Chapter 5
Kurama hated himself as he leaned against the door silently begging her to leave so that he would not pull her back into the room and finish what she had started with her first kiss. Already he was regretting opening his door to her and sighed softly His plants sensing his upset brushed gently at his hands which were closed into fists. Her scent was heady and rich and seemed to clog his thinking capability with its astonishing, drug like ability. Damn. His head fell back against the door with a solid soft thump. He had to get out of the room and clear his head. He opened his door and stumbled back a little dodging the katana aimed for his throat.
Verdant eyes looked in astonishment at the fury in Hiei's eyes. Perhaps he had gone too far with Kagome? Hiei slid his katana back in to his sheathe and lunged with his fists. "Kagome is fragile right now you fool!" Hiei hissed angrily and he dodged a punch from Kurama who was struggling to fight back as he was still not fully over the effects of Kagome's scent.
Hiei drew a deep breath and his eyes blazed. "This is low even for you Fox. Kagome is vulnerable and far too trusting. You took advantage of her weakness and sorrow and now you will hurt her worse. What in the hells is wrong with you? I thought you had honor Kurama!" he said lowly and under his breath.
"I do! Nothing happened. I kissed her nothing more." He said trying to keep his voice quiet
Hiei stood up and dropped his fists. "Nothing more than a kiss?"
"Nothing. Not a touch or look that was inappropriate."
Hiei snorted in disbelief. "She practically threw herself at you and you did nothing? I find that hard to believe. Do you think I am a fool? She is in her room weeping like her heart was torn out."
Kurama sighed, "What would you have done Hiei? I know she came to me because of the kitsune reputation for : "giving mind blowing pleasure that could make one forget their name" but she was hurt by Inuyasha and I couldn't take advantage of her pain. I won't lie to you Hiei, I wanted her badly. But I couldn't when I felt her trembling like a leaf in my hands." Kurama said looking down at his appendages.
"She never would have come to me, I have given her no reason- to believe she could or would be welcome" Hiei did not mention that she had called for him first. That he kept to himself to ponder later.
"But if she had, would you have turned her away. If she threw her arms around you and offered you herself would you have taken it?" Kurama asked still questioning himself for pushing her out.
"No."
"You lie. I see the way you look at her when you think no one is looking." Kurama accused.
"It doesn't matter." Hiei said firmly.
"Why? You have just as much a chance with her as I do."
Hiei snorted again this time with disgust. "I have no chance with Kagome. Neither do you fox. Neither of us is worthy of someone like her. We were both thieves and murderers of her kind. She is too kind, too pure to be tainted by creatures like us."
"Inuyasha was no saint either Hiei." Kurama reminded heatedly. "She doesn't blame him for leaving her she blames herself. She went so far as to call herself a doormat. Hiei, if she can forgive him she could be with one of us."
"The one who deserves her is Yuusuke. But she isn't ready for anything like that. She is in mourning." Hiei pointed out.
Kurama shrugged. "Mourning is different for everyone. Some people feel that respecting their loved one means that they find new love right away so that they can show the lost one they are happy." Kurama said righting the stack of books he'd knocked over dodging Hiei's sword.
"That isn't Kagome. She has a child to remind her everyday of her loss." Hiei stated firmly.
"True, but it's possible to help her cope with her it."
"I fail to see how fucking her will help anything." Hiei growled.
"So crude, Hiei I prefer making love or coupling. It helps in many ways like relieving pent up stress and anxiety. It gives a physical outlet for emotional pressure. It's quite soothing and yet invigorating at the same time. You should try it sometime it might help to melt that icy disposition," he retorted acidly. "Maybe you should go throw yourself at Yuusuke."
Hiei glared at the kitsune, unreadable expressions in his eyes and left with a muttered "Go fuck yourself Kurama."
Kurama shut the door behind him and locked it. Ooh he hated losing his composure it made him sound like a petulant child. He tossed his crimson hair over his shoulders and stalked over to his bed and lay down. Kagome's scent was there still and he turned and buried his nose in the blanket. Her scent was washing away his anger and replacing it with a different impassioned feeling.
Kurama didn't know why he was so irritated with Hiei. As a matter of fact he could never recall speaking to him in such a horrid manner. Hiei had simply spoken the truth as he saw it, nothing more and Kurama had lost his cool. What was wrong with him recently? It was like he was a barbarian with no sense at all. His irritation with both Hiei and Yuusuke was uncalled for. Logically it made no sense but since when had desire been logical? Jealousy was such an ugly emotion.
If he had taken her to his bed would the feeling have gone away? He shook his head, he couldn't think that way. He had worked hard to disprove Yomi with his certainty that Kurama had no friends, just pawns. Kurama rubbed his temples as he felt a headache coming on. He would need to apologize to Hiei tomorrow… and to Kagome. How had things gotten so complicated so very quickly? He folded his hands behind his head and sighed. He hated it when Shuichii's emotions surfaced like they had moments ago. Things were so much simpler while he was himself.
The truth was he wanted her, but on his terms. He wanted to wine and dine her, he wanted to sweep her off her feet and make her beauty shine at its peak so that he could collect her as the treasure she was. Hiei was right, damn him, he wasn't good enough for her but she was perfect for him. She had the right amount of pain to catch his attention and she herself was enough of a puzzle to catch his curiosity. Of course once he had cracked her puzzle and had fitted all the pieces together he wasn't sure what he'd find. Certainly she was a worthwhile distraction at the very least.
