Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Bane of Existence/Love of A Lifetime ❯ Chapter Twelve ( Chapter 12 )

Kagome sighed heavily as she tried shifting all the bags in her hands to alleviate the stress on her fingers. She could already bet there were numerous lines across the palms of her hands from the constant weight. To top that off, she was now standing at the bottom of the long - extremely long today - stairway that led to her house. Kami but life sucked sometimes. A low, throaty chuckle sounded behind her and she turned her scowl from the stairs to the raven-haired detective at her back.

 

“And just what is so funny? Times like these make me abhor stairs, even with all the constant walking I do.” She tried to sound angry, really she did, but her effort was in vain as the words came out sounding much more like a whine then anything remotely threatening. Her eyes widened when Yusuke smiled brightly at her. Who knew a smile could make him look even hotter then he had before?

 

The detective couldn't help but laugh at her. The young miko was glaring pointedly at the steps that led to the shrine and cursing softly under her breath while readjusting all her bags. He only had his one backpack slung across his shoulder. While he wasn't sure how long they would be gone, Kagome had told him to only worry about packing an extra change of clothes or two, pajamas if he wore them and toiletries. Apparently, she had everything else covered.

 

He smiled at her and stepped closer to her, taking a few of the heavier bags from her hands. His smile soon turned into a grin and Kagome became wary. Why was he looking at her like that? “Yusuke what,” And before she could even finish her question, she found herself nestled closely to the detective's hard - and very warm - chest while his strong arms were wrapped around her shoulders and knees. She easily slipped an arm around his neck and his grip tightened slightly before he whispered in her ear, “Hang on.”

 

In a second's time, he had taken three powerful jumps and landed on the shrine grounds, completely bypassing the stairs, much to Kagome's delight. As soon as her feet touched ground, she whirled around to face Yusuke, a smile of pure delight on her face. Without warning, she launched herself against the detective's chest and wrapped her arms around his neck. She sighed when his arms closed around her back and returned the gesture. Pulling away from his warmth slightly, she looked up into his warm coffee eyes.

 

“That was amazing Yusuke! I mean, I have ridden on Inuyasha's back before but it wasn't nearly that fun. You might just be my new mode of transportation in the past.” She said, happiness filling her voice and making her eyes twinkle. Suddenly, Kagome became aware of their close proximity and blushed lightly, but was unable to disentangle herself. She liked being held by him; he was strong and warm and made her feel safe, which was something she had been missing greatly.

 

It felt like forever that he had been waiting to see her smile like that and he found it even more beautiful a site than he had imagined in his mind. Her stormy cerulean eyes shimmered with joy and her soft, rosy lips quirked up in a smile. I wonder, he thought staring at her lush, perfect mouth, are her lips even half as soft and sweet as they look? Before he could think about an answer, he watched her eyelids flutter slightly, her long, sooty lashes fanning across her high cheekbones and he threw caution to the wind.

 

Try as she might, she couldn't turn from him nor did she really want to, if she thought about it. It was nice being held close to someone and at such close range she could feel the hard muscles of his neck and shoulders under her fingertips. Her eyes roamed his face, studying his strong features. Affectionate, chocolate eyes caught hers and her breathing slowed. Bright blue orbs traveled from down his face, stopping at his lips. What am I doing? Think Kagome! You both just got hurt badly and besides, he's youkai remember?!

 

All that seemed to not matter much to her now; her thoughts were only on him and how his lips would feel pressed against hers. She watched through half-lidded eyes as his face moved closer and his lips gently brushed hers before a shout of “Momma!” shattered the moment. Kagome and Yusuke sprung away from one another as if they had been burned. Kagome turned to Shippou who wasted no time in jumping into her arms and she took advantage of the situation and buried her wildly blushing face into his tail. A chuckle penetrated the mad beating of her heart and the rush of blood in her ears and she peeked through her son's soft tail.

 

Kurama was walking towards the trio, a slight smile across his lips. She quirked an eyebrow at him, “What are you chuckling at?” His smile widened and she took a quick glance at Yusuke and was both surprised and oddly pleased to note he had a small smattering of color across the bridge of his nose. A soft voice forced her attention back to the redhead. “I'm sorry. I tried to stop him but it seems that nothing else exists when you are around Kagome.”

 

The blush that she had finally gotten under control came back and she couldn't help but giggle into Shippou's cream colored tail. “It's okay Kurama. This attack from him was pretty mild, considering the way he used to pounce on me before he could travel with me. Every time I would make it back to the Feudal Era he would fly at me full speed ahead and usually crash into me with enough force to knock me over.”

 

This only made Kurama laugh more and he could actually picture such a thing happening. It was obvious to anyone with eyes that the two were close, maybe even closer than a normal mother and son. His thoughts turned inward momentarily at the stirring of Youko. I wouldn't mind pouncing on her myself, especially if she hugged me likes she hugs that kit.

 

Don't tell me the infamous Youko Kurama is jealous of a kit. I think that may be a new low for you Youko, even surpassing all your thieving.

