InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Kisses: Mistletoe or No ❯ The Greatest Gift ( Chapter 2 )

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

DISCLAIMER: "InuYasha" and "Yu Yu Hakusho" still belong to Takahashi-san and Togashi-san. But, since I sent them Bourbon Chocolates for Christmas, I'm sure they're sending me Hiei and Kagome. I can't wait to check my mail tomorrow!


At the first pulse of ancient power from the old well-house, Hiei leaped down from his perch in the Goshinboku and made his way rapidly through the courtyard of the Higure Shrine. He had almost given up hope that Kagome would return tonight.

When the door opened, and Inuyasha stepped out into the moonlight with Kagome in his arms, and the strong metallic tang of copper filled the air, the hiyoukai’s heart froze.

"I knew you'd be here, you three-eyed runt," the hanyou grunted. "Don't worry, she'll be all right. She's a little banged up and has some cuts, but nothing too serious. She did hit her head, though, so it may be a while before she wakes up."

The smell of blood was getting stronger. "You didn't fare as well, I take it," Hiei said.

Inuyasha grinned. "No, but I did what I had to do. Naraku is dead. She doesn't have to go back anymore. And she doesn't have to guard that damn jewel, either. It's gone."

Hiei's gaze sharpened and he asked, "What happened to it?"

"She managed to grab it and purify it during the fight, and she tossed it to me before Naraku threw her into a tree and knocked her out. After I killed the bastard, I made a wish and it disappeared."

Seeing the blood now starting to pool at Inuyasha's feet, the hiyoukai freed the Jagan to examine Kagome more carefully, but her aura seemed strong. The hanyou's, however, was rapidly weakening. "I'll call Botan and we'll take you into the Reikai. They have healers ..."

"No. No time for that. But I won't die until I say what I have to say." His vision was blurring slightly, so he shifted the girl in his arms so he could see her face more clearly. "I didn't like you, Hiei. Keh, that's no secret. And when Kagome first told me about you, I hated her, too. I didn't understand. I thought she was deserting me, -- that her love for me had been a lie. But it wasn't."

He sighed heavily. "When Kagome loves someone, she loves them completely, and forever. She loved me enough to let go. She’s ... a helluva lot stronger than me when it comes to matters of the heart. She knew how difficult it was for me when Kikyou returned. I had already grown to love Kagome, but my love for Kikyou hadn't died just because she had. I hurt her a lot when Kikyou was around, and when she died again, well, I just couldn't get over it. So, she let go so I wouldn't have to keep feeling like my heart was split. And after a while, she met you.

It ... took me a long time to be able to accept that. But no matter how mean or stupid I acted, she wouldn't leave me. Oh, she might stomp off in a huff, but her love, and her friendship, were always with me. I couldn't escape them if I tried. And I finally understood that her love is stronger and truer than anything I had known before, and that her heart is big enough to love you without shutting me out. She loved me, and believed in me, and taught me to like myself, just the way I am. She gave me ... everything." He took a halting step forward. "And now, even though I still think you’re an arrogant little shit, and you don’t deserve her any more than I did, I'm giving you ... everything."

Lowering his head, he kissed her tenderly and whispered, "Be happy, Kagome," before handing her to Hiei. "You'd better take care of her."

"I will," he told him solemnly. "Are you sure you don't want me to take you into the Reikai. Maybe they could still heal you."

Inuyasha laughed. "I'll be going there my own way. Kikyou is waiting for me. She's been waiting a long time." He stepped back.

"What did you wish?"

The hanyou grinned again, his fangs glinting white. "I wished for Kagome's lifespan to match yours. She's really yours forever." He stared at the Goshinboku for a minute and then looked up into the night sky at the single star that was clearly visible and shining twice as brightly as any other. "She wanted to be here with you tonight. She said it's a special night for human couples in this time. You're supposed to spend it with the one you love. Christmas Eve, I think she called it. I'm glad I made it here in time." His body started fading away. "I never ... I never told her. I couldn’t say the words. Will you tell her that I ... love her, too?"

Hiei nodded and hugged her to him, closing his eyes momentarily as he breathed in her scent and nuzzled in her hair, relieved to have her safe and home. When he opened his eyes, he dipped his head in a slight bow to the vanishing figure while still holding tightly to the girl in his arms. "Arigatou, for ... everything."