Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hentai Bets ❯ Dinner With Hiei ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

My eternal gratitude goes out to all you great reviewers: Shadow Maiden, Miss Mischief, air walk 55, Hieisexymiko, Youkos Kitsune, and Mysterious_Tears. I hope everyone who reads it finds something to enjoy in.

This chapter got away from me, so it’s longer than the others, and still doesn’t have everything I planned to have in it. (Don’t worry -- it’ll all still be there -- just in the next chapter.)


talking
**Y** Youko’s mental/telepathic conversations
*K* Kurama’s mental/telepathic conversations
#H# Hiei’s mental/telepathic conversations
(thoughts)

DISCLAIMER: I VEHEMENTLY DENY ANY OWNERSHIP OF EITHER “INUYASHA” OR “YU YU HAKUSHO.” FURTHERMORE, I RECEIVE ABSOLUTELY NO PROFIT FROM THE WAY I USE THEIR CHARACTERS AND/OR SETTINGS IN MY STORIES. (MAKES YOU WONDER WHY I CONTINUE TO DO IT, DOESN’T IT?)


Naraku and Miroku claimed the room right across from Kagome and Jakotsu, leaving Koenma’s team the 2 rooms at the other end of the hallway. As they headed towards them, arms laden with their bags, their thoughts were full of their new teammates. They weren’t sure yet what to make of the first two males they had met, other than the one was an inveterate lecher and the other too arrogant to be believed. But they were all agreed about the third one -- that Jakotsu GUY would bear watching -- preferably from a distance -- with a bat in hand, just in case. And the woman, well, … she was something else entirely. Not only was Kagome stunningly beautiful, she was smart, charming, and apparently a quite powerful Miko. How in the hell did she get stuck with those 3? How did she put with them? And oh yeah …

“Hey, three-eyes! What is up with you? First you introduce yourself, then you volunteer for a dinner date? With a ningen woman? What next? You tell Kuwabara he’s welcome to marry Yukina?” Yusuke asked with a disbelieving look on his face.

“I do not need to explain myself to you, detective.”

**Y** “Hey! He actually guessed it! Well, partly anyway.” Youko couldn’t resist pushing himself to the front to try to increase the hybrid’s discomfort.

“What he’d like to do next is crawl into Kagome’s bed, specifically between those silky-looking thighs of hers, but he doesn’t stand a chance. I’ll be sure to have him fix you a nice bouquet for Keiko while he’s tending my roses.”

“Youko? What’s going on? Because you‘re not making any more sense than he is. Spill it.”

“Just a little friendly wager. He got a little snippy earlier today and backed himself into a corner. You know how he is -- acting all high-and-mighty because I was trying to convince someone to put our charms to use to procure us a worthy lover. I just told it like it is: that since Hiei can’t be bothered to give a female the time of day unless she’s trying to kill him, he‘ll never be able to claim a real lover at all. Now he’s trying to prove he can get a real woman to warm his bed -- without resorting to stealing the Gem of Desire, of course,” Youko ended with smirk.

#H# “You are really getting on my nerves, fox.”

“And that ‘real woman’ is Kagome? Well, shit, boy. You picked one hell of target to prove your point. Actually, … I’m surprised you’re not chasing her down, Youko,” Yusuke said, dropping all his bags to search his pockets for the keycard to the room.

“Oh, but I am, I am. You didn’t think I’d pass up a treasure like that, did you? This little competition will just make it all the sweeter when she’s looking up at me, all flushed and…”

“Hey! Wait a minute. Are you two saying you made a bet over who could have sex with that lady? I oughta kick your asses!!” Kuwabara’s face turned an alarming shade of red with his indignant anger. “You don’t DO things like that. It ain’t gentlemanly.”

“I have to admit, I’m surprised you would be involved in something like that, Kurama,” Yusuke raised his eyebrows at him as he stepped inside the room and set down his bags again.

His eyes switching back to a cool, clear green, he answered, “Well, I can’t say I approve of the bet. But, I would also be lying if I said I wasn’t interested in the woman. You saw her. And there’s a lot more to her than just her looks, too.”

“All I can say is, she’s an adult, even if she is still a virgin. And hell, even I have heard of the Junjoukaren no Miko, so I reckon she can fry your asses if you piss her off,” and with that, Yusuke turned his back on them and stretched out on the couch and turned on the TV.

“How do you know she’s a virgin, Yusuke?” Kuwabara asked.

