Regret and Choices (Revised)

by Sunsetfireice82

What happens when after a year of being alone without youkai in her time, Kagome feels Youki? A whole lot of chaos, especially when the youkai she meets are not one but four! This is the rewritten version of my Regret and Choices I hope you will enjoy it just as much!

4. Chapter 3

I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho fandom or characters. They belong to Rumiko Takahashi and to Toshihiro Togashi. I do not make any monies or profit from the writing of this story.

Thank you, thank you to those who took the time to review and to those who made this story a favorite! As you can see from the title this is a re-written version of my original story. I hope you will enjoy it just as much. I really love to hear your thoughts and comments...Please let me know what you thought of this chapter as well whether good or bad. Thank you again!

Enjoy,

DawnFire_ice

Chapter 3

Waking a mere hour from the time he'd fallen asleep, Hiei frowned as he felt a ripple of pain enter the energy that cloaked the Shrine. Turning his gaze to the house the Jagan scanned for the source of the feeling. It was coming from the Miko. Despite his earlier promises to himself, Hiei stood and made his way along the branch, jumping easily to the roof and pulling out a lock pick that he'd stolen from Kurama he decided to observe her dreams and hopefully gain some clue as to the cause. I'll just take a quick look...he frowned at himself. When did I become so...decent and gods He blinked nice to anyone ?

As he touched the edge of the window he was surprised to see a small space between the window and the seal. The window was still open? Has she no sense of self preservation? Silently he slid it open further and stepped noiselessly in to the room. Her scent was thick enough here that he could smell it now and he unconsciously breathed it in. He hadn't taken the time earlier to appreciate it. She smelled clean like fresh rain and lightning, which he assumed was the smell of her power. Over those two smells he could still smell traces of the shampoo and soap she used but they were nearly scentless. Moving like a shadow he stepped closer to the bed in the corner of the room and located the woman.

She was sleeping restlessly. Subconsciously she was reaching out for something and latched on to Hiei's energy with her mind. It seemed to calm her and she drifted deeper in to sleep. Hiei frowned as he removed the ward over the Jagan and allowed it to open fully. Instantly he was bombarded with a flurry of images, passing too quickly for him to see clearly, before the girls mind settled in to a dream…

Hiei found himself standing in a forest clearing in the night. Above him was a myriad of stars. Looking around he noticed the thin silhouette of the girl. Silently he followed her. She walked with a confidence that told him that she was comfortable in this place. The woman was looking for someone he decided as he watched her look around and up in to the dark tree tops. Suddenly she froze and, covering her mouth, stepped back against a tree.

Hiei moved silently in the shadows to see what had upset her. In another clearing was an Inu hanyou sitting with a woman who had long dark hair. He couldn't see her face but it was obvious that the Miko did. The couple was oblivious to anything around them as they talked quietly in the moonlight. "I've made my choice Kikyo, it's always been you," the male said as his voice carried through the clearing. Hiei knew then, by the name the onna had spoken earlier, that this must be a memory from her travels to the past although he couldn't recall her speaking of this.

The girl's feelings swamped the dream with betrayal and shock and then acceptance. "He was never mine to begin with," she said sadly as if reminding herself as tears coursed down her cheeks. He had a feeling that she was talking to him but he remained silent to observe. The pull of the netherworld drew his eyes to the couple and he watched the two of them vanish into hell leaving a deafening silence behind. Foolish mutt... Kagome turned from the scene and ran. The overwhelming sorrow of her heartbreak was nearly crippling.

Hiei followed her back to the same clearing he'd started in and watched with interest as the girl ran into the clearing and leaped without a pause into the old well there. A bright flash of light surrounded him as he was drawn through the well with her and then as she climbed out inside a building. Opening the door, she left the well house and moved into the shrine. As she collapsed in a crumpled heap sobbing beneath the same tree, Hiei could make out very little of what she said except four words: "You should have lived."

Slowly, from the shadows, another figure came in to the dream and Hiei frowned at the look in those familiar claret eyes. Even the voice that spoke was too similar. What was she doing dreaming of him?

"It's no more than you deserve worthless onna. Why would any male look your way at all? Worthless and ugly, you will always be alone..."

Hiei listened to himself berate the onna till he could stand no more. In a blink of an eye he drew his katana and sliced the dream Hiei in half. He was angry and confused by the dream she was having about him. "Do not presume to put words in my mouth Onna. You do not know me, nor do you know what I think." He stated to her still weeping form, before pulling the Jagan back and swiftly leaving her room cursing himself for even thinking that she saw him as anything better. He was too angry to realize that in her dream he had been the perfect one and she had been the subject of the ridicule.

As Kagome stirred from the dream she'd had, she had the distinct feeling that someone had been in her room and close to her. Rolling over Kagome's hand brushed the edge of her bed and she found it still warm as though someone had sat there beside her. Confused but not afraid Kagome moved to the window and looked out over the stillness of the night cloaked shrine. It was peaceful and calming as it should be and as she reached out her senses to the empty grounds.

Her heart sank. Tears gathered in her eyes as she recalled her dream only minutes ago. How had there been two Hiei's so completely different from each other? One she had known was her minds creation and there had been things about that shadow that were wrong. His voice had not been as dark nor as smooth. And she realized thinking back that he had not had the Jagan. Kagome gasped as she sat heavily on the chair beside her. The second Hiei had had the Jagan and it was open and pulsing. Could it have been him really standing there? Sango had told her once, after a particularly grueling fight with one, of youkai who possessed the Jagan. They were called Jaganshi because the Jagan itself was a sentient being in a manner of speaking. Kagome reasoned from what her friend had said that those like Hiei had needed to 'tame ' the Jagan and make it view them as master. Once they had though the Jagan would guard them and serve them loyally granting to their master all types of abilities like telepathy and mind control. It could also in extreme cases be used to summon creatures from hell. She hadn't known any more about the creatures it could summon. She had also told her that most youkai who were willing to go through the excruciating process of getting the Jagan were very antisocial creatures due to the Jagan's tendency to attack any who came to close to its master. Kagome had not been able to stop the tears of empathy for such a life then and even recalling the conversation made her eyes sting. Hiei was one of those lonely creatures. It all made sense now that she thought about it: the shock on his face when she held on to him while she cried earlier and the confusion in his eyes as she told him that she liked youkai. It was so horrible. What could have possibly driven a youkai like Hiei to cut himself off that way? She had know from his aura that he was Hiyoukai and as such knew that his type thrived on physical contact and their need for the passion that burned white hot in their veins. One like him should have relished in the touch of another being instead of rejecting it. Hiei had been so cold almost like he had been made of ice. Hiei was a Forbidden Child she knew that already but it didn't stop tears from gathering in her eyes as she looked out at the shrine but saw nothing as the memories played in her mind. Inuyasha had been the one to tell her of forbidden children when they had come upon one in their travels. The child had been alone and silently sitting on the side of the road waiting for death. Kagome had seen the unfortunate little thing and moved closer to it. Inuyasha had placed a hand on her arm and pulled her back. "You can't touch her Kagome. She'd kill you. She's a mixed elemental Forbidden Child." he'd stated as he'd pulled her along behind him. "A Forbidden Child? How can a child be forbidden?" Kagome had asked. Inuyasha's ears had drooped. "She has conflicting energies inside her; Earth and lightning. They are canceling each other out and soon it will kill her. Most don't even live through the birthing. It is guaranteed that they will die as soon as their energy reaches a certain point. Come on Kagome, don't look back." he'd said pulling her swiftly out of eyesight from the child. As they reached the tree line there was a muffled explosion and then silence.

Kagome closed her eyes recalling that horrible silence. She hugged herself trying to forget. With her eyes closed she saw two carmine eyes floating in her memory. Hiei hadn't died and from what she knew he had long since reached passed the point that normally forbidden children died. So how was it he had survived? Was it because of the Jagan? Suddenly Kagome was burning with questions and no longer tired.

Quickly Kagome got dressed and walked down to the kitchen. Upon locating her pack she quickly restocked her supplies and did a quick cleaning of the house before she walked outside locking the door behind her. First she would drop of her supplies to her campsite and then- well she wasn't certain what she'd do but she couldn't sit still. Now that she knew of one youkai she figured that meant there were more and that also meant a possibility she had not allowed herself to consider before; her youkai friends might still be alive! If they were out there she'd find them and if not them then at least find out what had happened to them.

Swiftly Kagome ran into the forest area behind the shrine, her feet finding the path easily and without error. She ran until her rough campsite came into view. Darting into the tent she shoved the whole pack into a plastic container that kept bugs and other critters out of her things; before sprinting at full speed back to the shrine grounds and down the multiple stone stairs till she reached the long flight of steps that led to the shrine from the street.

At the top she slowed her pace walking carefully down the stone stairs. She'd fallen down them once before and fortunately Inuyasha had caught her before she'd received any real damage. But Inuyasha wasn't there to save her any more. She shook off the melancholy thoughts before they could drag her down, placing a smile on her lips instead. Reaching into the purse at her side she lightly handled her cloth wallet she'd gotten in the Feudal era. She smiled brighter as she did a mental calculation of how much money it contained before she headed towards her favorite café. A cup of caramel latte was calling her name.

