Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Future Girls ❯ Piece of Heaven ( Chapter 7 )

*~Future Girls~*

 

Disclaimer:

I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho!! Even though I wish I did!

 

*Youko*

~Hiei~

-Kurama-

`thoughts'

 

Chapter 7: Piece of Heaven

 

Kagome woke to the sound of loud purring and small paws brushing across her cheek. Opening her eyes with a yawn, she smiled up at Haru who was apparently trying to wake her up. He was probably hungry; she couldn't remember feeding him last night. Sitting up, she was confused when she saw a head of familiar red hair sleeping on the opposite side of her bed.

 

“Kurama?” she whispered before panicking. “Haru! Hide, Kurama can't see you!” she muttered to the neko as she pushed him off her bed and pointed toward the closet hastily. Getting out of bed as quietly as she could, she followed the neko into the closet and changed into a pair of shorts and a tight tee shirt before silently shuffling toward the kitchen.

 

“Yusuke too?” she murmured under her breath as she spotted the dark haired boy sleeping on her couch. `What are they doing here? I can't exactly remember what happened last night...'

 

Shrugging her shoulders, she continued on to the kitchen and began cooking a breakfast big enough for all three of them. Just as she was finishing, she heard Yusuke mumble something and fall off the couch. She tried her best to keep from laughing but once the boy appeared in her kitchen with a major case of bed head, she couldn't hold it in. She burst into laughter just as Kurama yawned and entered the kitchen as well. She quieted down when she saw him and turned back to the stove to finish their breakfast.

 

“That smells amazing.” Yusuke yawned as he stretched.

 

“It's banana and chocolate chip pancakes… they're the best.” Kurama stated.

 

Kagome was silent as she made them plates of food and placed it on the table for them. She was about to ask them what they were doing in her apartment in the first place when Hiei suddenly walked into the kitchen. “You better have made enough for me onna.” He said.

 

Kagome knew she wasn't in her demon form so what the hell was Hiei doing here?! Panicking and knowing that she wasn't supposed to know who Hiei was as Kagome, she grabbed the knife she was using to cut bacon and turned to Hiei in fear.

 

“Who are you and how did you get in my house?!” she yelled.

 

Hiei rolled his eyes and turned to look at her with a bored expression. “Stop acting like a fool and serve me food onna.”

 

Kagome wanted desperately to smack him over the head with her frying pan that was sitting on the stove within her reach. What was going on here? What the hell happened last night? Kurama sighed and turned apologetic eyes to her. Instinctively, she turned away from him. It still hurt to look into those beautiful green eyes after that night.

 

“Kagome… we know everything.” He said softly.

 

“Yea, did you forget about last night?” Yusuke asked, confused.

 

“What do you mean you know everything?” the miko asked wearily, purposely avoiding eye contact with Kurama and turning her gaze to Yusuke.

 

Yusuke rolled his eyes and brought his fingers to his lips and whistled sharply. “Haru!” he called.

 

Kagome's eyes widened as Haru came dashing into the kitchen and leapt up onto Yusuke's head with a mew. Yusuke grabbed a piece of his pancake and reached up to feed it to the neko with a grin. “Do you understand now?”

 

Kagome shook her head. “I'm even more confused… what happened last night?”

 

*Red, let me out. She'll be more comfortable with me there. It looks like she's still hurting from you breaking up with her* Youko said.

 

-It's your fault she hates me now…- he murmured sadly as he allowed Youko control of their body without any other complaints. Youko pushed forward and smirked at the shocked expression on Kagome's face. He winked at her and she turned beet red before getting frustrated.

 

“Youko?! What the hell is going on!?” Kagome panicked, staring at the silver kitsune in confusion. Wasn't Kurama sitting there just a second ago? There was no way that Kurama and Youko were the same person!

 

“Ok, I better get an explanation of what happened or there's going to be hell to pay.” She growled, glaring at all three people sitting at her dinning table.

 

“You don't scare me onna.” Hiei snorted.

