"The dog's agenda is simple, fathomable, overt: I want. "I want to go out, come in, eat something, lie here, play with that, kiss you. There are no ulterior motives with a dog, no mind games, no second-guessing, no complicated negotiations or bargains, and no guilt trips or grudges if a request is denied." -Caroline Knapp

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The Good Dog

Chapter#25

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It was starting to get dark by the time she finally wrapped up training. Yusuke was surprised that Mrs. H had let her stay out for as long as she did, but he supposed that if he could recognize how stubborn the girl was then no doubt her mother knew a hopeless case when she saw one.

In Kagome's defense, she did wait a a week after her stitches were removed before she began testing the bowstring again. Mrs. H should be thankful – he would have probably ripped the damn things out himself weeks ago. Still, despite Kagome's shining example of self restraint, he couldn't help but worry that she was perhaps pushing herself a little too hard, too soon...

Even if she was just working at pulling back the bowstring and hadn't even gotten to the point of shooting it.

Or, maybe, he was just overreacting... yeah. He watched her tuck the bow safely in one of the tool sheds and gave a grumbling sigh. He was definitely overreacting. She was being safe about it – she never pushed herself to the point where he was legitimately worried about reinjuring herself. He just didn't like seeing the obvious discomfort flit across her features every time she pulled the damn string back. It was hard to watch her struggle and not be able to do jack shit to help.

Her wound was healing up nicely – every day she was able to draw the bow back farther and hold it longer – but he could tell that the demon had wreaked havoc on the once strong muscles in her core. It would take a lot of work and not a small amount of time before she was back to where she was. Though, perhaps due to either her holy powers or stubbornness, she seemed to be fairing a hell of a lot better than most. Then again, at this point he didn't expect anything less from her.

Kagome wiped her brow with her sleeve, exhaustion seeming to weigh on her limbs even as she gave him a tired smile. "Ready to go inside?"

He huffed. He had been ready to go inside an hour ago. Even with spring having melted most of the snow off the ground, leaving only dirty patches behind, it was still too cold to be considered comfortable. He pulled himself off the ground and dutifully walked beside her as they made their way up to the front door. Judging by the smell, Yusuke guessed that Mrs. H was just finishing up dinner, and he had to withhold the urge to go bounding up the steps on his own. Kagome was more than capable of walking on her own now, climbing the stairs included, but he still tended to lean on the side of caution.

He'd feel like absolute shit if he let her fall.

The house was pleasantly warm compared to outside, and the smell of dinner quickly made saliva pool in his mouth. As Kagome busied herself with removing her jacket, he went ahead and trotted into the kitchen where Mrs. H greeted him with a smile. "Well, hello. I suppose you're hungry?"

His tail tapped against the floor (he still couldn't seem to control the damn thing) in response. Considering the woman was already spooning food onto a plate for him, he couldn't really bring himself to be all that embarrassed about it.

She winked at him as she brought the ceramic dish over to the corner of the kitchen. "I guess since you put in so many hours of work today you can eat first, but don't tell Grandpa." He gave a impatient grumble in response and she laughed, scratching him behind the ears before (finally) setting down the plate of food. He didn't waste time digging in. Woman was a freaking goddess in the kitchen and he'd be damned if he let a single smudge of sauce go to waste. Especially after enduring weeks of dog food.

Even taking his time (for him) he still finished before the others were half way through their plates. Gramps gave him a slightly disapproving look as he sat down, though it seemed more exasperated than anything. "You fed him before us again, didn't you? I tell you it's going to make him spoiled! He's going to start wanting a throne to sit on with the way you serve him!"

Mrs. H shrugged, sharing an amused look with her children. It wasn't the first time this particular conversation had come up. "I only fed him a little early. I think we have a while before we have to worry about Yusuke-chan demanding us to bow to him."

He never in a million years thought that it would feel weird to be called by his name again, but damn it all it was. As degrading as the title 'Dog' was, it had the handy habit of reminding him of his current predicament. Now, especially when it sprang from Kagome's lips, he sometimes forgot that he wasn't quite human at the moment. Somehow getting his name back hadn't been the cause for celebration he thought it would be... might have something to do with the fact that he was still walking on all fours (a condition that Kagome's prick of a kitsune had sworn was only temporary).

