InuYasha Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ Seductive Embrace ❯ Chapter 8 ( Chapter 8 )

 

Finally another chapter! This one came easier then the last, so I hope everyone enjoys. One thing, though. I just wanted to mention this so as not to confuse anyone. When I use the name `Kurama', I am typically using it as reference to their physical body, unless one of their friends is addressing him.

 

Again I would like to thank everyone for their reviews and support. I really enjoy getting feedback from my readers, so if you have any comments, please let me know!

 

 

 

 

 

As the front gate that lead to Sesshoumaru's estate drew closer, Kouga slowed his pace considerably, looking behind him time and time again in the hopes of catching a glimpse of his delayed comrade. He had been certain that Shippo would have met up with him by now, knowing how important this meeting was. He also knew that Lord Sesshoumaru would be angry concerning the kit's absence, and hoped that Shippo would make it before the Lord had realized that there was a delay.

 

Tossing the thoughts aside for the moment, he approached the tall gate that served as the entrance to Sesshoumaru's estate. Every hair on his body stood on end as he passed through the barrier that surrounded the property, shuddering as the foreign magic searched his body for any sign of recognition. Although he had passed through the force field more times than he could count, he would never get used to it. Shaking off the peculiar feeling, he quickly made his way up to the large manor, the doors opening for him in greeting. He stepped into the elegant foyer, immediately being greeted by a servant.

 

“The Lord had requested that he not be disturbed this evening. If you'll come this way, I'll show you to your room” the young maid informed him, bowing in respect.

 

“Ah, that's ok. But where are the runts?” he asked, grateful that he wouldn't have to see the Lord until the next day.

 

The servant smiled at his request. “You mean Lady Rin and Kirara? They should be in the gardens. Would you like me to take you there?” she asked politely.

 

“No thanks. I think I can find them on my own” he replied. The two parted ways, the maid towards the main house to tend to her duties and Kouga to the back of the manor.

 

He stepped outside once again, scanning the large, well kept gardens for any sign of the two females. His ears twitched as he caught the faint sound of giggling on the breeze, and as he followed it, he was lead out of the gardens into what opened up to a beautiful courtyard.

 

The objects of his search were sitting on a bench, the girl looking up into the blood red sky as her neko companion rested in her lap. The cat hopped off of her mistress's lap when she caught site of their visitor, rushing over to greet their friend.

 

When Rin finally noticed her company, she jumped up from her seat, running over to see the wolf youkai that had become an uncle to her. The neko reached him first, rubbing up against his legs in greeting. Once the girl had reached him, she engulfed him into a fierce hug. Kouga returned the greeting, pulling her away moments later to inspect the young woman he hadn't seen in a few years.

 

 

“You haven't changed a bit” he stated as he eyed her up and down.

 

With a goofy grin plastered across her face, she extended a finger to poke him in the chest. “And neither have you.”

 

Every one had been surprised but relieved when Rin had stopped aging once she had reached puberty. For many years they all had wondered what had caused such a miracle, but soon came to the conclusion that it must have been an unforeseen side effect from the Tenseiga. Kouga still couldn't remember who had been more relieved by the discovery, Shippo or Sesshoumaru, though he would most likely place his bet on Sesshoumaru.

 

After their greeting, the trio turned back towards the manor so that they could catch up on old times.

 

“So how are the cubs and Ayame fairing?” she asked as she lightly padded along.

 

“Good, despite the fact that Ayame was angry with me for not bringing her along.”

“I can see that. It must be torture being by herself with all the cubs.”

 

“Yeah. But she can handle it. Plus she has the whole tribe there to help her.”

 

“I suppose so” she replied with a giggle. “Where is Shippo? I thought that you were traveling together” she asked hopefully as her eyes darted back and forth expecting the kit to jump out at her at any given moment.

 

“Well, we were, but he had a little detour to attend to. He should be here shortly.”

 

“Oh” she replied sullenly. “I do hope he hurries. I really do miss him.”

 

Kouga merely nodded his head, knowing that the girl meant what she said. Her and Shippo had become the best of friends during her various stays with Sango and Miroku. In fact, it had been the kitsune that had introduced him to the strange girl, and the one to help her get over her fear of him. It had took a while, but she eventually got over the fact that it had been his wolves that had been the cause of her premature death, and now accepted him as if he was family. It also helped that she had a forgiving heart, one that reminded him so much of Kagome. Once Sango had passed away, it had only seemed natural for the youkai neko to stay with Rin. So that was how the miss-matched trio had been brought together, all in one way or another by the loving heart of a young miko named Kagome.