He smirked at nothing as he allowed his mind to conjure images of the many things he wanted to do with his prize. First he would have to gain her trust and he was well on his way to that. Her friendship would be easily assured just as simply, it would be the intricacy of a relationship he would have to tread carefully with. He would make no promises, it wasn't his way.
Pulling a few seeds from his hair he coaxed them to bloom into a couple of red roses. Then with all the stealth he had acquired he crept into her room and placed his gift on the dresser where she would see them. There would be no mistaking who they came from or their reason for being there. He stopped looking at her for a moment, but he didn't see the pain etched on her face he only saw her beauty He only saw her value. She was the Shikon no Tama, the rarest jewel in the worlds and he was going to collect her. Creeping out of her room the same way he had come in Kurama went back to his own room and lay on his bed. The game had begun and he would claim the prize.
The more human side balked at his careless mannerisms towards the woman, but he pushed those aside. He was Yoko Kurama again and not some wretched -humanoid- bleeding- hearted- boy whose sentiments had almost gotten them killed. True he wore the human appearance, but as they say appearances are deceiving. One like Kagome should have known better than to attract his interest in the first place. Glancing into the mirror he flashed his fangs at his reflection his citrine eyes gleaming in the partial light. He nearly laughed no one had picked up on the change from sweet mild mannered Shuichii to the cunning Yoko. Yomi had realized it carrying him from his battle with Shigure, but all he had said was 'welcome back.' He had not given him away, and Yoko had spent enough time with Shuichii that pretending to be him was child's play.
Yuusuke lay with his hands folded beneath his head as he looked out the window towards the direction where Kagome was. He felt a little guilty that he'd left to go home but he had barely been able to contain himself seeing Kagome in Kurama's arms. Even now he wanted to run over to Kurama's house and carry her away from the other two. Especially the kitsune, he could have been blind and still he would have been able to see the interest that Kurama had in Kagome. Although he didn't know whether it was love or lust he was certain that now that Kurama had turned his attention to the Miko that he had very little chance to earn her affections. He had never seen Kurama pursue any female but if he did it the way he handled everything else he had already dotted every "I" and crossed every "t". It was only a matter of time.
Yuusuke glared up at the ceiling and sighed. 'Best friends it is then I guess.' He didn't care what his status was with Kagome but he was determined that he was going care for Kagome's pup the best he could. Kurama had most likely not considered the pup in everything or maybe he had. Either way he was still going to be there for both of them. Kagome would need a friend and her pup would need a male influence. He grinned stupidly. Her pup would have more than enough male influence what he or she would need would be a friend. Someone that they could rely on and rough house with, someone that would take them out for ice cream and teach them to fight to protect their mother. That's what he would be. He closed his eyes trying to envision what a child of Kagome's would look like.
Yuusuke and Kurama weren't the only ones lying awake puzzling over the enigma called Kagome. Hiei was also sitting on the roof looking into the endless expanse of midnight sky and brilliant stars. The midnight color reminded him of the color of her hair and the brilliant blue surrounding the stars reminded him of her eyes. He was thinking about her again. He sighed. This was becoming a nightly occurrence since he had read that damned journal. He would never admit it but he was outside tonight to cool his head; which he had nearly lost when he had heard Kagome knock at Kurama's door in the middle of the night. There was only one reason the onna would or could be seeking the kitsune and the thought made his stomach clench unpleasantly.
He had heard her hesitant call and he had for a moment considered going to her but he was not clear as to what she had wanted from him. He was not the type to offer comfort and so he remained sitting on the roof his Jagan wide open as he kept watch over the Miko. Due to Kurama's energy he could not watch what occurred inside his room but he certainly heard the chaos in her mind when the Fox pushed her out in the hall. Hiei had been filled with rage that the Kitsune had touched the onna who was under his protection. He had been nearly angry enough to lop of the Kitsune's head but he had changed his mind at the last moment. He would have regretted that move and he hated regrets.
He heard the fox creep into Kagome's room and growled softly. Kagome had just barely fallen asleep thanks to his rather insistent suggestion. The Onna needed sleep and her mind was in chaos and not likely to calm. If not for her sake but for her pup she needed rest.
Hiei had been nearly overwhelmed at the thoughts Kagome hid behind her mental barriers as she had been too frazzled to barricade them properly. Hiei had taken the opportunity to soften Inuyasha's abandonment and take the edge off of her mental anguish. He could do no more without crossing the line of trust and intrusion.
That was the very thing he was out here trying to figure out. It was so unlike him to care about crossing lines. He had the power and heaven help his victim is they tried to block him. He had torn through many a mental barrier like it was a silk curtain in the rain. But he could not bring himself to intrude upon her thoughts even now while they were completely open for him to read. This went beyond mere respect and hovered in a place he knew nothing about. He cared about Kagome. Those feelings had been what had driven him to defend her honor from Kurama.
