Here is your Monday Update my dears! As always please tell me your thoughts!

(I don't own the characters)

Chapter 4

The sound of someone shifting their weight caused her ears to twitch and she became aware of three things (technically four) at once. First was the musky scent mixing with the sweet smell of her wisteria blooms. She couldn't place it but for some reason it made her feel relaxed. Second was the fact she could move her ears and her tail, meaning at some point her disguise dropped. And third and most important she was naked and not alone. Fourth she remembered heated crimson eyes and hot hands and skin sliding against skin. Fingers thrusting inside...I didn't. I slept with a random youkai?! Well if I was trying to keep my virginity I failed spectacularly. I feel better than I ever have though. I remember Eri saying sex hurt, but I don't ache-oh god. Don't move. Ok, I ache- but its like a dull throb. Not really even pain, more like an echo of getting pounded. She licked her lips, Who ever he was, he was good...Ugh no, none of this is good or me! I lost my virginity to a total stranger who is probably long-

"Onna, call off your plants and calm down." His deep voice sounded strange.

Her eyes flew open with a gasp. It took half a second to assess the situation and she blinked. The male was in bondage. Arms and legs bound, with a vine wrapping his neck threateningly and his reason for not ripping free, as she was certain he could have, was that another of her vines had him by the balls, literally. "I am so sorry! You release him, that was very naughty of you to attack my er- guest." She chastised the vines and the sagged letting him go immediately. She slipped over to him and crouched down. Now that her mind was clear she assessed him in the pale flicker of candle light; from a candle he must have had or gotten from somewhere. His unruly black hair was spiked and above a white bandana there was a white star burst pattern. He was well muscled and lean. She could practically feel the strength oozing from him. His crimson eyes burned with an inner light that made her think of hot coals. He was darkness and fire and sexy. She reached out to brush a leaf or two from his chest. "I am sorry they did that, Apparently they are a bit protective of me."

Her fingers were soft and reminded him of earlier when she was under him but the burning desire was not clouding his mind. Having your balls in a vice grip was a rude awakening."That was not a bit." Hiei stated with a glare at the vines curling around her. Ironically the same thing had happened long ago, in a time he had nearly forgotten when he had first met Youko. "Do Silver's often attack their bed mates?" Hiei asked before he thought better of it. It was eerie how much she resembled another female kitsune he'd met a very long time ago. Her mannerisms and expressions were very much the same. It was uncanny, but that female had unequivocally belonged to Youko then, even if he had been invited to join them. It had never happened. He pushed the memories away.

She blushed, "Um, I honestly couldn't tell you. Why do you know another Silver kitsune?"

"I know one." Hiei stated rolling his eyes. "He is going to happily feed me to his demonic garden." Hiei stood up and stretched. "No more games, who are you?" This female was Youko's, no Kurama's by right. Even if she was not the same as the vixen he had no, his friend and partner had lost.

Kagome frowned scooting back to lean her head against the wall, her hair forming a curtain over her naked body. "I guess sleeping together does give you the right to know at least my name. But, I recall you saying names complicated things."

Hiei stood heedless of his nudity and caring even less that she was blushing. "Onna, there is a fact now that I was not aware of when I said those words. Now, tell me who you are and why you are not with your mate." He looked her over and paused, she was unmarked. Now he was confused, Kurama would have definitely marked her in some way as his. But-

"I don't have a mate." Kagome peered at him confused, "I thought the Silver's were extinct."

"As did I, how did you avoid the purge?"

"Purge?" Kagome asked as she stood up and turned to the side, reaching for her clothes.

Hiei felt his eyes widen at the sight of an innocent star shaped scar he knew far too intimately. He knew the sensitivity of the spot and had traced that scar with his tongue several times. "Kagome?" the name fell from his lips unbidden and she froze. It was impossible, but this woman, he knew her. God, he loved her. Before she vanished Youko had asked him if he wanted to join him as her mate as well. After she vanished he lost Youko for a time too. When he found Youko's soul again he was distant, colder, acting like he had no memory of them being lovers. It had been painful knowing the two loves of his life were lost to him forever.

