Title: Kitsune Delight
Author: Mistress Nika
Rating: PG
Couples: Kurama/Kagome, Kouga/InuYasha, Miroku/Sango, Hiei/OC (eventually)
Warnings: shounen-ai, crossover, minor violence, language, sexual humor
Archive: InuYasha: The Other White Meat and InuYasha My Will Any others, ask first please.
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha nor Yuu Yuu Hakusho. If I did...you'd never hear from me again as I'd take them all on a little trip to a land far away where I would guard them with my life from the millions of others who would wish to own them themselves. Oh, Uchiha Kair owns the OC Kairi. She gave me permission to use her.
(A/N) This chapter is dedicated to lilhillbillie, in the hope that she won't kill me. Also to Hakura aka bluefuzzyelf, in the hope she's not pissed at me.
-I know I should be working on your chapter of Puppy's Dragon, Billie-chan. But you gotta write what calls to you! You know how it is!
-Please don't kill me, Hakura-chan! (ducks) I wanted to review all your new chapters and stories, but the site is being a -cencored- and won't let me review...EVER!!
Translation notes: (cause I realize not everyone knows these words and I should have put them earlier)
Tadaima-- I'm home, said when returning home
Ojamashimasu-- said by a guest when entering someone else's house I'm not sure about this one. I got it from someone else, but I've never heard it used firsthand
Okaeri-- Welcome home
Kaasan (okaasan)-- Mother, without the respectful "O" thereby making it more like "mom"
Oniichan-- big bro (oniisan-- big brother) -chan being cute and familiar
Reikai-- Spirit world
Reikai Tantei-- Spirit detectives
Jikan-- Time I once said I didn't know if it was right, however since then I've heard it used repeatedly in the context that I was wanting. Therefore I believe it's correct the way I've used it
Kitsune-- Fox
Youkai-- Demon Though this is a pitiful translation in my opinion. Youkai were not considered inheriently evil like demons in Western culture. Just like humans, there were good youkai, evil youkai and those who were neither. The best I can say is, they're like another species. Whenever I say demon in this fic, most likely I'll be refering to youkai with evil intentions
-san-- common respectful suffix, basically equivilent with Mister/Miss
-sama-- denotes great respect
-chan-- denotes familiarity
-dono-- archaic suffix, donotes great personal respect, not commonly used anymore (however it would have been in Sengoku Jidai) This suffix wouldn't have been used by everyone. It would be insulting for a common peasant to call a passing lord -dono. However, his favored samurai would have been allowed to use it, though probably not in public situations.
(note on Mama Higurashi) I don't know what Kagome calls her mother in the dub, but in the Japanese version she calls her "Mama"
-If I'm wrong, shoot me! O.O No, wait! Put the gun down!! I meant...ummm...TEACH me!! Yes, that's it! If I've got it wrong, tell me!
-Forgive the legnthy beginning notes. I generally try to avoid that. Now, on to the fic! (lights dim and music plays) O.o Wow. That's different.
Chapter Twelve:
Gentleman or Thief?
"Tadaima!" Kagome called with a sigh as she kicked off her shoes.
"Ojamashimasu," Kurama's light tenor echoed with just a hint of exhaustion.
"TAAAADAAAAIIIIMAAAAA!!!" Shippou screeched drunkenly at the top of his lungs.
"Okaeri," Mama Higurashi tentatively called as she stepped out of the living room, feeling slightly unnerved at Shippou's strange tone.
Not wasting any time, Shippou leaped from his place on Kagome's shoulder and launched himself at the stunned woman. Shocked, Mama Higurashi stumbled back finding herself quite spontaneously with a ball of fluff glomping her head.
As her mother weaved about uncertainly, Kagome shot forward and began trying to pry the ball of fluff off her face. After much tugging, Shippou finally came lose with a POP and Kagome stumbled a bit before regaining her balance.
Mama Higurashi just stared at the glazed look in the kit's eyes as he slurred, "Hiiiiiii....hic! Hiiiii, kkkaaaasan's ... kaasaaan...nnn..nah!" He then dissolved into a fit of uncontrollable giggles as Kagome just clutched him to her chest with a resigned sigh.
Kurama stepped forward and Mama Higurashi looked to the redhead.
He held the giggling Yukito in his arms and just shook his head at the woman's questioning expression. "Coffee." he said simply, not needing to explain any further.
Mama Higurashi's eyes widened in understanding and she nodded, watching spellbound as Shippou began climbing all over Kagome, using her hair as a swing with a goofy grin on his face.
Baby Yukito, oblivious to his mother's plight, giggled happily and reached up to grab a lock of Kurama's hair in his chubby hand, then proceeded to give it a mighty tug.
"Itai!" Kurama exclaimed as he attempted to free his hair from the kit's vice-like grip.
Shippou apparently grew bored with Kagome's non-responsiveness despite his best efforts to the contrary and leapt through the air with a cry of, "I'll heeeeelp yooouuu!!!" Fortunately, before he could tackle Kurama, Kagome snatched him out of the air and held him against her chest once again as he struggled to get away.
"Shippou-chan!" she scolded. "If you don't stop that you're going to hurt Yukito-chan!"
The kit wilted at her words and looked genuinely sorry. "I'm sorry, okaassssssaaaaaan." he pouted. "I just wanted to help."
"I know, Shippou-chan." she said as she lovingly petted his hair. "But--"
Her words were cut off as a booming male voice called down the stairs, "Did I hear a cry of pain down here!?"
All activity stopped and four sets of eyes turned to face the newcomer.