His teeth ground together. Kurama. That damned kitsune had set his sights on Kagome and unless he wished to reveal his feelings he could do nothing to stop him. Kagome was too naive and too trusting to see the kitsune for what he was, a thief and a heartless collector of fine things; Kagome being his finest jewel in his collection. Damn. Hiei clenched his fist, if she hadn't forced him to tell them who she was, he might have been able to keep her heart safe a little longer. At the very least until her heart was strong enough to see through the kitsune. He hated Inuyasha more with every passing second. Ultimately it was he who had placed her in the kitsune's sight. If he had left well enough alone and not tried to mate Kagome he would have lived and Kagome would have been stronger. Instead Kagome was broken and now soon to be a single mother and easy prey.
If Atsuko Urameshi was anything to go by Kagome was in danger of herself and Hiei intended to do anything to keep her from going down that path. Even if he had to break every promise he had ever made. He would do it and more if he thought there was a chance she might care for him. But she could not care for an Imiko like him. No it was better that he locked his feelings for her away and hope that someday they would die. He would watch over her as he did Yukina never letting her know his heart. He could not afford to allow the hope to grow, only to be dashed when Kagome fell under the Kitsune's spell. And she would fall. Kurama was far too calculating to fail at getting what he wanted.
He felt a pull on his energy and frowned thoughtfully as the pup fed from him. What of the pup? Had Kurama factored the child into his calculations? Had he factored in the fact that Kagome was about to be a mother and would have very little time to consider her needs let alone her desires. Kurama was not the fathering type and Hiei was not going to just let him win. However He really had no way of knowing what Kurama's plans were even though they had a mental connection to each other it only allowed what they wanted known to pass between them.
Kurama of late had gone rather quiet in that respect. As a matter of fact the last time they had really spoken had been the night after the first Makai tournament. Kurama had acted strangely saying things that had made Hiei uncomfortable; now that he thought about the conversation it seemed like Kurama had been trying to tell him something. Something very important, but he had been to uncomfortable to listen. It had sounded like a deathbed farewell and Hiei could tell that Kurama wasn't dying.
Carmine eyes widened. He had known that Kurama was actually two souls in one body before. But lately he had only felt one. Shit, that must have been what Kurama had been trying to say. Yoko must have taken over fully and pushed his human side to the very back or eliminated him all together.
"I'm afraid, Hiei."
"You? Never." He'd scoffed.
"You are right, I am not afraid of the battle but what happens after." The red head hung his head a little hiding his eyes.
"Focus on the battle, Kurama. Everything else can wait."
"Of course, but I wanted to say it has been quite an adventure we've had, don't you think Hiei? It's rather sad to think it's over."
"Hn, you are talking like you have lost already."
"Perhaps I have."
"Kurama, what are you-"
"Never mind, Hiei seems they have called our letter. Good luck."
Damn.
Why didn't you ask me for help instead of saying good bye?
Damn.
Yomi carried Kurama from the field and he looked to be the same red head and at peace but had Yoko already taken over?
Damn.
Shuichii had to be still a part of him or he would have given himself away. Was it too late? Was the male he had come to view as a friend gone forever, swallowed up by the cruel calculating Yoko? He refused to accept that.
Turning his Jagan's power to the kitsune who it seemed had finally calmed down and was nearly asleep a single push from the Jagan helped him the rest of the way. He prodded at the link till he felt a spark of the former avatar. *Hiei?*
^Kurama, what the hell were you thinking letting Yoko take over? ^
*So you did realize it. I had hoped you would. * There was a heavy sigh. * He got too strong and I got too comfortable. Yoko nearly killed me entirely but I managed to hold out for this long, but I am fading Hiei.*
^Fight back Kurama! You held him back before; I can seal him away if you let me. ^
*I don't know how to be fully human Hiei. I will still be me even if you seal Yoko away. I can't erase that part of myself Hiei.*
^So don't. ^ Hiei said forcing his energy into the connection and mentally grabbing the brightly glowing presence of Yoko and forcing him back. He resisted but could not withstand the full power of the Jagan. The dimly lit spark of green that was the Kurama that he knew flared brighter, now that Yoko was no longer crushing him.
Hiei realized right away that the most he could do was to separate the souls so that Yoko could not extinguish Shuichii but he could not permanently seal Yoko away. It would be up to Shuichii to keep Yoko under control after this. But Hiei would be there to help should Yoko try again to take over.
*Thank you, Hiei.* Kurama said wearily.
^Hn. ^
*Hiei, I'm sorry for what I said earlier. *
^Hn, shut up and sleep fox we can speak more tomorrow. ^ Hiei felt Kurama smile before he drifted into sleep and became quiet.
Kurama stretched and yawned as he woke to the rays of the sun spilling through his curtains. He'd slept better than he had in ages.
#Good morning, little kit, # a deep voice startled him and he jumped. Looking around his room Kurama searched for the source of the voice.
# strange isn't it that you can hear me now after all these years. Stop looking stupid, I'm inside you. #
*Yoko?*
#Good job, little kit, # he said condescendingly. # Now that we can speak thanks to that meddling little Jaganshi I am certain you have something you wish to say. #
*I do. Thank you for keeping me alive Yoko,* Kurama said sincerely.
#What? You aren't going to yell or threaten me or anything? # Yoko asked in surprise.
