All or nothing.

All or nothing, Yaone knew, was an insanely dangerous way to operate, no matter what business you were in.

But her damn conscience wouldn't let her do anything else. So this is what it was.

The fire had been allowed to die down while they ate, considering that afterwards they generally went to sleep, and fire attracted demons.

Not that they couldn't handle demons, it was just a pain to have to wake up in the middle of the night and fight them.

Lirin had fallen asleep, and Dokugakuji looked as if he were about to follow her. Yaone was too nervous to even pretend to sleep, and Kougaiji… he was staring at the embers of the fire, with that same contemplative look he always wore.

It took Yaone the better part of ten minutes to catch his red eyes. She gave him a look she hoped was seductive, and slipped backwards into the forest.

If there was anything in his heart for her, he would follow.

If not… well, if not, she would return, go to sleep, and wake in the morning to follow him as loyally as ever.

All or nothing

Nothing to do but wait.

A twig cracked, behind her, and as she turned quickly she thought maybe it was a demon that pulled her into it's arms. It was, but this one was okay with her.

"You came."

"You practically told me to."

She returned his embrace, leaning up into their first kiss…

"Your lips are really sweet," Kougaiji remarked, licking a syrupy substance off them. It was another minute before Yaone could free her mouth to respond.

"Secret recipe," she replied with a wink unseen in the dark.

All or nothing was a risky gamble… and it paid off.

"Ohh… did I do that?"

Kougaiji looked over his shoulder, not that he could see anything.

"What?"

"There's scratches…"

"Nah, that's probably from the ground. We'll have to find somewhere softer next time."

"Are you sure it wasn't me?"

"Look, you have some on you, too."

Yaone felt fingertips trace lightly down her back. She couldn't feel any scratches, but if he said they were there, they probably were. Funny, she hadn't fell them happen… maybe she had been too preoccupied?

Quite a few distracting things had happened last night.

"Come on, let's go wash up. The others will be waking up soon."

Oh, yeah. The others. She'd forgotten.

"Where were you guys all-"

Lirin couldn't get the rest of her question out, mostly because the palm of Dokugakuji's hand covered most of her face.

"Welcome back," He interrupted, giving them a knowing smile. Lirin's eyes gave him a funny look, because the rest of her face was covered up. "Sleep well?"

'Not really,' Yaone thought. 'Actually we didn't sleep much at all.'

"Yes, thank you," she said. Kougaiji nodded.

"Well, I'm glad nothing ate you guys," Lirin said, having been released. "I don't want to have to look after you guys all the time!"

"We're glad we have you to worry," Yaone relied, humoring the girl. Whatever she wanted to think was just fine.

But whatever happened between her and Kou, he still had his own mission to complete. She knew that.

But she'd follow him anyway.

owari.

It is Done. How'd you like the end? I'm not sure if I did it well or not… I think I've done better. Ah, well. I sorta wish I had a muse, I could blame her. (By the way, if anybody thinks they can write this better, please do. Just tell me so I can read it, K?)