Kurama glanced down at his watch and did a mental assessment of the time. He'd arrived a little too early for the tutoring session he'd arranged with his classmates, for their benefit of course. Well maybe not entirely there was a cute girl in the group he'd had his eye on for a good fling. Glancing around the area he noticed a café and sighed. If he was going to put up with his female classmates and their not so subtle attentions he would need an energy boost. As he walked through the door Yoko spoke up nearly startling him.

~Feel that Red? ~

*Of course, but what is it Yoko?* Kurama asked as his eyes swept the dimly lit space for the source as he moved to a booth and sat down.

~ That, Kit is the feeling of a Miko. That is holy energy. ~ he licked his lips as the energy washed over him and Yoko shivered in pleasure. ~Mm, that is strong and undiluted like it was in my time. ~

*The Shikon no Miko?* Kurama whispered though his thoughts were not something he needed to whisper as only himself and Yoko could hear them unless Hiei was close by. It wasn't fear that made him whisper but respect. He was never one to act a fool and the feeling of her power a direct opposite of his own made him cautious. A change in the energy made goose bumps rise on his arms as the energy seemed to wrap around him; searching him out before it dissipated to a soothing almost calming state. She had sensed them and was sizing them up.

~Whoo, Red that was intense I think I was holding my breath. I found her though. Look to the left five booths down. ~

Kurama placed his order as he stealthily stole a glance to the location Yoko had stated and felt his eyes widen as he met a curious pair of blue eyes. She quickly looked down at the coffee cup in her hands before looking back up through her thick lashes shyly. Then a frown came to her lips before she burst into a bright smile and jumped out of her seat. Kurama only had time to wonder what she was about before she knocked him back with a hug that had he been human might have made his ribs creak. "Shippo! Shippo it's me Kagome!" she whispered excitedly not caring about the scene she was making.

"Uh-" Kurama had no idea what to say and it was the first time he'd ever been made speechless by a woman, ever. The girl pulled back and looked up at his eyes in confusion.

"Don't you recognize me? Wait-" a blush heated her cheeks as she pulled away and swallowed heavily "you aren't him are you?" she looked down at her hands in embarrassment.

"It has been so long! I'm so happy to see you!" Kurama said after glancing around at the curious eyes around them and deciding to spare her the humiliation and urged on by Yoko. "I certainly can see you missed me, love." He drew her back into his arms and whispered, "play along and we will leave."

Kagome nodded before pulling back with another smile on her lips. "I did, though I think I knocked over your drink. Can I take you somewhere to change before lunch?" she looked at his stained jacket sheepishly as she slid out of the booth and waited. He followed smoothly slipping his arm around her waist.

"Of course." He felt her stiffen as she noticed the arm and he hoped more than he'd ever done before that she wouldn't turn all their efforts into another scene by slapping him. She swallowed before her hand went to her bag and she pulled out her phone.

"Hello?" she waited for a moment before turning it to her chest and turning to face him.

"I'm so very sorry darling I will have to cancel our lunch. Something has come up and I have to leave." She placed the phone again to her ear as she walked out of the café.

Stunned Kurama stood there for a moment before Yoko snapped at him to follow her. By the time he collected his things and got outside Kagome was gone. Not even a trace of her scent remained for him to follow. But his classmates called to him and he sighed. She had been right there in his hands or arms rather and she'd slipped away.

*Yoko, I think we've finally met our match.*

~So it would seem Red, so it would seem. ~

Kurama's jaw dropped a little before he reined in his facial expressions; schooling them back to an affected casual look as to Yoko he asked *did she confuse us for who I think she did?" *

Yoko folded his arms while his tail twitched in annoyance. ~Yes, Kit, I think she did. ~ She was one enigma after another. And now it seemed that the puzzle had just gotten more complex: how did she know the current "King of Thieves" in the Makai?

Kagome was breathless as she reached the entrance to the park and slid on to a park bench. Her face was still red from embarrassment but at the moment she didn't care all she could feel was disappointment. She had been so sure it was him from her booth and yet when she'd pounced him she knew it was not. But his reaction gave her pause. "What if they've forgotten me?" she whispered drawing her legs up and wrapping her arms around her knees. She was grateful now that she'd decided to wear jeans and not a skirt. She could only imagine how much worse the scene would have been if she'd unintentionally flashed everyone. All she could hope now was that she never ran into that guy again or she was certain she'd die of embarrassment. And where was Hiei? She'd tried to sense him but she'd found no trace. She sighed again "I'm so stupid!"she groaned softly.

"Hey, you girl, don't you know it ain't wise to be alone in this part of town? Ya might get hurt." A rough voice said as a man slid on to the bench next to her. Looking up with wide eyes she realized with a gulp that she was surrounded!

"Ah, I'm not alone." She looked around quickly and jumped to her feet spotting a young man with jyaki she'd take her chances with a youkai before humans. "Darling!" she called running over and swallowing her humiliation plopped herself on the lap of the youkai praying that he wouldn't kill her. Wrapping her arms around his neck she said in a faintly nervous whimper, "Those men were scaring me, dear I think they threatened me." She met the wide shocked chocolate brown eyes of who she hoped would be her savior in this mess. She was even further shocked when he gently moved her off his lap and with a cocky smirk glanced at the group of thugs, then turning back to her gave her a saucy wink and a nod before he swaggered towards the oncoming fight with a confident air.

Although she was accustomed to violence in life or death situations she could not help but to watch the youkai fighting and think that it was the single most sexy thing she had seen a male do. Was he really fighting for her? It was- well sweet, considering she didn't know his name and he didn't know hers.

"Yusuke." The name fell from those cocky lips and Kagome's eyes snapped up to his having not realized she had spoken. That fight was over quick. "Been itching for a good throw down, thank you beautiful." he replied smoothly.

Beautiful? she felt her cheeks heat once more. "Uh… Kagome. Thank you for defending me." She stammered.

"Hey no trouble you can plop yourself into my lap any time uh Kagome." He gave her another saucy wink and she blushed brighter to his amusement.

Kagome was mortified, but then she looked- really looked at him and her blush intensified. He was tall at least a foot taller than she, with a fighter's build that was lithe and trim not too muscled but definitely tone. His face was again one of those too handsome to be true types but the stubble on his chin and the unruly hair falling passed his shoulders made it more of a rugged look. Kagome followed the clothing back up to his face. Intense brown eyes stared back as she looked at him curiously. His stance reminded her of the way Sango always stood: balanced on the outsides of his feet prepared at any moment to fight. Yusuke was a fighter, and from the look of the muscles in his arms he either trained often or fought often, though she guessed it was the latter considering he had just fought for her. Despite his physical health he looked a little thinner in his cheeks than she thought he should be. His face was framed by unruly black hair that looked like it could use a trim from how it hung in his eyes. Kagome started realizing she'd been staring at him.

There was a reason though, why she couldn't pull her eyes away and it was echoed within her; sorrow. It was a very specific type of sorrow. This wasn't your everyday loss this was the heart wrenching- soul shattering loss that came from learning that the one you loved no longer loved you. Although in Kagome's case it wasn't that he hadn't loved her or even that he didn't; it was that he'd loved Kikyo more. This fighter before her had been broken by his love as Kagome had been by hers. A silent understanding passed from her eyes and Yusuke started at the calm energy he felt wrap around him as he met the blue eyes of the girl.

His chocolate brown eyes were intense and focused catching every detail she was sure. But his aura was not so self assured rather it was clear now that his bravado was a façade. This youkai had been hurt deeply and recently. Any embarrassment was swept away as she hugged him. He needed a hug and far be it for her to deny him a simple hug. His soul had practically begged to be accepted as she looked him over, but the wariness in his eyes had told her the story. He was waiting for her to run from him though he could not have known that she knew he was a youkai.

"Do you often hug random guys?" he asked though his voice trembled slightly.

"Never, but you needed a hug right, Yusuke-san?"

"Just Yusuke. Aw damn it." he pulled away from her but not quick enough that he hid the tear slipping down his cheek. He jumped as soft fingers brushed the wetness from his face.

"Its okay. I am just some random girl who jumped into your lap, but you need someone to listen right? I'm safe I will never tell your secrets and likely we won't meet again so go ahead and cry. There is no one around to see, but me."

"You might regret it later." Yusuke said before he pulled her into his arms and cried onto her shoulder. He was not the type to cry but something about Kagome made him feel safe and the tears flowed. He didn't make a sound as his shoulders shook. Kagome didn't say a word as he cried out his pain sitting there with him until the sun began to set and his tears slowed and stopped. Tomorrow he might feel mortified that he cried in front of a random hot chick, but for today he let it all go.

Kagome stood once he let her go and bowed, "Thank you again for helping me out, Yusuke. I know it doesn't feel like it but time heals all wounds both large and small. Take care." She said softly before leaving him sitting on the bench where she had plopped into his lap.

Carmine eyes watched her go before he dropped down to land beside his former team leader. He had missed everything that lead up to Yusuke holding Kagome and crying like a child but he was most definitely going to get answers.

"Have you ever met someone and known immediately that they were the most amazing thing to ever fall into your life and just let them walk right back out again?" Yusuke asked as he had his head leaned back and his eyes closed. Silently Hiei made a decision, Yoko would never have her and if this was the only way so be it.