*No. If it hadn't been for you I am certain we would have died when I was a child. However I will not be allowing you to take back over Yoko. *
#I realized that when I found that I had been pushed back. Give me some credit at least. I am over eighteen hundred years old little Kit. What do you intend to do now? # he asked with a glum sounding tone.
*I intend to live, Yoko. I intend to live a long happy and interesting life and then before I die I will hand over this body to you completely. All I ask in return is that you teach and guide me, as my ally Yoko. I don't want to be at odds with you.*
# Alright, Little Kit. On one condition, I want that woman Kagome. I want to know what makes her so appealing. I want to make her shine like a precious gem and then add her to my formidable collection. #
*I want her also Yoko.*
Kurama felt Yoko smile. #Very well, Little Kit then we'll get her together. # Without meaning to the two souls blended together and became as one. Kurama, now truly a blend of them both looked at himself in the mirror. His green eyes now had golden flecks he was slightly taller and leaner. #we look good, don't we kit#
*Yes Yoko, we do.*
Kagome awoke feeling refreshed and very hungry. She sniffed a little and rolled from her bed. Her feet seemed on auto pilot as she followed her nose to the kitchen and felt her mouth water as she spotted the source of the tantalizing smells. Kurama was cooking breakfast and with the large amount of dishes already finished and steaming on the counter it seemed it was for her.
"Good morning, dearest. Sleep well?" He asked as he turned and looked at her. He covered his chuckle at her disheveled appearance. She blushed to her toes "Why don't you go get dressed and I will put the food on the table. Yuusuke called and he will be arriving shortly to help with the moving of a few final things into your house."
Kagome eyed the food longingly and sighed. "Be right back." She called over her shoulder as she spun and waddled quickly down the hall her increasing belly making walking difficult.
Hiei caught her as she crashed into him and held her for an instant to steady her from the surprise. Neither had been expecting the other to come around the corner and Kagome had almost fallen down the stairs.
Hiei was certain that she hadn't realized what danger she had just been in because Kagome blushed and stammered an apology. Hiei frowned at her trying desperately to convince his arms to release her even though he wanted to pull her closer. His eyes zeroed in on her lips and he leaned forward unconsciously. "Onna, shh." He said before he rested his lips lightly on hers. She went still in shock and he smirked against her lips as he turned and pressed her gently against the wall. Her small hands tightened on his shirt and she pushed slightly. His mind suddenly caught up. He settled finally on simply carrying her to her room and leaving her bewildered rather than answer the questions in her eyes. Kagome closed the door with a frown.
Leaning against her closed door Kagome touched her lips thoughtfully as she considered the situation she had suddenly found herself in. Both Hiei and Kurama now had kissed her and she could not brush either kiss off as a mistake. Hiei had hushed her before he kissed her and so he had known he was kissing her though she rather thought perhaps both of them were unfair as they had both kissed her and then either pushed her out the door or left her to puzzle things out alone. Ugh! What was with these youkai?! So far the only one not to kiss her was Yuusuke. God this was so frustrating!
Dressing quickly Kagome turned to look in the mirror as she drew a brush through her midnight hair when she spotted the roses laying on the dresser. She smiled in pleased surprise as she picked them up and inhaled their perfume. She blushed as she thought of Kurama's kiss and then frowned. She shouldn't be happy that Kurama had kissed her; she shouldn't be giddy that he gave her flowers either. But how should she feel? How should she act right now? She was so confused. Kurama was a kitsune, and she knew that meant she was a conquest. But Hiei was an elemental,there was something she knew she was forgetting about that. Her hand rose to her rapidly increasing belly where her child was growing within her and she smiled lightly as she felt its energy shift in response to her touch.
Her eyes darkened and she stood up. Inuyasha had gone too far. Kagome glared at the fire rat robe and walked over and opened the cedar chest by the window and stuffed it inside. Gently she rested Tetsuaigua on top and closed the lid. Silently she traced the symbols on to the wood to seal the chest. Nothing happened and she sighed. 'The power limiter,' she had forgotten. Picking up a piece of paper and a pen she channeled the small amount of her power through the pen as she drew up a sutra. Then she turned the page and wrote a long letter to Inuyasha pouring all of her anger and sorrow into the words. While she wrote she couldn't help wishing that she could seal away her love for Inuyasha that easily. Her words glowed with the sacred power she contained and when she was finished she put the letter in to the chest and sealed it with the sutra. The power she instilled within it attached it securely to the chest and she sighed again.
Forcing a smile on to her curiously blank features she picked up the rose and smelled it again. She felt a small spark of excitement and she clung to the feeling and smiled again. The tears on her wrist caught her eyes and she kissed one gently. Her earlier elation at the thought of food brought her to her feet and down the stairs. Forgetting everything else she walked quickly into the kitchen and kissed Kurama's cheek. "Thank you for the roses." She said shyly.
Kurama set down his spoon and caught her in a hug. "Anything for you, dearest," he said softly as he inhaled her scent. She smelled cleaner as though her heart had been cleansed of the sorrow she had held for the last while and he frowned curiously.
"Oh, I hope you don't mind but I used your cedar chest. I will have to buy it from you though I don't think it will be of any use to you again."
"Really?" he chuckled, "What did you do to it?"
