InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Light in the Dark ❯ What Do Girls Like? ( Chapter 10 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Hiei jumped from tree to tree thinking swiftly. He had about 6 hours until dawn came upon them. And even then he had to be sure to be at camp before that to get at least an hour’s worth of rest. He may be a youkai, but even he needed rest while dealing with all of them. Plus to be alert all of the time was a little taxing. He was only one male, and almost everyone around him was lacking in one way or another.
Yusuke was quick to action and loud. Hiei didn’t mind the quick to action, it was more along the lines of the loud. He usually gave their position away and made what could have been quick, long and unnecessary.
Kurama tolerated them to a point that annoyed him. He didn’t tell them what to do or how to do it unless it was crucial. It was quite sad for his brilliant mind really. To take all the abuse on his enhanced hearing. Plus the annoyance of Youko being bored and never shutting up.
As for Kuwabara… He liked the forbidden one’s sister. That in itself just demanded an automatic “I have to kill you” reaction. His sister was off limits to all buffoons; especially to ones who have a ridiculous ‘red pinky string of love’. Every time Hiei heard it gave him what humans called ‘heart burn’. All he had to do was cut him up and burn the pieces, then claim it was some other demon. He would have if it wasn’t for the fact that his sister seemed to be enjoying the kind attention the human gave her.
As for the others, he wasn’t quite sure yet. But he already knew it wouldn’t be very long until he tired of them. Well, all except for Kagome and her children. Kagome was something that he couldn’t yet fully describe, but he knew his soul was pulling in her direction whenever she looked him in the eye. At first he thought it had something to do with special powers that were trying to steal his soul. Then he looked in deeper into it and realized his soul wanted to be with its other half; a soul mate in other terms. Her kids would have to be loved one way or another. Kagome loved them, they were kitsune, and later would be as what humans called ‘step-father’ to them. Of course knowing how things would play out, he would adopt them and make them his and remedy that.
Hiei could already tell that if he were to try to get rid of them and replace them with his own, or even think about it, Kagome would kill him herself. He knew she was fiercely protective of her children, as every mother was. He would be a fool to think otherwise, even his own mother tried to protect him. True, she failed in a sense, but with how Yukina was raised, he knew she did the best she could. He had no ill will toward his mother for loving, he even had proof she loved him enough to cry their kind’s precious tears for him.
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It had been about 2 hours since he had left the camp. He knew where he was, and where he was going. Hiei was looking for a place he had been to only once. It was a special area where he buried all the tears he cried thinking they were a sign of weakness. He knew it was okay to take them, because he knew his own actions. He never came back, always avoiding the area so no one could connect him to it.
But here he was, a full grown youkai, going back to collect them all. It was one of the very few physical signs that he was part koorime. When he cried, his tears became gem stones. Of course since he was a male they were a different color than his sister’s and the rest of the koorime’s. His were a teal color, which he found odd.
There was a soft tap as his boot clad feet hit the soft packed dirt. The area was plain and simple, many trees and a small stream 100 meters away. There were patches of grass here and there, almost as though it was often traveled on. But from the smell of it, only animals and youkai had been in the area.
He wasted no time though in digging up the earth to reach what was his. 2 meters deep into the ground he found what he was looking for. In the dirt there was a stained cotton pouch lying innocently looking forgotten. Hiei picked it up and opened the pouch pouring a few of the teal colored gems into his hand.
Hiei looked at them for a few seconds before calling fire into his palm, slightly melting the gems. He took the melted pieces and molded them into a flower petal. The hybrid did this a few times before he had enough petals to make a rose. He took the remainder of the gems and melted them, molding them into a curved stem. He took all of the molded pieces and focused on putting them together without turning it into a butch job.
1 hour and 45 minutes later Hiei had finished his project and dipped it into a nearby steam so it could cool down. It had taken the forbidden child quite some time to his standards, but the result was beautiful. In his hand was a finely crafted teal rose, necklace. Hiei was hoped desperately that Kagome would accept it. He hoped that he would be able to give it to her during the next stop on their journey.
He then gently put it in his shirt under his cloak before placing all the dirt back where it once was. Checking that everything looked as it had before he left, Hiei took back to the tree branches and headed back towards camp. With every step his stomach attained more butterflies and a very light blush snuck onto his face.