“By her scent, you baka. Jeez, how long have you been around demons now anyway?”

Kurama and Hiei left them there and went to their room across the hall.

“That kitsune inside you has a big mouth.”

“And it’s always getting me into trouble,” Kurama agreed.

********


At 6:00, the two teams gathered again in Kagome and Jakotsu’s room. Individually, each was a sight to see, having cleaned up and dressed in nice slacks and shirts. As a group, they were breathtaking. Even Kuwabara was impressive-looking. And when Kagome stepped out of the bedroom to join them, she let out a long, low whistle.

“Wow! Pinch me -- I must be dreaming. It’s like having one of those American boy bands in my living room. Ouch! Miroku!”

“Forgive me, Kagome-sama, but you did request my assistance, didn’t you? No, don‘t bother to thank me, I will be happy to pinch you any time you desire.” With an innocent look and a huge grin on his face, Miroku stepped out of reach.

In the meantime, none of the others had moved a muscle since she stepped in the room. Once again, their senses were overwhelmed when the light, almost playful scent of oranges and lemons tickled their noses. Another scent spiked around the room as they drank in the sight before their eyes.

She was wearing a simple black dress that looked both elegant and flirty at the same time. The straps consisted of a thick ruffle which ran down the scooped neckline in front, exposing a tantalizing amount of cleavage, and also followed the line of the dress in back. The fitted waist showed her figure to perfection, and the soft material hugged her hips before flaring out slightly to end with another ruffle hitting just above her knees. She wore a black ribbon choker with a pink jewel sparkling at the base of her throat.

Jakotsu, who had been primping in the bathroom, walked in and squealed and clapped his hands. “I knew that dress would be perfect on you! Do you like the way I fixed your hair? Turn around so I can see how it looks in back.”

Kagome turned, causing the dress to swirl enticingly around her legs. But more enthralling than that was the captivating amount of skin her appreciative audience was treated to next. Her entire back was displayed for their viewing pleasure, as the dress laid her bare to below her waist. And Jakotsu’s hairdressing skills were also appreciated, as he had pulled her hair up and over to one side where it cascaded down her shoulder in a river of waves and curls, coming to rest against one shapely hip. Nestled among the ebony mass in front over her ear was a small pink rose.

While Jakotsu continued to fuss and mess with her hair, no one else said a word. After a few minutes, Kagome began to feel a bit nervous as she sensed the tension in the air.

“Um. Is it too much? Not enough? I wanted to try to go for something kind of … you know … but not trashy …” She looked around the room, hoping for a helpful comment from someone -- anyone -- but was becoming afraid she had definitely chosen her dress unwisely. She fidgeted nervously. (“Guess I can’t quite pull this look off, after all.) “Give me a few minutes. I’ve got a blue dress I can wear.”

“Don’t be silly, girl! You can’t beat basic black for an evening out. Back me up fellas,” Jakotsu said with an annoyed look at the men present. His frown vanished as he noticed, for the first time, the assembled group of males, looking like they just stepped off the cover of “Bishies ’R Us.” “OOOOoooooo! I thought we were going out, but I see you ordered room service. Good thinking, Kagome.”

Ignoring his comment, but shuddering slightly from the heated looks he was giving them, Kurama hastened to assure Kagome she’d chosen well. He walked over to her and took her hand to place a soft kiss on it, capturing her gaze with the predatory gleam in his eyes and the rakish smile on his lips.

“Forgive me for not saying so sooner, but you look beautiful. I’m afraid I was too lost in my admiration to speak up.”

“Yeah Kagome. You look hot! Smoking!” Yusuke leered at her.

“As usual, My Miko will draw all eyes when she steps in the room,” Naraku intoned in a lazy voice, arching a brow in her direction.

“She’s NOT Your Miko!” This time, Miroku and Jakotsu’s protests were joined by Kurama, who frowned at the possessiveness of the arrogant hanyou.

Blushing heavily, Kagome ventured to say, “Well, if you’re sure I look okay, I suppose we may as well head down to dinner.”

Hiei, dressed in a pair of crisp black slacks and a plain white button-down shirt, stepped in front of her.

“I believe you and I should let the others go on while we discuss how this dinner will play out.” As he spoke, he placed a hand at her lower back and led her to the sofa to sit down.

Glaring at Hiei with golden eyes, Kurama suggested, “I think the usual scene will be sufficient -- you know: you slap his face, call him a pig, and throw your drink at him.”

