Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hentai Bets ❯ Misunderstandings & Meddling Friends ( Chapter 12 )

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

It’s so much fun seeing what you reviewers have to say! I’m never sure what is going to strike a chord with someone, and inevitably someone surprises me with what they mention. Thanks so much for taking the time to review! animealover, Heart Star, Miss Mischief, Touketsu Kaijin, purple babe, LmKiTsUnE, Starlet Angel, and halfblackwolfdemon -- you guys rock! I hope all of you with current stories get a chance to update during the holidays. (I need more good stuff to read!) I’m promising at least one more chapter before Christmas -- and it’ll be a doozy!


talking
mental/telepathic conversations - “Youko” “Kurama” “Hiei”
(thoughts to self)

DISCLAIMER: I do NOT own “Inuyasha” or “YuYu Hakusho,” nor do I make any profit from my piddly little story revolving around characters from them. And if I DID, I’d have to sell the rights to pay for Christmas.

******************************************************* *****************
Last time:

The heavy scent of arousal and sounds of awakening desire and pleasure filled the room. Wanting to look into her eyes and taste the delights of her mouth again, Kurama rose up above her. “Kagome,” he whispered. He held her gaze as his mouth descended on hers.

A loud crash made them both jump, and they looked at the door, now standing wide open and hanging slightly off its hinges.

“Hiei?”
********************************** **************************************
Feeling like someone had just thrown a bucket of cold water on her, Kagome stared at Hiei standing in the doorway. His eyes glowed as if lit from a fire within, and as he stepped into the room, he suddenly yanked his shirt off over his head and advanced on the couple still lying in a very compromising position on the floor. Kagome’s eyes widened and she looked up to see Kurama’s jaw clench before he quickly sat up on his haunches straddling her. He was focused completely on the fire apparition now standing not more than 3 feet from them.

Glancing once more at Hiei, then back at Kurama, who were staring hotly at each other, something clicked in her mind. (Sweet Kami! This is it! They set me up -- Kurama got me all hot and bothered and now Hiei’s here to join in! Only now it looks like they’ve only got eyes for each other -- I am so outta here!)

Sitting up quickly, she scrambled out from under Kurama and grabbed the nearest shirt she could find, which happened to be Kurama’s green muscle shirt. She jumped up and started pulling it over her head, babbling all the while.

“Um. Sorry, guys, but I … well, I just have to go. This is all … I mean, I just … don’t mind me. You two can … I just can’t … sorry!!” And she ran out of the room and fled down the hall as if, well, as if demons were hot on her heels. She didn’t stop running until she reached the top of the stairs. Then she slumped back against the wall and uttered a very uncharacteristic, “Shit.”

Stepping out of what used to be her room at that very moment, Miroku was, to say the least, shocked to hear Kagome curse. To say the most, he was dying of curiosity about what in the world could have made her do it.

“Kagome-sama, are you all right? Why don’t you come in and we’ll have some tea,” he offered.

Still in shock, she blinked at him a few times before nodding, and then let him lead her in. She sat down on the sofa while he called for tea. When he came back and sat down beside her, he noticed her disheveled appearance. Her braid was coming undone and the shirt she was wearing was several times too big for her -- the low neck and wide armholes making it very obvious that she was not wearing a bra. Normally, this would have been cause for comment on his part, and certainly for an attempted grope, but seeing the dazed look in her eyes, Miroku was too concerned to do either.

“Now, why don’t you tell me what has you so rattled?”

She shook her head. “No, I need to deal with it myself -- and you wouldn’t believe me if I told you.”
*********************************************************** *************


Kurama and Hiei watched as Kagome ran from the room. Then Kurama stood up and clenched his fists tightly.

“You had better have a damn good reason for this, Hiei,” he growled.

But instead of answering, Hiei leapt at him and knocked him back into the wall with a powerful right cross.

“What the hell?!? He wants to fight? Let me out, Red -- I’ll teach him to interrupt and then attack us!”