"Sealed it with a sacred sutra that is unbreakable to any with youkai blood," Kagome said snitching a little piece of meat from the pan. "Wow, this is so good Kurama."
#Sealed with an unbreakable sutra huh? Sounds like a challenge…# Yoko said absently. Kurama agreed it did sound like a challenge. What would Kagome have that would possibly require a seal of that strength?
"Kagome, go sit down and we can eat. You will burn yourself if you eat it out of the pan," he scolded playfully. He chuckled at her guilty look and laughed outright at her when she snitched one more piece before leaving the kitchen.
"Yo Kurama! I can smell what you are cooking clear to the bus stop it smells incredible is it ready?" Yuusuke asked as he came in to the kitchen.
"Yes, go sit down with Kagome and Hiei I'll be right there." Kurama replied as he slid the food on to a tray and pushed it into Yuusuke's hands. Yuusuke grinned and nodded taking the tray and heading into the dining room.
As soon as he was out of sight Kurama moved swiftly down the hall and up the stairs to Kagome's room and opened the door. The piece of paper looked innocent enough but as he took a few steps closer Yoko whistled. # she wasn't kidding Red. Look at the power radiating off the paper alone. I don't think a youkai can get within five feet without getting a nasty burn, # he said excitedly.
Kurama took a step closer and then another, his skin was prickling but he was almost there. He was not technically a youkai but a spirit fox who had gained the power of a youkai. Kurama reached out to touch the paper and pulled his hand back, "A nasty burn indeed." He mused aloud licking the burned skin of his hand to heal it. He had no more time right now but he would try again. Whatever she had hidden within had to be very interesting to require this kind of protection, he would find out why.
Quickly he made a stop in his room and grabbed a healing salve and ran back to the kitchen. Picking up the hot pan he dropped it with a clatter and a curse. Hiei ran right in followed by Yuusuke and slowly Kagome. "Kurama are you alright?" Kagome asked grabbing his hand and looking at the burn. Hiei frowned at the uncharacteristic clumsiness of the kitsune. Yuusuke raised his eyebrows he'd never seen Kurama drop anything.
"Yes I was distracted and forgot to grab a hot pad. " In his head Yoko complimented his brilliant plan.
"Hold still a second," Kagome said holding her hand over the burn. Again nothing happened. Kagome sighed. "I'm sorry but it seems I can't heal you with the seal on."
"Don't worry I have a salve for just such a thing. In the cupboard by the stove there is a small green jar, if you would."
Kagome stood up but Hiei handed her the jar that was open and smelled lightly of mint. "Here, onna," he said waiting for her too dip her fingers in the salve before taking it away.
Kagome could tell from the tingle on her skin that he had infused the salve with his youki and she focused on just spreading the salve over his burns. "There you go." She said before she got up and washed her hands in the sink.
"Thank you, dearest, that is much better." He said smoothly. Kagome still completely un aware that she had helped to heal the burns her own power had inflicted. "Shall we eat." he asked as he helped her to her feet with his uninjured hand.
Kagome's stomach answered for her and she blushed as Yuusuke and Kurama laughed Hiei raised his eyebrow. "Your stomach sounds rather dangerous, onna, shall I take measures to protect myself from it?" he dead panned.
"Only if you take measures to protect me from its insatiable hunger, I'm so hungry right now I could eat you!" Kagome said with a small whine in her voice.
"Onna I highly doubt that I was the protein Koenma intended you to consume. I am certain to give you a terrible case of heart burn."
Yuusuke snickered. It was just too funny to hear Hiei tease anyone. Kagome's stomach growled again and Yuusuke walked over and scooped Kagome up and carried her into the dining room. Forgoing etiquette he began dishing her up a plate and Kagome looked as though she was ready to devour him with it.
Kagome dug in the moment the plate was before her and before long she was moaning in delight. The sounds she was making were almost obscene as she devoured everything on her plate and looked around for more. Yuusuke Hiei and Kurama were eating much slower as each was trying discreetly to hide the effects of her moans on their bodies.
"Damn Kurama, I knew you were a good cook but I never knew it was orgasmic."
It had been Yuusuke's intention that teasing Kagome indirectly would embarrass her enough that the moaning would stop, but as Kagome gave a look he knew well as a spark of mischief he nearly held his breath. Dipping her spoon into the yogurt and strawberry parfait she began giving the spoon a licking none of the guys would soon forget.
When she was done she released the spoon with a loud pop and set it next to her empty plate and then with a wink she stood up "enjoy your breakfast."
Kurama sat there unable to peel his eyes off the spoon he was now horribly jealous of. His pants felt four sizes too small and in his ears was the music of her tempting moans that had sounded too real to be faked. Glancing around the table he noticed that Hiei was still gaping and struggling to swallow, a bite on his fork still poised to enter his mouth. Yuusuke had his face in his hands and a goofy grin had spread over his lips as he struggled not to laugh. A blush marred his cheeks.
"Damn, I knew she was good but not that good!" he chuckled. "She got you and Hiei that was awesome. Damn I don't think I have ever been that turned on in my life!"
Kurama silently agreed.
