I said last time that I'd like to have a chappie posted up at the sixteenth. Why? Because AUGUST 16 IS THIS FIC'S BIRTHDAY! Yay! I couldn't believe it's been a year already since I planned to write this story for a contest. Haha. Am I that too lazy? Or am I just a favorite victim of writer's block? Or is it because of my slip-ups at the time management department? xDD Or maybe all three.

Anyway, I looked at my previous author's note, where I said I'd be posting this one up a day or two after the sixteenth because of midterms. But actually, midterms were postponed last week and instead we'd be taking them this week. Ugh. But my point here actually is I'd like to apologize, because I ended up posting this three days after the sixteenth. Sorry...

Now enough with that rant. Here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Warm. Comforting. Safe. That's what I feel in his embrace.

The moment Kurama wraps his arms around me, I temporarily forget about my worries. Burying my face in his chest, I could only smell the sweet scent of roses that always emanates from him—except when he's covered in blood, though. That fragrant scent of his has always been calming, never failing to soothe my senses.

He held me closer. "You've done something, haven't you?" he suddenly whispered to my ear, causing me to stiffen. "You've been real clingy since last night. Could it be that you're trying to be sweet, so I wouldn't be too mad at you about it?" Kurama lifted my chin up with his finger.

"Uh, that's not—"

"I've lived long enough to know women who use this kind of tactic. And believe me Yana-chan, it never worked on me," he smirked, raising an eyebrow.

I gulped, pulling away, only to be gripped loser to him.

His eyes… there was something different with them.

"So better tell me right away," the smirk grew wider, scarier. "What could you have possibly done?"

I stepped back, only to have Kurama advanced towards me.

His eyes had turned cold, emotions stripped out from his face. He looked like a scary stranger all of a sudden.

I kept moving backwards, until a loud thud sounded. Kurama had pinned me to the wall.

"And what about Yomi?" Kurama said through gritted teeth.

"Yomi?" I repeated.

"Last night," he said, his silver bangs covering his eyes. "Just what is he doing to you last night? Did you think I wouldn't see you two?"

My eyes widened. "Kurama, you've got it wrong!"

He pushed me harder against the wall, imitating what Yomi positioned us into last night. "So how do you explain this?" Kurama growled. "And the kisses… Yana, I'm not a fool!"

"Kurama, ouch!" I winced as he squeezed my shoulders.

He started shaking me ferociously, muttering words I couldn't comprehend anymore as everything faded into darkness.

After a few moments, I heard the fox's voice again."Yana?"

It sounded different this time. He sounded… worried? What's with the sudden change?

"Wake up, Yana!"

Wake up? I moved my eyes. Indeed, they're closed. Why am I asleep?

Opening my eyes, I saw Kurama's gorgeous face creased with worry. "Oh, at last," he sighed in relief.

I sat up slowly, watching Kurama get up to fetch a face towel.

"You've been having another nightmare," he gently wiped it against my face.

"Yes, a bad dream indeed," I muttered. Thank goodness it's just like that. A dream. I wouldn't want to face a furious Youko Kurama for real.

"You've been calling my name in your sleep, though," he threw the face towel into a hamper. "And why are you sweating out so much? What is the dream about this time?"

"Um…" I stalled, looking away. "You see—" I stopped. That dream, as short as it may be, is truly scary for me. I haven't seen that cold and vicious side of him yet personally, but could that be a forewarning of what his reaction could be if I didn't tell him right away what just happened recently?

Noting my uneasiness, Kurama pat my head. "If it's making you feel uncomfortable, then let's not talk about it." He reached over to put a hand over mine. "Feel like going back to sleep?"

I shook my head, "Not yet." I sighed and stared at him for a moment. Should I wait for that dream to come true? No, I certainly don't want that.

He tilted his head to the side and smiled. "You're spacing out again."

I sighed once more, closing my eyes. I know I'd better get this over with. It's now or never. Opening my eyes again, I spoke with the wee bit of courage I mustered up."Actually, I have something to ask you."

He inched closer. "I'm all ears."

Or maybe not.

