Two days late! Uwaaah! I'm so sorry for that.

I just started school this Monday. And guess what, I'm in college already! Woot woot! Haha. Anyway, that forced me to adjust my schedule. Big-time. On top of that, I got real sick over the weekend. And, well, other things also came up.

Anyway, enough of me and on with the story. Thanks for waiting! Enjoy! :D

Shrouded with enormous ancient trees that block any light from the sky. Colder surroundings with every breeze that passes by. Filled with low-rank demons who had fun spreading mischief. This is how most forests in this dimension are.

Totally not a nice place to get lost in at night.

But here I am, stuck right in the middle of one. As a silver kitsune.

If Kurama was here, he'd scold me for my recklessness and lack of sense of direction. But the thing is, he's not.

And that's the huge problem.

The last time I saw him, he went to leave for a talk with their recent client. Two days ago.

And it sure had me scared out of my wits.

Yes, I guess I'm going crazy. What else could you call someone who'd sneak out from the safety of Mizu Castle in the middle of the night into the dangerous woods, just to find her fox thief boyfriend?

I stopped. Boyfriend, I repeated the word in my head.

Neither one of us had called it official, but judging from those kisses and hugs, the way we look and smile at each other, and the undeniable sense of security when I'm with him—this has got to be more than a mere infatuation, right?

Not to mention how I reacted to his recent accident. And then this one. This whole 'I'll-find-and-bring-him-back' idea.

I pulled my cloak closer to my body as another breeze blew past me. I've been sitting underneath a tree for an hour already, I guess.

My limbs were already aching after all those walking. And from running to take shelter from last night's drizzle. I've eaten only half of the bread I've saved from last night's dinner, and the other half I gave to the hungry wolf I've encountered along the way. Despite that, I still took note of what Kurama taught me whenever we'd go to forests—that not all pleasing to the eye is safe to eat. I couldn't sleep because of the alarming noises and shuffling in the bushes and leaves of trees from time-to-time. Blame it on the insomnia. Or the paranoia, whatever.

I was tired, hungry, and sleepy. I'm an easy target for anyone now. And transforming back to my original appearance didn't help either.

I originally snuck out of the castle as a crimson kitsune, since a flash of silver could catch anyone's eye. But alas, twelve hours had passed and I still haven't found the fox. I brought the potion along with me, but I was hesitant to drink some since, well, I got lost. And I don't know how much more time I'll waste just by trying to figure out which way to go.

So I decided to take some safety measures. My hair, tied back into a bun, and my ears were hidden underneath the hood of the cloak I brought. I'm lucky it's long enough to cover my tail.

I wonder what's happening back at the castle. It's impossible for Kurosagi and Shirosagi to not notice I was gone, considering how obedient they are to Kurama's orders at keeping an eye on me.

I stretched my arms as I rest my head against the tree trunk. So far though, I haven't met any attacker aside from that wolf.

But I sure have a bad habit of speaking too soon.

From a distance, a familiar silhouette of a man came up. I noted the smug walk and the shoulder-length black hair starting to come into view as he approached.

No doubt, it's him.

I stood up abruptly to run away. I thought of turning into my fox form to get away faster, but at my current state, it probably won't last long. Besides, I haven't mastered that enough.

I just hope luck is still on my side. And that I find the fox before my pursuer catches me. He can't see me like this. No one else has to know my secret.

"Found you."

I almost yelped when I saw him already right in front of me. I've been watching my back the whole time—literally—not realizing he has other ways to get to me. I should've learned from whenever Kurama does the same in our occasional races in the woods.

"Y-you…" I panted.

Yomi smirked. "Why are you running away, Yana-chan? Did I scare you that much? Or you just didn't recognize me at first?" he chuckled. "Although that's not very likely, is it?"

I straightened up. "What are you doing here anyway?" I asked, sounding quite harsher than I intended.

"Oh come on, is that how you thank someone who has gone all the trouble just to find you?" he pouted.

I cringed. I knew they'd send someone after me. And of course Yomi would volunteer. Or maybe he's actually the one who came up with the idea. "Uh, yeah whatever. Thanks." I turned away. "But look, if you're here to take me back, I'm afraid your efforts are in vain. I still haven't found -"

I gasped as Yomi suddenly pulled me by the wrist, and before I knew it, his arms wrapped around me in a hug. "Everyone got so worried when we learned that you were gone. Especially me."

I sighed, feeling guilty for the twin bunnies who might've gone hysterical. "I'm sorry," I apologized, disregarding his last sentence. "It really was rude of me to leave that way." Although I doubt they'd let me go even if I went through the front door. I continued,"But I just wanted to find Kurama. You don't know how much I miss him already," I looked up at Yomi, "and how much I wanted to be with him right now."