"How do you know my name?" she asked clutching her clothing to her chest.

He reached out and shocked her by pulling her against him and bringing his mouth down on hers. He kissed her till she trembled and then he pulled back. "I know you Kagome." His tone deepened with emotion and he searched her eyes. "You have no memory of me. Do you remember Youko?"

"Who?" She asked confused. "I think you might have mistaken me for someone else." she shivered as he traced her scar where the Shikon no tama had been torn from her side.

"This says otherwise." His eyes filled with pain, "You have forgotten me?"

Kagome felt her heart ache for the sadness in his eyes, she had the feeling that this vulnerability was never otherwise seen. "I'm sorry, but when did we meet?"

"We met centuries ago, but I guess I was forgettable." Hiei snapped grabbing up his jacket. He paused as a vine curled around his waist. "Let me go. I swear I will burn myself free."

Oh, it can't be. If I met him centuries ago then- "I don't know you, but not because I have forgotten you, but because we haven't met yet." Kagome said softly. "Centuries ago was during the Sengoku Jidai, right?"

"yes." Hiei said confused and angry. "What do you mean we haven't met yet? We spent nearly a century together. You and I and Youko."

Kagome smiled and clasped her hands together, "For you to have those memories that means I get to go back." she breathed. "I get to go back home! We will meet. And then I will know you and trust me you are not forgettable. I am certain of it." Kagome turned to the dark youkai and gently touched his cheek, "You said you know me, so trust me okay. Someday I will know you, as you know me. It sounds crazy I know."

He couldn't help but to reach up and take her hand holding it against his face. Her touch was painful since he had felt the same before. The same touch, the same eyes, the same voice. "For you to meet me centuries ago, you would have to be capable of time travel." Her eyes softened and he studied her face, "You can, can't you. You didn't vanish, you returned." Things were clicking into place and leaving him even more confused. He recalled that Kagome was not a typical female. She had always been out spoken and vocal about her likes and dislikes. He had liked her fire though at the time he had been too cautious for his own good. He had wasted decades avoiding what she had confidently told him. 'One day Hiei, you and I will be friends, and more.' He had mocked her and tormented her, trying to prove her wrong.

"I don't know. It hasn't happened yet for me." She said gently. He looked so lost.

All the fight went out of him. It was too much. She was standing right in front of him just as though no time had passed. "Hiei." he murmured. He just wanted to see her eyes light with acceptance and love as she said his name again. He wanted her to reach out for him with her beautiful smile. He wanted the woman who despite everything had gotten under his skin and become like Youko- his very world. For him suddenly it was easy to decide that he was never losing her again. Youko or not.

"Hiei." she repeated.

He swept her into his arms again and kissed her deeper, longer. His fingers twining into her silver hair. "Don't tell the fox." he said against her lips, and he was gone.

Kagome stared at the place he had been and wondered about all the emotions she had seen from him. He loves me, the me he knows. Who is Youko and does he love me too? I wish I could hurry up and go home to the Sengoku jidai. I want to meet Hiei. I want to know him too! This was the first time she had seen a time paradox with her travels into the past. Before everything had been in sync. Day for day. But Hiei said she had been with him and Youko for nearly a century. How was that possible? She made her way home judging by the stars she could see, that it was nearing ten o'clock at night and Mama would be starting to worry.

"I appreciate the bail out Koenma." Kurama said with a polite bow. He wasn't sure how or what Koenma had said but the Detective had been quite pale as he rushed into the cell and un-hand-cuffed him. He had murmured apologies and then escorted him to the front office. Kurama had never been so happy to see the Reikai king in his life. Youko had been oddly quiet since their conversation.

"Kurama, what happened?" Koenma asked as he opened a portal and they walked through.

"It's complicated." Kurama sighed, "Youko apparently has a past lover whom he saw today and while I was distracted she slipped the bracelet into my pocket.

"So this woman is the thief?"

"Vixen. She is a vixen Koenma. The last according to Youko."

Koenma's eyes widened. "A vixen? Truly?"