 

After the three had made it inside, they took to the dining room to resume their conversation over dinner. They continued to converse well into the night in the hopes of catching their delayed friend. As the time passed way beyond midnight, the weary companions parted ways to their own bed chambers, all hoping that their kitsune would arrive with the morning.

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

Kurama moved silently through the forest, the various plant forms moving to the side to allow him passage. While one member of their team followed up above using the numerous trees to his advantage, his other two companions strayed behind him, caught up in some conversation that held no interest for him. The only thing that he could think of was leaving this wild goose chase behind him.

 

Although he would always enjoy a nice romp in the forest, he did not, however, like being lead around in circles. They had searched the entire forest, first split up and then as a group, and still, nothing out of the ordinary. Kurama was starting to think that Hiei was correct with his statement earlier that Koenma needed to have his radar repaired.

 

The darkened sky slowly gave way to dawn as the four made their way to the secluded shrine that belonged to Genkai. That had been the only place that they hadn't checked, but knew that if Genkai knew of anything that would be a threat that she would notify them immediately. So as soon as the steps came into view, Kurama turned to his two friends that were behind him.

 

“Seeing that we have not found anything, I believe that I will be on my way” he explained.

 

“Yeah. Whatever” replied a weary Yusuke as he made his way up the steps.

 

`About damn time. Now we can go see her' replied Youko anxiously.

 

`Not until we go home and take a shower” Shuichi replied, disgusted by the thought of all the sweat and grime that covered their body and clothes due to their escapade.

 

`Nonsense. There are plenty of ponds in the area that would be more than suitable to bathe in. Now hurry up' he snorted, clearly annoyed by yet another delay.

 

Shuichi merely nodded his head. `Normally that would be sufficient, but I think we need a change of clothes' he pointed out.

 

Youko paused for a minute, thinking upon what his human counterpart had said. It was true that they should present themselves in a clean fashion.

 

`Fine. But make it fast, because if we miss her due to your dawdling I will personally make you regret it.'

 

`Do not worry yourself. It is barely dawn and is most likely still asleep.'

 

`Hmm. Good thinking. I can just imagine what she looks like curled up in her bed. I wonder if she would let us join her. I bet she is just adorable when she sleeps.'

 

`Youko' Shuichi drew out warningly. `You know that is not an option. Do I need to remind you that she is human, and we need to treat her delicately if we are to get anywhere.'

 

Kurama turned to leave as two of his three companions made their way up the steep staircase that lead to the to the temple above, still engrossed in the conversation with himself.

 

`I know that, baka. It's not like I want to jump into her bed and screw her brains out or anything. I just want to know what she looks like when she sleeps.'

 

Kurama halted in his steps, his human side completely taken aback for a moment by Youko's words. `What do you mean. You never want more than just a lover. You aren't seriously thinking of having a relationship…are you?'

 

Youko remained silent for a moment, considering what Shuichi was asking him. `It isn't beyond the realm of possibility.'

 

`But how? You hardly know anything about her. And she may never be able to know anything about us. How could you even entertain the thought?'

 

`Well, you're the one to talk. You are just as much attracted to her as I am.'

 

`That, I cannot deny. But I am uncertain as to how far we should take this.' Shuichi expressed as they continued walking.

 

`You worry too much. We'll take it as far as she allows us. There is something…different about her. Something that sets her apart from the rest, and I am determined to find that something out' he replied, the amount of sheer resolution in his voice causing Shuichi to shiver ever so slightly.

 

Choosing not to push the issue any further, they continued home. After a quick shower and a set of clean clothes, he made his way over to Keiko's, hoping that the girl that had sparked both of their interests would be there.

 

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

Kagome slowly roused from her drowsy state, searching through sleep bogged eyes for the red neon lights of her alarm clock. After a moment, the object of her search came into view, and after much squinting, shot out of her bed.

 

She quickly rubbed her eyes, again looking at the clock that sat upon her nightstand in disbelief. It was past ten in the morning. She knew that she had used a lot of energy the day before, but she didn't think she had been that tired. She hadn't slept in that late since before she could remember, her internal clock having been so used to Inuyasha's wake up at the butt crack of dawn regimen.

 

Shrugging her shoulders, she stretched her still asleep limbs above her head before getting up. She was in no real hurry since she had nothing planned for the day. If her cousin didn't need any help with the restaurant, she had considered sight seeing or something of the sort.