"Oh, how sweet of you," Yomi said sarcastically. "But Youko could take care of himself and get back home safe and sound independently, don't you think?"

I glared at him. Yes, that pretty much was obvious. He didn't have to point out my craziness. "He's my fiancée," I countered, ignoring the conflicting emotions that word caused me.

His arm tightened around my waist. "You know, you don't have to push yourself and be the responsible and perfect girlfriend," he laughed. "I'm surprised someone still does in this world. Do you think Youko himself does the same for you?"

My eyes widened for a moment before I looked away. "O-of course he does," I muttered as I felt a pang in my heart.

It's possible that Yomi is right. I mean, Kurama has a record of being a heartbreaker. But… it's not impossible for someone like him to change, right? Somehow, for me, I see someone much more than that reputation as a cold-hearted person in those books I've read.

Someone capable of truly caring, of loving someone else besides himself.

And... Kurama couldn't be lying to me, could he? His words and his actions had to be true, right?

I glared at Yomi. His words just caused me more confusion. And it irked me that I was still in his arms.

I struggled to break free from his grasp, and just when I almost succeeded, Yomi suddenly pulled the cloak string hanging just in front of my chest. It's the one that holds the cloak closed, not to mention keeps the hood pulled up over my head. I was able to grasp the hood and the rest of the fabric before anything was revealed, yet I was pulled tighter towards Yomi.

"What was that for?" I quickly tied back the string.

"Youko still hasn't come back. Why don't you have a little fun… with me?" he smirked as he lifted my chin up.

"Let me go," I glared again, holding on to the hood.

"He won't know," his grip tightened around my waist.

"Stop it," I started to squirm and kick at him, but to no use. "Let go, Yomi!" I wasn't expecting the words that'd come out of my mouth next. "I already have a mate!"

"Then let me see the mark," he challenged.

I stopped moving. "What?"

"Show me the proof that he already owns you, Yana-chan. The mark on your shoulder."

"That's private," I said, trying my best to keep my voice steady.

He chuckled. "Really now? Or are you just so ashamed of your mate? Poor Youko Kurama…"

How in the world did he...? No, it can't be possible. I've always worn sleeved shirts all the time. Has he been eavesdropping on our conversations from outside my bedroom? No, Kurama would have noticed immediately. I studied his expression - so calm and confident, like he was sure there really wasn't any mark on my shoulder.

"So, Yana?" Yomi prompted. "What are you waiting for?"

"Well, uh, I won't get to do that if you won't let me go, right?" I considered running away again. "I'm having a hard time moving like this."

Surprisingly though, Yomi let me go immediately. He must've seen through my plan and decided to play along, knowing he'll be able to catch me again with my current state.

Ugh. Who am I kidding? He may not even let me run away again.

Or not.

Yomi's next words actually hit me with a huge wave of relief. "He's here."

My head whipped to the right, where the tall silhouette came from. I smiled. It's the same fragrant scent of roses, the same walk that exudes a superior air around him, and those silver fox ears. I didn't have to wait for him to walk closer.

It's definitely him.

I immediately ran towards him, burying my face into his chest as he allowed me to collide with him. I clutched his shirt, feeling the tears surfacing. His strong arms returned the gesture with a tight hug.

"Kurama…" I whispered. "Finally... you finally..."

He lifted my chin up and smiled reassuringly. My eyes suddenly grew wide when I noticed his face had a few streaks of fresh blood. I looked down at his shirt, which was also covered in blood all over.

"What… happened?" I asked, looking up at him again.

Kurama didn't answer. He was frowning at something on top of my forehead. Probably my now-silver hairline. He raised an eyebrow as he glanced back at me.

In my pocket, I mouthed.

He nodded once, not as an acknowledgment but as an order for me to drink the potion immediately. Without another word, he let me go and walked up to Yomi to keep the latter from noticing me as I took sips of the potion. Making sure my ears, hair and tail went back to a crimson color, I followed suit.

"Sit."

I obediently sat on the edge of the bed.

Kurama remained standing with his arms crossed, an unreadable expression on his face. "Just what in the world are you thinking?" he began. "Going out in the woods? Looking like that? And what the heck are you doing with Yomi in that case?" the crease on his forehead seemed to deepen with each question.

"I originally snuck out on my own. Yomi just followed after me," I answered calmly.

He had started pacing back and forth, as if he didn't hear me. "You got lost easily, didn't you? Just what came into you? Haven't you heeded any of my warnings about the woods before? Did you think I was just pulling your leg? Or are you already out of your mind?"

I stayed quiet, smiling at his sudden outburst.