It made him feel even more off balance than he already was.

Between all the fucking epiphanies and surprise visitors, the entire world seemed to be focused on playing mind games with him. He still didn't know what to do about Kagome – no, wait, scratch that. What to do about Kagome was probably the only thing that was clear at this point. Her adopted son had made it painfully clear that he was to stay by her side for as long as it took for him to start walking on two feet again (though he conveniently refused to tell him why). He'd stay with her for as long as he was needed and do what he could to help her prepare for the battle that was no doubt waiting for her on the other side of the well (though damn if he knew how to help when he couldn't even fucking talk). What he was going to do about his feelings for the girl ... now there was something that was driving him fucking mad.

He didn't try to deny that he loved her, not any more. Kinda hard to ignore that kind of thing when you literally have written proof in your own damn handwriting. He was just at a loss as to what to do about it. The note had assured him that everything would "work out" but he didn't see how that was even remotely possible. He was with Keiko, he still loved Keiko, but a seed of doubt had been planted.

If he really loved Keiko, loved her like she deserved, then how did he manage to fall in love with Kagome?

The more he thought about it the more it made him feel sick. Unfortunately, it was proving to be damn difficult not to think about and he found himself immersed in the dark thoughts long after Mrs. H cleared the dishes and he had followed Kagome up to her room. Hours after she fell asleep, the soft sound of her breathing the only thing disturbing the silence, he was still thinking about it.

He had no clue what he was going to do, but he recognized that – even if his future self said otherwise – someone was going to get hurt. It was pretty much guaranteed. No matter how he played this, either Keiko or Kagome was going to pay a hefty price and he was going to get shouldered with some of the leftovers.

In short: he was fucking screwed.

He huffed, rolling on his side and glaring out the window. The night was clear, and the almost-full moon was bright enough for him to see by. It was quiet – peaceful. It usually was at the Higurashi Shrine. Maybe it was the holy energy that lingered there, but the city noise never seemed to reach past the shrine steps. If it wasn't for his dark thoughts, he was sure that he silence would have lured him to sleep a while ago.

Of course, even if it had the sudden appearance of (familiar) youki on the shrine would have probably pulled him right out of his dreams with the subtlety of an enraged bull. Carefully, because he sure as hell didn't want Kagome following him out, he padded out of her room and down the stairs. The front door gave him a bit of trouble (fuck if he didn't miss his hands) but after a bit of quiet fumbling he managed to get the damn thing open. With a grumbled sigh (because he already knew to prepare for the onslaught of jibes headed his way) Yusuke walked to the wooded edge of the property.

When he remained alone he gave a low, aggravated bark. 'I know you're up there, Hiei. Might be a bit colorblind, but everything else is working just fine.'

Dropping from the branches above, the demon scoffed - eyeing him with what could only be a mixture of disbelief and utter amusement. "So it's true. And here I thought the fox was playing one of his annoying games."

Yusuke growled, a low sound deep in his throat. He was never going to live this down. Suddenly he regretted his earlier wish to talk to someone. 'Don't think I won't beat the shit out of you later if you piss me off now. I got a running tab of ass kickings started, and I'd be more than happy to add your name on there buddy.'

The smirk the hybrid gave him grated on his nerves. "Oh? Would you be listing me before or after the flea population?"

'Did you come here to laugh at me like a total dick, or did you have a reason for stopping by?'

Hiei shrugged. "Kurama insisted. He wanted to know the status of your mission. You should know by now that foxes are incapable of minding their own."

Yusuke snorted. That was the understatement of the century. Though he couldn't say he was entirely too upset about this particular incident (even if he was going to deal with every mutt joke for the rest of his entire damn life because of it). 'If I knew the damn status I'd tell you,' he grumbled. 'No one told me jack shit other than that I'll eventually get to be a real boy again.'

"Hn." He paused, eyeing the detective closely. "Shame. I'd say your current condition is an improvement." Yusuke responded with an irritated growl which was promptly ignored as the hybrid's eyes slid towards the house. "So she truly is the one of legends."