# Come on Red, why are we still sitting here? Kagome had to have gotten excited by her little ploy. We should go teach her not to tease kitsune. #
Hiei dropped his fork and jumped to his feet without a word he walked calmly to the door and paused to gather his thoughts and then shaking his head he continued to the back door and vanished into the garden. Kurama watched him go and chuckled a little. Hiei must be headed to the Makai to kill things so that he wouldn't put Kagome in to a compromising situation, coward. Now Kurama knew that in a battle there was none fiercer than Hiei but put a beautiful woman before him that he was feigning no interest in and Hiei ran in fear. His ears picked up a giggle and he paused. Or was he?
Hiei waited long enough to calm his restless inner youkai before he walked from the dining room to follow Kagome. He went out the back door and jumped the tree outside Kagome's window. Kagome was lying on her bed giggling madly as she hugged a pillow to her face. Hnn the onna needed a lesson. Skillfully Hiei picked the lock and slid open the window soundlessly and slipped inside. Her back was to the window and Hiei crossed the carpet like the shadows he was named for. In one move he had her on her back while he loomed over her his legs trapping hers between them.
"Onna you are in a houseful of youkai do you think it is wise to test our control with a display like that?" He said as he leaned down and lightly drew his tongue along her collar bone. She shivered. His tongue was hot as he traced the line of collar of her dress and dipped into her cleavage just a little. He had pinned her hands above her head and she squirmed trying to move her hands. He shifted to holding her hands with one hand as he slowly dragged his free hand down the side of her face and cupped her throat before he leaned in and seized her lips with a hungry kiss that made her head swim. Before she lost herself he was gone.
Panting and out of breath Kagome opened her eyes and released a very impressive growl for a human. That was going to have to stop the next time one of the guys kissed her and ran they were going to find themselves bound and gagged and she was going to tease them mercilessly and leave them begging so they could feel her pain. She giggled evilly as she silently plotted her revenge.
"So dearest that was quite a performance. It made me quite jealous of your previous lover." Kurama stated as he leaned against the door frame of her bedroom door.
"Inuyasha?" Kagome asked curiously.
"Yes, love. Inuyasha, I envy him greatly." Kurama purred softly as he walked towards her.
"Why? It was a single night, it wasn't anything life shattering or anything. Maybe it could have been if we had been in love but we weren't."
#what is she saying? Inuyasha was nearly her mate. # Yoko said his eyes narrowing in confusion.
Kurama froze where he stood. "There is no point in denying your feelings now love. You told me you loved him."
"I did? That was stupid, I knew he loved Kikyo. We were best friends though. I had sex with him in the heat of a moment and we felt weird about it. There was no love there."
Yoko looked at her carefully through Kurama's eyes and frowned #this makes no sense Red. #
*I know Yoko, she is acting like she didn't care for him at all. What about the child?* Kurama replied mentally to the kitsune soul.
"Really? That's rather cold love. You are pregnant with his child did you forget?"
"No, I know it's his child but just because I wasn't in love with him doesn't mean I didn't love him as a friend. I mean he died protecting me so it isn't like I don't mourn him. I miss him and everything and I adore my baby already so the baby won't lack in love even if it was conceived in less than romantic means."
#something is wrong Red she's acting strangely. Remind her of what he implied about her cheating. If she is alright she will get angry. #
"Kagome I heard that he thought you had cheated on him- "
"Well- that's rich considering he was in love with another woman and called out her name instead of mine." Kagome said with a shrug.
"He what?" Kurama and Yoko said at the same time one vocal the other mental.
#what an amateur! Why one time I had a set of triplets and never got their names confused even in the moment of release. None of them had any idea I was the same male who had been their sisters lover. Or this one time I had fifteen lovers within one week and not one of them knew or even suspected-#
*Yoko! Can we focus on the moment at hand please? I would love to continue watching your exploits but Kagome is obviously not herself right now.*
#Kiss her. #
*I don't see how-*
#just do it Red! #
Stalking forward Kurama pulled Kagome off her bed and crushed her gently to him, she didn't protest and so he threaded his finger through her hair and grabbed a handful at the nape of her neck. Tilting her head to the angle he wanted he took her lips fiercely a little tug had her gasping and he plunged his tongue inside her mouth. She tasted of the cream and strawberries that she had eaten. Her taste was intoxicating and Kurama suddenly realized that in her taste was a hint of cinnamon and he burned. Jealousy practically scorched through his veins at the thought that Hiei had kissed her.
He kissed her more purposely as his hand left her hair and traveled down to cup a full breast. She hissed in surprise but as his hand left her breast and encountered the small swell of her belly he froze. What the hell was wrong with him?! He was practically seducing a pregnant woman who had- regardless of her feelings watched her lover die in her arms.
Inari! What in the seven hells had he been doing? More importantly why hadn't she stopped him? Surely the reminder of a lovers kiss had to have some emotional reaction. Kagome's eyes fluttered open and he nearly gasped at the color and heat in her gaze. Within him Yoko nodded.