Yusuke started choking, and Kuwabara howled with laughter. Their laughter quickly turned into sounds of discomfort and distress, though, as Jakotsu rushed over to them and began rubbing Yusuke’s back.

“Oh, I couldn’t do that,” Kagome protested, and Hiei shot Kurama a smug smirk. “We’ll just have to come up with a loud argument. You all go ahead.” As they started to file out, though, she jumped up and yelled, “Wait!”

“Is something the matter, Kagome-sama?”

“Hai.. I think you’re going to have to split into at least 2 groups for dinner. If the 6 of you were to sit at one table in there, you’d attract way too much attention,” she said, waggling her eyebrows with a wide grin on her face.

“Indeed. You may have a point, my dear,” Naraku said considering.

“It would be beneficial to mix the teams in the interests of forging good working relationships. Kurama, why don’t you head on down with Jakotsu and Naraku?” prompted Hiei.

“Oh yes! Let’s!” Jakostsu latched onto Kurama’s arm and pulled him out the door, followed by Naraku, who turned and gave a small, mocking bow to Hiei. “Touché” he murmured, with a small smile on his lips.

They could hear Jakotsu’s voice as he walked down the hall, “I’m in the mood for oysters. How about you, my sweet, foxy fox?”

**Y** “I’ll get you for this, you little runt!” Youko growled in Hiei’s mind.

*K* “Me, too,” Kurama agreed.

********


When Kuwabara and Yusuke finally stopped laughing, Miroku cleared his throat and turned to Kagome.

“I think a simple display of jealousy would work best. Hiei, you can take notice of the men giving her the eye, maybe accuse her of flirting or trying to attract their attention and storm off. I am sure she will be approached shortly after you leave. Why, I can’t tell you how many times I have succumbed to a young woman’s charms while only attempting to perform my charitable duties and comfort her in her time of distress.” Kagome ’hmphed’ at this. “Just try to get a table close to some of the executives we are supposed to be watching. You went through the files, didn’t you, Kagome? Think you can recognize most of them?”

“Yes. And I contacted Lord Enmaru earlier to find out who had already checked in. 11 of them are here, and the other 14 should arrive in the morning.”

“All right then. Gentlemen, shall we go?”

Kagome told them she and Hiei would be along in another 10 or 15 minutes.

“So, Hiei. What do you think of our little group? There’s never a dull moment with those 3 around,” she said, her smile lighting up her bright blue eyes.

“Hn. It’s a wonder you get any work done.”

She laughingly nodded. “Hai. It seems that way sometimes. But don’t underestimate us. There are only a few others I would feel as confident standing back-to-back with in battle. And most of the missions we do involve large-scale exterminations, which I guess would be our field of expertise since our training and experience are from the Sengoku Jidai period -- way before the barriers were created.”

“And just how is it that you are still alive after 500 years, onna? You are fully human, are you not?”

“Yes, I am human. And I am also other. After the Battle for the Shikon no Tama was over, and the jewel was restored and purified, it dispersed into a pink mist which fused with my body. Though the souls inside it were released, the residual powers in it have increased my lifespan and allowed me to harness my purifying and healing powers. In effect, I have become the Eternal Guardian of what the jewel stood for. But, just so you know, I haven’t really been around for 500 years. I was born in this era and pulled into the past to complete the jewel’s destiny. I really am just 21.”

“And your teammates?”

“Oh, they’re all from the Sengoku Jidai. And they all died there. King Enma brought them back to give each of them a second chance to make amends for previous crimes because they each had some good in their hearts. Frankly, I think Miroku got a bad deal. He was my friend and one of my companions throughout my quest, and was a truly good person. Unfortunately, the powers that be were unhappy that he was a bit of a con artist and thief as well as a Buddhist monk.”

“And a hentai.”

She laughingly agreed. “And a hentai. I think it’s his way of showing affection and looking for reassurance, too. And he gets a kick out of it, of course. Jakotsu was a member of the Shichinin-tai, a bloodthirsty band of mercenaries. He and the others were revived by Naraku to wreak havoc and keep us busy while he separated his human heart from his body to rid himself of his weakness. Jakotsu was much the same as he is now, -- you can imagine how difficult that was for him at that time. He wasn’t such a bad guy, either, -- he just wanted to be loved and accepted. His problem was choosing the wrong people to associate with. And Naraku. Well, he was pretty much our arch enemy. He was also collecting the shards of the jewel and he was probably the most evil being I have ever met. I was the one who killed him. I purified everything but that human heart. And that heart is what earned him his second chance, apparently. Yet again, it almost boils down to another case of someone looking for love and acceptance, but doing all the wrong things to get it. With horrifying and tragic consequences. Makes you wonder a bit, you know? At least question your motives and be a bit cautious in your own relationships when you know how disastrous it can turn out.”