Kurama was on instant alert. Previously occupied, he had failed to take in the presence of another male in the house. This was unacceptable. Releasing a bit of his control, he allowed his demon senses to emerge. The scent of a male kitsune filled the house, drifting most powerfully down from the second floor. He could also feel the very faint youki of another Jikan. This he did not like.
Apparently, neither did the baby in his arms. Yukito began to shift nervously in response to the unfamiliar scent, curling instinctively into the warmth of one he recognized.
Mama Higurashi smirked inwardly as her accomplice made himself known, but otherwise remained as calm as possible. She didn't want her daughter to catch on to her plans just yet.
Shippou almost fell off Kagome's shoulder as he clung precariously to her back, eying the stairs warily.
Kagome herself was ecstatic. She could feel a grin beginning to form on her lips as she quickly deduced exactly who was making his way down the stairs towards them.
A human-looking man wearing a pair of simple black pants paired with a clean white shirt appeared at the top of the stairs, a confident smile all but beaming down at them. His blue eyes sparkled with joy as he ran a hand absently through his nearly waist-length black hair. His entire being radiated a confidence and self-possession that could make Sesshoumaru jealous.
He took one step down the stairs and stopped, pinning Kagome with a look followed by a dazzling smile.
Kagome could almost hear Youko growling behind Kurama's relatively calm exterior.
Suddenly, without warning, the man cried loudly, "Kagome-chan!" and dashed towards the girl, taking the stairs three at a time. Halfway down the steps, his human form melted away, leaving behind a silver blur which quickly caught the girl up in a massive hug.
Kurama watched in stunned silence as a male Jikan Kitsune glomped his companion and both giggled like pups.
"Oniichan!" Kagome laughed as she hugged the male back. "When did you get here!?"
Finally releasing her, he stepped back and almost seemed to strike a pose as he replied, "Why, it was only this morning that I made the long and torturous journey over land and sea to be with my beloved family! Such an excoriating wait for such a lovely event, though well deserved!"
Laughing at her elder brother's enthusiasm, Kagome turned to the gaping Kurama and explained, "Kurama-kun, I'd like you to meet my oniichan! This is Makina." Turning back to her brother, who had pinned the redhead with a strange look, she said, "Oniichan, this is Kurama."
Taking the distance in less than a second, the exuberant male brought himself nose-to-nose with a startled Kurama and grinned at him. "Please," he spoke in a lusty tone leaning even closer, "call me...Ma-chan."
Kurama attempted to take a step back, only to have the man take the step with him, firmly remaining in his personal space. "Can I call you Kura-chan?" he asked in the same lust-filled voice.
At this point, Minamino Shuichi began to panic. How was he to deal with the unwanted advances of Kagome's elder brother without offending the family? Youko had an answer for that.
Shifting forms, he quickly went from being intimidated into submission to looming over the male with a displeased glare on his face, his golden eyes sparkling with annoyance.
"OH HO HO!!" the man before him laughed nervously, retreating several steps and nearly hiding behind his sister. "Ooooh! THAT Kurama!! HA! Heh-heh! Gomen nasaaaiii!"
Youko raised one disinterested eyebrow, making the cowering male hide fully behind the girl who was looking more and more annoyed.
"Kagome-chan?" Mama Higurashi said, interrupting the glaring and cowering going on.
Kagome looked over to her mother and saw the woman with a shocked expression staring at Youko.
Sighing, she shrugged when her mother turned her gaze to her and said, "Eh, what can you do? I was surprised too, but-- Ah!"
She stumbled as she went to take a step forward and found her brother clinging to her arm, making sure she was positioned between himself and Youko at all times.
Kagome threw up her arms in exasperation and cried, "Gah! Enough! I'm drowning in testosterone here!"
After prying her brother off her arm and convincing Youko the exuberant Makina would behave himself thereby allowing the redheaded Kurama to reappear, Kagome excused herself to her room along with the kits citing the need for a nap and the desire to attempt to calm Shippou down. Kurama then tried to excuse himself, only to find Kagome's mother dragging him off to the living room along with her elder brother.
They sat and stared at each other for several moments. Mama Higurashi stared at Kurama with a half-smile and a twinkle in her eye. Makina also stared at him, at first warily and then with a smile of his own. Kurama could feel a huge sweatdrop forming.
"So, Kurama-san?" Mama Higurashi began, continuing to eye him, "Kagome told me you were sent from Reikai to make friends with her?"
Finally, Kurama thought with relief, a subject I can handle.
"Yes," he replied, "Koenma-sama believed it would be advantageous for us to have her as an ally, rather than take the chance that she could become an enemy later on."
Makina nodded and continued his mother's line of questioning. "And now that you've made friends with her? Now what?"
Kurama shifted nervously. Suddenly he was getting a bad feeling. It was like that time demons had invaded his school and he had been forced to fight them off while protecting the other students and teachers as well as his secret. Only worse.
"Ah," he began, "I suppose I should report back to Koenma. Yusuke will have already told him that the mission was a success. However, I should give him a full report."
"No, no, no." Mama Higurashi interrupted with a wave of her hand. "What about Kagome? What are you going to do about her?"
Kurama shifted again. "I suppose Reikai will want to keep in contact with her." His gaze flickered nervously from the woman to her son and back again. Why did it feel like he was being interrogated?
Makina leaned forward and grinned. "And you'll be the one to do it?" he asked pointedly.
"Yes, I suppose so. I have already established a rapport with her, therefore it would make sense. Unless Koenma-sama requires her assistance and I'm on a mission. Then Botan will probably need to make friends with her."