"Would you like to meet her again?"

"Wha- I shouldn't be surprised. How did you meet her? Did she plop down in your lap randomly too?"

"Explain."

"Some thugs were pestering her and she plopped down in my lap pretending to be my girl and told me they had threatened her. So I took care of it. I don't know why she chose me of all the people in the park though. Do you know why? You don't seem surprised."

"I have my suspicions. It seems that the onna does many random things. Have you heard of a Miko warrior Yusuke?"

"Miko? You mean a shrine maiden?"

"No, I mean a true Miko, a woman blessed by the kami with power to purify youkai."

"Are you telling me what I think you are telling me, cause if you are I am going to chase her down and kiss her senseless. She knew I was a youkai and approached me anyway?"

"I don't recommend that particular course of action, but yes she knows we are youkai."

"Well shit Hiei, what are we sitting here for? Help me find her!"

Hiei's stomach clenched painfully but he pushed the feeling away with pure strength of will. "Hn, she is two blocks East and three North. If you hurry you can catch her before she reaches the shopping district."

"Thanks pal I owe you one!" Yusuke called over his shoulder as he ran the directions Hiei had said leaving Hiei standing in the empty park.

Angrily Hiei turned and punched the thick trunk of the old oak tree he had been perched in. The tree shook but its roots were deep and it withstood the first blow. Narrowing his eyes Hiei's fists flew in rapid succession in a volley of punches much too quick for the human eye. Breathing heavily he placed both hands on the trunk and his head fell forward as he closed his eyes. All he could see was her in Yusuke's arms and that sight tore him up unlike anything he'd ever seen before. But it made no sense that he should be this bothered by the whole situation. He snorted muttering "Ridiculous," before he vanished once more in a burst of speed. He let his feet take him to where they would and was not wholly surprised to see her walking alone towards the market district.

"Hey! Kagome, wait up!" the voice drew her attention and his as he watched Yusuke running at normal "human" speed to catch up. He clenched his fist so tightly that it nearly drew blood but still he watched over her even as his chest ached and his stomach twisted.

Below where Hiei hid Kagome paused hearing her name and turned expecting to see someone she knew and then frowned in confusion. He ran up to her and his sheepish smile made her smile in return. It gave his ruggedly handsome looks a boyish charm and she shook her head with a small laugh. "I didn't thank you properly." Yusuke said awkwardly.

"What for?" she was genuinely confused. She hadn't really done anything special unless it was letting him cry?

Yusuke grabbed her arm carefully and pulled her into a diner with a hopeful grin. "Let's get dinner."

"Uh…okay?" Kagome agreed letting him lead. The diner was small and brightly lit with a friendly atmosphere. It was clearly a family run establishment and Kagome felt her mouth begin to water at the delicious smells surrounding her. Yusuke led her to a booth and sat down pulling her in beside him then he scooted around the "u" shaped booth to face her, so that should she wish she could leave. He was not the type to trap her even if he might have wanted to keep her there.

"Hey grandma!" he called expertly catching the wet dish towel flung at his head for the comment. He cleared his throat, "Oh miss?"

A middle aged woman gave him a smile as she walked over. "Are you ready to order? "

"Yeah two specials and a chocolate shake for each of us!" Yusuke said with a grin. Turning to Kagome he winked and said "Trust me you will love it. The special is the only way to go here."

Kagome sighed and then smiled letting him lead once more it was after all his treat. At his grin she laughed again at his boyish antics and leaned back in the comfortable cushioned seating. The waitress smiled and gave her a wink as she caught the mouthed request of "make my shake strawberry please."

Yusuke rubbed his neck anxiously as they were left once more alone. Never one for being subtle he said, "You know about me right?" He pantomimed a growl while making his fingers curl like claws.

"Nope. I don't know a thing about you being a monster. But, if you are referring to your proud heritage of being a youkai, then yes I do." she whispered low enough that he would hear her but so that no one else would hear what they were not supposed to.

Yusuke gaped at her in shock. "You- you are amazing. No wonder Hiei was so willing to tell me where I could find you."

"You know Hiei?" Kagome gasped softly.

"You might say he's one of my best friends." Yusuke replied with a grin. "Yep, me and Hiei go back a few years now. Course when I met him he wasn't so friendly."

Kagome laughed at that. "Yes he wasn't very friendly when I met him yesterday either. In fact he threatened me with his katana."

"Nah, Hiei doesn't threaten. If he didn't like ya or think you were different, you'd be dead and there would be no warning. Hiei is kinda black and white that way. So how did you two meet, he didn't tell me."

"I chased him all over the city. His energy drew me and I hadn't been around youkai in a year. I missed the feeling of youkai so I wanted to see that he was real."

"You chased him?!" Yusuke snorted with laughter. "No wonder he was so quiet about it, he has this idea that no one can find him if he doesn't want to be found! That and his Jagan gives him the ability to do some mind control thing. You are lucky he didn't fry your brain or erase you memories or something."

"So you think he must have wanted me to find him? But -"

"Hiei doesn't like to show it, but I think he might be lonely. He used to spend tons of time with Kurama another friend of mine, but then Kurama started working at his step-dad's office and Hiei has been pretty much alone since leaving the Makai again. I'm not sure why he left though so I guess all I have are guesses."

"What about you? Aren't you the same Yusuke? Are you lonely too? Sorry I shouldn't pry." Kagome blushed picking at her napkin and looking at the table.

"Yeah, I was. In fact I was planning that today was going to be my last day feeling empty. I was gonna end it." Once again her presence made him say more than he should.

Her eyes pricked with tears at his pain.

"It's not like anyone would really miss me. My Mother died last year and at her funeral my girlfriend dumped me. She said I was a monster and I was worthless. I proposed to her hoping that she would see that I loved her and she told me that she wanted normal. I wasn't normal enough for her. She didn't want me. No one does though so" he shrugged. Her head shot up and her wide wet eyes that were so blue shocked him. Whoa now... Are those tears for me?

"You won't right?" she gasped softly looking at the table. "What about Hiei and Kurama? They would miss you. What about any other friends you might have? What about me? Now that I have met you don't you think that I might miss you if you were suddenly gone?" Tears spilled down her cheeks and Yusuke watched them in quiet wonder before his common sense kicked in and he scooted around the table.

"Hey, don't cry. Come on Kagome, I didn't mean to make you cry honest. I won't do anything stupid. Come here." He pulled her into his arms like before when he had cried and held her as tremors wracked her frame. He had the distinct feeling that his words had merely been the catalyst for her tears and not so much the reason. Had someone hurt her too? A feeling of protectiveness welled within him at the thought. He'd be damned if he'd ever let her hurt like this again. "Shh, I'm sorry. I swear I won't leave you now. You might regret it though."

"Regret what? Being your friend? I could say the same thing. I'm trouble."

"A beautiful little thing like you- hardly. I cause more trouble by breathing. Speaking of which, our food is on its way so I'm going to move back over to my side of the table 'kay?"

"No, you can stay here. Uh… if you want to."

"I would but there is going to be tons of food in a sec so-"Yusuke scooted away as the waitress lowered a plate in front of Kagome loaded with a huge sandwich, French fries and her shake, which was chocolate at first glance but if one looked close they could see that there was strawberry ice cream on the side. Kagome's eyes widened as the same amount of food was placed before Yusuke.

"I don't think I can eat all this! Oh this is American food right? What's the name of this sandwich?"

"I think they call it a hero sub or something like that." Yusuke said digging in with gusto.

"A hero? Huh well it is larger than life." Kagome dead panned.

Yusuke stopped and looked at her for a second un sure if he should laugh at what she said and saw a twinkle in her eye of amusement. "You like that song too?" he asked catching the reference to the Pat Benatar song.

"Oh yes especially the "fresh from the fight" part, guys are sexy that way- er um mm this shake is good." Kagome blushed scarlet as Yusuke laughed.

"So you like the fighter type huh, and you like the bad boys? Does that mean I'm just your type Kagome?" he teased. She picked up a French fry and threw it at him for laughing at her slip up. He caught it and popped it in his mouth. "I'd be happy to give you a further demonstration sometime ..."

"I'll be sure to bring my video recorder next time, so I'll have something to watch on lonely nights." She laughed back before realizing how it sounded. Gods Miroku much...really?

She laughed. He instantly loved her laugh and the appealing flush of her cheeks as she blushed "You are unlike any girl I have ever met, Kagome. Where have you been all my life? Will you marry me?"

"Wha- well that a new one, most youkai just proclaim I'm their woman and try to kidnap me. A few of them succeeded and then he would get really mad and beat them up and I would have to intervene and that would make him madder and then we would fight and I usually go home."

"What are you talking about, who is he?" Yusuke asked confused at the turn in the conversation.

"What he? Did I mention a he?" Kagome asked with wide innocent eyes.

Yusuke wasn't buying the innocent act but, wasn't sure if it was an act. "Uh, yeah twice."

"I didn't say he, I said 'me'" Kagome insisted with a smile and an internal grimace she hadn't meant to say so much, but the sudden proposal had startled her, she didn't even know if he was joking! 'Redirect!' she thought frantically "So how old are you?"