“How can you work with someone you killed? Someone you knew had committed such horrible acts?”

“Because he’s different now. Don’t get me wrong -- I’m no saint, and I’m not stupid, either. You can’t imagine my shock when Lord Enmaru first called me into his office to meet my new teammates. I almost purified him again on the spot. It took me the better part of a year to begin to trust him. And I know he still has his faults. But, I don’t believe our future is confined to the choices we made in the past. I think we can overcome our mistakes. And I don’t believe we should have to pay for them forever, either, regardless of Reikai’s laws,” she grumbled.

“Hn.”

“Well, I guess we should go now. We can talk more during dinner. And I promise not to throw my drink at you until after dessert, “ she said with a wink.

(“She is definitely an interesting onna,”) was Hiei’s thought as he placed an arm around her waist while they walked downstairs together.

********

When the couple were shown into the dining room, Kagome looked around quickly to see if there was a table available close to any of the men they needed to keep watch over. Seeing 7 of them sitting together at a large table near a picture glass window with a great view of the surrounding forest, she requested a table by the window, too. To her surprise, when they were led over and seated, instead of sitting across from her, Hiei moved his chair next to hers.

Seeing the move, Naraku smirked at Kurama. “It appears your rival intends to take advantage of this dinner.”

“Rival?”

“Don’t presume to play dumb with me. It’s obvious you two plan to compete for My … for Kagome’s favor. It will be interesting to watch. And though you may not believe it, the human part of you may fare as well as the kitsune part. She is of both worlds, after all. And do not so easily discount the small one’s chances. She has a talent for reaching out to the most hardened of hearts and warming them up. She is almost drawn to do so. She has a disgusting weakness for the rude, rough-around-the-edges type. She likes to save the world, you know. But the Youko in you has the right idea, I believe. Staying physically close, the small touches, the playfulness, even the compliments to some extent, though she will disregard them for the most part.”

“And why are you telling me this?”

“Because the monk and I have a bet riding on it.”

Just then, Jakotsu returned from the “Little Boys Room,” and sat back down next to Kurama. “Did you miss me, handsome? Oh! Kagome and the little loverboy are finally here. I was beginning to wonder when they’d show up. Look how close he’s sitting to her. I’m impressed. Put me down for another hundred.”

“Excuse me?” Kurama arched a brow at him. “You are betting against my chances?”

“What? Naraku, do have some other action going on? I’m betting she loses her virginity by the end of the week”

“The monk has chosen to specifically back the small one, while I am putting my money on the avatar here.”

“Hmmm. I shall have to observe them both a little more. You haven’t considered the toushin? His characteristics are so similar to you-know-who that he’d be sure to have the inside track.”

“He already has a woman. He won’t be pursuing her. Besides, do you honestly think she would go down that same road again?”

“You may have a point. Oh well, her loss is my gain. I don’t mind sharing him with another woman. And if you want to chase Kagome, I won’t mind sharing you, either, so you don’t have to worry, honey,” Jakotsu told Kurama, patting his hand.



Meanwhile, at the other table of detectives, a similar conversation was taking place.

“You guys weren’t kidding about her drawing all eyes when she enters a room, were you?” Yusuke’s senses were hit with the strong smell of arousal from several different directions.

“Did you doubt it, my friend?” Miroku asked with a smile.

“She sure is pretty!” an enthusiastic Kuwabara added.

“And the really interesting thing about it is she’s completely oblivious to it.”

“What? Are you serious?”

“Yep. In spite of all she’s done, all she’s seen, all she IS, … she still sees herself as an ordinary, average girl. She has no idea what people see when they look at her -- especially men. And that is why your friends may have their work cut out for them.”

Yusuke, who had been taking a drink of his beer, choked and spewed it out.

“Wha…what? You know they’re competing for her?”

“Of course. It’s obvious. I’ve got 1,000 yen on Hiei there. Naraku is betting on the kitsune’s seduction skills coupled with the human’s sensitivity. But I believe the apparition’s passion and need for her, whether he knows it or not, will win her over. The kitsune‘s desire for her is too shallow.”