Mama's Higurashi's smile faded at his words. "Wait." She narrowed her eyes and asked suspiciously, "Koenma might need her for something? Like what? You better not be thinking of turning her into a Reikai Tantei because she's got plenty going on in her life already!" Counting off on her fingers she continued, "Time traveling, fighting youkai five hundred years in the past, dealing with an upstart hanyou, fighting an evil hanyou, caring for two kits, going to SCHOOL! You honestly can't want her to do even MORE!"
"No!" Kurama exclaimed as he attempted to defend himself from the woman's verbal onslaught. With a kind smile he replied, "No, of course not, Higurashi-sama. I only meant that Koenma may need her to...do things such as verify the strength of an enchanted item or purify cursed items. No one is intending to make her Reikai Tantei. We will be treating her as a woman of her power and intellect deserves, as a venerable and respected miko."
This seemed to pacify the woman who sat back on the couch and smiled again. "Well, that's good." she responded, content with his answer. "You must understand that I only want to protect my daughter. She's very dear to me and I want only what's best for her."
Kurama smiled in response. "Of course, Higurashi-sama."
-
Kagome smiled as she watched Kurama leave from her bedroom window, almost being trampled by Souta as he returned home from school. She had only just met the kind redhead, but a glance from those sparkling green eyes or the smallest of smiles upon his lips could set her heart atwitter.
Just a crush, she told herself as she crossed the room to the bassinet her mother has set up while they were gone. She smiled at the scene before her. Shippou and Yukito were curled up together under a light blanket, dozing peacefully. Yes, she thought, it's just a crush. After all, weren't you just in love with InuYasha? People don't recover that quickly from heartache.
She could hear Souta call out his greeting below as he entered the house. And then there was the chaos that erupted as her elder brother most likely attacked her younger brother with hugs. Souta most likely responded with 'welcome home, now could you let me go?' if the silence was any indication.
Sitting down on her bed, she allowed her human form to melt away as she glanced out the window to the tree cast in red by the sinking sun. Once she would have seen InuYasha there, waiting not-so-patiently, whenever she turned her gaze in that direction. But this time the bloodstained sky only seemed to remind her of blood red hair. "Oh boy." she sighed, flopping back to lay haphazardly across the bed. "Just who is it you're thinking about, Kagome? You were in love with InuYasha not three weeks ago. And now you're thinking of a fox with red hair. But that fox already told you he's like two people. So, even if you were to have more than a crush on him...who would those feelings be for? The green-eyed gentleman? Or the dashing thief?"
-
"Sugoi!" a wide-eyed Souta exclaimed as his mother finished her story of the day's events, after smacking his brother in the back of the head because he wouldn't stop interrupting with his own comments. "You mean I've got TWO nephews...AND there was another Jikan Kitsune here who is a REIKAI TANTEI!? SUGOI YO!!"
Makina rolled his eyes. "So easy to amaze." he sighed exaggeratedly. For which he received another slap to the back of the head.
"Maki!" his mother scolded. "Mind your manners! You'll teach him your bad habits!"
The insulted male put a hand to his chest as if to say 'who, me?'
Souta ignored the squabble before him. It was nothing new. However, the story his mother had told her WAS. Beginning to pout, he stuck out his lip and put his hands on his hips. "Awwww!" he complained. "I miss everything! This is why cram school is a bad thing!" With that he turned on his heel and stormed up the stairs, making sure to grab his homework on the way. He may be pouting, but he wasn't stupid. His mother could be scary at times.
Maki grinned as he watched his youngest sibling storm out. "Ah," he exclaimed, "So young and vibrant! Why, I remember when I was like that! Young and carefree with the energy of a bunny on speed! The veracity of YOUTH!!" With the last word, he flung out his hands in a broad gesture and succeeded in knocking over a vase, sending it crashing to the floor to shatter into a thousand pieces. For which he received another slap to the head and an angry glare.
-
Meanwhile a pair of eyes watched the house from the dark branches of a tree with predatory gleam. It wouldn't be long now. Youko Kurama had left and the female was unguarded in her room. Now, just to wait for sleep to claim her unwitting victim.
Unknown to the watcher, another set of eyes was trained both on the house and on her.
(A/N) Forgive the long wait, but I was doing a re-write. I've changed some of the direction of the fic and also the name of the baby. Please forgive the inconsistancy and cliche-ness of the name. It's used in just about any InuYasha fic that has a baby, I know. But I happen to like the name and was never satisfied with my first choice. I'll go back and upload the chapters with his name changed once I finish the fic. So please be kind and not yell at me that the name is different. I will yell back and tell you I already said that. Anyone who doesn't read author's notes and chooses to review has it coming. Just like the people who continue to say "Oh, I loved it up until the yaoi." First of all, it's not yaoi. It's shounen-ai. Y'know, romance? Secondly, I did warn you repeatedly that it was coming.
(A/N-2) READ THIS!!! Don't expect an update within the next month. I'll be having surgery the 23rd and probably won't feel up to writing for a while afterwards. If I can get another chapter done in the next week I'll make sure to post it, but I make no promises considering I'm probably getting sick...again. -.- Stupid cold. (grumble-grumble)
Thanks to these people for reviewing!! I love you ALL!! Twin Kats, Itsuko-chan, person drunk on soda, Duzzie, dreaming star, pitbull123, Kill-all-Flamers-210, DarkMistress44, kirri, Selene110, sunstar kitsune, Jade Dragon1, blackrosebunny451, Youka-White-Kitusune, kojika85, setsuna, Dark Fox, Tearful Joy, Puppet in the Corner, YOUKO N KAGOME, kit, TinyClownBean1, Why?What?Shutup, LifelongStampedeK, Night of the Raven, Sweet-single, alaina, Sango132004, blackdragon-of-tears, Tsuki Yume, sarmaru, Gin, buff200020002002, deadly thorn, Kogichan2000, Crimson Colored Cloaked Figure, Dark Topaz, chinadoll27, angelkitty77, silverkitsunekagome, bluefuzzyelf, lilhillbillie, badgerwolf, Lil Shaman Girl, RûthäwenAnger's Maiden, Yukionna Hitohanna, lilbunnyfufu, Mayukagurl, InuyashaShowFanatic, Kazetaka no Yume, chinadoll27 and anyone else I may have missed.