I took a deep breath. Thinking of what his reaction might be just puts me on edge. I can hardly contain the nervousness.

Maybe... I should take it slow?

I looked straight at his eyes. One thing I've learned is that looking away and stuttering are telltale signs that a person is hiding something. "What would you do if… someone else got to know that I'm not what they suppose me to be? That I'm not a real crimson kitsune?"

"I'll make them forget it," Kurama immediately - and seriously - replied, "using any method I have to as possible."

I gulped. "Then... what would you do to me?"

He blinked. "To you?"

"Well, if ever the secret was exposed, that's most probably my fault, right?"

Kurama chuckled. "Of course I'd get a bit mad at your carelessness, but it's purely an accident, right?"

"I… see," I looked away.

He put a palm against my cheek, "Now tell me, who knows about it?" Seeing my eyes widen, he continued, "You wouldn't be asking me those things without a reason, right? You certainly woulnd't be suddenly so curious for nothing."

I sighed. So much for trying hard to look at him straight in the eye and avoid stuttering. But anyway, what the heck am I thinking for supposing that Kurama wouldn't figure it out so easily?

"So Yana," he continued, "who is it?" His eyes narrowed with curiosity and his lips pressed into a tight line; his expression was quite unreadable.

Looking up at him, I hesitated, "Y-Yo-" I clenched my fists and gulped as I broke out cold sweat.

"Hmm?" he moved closer. I think I saw his ears twitch.

My heart raced. This is it.

I took my time to breathe slowly to relax… somehow. "It's… Yomi," I whispered, looking down at our hands on my lap. My vision started to get blurry because of the budding tears.

"Yomi," he repeated, emotionless. "How?"

Out of nervousness, the words suddenly flowed out of my mouth so fast it sounded slurred. "That night I got well from the fever. I got so hungry in the middle of the night, but you were fast asleep, so I decided to go out on my own. Of course I drank the potion. Everything was fine, until Yomi followed me here. And to make things worse—"

"Breathe, Yana," Kurama seemed to smile a bit as he ran a hand up and down my back.

I gulped, slowing down as I continued, "I didn't realize the room was filled by moonlight until I opened the door! And then… and then… Kurama I turned back… I'm really sorry," my voice quivered.

"Sshh," Kurama pulled me into a hug. "I get it, calm down," his smooth voice resounded through my ear. "You're shaking so violently."

"I was scared," I muttered into his chest. "Scared that you might hate me. I mean, you trusted me so much and have often told me to be extra careful so as not to blow my cover. Now... now what did I do?"

he sighed. "Is that why you've been so down these days?"

I nodded. So I wasn't much of a great actress, it seems.

I could feel the sudden vibrations in his chest as he gave a low chuckle. "You worry too much, little one. I've got it covered, though."

I pulled away slightly to look at him in surprise. "You're not… mad?"

He smirked, "It's hard to get mad now, with you bawling out like this."

"Oh," I looked back down to my hands, now laced with his. "But you're still… marrying me, right?"

Kurama laughed. "I remember asking that same question a few days ago." He then smiled, "Well, to answer your question, it's all the more reason for me to marry you. At least Yomi's still under the impression that you're my mate, isn't he?"

I raised my wide-eyed gaze up at Kurama. I knew it. Getting my real appearance discovered is something he could shrug off, but us pretending to be mates is the secret he never expected to get discovered... at the same time, by the same person he disliked so much.

"Yana?" he blinked.

I stared at him.

He wanted an answer, but he doesn't need words to understand things completely. "Yana," his voice rose.

I looked away.

"No. Don't tell me… even he knows that?" he suddenly clutched my shoulders, that vice grip reminding me of the dream.

I shivered, still avoiding eye contact as I apologized, "I'm sorry. I'm really sorry, Kurama. I didn't really intend to—"I broke off, wiping off the tears spilling onto my cheeks.

Kurama just stared emotionlessly at me, still holding me by the shoulders.

This is much more crucial. The secret that weighs so much more than the other. And yet I let someone else learn about it.