"Yes, with an affinity to plants. That was how she did the robberies, and returns- with them. That was why there was no damage and no finger prints." Kurama drew a deep breath, "Koenma, is there a way to separate Youko and I?"

Koenma stopped walking and turned to the avatar. "There is, but it is also complicated," he looked at the expression on the avatar's face. "So it has come to this. Alright, I will prepare for the process. I suggest you do the same. Visit friends and family this procedure is dangerous and it could be at the cost of your life, memories or sanity. But, I can see your determination so I will do what I can." The king said before continuing on his way. "Return in one week, I'll have everything ready."

Kurama sighed as Koenma's office door shut and he didn't move to stop it. There was no need to linger here. As they walked through the Reikai to get to the portal back to human world, Youko spoke quietly almost hesitantly.~Red, I need a favor. Will you hand over control to me for a day? There is someone I need to see and earn his forgiveness, if it is possible after so long.~

+In human world? Who Youko?+ Kurama asked curiously. Youko had never mentioned knowing anyone particular. There was a long pause after his question.

~Hiei.~ Youko finally confessed.

Kurama stopped walking blinking at the admission +You knew Hiei?+

Again there was a long heavy pause. ~You didn't really think he just came looking to find a thief and found us by accident did you? Hiei does nothing by accident. Surely you know that much about him by now.~

Kurama did know that. He had always wondered how Hiei had found him so long ago. But it was starting to make sense. +He knew you, before? How close to him were you?+ As far as Kurama knew Youko only tolerated the hiyoukai in small doses and if longer than that they would fight. Youko had been mean to the hybrid from day one. But if they had history then-

Youko sighed. ~You have to understand kit, that after losing her, I wasn't the same. Seeing him was painful, a reminder of all I had lost. First Kuronue and then her. Meeting Hiei was unplanned, falling for him was her fault. We were partners and then lovers. We planned on mating her and making a life all together. But- after I died it was easier to pretend I didn't know him.~

+Oh Youko, no. You were so cold to him. Cruel even at times. Which explains why he is always so scathing when speaking to you. You have hurt him, Youko.+

Youko's mental voice was heavy with regret. ~I know. Which is why he may not give me forgiveness. But finding her, nothing has changed. I still want him and her as my own.~

Kurama swallowed an uncomfortable lump in his throat. +And me?+

Youko pressed closer to Kurama's soul ~Must you doubt me? My feelings for you have not changed. We will adapt. Kagome is a gentle loving female, who I am certain will have room in her heart for you as well. It will just take time.~ the silver kitsune said kindly. ~After we return home you may wish to rest while I am in control. ~

Kurama shook his head even though Youko could not see it. +No, I will just observe from within, Hiei is my friend and I need to know if he will be alright.+Kurama frowned, +Youko, what about Yusuke? Hiei has made no secret about his desires for the Toushin.+

~complicated not impossible. Yusuke is not aware of those desires. So until he is, nothing has changed. Besides did you not know that Yusuke is in a relationship already?~

Kurama was taken aback +with whom?+ He had apparently failed as a best friend if he didn't even know that much about Yusuke. +For how long?+

Youko chuckled ~That wind master he fought. They got together after the Makai tournament. I guess you didn't notice. You were rather wrapped up in your own thoughts and stressed about work.~ The silver tried to down play the situation, but in truth Kurama had taken every out of office job he could and had been gone out of the country on business from the time his feet hit Human World soil again. Yusuke had called him while he was on one such trip and Kurama had only half listened, but Youko had heard it all.

"You know my friends more than I do." Kurama muttered unhappily as he stepped through the portal and into the spare room it connected to inside the apartment. He was barely aware of the shower running and the subtle scent of cinnamon before he was gently pushed back and Youko took over. +just don't destroy the apartment Youko, please?+ Kurama pleaded as the shift began and his hair faded to silver the color of moonlight and his ears migrated to the top of his head. He swished his tail to fluff it.