“Hold it, Youko. The Jagan’s out. And do you smell that? He’s about to transform. And we’re in a public hotel -- we’ve got to get him to calm down.”

“Oh, I’ll calm him down all right. All the way down.” And with that, Kurama’s hair started to lighten and he grew in stature.

The silver fox faced off with the now-green, eye-covered apparition. Without another word being spoken, they charged each other.

Blocking the doorway, Naraku looked down at Jakotsu who was standing just inside the room -- his eyes wide in surprise and appreciation. “100 yen on the fox.”

“I hate to bet against him -- he looks so much like Inuyasha in that form -- only bigger and more elegant.” Jakotsu gave a delicate shiver. “But, … hotpants there is awfully feisty. Done. Should we go get the others?”

“If you wish. Just don’t let Kagome find out. She’d make them stop before one of them got hurt,” Naraku said, with a cruel smile on his face. “And as much as I wanted to be the one to give that little snip his lumps today, I’ll settle for watching him take them. And don‘t worry, -- I won’t let any of the ningen see them.”
********************************************************** **************


After rounding up Yusuke and Kuwabara and telling them what was going on with their teammates, Jakotsu ran to Miroku’s room to let him in on the action. The other two Spirit Detectives took off down the stairs, hoping to find the dojo still in one piece when they got there.

Miroku answered the door, and invited Jakotsu to join him and Kagome for tea. Peeking around him, and seeing Kagome on the sofa, Jakotsu shook his head and tried to tell Miroku about the fight without her overhearing. But she caught a few stray phrases.

“… when we got to the dojo, we weren’t expecting to see them together … Kurama and Hiei are really going at it … you never saw such a sight! … you should see them in their full demon forms … all muscular and sweaty … just don’t let Kagome know -- you know how she is -- she wouldn’t understand.”

Kagome was a little hurt that Jakotsu would say that. (Am I that much of a prude? I mean, it’s true that I think a lot of the stuff Naraku and Jakotsu are into is beyond weird, but I accept them for who and what they are -- total hentais! Just because I don’t feel like I could deal with being 1 side of an equilateral triangle, doesn’t mean I’m going to shun Hiei and Kurama or anything like that. We can still be friends. And, wouldn’t Homoru-sensei be proud of me for using a basic geometric figure as part of a strange sex analogy?)

She turned her attention back to Miroku as he sat back down beside her. “I take it Jakotsu walked in on Hiei and Kurama.”

Surprised, Miroku nodded. “You know about them?” At her nod, he asked, “I wonder what started it. Do you know?”

“How should I know? But they are close friends, and incredibly, um, virile, so with that predisposition in their nature and all, I guess it’s not too surprising.”

(True. Ningen men fight over women, too, and with their demonic instincts aroused, best friends or not, those two were bound to come to blows when they’re competing for a woman like Kagome.) Deciding this was as good a time as any to see which way the wind blew in the battle for her affections, he asked with a sly grin, “Which one do you hope comes out on top?”

“Miroku!” She felt her face grow hot. (Why would he ask me something like that?!?) “I really don’t even want to think about such things.”

“So, you are unhappy they‘re doing it. Why didn’t you try to stop them?”

“What kind of person do you think I am? I would never interfere in something like that. It’s not their fault I was hoping they weren’t into that kind of stuff -- they can’t help how they feel. I might not want to be with them like that, but what they do is their business.”

(How like her to continue to hope a couple of demons could contain their predisposition to settle things violently. But, her acceptance and understanding of their need to do so is something new. And I sure can’t blame her for not wanting to be there -- all that blood and gore -- yuck!) “Well, I must say, I am surprised, Kagome-sama. I thought that kind of thing always upset and irritated you. That’s why we always tried to keep Inuyasha and Kouga away from each other.”