I'm afraid I'm only going to be responding to a few reviews this chapter. I'm tired and have a headache. Deal with it.
To those who asked why Hiei doesn't like Kagome: I've already answered that question. He was afraid she would take away his only friend. But honestly, besides his love for his sister, friendship with Kurama and grudging respect for Yusuke, does Hiei really like anyone?
Mayukagurl: LOL Yes, I got the "She's gonna eat me!" from the Lion King. I love Timon and Pumba and I thought it would be funny to see Inu-chan freak out like that. I'd be willing to do a funny fic with you, btw, if you're still interested. I need to get my comedy-groove back on! LOL You can contact me using my email on my bio-page or through AIM. (AIM--InuNekoMiko)
badgerwolf: Oh, don't worry. I would never leave our favorite koorime out on the romance bug going around! :D
chinadoll27: -.- Well, I suppose love could be likened to being high. (sigh) There is nothing wrong with InuYasha nor Kouga, nor are they "STONED!" They are in love...well...sorta. In the beginning phases anyway.
Kogichan2000: Thanks for the support. It is continuing, albeit at a slow pace.
sarmaru: Did you know that it is incredibly rude to review every chapter of a fic and not once mention anything about that specific fic? Merely demand that another of the author's fics is updated? I'm glad you like Instincts, but a simple review to the last chapter of that fic (not this one) would have sufficed to get the point across that you would like an update. And if you hadn't noticed, that particular fic has been discontinued. The word you're searching for, btw, is 'kawaii' meaning cute. Kiwie is not a word in any language I'm familiar with, but reminds me of a Kiwi, which are quite tasty.
blackdragon-of-tears: Very well, I won't tell you they're gay. Because they aren't. They are, however, canine youkai. Canine's practice both homosexuality and incest. You seem to forget that they aren't human and therefore aren't bound to human customs and ideals. Youkai do not see merely in male/female. They see the person beneath the exterior. A soul is neither male nor female. Also, I personally think you are too young to be reading ANY of my fics if you use the phrase "GRO--SS" to describe anything other than, perhaps, vomit-Kikyou. It is spelled 'gross', btw. There are no dashes in the word. -.-
LifelongStampedeK: Yes, I like your OC muchly and she has solved many problems for me! Sorry for her lack of presense this chapter, but I'm trying to move things on a bit between Kagome and Kurama. But next chapter she may have her first encounter with a certain jaganshi!
kojika85: Actually I haven't seen that episode. I do know what happens though. So yes, I tried to kill her in somewhat the same way, only different. ;D Glad you picked up on it.
sunstar kitsune: What? Several chapters of author's notes wasn't enough? The warning which clearly states "shounen-ai male/male love" was not enough. Honestly, pull your head out of your ass and take a look around. Besides, there is no yaoi in this fic. Yaoi is an acronym. "Yama nashi, Ochi nashi, Imi nashi" (no climax, no conclusion, no meaning) Basically, mansex! As much as I love meaningless mansex (huggles Level C, Fish in the Trap and Ai no Kusabi), there will be NO mansex in this fic! There will be no sex of ANY kind in this fic! Any such instances will be dealt with in a 'fade-to-black' manner and a 'you-know-they-did-it' attitude. I respect your opinion, but READ THE WARNINGS!!! READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTES!!! I swear, they're there for a reason and it's not for my own health!
Selene110: Actually, Kouga/Inu is a very popular pairing. It's all over the place. Not quite as much as Sess/Inu, but still very much there. Check out Shinjitsu no Shi for more Kouga/InuYasha stuff.
kirri: Well, the pairing clearly states "Kouga/InuYasha" does it not? What do you think? :D
Kill-all-Flamers: Thank you for liking my fic. However, as I read your profile I noticed that your hatred of just about every pairing including shounen-ai makes me think you're more likely to BE a flamer than to kill them. I personally don't like the Kurama/Kagome pairing as much as others. I just hadn't written one, therefore I decided to. I do think they're well matched, however, I believe realistically Kagome is better suited to either Sango or Sesshoumaru. And Kurama I think of as belonging to Hiei, though I often like Kurama/Yusuke or Youko/Shuichi. Open your eyes. There's a whole wonderful world of possiblilities out there.
Duzzie: No, I'm not quiting this fic. It's just been slow going.
Itsuko-chan: O-O Wow, that's a lot of "UPDATE"s. Um...you're the second person to do that...and definately the longest... (clings to you) O.O I hope you're on my side when the badgers attack!
Twin Kats: Heh-heh. What do you think I've been doing? :D Working on my book, of course! I'll let you read the first few lines of the chapter I was depriving you of an update to work on, if you want. It's a sci-fi adventure for young adults with a focus on a female soldier.
"With the explosion still vivid in her mind, she wondered just how in the hell she had managed to get herself thrown into prison. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. However, here she sat in a dark, dank prison cell with only the rats for company, awaiting execution at the hands of those she once thought her allies.
It was a simple mission. Get in without detection, find and rescue the kidnapped diplomats, blow the place to hell and get out, preferably in one piece. Yeah, a simple mission. So what in the hell went wrong?"