 

An indignant snort from the silver kitsune was his answer before all went quiet in his mind once more. He turned his attention back to Kagome and Shippou. “Well, did your excursion go well? I see you have plenty of bags; do you always require so much to go back?” Really, he was curious as hell, curse his kitsune nature. He and Yusuke had been told to only worry about clothing and personal items and that she had the rest covered. Was the miko planning on brining along a sink as well?

 

That beautiful tint of pink was coloring her cheeks again and Kurama smiled. She is such a lovely creature.

 

Kagome studied the bags in her hands and Yusuke's before looking back at Kurama, losing herself in fields of emerald green. “Actually, there are only a lot of bags. There really isn't a whole lot in them and not all of it will be things we carry constantly. I have a habit of bringing things from this time back to my friends so as soon as we get there the load will be lightened considerably.”

 

Looking between Yusuke and Kurama, Kagome was happy to see their looks of understanding and nods of concurrence. Shifting Shippou to her shoulder - and laughing when he promptly burrowed into her hair - Kagome began walking back to her house, kitsune and toushin in tow.

 

Once inside, Kagome brought all her purchases to the living and sat on the floor, Shippou hopping off her shoulder to watch her. She pulled out a backpack, much the same as her yellow one only colored black, and began stuffing various items into it. She carefully folded two kimonos - leaving one out to wear - and three different fighting kimonos, followed closely by Shippou's coloring books and crayons, bandages and all her cooking supplies. Yusuke and Kurama soon joined them in the living room and sat on the couch.

 

Just as the last item was secured, Kagome looked up at her new traveling companions and smiled. “I'm going to go take a quick shower and change. Then we can leave if you two are ready.” They both nodded and she grabbed up her kimono and headed upstairs, the kit following closely behind her.

 

“So,” Kurama started, turning twinkling green eyes on his friend, “did we interrupt anything?”

 

Yusuke choked on the soda he had procured from the fridge and sputtered at the audacious kitsune, a light blush coloring his cheeks. “Damnit fox! Don't do that shit when I'm drinking. You trying to drown me?”

 

The kitsune avatar merely chuckled at the indignant expression on the detective's face that contrasted visibly with the darkening color on his cheekbones. He almost felt jealous that Yusuke had already become so close to the young miko and nearly regretted sending the two off together. However, his friend's eyes now glowed with happiness and inner warmth he hadn't seen him possess in all the years they had known one another. He had conceded in his mind already that he would stand on the sidelines as much as possible in order to give Yusuke time with Kagome. He wanted her badly but wasn't about to halt the progressive healing of his friend's soul.

 

He could only pray that Kagome would indeed be able to love them both.

 

The detective was somehow aware of the fact that Kagome had the exact same impact on the avatar as she did on him and he felt a little lighter at heart. Both he and Kurama needed this…needed her. They had only known the young miko a full day and already she had lessened the burdens on their hearts. Yes, he had all intentions of kissing her properly earlier and even though it hadn't happened, he was thrilled that she hadn't rejected his touch.

 

As he was about to open conversation with Kurama, his communicator went off and he swore, tearing the things from his pocket and angrily snapping it open. He had been expecting to see Botan and the site of the Reikai prince actually fueled his fury. Damned if the toddler didn't have the worst timing! Couldn't the baby have waited to try and contact them until after they were gone?

 

“What the hell do you want, toddler?” Yusuke growled and glowered at the figure of his boss. He was in his teenage form today and all though he was more intimidating than in his childlike form, it didn't cool his anger.

 

“I am not a toddler, Yusuke!” Koenma blurted, already angry at the leader of his Spirit Detectives. “I see Kurama is with you, good. Where are you? Botan has checked all your usual haunts and came up empty handed.”

 

Yusuke and Kurama traded questioning glances briefly. They didn't know. They knew where they were all right, but had no idea as to the name of the place. They thought it to be a gift in disguise until a cheery voice from behind them chimed the answer.

 

Shippou walked in to the living room, already clean and dressed to go, when he heard his two new friends talking with someone. He heard the question asked and answered for them when they hesitated. “You're at Sunset Shrine. You guys didn't know the name?”

 

Both watched stunned as Shippou came closer to them and peered over their shoulders. “Who are you talking to? I don't see anyone.”

 

The detectives turned startled eyes on Shippou and then back to the communicator. It was blank and dark.

 

Shit.

 

Before either of the two could answer, a portal opened in the middle of the doorway between the kitchen and the living room and Koenma stepped out. He looked around briefly before his gaze settled on his detectives and the kitsune kit that huddled behind them. Well, it seems as though they are getting along fine. I must say it is a surprise they are here but maybe they won't argue over this mission. Now,

 

“What are you doing here?” He asked, his voice light and non-demanding, as he closed the space between his now standing employees. He watched the kit immediately jump from behind the two older boys to stand in front of him, his bright green eyes flashing dangerously before he darted up the stairs. He'd be damned if some stranger was just going to appear in his momma's house.