 

She clenched her fists tight as she felt her purification pulse to life. She was slightly tempted to turn the damn bastard to dust. Yusuke panicked when he sensed her purification build and leapt out of his chair, accidentally throwing Haru from his comfortable perch on his head and rushed to Kagome's side. Draping an arm over her shoulders, he grinned tensely.

 

“Come on Kags. No need to purify anyone this morning.” he said anxiously.

 

“Then you better hurry up and start explaining or its going to be you that turns into a pile of dust here on my kitchen floor.” She threatened.

 

“Please calm down love, we'll explain everything since you don't seem to remember last night.” Youko assured, glared slightly at Yusuke who was standing much to close to his vixen.

 

“You were attacked by Hakudoshi last night. A group of demons were with him and attacked you after he left I guess but we got there just in time to save you.” Yusuke said.

 

Kagome's eyes widened as the events from the night before slowly flooded back into her mind. She and Hakudoshi were fighting… and he injured her pretty good on her stomach. After that he left, ordering his demons to finish her off. She remembered seeing the Spirit detectives get there and was so relieved that she accidentally lowered her guard. It didn't take long for a demon to knock her out.

 

“But… if you guys know, how did you find out? I was in my demon form when I was fighting Hakudoshi.” She said, confused further.

 

Hiei sighed in irritation, still waiting for him food. Kagome rolled her eyes and gave him her breakfast to satisfy the hybrid. After handing him the plate, she pulled herself onto the counter and sat there waiting for an explanation.

 

“You don't remember? Kags you were even talking to me and Kuwabara!” Yusuke said.

 

Kagome tried to think back but all she could remember was waking up and hearing Sango tell her she needed to heal before she passed out again. “I can't remember… I recall waking up last night and hearing Sango tell me I needed to heal myself but that's it.”

 

“That's when you were talking to us. You were saying your entire body was in pain so you couldn't locate exactly where your wounds were. Sango needed to put pressure on your wounds so you could heal.” Yusuke explained.

 

“You passed out shortly after healing your wounds.” Hiei added in briefly after he finished his meal.

 

“So… this doesn't explain how you guys found out I'm Demon Crystal.” Kagome said.

 

“Once you were knocked unconscious, you reverted back to your human form. Sango arrived shortly after.” Youko explained.

 

Kagome groaned and dropped her head into her hands. They had been doing so well at keeping their identities a secret and now it was all to waste. If she would have known that she would revert back to her human form if she were knocked unconscious, then she would have been far more careful. Well now that they knew it would probably be easier for them and there wouldn't be so much confusion and lies.

 

Speaking of confusion and lies… Kagome turned her gaze to Youko. “And what's your story?”

 

“Kurama and I share the same body. I was nearly killed years ago and in order to survive, I placed my soul within the body of an unborn child.” Youko explained.

 

“Two souls in one body, so… an avatar?” she asked slowly, staring at the kitsune in confusion. “But I heard that the secondary soul could not come forth and take on its original form…”

 

“Well apparently that is false seeing as I am able to reveal myself love.” Youko winked at her. Kagome blushed darkly and Yusuke rolled his eyes at his teammates attempt at flirting with the miko.

 

“Dude, do you have a death wish? She's a miko for cryin out loud.” Yusuke chuckled.

 

“That only excites things further.” Youko purred, causing Kagome to turn an even darker shade of red.

 

“Her scent is becoming an irritation. Leave the onna alone unless you want me to take her on the kitchen floor.” Hiei stated bluntly, not even bothering to turn and look at them.

 

Youko growled softly before his expression changed to his trademark smirk. “You wouldn't touch Kagome. Not while you have that fixation on Sango.”

 

Hiei snorted and stood from his seat. “Like I could find such a demanding, stubborn, and idiotic onna attractive in any way.” Was all he said before departing.

 

Kagome glared at all the men in her kitchen before pushing Yusuke's arm off her shoulders and leapt off the counter. With a `hmph' the miko proceeded to exit the kitchen as well. Yusuke was about to follow and question her attitude until Youko casually stood from his chair. The detective rolled his eyes as the kitsune followed Kagome and he decided it was about time he went back to his apartment for a nice shower.