Yusuke choked on his milkshake, "Seriously?" he blinked. Now he knew why Keiko had gotten so violent with his non answers, it was irritating. But that innocent look in her eyes was also appealing, he raised an eyebrow. How had she just jumped from naughty to innocent so fast?

"Of course," Kagome laughed handing him a napkin. He looked cute with milkshake spilling down his chin. She smiled brightly before eyeing the giant sandwich. "So how old are you?" she repeated waiting and hoping he'd change the subject.

"20."

"Ok, so for two years I wasn't born yet, and then from age zero to five I lived with my parents on the shrine."

"What?"

"Shh I'm answering your question." Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "Mama got pregnant with Souta just before I turned six and Daddy died just before he was born. From then on Gramps moved in and helped Mama take care of us kids and I went to school. I didn't graduate with my friends because I was absent a lot and I finally finished high school but I failed all my college exams so here I am. 18 and hopeless, and that's where I have been all your life."

Yusuke rolled his eyes and laughed at that, "Okay, wow, sounds like you have been through the ringer. My dad abandoned my old lady when she was pregnant with me but Ma managed to get us by. I didn't even graduate high school as a youkai I don't really need to. Got a pretty sound gig in the Makai if I want it but, I don't think I do." He looked at her thoughtfully though a smirk still tugged at his lips. Beauty, a sense of humor with a naughty twist...I think I'm in love.

"The Makai? That's twice you've mentioned it, what is it?" Kagome looked at him with rapt interest as she waited taking another drink of her chocolate strawberry milk shake.

Yusuke polished off his food and leaned back casually propping his elbows on the back of the bench before he answered. He studied her thoughtfully for a moment, it really had never specifically been said that he wasn't allowed to tell anyone and Kagome already knew about youkai..."Just what it sounds like it's a world for youkai. There are three worlds the Ningenki where we are, the Reikai and the Makai."

"That explains a lot." Kagome frowned in reflection of thoughts that were deeper than she wanted to reveal even to Yusuke as wonderful as he seemed. Her secrets were her own and she didn't know whether Hiei would tell his friends who she was. "Why divide them? In the feudal era youkai and humans lived together, sure it wasn't all peaceful but some places they did get along."

The mood had changed and Yusuke wasn't sure why, but he answered her questions cautiously now. "Not sure what the feudal era has to do with anything, but there was a war and the human's with help from the monks and priestesses and stuff nearly wiped out the youkai. At least that's what Hokushin told me."

Kagome's eyes widened in horror; at the comment and the thoughts suddenly streaking through her mind as she wracked her thoughts for any memory of something like that. "War? What war? I never heard anything about something like that. That's horrible! No wonder most youkai hate humans, like me"

Yusuke relaxed at her genuine reaction to the slaughter of his kind. Kagome wouldn't be like that. "Nah, it was a long long time ago so not many remember all that, right?" She didn't look convinced as she sat there. Yusuke sighed realizing that the evening was ending with such a bad taste but not entirely certain how it got that way. Great tact Yusuke...I'm an idiot. "Any way how is the food? Was I right?"

She smiled but even he could see that it was not as bright. "It's very filling. I think I'll have to take the rest with me. Thank you so much for dinner Yusuke, this was nice. It's been a while since I've had company. I better get my shopping done and head back, I still have to clean up the shrine, before Gramps gets home and sees that I haven't swept." She looked at her watch and gasped. "Is that really the time?"

As he helped her put her food into take out containers he tried one last attempt to fix the evening. "I live at an abandoned temple and I know how to clean a shrine- I don't know – I could help you if you want." He winced at how pathetic that sounded.

The smile she gave him was bright and amused. "Sure you don't just want to see where I live so you can find me again?" Kagome asked putting the rest of her food in a takeout container.

"Well yeah that too, aw man." Yusuke blushed at his own verbal blunder as the words left his mouth he cringed. Way to go Yusuke, tell the gorgeous chick you are mentally unstable and desperate. Her soft laugh startled him and he peered at her owlishly.

"Honestly, the summer festival is coming up at the shrine, we need all the help we can get; gramps is getting too old to hang most of the decorations. So um, If you want..." she stopped and looked at the floor, loosing her nerve. "I'd love to see you there. Ask Hiei which shrine if you want. See you around." She blushed as she turned and fled the diner berating herself for practically asking the guy out a few hours after meeting him.

Yusuke blinked after her and then a grin split his face as he was coming out of the diner after throwing a few bills on the table not bothering to check the amount. Knowing he likely had left a far larger tip that ever necessary he looked around for her. She was quick for a human, he'd give her that. But in a couple of strides he over took her and tapped her shoulder, "Hey wait! It's dark already can I at least walk you to the station?" Yusuke asked. "My side of town is kind of dangerous at night." He could see the flush of her cheeks and decided to let her off the hook. "I'll just see you safely home and that's all I promise alright."

"Thanks. I guess I forget sometimes that this time is dangerous in its own way." She tossed her hair over her shoulder and fell in to Yusuke's easy stride.

"No problem." He replied a curious tilt to his head that was twice that she had mentioned time and the past like with the feudal era. He had the feeling that it was something he should keep in mind to think on later and maybe ask Hiei about.

Their walk was quiet with a companionable silence as both were deep in thought. She glanced at him curiously the few times he flared his energy in warning but nothing more. The time went quicker than either wanted and before long they stopped outside of the station that would take Kagome home. "Thank you again Yusuke." Kagome said with a smile before walking inside. She glanced back once to wave and then was gone.

Yusuke watched her leave and turned to the silent youkai who had appeared. "Hiei, why did you let me have the whole evening with her? She's amazing, don't you want her? I pretty sure that-"

"No," Hiei snapped cutting him off, it was the single most painful lie he had ever spoken. "Hurt her and you will not have time enough to regret it." It was all he could say. Yusuke turned questioning eyes to him hearing more emotion in the answer than he had intended to show. In a burst of speed he left following the train into the night and leaving a very confused ex detective behind.

After her afternoon and evening with Yusuke Kagome had returned to her camp site, crawled in to her sleeping bag and was out like a light. The Hiyoukai who followed her wasn't so lucky. Thoughts plagued him and now in the darkness he had time to consider everything. Did he really want to give her to Yusuke? Could he honestly have a chance and more did he want that chance if it existed? He scoffed quietly. As if I have a chance with her. Yusuke isn't constantly hunted now that he is a king; He has the power to protect her. It has to be this way. Yusuke will keep her out of harm's way and should he fail... He pushed the ache in his chest aside and turned his eyes to her tent. What use have I for a human woman. Humans are weak and spineless creatures, she'd be nothing but trouble, a burden, grief and misery. And then when her insignificant existence is over I will be left an eternity of mourning her. Perhaps Yusuke wishes such a future or even Kurama, but I am not as big a fool...She sighed in her sleep and his eyes riveted on her. Gods... yes I am. Hiei closed his eyes. I am the biggest fool of us all...

The next weeks after the café incident which he was highly annoyed about after hearing Kurama discuss it with Yoko; Hiei had taken great pains to keep her from meeting the team again by creating reasons for her not to go a particular direction when he knew that they would be there, or causing small bouts of random havoc so that they were distracted from sensing her as she did her shopping. He was always near her though he made extra care not to be detected. So far it had worked but he was under no pretenses that it would continue to do so. No he had to find a better way of keeping the Kitsune from finding the woman. He looked at her swinging her shopping bag while humming a tune under her breath and couldn't help but to stare in rapt attention. Today she looked so beautiful in the morning light, the soft pleats of her light summer skirt ruffling in the breeze as she walked. Her hair usually left down was pulled up off her shapely neck and her shirt dipped a little in the front granting him a kami's view of her round generous cleavage. Gods...Onna, do you have to tempt every male in the vicinity with your subtle sensuality? Hiei sent a not so gentle suggestion in another man's head to look away or loose his eyeballs.

When she bent over to fix the strap of her sandal he had had enough. He would be damned if he would take one more day of this nonsense. Removing his cloak and hanging it over a branch he thought he might blend a little more before he appeared at her back. She jumped a little at his sudden appearance and blinked. "Hiei?"

"Quiet Onna, do your shopping."

"Yusuke wake up!" Hiei snapped standing at the foot of Yusuke's bed in the ratty apartment he lived in. After his mother passed Yusuke had fallen apart. His Mothers debts were more than he realized and rather than dip into the royal coffers he had gotten a cheap apartment and sold everything he and his mother had owned. He didn't plan to be around long so it hadn't mattered so long as it mostly kept the rain out. Of course that all changed when a beautiful angel had landed in his lap. The apartment Hiei noted was cleaner than before and Yusuke had even done some repairs to the rooms.

"Wha- Hiei? What's going on? You've been scarce for a while what has you coming here now?" he questioned sleepily.

"I've been busy. Higurashi shrine. Go there." Hiei said before leaving again.

"Higurashi? I'll see you there then. I look forward to it Kagome." Yusuke said leaning back with his hands behind his head.