He didn't notice my widening grin as he continued, "And turning back into a silver kitsune..." He stopped pacing to massage his temples, closing his eyes. "It's not just Yomi. What if someone else saw you? What would you do then? You can't just make them forget what they see, not without my help. What if you haven't found me yet once that does happen?" He looked back at me with suspicion. "Did Yomi almost—"

That's when I started laughing.

"What's so funny?"

"You're… cute… when you act…like that," I said in between giggles. "It's just funny how you're not all hysterical and panicky like this in front of your comrades."

Kurama just looked at me weirdly.

I sat up straight again, fighting back another laughing fit. "Relax, Kurama," I smiled. "One question at a time."

He sighed. "It doesn't matter now anyway. Just tell me..." he crossed his arms in front of his chest again, "why did you do that?"

I stood up and walked towards him, taking his hands in mine, "I just wanted to find you."

"I could take care of myself. You know that. You really are too stubborn. And crazy."

My smile faded when I eyed his still-bloody shirt and pants. "Anyway, where have you been, really?"

"I told you already. I've been to that traitor of a client," he spoke with venom in his voice. His eyes were hidden behind those silver bangs when I looked up at him again.

My eyes widened. "Then this blood is…"

He nodded. "As well as the guards' and the castle ruler's."

"So does this mean the client isn't really...

"Betrayed?" Kurama scoffed. "Well, in fact, he and his 'ex-friend' are in very good terms. That mission was a trap."

"So the ambush was planned after all…"

"Exactly. Yet the doubts still exist."

"What do you mean?"

"The gem's power is real. And that client paid a lot of money. It's too bad I wasn't able to get any information. He wasn't able to endure for that long."

I gulped at how he said it so casually. I wonder what kind of torture he put the guy into. "Please go on."

Kurama looked into my eyes. "He couldn't possibly just pay us a huge amount for that fraud. Someone must've paid the client first to frame me up, before he'd eventually kill the client himself after the fake mission to get his money back, as well as the advance pay the client gave the team, since I was supposed to be killed by then. And who else could do that but someone who's got a lot of inside information about the team, not to mention about me?"

I gasped. "Don't tell me..."

His expression hardened. "Yes, I have a feeling someone from my own team is the real one behind this."

I blinked. Someone instantly came into mind, but I know I shouldn't accuse without any proof. "But why would someone..." I trailed off.

I heard him sigh. "Don't worry," Kurama pulled me into a hug, "I told you that you won't lose me, right? I'll find this traitor right away." He chuckled, "I don't even have to discuss what I'll do with him."

I nodded and sighed as I hugged him back. I closed my eyes, allowing myself to feel his warmth. It would have been nice to stay in this embrace, except for one thing, "You reek of the stench of blood." I looked up at him.

"Oh, sorry," he said, letting me go immediately. He frowned, "I stained your dress as well."

"Don't mind me," I smirked as my hands moved to lift his shirt off, leaving him wide-eyed in shock. "Just clean yourself up."

I walked away, but Kurama caught me by the wrist. "Now where are you going? You reek of the awful smell of blood too. Might as well take that off," he smirked, eyeing my white dress.

"Oh I will. Inside the bathroom."

"That's unfair. How come you get to see me shirtless while I don't get to see yours?" he pouted.

I pulled my hand away and opened the door to the bathroom. "Because I don't want to."

"Oh come on. I've been a good boy. Why not give me some kind of reward?" Kurama held the door, preventing me from closing it completely. "Like showing me a little?"

I smiled, my cheeks heating up. "Well if you insist…"

His mouth hung open as he eyed the sleeve that I slowly started to pull down, baring my shoulder to him. And then…

BAM!

The door slammed closed, and I snickered as I heard the fox whine from the other side.

I lay on my side in the bath tub. Staring at the wall, I reflected on what Kurama just told me.

I understand how much a lot of people wanted to kill him. I bet there's a huge bounty in exchange for capturing him dead or alive.

But to be betrayed by someone from his comrades? These men who he trained, supported, and protected with his life? These men who know how worse it is to make Youko Kurama an enemy?

There's only one guy I could think of, the only one who could do that to Kurama despite everything the fox did for him. But then… it's definitely wrong to accuse him this early.

I sighed, closing my eyes. I've been too exhausted after that trip to the forest, which, as Kurama had put it, is totally insane. I smiled to myself. At least he's back home now.

Putting my worries and fears these past few days at the back of my head, I almost dozed off… when I felt hands wrap around my bare chest.

I let out an ear-piercing shriek as I turned around to smack the intruder.

"Hey, calm down," Kurama laughed as he caught my arm.