 

Kagome glared at nothing in particular as she stormed toward her room, Haru following at her heels. Why were men such pigs? They were talking as if she wasn't even there! Or like they didn't care if she was there listening or not. She was slightly surprised at the thought of Hiei liking Sango but she didn't doubt it. They're both feisty and stubborn; maybe they'd be good for each other. Just as Kagome was about to reach for the doorknob to her room, someone grabbed her wrist and she suddenly found herself pressed up against the wall next to her door.

 

“Where do you think you're going love?” Youko purred, smirking down at her as he gradually wrapped his silky tail around her waist.

 

Kagome felt her body react to the closeness and she actually had to work at keeping her mind from wondering to how amazing his body felt pressed against hers so firmly. Pushing those thoughts from her mind wasn't hard once she began thinking of Kurama and the fact that Youko was practically Kurama… well they shared the same body so Kurama could most likely see and hear everything Youko could.

 

“I'm going to my room… and you're going to leave my apartment.” Kagome replied sharply. Kurama shook his head in regret as he felt his heart tear to pieces from her words.

 

“At least allow us to explain…” Youko sighed, stepping away from the miko so he didn't irritate her any further.

 

“There is nothing to explain.” Kagome said coldly as she turned and pushed her door open.

 

“He cares for you… let me rephrase; we care for you Kagome.” Youko said, trying to at least get her to listen.

 

“You like Demon Crystal Youko and as for Kurama… we merely work together now… and that's all.” She said before closing her door in his face. Youko sighed in defeat as Haru leapt up onto his shoulder and mewed softly.

 

-She has to at least know the truth…- Kurama murmured quietly.

 

*I agree, but for the moment I think it would be wise to leave her be so she can calm down.* Youko suggested, allowing Kurama to take control of their body once more.

 

Kurama stared at Kagome's closed door sadly. Sighing and shaking his head, the avatar scratched Haru's ears before heading toward the door. He placed the neko on the ground before exiting the miko's apartment and closing the door quietly and returning to his home across the hall.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

Kagome yawned tiredly as she followed Sango down the hall and to Aki's room. It was almost time for her to prove to Koenma that she was safe enough to be released and they were just going to make sure she was ready. Koenma had announced to them earlier that the Spirit Detectives would also be attending just in case of emergencies. The demi lord was quite confused and surprised that both Sango and Kagome showed up in Reikai in their human forms.

 

When he first spotted them, he wasn't sure who the two unfamiliar humans were until Sango clarified for him. She eventually had to explain to the prince the events of the night before and he was relieved that there were finally no more secrets among the detectives and jewels. Koenma was curious about Kagome's silence throughout the entire conversation and was preparing to question her when he caught the stern look from Sango.

 

Upon entering Aki's room, the black and purple nekos both leapt at Haru and Kirara in excitement. For the past few days, the two nameless nekos had been staying with Aki to keep her company. They didn't seem to complain and it was obvious all the nekos loved the quite fire girl. Almost everyone was just full of energy because this was the day Aki was going to prove that she was powerful enough to handle the outside world without harming anyone.

 

Kagome desperately wanted to be in a happy mood but ever since that morning and finding out the spirit detectives knew who they were… and her confrontation with Youko… she couldn't bring herself to even smile very much. She didn't want to ruin Aki's day so Kagome told Sango she was going to stand to the side out of everyone's way. The slayer insisted that Kagome just listen to what Kurama has to say but the miko was as stubborn as always.

 

Once they were inside Aki's room, Kagome slowly moved to sit against the far wall away from the front door and where everyone would most likely be gathering. Haru followed after her and sat in front of his mistress and stared up at her in silence. Kagome knew her adorable neko was staring at her but she refused to look down at him. She knew Haru was on their side and it only angered her further when she found that even Sango wasn't on her side.

 

Sango made her way to the glass prison that held Aki captive and smiled to the girl that was staring at her with her eyebrow raised. Sango rolled her eyes and briefly explained what happened the night before and that their identities were blown out of the water so there really wasn't any point in transforming every time they came to Reikai. Once that explanation was finished, Aki tilted her head in Kagome's direction with a questioning expression. Sango sighed and told the grey eyed girl it was a long story that could be explained at a later time.