Author: Mistress Nika
Rating: PG
Couples: Kurama/Kagome, Kouga/InuYasha, Miroku/Sango, Hiei/OC (eventually)
Warnings: shounen-ai, crossover, minor violence, language, sexual humor
Archive: InuYasha: The Other White Meat and InuYasha My Will Any others, ask first please.
Disclaimer: I do not own InuYasha nor Yuu Yuu Hakusho. If I did...you'd never hear from me again as I'd take them all on a little trip to a land far away where I would guard them with my life from the millions of others who would wish to own them themselves. Oh, Uchiha Kair owns the OC Kairi. She gave me permission to use her.
(A/N) This chapter is dedicated to lilhillbillie, in the hope that she won't kill me. Also to Hakura aka bluefuzzyelf, in the hope she's not pissed at me.
-I know I should be working on your chapter of Puppy's Dragon, Billie-chan. But you gotta write what calls to you! You know how it is!
-Please don't kill me, Hakura-chan! (ducks) I wanted to review all your new chapters and stories, but the site is being a -cencored- and won't let me review...EVER!!
Translation notes: (cause I realize not everyone knows these words and I should have put them earlier)
Tadaima-- I'm home, said when returning home
Ojamashimasu-- said by a guest when entering someone else's house I'm not sure about this one. I got it from someone else, but I've never heard it used firsthand
Okaeri-- Welcome home
Kaasan (okaasan)-- Mother, without the respectful "O" thereby making it more like "mom"
Oniichan-- big bro (oniisan-- big brother) -chan being cute and familiar
Reikai-- Spirit world
Reikai Tantei-- Spirit detectives
Jikan-- Time I once said I didn't know if it was right, however since then I've heard it used repeatedly in the context that I was wanting. Therefore I believe it's correct the way I've used it
Kitsune-- Fox
Youkai-- Demon Though this is a pitiful translation in my opinion. Youkai were not considered inheriently evil like demons in Western culture. Just like humans, there were good youkai, evil youkai and those who were neither. The best I can say is, they're like another species. Whenever I say demon in this fic, most likely I'll be refering to youkai with evil intentions
-san-- common respectful suffix, basically equivilent with Mister/Miss
-sama-- denotes great respect
-chan-- denotes familiarity
-dono-- archaic suffix, donotes great personal respect, not commonly used anymore (however it would have been in Sengoku Jidai) This suffix wouldn't have been used by everyone. It would be insulting for a common peasant to call a passing lord -dono. However, his favored samurai would have been allowed to use it, though probably not in public situations.
(note on Mama Higurashi) I don't know what Kagome calls her mother in the dub, but in the Japanese version she calls her "Mama"
-If I'm wrong, shoot me! O.O No, wait! Put the gun down!! I meant...ummm...TEACH me!! Yes, that's it! If I've got it wrong, tell me!
-Forgive the legnthy beginning notes. I generally try to avoid that. Now, on to the fic! (lights dim and music plays) O.o Wow. That's different.
Chapter Twelve:
Gentleman or Thief?
"Tadaima!" Kagome called with a sigh as she kicked off her shoes.
"Ojamashimasu," Kurama's light tenor echoed with just a hint of exhaustion.
"TAAAADAAAAIIIIMAAAAA!!!" Shippou screeched drunkenly at the top of his lungs.
"Okaeri," Mama Higurashi tentatively called as she stepped out of the living room, feeling slightly unnerved at Shippou's strange tone.
Not wasting any time, Shippou leaped from his place on Kagome's shoulder and launched himself at the stunned woman. Shocked, Mama Higurashi stumbled back finding herself quite spontaneously with a ball of fluff glomping her head.
As her mother weaved about uncertainly, Kagome shot forward and began trying to pry the ball of fluff off her face. After much tugging, Shippou finally came lose with a POP and Kagome stumbled a bit before regaining her balance.
Mama Higurashi just stared at the glazed look in the kit's eyes as he slurred, "Hiiiiiii....hic! Hiiiii, kkkaaaasan's ... kaasaaan...nnn..nah!" He then dissolved into a fit of uncontrollable giggles as Kagome just clutched him to her chest with a resigned sigh.
Kurama stepped forward and Mama Higurashi looked to the redhead.
He held the giggling Yukito in his arms and just shook his head at the woman's questioning expression. "Coffee." he said simply, not needing to explain any further.
Mama Higurashi's eyes widened in understanding and she nodded, watching spellbound as Shippou began climbing all over Kagome, using her hair as a swing with a goofy grin on his face.
Baby Yukito, oblivious to his mother's plight, giggled happily and reached up to grab a lock of Kurama's hair in his chubby hand, then proceeded to give it a mighty tug.
"Itai!" Kurama exclaimed as he attempted to free his hair from the kit's vice-like grip.
Shippou apparently grew bored with Kagome's non-responsiveness despite his best efforts to the contrary and leapt through the air with a cry of, "I'll heeeeelp yooouuu!!!" Fortunately, before he could tackle Kurama, Kagome snatched him out of the air and held him against her chest once again as he struggled to get away.
"Shippou-chan!" she scolded. "If you don't stop that you're going to hurt Yukito-chan!"
The kit wilted at her words and looked genuinely sorry. "I'm sorry, okaassssssaaaaaan." he pouted. "I just wanted to help."
"I know, Shippou-chan." she said as she lovingly petted his hair. "But--"
Her words were cut off as a booming male voice called down the stairs, "Did I hear a cry of pain down here!?"
All activity stopped and four sets of eyes turned to face the newcomer.