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He arrived back at camp in the same amount of time it took him to get to his destination. The tap of his feet made 2 pairs of ears twitch in his direction. He silently slid back into his sitting-sleeping position and looked down at the woman he was going to ask to court. He smiled softly to himself and closed his eyes allowing himself a light rest.
Hours later when the sun peeked from the east allowing small bits of light to filter through the sky, Hiei opened his eyes and noticed that the woman he was so fond of was not where he had last seen her. He didn’t panic though since her scent was still within the area. He turned his head slightly and saw her cooking for everyone. It seemed as though she had packed rice into her over-sized bag and from the smell of it, some seasonings to go with it.
Hiei soon felt the butterflies return to his stomach when she looked up and smiled at him. Of course Hiei just nodded, not wanting to ruin the peace that was in the camp for the time being.
After the food was made, Kagome gently woke every one up from their slumber and handed them a bowl of rice and some chopsticks. Every one accepted with minor problems, happy that food was brought to them. There were soft murmurings, and it was plainly obvious that most of those were still half asleep. The miko looked up and held a bowl of rice for the forbidden child that had captured her heart and didn’t even know it. It made her smile wider when he came down and accepted the food with a slight bow of his head.
He softly brushed his fingers against hers while grabbing the bowl and leaned in close.
“I would like to speak with you later.”
With that said, he jumped back up in his chosen tree. Kagome’s face held some color and her heart was beating rather fast. All she could do was nod, even though she knew he wasn’t in front of her anymore.
After breakfast every one gathered their belongings, helped clean up, and began walking once more. It wasn’t an awkward silence being that everyone was still tired, not long though the group was as lively as ever. Even Shen was chattering away about things that children do. Kagome was enjoying herself, holding Shen’s hand while Shippo was on her shoulder, listening and conversing with her children. Her aura showed of someone who was content, and her eyes shone brightly like everyone had seen in the pictures. Shippo’s aura however was still laced with grief and sadness, but also had a tinge of hope in there. It wasn’t bad enough that everyone was feeling it, but Kagome knew her first kit.
She hoped that talking with her and Shen would lessen that and help him get over their friends’ deaths. Slowly it was working, but she, as did everyone else, knew that it would take time. She wouldn’t fight that, she herself had more than time to grieve and accept it with a light heart while he did not.
The day went by with minor problems, a few lower youkai that were easily taken care of by an enthusiastic Yusuke. That had left him in a bright mood for the next few hours as they continued to walk. By noon they stopped for a lunch break, which was quickly prepared by Kagome and passed out with the help of Arashi and her kits. They all ate; light conversation went all around and left a smile on nearly everyone’s face.
When Kagome was finished with her meal she looked over at Hiei. She had felt his gaze on her throughout the whole day; it made her shiver with sinful delight. She watched him land gracefully on the ground and began walking in some direction; she quickly rose and followed him. She looked over her shoulder and sent a smile to her new comrades to make them at ease.
When she caught up with him she realized that she was alone with him. A blush crept upon her face and burned brightly. Hiei noticed this and a light blush also crept on to his cheeks. When he was sure they were far enough that the others wouldn’t hear him he stopped and turned to face her. Kagome stood in place and looked at him, her hands playing with the hem of her shirt.
“You said you wanted to talk?” she asked quietly. Hiei nodded and looked at her softly.
“Kagome,” He reached into his shirt and pulled out the gift he made, “will you allow me to court you?” His eyes bore into hers watching her every move and reaction.
Her breath hitched into her throat and her hands rose to her heart. She knew what this meant; Midoriko had discussed this with her so she may have a better idea on what to go on when Shen was older. Shen already knew a few things, but she was still very young, at least in demon’s equivalent human years. So it they figured it would be best if Kagome knew what to do when the time came.
She looked at the gift he presented to her, then at Hiei himself. She didn’t trust her voice at the moment and nodded. She stepped closer to the hybrid and embraced him. Hiei slowly embraced her back and breathed in her calming scent. It all seemed so surreal to both of them. Neither had thought of ever having a mate. Hiei thought the moment would never occur in his life while Kagome never thought it could happen after Inuyasha.
