Hey guys, I actually wanted to post this yesterday, but then I didn't get to finish it on time. It's been a very eventful day too. So, yeah, here you go.

Oh, and by the way, did you get to see the picture from the last chapter? If not, you could go to my profile and check out the link I put up there, under the MEDIA category. :D

Youko didn't. No, he didn't notice at all.

Instead he proceeded with introducing his comrades.

First up is a bat demon. He wears a black sleeveless shirt, black pants under a white over cloth held by black belts, and black shoes. Black ribbons were wrapped on both of his arms. He also wears a tattered black hat that has a hole on top for his hair, which is pulled back into a ponytail.

He was actually standing by the door, but as soon as Youko announced he'll be making introductions, he rushed towards the front of the crowd. Well, more like flew his way to the front. The others didn't seem to mind his showing off though. And I was about to know why.

Smiling, Youko gestured for the man to speak. "I am Kuronue," he bowed, "Kurama's co-master of these men."

"Oh," I was taken aback by the courtesy, which seems uncharacteristic for him, "nice to meet you, Kuronue-san." I was about to return his bow with a curtsy, but Youko immediately squeezed my hand at my slightest move, like he already knew what I'm going to do. I looked up at him in confusion.

"You are not supposed to bow or curtsy or anything that would indicate that you're in a lower status than them," he whispered into my ear, "because you aren't."

"Alright," I muttered, feeling uneasy. I have a feeling everyone still heard what he just said. These guys must have extraordinary hearing, considering they aren't humans. I turned back to Kuronue and acknowledged him with a nod and a bright smile.

The raven-haired guy grinned back, his dark indigo eyes darting happily back and forth at the two of us as he fingered the circular pendant on his neck. "I'm glad Kurama finally settled on someone permanent. I wish you guys the best… nights," he said the last part in a low voice, but it's still loud enough for everyone else to hear.

And so there go the hoots and laughter again. I blushed harder, if that was even possible.

Kuronue bowed once more before stepping to the side as the crowd made way for someone.

It was the guy with the cold stare. He stopped in front of Youko and me. Getting a good look at him now, I noticed that this tan-skinned guy had three horns on his head.

He wasn't glaring now. In fact, he looked bored and indifferent now… or so it seems. He bowed like Kuronue did, but his gaze never left me. It was then that I saw a mischievous glint in his purple eyes. And then he smirked.

When he straightened up, he finally spoke, "My name's Yomi, the second-in-command." With the smirk still plastered on his face, he glanced at Youko. "I see you've picked a pretty good one this time."

I felt the silver kitsune tense beside me. Youko pulled me even closer to him as he stared at this Yomi in a murderous way. "Yes, Yomi, and I 'm not planning to be generous anymore."

From that brief exchange of words, anyone could easily tell the two don't get along that much. The others, who have known this fact for so long, remained silent. The tension in the atmosphere is so heavy, I could hardly breathe.

"H-hey," I tugged at Youko's hand.

Still frowning, Youko looked back down at me. He must have sensed my uneasiness because he smiled apologetically."I'm sorry about that," he spoke, nodding his head towards Yomi. "Please continue, my dear," he told me.

I couldn't help but smile back at the fox.

But then, as I looked back at Yomi, I found myself trying hard to keep my bright smile on. His grin is surely not a friendly one. "N-nice to meet you, Yomi-san," I nodded at him in acknowledgment.

"Yes, it's nice to meet you too, Yana-sama~" he cooed my name.

Youko groaned as Yomi turned to walk away.

I could only stare. So that's what Kuronue and Yomi really looked like. I've only read descriptions of these two in books, but there weren't any pictures.

The tension in the room dissolved when we proceeded with the rest of his men. It's a good thing Youko introduced them by teams (with Kuronue close by giving side comments).

Apparently, there are about seven teams of five to six men. Youko would bring along one team—at the very least—when they go out on a heist. If it's a bigger operation, he'd bring in two to three. It's a rare occasion to go out thieving with all seven teams. It has happened once, and that was the time they ambushed Mizu Castle. This huge castle we're in. I've read about it. Youko must have real good leadership skills to handle a lot of men.

The higher-ups—Kuronue and Yomi, that is—are almost always with him on heists.

I remember reading about Youko and Kuronue's partnership. They're bestfriends, I guess I could say that. That's why he goes with every heist, except when he's just too tired or lazy. Or busy hitting on a girl. Yep, they really are the best of friends.

Yomi, meanwhile, works quite well with Youko, but weren't exactly friends. According to what I've read, Yomi's the total opposite of the kitsune. Youko's calm and calculative personality just clashes with Yomi's rash and reckless attitude.

From time to time I glanced at Yomi, because I just couldn't shake off this weird feeling he caused. He has been looking my way ever since he got back to his spot by the window. With some kind of interest now. Most of the time he was smirking, yet I saw him grin once or twice. A scary grin that just screams 'dangerous'.