Summer festival season was right around the corner and Kagome had been busily helping her family set up and prepare. Many people frequented the shrines during these times. Kurama would no doubt be visiting every shrine looking for the Miko. Hiei cursed quietly at the thought as he tucked himself comfortably against the trunk of the same tree he'd slept in almost every night since meeting her, his senses on high alert for the fox. The Jagan might have been watching for energy but Hiei's eyes were glued to the Miko as she rushed from place to place.

Scurrying a crossed the grounds Kagome was carrying a large box from one of the many storage sheds at the back of the shrine when she felt the hair on the back of her neck rise with the tingle of unfamiliar energy. Turning her head sharply to look around she froze setting the box down to free her hands.

Seeing her reaching backward in the practiced habit of reaching for an arrow Hiei realized that Kagome was searching for a weapon to defend herself, and since no other energies were present that meant she was feeling the malevolent power of the Jagan its self. With a sigh he closed the Jagan and she relaxed for an instant before Gramps shout of "Demon begone!" reached her ears. With a swiftness that spoke of her years in the feudal era Kagome turned and sprinted in that direction only to trip over a lazy Buyo who had been sunning himself on the stairs.

Mid fall Kagome heard the unmistakable sound of Hiei's voice as he called out behind her. He was moving swiftly towards her. Unfortunately he had not seen Buyo either as he skidded to a stop dodging away from her to prevent a collision. His eyes widened as she fell backwards down the stone stairs that lead to the street. His hand flew out instinctively to grab her but he was too far from her to grip more than her sleeve. Hiei heard the sound of ripping fabric and the clatter of small pieces hitting the stone ground just before she fell out of sight. His heart stopped as he listened for the sound of her body colliding with the stairs, knowing with a sick feeling that no matter how fast he was, the collision at that angle would kill her.

He felt her collide with his chest and he rolled to take the brunt, his body shielding hers. This was certainly not how he had planned to meet her again but he was not about to let her get hurt on his watch. He grunted as the breath was forced from his lungs as his back hit the stairs but his arms remained locked around his fragile treasure forming a protective barrier around her, one arm shielding her back as the other cradled her head. He would be bruised and scraped but he would heal.

As he lay on the ground stunned, he was acutely aware of every place she was pressed against him. He could feel the movement of her chest as she panted for breath. In his hand he could feel a hand full of silky hair and the softest skin he'd ever touched was brushing the palm of his other hand as she breathed. Unconsciously he slid his hand upwards until he encountered more fabric. 'Lace.' his dazed mind supplied as the realization had not yet hit him. Her scent was surrounding him, drugging him as she lay on top of him where they had landed.

Strong arms had caught her mid fall and she was suddenly wrapped in an all encompassing feeling of jyaki as she landed against his chest her head against his shoulder. The ripple of strong solid muscles beneath her hands made her suck in a deep breath. Before she moved she knew who had caught her. Even if he had not spoken his scent was unmistakable as she recalled it from the night he had cried on her shoulder.

Looking up into the face of the youkai beneath her Kagome was unsurprised to meet the same chocolate eyes that she had that day nearly a month ago. She sensed him around since the night he had bought her dinner and had begun to wonder if she would ever see him again. It was the look in those smoldering coffee colored eyes that pinned her to the spot. She felt his hand slide up her side; his hot hand seeming to brand her as he touched her skin. She shivered in pleasure as her thoughts scattered a million different directions.

As he continued to hold her his thoughts dazed and drugged by the feel and scent of her, he looked down and realized he'd made a huge mistake. Her pale throat was exposed as her hair had been tied up and his eyes followed the line down. Expecting to see the collar of the shirt she should have been wearing he nearly gaped as his eyes met pale flesh. Her breasts pressed into his chest the way they were allowed him to view her ample bosom in a whole new way. The hand that had been absently wandering the soft expanse of her side now had purpose. He could feel her heart racing in her chest as she calmed from the burst of adrenalin.

Yusuke met her eyes and nearly groaned at the desire he saw in them. His body reacted as well and a blush stained her cheeks. Her wayward thoughts zeroed in on that one feeling as her eyes widened. 'Uh is that...?' she shook her head, breaking the trance they both seemed to be lost in.

Only a moment had passed but suddenly she became aware of a second presence next to her and she met his claret eyes sheepishly as she moved to get off of her second time savior.

As she was leaning back to get up Hiei saw for the first time his accidental handy work. Her button down shirt was missing a sleeve and had been ripped open to her navel exposing the tops of her ample breasts and their lace binding to his eager gaze.

As she sat up she unintentionally brushed that part of Yusuke that was making his desire known to her with her bare leg. He closed his eyes as he tried to swallow the hiss of pleasure that slipped through his teeth. Holy shit, how was he going to keep his distance now? He'd never be satisfied just being friends with her now. He breathed her in noticing as he did so the spiciness in her scent.

"Are you injured, Onna?" Hiei asked slowly struggling to maintain his control seeing her in such a compromising position with a male not himself. Hiei brushed himself off standing up as he stepped back a pace. He hurriedly looked her over assessing her for damage. "I'm fine thanks to Yusuke, arigatou... Hiei." she said softly. Hiei felt a pleasant shiver race down his spine hearing his name roll from her lips. Why was he avoiding her again? He was finding difficult to recall his reasons as he felt like he was drowning in the deep pools of cobalt blue. He almost took a step to close the distance between them as Yusuke draped his jacket over her shoulders."Onna-" he began then stopped as he clenched his fists. "shit."

"Pardon me but, that was quite a fall, you aren't hurt are you miss? Can I help you in some way?" a pleasant voice at the side of where they stood on the first landing of the stair case questioned. Kagome heard the low oath that Hiei uttered under his breath and looked curiously at the speaker as Hiei jumped away from her as though burned. The hurt in her eyes at his actions was unnoticed by Hiei but the stranger had seen it.

Yusuke shook his head. "You have weird timing fox boy!"

Kagome swept her eyes over the stranger and gasped. He was taller than she by at least six inches possibly more. He had crimson colored hair that fell loosely to mid back. His figure was lithe and yet she could sense the strength within his limbs and knew that he was no human though the feel of his jyaki was rather muted. His features were fine yet masculine hinted and he was extraordinarily beautiful, however that came as no surprise when dealing with kitsune. His verdant eyes sparkled with amusement at some unknown joke. But the humor was replaced with a look she wished she could hide from, as his eyes swept over her figure and then focused on her eyes. Her hand came up and she pointed as she said "You!"

"Me." He chuckled at the redness in her cheeks. "Are you hurt?" he reminded gently as he smiled at her. Kagome clutched Yusuke's jacket closer to her as she watched him warily. Her reiki swirled just beneath the surface of her skin ready to be called to her hand should the Kitsune make a false move. Hiei's reaction to the stranger hadn't helped her anxiety.

^Why have you come here, Fox? I should tell her you are a threat and let her purify you. ^ Hiei said flatly in the avatar's head.

Kurama frowned. "Now Hiei, that's no way to greet a friend." Kurama said aloud so Kagome would hear it. Hiei glared coldly at the kitsune.

"Kurama, don't push me." Hiei replied angrily. The power that had given Kagome's skin a glowing pink quality faded as she looked at them both with confusion and then she looked at Yusuke.

"This is Kurama?" She asked as she stepped unconsciously closer to Hiei and Yusuke away from the red haired stranger.

Make no mistake if it wouldn't bring the Reikai down on her I would tell her you are an imposter.^ Hiei glared but nodded once and Kagome was suddenly all smile though wary still of the man she'd jumped in the cafe.

"Hi, I'm Kagome Higurashi." she said letting go of the jacket to bow out of years of habit. Kurama stared at the expanse of skin she exposed.

Hiei's ire spiked. "Cover yourself, baka Onna." he snapped. Kagome flinched, not so much at his tone but at his words, remembering another who had called her that. Her smile wavered only a moment before she shook her head and shifted the jacket so she was covered before bowing awkwardly again. He gazed back in apology gesturing to the stairs. With a sigh she led them up the stairs and to the box she had set down before her fall.

Kurama picked it up with a questioning gaze. She laughed awkwardly "just over there by that stand if you don't mind." She said letting her outstretched hand gesture to the spot. "Now if you'll excuse me a moment, I need to change I'll be right back. Would you like some iced tea Hiei or Mr. café?" she asked as she turned to the Mazoku who watched her with unreadable eyes. "Can I get you something, Yusuke?"

"Iced tea sounds lovely, Higurashi-san." Kurama said with a smirk at the knick name. "I'm sure Yusuke feels the same." Kagome nodded and left after Yusuke nodded his agreement.

Kurama frowned after Kagome. "Hiei you needn't be so harsh, you'll hurt her feelings. She was obviously happy to see you even if you did tear her shirt. It was habbit, for her to let go of Yusuke's jacket to bow, and frankly I was surprised at such a formal greeting. She is probably crying right now Hiei. That was a close call though wasn't it Yusuke?"

"Too close, Hiei she almost died and you yell at her? What's wrong with you? She better not be crying alone. She doesn't deserve to cry. That girl deserves all the respect we can give her, she is the most amazing girl I've ever met."

Hiei glared at the avatar and Mazoku before he took off towards the house as he tried to find her energy with the Jagan. He leaped to her window and sat on the roof beside it. "Onna, sum-" Why was it so hard to say those two simple words even while he was alone and she couldn't hear him? Never mind that he'd never apologized for anything in his life he just couldn't seem to get the word off his tongue.

