Disclaimer: I own nothing

Rated: T

Nine Years Ago

Shuuichi had absolutely no idea how Youko even knew this human child (as Youko had only been 'killed' not too long ago, but before Kagome was even born), but, it was easy to say that he (his human self, at the very least) was rather... disturbed by the borderline and almost erratic obsession the fox seemed to have about this girl.

However, he didn't allow Youko's compulsions to take him over because, even if the girl from Youko's memories looked like an adolescent and like a grown version of this timid child, it was simply too disturbing for even him (who, by Youko's influence, had murderous intentions towards his own mother; only stopped by her display of selflessness to save him).

Youko didn't fantasize often, and this was only proving to be a bother.

Shuuichi stared at the girl with his intent and impassive green eyes, taking note that she was huddling into herself against a large spiritually-charged tree that Higurashi-san had called the Goshinboku. The nekomata under disguise kept its eyes on him at all times, obviously realising what he was.

Their mothers were sitting a small distance from them; talking pleasantly to one another and keeping an eye on the children – and both were openly disappointed by the lack of reaction on both their parts.

Shuuichi finally decided to say something, if only to get Youko to shut up, though he had no intention of making friends, "Your name is Kagome?" He asked in his boyish voice, looking at the Goshinboku with interest as the small girl visibly tensed at the sound of his voice.

Youko immediately quieted, for which Shuuichi was thankful for, and watched critically for Kagome's reaction.

"Y-yes," She bit her lip and answered in a shy tone, "A-ano..." She stuttered, desperately wanting to ask the cold boy about the large fox-like man standing behind him, but was too frightened to do it, "D-do... do you want to pet Buyo-chan?" She swallowed nervously, muttering the question and trying to act friendly like her mother had told her to, as she held out the kitten for Shuuichi to touch.

Shuuichi scrunched his nose, almost offended by the scent of the nekomata. Youko, in his past life, had never liked cats and this one was no exception, 'Focus entirely on the girl.' The kitsune urged with depraved intentions and Shuuichi quickly found that Kagome's scent was bearable – rather pleasant even.

"Kagome, Shuuichi-kun," Higurashi-san's gentle voice called out, "We are just going to step in for a while to make some snacks. Is there anything specific that you want?" She asked with a smile, reminding Shuuichi of his own mother and shook his head politely. Kagome copied the motion, though hastily regretted her choice because it left her alone with Shuuichi and the strange fox-man.

The silence was very smothering on Kagome's side and her unusual blue eyes darted around instinctively for an escape route – her arms shook and Buyo fell out of her arms and to the ground. She was still hissing at Shuuichi, though the boy paid no attention to the cat.

'I am surprised that Hiei did not find this place first,' Youko bitterly stated within his mind, and Shuuichi recognised the name, vaguely knowing Hiei as a bandit that had previously worked for Youko a long time ago, 'However, it is my win. Kagome did not respond to my attentions in the past because of that wretched hanyou, but now...' Shuuichi felt a dark shudder run up his spine, and not the good kind, 'Now that she is a simple-minded child, I am free to bend and twist her to my will.'

Shuuichi very much regretted his mother's choice to reunite with Higurashi-san because Youko's desires were nothing short of disturbing and corrupt.

This girl, though human, certainly did not deserve any of Youko's alarming intentions.

Kagome looked warily at the taller boy, trying to gather up the courage she needed to ask him about the blurry fox-man standing behind him. Just looking at him made her want to run away and just cry because his eyes were cold and dark and just plain frightening.

And they hadn't even moved from her since she had first seen him.

The fact that he had cuddly-looking tails and fluffy ears did not even come close to making up for how scary he was.

'Do something,' Youko suddenly demanded, using a tone that wouldn't tolerate a refusal, 'Make friends with her. Talk to her. Seduce her. Beguile her. Do not just stand there.' The silver fox pushed mentally, causing him a headache that usually appeared only what he refused to do something that Youko wanted.

Shuuichi arranged his handsome features into something more friendly-like, though it was completely and utterly false, "Kagome-chan," The familiarity left a bad taste on his tongue, "This shrine that you live at is very beautiful," He was truthful with that, at least, even if the holy vibes unnerved him, "Do you mind telling me what the name of this tree is?

Kagome picked Buyo up again for comfort, "Goshinboku," She mumbled, "Mama says the tree is sacred." Her nose scrunched, whatever 'sacred' meant.

'Such a child,' Youko sneered at him, 'It's almost pathetic just hearing you.' The silver kitsune ignored Shuuichi's irritation, unable to rip his eyes away from the girl.

Shuuichi frowned, 'I am a child. I'm physically unable to do what you to.' He snapped back, disgusted that Youko did not feel at all ashamed about his dark desires directed towards the human girl.

Even if he was a kitsune, a sensual youkai that specifically stole energy off a partner during sexual intercourse, it did not mean he should be feeling the urge to bed this little human child...

It was even more disturbing yet to know that Kagome seemed to be a miko...