Yusuke hesitated, but answered with a brief nod. There wasn't really any point in denying it - no doubt Hiei could feel the shards power. 'Yeah. She is.'

For a moment he wondered if he should warn him not to be tempted by the jewel's power, but he knew better. If he had any interest, Hiei would have already been gone - shards in hand.

Hiei scoffed, as if disgusted. "How disappointing. It's amazing she hasn't died already."

The hybrid's casual response grated his nerves. The phantom scent of blood teased his nose, leading to the well house like a blackened bread crumb path. He didn't dare follow. His lip curled, showing his canines. 'Hey! Watch it! It's not like she asked for it!'

Carmine eyes narrowed, evaluating him carefully. "Does anyone? Did you?" Yusuke remained silent, because no – he didn't. But that didn't mean it was any less unfair for the demon to be passing judgment on her. Hiei seemed to read his thoughts (possibly literally) because his sneer was instant. "Those who can't stand up to fate fall. Someone of her stature should be able to erect a barrier around this entire shrine. The fact that I am here is proof that she is an inadequate guardian. That you're here, even more so."

'I had Genkai to train me,' he snapped, irritation brimming over into anger. 'She has an eighty year old woman that she's outclassed ages ago! So give her a damn break!'

Hiei paused, his lips tightening into a frown as he scrutinized him. "You've grown attached to her."

There was no question as to who 'her' was. There was also no question in the hybrid's statement. Yusuke remained stubbornly silent and Hiei scoffed. "You're getting too soft detective."

Yusuke could feel his hackles rising with his temper. 'We'll see how soft I am when my fist breaks your face!'

Hiei gave a pointed - goading - look at the detective's paws as if to say, 'that would require hands'.

'You're a fucking asshole, you know that?' He snarled, teeth flashing in the moonlight. 'I swear, I'm going to freaking light you up when I get back. I'll be sending so many shots your way people for miles are going to think it's fucking New Years all over again!' The smirk the demon wore fell, but seeing that his carmine eyes were directed behind him, Yusuke knew better than to think it was because of his (mostly) idle threat. He turned, heart dropping when he easily found Kagome's eyes in the colorless landscape.

She was the picture of determination, her bow held with a confidence he hadn't seen despite the fact that her whole body shook in an effort to keep the string taut. "Why are you here?!" She asked, tone firm and demanding an answer.

Hiei snorted, face twisting in annoyance. He never was one to be intimidated. "Do you really think that will scare me, girl?"

Kagome's gaze sharpened in defiance and, before Yusuke could tell Hiei to fuck off, the tip of the arrow ignited in a holy fire that made his skin tingle and his hair raise on end. Her voice rang with confidence. "It should."

Yusuke felt the breath leave his lungs. Holy fucking shit. He knew that she had some power, but this? This was on a whole other level from what he was expecting from her. How the hell did she keep that much spiritual energy under wraps?

He felt Hiei's youki rise in response, saw the way his hand automatically went to his sword. A snarl escaped his throat, his body instinctively moving in front of her. 'You touch one damn hair on her head and I will rip you into fucking shreds, Hiei!'

The demon scoffed, though the fact that he had yet to draw his katana proved that he at least recognized the threat as legitimate. 'Doubtful.'

'Don't push your luck, Hiei. I'm fucking serious. I will tear out your throat.'

"What do you want?" Kagome's voice was firm, though he could hear the waver of fear. Her body was shaking from the strain of keeping the bow held taut, and he wondered how much longer she would be able to keep it up.

Hiei sneered, still eyeing the readied bow with caution. 'She should have just released the damn arrow, the fool. Does she give every opponent the opportunity to cut her down?'

Yusuke growled, though he felt an uneasiness in his heart at the hybrid's words. She probably did. She was too kind hearted for battle, too sympathetic to those that may want her dead. 'Just shut up and let her know you aren't going to attack her. If you make her reopen her wounds I'm going to kick your ass."

Carmine eyes flitted over to his, a brief look that was full of skepticism. 'I'll make no such promise.'