My eyes widened. A small wave of water pushed him to the edge as I backed away at the same time. "W-what are you doing here?" I hugged my chest tight, as if the bubbles won't provide enough cover. "And how in the world did you get in here?"

"Remember how I told you to never let your guard down?" he smirked. Kurama then held his arms out. "Come here."

I shook my head.

"Come."

"No."

"I'll come if you don't."

I frowned and opened my mouth to speak, but before I even did Kurama had pulled me towards him already. One of his arms wrapped around my shoulders, while the other curled on my waist. He rested my head on his shoulder. I felt his warmth against my body once more as he held me tight.

"I'm sorry," he whispered into my ear. "I worried you too much, didn't I?"

I whimpered. I wanted to say something. I wanted to tell him how lonely and frustrating those days felt. How much he got me almost insane. How much I longed for his embrace, for his voice. I wanted so much to be upset, but I found that I couldn't even bring myself to get angry at him. Heck, I can't even talk. All I could do was nod.

I didn't realize I was already crying until he pulled away slightly to wipe the tears flowing down my cheeks. "I've been too reckless myself. I became insensitive towards what you may feel. But," he brought my face closer to his, "please forgive me. I promise I won't do something like that again."

I took a deep breath. "Answer my question first."

"What is it?"

"What are we, really? I mean, are we... well, an official couple?"

"What do you think?" Kurama grinned.

"I need a straight answer, please," I said. "I know we tell everyone that we're each other's fiancee, but just between the two of us, what's... the real score? Because I'm just getting more and more confused. Because you could kiss and flirt with a girl without even considering her your girlfriend and then just leave her hanging after you've had enough of her -"

"Sssh, calm down, Yana," he wiped my new tears away with his thumb. "I'll never do that to you, I promise. Because believe me," he touched my forehead against mine, "I do consider you my girlfriend. My very first one that I took seriously, and surely the last one."

I smiled as I processed this. I giggled, closing my eyes, "Then I forgive you."

And then he kissed me.

It wasn't like the sweet and gentle kisses we shared before. No, this was different.

Exhilarating. Breathtaking. Pleading. Longing. Wanting for more. Neither of us tried to pull away, holding on to each other like our lives depended on it. It was passionate and exciting, and I allowed myself to revel in the other various emotions the kiss made me feel all at the same time.

The fox broke away moments later, yet he kept me close. Both of us grew almost out of breath. My eyes stayed closed as my fingers played with his hair.

"Marry me," he suddenly said.

My eyes flew open. "What?"

He chuckled. "You didn't think I'd believe in marriage, didn't you? After all these years, I've learned that to settle down completely, I have to marry someone I'm fully committing myself to."

"How old are you anyway?" I playfully asked.

"Hmm, I guess it's safe to say I'm way, way older than you."

I scoffed. "So I'll be marrying an old geezer, then?"

"So you're marrying me?" he smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, but... isn't this a little bit too soon? I mean I've only confessed not too long ago."

"You've been sharing the same bed with me for quite a long time though. Oh, and surely you'll marry someone who's touched you like this already," he started to trace my spine.

I slapped his hand away before it could get any further. "Is this blackmail?"

Kurama chuckled. "Anyway, I can't force you to agree immediately. But… I expect an answer the next time I ask. And it better be a 'yes.'"

"Then it won't be a question if I'm not allowed to make a choice."

"It's not like you don't want to marry me anyway," he smirked.

I blushed. Well, he was right there. "Alright, alright. Now get out of the tub."

"What? I'm about to be your husband! Just let me scrub you clean."

"Remember, I haven't even said 'yes' to your proposal yet," I smirked. "Now get out and just wait for your turn to take a bath."

He groaned. "You're being unfair again. Once I get up from this tub, you'll get to see me naked."

"Fine," I turned my back on him. "Now go. I won't look until you leave."

He laughed. "I'll see you later then," he kissed my cheek.

There you go! :D Please read and review!

Oh, and I'd also like to thank all you guys for your reviewing and putting this story on your favorites and/or story alerts list. I'm so glad to see those notifications in my email! Also, this fic just celebrated its '50 reviews' milestone just this weekend! Yay! *does victory dance* So thank you soooo much, you guys! You don't know how much I squealed and jumped at that!

Anyway, since school has finally started for me, I'd like to inform you guys that I'll be adjusting the update schedule. Maybe Wednesdays, Fridays, or Saturdays? Also, I don't know if I could post every week, since school tends to get busier with each day that passes, right? :D So please bear with me guys. I'll try my best to write as much as I can, but I have studies to prioritize too. :D

Again, thank you so much for all your support. You guys are amazing. You make me so happy and inspired.

Oh and hey, don't forget to leave a review! Thanks! :D