“Inuyasha and Kouga?!!?” Her mind reeled with that bit of information. (Wow! I really was naïve, wasn’t I? I had no idea anything was going on between the two of them. So, would they have wanted me to join in a threesome, too? I mean, I know Inuyasha said he wanted both me and Kikyou -- I just didn’t realize he meant it that way! Not only am I the oldest virgin I know, apparently I’m the only one who doesn’t swing both ways. And look for multiple partners. Maybe something is wrong with me. Maybe I will go back to my room and check out that porn channel.) She shook her head at the thought.

Getting up, she said, “I think I’m going to go to my room now -- maybe take a long soak in the tub before I get ready for dinner with Hojo.”

As he walked her to the door, he couldn’t help but offer, “I would be happy to scrub your back for you, Kagome-sama.”

She looked at him a minute. “You like women, right, Miroku? I mean just women. A lot of them, but just women, right?”

Looking at her quizzedly now, he said, “Yes, … why do you ask? Are you wanting to participate in, say, a threesome with me and another woman? Because I would be happy to oblige you,” he winked. “Anytime!”

Blanching, she quickly shook her head. “No! I was just checking.” And she quickly left, leaving a slightly puzzled monk behind.
*************************************************************** *********


When the smoke cleared, Yusuke let his arms drop back to his sides and angrily demanded, “Just what the fuck do you two think you’re doing?!!?”

The two injured combatants didn’t say a word. They didn’t even raise their heads from the floor. They just lay there, breathing hard, and bleeding from numerous nasty-looking wounds. Both had reverted to their human appearances.

“I don’t know why you felt the need to stop them, toushin. It was quite entertaining,” Naraku drawled.

Ignoring him, Yusuke started in on his teammates again. “This has got to be one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen you two do! We are on a mission, damn it! Or did you forget that? Not to mention the fact that you two have been friends for a long time. I just can’t believe you would try to kill each other over a piece of ass!”

Suddenly, Yusuke had the wind knocked out of him as he felt his back slam into the wall. He couldn’t believe Hiei had gotten up, let alone had the strength left to come at him. Hell, he hadn’t even seen him coming! And now, Hiei was holding him by the neck, putting a lot of pressure on his windpipe.

“Don’t you ever refer to her like that again or I will kill you, detective. And there won’t be enough of you found to be brought back a third time,” Hiei snarled threateningly. Then with another shove into the wall, he let go, and Yusuke fell to the floor.

“Shit, Hiei,” he rubbed his neck. “You know I wasn’t trying to insult Kagome. But you guys are taking this damn bet too far. Yes, she’s gorgeous, and we all know you both want to get in her pants, but come on! Look at yourselves. You‘ve both had plenty of women -- demonesses, whatever. One lover is not worth taking each other apart -- you can both find another one anytime you want. Even you, Hiei. I never would have believed it before, but you’re a pretty smooth operator.”

With his back to him, Hiei replied, “Tell me. Is Keiko not worth fighting for? Would you just give her up to another male? You could find another lover, as well. Is she just a piece of ass?”

Yusuke snorted. “Don’t be ridiculous. That’s not the same thing. I happen to love Keiko -- we’re going to get married, you know.”

“Hn.” And Hiei disappeared out the door.

And the rest of the detectives stared after him for a moment before Yusuke turned to Kurama, who was now standing up in the middle of the room. “Kurama?”

“I’m sure you don’t need me to decipher what he meant by that.”
********************************************************** **************


No one spoke as they all trudged back to their rooms to rest and clean up a bit, and in Kurama’s case to recover. Hiei didn’t appear to be in their room, so he assumed the fire apparition had taken himself out into the woods to recuperate. When he came back, they were going to have to talk. But first, a shower was in order. And some first aid. And some serious pain killers.

“Damn, rotten, tough little bastard.”

“Indeed.” He sighed. “I really didn’t expect him to lose control like that.”

“His timing sure sucks, too.”

“Youko. You know he didn’t show up to just to challenge us like that. He was meeting Naraku there to spar. It was when he sensed us with Kagome that he couldn’t stop himself.”

“Well, he shouldn’t have come so early then,” Youko pouted.