“But Hiei doesn’t even know how to talk to someone, let alone a woman. And he has never made a secret of his low opinion of ningens. While it’s true that Youko’s desires are easily stirred by a beautiful face and shapely body, he doesn’t normally pursue them. He and Shuichi, the human soul, have never before agreed on a woman. With both of them interested, I don’t see how he could lose out to a mean little bugger like Hiei. Can I put 500 on Kurama?”

“Done.”

“Yusuke! You can’t DO that!” Kuwabara groaned.

********



After ordering, Kagome turned to Hiei and smiled. He really was incredibly handsome, and rather adorable, sitting there looking slightly uncomfortable, but with a determined look on his face.

She spoke softly, “You don’t like being around a lot of people do you?”

He was a little surprised and chagrinned that she had picked up on his discomfort so easily.

“No.”

She laughed lightly. “Then I appreciate you making the effort and coming to dinner with me. You‘re not much of a talker, either, are you? Do you mind if I ask why you offered to play this role tonight?”

He hesitated slightly before saying, “I am … attracted to you, and wanted to spend some time with you.”

As she stared at him in astonishment, Hiei cursed himself for being so blunt. (That damn fox is right -- I haven’t a clue how to go on with a ningen onna! And she can have her pick of men or demons. Why would she give me the time of day, … let alone …) He clenched his fists in anger and annoyance and looked down at the table. (No. I can do this. Talking is not my way, and I don’t know much about the romantic gestures ningens are so fond of, but I’m no fool. I can tell if she likes something or not. She liked it when I put my arm around here earlier -- she shivered and her heartbeat sped up. She’s attracted to me, too.) With that thought in mind, he turned to her again. She was blushing.

Smirking just a bit, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Is that so surprising, onna?”

With a delicate shiver, she briefly closed her eyes. When she opened them, she looked at him searchingly.

“Actually, … hai. It is. You’re serious, aren’t you? I don’t think anyone has ever said that to me before. Certainly not like that. Arigato. It’s … nice to know, and I would like very much to get to know you better.” She spoke softly, and blushing again, reached over and covered one of his hands with her hand.

Now he was surprised. He hadn’t expected her to actually reach out and touch him. It felt … pleasant? … comforting? … right. He gave her fingers a slight sqeeze, and there they sat, -- both slightly bemused, holding hands and looking into each others’ eyes until the waiter arrived with their food.

As they ate, Kagome told him more about herself. She told him about her family and about her companions from her time in the Segoku Jidai. He nodded his understanding of her worries and guilt about all of the important times she had missed out on, especially with her brother, while in the past. He was surprised when she talked about her almost-maternal feelings for the young fox kit. And he was intrigued with her accounts of her first few meetings with the stoic Taiyoukai Sesshoumaru. As she talked about the developing respect and trust between them, and the friendship that had bloomed, he realized there must be another side to the most-feared and revered member of Makai nobility. And he saw that there was indeed more to her than her physical beauty and spiritual power. Most surprising of all, he realized he really did want to get to know her better, too. Maybe there really was something to be said for taking a lover as opposed to just satisfying the needs of the body with whatever demoness he could have for a few hours for the price of a few coins or drinks.

Hiei’s thoughts were interrupted by a grumpy-sounding voice in his mind.

**Y** “Don’t forget why you are here. Isn’t it about time for you to leave?”

#H# “Hn. It is early yet. I will leave when I am ready.”

*K* “Enjoying yourself, are you?”

#H# “Hn.”

Shutting them out, he focused on Kagome again. Her eyes lit up and she had a delighted smile playing across her lips. He couldn’t take his eyes off of them and he wondered what she tasted like. She pointed to where a live band had started playing next to a small dance floor.

“Do you dance?”

“No.”

“Good. Neither do I,” she said as she stood up and reached for his hand.

Hiei didn’t budge.

“Come on. Please? Just one slow dance. I missed all of the dances when I was in school. Too busy traipsing around Feudal Japan, you know,” she said with a grin.

“Hn,” Hiei grumbled, but let himself be pulled to his feet and led over to the dance floor.

There was only one other couple dancing. Of course, Hiei had noticed there weren’t more than 5 other women in the room. And as he glanced around, he also noticed that all of the single men there and 2 of the ones with women seemed focused on the woman standing in front of him. So, it was with no little sense of satisfaction that he put his hands on her hips and pulled her in close as she rested her hands on his shoulders. She closed her eyes as they began swaying to the music with a small sigh and a contented smile.