 

She left her room, and after using the bathroom, made her way downstairs so that she could eat breakfast. Although she had eaten before she had went to bed, she felt like she hadn't eaten in a week. As she made her way to the family's personal kitchen, she heard what sounded like Keiko talking with someone. Thinking that is was probably her uncle, she paid no mind to the fact that she was still in her nightclothes. They were family, after all.

 

Kagome stepped into the kitchen, and not wanting to interrupt their conversation, made her way over to the fridge to find something to fill her now growling stomach. Without even sparing a glance towards her cousin, she reached inside the fridge, and deciding that a piece of toast and a glass of milk would do nicely, grabbed the beverage from its shelf.

 

She was about to close the door when the clearing of a throat grabbed her attention. She turned to her cousin, who looked at her with an amused expression on her face. That was when Kagome realized exactly whom she had been talking to.

 

She visibly paled, dropping the carton of milk in her stupor, when her eyes locked with sparkling green. The milk went unnoticed until the cold liquid collided with her foot, causing her to jump slightly at the sensation. That was when she realized how ridiculous she must look, dressed in a pair of men's boxers and an over sized night shirt while her hair looked like it hadn't been combed in weeks.

 

Ignoring the red head that stared at her with an amused smirk gracing his lips, she quickly located a towel to clean up her mess. Once that was accomplished, she decided that she wasn't about to let that guy get her. She had nothing to be embarrassed about since she was decently covered. After throwing the rag in the sink, she fetched herself a glass of juice before taking a seat at the table that was still occupied by Keiko and her new friend.

 

The three sat in an uncomfortable silence while Kagome sipped on her juice, doing her best to not give her attention to the still smirking Kurama who sat next to her. After a few more awkward moments, Keiko was the first to break the silence.

 

“Well, I really should get back to work. It was nice talking to you Shuichi” Keiko said as she rose from her chair.

 

“Ah, did you need any help today?” Kagome asked, hoping that her cousin would give her an excuse to leave as well.

 

“Oh, no. You go have fun. Maybe Shuichi could take you out” she suggested, winking her eye.

 

“I would be more than happy to show Kagome around if she'll have me” he replied in a sweet voice, his gaze not once wavering.

 

Kagome shrugged her shoulders in defeat, knowing there was no way out of it. She turned her attention back towards the red head, smiling sweetly as she made eye contact with him.

 

“So, what did you have in mind?” she asked before finishing her juice.

 