“Oh, I’m sure that was intentional -- he wanted to make sure that nothing happened between us. And we knew how jealous he has become, but I think the extent of it was a surprise even to him. You realize he has come to a decision about her.”

“Oh yes. He wants to keep her -- permanently. And if she were youkai, challenging us like that might have worked -- winner takes all and all that. But she’s ningen, and youkai customs don’t apply.”

“So, what are we going to do?”

“What do you mean what are we going to do? You’re not thinking about doing something stupid, like backing down from this competition, are you?”

“Well, if he is actually in love with her, …”

“Then we wouldn’t be doing him any favors. If he’s looking to win her love, then it’s even more important that he win it, -- if we just hand her over on a silver platter, he’ll always have doubts. Underneath that gruff, uncaring exterior he shows everyone is a very insecure, lonely soul.”

“Why, Youko! I never knew you were so insightful and compassionate. You really consider Hiei a friend, too, don’t you?”

“And we can continue our delightful pursuit of Kagome -- she might choose us, you know. Things were just getting interesting when the twerp burst in.”

“I should have known.”
***************************************************** *******************


Miroku was quick to ask Naraku and Jakotsu who had won when they returned.

“They were interrupted,” Naraku told him.

“Yeah. Yusuke shot that Spirit Gun thingy right in between them to break them up. Good thing, too -- they were really fighting,” Jakotsu added.

“Indeed they were,” Naraku said with a smile. “It was quite amusing.”

“So, what started it?” Miroku asked.

“I believe it had something to do with these,” Naraku smirked as he held up a white top and a silky blue bra with white trim. “As you know, the hybrid and I were set to spar after Kurama and Kagome. Jakotsu and I decided to go down early to watch them a bit. Apparently, the little firebug had the same idea. When we got there, there was no sign of Kagome, save these articles of clothing, and the other two were tearing into each other.”

“Ah, so that is how Kagome-sama knew they were fighting,” Miroku stroked his chin with one hand. “Can I see those? She certainly has excellent taste in undergarments.” He sighed heavily.

“Kagome knew, and just let them go at it? That doesn’t sound like her. Where is she, anyway?” Jakotsu asked.

“In your room. She said she was going to take a bath and start getting ready for her dinner date with Hojo.”

“I think I’ll go help her, then.”

A few minutes later, Miroku and Naraku rushed out of the room and across the hall to see what was going on. They had heard Jakotsu’s worried voice as he called to Kagome.

“Kagome! Sweetie! Are you all right? Are you hurt? Why are you curled up in the fetal position like that with your hands over your eyes? And what in the world are you watching?”
****************************************************** ******************


With Jakotsu on one side of her, Naraku on the other, and Miroku kneeling on the floor in front of her, Kagome was at the same time completely embarrassed to have been found in the position she was in, and rather comforted by the true concern of her friends and teammates. She sighed and determined to tell them the whole story. They sat there quietly as she told them how the two other Spirit Detectives had been pursuing her. She mentioned her suspicions of the casualness of the relationships they were offering due to their complete acceptance of each other’s pursuit. When she got to the part where she wondered what they were doing with her underwear, Jakotsu and Miroku couldn’t contain their laughter. She just rolled her eyes at them and continued.

Naraku and Miroku both wore thoughtful expressions and gleaming eyes when she told them she thought Hiei and Kurama wanted to involve her in a threesome. She looked to them for confirmation that this usually meant all 3 partners were with, well, all 3 partners. They all shrugged a little carelessly, then Naraku explained that he had never involved another male in his sex play, and Miroku echoed him. As for Jakotsu, he had never had a woman be a part of it.

Which brought Kagome’s tale up to what had gone on today down in the dojo. When she got to the part where Hiei burst in and ripped off his shirt to join her and Kurama, and she saw their complete attention on each other and panicked and fled, the others almost died laughing.

“I don’t think it’s funny,” she huffed. “And why are you laughing, Miroku? We discussed this earlier.”