'Damn it, Hiei! I fucking told-'

"Put down the bow, Priestess. If I wanted to kill you then your head would already be rolling on the ground. You are outclassed."

Yusuke was ready to strangle him. 'That was not what I fucking meant and you -'

Kagome's voice rang, colored with suspicion. "Why are you here?" she repeated.

Hiei sneered, releasing his grip on the katana to fold his arms over his chest. "It doesn't concern you."

Any warrior would take the action as an insult, but Kagome only seemed to be relieved by it. Her stance relaxed, the bowstring loosening but still remaining notched and ready. "You're on my family's shrine, of course it concerns me."

"Well then put up a barrier next time, if you're so concerned," he snapped. "Your inadequacy is your own problem."

Kagome's face flamed in what Yusuke could only presume to be a mixture of embarrassment and anger. "Yeah, well feel free to teach me since you know so much about it!"

Yusuke cringed. She really shouldn't be advertising that kind of shit to a demon she didn't know.

Hiei looked between her and her lowered weapon with disgust. "How are you still alive?"

Stomach dropping, Yusuke thought of the night he found her bleeding out and dragging herself towards the well house doors - eyes rimmed with terror and overflowing with tears. He looked over at Kagome, at the way she staggered back, and knew she was seeing the same haunting vision of flashing lights and echoing sirens. 'Shut up,' he said, a bite to his words as he carefully watched the miko's reactions. There was a determined edge that was beginning to sharpen her gaze and straighten her shoulders, and he felt the smallest stirrings of relief. 'Shut up, now.'

Carmine eyes shot him a disgruntled glare that saw way too much.

Looking at the bow in her hands, her brow furrowed. "I don't know," she admitted, and damn it if the words didn't tear at Yusuke's chest. Her eyes met his, searchingly before turning back to the hybrid. "I guess there's just always been someone to save me."

Hiei scoffed, clearly disappointed. And Yusuke knew what he was thinking without having to hear the words.

She needed to be able to save herself.

She had the power, the dedication, the drive - she just needed the tools. Kagome just needed training, guidance. He knows that if she had the same kind of guidance he did she would be amaz-

He blinked.

Fucking hell, he was an idiot.

Hiei grunted, 'No shit.'

He didn't even bother to tell him to get the fuck out of his head. 'Go tell Genkai to get off her saggy ass and call the Higurashi shrine. She's getting a new student.'

His lip curled into a sneer. 'Don't mistake me for your errand boy, detective.'

Yusuke snorted. 'God you're a pain in the ass, will you just do it?' When the hybrid's glare only intensified, he rolled his eyes. 'Look, do you want to place the fate of the world in her hands without it?'

'... Tell your miko to expect a call in the morning.'

'Fuck you, you know she can't understand me!'

'Like I care.'

Kagome's baffled voice cut through their bickering. "Why do you keep staring at my dog?"

For a long moment there was silence, and then Hiei was him an accusatory stare. 'She doesn't know?'

Yusuke tensed, deciding against repeating the fact that she couldn't understand him. 'No, and it needs to stay that way, so keep your fucking mouth shut.'

Hiei scoffed, shaking his head before turning away from both of them.

"Hey!" Kagome called after him, her bow dropping to her side as she followed a few steps before pausing. "Where are you going?!"

Hiei didn't even bother to look back. "What I do doesn't concern you, priestess."

Except it really, kinda did.

For a moment, Yusuke thought she would yell after him - her brow was pinched, her lips parted, and her fists clenched - but then her breath left her with an irritated sigh and she deflated. Leaning against one of the trees, she watched the demon leave. Behind her eyes Yusuke could see question after question brewing. Eventually her gaze drifted back to his own, lips heavy with her frown as Hiei's youki faded into the early dawn.

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Um, yeah, hi. Remember me?

To those wondering, no this story isn't discontinued. Yes, I plan on finishing. No, it shouldn't take another three years for the next update. There's less than ten chapters left (give or take). I'm, frankly, too close to give up on it (provided there's still any interest).

Thanks to everyone for your continued support. It would have probably taken me another three years to trudge through this chapter without it! As always, please read and review!