 

“Are you sure you're ready for this Aki? “ Sango asked, smiling softly.

 

“Definitely, I've been waiting long enough to get out of here and we've all been working so hard.” She said, determined to be free of her prison.

 

The doors swung open and all three women turned to look toward the doorway to see Koenma, Botan, and the spirit detectives gathering into the large room. Kagome snorted and turned her attention to Aki when she saw Hiei, Yusuke, and Kurama all glance in her direction. Aki rolled her eyes at the miko and could easily see the desperate expression on the red head's face. He must be Kurama…. Or Youko? Wait, Sango explained that they shared the same body so they were kind of like the same person right?

 

Aki stared at the red head whose gaze was on Kagome. It was obvious that there was something going on… perhaps a misunderstanding. Kagome had told her Kurama broke up with her but the miko didn't seem too affected by it at the time… maybe it really did hurt her far more than she was letting on? Well Kurama sure as hell seemed to be in some major emotional pain. It looked like he wanted to run to her at any given moment and just start exploding with apologies or explanations.

 

“Aki, are you prepared to prove that you have enough control of your powers that it will be safe to allow you outside this box?” Koenma asked.

 

Aki nodded cheerfully. “Yes, most definitely.”

 

“And you do understand that even though you may be released, you will still be under probation and work for me correct?” He continued.

 

“Yes, I understand. Sango and Kagome have explained everything to me.” She smiled sweetly.

 

Koenma nodded and turned to Sango. “She will only be granted her release if she can prove to keep control of her flames while in an emotional state. There is only one way that I could think of to force her into such a state…” he explained, his gaze wondering toward Hiei.

 

Sango nodded. “We figured you would use Hiei to dig up some painful memories from her past. We informed her of this and she is prepared.”

 

Koenma nodded once more before turning to Hiei. The hybrid stood in boredom glaring at nothing in particular. Koenma asked him to begin and his gaze landed on the girl with dark purple hair. Without much effort, he entered her mind with his jagan and searched around for a few memories that could change her current emotional state. It was quite obvious when the hybrid hit a nerve because her entire body was suddenly engulfed in flames.

 

Tears began streaming down her cheeks as memories of her beloved mother rushed at her. Images of her father striking her before she completely lost control of her powers and burned down her entire home… the home she grew up in. The home that held all of her memories. She watched helplessly as her parents burned to death, nothing left of their bodies but black ass. Then she remembered the Reikai workers capturing her and bringing her here… looking at her in disgust as if she had purposefully killed her mother.

 

The spirit detectives had never seen anything like it… not with a human at least. She closed her eyes in concentration and clenched her small hands into fists as she worked on keeping control of her emotions as well as the raging flames around her. It only took her a few seconds to reform the flame into a large fireball that sat in the palm of her hand. She grinned, wiping away the tears that began falling from being reminded of her parents and their terrible deaths.

 

Koenma smiled and clapped softly. “I have to say that I am impressed. You will be a powerful and useful teammate to the spirit detectives.”

 

Aki stared at him with wide eyes. “So do you mean…”

 

“Yes, you are granted release.” Koenma grinned as he revealed a button from his pocket and pressed it. Everyone watched as the four glass walls disappeared into the ground and Aki stared in shocked confusion. She wasn't completely sure of what to do…

 

Sango laughed and ran at the girl, hugging her tightly. Aki was about to dash at Kagome but stopped in her tracks when she spotted Kurama slowly making his way toward her. Koenma must have seen it too because he was quickly pushing all of them out of the room. Aki prayed that Kagome didn't remain stubborn and at least heard the red head out.

 

Kagome sat against the wall with her arms crossed over her chest. She was happy that Aki was free now but she was still angry about that morning and a certain avatar. She was so distracted by her anger that she didn't even notice that everyone had left the room and Kurama was standing beside her. Once she did notice, she stood quickly and began walking toward the door.

 

“Kagome, please at least allow me to explain.” Kurama pleaded, running after her.