“We did? Oh! You mean after Jakotsu came up to tell me that Hiei and Kurama were …”

“Excuse us just a moment, Kagome,” Naraku cut in. He grabbed Miroku’s arm and motioned for Jakotsu to follow as he stepped out into the hall.

A little confused as to why Naraku had interrupted him when he had been about to set Kagome straight, Miroku asked, “What do you want that can’t wait? We need to tell her that she has it all wrong.”

“No, we don’t,” Naraku stated in a no-nonsense manner. “If those two fools botched their attempts at seduction this badly, they should have to suffer the consequences. I, for one, would like to see them try to make a comeback after this little fiasco. Now they are both operating under a rather severe handicap. I am no longer so sure either of them will win.”

“So, are you proposing we change the nature of our bet or are you just wanting to up the stakes a bit?” Miroku asked him.

“You two really aren’t going to tell Kagome that they were fighting instead of what she thinks they were doing? You are so wicked, Naraku,” Jakotsu smacked his arm playfully.

“If she knew they were fighting, she would know they’re each after her for themselves, not to share, and everything would continue on just as it has been. You have to admit, they have done a very poor job of things for her to have reached the conclusions she has. No, if they really want her, they have to get themselves out of this. Agreed?” he asked with an arch of a penciled-in brow.

“All right. For now. But if this causes any real problems for Kagome-sama, then we will have to tell her, or at least let them know what she thinks,” Miroku stipulated.

“Now, we should go back in and comfort the dear girl,” Naraku smirked.

“What was that all about?” Kagome asked them when they returned.

“We were merely filling Miroku in on some things that happened after you left the dojo,” Naraku told her.

“You were there, too?!? I hope you all didn’t disturb them.”

“Don’t worry. They weren’t paying any attention to us at all. However, Yusuke did interrupt them. Tell me, Kagome. What made you decide to watch one of those kind of movies?” Naraku asked, changing the subject.

“What? Oh. Well, after what Miroku said about Inuyasha and Kouga, I realized I must really be out-of-touch with the mainstream attitudes, so I thought I might try to see if it was just due to my inexperience and lack of knowledge, or if I’m just a complete old-fashioned prude. I’m a prude,” she blushed.

“Inuyasha and Kouga?!!?” Naraku choked.

“You didn’t know, either? Of course, you didn’t see the two of them together that much, did you? I’m so sorry, Jakotsu. I thought Inuyasha just wasn’t oriented that way. I don’t know why he spurned your attentions,” Kagome tried to comfort her friend.

Trying hard to stifle his laughter, Miroku decided the only way to do that was to leave. “Well, Kagome-sama. You have a date to get ready for, so we should be going. Please feel free to come to us anytime you need to talk about your sex life. Or if you just want to make some changes in it, you can count on me to help you out.” He couldn’t resist waggling his eyebrows at her.

“Okay. I’ll see you guys later to discuss what’s going on with the necklace.”

As the door closed behind them, Naraku turned to Miroku and snickered. “You told her that Inuyasha and Kouga …?”
******************************************************* *****************


Hiei limped into his room and slammed the door. He was still burning with anger at Kurama for being with his onna. (Damn fox and his damn bet! I should have ripped his tails off and strangled him with them. Damn Yusuke and that damn gun of his. Damn Koenma for sending me on this mission in the first place. Damn hentai team of detectives. Damn demons and their crazy plots. Damn necklace. Damn ningen males. Damn.)

“Well, Hiei. I see you decided to grace us with your presence again. Though I do hope you can do it this time without turning green and throwing punches.” Kurama drawled.

All he got in response was a growl.

“Go take a shower, and when you get out, I’ll fix you up some of this tea. I put some pain-killing herbs in it. It’ll make you feel better.”

He was treated to another growl and a nasty glare as Hiei made his way to the bathroom. After about 20 minutes, Hiei came out and flopped down on the sofa in the sitting room. Kurama handed him a cup and sat down on the loveseat.

