Okay, this is TOO much! *starts crying*

Fluffy-kun: *pats Jessie on back and hands her a hanky*

Inu-kun: She's crying because of all the wonderful reviews you people have been giving her. Up to 57, far more than we've expected on this story.

Thanks, for everyone's reviews, *sniffs* also for saying I'm a good writer. Thanks alot jen and Seiyo. Also for jordankat: I will be letting Keiko learn some spells and stuff, although I'm not going into much detail about school stuff *sticks tongue out* I just got out and I'm happy.

And may strom, for your question: Aishiteru means "I love you" in Japanese. It's alittle fast but hey! This story has 11 chapters in it, er make that 12, and they haven't kissed yet! They were basically just trying to figure out their feelings.

shorty made a comment, that I'm going to respond to.....

Fluffy-kun: Cover your ears, here we go....*Fluffy-kun and Inu-kun cover ears*

I LUV INUYASHA, AFTER ALL THEY ARE MY MUSES! But you have to admit, no one's ever thought about Keiko actually being a miko. At least, none that I've read.....hmmmn....*looks thoughtful*

Fluffy-kun and Inu-kun: Oh no, *groans*

On with the fic! *grins*

***Keiko's Protection***

Genkai let the two sleep for awhile, they both needed it. She woke the two up when it was time for dinner, earning a small smile from Keiko and a scowl from Hiei. Dinner was quiet, Yukina talking softly to Keiko about some things she's learned from Genkai. Keiko was nervous to say the least, since she had been told about how hard she went on Yusuke. After dinner, they four of them went to their seperate rooms. Hiei waited outside Keiko's room until she opened the door, then was inside and in the farthest, darkest corner. Keiko didn't mind, she was too tired. She climbed into the bed, slipping underneath the blankets with a sigh. She left one side of the bed open, in case he wanted to join her.

Hiei sat quietly in the corner, watching her with focused eyes. He saw her small invitation and, before he could help himself, was slipping his boots, katana, and cloak off. He spooned himself against her, smiling faintly when she leaned back into him. They fell asleep again, deeper than their small nap earlier.

~The Next Day~

Keiko washed up and dressed quickly, then met with Genkai outside in a garden. Genkai basically started off with different plants, from both the Makai and the Ningenkai, and their uses to humans, demons, etc. Keiko was given a book that she would have to study when not with Genkai. After around three hours of herbs and plants, Genkai started to teach her about her spirit energy. She had to learn how to control and summon her energy, before she was able to cast spells. To Genkai's surprise, Keiko learned how to summon it in an hour. Controling it was alot harder though. It took her nearly another three hours to learn how to control it briefly.

They paused for a lunch break, Yukina gladly brought out a tray of tea and cakes. Keiko took a weary bite out of the cake Yukina gave her. To her surprise, she felt her energy being restored to her very quickly. She finished the cake quickly, her energy warming her up. By the time the food and tea were gone, she felt far more powerful than when she started. Genkai nodded to her and led her to a courtyard, where they found Hiei training. His shirt was off, his chest and arms covered in a layer of sweat.

"Your next session is combat skills. Hiei will teach you how to do hand to hand combat." Genkai left the two alone to continue her training. Hiei began instructing her in the basics, helping her when she was slightly off in a stance. Then they began. Hiei moved slowly for her, but was impressed with how well she learned. She was eager and determined to learn these new skills, which was perfect.

Soon he was only holding himself back in his speed area, she was able to block all of his attacks. They never noticed that the sun was going down, or the fact that the others, Genkai, and Yukina were watching. Keiko bent down on one knee, trying to swipe his feet out, he leaped gracefully over her head and launched himself at her. She turned her head to see him, before her arms came up to aim at him. He punched forward, but energy suddenly shot out of Keiko's hands and encircled her, creating a shield. He hit the shield and bounced back, crashing into a tree. Keiko ollapsed onto her knees, breathing heavily.

"Very good, Keiko, you've learned a Shield spell. Though it was more instinctive than voluntary." Genkai said, stepping forward. Hiei sat up, shaking his head like a little kid. Bits of bark fell out of his hair, and he rubbed his eyes with his fists. Keiko smiled and started laughing, still on the ground. Hiei half-glared at her, still trying to rub dust from his eyes.

"Shut the hell up," he grumbled, standing. Keiko stood up also, then walked quickly over to him, still smiling slightly. He turned away from her, crossing his arms indignantly. She stroked his hair as she pulled some pieces of bark from his hair. He just "hn"ed and leaped into the tree.

"Hiei!" she sighed and slowly started to climb up the tree, noticing that the others had gone, leaving the two alone. She reached the branch he was on, and grabbed hold to climb on. She put her foot on a smaller branch, and put her wieght on it to help her. She lifted herself up, in time to hear the branch snap and break under her foot. She dropped, only to be caught by Hiei grabbing hold of her arm. He lifted her up, pulling her onto the branch beside him. The two of them looked down, watching the branch fall to the ground. Keiko looked up at Hiei, smiling at him warmly. He turned to her, looking into her eyes. He gave a small smirk, showing one fang.

"Thanks," she whispered, leaning forward. She pressed her lips to his, reveling in their first sweet kiss. It filled them, making their bodies seem like they were on fire. She pulled away, smiling at him, giving him a special gift. She would never smile at anyone like that except to him. He tentatively gave a small smile back, before pulling her infront of him. He leaned his back against the trunk, settling her back against his chest. His arms wrapped around her shoulders and across her collarbone, her hands coming up to rest on them. Sitting there, they watched the sun fall behind the horizon completely. _______________________________________________________________________

Wow, that was nice wasn't it? Being cuddled by such a hot guy, er, never mind for any male readers, ^-^; hope ya like this. And wow, they finally kiss. ^-^, Ah, love is in the air! Hope ya liked it! Ja ne!