 

Yusuke glowered at the junior ruler. “What the fuck Koenma? Why are you here and why did you have to scare the kid?” Damn but the brat had bad timing. He wanted nothing more than to grab Kagome and forsake everything else. He just knew Koenma was about to drop another mission on their heads and he wasn't having it.

 

Koenma sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose between a forefinger and thumb. “Yusuke, you have a mission that-”

 

“Fuck that Koenma. I am not going on some damned mission right now. The fox and I have something we need to do for awhile. It's important and we aren't backing out of it.” The toushin growled, his hands already clenching into fists at his side. He calmed only minutely when he felt Kurama stand next to him.

 

Steadying his gaze on the kami that held his fate in his hands, Kurama spoke. “I'm afraid he's right Lord Koenma. While I have never been one to disobey your orders, I have to this time. There is something essentially important we have to accomplish.”

 

Koenma already had a good guess of what they were speaking of and thought he would enjoy Yusuke's reaction the mission in question. He hadn't really expected the young leader to become quite so volatile. “This mission-” He started again only to be once more cut off by Yusuke's loud voice.

 

“Damnit Koenma! I know you aren't stupid. Why can't you just let us be for once? Don't trust us demons on our own?” He was ranting he knew and he definitely knew that Koenma trusted the both of them implicitly. His last facing off with Sensui was testament to that. He was angry though. Pissed off really, that he and Kurama had just convinced Kagome to allow them to travel with her and here was his boss trying to throw a mission at them.

 

“Yusuke.”

 

The house went quiet and the three turned towards to the stairs to see the most beautiful sight ever. Kagome stood before them dressed in a traditional kimono. The inner layer was a dark, midnight blue and the outer kimono was a beautiful shade of blue grey. A shimmering silver obi embraced her middle and her hair was pulled back from her face, leaving small wisps of ebony to tenderly caress her cheeks and neck.

 

Kagome had just finished wrapping herself up in her newest kimono when she heard Yusuke's voice rise in anger and felt severe distress coming from both he and Kurama. Taking one last look in the mirror, she headed down the stairs, Shippou perched on her shoulder once more and growling lightly. Once at the bottom, she realized all three were too engrossed in their argument to notice her presence. Yusuke was growling at someone who had his back to her about not going on a mission and Kagome assumed it was either their boss or one of his underlings. She spoke Yusuke's name softly and was pleased when their quarreling ceased and they turned to regard her.

 

Quietly, she walked up to the three as she absently ran her fingers through her son's tail to calm him. As soon as she was within reaching distance of the males, she felt tension - strong and thick - slide over her skin. Walking behind her two new friends, she placed a gentle hand on their shoulders and let her ki slowly seep out of her hands. When she felt they were calm enough, she removed her touch and stepped in front of them.

 

Pinning Yusuke and Kurama with bright blue orbs, Kagome spoke her voice soft but firm. “I told you both that I wouldn't let your desire to come with me hinder your lives here. I know that you would like to travel with me, for whatever reason, but I won't let you damage your lives for such a thing. I will come back in time to visit and I can see you then. Or maybe what your boss has planned would be short enough that I could wait another couple of days for you, if you insist.”

 

Damnit all. I didn't want this to happen. That is why I tried telling them not to come. I won't have more lives carelessly ruined because of me. Kagome thought as she pulled her lower lip into her mouth, worrying it with her teeth and casting her eyes downward. It isn't fair.

 

She tilted her head up and her glance settled on the newcomer. Turning her body to face him and raising her head back to its normal position she smiled at him and held out a hand. “I'm Kagome Higurashi and you are?”

 

Koenma could only blink as he watched one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen walk right up to two extremely dangerous demons and calm them by touch alone. When she turned her brilliant azure orbs to his and stated her name, his train of thought derailed momentarily. He looked from her face to the offered hand and back before slipping the soft digits into his own and bringing them to his lips and pressing a gentle kiss to the knuckles.

 

Following this up, he bowed before her and spoke in a quiet, reverent tone that had Yusuke and Kurama gaping like fish out of water. “It is an honor to meet you, High Priestess Kagome. I am Koenma, Prince of Reikai. I assure you that their mission is one to benefit you all. I was going to assign them to you as bodyguards for your travels to the Warring States era for as long as it takes for your quest to be completed.”

 

All was quiet for a second, everyone being far too dumbfounded by the events to even consider something to say. Kagome was the first to recover as she pulled on Koenma's hand, bringing him from his kneeled position. A frown marred her smooth face when he kept his head bowed to her. Placing a warm, soft hand on his cheek, she raised his eyes to hers. “Lord Koenma, please do not bow to me. I am of no nobility and am not even a very good miko. Certainly you have me confused with another.”

 

His honeyed eyes widened at her proclamation and his heart twisted at the look of complete sadness and utter defeat in her eyes. He placed a hand over hers against his cheek and smiled softly. “Lady Kagome, do you not realize who you are and how important your life is? You are the miko of legend; the direct descendant of Midoriko and the reincarnation of her mother, Hana.”