you have any more injuries, right?"

Looking over herself quickly, Kagome replied, "I don't think so."

"Okay. Then change. I don't want anyone else to see you in your underwear." He smirked. "That's something that only I can do."

Her cheeks steadily darkened. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

The cat leaned down to whisper in her ear, "I think my statements are self-explanatory."

Azure eyes widened considerably before she turned to slap Ikuto upside the head. "Stop being such a pervert, for once!"

"I wasn't perverted when I was at your house!" he retorted.

"Being in a life and death situation does not count!"

They walked through the grove of sakura trees, lit aglow by the paper lanterns hung in the branches. The duo marveled at the beauty of the softly lit area, the serenity of the scene calming the two down considerably. Yoru was long gone, so they had the oppurtunity to enjoy some peace and quiet.

They walked in silence for several minutes before he spoke up, "You know, the yozakura hasn't been so bad after all."

"And the hanami was fun. The day would've gone pretty well if it hadn't been for Hojo-kun and the demon." Kagome added.

"Yes. Hojo-kun." he spat, the indigo eyes darkening slightly. Ikuto turned away from her, glaring at the lantern next to them.

"Is someone jealous?" she teased, giggling softly. His aura was flaring from jealousy.

Ikuto whipped around to face her. "Of course not!" he denied. "Besides. What's there to be jealous about? He liked you."

Her cheeks puffed out angrily in response. "You are such an ass!"

"Ass, pervert, I believe we've gone over these at least once," he said, breezily. "Now come on. It's getting late. Sesshomaru will have my head if we're gone too long."

Kagome nodded in agreement as she moved to follow him out of the yozakura.

As they were walking home, a cool breeze blew into them, Kagome shivered, the air passing through the thin kimono fabric. Ikuto silently shrugged off his haori and handed it to her, urging her to take it.

"But you'll be cold!" she protested, refusing the jacket.

"The cloth of the undershirt is thick. I'll be perfectly fine. You, on the other hand, aren't. I don't want you sneezing when we make out."

Ignoring the perverted comment, the miko silently took the haori and put it on, the black clashing stylishly with the pale blue of her kimono. She whispered her thanks to him. Ikuto nodded in response.

Upon arriving at the Taisho Mansion, Ikuto waved goodbye to her and was about to leave before Kagome stopped him. "It's really late, Ikuto. Let me can ask Sesshomaru if you can stay here for the night, if you want. I don't want you to walk alone this late at night."

"You're worrying about me already? You really do care for me." he teased.

"Of course I do."

Ikuto seemed dumbfounded at her response. "You… really do?"

"Yes, Ikuto. You're my partner, are you not?" she asked, smiling softly. "Now come one. I don't want you to catch a cold, either."

He complied, warily entering the house. "Are you sure it's alright, Kagome? I do want to be able to go through the process of making children with you."

Rolling her eyes, the miko whispered, "It's fine. Let me just tell Sesshomaru." When they reached the great oak doors of his bedroom, Kagome rapped gently on them. "Aniki?" she called. "You asleep?"

An irate inu taiyoukai emerged from the doors. "Where have you been?" he hissed.

"At the hanabi in Ueno Park," she replied. "Ne, Aniki. Ikuto needs a place to stay tonight. Can he sleep here? I don't want him to go home alone, this time of night."

"Have him sleep outside." Sesshomaru snapped, scowling.

Kagome glared at him. "No," she said stubbornly. "He'll stay here. He's my partner, after all."

Her surrogate brother sighed tiredly. "Fine," the demon begrudgingly conceded. "But he's out as soon come sunrise."

She gave him a bright "Thank you!" before kissing him on the cheek and dragging Ikuto down the corridor.

Upon reaching Kagome's room, she ushered him in quietly. "There's a pull out couch in my room. You can sleep there."

The miko opened her closet, pulling out a blanket for him. She handed it to him, shedding his haori as well. "I hope this is enough. Do you need a sleeping yukata?" Ikuto gave a small "no" in response.

Kagome took her own pajamas into the nearby bathroom to change. When she came back, she crawled sleepily into her bed, snuggling into the soft sheets. Several minutes later, she heard rustling of her blankets and felt her bed sink a little. Opening Kagome's eyes, she saw Ikuto lying next to her.

"What the hell are you doing?" she hissed.

He merely hugged her close to him. "I said that the couch wouldn't be enough. It's too cold." Ikuto whined.

Narrowing her eyes at him, Kagome whispered, "I'll get you a heating pad or something! You're not sharing a bed with me!"

"I don't need a heating pad. Just you," he murmured, burying his head into her hair.

She sighed. "Whatever. But if Sesshomaru finds out, it's on your head."

"Sure."

Rolling her eyes at his antics, she moved in closer to the new heat source. "G'night, Ikuto."

Ikuto mumbled a sleepy "Oyasumi." before drawing her closer, both of them soon drifting into a comfortable sleep.

I hope that wasn't too disappointing. Anyways, to avoid future questions, I thought I'd clear this up.

Hanami is sakura blossom viewing during the day. Yozakura is a sakura blossom viewing at night. And Ueno Park is in Tokyo and famous for the two aforementioned events.

And oyasumi means "Good night." And speaking of which, I'm gonna do just that. It's 4 in the morning and I'm dead tired. So unless you want me to collapse from exhaustion and not be able to update, I'm gonna hit the sack. Oyasumi, minna-san.

Reviews are greatly appreciated!