 

Kagome didn't even bother responding to the red head and continued walking. Haru suddenly leapt into her path and stared up at her, mewing softly. She rolled her eyes and was about to walk past the neko when he abruptly transformed and roared before leaping back in front of her. Haru now stood in her way, staring up at her with eyes that almost looked pleading.

 

“Haru please move.” Kagome muttered quietly. The large neko stood his ground and Kagome sighed. Sidestepping, she planned to walk around him when he suddenly pressed his nose against her back and captured quite a hefty chunk of her shirt between his fangs. Once he had a hold on her, he began dragging her back toward where Kurama was standing. No matter how she fought, the neko wouldn't let her go…

 

“Kagome, please just hear me out.” Kurama asked quietly, smiling his thanks to the neko.

 

“Why…” Kagome muttered, dropping her gaze to the ground so she didn't have to look at the avatar that had nearly broken her heart.

 

“Because you need to understand why I thought it was necessary to keep my distance from you and why that distance is no longer needed.” He said, gently taking hold of her chin and raising her eyes to his.

 

`Why is he doing this? Does he honestly want to put me in more pain that I'm already experiencing?' Kagome whined to herself. She tried to hold back her tears but she could feel her eyes beginning to water.

 

“Kagome… the only reason I broke things off with you is because I wanted you to be safe. I was unaware of your knowledge of demons or your ability to fight them. If I had known that, the mere thought of staying away from you would have made me laugh.” He began to explain.

 

Kagome stared up into his breathtaking green eyes in slight confusion and disbelief. Was he saying that if he knew about her traveling to the past and being Demon Crystal that all this pain and confusion wouldn't have arose?

 

“We believed you were a mere human and Youko made me realize how dangerous it was for you that I stayed near. Since I not only work for Reikai but I'm also the counterpart of Youko, I have many enemies… if anything happened to you…”

 

“So you didn't want to break up with me?” Kagome asked slowly.

 

“Gods no, being away from you was tearing me apart Kagome.” Kurama murmured as he abruptly pulled the miko into a tight hug. Not able to hold back her tears, she broke down into sobs and buried her face in the avatar's shirt. He held her close as she soaked his shirt with her tears and smiled over to Haru who was purring happily in his now smaller form.

 

Soon Kagome's cries turned to small giggles and Kurama began to worry. *Red… perhaps she's lost her mind?*

 

Kagome pulled back from the red head and wiped away her tears. “Sango and I were so worried about keeping our human identities a secret that we didn't realize it would have made everything easier if we would have merely told you guys.”

 

“But that was intelligent, you couldn't know if we were truly on your side or not.” Kurama reasoned.

 

“It only makes sense though. You guys work for Koenma, and Reikai's job is to keep order and equality between the human and demon realms. The Forbidden Jewels are supposed to protect the human realm as well as the Shikon No Tama so technically we are both on the same side.” Kagome stated.

 

Kurama nodded, smiling down at her. “You do have a point, but don't bother wasting your time mulling over it.”

 

Kagome blushed as she averted her gaze away from those perfect forest green eyes. She felt Kurama pull her closer against his and her surprised eyes ventured back to the avatars only to see they were no longer green but golden.

 

She stared at him in boredom. “Youko, you can let go of me now.”

 

“Only if you've forgiven us.” He purred.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. “If I hadn't forgiven you, would I still be standing here?”

 

“Could be because I haven't let go of you yet. How do I know that once you're free, you won't run away?” Youko questioned.

 

“Give control back to Kurama and I'll prove that I've forgiven you both.” Kagome reasoned and smirked as his golden orbs chance back to green. Before he could say anything, Kagome pressed her lips softly against his for a brief moment. Just long enough to surprise him enough so that he didn't even notice her slip out of his embrace.

 

*I would definitely say she's forgiven us.* Youko muttered.

 

-I would agree…-

 

Kagome rolled her eyes and laughed softly as she turned and lifted Haru into her arms and hugged him tightly. “You always know what's best for me Haru. Thank you for watching out for me.” She smiled and kissed his head. He mewed and nuzzled her cheek lovingly before leaping out of her arms and bounding up onto Kurama's shoulder. Smiling at both her neko and the avatar, she grabbed Kurama's hand and pulled him toward Koenma's office with her. She was sure that's where everyone had ventured off to and now that she was in a brighter mood, she couldn't wait to congratulate Aki.