A moment of silence passed. I've completely shunned myself as I hung my head in humiliation and despair. Kurama, meanwhile, is in deep thought.

Alas, I heard him sigh. "Look at me, Yana." As I did so, he continued on authoritatively, "Alright, I'll still allow you to go outside, but I don't want you hanging around Yomi anymore. He's dangerous now that he knows everything. So you must stay away from that guy, you understand?"

I nodded slowly.

Kurama sighed once again as he hugged me. "Now, now," he muttered softly in my ear. "You'll be safe if you just follow what I say." He ran a hand through my hair, "I promise. I won't let him harm you."

"You don't... hate me?"

"I was shocked to hear all of this. I didn't like how things turned out. Too reckless, too careless. But seriously Yana-chan," he slightly pulled me back to look at me, "it's not enough for me to hate you already. As if I'm ever going to hate you."

I smiled weakly. "Then I just have a bad case of worrying, don't I?"

He nodded, chuckling. "Most probably."

I wrapped my arms around him then. "Ah, what a relief," I giggled along with the fox.

"Easy there, Yana-chan," Kuronue landed on a tree branch as he blocked yet another one of my waves. "You've been really tense since we started. Are you alright?

"Maybe she misses training with me," Yomi butted in. Leaning against the entrance to the castle garden's lake, he has been watching us since we started.

My training resumed today. However, Kurama had to go away to inspect the next site they'll raid the day after tomorrow. Not fully trusting the informant who checked on it days ago, and because of what happened at their recent heist, Kurama decided to go spy on it himself.

Not wanting Yomi to be his substitute trainer, Kurama let Kuronue stay with me for my training.

"Not quite, Yomi," Kuronue chuckled. He then muttered, "She's more likely annoyed that you're here."

In truth, I'm just nervous at the mere fact that he is around. Watching. Waiting.

"You do know that I could still hear you," Yomi said.

Ignoring Yomi, Kuronue descended to the ground as he spoke to me, "You're probably anticipating Kurama's return, aren't you?"

I nodded. "Uh, when will he come back again, Kuronue-san? I didn't quite catch what the bunnies have told me."

"He'll be back shortly after noon, don't worry. You've still got a lot of wedding matters to discuss, I've heard," he smirked, briefly glancing at Yomi.

"Are you excited too?" I asked, forming another water ball in my hand.

"Why, of course!" he chuckled. "It's time the old man settled down," he dodged the water ball I just threw. "Ah, alright, now enough with this water manipulation training. I have to commend you, though. You've really improved, despite being off from training for quite a while."

"Thank you," I smiled. "I've been practicing secretly, actually," I almost laughed, remembering the times I escaped Yomi using my waves.

"Well then," he cracked his knuckles, "let's proceed to my favorite part." His eyes glinted,"Your physical training. Oh, I wonder if the times you get tossed around would be minimized today."

"That's… mean," I said, walking alongside the bat back to the castle. Karma's real fast these days.

"Mind if I watch?" I heard someone speak from behind me. For a moment I thought Yomi wasn't with us anymore.

I shot Kuronue a glance. Kurama had told him to keep me away from Yomi, but in a way where 'he won't get suspicious.' The fox thinks that once Yomi realizes I've been purposely staying away from him, he'd try 'more creative' ways to get even closer. One gets more drawn to something he's restricted from.

Kuronue nodded at Yomi. "Go ahead."

I tensed. The bat has got to be kidding. A shiver ran down my spine.

But then he winked at me and mouthed 'no worries.' He grabbed me by the arm as he walked faster. If it weren't for Yomi, he'd have flown all the way to the training room, beating me in a little race we'd have planned to do.

Soon we reached the room, still followed by Yomi. He positioned himself beside the huge doors, while Kuronue and I each picked out a sword from the ones fastened on the wall.

Not wanting to waste time, my trainer and I stood in the center of the room within a considerable distance from each other.

"Ready when you are, Kuronue-san," I grinned.

"Hah," he said, "I like the confidence." He raised an eyebrow, "Why don't we make this a bit more... exciting?"

I nodded for him to go on.