Damn it he knew she was amazing! He knew she was the most incredible girl in the three realms, but he was- he was unworthy of her. He couldn't have her even if he wanted to and kami help him- he did. He wanted her so bad that his arms ached. In that moment he thought she was going to die he felt like his heart had stopped beating. All he could think about was her. When he had heard her collide with someone and recognized it as Yusuke he could hardly breathe and it took him a moment more to gather himself to check on her.

Kagome had her back to the window as she sat on her bed. She had known that his anger had been out of concern, after traveling with Inuyasha how could she not know by now the hidden signs? She was willing to bet that Hiei, would snap at someone when angry or even embarrassed or just uncomfortable. He'd probably have lots of insecurities and fears that she would never know. She'd have to try and be aware of the feelings she could detect and just show him by actions that she was different.

After changing into a t-shirt, Kagome returned outside with four glasses of iced tea. Hiei was nowhere near that she could sense but that kitsune, Kurama was it; was. It was simple to spot his crimson hair, as he stood next to the Sacred Tree. As Kagome approached him she saw that his eyes were closed in concentration and she could feel the slight elevation in his jyaki as well as see the pale colorless energy surrounding the tree. Kagome would have been alarmed, except she could feel the nearly imperceptible jolt of happiness from the tree. It was almost like the tree was greeting an old friend...

Before she could speak, Kurama did. "Hiei can be rather harsh at times. He usually means what he does more than what he says. I am Kurama, by the way. I didn't get the chance to say so earlier. As amused by your nickname as I am, perhaps you should just call me that." He turned around to look at the young woman. He hadn't taken a good look at her before as his mind had been rather occupied with the many thoughts and images Yoko had provided upon seeing Kagome's previous state of dubious clothing. Kurama felt his body stir and looked back at the tree to focus his thoughts away from her.

"This tree tells me you are a remarkable woman. Did you know that, Higurashi-san?"

"Just Kagome, please, Higurashi-san is my mother." Kagome said out of habit. She smiled warmly at the tree while walking close to it and placing her hand lovingly on the bark covered trunk after setting down her tray of drinks. "Really?" she questioned softly.

Kurama nodded, letting his eyes drift to the soft expression she wore. "Oh yes. This tree has many things to say, Shikon no Miko," his eyes flashed golden for an instant.

Spinning to face him, she jerked her hand from the tree. Suspicion glittered in her cobalt eyes. Silently she cursed her stupidity. Just because Hiei and Yusuke knew him and had said they were friends, didn't mean she should let her guard down. Her eyes narrowed as she appraised him as a possible enemy. Kurama gave her a disarming smile as he tossed his crimson locks and withdrew a rose the color of his hair. He tossed it casually to her as he turned and walked away. "I'm not your enemy, Kagome," he called over his shoulder.

Kagome watched him leave until she could no longer feel his energy. What the crap was that? She bent and picked up the rose cautiously. Touching it with her power she found it was nothing but a rose grown by jyaki. She sighed and raised it to her nose, it smelled sweet. She smiled and then frowned at herself before her irritation at the audacity of the male spiked and the rose went up in a poof pink ash. She looked at her finger tips with a sigh at the waste of a perfectly nice flower.

Yusuke sighed as he ran over to her as he felt her energy flare slightly. She looked puzzled and angry as she looked at the hand he was sure had been holding a particular flower moments before. Kurama was nowhere to be seen. "What did he say that has you up in arms, beautiful?"

"He knows who I am."

"Who you are?" Yusuke asked confused and a little hurt she hadn't shared before reminding himself that this was only their second meeting and such secrets were to be expected. He hadn't told her about being a Lord in the Makai or that he was sometimes a spirit detective either.

Over all Kurama was quite pleased with himself. He had definitely gotten her attention, and she had fully acquired his in more ways than one. The tree had been more than eager to speak about it's Kagome. The more Kurama and Yoko had heard the more they wanted her and higher their respect for her grew. Yoko had known that particular tree since he was a sapling. Although the tree had long ago lost the ability to show his face and forgotten his name, that did not mean he was blind; far from in fact. Of all humans he'd ever watched over Kagome was his favorite, more than that he loved her.

Kurama and Yoko had been shocked to learn that tidbit of information. The tree had happily shared all of the reasons he loved that human Miko. By the time Kagome had returned from the house Kurama was more than intrigued he was enchanted. Was it possible? Could such a loving and gentle non-judging soul exist? Could the legends really be correct for a change? Kurama had no answer except, gaining the attention of an ancient tree enough to awaken it took someone or something special. He couldn't wait for their next encounter.

"What the hell are you trying to pull Kurama?" Hiei demanded hotly as he blocked Kurama's way.

"You already know the answer to that Hiei, so I won't bother to repeat it. I will just tell you that we will have her. Your pathetic attempts to keep us from her won't work forever, firefly." Kurama said though his eyes were citrine and Hiei knew with certainty that it was Yoko who spoke.

"She seems to like Yusuke quite a lot Fox."

"Please, as if Yusuke knows anything about making a woman happy. He couldn't keep a human girl so what chance is there he can keep the Shikon no Miko? Your lame attempt to be a matchmaker will prove just that- lame. I want her and I have 1500 years of experience that says I will have her." Yoko/Kurama's lips turned up in a cruel smirk, "Oh by the way, you might want to return to the Makai, the human world is making you soft."

He paused at the feel of cold steel at his throat. "A warning Hiei? How very unlike you. Why don't you just kill me? Oh wait, I am also Kurama and you care about him, don't you? Ah well it seems my fun is coming to an end since Shuichii is complaining. But, bear this in mind firefly, if you get in our way we will show you no mercy."

*that was rather reckless Yoko. What if he hadn't stopped?*

~You worried about him Red?~

*well he is my friend.*

~and what does he amount to in the pursuit of our goddess?~

*my friend, Yoko.*

~A liability. Do you want him to get Yusuke and Kagome together? Perhaps you can baby sit their love child, hmm?~

*You have a point. Still why is he trying to push them together? Hiei isn't that generous.*

~I haven't a clue Red.~

Yusuke picked up his glass of iced tea and took a drink still watching her with a thoughtful frown. "So are you going to tell me?"

"I may as well," she sighed. "By the way, would you not tell my mother how close I came to dying today? It would only worry her and I do that enough as it is."

"Might cost ya," Yusuke teased.

"Ok," Kagome replied. "Help us with the preparations and I'll tell you my story over dinner."

"Deal."

That night after the preparations were completed, thanks to Yusuke's strength and speed, Kagome made herself a pack and headed out to her camp. Flashlight in hand and bow and quiver on her back Kagome walked to the back of the shrine and into the trees Yusuke following with a curious look on his face. She hadn't gone ten paces when she felt him, seemed she had another guest for dinner, good thing she had extra food. Kagome smiled as she stopped and looked to the tree where he was watching her. "Want to walk with us, Hiei?" Kagome invited softly.

Hiei dropped down from his perch and looked at her with a frown. "What are you doing out here this late...Kagome?" he asked, hesitating before speaking her name. It was a foolish question as this was her nightly ritual it was just the first time she had invited him to be a part of it or rather the first time he was part of it that she knew of.

Yusuke stared at him in shock as he never called any one aside from himself or Kurama by name. His eyes turned to Kagome as he waited to hear also where she was going this late.

"Camping." Kagome answered as she made her way down the path she knew well though it was hidden now. They walked in silence for a time. Arriving at her camp site Kagome entered her tent and turned on the portable battery operated lamp and tucked her pack into a plastic container before snapping the lid closed firmly. Walking out of the tent Kagome grabbed a couple large logs and set them in the fire pit she'd dug out. As she reached for her matches the wood began to smoke and small flames began licking at the wood. "Arigatou, Hiei." Kagome said with a smile.

"Hn"

Yusuke looked around with an appreciative low whistle as Kagome began to prepare dinner without any complaint about her surroundings. When their meal was cooking she sat down before she spoke again. "Do I seem ordinary to you?" Kagome asked them both.

Yusuke frowned but it was Hiei who answered. Hiei turned his head to study her. "Why ask us?" he asked in return.

Kagome sighed. "I guess I just feel like I really don't belong here. Like, I don't really fit in. I haven't had friends to talk to in a long time."

"Belonging or not, is up to you. As for being ordinary why would you wish to be like the mindless ningens who live their lives in ignorant bliss, oblivious to everything around them? You were not born to that life."

"Yeah, he's right you are amazing. Whose ass do I need to kick for making you feel bad?" Yusuke said punching his fist in to his palm.

She shook her head with a wan smile at Yusuke's determination to protect her "I guess. But, does being different mean we all have to be alone?" Her cobalt eyes watched him in the fire light before drifting to Yusuke's face.

As the light and shadows from the flickering flames played a crossed his features, Kagome was enchanted. He leaned casually against a log resting his arm on his bent knee and the other was stretched out in front of him. He seemed relaxed but Kagome could see the tension in his muscles as he watched the flames dance in the camp fire.