 

When they finally reached the demi god's office, Kagome pushed the large double doors open and grinned toward the group that was now staring at her with wide startled eyes. Guess no one was expecting her to make such a loud entrance. When the miko spotted Aki, she rushed to the grey eyed girl's side and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

 

“Oh, it's so great to be able to hug you!” Kagome laughed.

 

“This is all because of you and Sango. Thank you so much Kagome, I couldn't have done it without you guys.” Aki smiled happily.

 

“Back to business! We were discussing where Aki will be living for the time being until we are able to find decent apartment for her.” Koenma interrupted their moment of joy and Kagome felt slightly irritated. She brushed it off for the moment though and announced that Aki was welcome to live with either her or Sango for as long as she needed.

 

“Alright, you two can figure out the details. Aki will be receiving the pay that the rest of the Detectives get, so she will be capable of providing herself with food and clothing without trouble.” Koenma informed.

 

“Perfect, so you can stay at my apartment for tonight.” Sango smiled and Aki nodded in excitement. “But just don't burn it down.” Sango laughed.

 

“Keep in mind that she is your responsibility. If anything should happen, you and Kagome will take her punishment.” Koenma reminded them and both girls rolled their eyes and waved it off.

 

“Don't worry so much Koenma, all we need to worry about is finding the other two Jewels and defeating Hakudoshi.” Kagome assured.

 

“Well if that's the case, get out of my office and start looking again!” Koenma demanded. Botan giggled at their boss and opened a portal for them. Kagome linked her arm with Aki's and dragged her through the black void while everyone else followed. Once they reached the other side, Sango lead the way to her apartment and opened the door. Everyone except Kuwabara, who said he needed to get home, gathered in the slayer's living room.

 

Sango showed the fire girl around one of her new temporary homes while Yusuke filled Kagome in on what Sango had told them the other night and what they had told her. Kagome dove into how they knew about Hakudoshi and explained to everyone just how the demon's twisted mind worked.

 

“In the past, the only power we knew he possessed was the power to find darkness in one's heart and use that darkness to control them.” Kagome explained.

 

“Kagome is the only victim that survived.” Sango added as she entered the living room, Aki trailing behind cradling the purple and black nekos.

 

“Hakudoshi found darkness in your heart?” Yusuke asked, surprised.

 

“Just a speck… it was my jealously toward Kikyou.” Kagome admitted quietly, ashamed.

 

“But even when Hakudoshi did gain control of Kagome's body, he didn't have complete control and she was able to break away from his power.” Sango stated.

 

“But why did he need you in the first place?” Kurama asked.

 

“Naraku wanted my eyes… my ability to see the Shikon Shards.” Kagome said.

 

“So Hakudoshi was ordered to take control of you so they could use your power and collect the rest of the jewel?” Yusuke asked.

 

“That about sums it up, yes.” Sango nodded.

 

“I'm not sure about the powers he possesses now but I know that he's far more powerful than he is in the past. I didn't stand a chance against him…” Kagome said, thinking back on the night that he ambushed her.

 

“Don't worry Kagome, we just have to find the other two Jewels and this will all be over.” Sango comforted the miko.

 

“Well it's been a long day. Why don't we call it a night and start searching in the morning?” Kurama suggested.

 

“Great idea, you can sleep on my couch if you like Hiei. It's probably more comfortable than some tree outside.” Kagome laughed.

 

The hybrid `Hned' and left Sango's apartment without a word. Kagome was slightly concerned about how he was going to get into her apartment but didn't think on it too much. He was a thief in his older days; it should be a breeze for him to get into her place without ruining the door. With that thought in mind, Kagome hugged Aki and Sango goodnight and walked with Kurama and Yusuke out the door.

 

Yusuke pulled the miko into a hug, grinning at the dark glare that Kurama gave him for the action and disappeared into his apartment, leaving Kagome alone in the hall with him. Not sure what to do, Kagome hesitantly hugged the avatar before rushing into her home. Youko was chuckling from the confines of their mind at her antics. She was now all nervous around them and the kitsune couldn't help but laugh.