“So, you want to talk about what happened?”

“Hn.”

“You do realize you were out-of-line to attack us for being with Kagome, right?”

“You will stay away from her if you know what’s good for you,” Hiei stated curtly.

“Oh no you don’t! You’re out of your mind if you think we’re going to back off just because you want a clear field with her,” Youko informed him.

“You will back off because I am laying claim to her.”

“You can’t do that -- she’s not some youkai bitch. You can’t just challenge and kill all the competition, either. She has to decide whether or not she wants to accept you.”

Hiei narrowed his eyes at him.

“You know Youko is right, Hiei. Whether you want Kagome as a lover or as something more, the process is the same. And ultimately, the decision is up to her.”

“And you still want her,” he sneered.

“Yes. I still want her. And don’t think you can barge in and interrupt us again.”

Hiei cocked a brow at him. “Or…?”

“Or not even Yusuke’s Spirit Gun will save you from the thrashing I’ll give you.”

“If you think …”

“Hiei! Youko! Stop it! We’ve got to go about this in a civilized manner. Naraku made it very plain that if Kagome knew we were fighting, she would probably send us all packing.”

“Naraku gave you advice about Kagome? Why would you listen to that snake?”

“Perhaps because he has 2500 yen riding on the outcome of our efforts.”

“He bet that you would seduce her?” Hiei was taken aback that her teammates would bet on such a thing. Then again, it figured.

“Yes, and the monk favors your chances.”

“Hn.” (Maybe the monk isn’t as foolish as I thought.)

“Anyway, Naraku came by a little while ago. He said Kagome doesn’t know that we fought after she left, and he suggests we not tell her. He said she gets upset at that kind of thing. Apparently she had a problem with 2 males in the past fighting over her a lot. So, it might be best if she doesn‘t see us until we have healed some more.” Kurama pointed to his black eye and swollen cheek and indicated the claw marks running down Hiei’s neck and his split lip. The numerous other bruises and cuts, and even the cracked ribs could all be concealed by their clothing.

“You are saying we have to stay away from her tonight?”

“This is all your fault, you dirty, rotten, combative little bastard.”

“Hn.”
********** **************************************************************


Taking one last look in the mirror, Kagome decided she looked all right for her dinner date. Her dress was a lovely shade of deep purple, which complimented her ebony hair, which she wore swept up, but gathered in a loose mass of curls that spilled down in all directions, tickling her neck and shoulders. The silky material of the dress clung to her hips and emphasized the slimness of her waist and the fullness of her breasts. A generous amount of cleavage was displayed by the deep vee neck, which led to a line of small, silver buttons running all the way down the front of the knee-length dress. Around her neck was a delicate silver chain with a small pink jewel dangling from it. The skirt flowed out around her as she turned and left the room.

When she reached the lobby, Hojo was already there waiting. He had just glanced at his watch when he saw her approach.

“I hope I’m not late,” she greeted him.

“No, not at all,” he smiled. “You’re right on time. Though I would have waited forever for you, if need be.” And he lifted her hand to his mouth, never breaking eye contact with her as his lips grazed the back of her hand and trailed along her fingers, before he stood and placed her hand on his arm.

Hojo looked rather dashing in a pair of well-fitted black slacks with a light purple shirt and a black blazer that showed off his broad shoulders to advantage. His long, brown hair was tied back, as usual, and Kagome could not help but think once again how much he had changed. The man he had become held a charm and appeal the boy he had been never had, and she wondered why he wasn’t married, or at least engaged.

Unable to trail along after her on her date, Hiei and Kurama had made sure that Miroku and Naraku would be nearby. They didn’t trust that ningen -- not one bit.

“Hmmmn. It would appear that this old friend of My Miko’s is very intent on her, also,” Naraku observed.

“Yes, and quite charming, too. It’s no wonder Hiei and Kurama indulged in a few dirty tricks against him,” Miroku smiled. “And, by the way, Naraku? She’s not your miko.”