#I don't know how she managed it but she's forgotten him completely or rather forgotten she loved him completely. In any other moment I'd tell you she was ours for the taking but at this moment I'd say that she would not be up to the experience.#
*I know that Yoko! She is pregnant and not thinking clearly. Perhaps we should strike a deal with Hiei for the time being as it seems he can't stay away from her. *
#Brilliant Red and while he thinks we are in agreement we-#
*Do nothing. This is an honor bound agreement. Until her pregnancy is over we won't touch her either.*
#Are you afraid to touch a pregnant woman Red? #
*No, but I won't put her in a situation that will cause her stress. She needs her energy to create the- pup.*
#wishing it was a kit, Red? I certainly hope you are joking. I have no intention to settle down for several hundred more years. Besides a mate and kits is over rated. No woman could ever fully captivate me and I've been looking for sixteen hundred years. And since it's no longer just you no human will ever accept us. #
*I have no intention of ever settling down Yoko. But if it were a kit she was carrying I would know what to do. I know nothing of Inu.*
Kagome stepped back and looked at Kurama in confusion. He had been kissing her with a passion to make her toes curl and then he just stopped with his hand on her belly. Kagome sensed faintly like they were not alone in the room and looked at him with her head tilted and squinted. Just around him she could faintly make out a misty shape of a tall silvery form with pointed silver ears crowning his head. He was taller than any youkai she had met aside from Sesshomaru, but he was only seven inches taller than Kurama not counting the ears.
"Kurama, there is someone behind you. He's misty and hard to see clearly but he is here."
Kurama spun quickly but there was nothing behind him. "Kagome dearest perhaps you should lie down"
"He's silver and has the same kind of ears as your fox form. Who is he Kurama?"
#She can see me!?# Yoko hissed.
*I suppose so what should I say?*
#nothing, let me out Red. I should meet her in person. #
*you will behave yourself?* Kurama asked hesitantly before he began to shift.
Kagome watched in shock as Kurama grew taller and leaner and ears migrated to the top of his head and turned her direction. His crimson hair paled till it was the shade of moonlight and his eyes changed to a brilliant citrine that made little shivers race up her spine. Through the change Kagome watched in awe realizing somehow that this being, was some part of Kurama.
Yoko watched her with expressionless eyes till she offered a small hesitant smile. Then he raised his elegant eyebrow and took a step closer. "You do not fear me, extraordinary," he stated simply.
"Why should I? You are somehow part of Kurama and I do not fear him. He is my friend as I hope you will be."
"You wish to be friends with a being like me? Pray tell me your reasons Miko."
"Do I have to have reasons? I like youkai isn't that enough? I have no reason to hate or mistrust anyone for their looks or how they were born."
"I believe you actually mean that. So if I placed my hands upon you would you cringe away from the deadly claws that could rend you in pieces or would you maintain your trust in me?"
"I don't believe you are the type of youkai who makes a practice of harming helpless pregnant women. Kurama would not have left me in your presence if he thought you were a danger to me and I am certain Hiei and Yuusuke would have come running when you came out if you were a threat."
"Smart girl, I'm going to cross this room, take you into my arms and make love to your mouth as I kiss you breathless. Then I am going to lay you upon your bed and continue ravishing your mouth while my hands caress and tease your sensitive flesh and discover your secrets. When I am finished teasing you with my hands I will do the same with my lips and tongue till you cry out my name in utter bliss. Do you still think I am no threat? I could have you begging me for completion in moments and you would never know what hit you."
Yoko took another step towards her, waiting for her to scream for help. But she watched him silently. Her eyes were dark with desire and something else that seemed to hold him back. He could feel Kurama's displeasure at his words and eyed her thoughtfully. Her hair was tousled and her lips swollen, she looked utterly delicious. Yet he could not take another step towards her. #her heart is gone, Red. #
*What do you mean? How is she alive without a heart?*
#I have no idea but look at her eyes through mine. See the emptiness there? Her heart, soul is not there. It's like it's been stripped from her entirely. Get the Jaganshi and the detective. Don't argue Red. #
*Hiei! Get Yuusuke and get here in Kagome's room. Something has happened.*
^What's happened Kurama? Why is that bastard Yoko in Kagome's room? ^ Hiei asked tartly.
*I can't explain that and anyway it doesn't matter Kagome has done something that must be reversed now. Somehow she has no soul. We need you to find out why.*
^Shit! ^ Hiei said angrily as he grabbed Yuusuke's arm and jerked him to his feet. Quickly he told Yuusuke what Kurama had said and Yuusuke was gone. Across the television screen the words "Game over" flashed. Hiei shook his head and darted up the stairs after him.
Hiei didn't hesitate as he ripped the ward from his Jagan and it flared to wakefulness. Impatiently it sprang at the Miko eager to delve into her mind and ravish her thoughts, Hiei held it back. Kagome's mind was fragile and no place to wander. As his thoughts brushed hers she opened completely to him. Hiei froze. She had never opened herself like that to anyone. Cautiously he searched her memories of the morning and saw the kiss he'd given her and the thoughts that led up to her writing a letter.
"Where is the letter Kagome." Hiei asked as he hit a dead end. After the letter began there was nothing about its whereabouts at all. That letter was the key to this mess.
"Letter?" Kagome asked opening her eyes.
"Yes the letter you wrote to Inuyasha that made you wish to forget your love."
Kagome frowned at Hiei's demand. She could only recall writing something, not a letter. "Uh, I don't remember writing a letter. I wrote something but I don't think it was a letter and anyway why would a write a letter to Inuyasha?"