"I forget how goo it feels to be on this side of things." Youko breathed in the scents and made his way to the bathroom, with a soft command to the plant vine which appeared in his hand at his call, the door was unlocked and he entered the steam filled room. Without disturbing the shower curtain he slipped into the shower after disrobing. Hiei stood with his head under the spray and his hands on the tiled wall. His posture was oddly painful to Youko because it reminded him of doing the same thing under a waterfall as he cried, letting the tears wash away as the formed after she vanished.

Hiei he knew, did not cry. He knew every nuance of Hiei's body and knew just how to touch him and where. His hands moved without thought and he heard Hiei suck in a breath as he softly dragged claws down his chest to his thighs and back up. His mouth he pressed to the top of Hiei's spine and felt him shudder. "hello lover." he whispered in Hiei's ear and felt the Hiyoukai's back stiffen.

"Why the fuck are you out, Youko." Hiei snarled jerking away from the silver kitsune. It wasn't the first time Youko had snuck in to his shower, but the last time he was welcomed was in a place and time far from this one. A time Youko had forgotten and place which no longer existed. "I'm not interested in your games fox." he said acidly. He spun to face the kitsune and before he could utter another word he was pulled against a firm chest. The mouth on his was painfully familiar as it moved over his and he responded swept again back to that time.

"No games Hiei." he breathed against Hiei's lips. "it's me, I have come to seek your forgiveness."

Hiei's eyes snapped open, "Youko? You remember me?" the hiyoukai questioned suspiciously. Getting both his lovers back in one day was impossible with his luck. But he hadn't gotten her back only found her before she knew him, knew them. Youko was watching him with soft citrine eyes. It was and it wasn't his Youko. "Why, now? Why do you remember me now and not eight years ago? Why today?!" Hiei snarled jerking the water dial to off and storming out of the shower. The water hissing as it evaporated from his body. Youko grabbed a towel and followed him.

"I'm sorry." Youko said softly. His ears flattening to his head. "It's complicated."

"You're sorry? You left me alone for two hundred and twenty years and you are sorry." Hiei hissed. "I carried the memories and the loss of everything alone. And where the fuck were you? Everywhere, anywhere- but with me. I got this damned eye to find all the things lost to me, and what did I find when I finally caught up to you? You were dead! So 'I'm sorry' doesn't fucking cut it!"

"Please Shadow, let me explain." Youko said reaching out for the hurt male. "I was hurting and angry too. Losing her was like dying but worse, my heart still beat."

Hiei glared up at the citrine eyes of his former lover and snarled, "You had me."

"Aa, but when I looked at you Hiei I saw the broken dreams and loss. I was foolish and instead of thinking about you and mourning her together I pushed you away. If I could go back and make it right I would, Shadow." He reached out to touch Hiei but the anger pouring off of him stopped his hands.

"Don't call me that." Hiei growled his eyes blazing. "You called me that back then when speed was all I had. I tamed the goddamn dragon. I am not weaker than you any more Youko. I don't need you to protect me."

"You are right Hiei, I am sorry for that too. I should have been at your side through everything. And I wasn't not like I owed you to be. Not like I promised."

Hiei glared at the floor, "Why are you here."

"To apologize. In a week there is a chance I won't be myself anymore, and I wanted a chance to tell you that I regret leaving you, I regret not making you mine, back then. I regret sneaking out that night and leaving you. Please forgive me Dragon. I found her and we can be happy again Hiei, like before."

"It will never be like before, fox. You abandoned me, and now just because you found her, you want us back. Well it won't happen. Not this time. Back then you made your choice, and I am making mine." Hiei moved past him and slipped into his room got dressed and slid his katana through his belt before donning his leather jacket. He had to get away, he needed air. Memories of laughter and joy danced in his head rending his heart all the more for the loss. No, it would never be like that again. It would be better, Kagome could make it better. She could change all of this and he was going to help her.

"Hiei, I love you." Youko whispered.

Hiei walked to the glass doors without a word, opened them and leaped out, leaving Youko standing there reaching out to empty air.

