A/N: Hi guys! So, first off, WOW! All of you who guessed right about the water- you all get invisible cookies! *throws them out gleefully* Also, I'm sorry I didn't individually answer each review. I just got back from a week-long vacation with no internet today and I couldn't believe the amount of messages in my inbox. It was ridiculous. But anyway, please enjoy this asa homecoming gift from me! :)

Sesshoumaru's POV

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Chapter Forty-Two: Surprise

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The castle of the Empress came into view, and I spurred on faster, desperation feeding my movements.

This anger, this anxiousness, this . . . dreadI felt was overpowering. I leapt effortlessly over the front gate, ignoring the enraged shouts of the guards. Pathetic fools, they were, thinking they could stop me.

In a rush of flowing water, I swept into the receiving hall and allowed my power to dissipate, again taking solid form. Now, to find Kagome . . .

And suddenly she was there, a bright flame at the edge of my conscious mind, her soft voice calling out to me, and I streaked through the halls with a speed I hadn't known I possessed.

I came to a decorative set of sliding doors, and, without thought, I forcefully pushed them open. My eyes immediately landed on her, and shock trembled through me.

Ai ren.

She stood waist deep in a vast onsen, surrounded by steaming rocks. Her surprise at my entrance was palpable, but with it came her elation and happiness. She seemed to have forgotten her present . . . state,but, for the life of me, it was something I could not help noticing.

Partially shrouded by her beautifully dark hair, her naked body glistened in the dim light, enticing, entrancing. Though there was little to be seen, just the thought, the knowingthat no cloth hid her from me was enough.

And then, she tore my self-control to tatters.

She was not considering her nudity. She was not considering that, god though I may be, I was still a man. Reaching for me, her blue eyes shining with warm tears, she considered only her worry, her love, her need to have me near again to comfort her and reassure her.

I never could deny her.

And there was no stopping myself.

Disregarding her undress, I abruptly stood beside Kagome in the spring and held her close, relishing in the softness of her skin. Her delicate arms grasped me tightly about the waist, and I drew her ever closer. "Kagome . . ." She looked up, and I took the opportunity to kiss her hard, cupping her face in one of my hands. "I grow tired of losing you, koishii," I murmured against her lips as she took a much needed breath. "Should I tie a bell around your neck?"

She laughed as I kissed said neck and answered, "I rather enjoy these reunions, though, Sesshoumaru." I quirked a brow at her boldness, and she blushed prettily before asking, "May I tell you something?"

"You've no need to ask," I replied, amused. She shivered suddenly, and I wasted no time sweeping her out of the water. "But first, dress before you catch your death."

The blush that stained her cheeks spread down her throat, and I chuckled. "Relax. I have seen nothing. Your ridiculously long hair has made sure of that."

Her blush faded, and she smiled. "Is that disappointment I hear?"

Smirking, I lowered my head to hers, my breath ghosting across the shell of her ear. "Perhaps a little."

This time, her shiver had nothing to do with the cold.

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A/N: Awww! They're so cute! :P Hope everyone liked that! Keep your eyes out for the next chapter!

Please review!

Oh guys I forgot! I started a Facebook page: Azurena Fanfiction. Feel free to check it out! It's still a work in progress but I have a few things on there.