 

~~~~~*~~~~~

 

 

`Do you really want to know?' Youko answered her from the safety of their mind.

 

`Will you stop that!' Shuichi scolded.

 

`I can't help it. She is just too adorable. I wonder if she looks like this every morning.'

 

Ignoring the kitsune's daydreaming, Shuichi refocused his attention to the girl in front of him.

 

“How about a walk? It's a nice day outside.”

 

Kagome thought over his offer, and finding it to her liking, accepted.

 

“That sounds great. Let me get dressed and then we'll be off” she replied before escaping to her room.

 

Kurama watched as Kagome left the kitchen. In a matter of minutes, she reappeared before them, dressed and ready to go. They left Keiko's house, and not taking any particular path, started walking.

 

After about five minutes of silence, Kurama was the first to break the silence. “So, tell me a little about yourself.”

 

“What do you want to know?” she asked, not certain exactly what he desired to know.

 

“Well, do you have any siblings?”

 

Simple enough. “I have a younger brother. We live with my mother and my grandfather” she replied. “How about you?”

 

“I have a younger brother as well, but only by marriage. He lives with my mother and my step-father.”

 

They continued to walk side by side down the busy sidewalk and Kurama was about to voice another question when a growling sound resonated through the air. Both paused, Kagome turning pink as she placed a hand on her stomach.

 

“I'm sorry! I forgot to eat something before we left” she exclaimed sheepishly.

 

Kurama's face lit up with a small smile as he scanned the many different shops that littered the street that they were on. When one in particular grabbed his attention, he reached down, grasping Kagome's hand in his as he led her across the street.

 

Kagome's blush darkened even more from the physical contact before she relaxed her hand in his. She quickly realized where they were headed, grateful that it was somewhere that she could sate her hunger. As soon as they entered the establishment, they were quickly seated in a booth across from one another and handed menus.

 

After placing their orders, Kurama went right back to the small talk, determined to get something out of her that would be useful to him.

 

“So, Kagome, what interests do you have?” he asked as he rested his chin on his folded hands, giving her his undivided attention.

 

Kagome thought on it for a moment. She really didn't know what to say, since she had never really had the time to take up any hobbies.

 

“Well, I guess history would be one thing, especially the Sengoku Jidai. I also like archery, camping, and anything that would have to do with the outdoors” she replied thoughtfully.

 

`She's even more perfect than I thought. She's beautiful and she enjoys the outdoors' Youko sighed.

 

`I agree. I find it intriguing that she likes history. Most humans detest that subject, especially that era.'

 

“What is it about history that interests you so much?”

 

“Mainly the legends and folk tales” she answered.

 

“Then tell me, which legend is your favorite.”

 

Kagome thought for a moment. Of course the legend of the Shikon no Tama was her most knowledgeable subject, but she still felt wary bringing up that subject in front of him since she still hadn't been able to identify his source of youki. Then again, she didn't have to go into great detail.

 

“It would probably be the legend of the Shikon no Tama” she replied.

 

If Youko had been the one in control, his ears would have perked up in response to her answer. He knew of the jewel very well, and had even once sought it. But after all the rumors of the curse that befell all of its owners had spread, he decided it wasn't worth his time. He may have been a thief and the jewel may have been powerful, but he wasn't stupid. But still, he hadn't heard anyone mutter a word about it since his occupancy in the Ningenkai.

 

`Ask her how she knows about it' Youko urged, bringing Shuichi out of his daze. He too knew about the artifact, though information on it was very rare. He himself only knew of it from what he had learned from Youko.

 

“If you don't mind me asking, how did you hear about it?”

 

“My grandfather told me the story a few years back and it kind of stuck with me” she replied, again not fully lying. Her grandfather had been the first one to ever mention the Shikon to her all those fateful years ago before she knew of her fate.

 

Before Kurama could ask any more questions a waiter approached the table with their food. Kagome, being as hungry as she was, dived into her food without so much as another word. He followed suit, knowing that they had plenty of time for answers. After they had finished eating, Kurama quickly paid the ticket, guiding Kagome back out into the busy sidewalk.

 

Once they had set a pace, Kurama returned his attention to their previous conversation.

 

“So, the legend of the Shikon is amazing indeed. How well do you know of it?”

 

Kagome internally winced when he brought the subject back up. After a quick moment of thinking and a silent thank you to Miroku for all the years of displaying how to do so, she decided that she would turn the conversation around so she could get an idea of where he stood on the subject. “I guess as much as the next person. How about you?”

 

Before he knew what he was doing, he began giving his account of the fabled artifact. “From what I've heard, it was said that the jewel would grant unsurpassable strength to its wielder and grant any wish set upon it. The only stipulation was that the jewel left nothing but chaos and destruction in its wake, especially after it was supposedly shattered.”

 

Kagome nodded her head in agreement. `If he only knew' she thought sadly, knowing first hand the effect it had on the people who encountered it. “That sounds pretty much like the story I heard” she replied with a smile, even if it was fake. That told her that he at least held some knowledge that wasn't very widespread, giving her more reasons to suspect his odd energy.

 

`I think she knows more then she's letting on' Youko speculated.

 

`How so?'

 

`Think. Why would a human girl have any interest in a supposed fable about a damned jewel, and one that existed many centuries ago.'

 

`True.'

 

`Ask her if she knows anything else' Youko urged.

 

`Like what?'

 

`Ask her if she knows how it was created. Not many, human or demon, know of its beginning.'

 