Kurama was on instant alert. Previously occupied, he had failed to take in the presence of another male in the house. This was unacceptable. Releasing a bit of his control, he allowed his demon senses to emerge. The scent of a male kitsune filled the house, drifting most powerfully down from the second floor. He could also feel the very faint youki of another Jikan. This he did not like.
Apparently, neither did the baby in his arms. Yukito began to shift nervously in response to the unfamiliar scent, curling instinctively into the warmth of one he recognized.
Mama Higurashi smirked inwardly as her accomplice made himself known, but otherwise remained as calm as possible. She didn't want her daughter to catch on to her plans just yet.
Shippou almost fell off Kagome's shoulder as he clung precariously to her back, eying the stairs warily.
Kagome herself was ecstatic. She could feel a grin beginning to form on her lips as she quickly deduced exactly who was making his way down the stairs towards them.
A human-looking man wearing a pair of simple black pants paired with a clean white shirt appeared at the top of the stairs, a confident smile all but beaming down at them. His blue eyes sparkled with joy as he ran a hand absently through his nearly waist-length black hair. His entire being radiated a confidence and self-possession that could make Sesshoumaru jealous.
He took one step down the stairs and stopped, pinning Kagome with a look followed by a dazzling smile.
Kagome could almost hear Youko growling behind Kurama's relatively calm exterior.
Suddenly, without warning, the man cried loudly, "Kagome-chan!" and dashed towards the girl, taking the stairs three at a time. Halfway down the steps, his human form melted away, leaving behind a silver blur which quickly caught the girl up in a massive hug.
Kurama watched in stunned silence as a male Jikan Kitsune glomped his companion and both giggled like pups.
"Oniichan!" Kagome laughed as she hugged the male back. "When did you get here!?"
Finally releasing her, he stepped back and almost seemed to strike a pose as he replied, "Why, it was only this morning that I made the long and torturous journey over land and sea to be with my beloved family! Such an excoriating wait for such a lovely event, though well deserved!"
Laughing at her elder brother's enthusiasm, Kagome turned to the gaping Kurama and explained, "Kurama-kun, I'd like you to meet my oniichan! This is Makina." Turning back to her brother, who had pinned the redhead with a strange look, she said, "Oniichan, this is Kurama."
Taking the distance in less than a second, the exuberant male brought himself nose-to-nose with a startled Kurama and grinned at him. "Please," he spoke in a lusty tone leaning even closer, "call me...Ma-chan."
Kurama attempted to take a step back, only to have the man take the step with him, firmly remaining in his personal space. "Can I call you Kura-chan?" he asked in the same lust-filled voice.
At this point, Minamino Shuichi began to panic. How was he to deal with the unwanted advances of Kagome's elder brother without offending the family? Youko had an answer for that.
Shifting forms, he quickly went from being intimidated into submission to looming over the male with a displeased glare on his face, his golden eyes sparkling with annoyance.
"OH HO HO!!" the man before him laughed nervously, retreating several steps and nearly hiding behind his sister. "Ooooh! THAT Kurama!! HA! Heh-heh! Gomen nasaaaiii!"
Youko raised one disinterested eyebrow, making the cowering male hide fully behind the girl who was looking more and more annoyed.
"Kagome-chan?" Mama Higurashi said, interrupting the glaring and cowering going on.
Kagome looked over to her mother and saw the woman with a shocked expression staring at Youko.
Sighing, she shrugged when her mother turned her gaze to her and said, "Eh, what can you do? I was surprised too, but-- Ah!"
She stumbled as she went to take a step forward and found her brother clinging to her arm, making sure she was positioned between himself and Youko at all times.
Kagome threw up her arms in exasperation and cried, "Gah! Enough! I'm drowning in testosterone here!"
After prying her brother off her arm and convincing Youko the exuberant Makina would behave himself thereby allowing the redheaded Kurama to reappear, Kagome excused herself to her room along with the kits citing the need for a nap and the desire to attempt to calm Shippou down. Kurama then tried to excuse himself, only to find Kagome's mother dragging him off to the living room along with her elder brother.
They sat and stared at each other for several moments. Mama Higurashi stared at Kurama with a half-smile and a twinkle in her eye. Makina also stared at him, at first warily and then with a smile of his own. Kurama could feel a huge sweatdrop forming.
"So, Kurama-san?" Mama Higurashi began, continuing to eye him, "Kagome told me you were sent from Reikai to make friends with her?"
Finally, Kurama thought with relief, a subject I can handle.
"Yes," he replied, "Koenma-sama believed it would be advantageous for us to have her as an ally, rather than take the chance that she could become an enemy later on."
Makina nodded and continued his mother's line of questioning. "And now that you've made friends with her? Now what?"
Kurama shifted nervously. Suddenly he was getting a bad feeling. It was like that time demons had invaded his school and he had been forced to fight them off while protecting the other students and teachers as well as his secret. Only worse.
"Ah," he began, "I suppose I should report back to Koenma. Yusuke will have already told him that the mission was a success. However, I should give him a full report."
"No, no, no." Mama Higurashi interrupted with a wave of her hand. "What about Kagome? What are you going to do about her?"
Kurama shifted again. "I suppose Reikai will want to keep in contact with her." His gaze flickered nervously from the woman to her son and back again. Why did it feel like he was being interrogated?
Makina leaned forward and grinned. "And you'll be the one to do it?" he asked pointedly.
"Yes, I suppose so. I have already established a rapport with her, therefore it would make sense. Unless Koenma-sama requires her assistance and I'm on a mission. Then Botan will probably need to make friends with her."