 

Though he wasn't too happy about the fact that Hiei was sleeping in Kagome's apartment... How come the hybrid got to sleep so close to her but he couldn't?

 

-Because we happen to have our own apartment that is right across the hall from hers. Why would she invite us to stay? It would have been pointless. Hiei, on the other hand, has no where to stay.- Kurama pointed out as he made his way into their dwelling.

 

*Doesn't matter, I'm sure we could find a great reason to be sleeping in the same apartment.* Youko smirked.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

Kagome woke the next morning to hearing Hiei's demanding voice in her head. It was an alarming wake up call seeing as it wasn't normal for a person to hear voices in their heads that weren't they're own and Hiei hadn't used his jagan on her until now. It was slightly startling and for a moment she couldn't recognize his voice through her surprised shock. She was finally able to wake herself up enough to comprehend what he was saying.

 

~Onna, get up and make pancakes~ he demanded.

 

Kagome rolled her eyes. `oh so you like my chocolate chip and banana pancakes? I thought you didn't eat human food.' Kagome laughed to herself, purposely trying to irritate the hybrid.

 

~Don't make me come in there and drag you out onna~ Hiei's voice drifted along her mind. She smiled to herself and laughed harder. If she thought about it, she and Hiei got along quite well. She knew she wasn't attracted to him in any way, especially since Sango had her eyes on him. She was positive that he didn't like her anymore than a friend either and that worked out great and helped to merely bring them closer as friends.

 

Hiei snorted. ~Don't think so much of it, you are not that important~

 

A small smile played across the apparitions face when he heard her `hmph' and knew she was most likely pouting. He would never admit to the miko but he agreed that they had grown close. He wasn't sure why but he felt connected to her on some level. He felt the same need to protect her that he did when it came to Yukina. The happy go lucky little miko had somehow found her way into his somewhat frozen heart and had taken permanent place there.

 

No matter what he said to her, how he insulted her or threatened her, she didn't change her thoughts on him. Not only that but when they first met, he was curious and tapped into both Sango and Kagome's minds. He was surprised to see that they understood what breed of demon he was but didn't care. They were one of the only females he ever met that didn't shy away from him just because of what he was.

 

The only people he actually could call `friends' were Kurama and Yusuke. Kuwabara was somewhere in that category but Hiei could only handle so much of the baka before he grew irritated by his presence. But this miko and her demon slayer friend… they were different somehow. They accepted him for whom and what he was and didn't fear him. The slayer especially; she didn't hold an ounce of fear toward him. She actually had the complete opposite opinion… from what he could gather, Sango liked him.

 

He wasn't about to deny that he was attracted to her as well but why in the world would she have feelings for him of all people? He wasn't fated to find love, he's a forbidden… but then again aren't Sango and Kagome known as the Forbidden Jewels in their demon forms? So what exactly does that mean?

 

Speaking of the devil herself, Kagome dragged herself out of her room. She sent him a playful glare before disappearing into the kitchen, Haru trotting after her. He would never admit to the miko that he had literally fallen in love with her exquisite pancakes. If she knew just how much he enjoyed them, her already oversized ego would grow far too big for her tiny body to handle… though he had to admit he would probably enjoy popping that large ego once it grew too large.

 

Once the aroma of Kagome's cooking began to fill the apartment, there was a knock at the door. Standing to answer it, Hiei wasn't surprised to see Yusuke standing in the doorway. He pushed his way inside and inhaled the scent that filled the living room before making his way to the kitchen. Before Hiei could close the door, Sango and Aki walked in with the three other nekos following after them.

 

He sighed impatiently. ~Hurry up and get in here fox, everyone else is already here~

 

Waiting with the door open, Hiei watched as the avatar made his way out of his apartment. Apparently no one bothered to change out of their sleep clothes since not only Kurama but also Yusuke, Sango, and Aki were still dressed in their flimsy sleepwear. Hiei rolled his eyes before closing the door and making his way into the kitchen. Kagome was currently yelling at Yusuke for not even bothering to put on a shirt, much less a pair of pants.