“I wonder how such a thing came into existence. Have you any idea?” he asked with unfeigned curiosity.

 

Kagome looked at him in surprise, having not expected the question. “Vaguely. I heard that it was created from the soul of a very powerful miko” she replied. “So, you haven't told me hardly anything about yourself. What sparks your interest?” she asked, hoping that she could redirect their conversation.

 

`You' Youko replied, eyeing the girl skeptically through their eyes.

 

Shuichi ignored the kitsune's remark, answering her question in turn. “I like gardening, along with martial arts.”

 

“That's an interesting combination” she replied with a laugh.

 

“I get that a lot.”

 

`She knows more then she's letting on' Youko interrupted.

 

`Why do you say that?'

 

`I just know. When I figure it out, I'll let you know' he answered before retreating to the back of their mind to ponder on the enigma that was Kagome.

 

They proceeded to walk down the street, coming to a small park that was nestled in the middle of the city. Kagome glanced around, a genuine smile playing across her lips as she watched several children off in the distance.

 

“They can be a handful” Kurama commented when he noticed how she looked at the children. “Do you plan on having children?”

 

“Haven't really thought about it” she replied, not wanting to tell him the real reason why she didn't think she would ever have one of her own. She had always wanted children of her own, especially after her experiences with Shippo. But she knew that with her resolution to not be involved in a serious relationship came the inevitability of never having children.

 

The sound of a ringing bell caught the couple's attention, and when they turned to investigate, Kagome's eyes lit up. A man stood inside a wooden booth, bell in hand, as what looked to be his daughter served customers ice cream. Kurama noticed the delight in her eyes, so for the second time that day, grasped her small hand in his and lead her to the booth.

 

Ice cream in hand, the pair found a bench to sit on. Kagome plopped down, reclining slightly as she lazily licked at her treat. Kurama could do nothing but stare as her tongue darted out every few seconds to taste her dessert, completely oblivious to what she was doing to her companion as she stared off into the cloud littered sky.

 

`What I would do to be that ice cream' Youko purred, enthralled himself, but more amused by his human counterpart's reaction.

 

He was so mesmerized by the innocent gesture that his own desert became neglected, calling itself to attention by plopping in his lap. Kurama leapt up with a yelp, Kagome nearly losing her ice cream as she sat up in surprise. Kagome immediately reached for the pile of napkins that they had been given, reaching forward to help him clean the mess off of his pants before it soaked in too much.

 

Kagome had managed to clean up the majority of the mess before she realized exactly what she was doing. The ice cream had landed right on his thigh, and she was dabbing the napkin in an almost compromising manner. She immediately stopped, a dark blush taking over her features as she quickly stuffed the rest of the napkins in his empty hand promptly returning to her seat, muttering a quiet `sorry'.

 

Kurama quickly finished the job, and when he had cleaned as much as he could, resumed his seat next to her.

 

“Don't worry about it. In fact, thank you for helping me. That was mighty clumsy of me.”

 

`Go get another ice cream and do it again, except drop it on our chest.'

 

`I highly doubt that she would fall for that.'

 

`You spoil everything' Youko pouted.

 

“I will admit that was kind of funny” she replied.

 

Kagome now felt bad that he didn't get to eat any ice cream, so she very shyly offered him her own, even if it was half eaten.

 

Kurama smiled at the gesture. “You don't have to do that. It was my own fault that I lost mine, I would feel bad taking yours.”

 

Kagome frowned a bit, until an idea popped in her head. With her blush returning, she gave him her next offer. “Would you want to share the rest with me?”

 

`Say yes baka' Youko urged.

 

“If you insist” he replied.

 

Kagome's smile returned to her once more. She lifted the cone up to Kurama, but instead of taking it, he simply took a bite, in essence allowing her to feed him. Kagome just smiled before taking a bite herself, again offering another bite to her friend.

 

`You really ought to lose food more often' Youko purred, enjoying the attention. He pushed himself forward a bit, startling Shuichi.

 

`What are you doing?'

 

`Don't worry. I'll behave.'

 

Before Shuichi could question the kitsune again, Kagome had extended her hand back up to him so he could take another bite. The only problem was there was hardly anything left of the cone to hold on to.

 

`Watch and learn.'

 

Youko immediately leaned forward, taking a bite. In the process, though, he managed to catch one of Kagome's small fingertips in his mouth. They watched as her eyes went wide as he slowly pulled back.

 

“Oh excuse me. I didn't mean to get you there” he explained with fake remorse.

 

Kagome eyed him curiously before erupting in laughter. “That's ok. I guess we're even from earlier.

 

`And I hope to uneven those odds very soon.' Youko replied.

 

 

As much as he hated to end their `date', Kurama knew that he would most likely need to meet up with the other detectives to discuss the previous night. He still thought that Koenma had made a mistake, but he was in no position to make that decision.

 

They reached Keiko's sooner then he had wanted. Although they had spent several hours together, he still wanted more. There was just something about the girl that called to every fiber of their beings.

 

“Well, I had a wonderful time, and I hope we can do this again” he said with a charming smile.

 

Kagome just smiled back. “I do too. I had a lot of fun.”

 

“It's settled then. We'll do this again tomorrow?” he asked, his eyes shining playfully.

 

Kagome didn't know what to say, having not meant that soon. “I guess. But I'll have to make sure Keiko doesn't have any plans made up.”

 

“Great. I'll give you a call in the morning” he replied, taking her hand in his, placing a chaste kiss on the soft skin.

 

Kagome's heart fluttered from the action, completely baffling herself. To her relief, he turned and left, leaving her to her own thoughts on the front step of her temporary home.