"I'll allow the use of any other strategies to win. Because in real combat, not all your opponents would resort to fighting without using special skills or abilities."

I smirked. "I understand."

Kuronue smirked back, spreading his big black wings and lifting himself off the ground a bit. "I'll start then."

Believe me, the bat made that deal because he knows he's got the upper hand. Taking advantage of being able to fly, he lunged at me from all sides—mostly from above, of course.

I've only done physical training with him once. It was also a swordfight, but he stayed put on the ground. I never thought he'd be this faster once he starts flying about. Hence, I only get to block his advances with my own sword, not once able to give him a direct hit.

Alas, Kuronue stopped mid-air, giving me time to breathe. "Come on, Yana-chan. I need some challenge."

Taking this chance, I threw icicles at his direction, yet he easily dodged them. He started moving again, but this time he didn't swoop down to attack me. Instead, he flew in circles above me.

"Is that all?" he taunted.

At my fingertips appeared what seemed like small bubbles at first, but as I directed them at him, they grew larger as they followed Kuronue around the room. I watched as he gracefully participated in the chase.

Passing by me though, I think I saw him smirk. He's having fun watching me tire myself out.

Absentmindedly, I glanced at the metal door to my left. My mouth hung open. Yomi is nowhere to be found. Has he left? But the doors haven't been opened even once as we trained. And even if I've missed that, Kuronue would surely notice from above, right?

Looking up, I saw Kuronue pierce one of the huge bubbles with his sword.

And then I shivered as I felt a presence behind me. Slowly approaching me, it felt dangerous, threatening, and scheming.

And then it hit me. I turned around just in time to block Yomi's sword, which is twice as big as mine.

"Hey," he smirked.

I jumped back. "I thought you were only going to watch."

"It got too boring," he replied. "So I decided to join in on the action. Is that just alright?"

Kuronue finally descended, the bubbles already gone. He looked equally surprised at seeing Yomi brandishing a sword. "Well, I guess you could," he answered Yomi's question. Then he turned to me. "Yana-chan, I believe this is a good opportunity. You've only been training under one opponent, but it's not all the time that you'll only be fighting one-on-one matches."

I nodded slowly. "Okay..."

At hearing me agree, the two glanced at each other knowingly, smirking.

My eyes went wide. "Don't tell me…" I backed away from the two.

Their smirks grew wider. Kuronue nodded towards Yomi, a signal for them to come at me at the same time. Meanwhile, I just kept jumping away from them. They were too fast. Their combined speed is too much to handle, taking me by surprise.

And then I hit my head on a wall with a loud thud.

"Oooooouch," I slid down the wall, massaging the back of my head with one hand. Big mistake. When I looked up, the two were nowhere in sight. "Uh. Oh."

I stood up immediately, but I didn't have time to look around.

Just then, at my right, one of them zoomed towards me, his sword drawn. Before I knew it, I was tackled down to the ground. I fell on my side, dropping my sword.

I heard Yomi whistle. "You should've been more aware of your surroundings, especially during a battle, Yana-chan." He was standing over me, a mocking grin on his face.

I dusted myself off as I sat up. I was about to say something, but then something stung at my right arm all of a sudden that I had to put a hand over it. I felt something sticky, which also smelled like… iron? As I looked, my eyes widened. The bottom of my sleeve is ripped open, revealing a bloody wound.

"Ooh, that's bad," Yomi cooed.

"Stop it, Yomi," Kuronue was suddenly at my side. "Let's go and tend to that wound. Kurama wouldn't like to see you this way." While I held my arm, he gently pulled me towards the door, which, to my surprise, burst open.

Kurama had come back. And boy, Kuronue's right.

I winced as the fox continued to dab the cotton against my wound.

Kurama just chuckled, "I'll be done in a moment."

One of my hands hovered over my wounded arm, covering it. "You know I could heal this on my own."

"Yes I do, but I want to tend to your wound myself. I think it's sweeter that way, isn't it? Won't you give me a chance?" he pouted.

I giggled. "Pouting makes you so out of character."

"How so?"