Mama's Higurashi's smile faded at his words. "Wait." She narrowed her eyes and asked suspiciously, "Koenma might need her for something? Like what? You better not be thinking of turning her into a Reikai Tantei because she's got plenty going on in her life already!" Counting off on her fingers she continued, "Time traveling, fighting youkai five hundred years in the past, dealing with an upstart hanyou, fighting an evil hanyou, caring for two kits, going to SCHOOL! You honestly can't want her to do even MORE!"
"No!" Kurama exclaimed as he attempted to defend himself from the woman's verbal onslaught. With a kind smile he replied, "No, of course not, Higurashi-sama. I only meant that Koenma may need her to...do things such as verify the strength of an enchanted item or purify cursed items. No one is intending to make her Reikai Tantei. We will be treating her as a woman of her power and intellect deserves, as a venerable and respected miko."
This seemed to pacify the woman who sat back on the couch and smiled again. "Well, that's good." she responded, content with his answer. "You must understand that I only want to protect my daughter. She's very dear to me and I want only what's best for her."
Kurama smiled in response. "Of course, Higurashi-sama."
-
Kagome smiled as she watched Kurama leave from her bedroom window, almost being trampled by Souta as he returned home from school. She had only just met the kind redhead, but a glance from those sparkling green eyes or the smallest of smiles upon his lips could set her heart atwitter.
Just a crush, she told herself as she crossed the room to the bassinet her mother has set up while they were gone. She smiled at the scene before her. Shippou and Yukito were curled up together under a light blanket, dozing peacefully. Yes, she thought, it's just a crush. After all, weren't you just in love with InuYasha? People don't recover that quickly from heartache.
She could hear Souta call out his greeting below as he entered the house. And then there was the chaos that erupted as her elder brother most likely attacked her younger brother with hugs. Souta most likely responded with 'welcome home, now could you let me go?' if the silence was any indication.
Sitting down on her bed, she allowed her human form to melt away as she glanced out the window to the tree cast in red by the sinking sun. Once she would have seen InuYasha there, waiting not-so-patiently, whenever she turned her gaze in that direction. But this time the bloodstained sky only seemed to remind her of blood red hair. "Oh boy." she sighed, flopping back to lay haphazardly across the bed. "Just who is it you're thinking about, Kagome? You were in love with InuYasha not three weeks ago. And now you're thinking of a fox with red hair. But that fox already told you he's like two people. So, even if you were to have more than a crush on him...who would those feelings be for? The green-eyed gentleman? Or the dashing thief?"
-
"Sugoi!" a wide-eyed Souta exclaimed as his mother finished her story of the day's events, after smacking his brother in the back of the head because he wouldn't stop interrupting with his own comments. "You mean I've got TWO nephews...AND there was another Jikan Kitsune here who is a REIKAI TANTEI!? SUGOI YO!!"
Makina rolled his eyes. "So easy to amaze." he sighed exaggeratedly. For which he received another slap to the back of the head.
"Maki!" his mother scolded. "Mind your manners! You'll teach him your bad habits!"
The insulted male put a hand to his chest as if to say 'who, me?'
Souta ignored the squabble before him. It was nothing new. However, the story his mother had told her WAS. Beginning to pout, he stuck out his lip and put his hands on his hips. "Awwww!" he complained. "I miss everything! This is why cram school is a bad thing!" With that he turned on his heel and stormed up the stairs, making sure to grab his homework on the way. He may be pouting, but he wasn't stupid. His mother could be scary at times.
Maki grinned as he watched his youngest sibling storm out. "Ah," he exclaimed, "So young and vibrant! Why, I remember when I was like that! Young and carefree with the energy of a bunny on speed! The veracity of YOUTH!!" With the last word, he flung out his hands in a broad gesture and succeeded in knocking over a vase, sending it crashing to the floor to shatter into a thousand pieces. For which he received another slap to the head and an angry glare.
-
Meanwhile a pair of eyes watched the house from the dark branches of a tree with predatory gleam. It wouldn't be long now. Youko Kurama had left and the female was unguarded in her room. Now, just to wait for sleep to claim her unwitting victim.
Unknown to the watcher, another set of eyes was trained both on the house and on her.
(A/N) Forgive the long wait, but I was doing a re-write. I've changed some of the direction of the fic and also the name of the baby. Please forgive the inconsistancy and cliche-ness of the name. It's used in just about any InuYasha fic that has a baby, I know. But I happen to like the name and was never satisfied with my first choice. I'll go back and upload the chapters with his name changed once I finish the fic. So please be kind and not yell at me that the name is different. I will yell back and tell you I already said that. Anyone who doesn't read author's notes and chooses to review has it coming. Just like the people who continue to say "Oh, I loved it up until the yaoi." First of all, it's not yaoi. It's shounen-ai. Y'know, romance? Secondly, I did warn you repeatedly that it was coming.
(A/N-2) READ THIS!!! Don't expect an update within the next month. I'll be having surgery the 23rd and probably won't feel up to writing for a while afterwards. If I can get another chapter done in the next week I'll make sure to post it, but I make no promises considering I'm probably getting sick...again. -.- Stupid cold. (grumble-grumble)
Thanks to these people for reviewing!! I love you ALL!! Twin Kats, Itsuko-chan, person drunk on soda, Duzzie, dreaming star, pitbull123, Kill-all-Flamers-210, DarkMistress44, kirri, Selene110, sunstar kitsune, Jade Dragon1, blackrosebunny451, Youka-White-Kitusune, kojika85, setsuna, Dark Fox, Tearful Joy, Puppet in the Corner, YOUKO N KAGOME, kit, TinyClownBean1, Why?What?Shutup, LifelongStampedeK, Night of the Raven, Sweet-single, alaina, Sango132004, blackdragon-of-tears, Tsuki Yume, sarmaru, Gin, buff200020002002, deadly thorn, Kogichan2000, Crimson Colored Cloaked Figure, Dark Topaz, chinadoll27, angelkitty77, silverkitsunekagome, bluefuzzyelf, lilhillbillie, badgerwolf, Lil Shaman Girl, RûthäwenAnger's Maiden, Yukionna Hitohanna, lilbunnyfufu, Mayukagurl, InuyashaShowFanatic, Kazetaka no Yume, chinadoll27 and anyone else I may have missed.