Turning to look at the open door of Hiei's room his citrine eyes landed on a dark spot that blurred as his eyes filled with tears. Blinking he spotted the necklace hanging on the wall. His heart clenched painfully. It was the tear gem Hiei had given him as a courting gift. The same necklace he had left behind on his futon that night. The bright red and deep black were unmistakable. He knew every line and curve of that gem. Silently the silver kitsune withdrew letting Kurama take over.

Mama had not been as worried as Kagome thought she would be. When Kagome got to the shrine she let herself in and followed her nose to the dark kitchen. On the table was her dinner and a note. "Two minutes in the microwave. Hope you had a good day. Don't forget to lock up~Mama"

In a way the note was relieving and sad. Mama trusted her enough to live her own life and she had been gone often enough before that mama didn't question her whereabouts any more. She picked up the plate and carried it to the microwave. When it was hot she took it upstairs after locking the doors and slipped out of her window. She padded silently over to the Goshinkobu and her vine lifted her to her hideaway in the top most branches of the ancient tree. The ancient tree felt warm and alive beneath her feet, welcoming her home.

"It might be time to move out." she told the vine at her neck. The leaves rustled in response. "I can't keep living here and be a kitsune. Sooner or later my youkai life is going to affect my human life and then it will be my fault." She sent her vines into her room to retrieve her yellow pack still filled with her supplies; repacked every couple weeks to keep the food stuffs fresh. She had wanted to be prepared for the well opening at anytime. She also had the vines grab her extra bedding and clothes. Everything except her furniture and her electric items she moved into her hut in the Gods tree.

Using a few more vines she crafted a second hut and a small hallway between them. Then with permission from the tree of course, increased the leaves and made the branches thicker. Her tree house was invisible from the ground camouflaged by the thicker branches. This will do until I find an actual den. She dismantled the smaller hut in the other tree and used the blanket to make a reinforced door. Using the living branches of the tree she crafted shelves and from the main trunk of the tree and some vines she wove a hammock to sleep in big enough to unroll her sleeping bag as the mattress, before piling on the other blankets to make a bed. Satisfied with her efforts she climbed into her hammock and ate her dinner while the smaller of her vines unpacked her bag. Then with a yawn and the soft crooning of the plant song she fell asleep. She dreamed that night, not of the world beyond the well, but of crimson eyes and fiery touches.

Hiei roamed without a destination through the night, not really sure where he was going. But he was not returning to the apartment until he was sure Youko was gone. "A week, he could be not himself, hn," His anger burned low and deep at the kitsune for leaving him but strangely, he was not angry with her for doing the same. He looked around, not recognizing his location and then his eyes fell on a tree he had not seen in centuries. Suddenly he knew where he was, but the differences of the place made an ache in his chest. Still sitting in a nostalgic tree, sounded better than aimlessly roaming around a human city. He could be alone with his thoughts and maybe he could find Kagome again.

He hopped up the stairs to the shrine and then in to the tree and stopped. The vines gave away who the architect was. Two fairly large huts created from those same vines nestled naturally in the boles of the giant tree one slightly above the other, vines connected them making it like two rooms and a hallway. Their construction an echo of the huts that used to form the city of Edo in the Sengoku Jidai. "Clever." A smirk curled his lips as he surveyed her handy work. As he walked closer to the hut, the door, (which was modern in design) opened for him and he didn't hesitate to let himself in. Shelves made of branches held her things and kept the room free of clutter. He liked it.

She had crafted a fine home in the tree. His ears heard a soft rustle and he turned to look the direction. Worried for a moment about a repeat of this morning, he covered the part in question as he turned around. His eyes lighted upon her sleeping face and the slight smile curving her lips as she dreamed. Her sliver hair spilled around her like liquid moonlight shimmering in the spill of moonbeams from a space left open in the roof for light. ^Gods, she is so beautiful.^He noticed the hammock she lay in slowly expanding to accommodate another. The vines beckoned in a come hither motion he recognized. He needed no further invitation and shed his jacket, sword and shoes before climbing in behind her and wrapping her in his arms. He breathed her in smelling the sweet blooms and cinnamon still clinging to her hair faintly. Tomorrow he would worry about fixing everything, but tonight he let himself sleep, guarded by the sentient plant life around her and his Jagan.