"Well, you don't look like the type who would pout. I mean, considering your personality as a serious guy," I poked his cheek.

A small smile crept onto his lips. "But I know you find me irresistible when I pout."

"Nah. Ow!" I exclaimed as the cotton made contact with the wound again. I shouldn't have poked his cheek.

"Can't outsmart me at all," he shook his head, chuckling. Then he looked at me with a serious expression. "Now tell me what happened."

"Well…" I started. "Actually Yomi was only supposed to watch us train, but then he came up behind me to attack me with a sword! Kuronue-san said it would be okay though. He must be thinking of bringing my training up a notch by having me fight two persons at a time." My eyes widened, "Oh, but please don't blame Kuronue-san or anything! Ah, he's also the one who let Yomi watch our training. But I believe he didn't really intend - "

"I know, I know," Kurama smiled. "You worry so much for others. So, Yomi slashed at you by accident then?"

"Well he did come at me all of a sudden, and I was taken by surprise… I guess I wouldn't get wounded if I blocked his attack with my sword."

Kurama sighed. "Alright, I guess I'll just let this pass. You're being too kind again. And there, we're finished." Quickly disposing of the cotton ball, he put a small square adhesive bandage over the cleaned wound.

He moved with such gentleness and care, something I once thought would be impossible for him to do sincerely. I felt warm and protected. I smiled as he sat by the bed in front of me.

He looked up at me. "Don't stare at me like that."

"Huh?"

He looked really serious. "Don't."

"I don't… get it."

He inched closer, touching my cheek with the back of his hand. "I could barely control myself anymore."

"Kurama, I—"

I was cut off as he pulled me in for a kiss. He held me close to his body as his lips moved against mine. Forcefully. Impatiently. But then he broke away all too soon. I was pushed to lie on my back on the bed. Kurama put his arms on either side of my head, not allowing room for escape.

"Oh, how I wish… how I wish I could take you right now. To make you mine already. Give you that mark so no one else would touch you anymore," his voice sounded strained.

I smiled as I pressed my palm against his cheek. "No one else would."

He shook his head. "I am selfish. I really don't like it whenever you're with someone else. I hate to leave you alone even for just a while."

"But you have to do your job."

He nodded. "I'm risking your safety all this time."

"No you don't."

He shook his head again, lowering himself closer to me. "No Yana-chan. If only… if only I could split myself into two so the other would go do my job while I stay by your side…"

I put my arms around his neck and spoke with seriousness, "Let me go with you at the raid."

He sighed, "You know I won't allow that." Kurama buried his face on the sheets beneath my neck. "I understand how you feel scared of Yomi. But we don't know how long it would take to fulfill our mission. The sun might have set by the time we get back here. And I can't risk anyone else knowing about you."

"I understand. Then I'll just stay in my room all day," I said.

"Please," Kurama raised his head and pressed his forehead against mine. "Please do." He kissed me gently this time. "Why? Why does this hurt so much?"

"Kurama..."

"My chest aches."

"Maybe it's your heart."

"My heart?" he repeated.

"You're worried, aren't you?" I smiled.

Kurama blinked several times, before he smiled back. "So this is how it feels like, then?" He laughed lightly. "Worry. You really do make me feel a lot of things I never once had before."

"Like what else?" I giggled.

"Like... falling for you."

I blushed. "I love you too, fox."

And so it was decided that by the end of the week, I'd stay in my room until Kurama comes back from the raid.

But little did I know that Yomi had other plans.

So what do you guys think? Please leave a review!

This is the last chapter I'll post as a fifteen-year-old... because I'll turn one year older by the next one! It's just a few days from now. Don't worry, I'll post the next chapter up on my birthday. I won't promise, but I'll really, really, really try. Like I said, we've still got midterms. xD

Anyway, happy happy birthday The Untold Story (yes, I celebrate little things like these xD)! And thanks so much for you guys who've supported me right from the first chapter! Hehehe... alright, I'll just save the rest of that drama for the end of this story. But I just want you to know that you guys are awesome! Really, arigatou!

And again, please leave a review!

See you on my own birthday! Hihi.