Ignoring him, Naraku followed the couple into the dining room, where he and Miroku were seated at a table next to theirs. As they saw the easy way the two interacted, and heard the man’s compliments and comments to her, a thought occurred to the monk.

“You don’t suppose that she would turn to him, thinking the other two are involved with each other and wanting her to do something she can‘t bring herself to do, do you?”

“An interesting possibility.” Naraku watched the man carefully. “It’s more than obvious he wants her, but I thought she was always rather distant when it comes to ningen men.”

“But she has known him for a long time, and she seems to be enjoying his company. Perhaps we should let Hiei and Kurama know what she thinks is going on,” Miroku urged.

“Not yet. You agreed to let them figure it out themselves unless it was hurting Kagome in some way. She’s fine. Who are you to say that one of them would be better for her than this man?”

While they were waiting for their dessert, Hojo pulled out a long, slim box topped with a silver bow and handed it to Kagome.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“Just something I wanted you to have. I promise it’s not some kind of medicinal herb,” he said with a laugh.

Blushing, she told him he didn’t have to give her anything, but at his urging, she opened the box. Inside was a delicate silver bracelet with small pink jewels shaped like stars all along the length of it.

“It’s beautiful, Hojo,” she whispered.

“I noticed your fondness for pink jewels, so when I saw it, I thought of you.” And he put it around her wrist and closed the clasp.

Smiling brightly, she leaned over and whispered, “Thank you,” before kissing him softly on the cheek. Before she could sit back up, he turned his head and captured her lips with his in a gentle caress.

“Hmmmn. I don’t believe either of the detectives has given her a gift, have they?” Naraku asked.

“No, I don’t believe they have. As a matter of fact, they just keep taking her lingerie. Of course, I can’t blame them for that, and it does rather prove her interest in them undeniably, for them to have that opportunity, doesn’t it?” Miroku said with a smile.

“Perhaps.”

They followed along discreetly as Kagome and Hojo left the dining room, and then passed them as they headed for the stairs, overhearing her agree to meet him in the bar later.

“I do wonder how they will take the news of the ningen’s latest efforts to win her affections? Particularly the small, hot-tempered one. I will enjoy seeing him stew for a bit,” Naraku said with an evil smile.

“I see you are still upset about your night in the woods,” Miroku chuckled.

“Let’s just say, I intend to have the last laugh.”
********************************************************* ***************


The detectives gathered in Kagome and Jakotsu’s new room to review the day’s work, with two youkai conspicuously absent. Kagome felt a little let down that they weren’t there, but she was also rather relieved considering the embarrassing circumstances of their last, ahem, meeting.

“Where’s the rest of the eye candy?” Jakotsu wanted to know.

Rolling his eyes at him, Yusuke snorted. “They’re, um, out patrolling. Yeah. Just in case there are any other jackasses, er -- demons looking to fight. I mean, attack.”

Miroku smacked a hand to his own forehead and let it slowly trail down his face. Really, could the detective not lie any better than that? Trying to change the subject, he asked, “Are we any closer to discovering which of the 4 men has the necklace?”

“Kurama said he searched all of their rooms again, and found no trace of it. Whoever has it must be wearing it or storing it somewhere else,” Yusuke told them.

“The hotel safe!” Kagome yelled. “We haven’t checked the hotel safe.”

“Ah. That would make perfect sense, Kagome-sama. I suggest we set our two thieves on it right away.”

“Has there been any …”

At that moment, a portal opened in the middle of the room, and Kouga stepped out. He swaggered over to Kagome and hugged her. “How’ve you been, darling?”

“Fine, Kouga. What brings you here?”

“Well, I had to check up on my woman, …,” he said, looking around with a glare, “and Enmaru wants a report.”

“She’s not your woman, and we haven’t found the necklace yet, but Kagome just had another idea as to where it might be,” Miroku told him.

“Any more action from the demons?”