"We are all alone. Being different or not doesn't change that, onna. We are born alone and we die alone" Hiei answered her question flatly. It was the truth, harsh or not and he had no reason to soften it. Yusuke winced.

"Doesn't that make you, lonely? Doesn't it make you want someone you can share things with, talk to and laugh with? Someone you can relax around and be yourself?" She asked as she stirred the simple stew she was cooking. "I know it does me. Because of what I am and what I know my choices are limited but I don't really mind. The ordinary people here could never understand and most youkai try to kill me. Did I tell you that most of the youkai I befriended tried at one time to kill me? "

Hiei's eyebrows disappeared under his bandana as Yusuke nearly jumped to his feet. "What?! Who did?"

Stopping to look at Yusuke she sighed, "Maybe I should explain."

"Don't bother onna I will show him. It's not worth seeing you cry again." Hiei removed his bandana and turned the eye on Yusuke. "Just watch." He commanded.

After Hiei had replayed her history for Yusuke he returned to the conversation as though uninterrupted. "Why befriend them then?" He asked genuinely curious. She hadn't told him that when she had shared her story before. Hiei snorted. He was no different, then any of them.

Kagome looked over at him and Yusuke who stared at her like he was just now seeing her for the first time. "I befriended them because they weren't really bad or evil beings, not one of them. It was a misunderstanding and mostly over the jewel shards. Besides that how could I blame them for my mistake? Power is everything to youkai; I understand that so how could I be angry over their instinct to survive? My hands are far from clean either, I killed so many youkai and my reasons were the same. So how could I judge them and not myself?"

Kagome stirred the stew again before looking at Hiei questioningly missing the look of surprise that flitted over both males features at her words.

It was not usually his way to converse in this manner but something about Kagome allowed him to let his guard down just a little. Now Hiei was glad he had. She understood; even if was only the surface of youkai nature, she understood. This Miko had to be the first human he'd ever known who did. "Will you eat some? I made too much for just Yusuke and myself. I guess I still cook like I did in the past." Hiei shrugged.

Kagome smiled understanding a little better Hiei's mannerisms. Dishing him out a bowl full she handed to him. As he took it he brushed her fingers with his. He nodded his thanks wordlessly as he leaned back again to eat it.

Yusuke also accepted his bowl but his hand lingered over hers till a blush formed on her cheeks and she let go. Taking some for herself she sat back down and set the bowl in her lap as she looked up at the stars. Only very few could be seen through the leafy canopy above. She sighed as she felt the sadness of her loss creeping into her heart. This time, though where she was born and belonged, would never be home anymore. Her heart was back there- with them- she frowned lightly. Wasn't it?

"I know where you can see them better." Hiei spoke quietly as he watched her, feeling the sudden sadness in her aura he wanted to ease it. Kagome turned and looked at him surprised he'd spoken without prompting or a question.

"Will you show me someday?" she asked as she finally began to eat now that it had cooled a little still she blew on it to be sure it wouldn't burn her. This whole conversation was strangely out of character for Hiei but- Kagome frowned what did she really know about Hiei at all? Or Yusuke really. This was the first time they'd spoken like friends. A friend, Hiei was her friend wasn't he? Yusuke she knew was or at least she thought of him as one. The silence dragged out between them and she began to wonder if asking Hiei what she had about seeing the stars with him had made him uncomfortable. She opened her mouth to ease the silence when he spoke his clothes rustling almost silently as he stood.

"Perhaps." It was a soft rumble in the darkness. Hiei was gone before Kagome could say more. Yusuke snorted softly.

"If he doesn't I will, that's a promise, Kagome," the Mazoku said tipping his bowl to get the last mouthful.

. She smiled after Hiei. He was so like and unlike him; gruff and awkward but deep within where only a few would know lay a heart of gold. Would he show her that side someday? "Perhaps" she echoed. First she would have to earn his trust and they were off to a good start. "I have a spare sleeping bag, would you like to use it?"

"Nah, I should get back home, but I'll come back in the morning to help out more." Yusuke replied stretching as he stood. "Just one thing though- come here."

Kagome stood looking at him in question. Quick as a whip he reached out and drew her into his arms. "You are not alone, anymore Kagome. I'll prove it, if you'll let me." It was a bold move even for him and he hadn't known her long, but how long did it really take to know that he was never going to find another like Kagome? She sighed against him and he let go giving her a cocky wave over his shoulder as he left.

Kagome sighed again as she put out the fire and gathered up the dishes putting them in a separate plastic container to wash tomorrow. Then with a quick glance around and a brief brush of energy over the grounds she ducked in to her tent and zipped it closed. Tomorrow she could think about what Yusuke had said, but tonight tears filled her eyes and she buried her head in her pillow and silently sobbed.

Birds singing woke her as a small smile touched her lips. She loved being out in nature, she felt so at peace and so calm. Here inside her tent hearing only the sounds of the outdoors surrounding her, Kagome could almost pretend that when she opened the flap that she would see the faces of those she loved smiling back at her. But that was only pretend. She yawned and stretched, breaking up the stiffness in her shoulders.

Today was a new day and as long as she left the grounds soon she wouldn't have to participate in the festival. Crowds of people made her nervous now since she had really no defense against humans. She'd thought once about asking Sango to teach her how to fight but Inuyasha had squashed that idea by asking her 'if she didn't trust him to keep her safe anymore'. What could she say facing the hurt in his eyes? The idea had never been brought up again. Sure she had mastered the use of her bow but it was rather conspicuous to walk around carrying such a thing in modern day Tokyo. She shook her head before pushing thoughts aside and throwing herself into tidying the campsite.

Once complete she ducked back into the tent and changed into a pair of denim shorts and a red tank top. The day was already promising to be a scorcher so with that thought in mind she pulled her hair up off of her neck, into a ponytail and secured it with a hair tie; a pair of sandals completed her outfit for the day. Gathering up her container of dishes Kagome made her way to the trail and was unsurprised when Hiei silently fell into step beside her.

She was surprised however when he snatched her burden and disappeared. A startled "hey!" left her lips as she ran after him. When she reached the house, her container of dishes sat innocently on the ground by the door, absent one swift dark youkai. It hadn't been heavy, just awkward still- "Thank you." It didn't hurt to be grateful. She smiled as she entered the house.

Walking down the familiar steps again toward the street Kagome sighed looking at the shopping list that her mother had given her, so much for sneaking away. Takoyaki was her mother's specialty and yearly tradition for the festival, this year it was apparently Kagome's task to buy the ingredients. "How am I supposed to carry all of this?" she grumbled.

The walk to the market was a short one and Kagome threw herself into the task whole heartedly. So intent was she on her destination that she didn't notice the male who fell in to step beside her until he caught her arm and pulled her back.

"Whoa!" an unfamiliar masculine voice shouted.

"Kagome watch out!" another said urgently beside her as she was sandwiched between them for an instant. Kagome gulped as a truck went speeding past unnervingly close to where he was now standing on the edge of the sidewalk. Long red hair spilled over her shoulder from behind her and for an instant she thought she was bleeding before she felt the silk strands under her fingertips instead of wetness. A firm warm arm was around her waist pulling her against what was quickly becoming a familiar chest- Yusuke.

"That was too close for comfort." The owner of the red hair said though his voice held a touch of a chiding tone. If they hadn't noticed her and followed curiously she could have been killed. He sighed as she looked back still dazed at her near death moment. His verdant eyes caught her off guard as she moved her mouth but no sound came out. Yusuke placed his hand at the small of her back as he guided out of the crowds and to a bench outside of a shop. "Are you okay?" He asked sitting beside her another male stood a little apart from them but she hadn't noticed him follow.

"I could have- you could have"- she stammered looking away from him while drawing a deep breath to steady her nerves. Her skin was dampened with a cold sweat as her breaths came out quicker than normal, she felt dizzy. Yusuke ran his fingers through her hair before pulling her to him.

"It's okay, you are safe with me."

His words reminded her of the night before and she hung her head. Now faced with him again after what he said how could she answer him? She did feel safe with him but- he could have been killed because of her. "but-"

Kurama walked into the shop returning a minute later with a plastic cup. "Drink this," he said holding the cup to her lips and interrupting what she was going to say. She took a sip and the cool liquid coated her tongue before she swallowed slowly. There was a slight aftertaste of mint and Kagome looked suspiciously at the cup.

"It's not poison, Kagome. Just an herb to help soothe your stomach you looked a little green." Kurama explained as a smile lightly played at his lips. Kagome nodded and took the cup from him sipping the cool mint tea. Kurama slipped a crumpled piece of paper from her hand and looked it over. "If you'll permit Yusuke and I will accompany you to finish shopping and carry it back for you," he offered kindly.

"Why?" she questioned in confusion.

"Because we can, my dear." He replied smoothly placed his hand on her back where Yusuke had to guide her before. Yusuke frowned at the action and watched Kurama's face. "Shall we then?" he asked guiding her towards the market. He glanced up at the tree as they passed it and evenly met the crimson eyes staring back from the shadows but out of respect he dropped his hand and let it hang loosely at his side.