"Kagome open this chest right now." Kurama said quietly as he pointed at the sutra. "I believe you sealed something very important away inside and you need it back love."
Kurama was interrupted from speaking further as his doorbell rang. With a sigh and a frown he shifted back then turned to leave the room. "Do not cause a scene." He whispered under his breath before he vanished swiftly down the hall calling out, "Coming. Just a moment." Both Yusuke and Hiei cringed as they heard Kurama say. "Hello mother, this is a pleasant surprise."
Kagome who had heard nothing of the greeting or Kurama's instructions reached over and pulled the sutra off of the chest with a sigh. Her fingers shook and she looked frightened. Yuusuke dropped to his knees silently and wrapped her into his arms gentle and careful. As he pushed the lid of the chest open and retrieved a folded piece of paper. Without looking at the rest of the contents he tossed the letter to Hiei who opened it scanned it quickly and sighed.
"Kagome read this." He ordered quietly.
"My beloved Inuyasha,
Once again your cruel words have hurt me deeply but this time I will not have a chance to hear you say I am sorry. It hurts Inuyasha that you thought that for one instant I would be unfaithful to you. I swear that this is your baby. I don't know how it happened but I know that you know whether you want to admit it or not that you would have been able to smell any other males on me.
I hate the name Yuki. It's cold and frigid. Our child will not be. Whether male or female our child will never be as bitter and cruel as you grew up to be. How could you leave without saying good bye? We went through everything together both good times and bad. How could you think I would betray you like she did? I loved you Inuyasha. I sacrificed my family and my life in the future for you. I didn't do all of that for me. Did you ever love me? Did you ever even care?
I'm going to forget you. I'm going to forget that way you held me and kissed me that night. I'm going to forget how you cut my heart in two when you called out her name softly before you corrected yourself and said mine. I heard you. I know you were thinking of her as you took my innocence. I cried that night, remember, but then you asked me to marry you. I couldn't tell you no. I loved you so much I would give my heart to you a thousand times over.
I won't think of you again.
Good bye Inuyasha.
Kagome's eyes had long since filled with tears as her heart returned. Yuusuke glanced over her head at the splash of crimson and green on her dresser and scowled at the roses. Then he caught the eyes of his friend and gestured silently to the flowers. Hiei turned and frowned deeper before looking back at Kagome. Silently he shrugged at Yuusuke. Yuusuke tightened his arms around Kagome and met the crimson gaze of the hiyoukai. After a long moment Hiei nodded once and left.
Though the agreement had been made silently, it was no less binding than a verbal one. Silently Yuusuke had declared that he would protect Kagome even from Kurama if needs be. Hiei had agreed to the same. Both of them knew Kurama's ways and the heartache that always followed. Kagome had been hurt enough already. In that moment while holding Kagome as she cried Yuusuke decided something that he knew would possibly start an all out war with the kitsune, but He was going to fight for her. He had never wanted anyone in his life more than he wanted to shelter, protect and love the woman who was clinging to him as though her whole world had just crumbled. Absently he ran his fingers through the silk of her midnight hair and lightly kissed the top of her head.
Kagome stopped crying and looked up at Yuusuke. He gave her no chance to question his actions and he gave no chance for second thoughts as he leaned down and captured her lips in a tender kiss. It was light and soft but in it Yuusuke told her everything he could through the contact. He felt her surprise but he also felt her relax into his arms tilting her head back a little to encourage him. He might have seized the opportunity she gave him but he heard the sound of a light gasp and a growl. Already knowing what Kurama was seeing he lightened the pressure on her lips and drew back with a second kiss at her temple before he climbed to his feet and helped Kagome to hers.
"I need to go open my stand for lunch but I'll be by later for our visit to the arcade ok beautiful?" He asked as he lightly pushed her hair behind her ear. Silently she nodded and he left the room tossing a casual wave over his shoulder and a careless "see ya later Kurama." Kurama narrowed his eyes and followed Yuusuke.
Kagome felt like her heart would race right out of her chest. She had never been kissed with so much emotion before. Passion yes but never with such promise in the touch. Kurama's and Hiei's kisses invoked desire and heat but Yuusuke's kiss had been full of heart. That wasn't to say that Yuusuke's kiss had been passionless, no, on the contrary his had been the promise of everything, passion, love protection and himself. In that one moment he had given her his heart and she knew it. Now what was she to do? Hiei had done the same in his own way and Kagome was far from comfortable with the idea that she held the power to break the heart of any of her powerful new friends.
She felt a light breeze and felt the heat of his hands before Hiei embraced her. His lips were at her ear, but he did not speak aloud. ^Onna, I will not permit you suffer the pain you felt to seal away your heart. I will work to be sure you never feel that way again. Beware of the fox. He cares for you only as a puzzle he has yet to solve. Yuusuke is trustworthy.^
He drew a breath and closed his eyes as he let the lie roll off his mental tongue, ^I do not love you onna so you need feel no guilt in kissing Yuusuke. I desire you only. Next time you require comfort you can call on me. I will think nothing of whatever occurs or does not occur.^ Kagome moved to ask him what he meant but as soon as her head turned Hiei was gone.
Up in his room Hiei glared at the celing, he wanted to take it all back. He wanted to go down there wrap her up in his arms and love her.