 

The detective was sitting at the dining table in merely his boxers. “Suke… what would Keiko think if she knew you were prancing around in nothing but your boxers while you're hanging out with us?” Sango teased.

 

Yusuke snorted. “She wouldn't care.”

 

Kagome shrugged and reached for her phone. “Well then I may as well call her up and invite her to have breakfast with us then.”

 

Yusuke sprung out of his chair and snatched the phone from the miko's grasp before she could blink. “Ok, maybe she wouldn't be so happy.” The detective admitted.

 

Everyone broke down into laughter. “That has to be the fastest I've ever seen Yusuke move.” Kurama chuckled.

 

“Shut up fox boy.” Yusuke grumbled.

 

“Hey now!” Kagome glared playfully at the dark haired boy.

 

“You're human Kags.” He stated.

 

“But she turns into a kitsune.” Sango pointed out.

 

“Whatever!”

 

“Aki, are you alright?” everyone turned to look at the purple haired girl once Kurama spoke. She was standing in the corner of the kitchen with her eyes squinted closed. It looked as if she was searching for something.

 

“Hmm?” she said once she realized everyone was staring at her.

 

“Aki, what's the matter?” Kagome asked.

 

“You guys can't hear that noise?” she asked in confusion.

 

Everyone stared at her in question before concentrating to hear what the girl was talking about… but they heard nothing.

 

“What noise?” Yusuke asked.

 

“It's this… pounding sound. Almost like a heartbeat… or pulsing.” She described.

 

Without warning, Sango slammed the spatula Kagome was using on the counter loudly. Startled, everyone jumped and turned to question the slayer until they saw Kagome. She was standing next to the stove with wide startled eyes and her hands on top of her head. Once she regained her composure, she turned a glare toward Sango.

 

“Was there a particular reason you did that?” she growled out dangerously, her hands still on her head.

 

Sango grinned innocently. “Animal demons hear better than elemental demons.”

 

Everyone stared at her in confusion. “Your point?” Yusuke asked.

 

Sango stepped over to Kagome and pried her hands off her head to reveal the miko's kitsune ears. “When we get scared or startled, our ears or tail appear. We aren't sure why thought…” the slayer explained.

 

Kagome glared at Sango, her ears pinned back in anger. “And why couldn't you listen instead of me?! You're a wolf!”

 

“I can't scare myself silly.” Sango grinned before turning back toward Aki. “Can you still hear it?”

 

Aki nodded and Kagome turned her attention away from the taijiya, trying to hear what Aki was. While Kagome was concentrating, Kurama was staring at her in fascination.

 

-She looks so cute with her ears-

 

*Could you imagine how she would look with her tail? Not to mention what she could do with it…* the kitsune purred as he began fantasizing about the miko.

 

Kurama groaned to himself in irritation. -Please Youko… not now. I would like to enjoy my breakfast without the need of a cold shower beforehand-

 

*Fine, but you better start making a move toward the miko before someone beats us to it.* Youko growled.

 

“I don't hear anything like what you described Aki, besides our heartbeats.” Kagome concluded, shrugging to the grey eyed girl.

 

“Hey, where are the nekos? Haru loves your pancakes.” Yusuke said as the miko placed a large plate in the center of the table.

 

Before making her ears disappear, she listened for the nekos and everyone was curious of the confused expression that crossed her face. “From the sounds of it… they're digging in my room.”

 

“What could they possibly be digging for in there?” Sango asked.

 

“I haven't the slightest clue.” Kagome shrugged before bringing her fingers to her lips and whistling sharply. Everyone was surprised when none of the neko's came dashing through the door. Not only confused but now frustrated, Kagome whistled once more and the distinct sound of paws prancing along the carpet could be heard. Once they entered the kitchen, everyone stared at them in puzzlement except Sango and Kagome. They're expressions were filled with shock and bewilderment.

 

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~

 

A/N:

 

And that wraps up chapter seven for ya! Hope everyone enjoyed R&R por favor ^_^

 

~*Icyfire*~

 

Next Chapter - Chapter Eight: Matter of Time