“No, not since Musou found me,” Kagome said, looking at him rather thoughtfully. “Here, Kouga. Why don’t you come sit here by me and Jakotsu?”

As Kouga happily sat down between the two, Kagome asked him, “You don’t know Jakotsu very well, do you? I’m supposed to meet Hojo in the bar in a little while, -- why don’t you two follow along? You can help keep an eye on him and get to know each other better.” She smiled brightly at him. Kouga wasn’t too keen on spending any time with the effeminate detective, but he was all for trailing along after Kagome, so he agreed.

Miroku looked at her questioningly. Then his eyes widened as he realized what she was doing. He quickly glanced over at Naraku, only to find him with a hand over his mouth hiding a grin. Jakotsu just giggled.

Yusuke, Naraku, and Miroku were set to follow the other 3 suspects around for the rest of the evening, so they all prepared to head downstairs. If the necklace didn’t turn up tomorrow, they were going to have to think about approaching the demon camps.
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In the wee hours of the morning, Jakotsu returned to his room to find Miroku sitting on the sofa, watching one of those channels. “What are you doing here, Miroku?” he asked, as he sat down to join him. “Got any popcorn?”

“I’ve got sitting room duty tonight since Hiei and Kurama still don’t look too good, and Naraku’s got company. There’s some popcorn in the bowl by the phone.”

They sat there watching the show contentedly for a while, Jakotsu happily munching on the popcorn.

“You know Kagome-sama was trying to set you up with Kouga tonight because she’s got the wrong idea about him and Inuyasha.”

Jakotsu giggled. “Yeah. I know. He left to report to Enmaru right after Kagome and cutiepie left the bar.”

Miroku laughed. “He didn’t have a clue, did he?”

“Nope.”

“So, where is Kagome-sama?”

“What do you mean? Isn’t she here?” Jakotsu jumped up and ran into the bedroom, only to find it empty. “Where is she?” he cried, a bit hysterically.

“What do you mean, where is she? You were supposed to be following her.” Miroku grabbed Jakotsu and shook him.

“She and Hojo left the bar a couple of hours ago. I just assumed she came back to the room.”

They looked at each other a minute then dashed out into the hall yelling, “Shit!”

Miroku knocked frantically on the door to his room, while Jakotsu ran down the hall to the other two rooms. He knocked loudly on one door and then immediately knocked on the other one, yelling, “Kagome’s missing!”
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After leaving the bar, Hojo asked Kagome to stop by his room for a nightcap. He said he had had a very fine brandy sent up earlier. She was tired and still wanted to think some more about everything that had happened that day, but couldn’t bring herself to say no.

As they sat down with their drinks, Hojo draped one arm across the back of the sofa, and slowly traced little circles on her shoulder with his fingertips. He talked about his plans for the future with the corporation, and his dreams of starting his own family with that one special woman. Then he took her glass and set it, along with his, on a side table and pulled her into his arms and into a heated embrace.

He tilted his head and fastened his lips upon hers, pressing firmly as he sought entrance. She gasped slightly in surprise, giving him the opportunity he needed to drag his tongue across hers and explore the sweet recesses of her mouth. One arm was braced behind her for support, while the other reached between them to cup a full, round breast. He whispered in her ear, “I have waited for you for so long.”

As his lips claimed hers again, Kagome’s world started to tilt, and she realized she had surpassed her normal limit of alcohol that evening. She pushed him away gently, and told him, “I’m sorry, Hojo. I’m feeling a little dizzy. I’m afraid I’m not much of a drinker. I need to go on back to my room and get some sleep, okay?”

And he looked deep into her eyes, and said, “It’s all right, Kagome. Don’t worry about it. But, I want you to know you can trust me to take care of you.” Then he helped her up and kissed her again briefly. And again, she felt that slight tingling sensation travel down her spine, and she shivered.
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A loud crash made the occupants of the bed jump, and they both looked at the bedroom door to see it standing wide open and hanging slightly off its hinges.

“Hiei?”
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