Hiei glared but could do nothing more as the middle of a city was no place to start a fight. After all his efforts to avoid it, Kurama had met Kagome and from the reactions of the girl, she'd accepted him just as easily as she had himself and Yusuke. But he had expected no less of her. His eyes locked on her, Hiei longed to walk at her side as easily as Kurama did or to make her laugh, as something the former detective said had her pressing her hand to her mouth to contain her giggles. He was drawn to her like a magnet, and it had taken everything in his power not to leap out and save her from her near accident and after while she sat on that bench looking pale and fragile, he had wanted-to protect her. He didn't care who felt it as he reached out his aura to brush hers. He was pleased when she cast a glance his way and unerringly found his eyes. The smile she gave was just for him and for now that was enough.

The festival went off without a hitch but Kagome, after dropping off the groceries and inviting her new friends to enjoy themselves, silently slipped away in to the forest. The crowds were growing and Kagome wanted nothing more than to enclose herself away in the safety and seclusion of her camp site. A shiver ran down her spine and she glanced around nervously before shrugging it off and continuing to camp.

A smokeless fire crackled in her fire pit and she was surprised to see Hiei sitting in the same place as last night. The Jagan beneath his bandana glowed with an eerie purple but his eyes were closed. "No one will bother you tonight, so relax Kagome. Yusuke is on guard to the north and Kurama left to help his mother who is expecting a baby in several months" he said without bothering to open his eyes. Until he felt her sit in front of him and felt a feather- light touch on his forehead. His eyes snapped open and she pulled back her hand; shifting her seating so that she was no longer so discomfortingly close.

"Sorry." She said awkwardly. "I guess I shouldn't have done that."

Hiei frowned reaching out to take hold of her wrist he examined her hand. Nothing marred her hands except a few worn calluses. The Jagan had not attacked her. He let out a breath he hadn't realized he held. Realizing he still held her wrist he dropped it abruptly and looked away from her. He offered no verbal forgiveness but the turn of his eyes to her as she nervously picked at a thread on her shorts with her fingers.

"Hiei? Will you tell me about your Jagan? I know a little but do you mind if I ask a few questions?"

Hiei studied her nervous posture for a moment. "Ask. Depending on the question I may have an answer." He raised an eyebrow waiting for the first of her questions. He was fairly curious to know what she knew of the Jagan and what else she wanted to know. If he was surprised when she looked up and smiled brightly at him, he didn't show it.

Kagome thought for a moment gathering her thoughts before she spoke. "The Jaganshi are solitary beings, why did you choose to be one? I mean I understand why someone might desire the power it can give, but not the price someone pays for it. Doesn't the Jagan keep everyone at a distance?"

Hiei frowned thoughtfully. He'd never really thought about it. He'd always been alone and so never really noticed if the Jagan kept people at bay or if it was him they feared. Being what he was he'd always figured that it was himself. Yet now that he was thinking about it, Yusuke never had a problem with what he was just what he had done. Kurama was the same. Kagome didn't judge either way. None of them had an issue with the Jagan either. And oddly the Jagan had never attempted to attack the Miko sitting a crossed from him. Had it sensed that she had no ill will towards him? He glared as his thoughts took a turn he would have to think on later.

"If it does then it does me a favor." he said darkly his thoughts frustrating him.

"Or a disfavor." Kagome quietly disagreed. "What happens if you meet someone you want to be close to? Will the Jagan chase them away?" Her blue eyes were bright, too bright and too full of emotions he couldn't even begin to guess the meanings of, had he cared enough to try.

"I don't know."

Hiei admitted so quietly Kagome wasn't certain she'd heard it, but he, couldn't- wouldn't meet her eyes as she questioned him silently with her fathomless gaze. Hiei shifted under her constant watchful gaze and felt as though she were stripping away the carefully constructed walls around his soul with her eyes. It was not an unpleasant sensation in the true sense of the word but it was a feeling he was not ready to feel nor did he think he would ever be ready to let all his guards down with anyone, even her. He did as he had always done when feeling exposed, he withdrew emotionally.

Sensing his discomfort Kagome decided to change the subject. "The Jagan gives you abilities like telepathy right, what else can it do?"

Hiei shrugged allowing the "ice" that was his birthright to cloak his heart in its frigid embrace "Why do you wish to know?" He didn't really care why; it was just something to say.

Kagome smiled warmly. "I want to learn more about you. The Jagan is part of you. So if I wished to know more it makes no sense to ignore any part that makes you, you. I would be missing out on knowing the real you."

And just like that the walls had been stripped away and his cold heart warmed in a way he'd never expected. He was positive now that he had never met any being like her. He had thought that he'd seen all of the sides of her when she'd told him the story of the Shikon jewel. How wrong he'd been. The reality was so much bigger than her story. She understood where others had shunned. She offered him friendship without strings or expecting anything in return, but could he accept it? He wanted to, but could he offer something he knew very little about in return? Could he simply toss aside every instinct he'd created to not trust anyone and let in a human Miko? He didn't know but he knew he wanted to at least try. How did they begin?

The question must have been in his eyes or he'd asked it while unintentionally being telepathically linked to her mind without noticing for she smiled again and said "One day at a time."

He was spared from having to answer by a shrill whistling and then a crackling boom above them. Brilliant colored lights made flaming patterns in the dark velvet night and Kagome laughed as she stood up and grabbed his hand pulling him along with her as she ran deeper into the trees surrounding the shrine. The path sloped up the large hill but aside from slowing her down, Kagome continued her feet moving on a path only she remembered had once been there.

Hiei allowed her to pull him just long enough to know where she was heading and then without a pause picked her up and leapt tree to tree till he spotted the ruins of an old building on the top of the hill. He set her down and she grabbed his hand pulling him over by the cliff side. Her eyes sparkled and danced with joy as the lights in the sky shown on her casting her in different colors as she watched with child-like wonder. From up here the noise was less but the view was clear. "Look aren't they beautiful, Hiei?" she asked breathlessly as leaned slightly out over the ruined stair case Hiei had thought a cliff.

He was looking but not at the fireworks at least not the ones in the sky. His eyes were fixated on the way her eyes would catch the colors and sparkle with the fireworks. If he'd ever seen anything he'd thought as beautiful he couldn't remember. "Hn" was all he said.

Kagome sighed as she sat down leaning back on her hands her eyes still glued to the bright flashing colors. "When I was a child my Father would carry me up here and we'd sit and watch the fireworks. When he died this became my secret sanctuary. I never felt alone here. But now I know I was wrong. It wasn't that I wasn't lonely it was that I was. Having you here watching the fireworks with me makes me realize how lonely I have been. So," she turned to face him with a soft smile "thank you, Hiei, for sharing this with me. Thank you for indulging my human whims."Eyes locked Hiei began to lean closer his eyes focused on her before drifting down to her lips and…

"So this is where you disappeared to," a smooth tenor voice said as he stepped out of the foliage. His green eyes were bright in the darkness. Hiei jumped away swiftly putting distance between himself and Kagome.

Beside him Yusuke whistled low. "Would you check out that view?"

"You caught me," Kagome laughed though as she glanced at Hiei, he saw the disappointment in her eyes before she hid it. "I can't hide long from a Kitsune can I? What about your mother, did you get what she needed?"

Three pairs of eyes looked at her with surprise. "What? I am a Miko." Kagome reminded them. "I know what type of youkai all of you are. Does that surprise you?" she asked feeling awkward in the center of attention.

"No I suppose it doesn't," Kurama said covering his shock with a chuckle.

~Red, I have got to have that woman. She is perfect. ~ Yoko said with awe. Kurama nodded his head slowly in agreement before feeling the furious eyes of the Hiyoukai on him.

"Hey are you cold?" Yusuke asked sitting beside her. He shrugged out of his jacket and carefully wrapped it around her shoulders ignorant of glares he was getting from his friends. Or maybe he did notice and just didn't care as Kagome pulled his jacket tighter with a soft word of thanks.

"Onna it is late, you should get to bed." Hiei said reminding her of the time.

Kagome stood up and nodded. Moving to remove Yusuke's jacket he stopped her. "Hang on to it, the cold doesn't bother me. Have a good night beautiful."

"Okay, night." She blushed prettily as she ducked back down the trail and headed to her camp unaware of the three pairs of eyes glaring heatedly at each other behind her.

"Beautiful? What a familiar pet name. Hiei, don't you think so? Oh I forgot, you don't care about her like that do you?" his tone was light but his words were cutting. His eyes flashed with anger and jealousy.

"Fox." Hiei warned.

"I am impressed Yusuke. I never thought you would actually make a move like that. Do you like her?" he offered a warm smile that might have better suited a rattle snake. Yusuke didn't notice the danger in the smile.

"Kurama, I think I love her." Kurama froze looking at Yusuke with thoughtful eyes.

~don't you dare Red.~

Kurama ignored the kitsune instead patting his friends shoulder. "Then you should go for it." Inside his mind the silver kitsune ranted but could honestly do nothing unless he took control, yet even then he could not take back what had been said.

"You like her too right?" Yusuke asked quietly. Verdant eyes widened as he looked at his friends profile in the night.

"Yes." Kurama confessed.

"do you love her?"

"I would like to say not as much as you but it would be a lie Yusuke." Kurama said quietly.

"What about you Hiei- Hiei?" Yusuke sighed the hiyoukai had once again disappeared.