I'm afraid I'm only going to be responding to a few reviews this chapter. I'm tired and have a headache. Deal with it.
To those who asked why Hiei doesn't like Kagome: I've already answered that question. He was afraid she would take away his only friend. But honestly, besides his love for his sister, friendship with Kurama and grudging respect for Yusuke, does Hiei really like anyone?
Mayukagurl: LOL Yes, I got the "She's gonna eat me!" from the Lion King. I love Timon and Pumba and I thought it would be funny to see Inu-chan freak out like that. I'd be willing to do a funny fic with you, btw, if you're still interested. I need to get my comedy-groove back on! LOL You can contact me using my email on my bio-page or through AIM. (AIM--InuNekoMiko)
badgerwolf: Oh, don't worry. I would never leave our favorite koorime out on the romance bug going around! :D
chinadoll27: -.- Well, I suppose love could be likened to being high. (sigh) There is nothing wrong with InuYasha nor Kouga, nor are they "STONED!" They are in love...well...sorta. In the beginning phases anyway.
Kogichan2000: Thanks for the support. It is continuing, albeit at a slow pace.
sarmaru: Did you know that it is incredibly rude to review every chapter of a fic and not once mention anything about that specific fic? Merely demand that another of the author's fics is updated? I'm glad you like Instincts, but a simple review to the last chapter of that fic (not this one) would have sufficed to get the point across that you would like an update. And if you hadn't noticed, that particular fic has been discontinued. The word you're searching for, btw, is 'kawaii' meaning cute. Kiwie is not a word in any language I'm familiar with, but reminds me of a Kiwi, which are quite tasty.
blackdragon-of-tears: Very well, I won't tell you they're gay. Because they aren't. They are, however, canine youkai. Canine's practice both homosexuality and incest. You seem to forget that they aren't human and therefore aren't bound to human customs and ideals. Youkai do not see merely in male/female. They see the person beneath the exterior. A soul is neither male nor female. Also, I personally think you are too young to be reading ANY of my fics if you use the phrase "GRO--SS" to describe anything other than, perhaps, vomit-Kikyou. It is spelled 'gross', btw. There are no dashes in the word. -.-
LifelongStampedeK: Yes, I like your OC muchly and she has solved many problems for me! Sorry for her lack of presense this chapter, but I'm trying to move things on a bit between Kagome and Kurama. But next chapter she may have her first encounter with a certain jaganshi!
kojika85: Actually I haven't seen that episode. I do know what happens though. So yes, I tried to kill her in somewhat the same way, only different. ;D Glad you picked up on it.
sunstar kitsune: What? Several chapters of author's notes wasn't enough? The warning which clearly states "shounen-ai male/male love" was not enough. Honestly, pull your head out of your ass and take a look around. Besides, there is no yaoi in this fic. Yaoi is an acronym. "Yama nashi, Ochi nashi, Imi nashi" (no climax, no conclusion, no meaning) Basically, mansex! As much as I love meaningless mansex (huggles Level C, Fish in the Trap and Ai no Kusabi), there will be NO mansex in this fic! There will be no sex of ANY kind in this fic! Any such instances will be dealt with in a 'fade-to-black' manner and a 'you-know-they-did-it' attitude. I respect your opinion, but READ THE WARNINGS!!! READ THE AUTHOR'S NOTES!!! I swear, they're there for a reason and it's not for my own health!
Selene110: Actually, Kouga/Inu is a very popular pairing. It's all over the place. Not quite as much as Sess/Inu, but still very much there. Check out Shinjitsu no Shi for more Kouga/InuYasha stuff.
kirri: Well, the pairing clearly states "Kouga/InuYasha" does it not? What do you think? :D
Kill-all-Flamers: Thank you for liking my fic. However, as I read your profile I noticed that your hatred of just about every pairing including shounen-ai makes me think you're more likely to BE a flamer than to kill them. I personally don't like the Kurama/Kagome pairing as much as others. I just hadn't written one, therefore I decided to. I do think they're well matched, however, I believe realistically Kagome is better suited to either Sango or Sesshoumaru. And Kurama I think of as belonging to Hiei, though I often like Kurama/Yusuke or Youko/Shuichi. Open your eyes. There's a whole wonderful world of possiblilities out there.
Duzzie: No, I'm not quiting this fic. It's just been slow going.
Itsuko-chan: O-O Wow, that's a lot of "UPDATE"s. Um...you're the second person to do that...and definately the longest... (clings to you) O.O I hope you're on my side when the badgers attack!
Twin Kats: Heh-heh. What do you think I've been doing? :D Working on my book, of course! I'll let you read the first few lines of the chapter I was depriving you of an update to work on, if you want. It's a sci-fi adventure for young adults with a focus on a female soldier.
"With the explosion still vivid in her mind, she wondered just how in the hell she had managed to get herself thrown into prison. It wasn't supposed to happen this way. However, here she sat in a dark, dank prison cell with only the rats for company, awaiting execution at the hands of those she once thought her allies.
It was a simple mission. Get in without detection, find and rescue the kidnapped diplomats, blow the place to hell and get out, preferably in one piece. Yeah, a simple mission. So what in the hell went wrong?"