Soon, though the hug ended, from Hiei’s end. He lifted the gift up so she could see that it was indeed a necklace, shorter than the one she wore to keep the shikon with her. Kagome smiled and nodded at the silent request. She turned around and lifted her hair up, allowing him to place the necklace on her neck. She felt his hands gently go over her skin and heard a small snap signaling that the piece of jewelry was on securely. When he let go, the rose gently fell just pass the hollow of her throat. It was light and small, not bothering her in the slightest.
Kagome looked down and touched it, admiring it and its beauty. She opened her mouth to thank him, but Hiei spoke before she did.
“It was made last night… from my tears. I buried them in a few years ago from this time period feeling that emotions were a weakness. I’ve seen how strong emotions can make beings… I’m… glad I’ve grown feelings for you.”
His words were barely above a whisper, but Kagome had heard him perfectly. Her hand left the rose and went to his face. She held it there and pulled her face close to his and let her lips softly touch his. Hiei allowed this and kissed back just as softly, feeling that if he did anything more it may break her.
“Thank you, Hiei. I love it.”
Her face glowed brightly and she let her hand fall only to grab his and lead them back to the others. Hiei allowed this and smiled softly following his intended.
Kagome walked slowly, feeling the warmth of his hand warm her whole body. She was very happy that Hiei had asked to court her, and her emotions were on a big display in her aura and her face. She only hoped that nothing bad would happen to him on this journey that was her mission, and now his.
When they arrived back to regroup with the others, they all congratulated them. Even Kuwabara was happy for them, feeling the amount of joy in Kagome’s aura. Shippo and Shen ran circles around their feet while Kurama and Arashi smiled from where they were sitting. Arashi was a little upset that she wouldn’t be able to put her and Kurama’s plans into action, but was still happy all the same. The Shikon Miko’s aura was bright and calming to everyone in the vicinity; even the plants around them seemed to be a little greener than it had been when she left.
Once again they packed and began moving, a blush stained on the miko’s face. They were heading west, an area that she had not bothered trying to find the shikon shards in. She knew that it was Sesshomaru’s lands, and because of the bad blood between him and Inuyasha it wasn’t even an option to travel there. But things were different now, and hopefully Sesshomaru wouldn’t be so brash about things, if he was there.
She knew that he was also in search of the foul hanyou named Naraku, but was still a taiyoukai with duties. She wouldn’t put it up pass him to have found a near perfect balance between the two. Still she had a slight bad feeling in her stomach as they continued to their path to into the west.
By nightfall they had set up camp near a hot spring. Everyone, especially Kagome was happy about this. Walking all day made her sweat, and she was happy about any kind of body of water to wash the dirt away.
It was obvious that the females had the hot spring first. Arashi declined though, since she had washed yesterday and didn’t really do anything today. Kagome nodded in understanding, Sango would also do this when she was alive. But it was also because youkai didn’t sweat as easily as humans that they were cleaner than humans. Still, she gathered her two kits, washing materials, and made her way to the hot spring. After they were all undressed and in the water, they splashed around a bit. Laughter was heard all around from the trio in the springs.
Soon however there was a slight rustling heard from the side. They all looked over and saw a little girl emerge with her own bathing supplies. She was looking down humming and skipping, oblivious to those around her. Kagome looked at her and stared, trying to figure out who it was. She seemed familiar, but she couldn’t figure it out.
It wasn’t until the girl lifted her head up, and her little pony tail stood up that Kagome recognized her. It was Rin, Sesshomaru’s young human ward. She knew that Rin was no threat to her or her kin, but she knew that with her here that must mean that Sesshomaru must be as well.
Rin’s eyes widened when she noticed that there were others in the spring.
“Kagome-chan! Shippo-kun!” At least Rin recognized the two she had met before.
Kagome nodded and smiled at the young girl.
“Hi Rin, would you like to bathe with us? We wouldn’t mind the extra company.” Kagome said assuring the young girl.
Rin just smiled and nodded her thanks before undressed and getting into the spring herself.
Again there was soft rustling, but Rin didn’t look unnerved by it. Within moments Sesshomaru himself stepped into the clearing and looked at the occupants of the water.
“Sesshomaru,” Kagome whispered to no one in particular.
The taiyoukai sent a cold glare to the female who spoke his name.
“Miko, what are you doing in my lands?” Sesshomaru said coldly.
End Chapter