"I've erased his memories, don't worry," Youko said.

"Huh?" I replied as I was lost in my thoughts. We were back at my bedroom now. I had changed into my nightgown and now sat in the bed while Youko washed his face in the bathroom.

"Yesterday, when I brought you here, Yomi walked into the room, remember? He saw you as a silver kitsune," he had walked out of the bathroom now.

"Yes and also did the two girls who opened the door," I said.

"Right," he wiped his face clean. "But as I said, you need not worry about it." He held up a small bag from his pocket, "I sprinkled this pollen all over the castle. These completely erase everything I don't want people to remember."

"Cool," I said in wonder, "But then… why is he looking at me like that?"

"Looking at you like what?" his face got dark.

I panicked. "D-didn't you see that? He was looking at me… m-menacingly."

He thought for a while as he examined his face in the mirror. And then he laughed all of a sudden, "Yeah, I guess that's it."

"What?"

"He's probably mad that I finally found my fiancée." As I gave him a confused look, he continued, "Like me, Yomi loves women. However, he only hits on those I bring home. After a night with me, he'd have the woman spend the next with him."

"So you mean… he recycles what you dispose of."

He looked at me and smiled, "I like the way you think."

"Speaking of which… how many girls have you brought home, Youko?" I asked absentmindedly. No sooner did I realize what I just said. My eyes widened.

Seeing my reaction, he chuckled. "Do you really want to know?" Even though I shook my head no, he continued, "Actually I lost count already."

"You're… unbelievable."

He sat on the bed and leaned close to me. "Well, at least I'm going to stop now that I've got you."

"Whatever, Youko," I sighed, trying to mask the giddiness I felt. Like last night, I put the huge pillow between us before I lie down.

He just smiled as he lay down as well. "Lights out then."

Then everything went black.

"Wow, I thought the lights are just manually switched off. How come you didn't tell me it has voice recognition?" I turned to the fox.

Youko already has his eyes closed, "You never asked."

"How am I supposed to ask about something I don't even know in the first place?"

He smiled. "You're pretty smart," he opened his eyes now, "and really talkative."

I giggled. "Say, Youko—"

"Kurama."

"Huh?"

"Just call me Kurama. Only a few call me by that name, mostly those who are close to me."

I raised an eyebrow. "Are we even close friends?"

"We'll get closer sooner or later. Besides, as my mate, ain't it kind of awkward if you call me like how everyone else does?"

"Hmm, well Kurama does sound better," I grinned. "Okay, I'll call you that from now on."

He chuckled. "So what is it you'd want to say?"

"Oh, I just want to ask if you're going to leave again tomorrow."

"Nah, there are no plans for another heist yet," he grinned. "Why did you ask? Are you afraid you might miss me?"

"I was just… curious, that's all."

He laughed lightly as he leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I've got something planned for you tomorrow."

I stood in front of the dresser. My hair and ears were silver again, and so was my tail. Sighing, I picked up the hairbrush.

I wonder how long this dream would be? I thought, staring at my reflection.

I smiled as I took a glance at the bed behind me through the mirror. Last night, Kurama fell asleep faster than I did. And despite that, I managed to wake up earlier than him. He must be really tired from yesterday.

I climbed back on the bed and took this time to watch him closely. He wasn't snoring or anything, just sleeping so peacefully, breathing in a steady rhythm. His bangs almost covered his eyes, and his mouth seem to curve upwards into a smile. He must be dreaming.

He looks so innocent. Harmless. And cute.

Oh, come to think of it, his face somehow resembles someone I recently met. What was his name again? I leaned in closer, past the huge pillow, as I tried to figure out.

And that's when Kurama opened his eyes.

I was forced to come face-to-face with him then. He smiled. I froze in place.

"What is it, Yana-chan? Do you want to kiss me good morning?" he grinned.

I shook my head. Is it just me, or did it suddenly became hot in here? "I... I just woke up like this," I lied.

"Oh really?" he looked at me suspiciously.

There came a knock on the door. It was Kurosagi and Shirosagi with our breakfast. I have no idea how they knew both of us were already awake, but I'm really grateful that they came.

After breakfast, Kurama led me to the courtyard. It was beautiful, what with all the flowers and tall trees all around the place. There were even topiaries and bird houses. In the middle of it all is a huge marble fountain, where crystal clear water flows out from the top.

"What are we doing here?" I asked when we stopped in front of the fountain.

"What else? We'll be training, of course," Kurama beamed at me.

So I've decided to do weekly updates every Tuesday and Wednesday. Wish me luck!

By the way, special thanks to Imo-neechan, who helped me describe Kuronue and Yomi. Thank you so much!

Oh, and before I forget, please leave a review! Let me know what you think of this chapter. It will be very much appreciated. :D

So... until next week!