Remembering the enticing cut of her dress, Hiei moved one hand around to her back and traced small circles over the bare skin -- lightly at first, then firmer, -- until he had moved her flush against him.

Wave after wave of tingling senasation pulsed through her, spiraling outward from the point where his fingers made contact with her skin. Her eyes opened and then drifted shut again as tiny shivers wracked her body. Her hands drifted down from his shoulders slightly, coming to rest over well-defined triceps with a small squeeze. She felt his warm breath tickle her ear right before soft lips grazed the exposed side of her neck. He inhaled deeply, letting her intoxicating scent fill his senses as he nuzzled the crook of her neck gently before pulling back to look at her. She opened her eyes to see a small, satisfied smile on his face. Then the music stopped, and with one hand still at her waist, he led her back to the table.

Feeling rather dazed, and not knowing quite what to think, Kagome sat down and looked at him for a moment before speaking.

“Arigato. For the dance.”

He just nodded his head a bit with a cocky grin on his face. All in all, this dinner had turned out even better than he had hoped. But now he was going to have play his part and leave her to the ningen males who suddenly resembled nothing so much as a bunch of vultures to him. Filthy scavengers. He frowned. Wouldn’t it just be easier to kill them all and search their rooms and bodies for the necklace? His eyes narrowed as he pursued that thought for a moment. (Yes, yes it would.) He nearly jumped as a warm hand on his arm pulled him from his happy reverie which consisted of every other male in the room lying in a bloody heap in one corner with their heads piled in another one while he danced with Kagome. (Maybe tomorrow …)

Resigned to ending one of the most pleasant evenings he could ever remember spending, he pointedly looked around the room. This was too easy. They were all still watching her, damnit. (May as well have some fun.) He turned to the table with the 7 businessmen sitting right behind them. His eyes narrowed again as he looked pointedly at one of them who was openly leering at the woman by his side. He jumped up and stalked over, grabbing the man up by the neck of his shirt.

“What are YOU looking at?!!? Can’t find a woman of your own, so you think you can ogle mine?” He threw him back into the table, knocking over several plates and glasses as he landed against two of the other men sitting there. Then Hiei turned back to Kagome.

“I told you not to wear that dress, onna. I’ve had it with every man we see everywhere we go trying to move in on you. I’m not going to put up with it any more.” And he left with an air of righteous anger.

Kagome just sat there and blinked, staring at the doors he had stormed through. She knew this was the scene that they had planned and what its purpose was for the mission, but gosh darn it! It really was embarassing! She blushed as she looked around a bit sheepishly. Then she got up hesitantly and walked over to the man Hiei had assaulted.

“I’m … I’m so sorry about that. He’s … he can be … I’m really sorry,” she said softly as she reached out to help the man to his feet.

As the others hastened to assure her it wasn’t her fault, and commiserated with her over her boyfriend’s apparent unreasonable jealousy, the remaining detectives grinned at each other. This was going to be too easy. She was going to be able to roam at will among the executives, and they were sure it wouldn’t take her more than a few days to discover who had the necklace. Then they could focus on watching him and the demons as soon as they found their camp or camps. Yes, this was going to be an easy assignment after all.

Kurama soon excused himself to head for his room, and Yusuke and Kuwabara left shortly afterwards, too. Miroku and Jakotsu stayed on to keep an eye on Kagome, and Naraku left for parts unknown.

Kurama waited at the stairs for his teammates.

“Interesting evening, wasn’t it?”

“I’ll say. Man, shorty was really putting the moves on her. He was pretty slick, too. I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes.” Yusuke shook his head as if he still couldn’t quite believe it. “And he changed the scene they were planning, you know. He was supposed to accuse her of flirting. I had no idea he was going to act all mad and attack one of the guys. Of course, I think it played out better that way. Especially when Kagome went over to apologize to him after Hiei left.”

“I don’t think he could bring himself to say something mean to her,” Kurama said thoughtfully.

“Really?!? That doesn’t sound like Hiei.”

“And he wasn’t acting angry at that man, he really was. Didn’t you feel his aura?”

“Well, yeah, now that you mention it. So, you think he’s really interested the girl?”

“I know he is. He didn’t finish his ice cream.”

And with that piece of astonishing news, Kurama left them standing in the hallway with their mouths hanging open.

End Chapter Five



A/N For those of you who are rooting for Kurama, don’t worry -- he’ll get his turn to make an impression on her in his own chapter -- “Picking Kurama’s Pockets.”