Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Hentai Bets ❯ Lovers and Friends ( Chapter 18 )

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

Sorry this chapter took me so long -- I think I re-wrote it completely about 4 times. A couple of things turned out completely different from the way I originally planned it. So, it should either be okay or totally suck. For you readers, I hope it’s okay. My eternal gratitude to all those who took the time to review!

Purplebabe - Who’s in the lake with Kagome? The answer is right in the first paragraph. And it’s fun time!
Todavialoca - What is the mystery man going to do with Kagome? A better question might be what is Kagome going to do with him? Heh heh!
Halfblackwolfdemon - Thanks for the kind words! Glad you liked the Hiei/Kag fluff -- ready for some more?
Underwater963 - This is another long chapter -- I can’t seem to write less. Not everyone will end up with a mate, I’m afraid. Kuwabara is still dating Yukina, though, under Hiei’s watchful eye.
Kawaii-KeKe-Chan - This one gives it away, though it’s not over yet.
PureMiko_Kagome69ner - Glad you liked the last chapter! Yeah, poor Hojo & pals aren’t the sharpest tools in the shed.
HeartStar - Who is it? Did you guess it? It’s playtime!
MissMischief - Yay! You’re back! I’m just waiting for your next chapter! I’m glad you’re still enjoying this one.
Touketsu Kaijin - I’m so glad you enjoyed the humorous parts -- I giggled at the idea of Hiei in a pink smock fixing hair myself. (I don’t think HE would, though.) Guess who’s in the water with her!
Bloodbunny - No Mr. Mean & Evil in this one at all -- he’s still recovering. Shippou does give some good advice, doesn’t he? The misunderstandings are about to come out!
Darkestheart666 - I hope you enjoy this chapter, too!
Jem89 - I really do apologize for taking so long to update this time -- I usually get out a chapter a week, but this one took twice as long. Hope it’s okay!


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

DISCLAIMER: I doubt that even my double in an alternate reality would be fortunate enough to own or profit from either “Inuyasha” or “Yu Yu Hakusho.” She’s probably a two-bit hack like me. Only taller.

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Last time:
Just then, she was wrapped in a strong embrace and pulled back against a warm, broad chest. She felt a low, deep chuckle rumble against her back, and couldn’t suppress a shiver when she heard his voice and felt his lips graze her ear. “The barrier is a nice touch. Finally, we can have some privacy.”
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As she felt his lips press against the sensitive area right under her ear, she closed her eyes and sank backwards into the warmth his body offered. Giving a soft, contented sigh, she breathed out, “Hiei.”

His lips traveled the length of her neck as his right hand cupped her left breast and his left hand gripped the curve of her waist at her right hip, holding her in place. Kagome was vaguely aware of the temperature of the water around them rising, but was too absorbed in the sensations his touch was producing to take much notice of it. When he stroked the pad of his thumb back and forth over her nipple, her eyes shot open and she swallowed and inhaled deeply. She covered his hands with her own, stilling his movements as she fought to keep from being overwhelmed by her own senses. Then she felt his teeth nip lightly into the delicate skin where her neck meets her shoulder, and she shivered.

“You were careless,” he chided her, as he rubbed his cheek against hers. “You should not have come here by yourself. You didn’t check out the area thoroughly, then you forgot to put up a barrier until it was too late. If I were Musou …”

“If you were Musou, you would be a pile of ash floating in the water,” she told him. She turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck. “Besides, how do you know I wasn’t just waiting for you to join me?” She kissed him, and let her hands slowly trail down his shoulders, onto his chest, and then around his back to pull him closer.

“You might get some baka kitsune with an overblown ego to believe that, but do not think I am so foolish that I can’t tell when …” He broke off scolding her as he jumped slightly and stared at her in disbelief. (She … she did it again!) He really couldn’t believe it -- she had grabbed his ass again.

She gave him a devilish smile, then widened her eyes innocently. “Gomen. A fish must have brushed up against my hand.” And then she winked and took off swimming.

Hiei stared after her for a moment. (She’s flirting with me.) He smiled evilly, then leaped from the water, landing right in front of her as she stood up beside the lake -- startling a small “oh!” from her. She almost stumbled back into the water, but he reached out and caught her.

“No fair!” she pouted. “Darn youkai speed, and strength,” she looked at his arms, “and reflexes, and …” her gaze wandered down his chest, her attention caught by the drops of water trickling down his body, “muscles, …” her eyes lingered on his firmly defined abs before traveling lower, “and, …” her voice trailed off.

Hiei’s brows lifted and a smirk tugged at his lips. “And …?”

“What?” Kagome asked, taken out of her unintentional inspection by the sound of his voice.

“You were … complaining about my muscles, … and other things,” he said teasingly. “Are you finished?”

She felt the blush spreading across her face. She had been caught ogling his body! (It’s not my fault he’s so darn sexy. And he is standing there right in front of me -- naked -- how could I not look? As a matter of fact, he’s lucky all I’m doing is looking. I could be running my hands all over … wait a minute. I could be running my hands all over those incredible muscles -- he wouldn’t mind, would he?)

Hiei watched her expression change from one of embarrassment to one of speculation before he saw the mischief and excitement enter her eyes. And there was no mistaking the rising scent of arousal that added a hint of spice to her already undeniably enticing scent. Oranges and lemons and … ah, yes, that touch of spicy cinnamon. And he didn’t have to look down to know that his arousal matched hers.

“No.”

“What?” About to sweep her up so he could lay her down on his cloak, Hiei was confused and caught off guard. (I know she wants me. Why is she objecting now?)

Kagome smiled as she stepped forward and pressed her body into his. “No, I’m not finished. As a matter of fact, I think I should conduct a closer examination of those annoyingly perfect muscles, … and other things.”

That sounded like a good idea to Hiei, too, so he merely raised an eyebrow at her when she pulled him down to the ground. But again, he was caught off guard when instead of letting him lay her back, she pushed him down and told him to turn over.

“Turn over?”

“Hai. Don’t you trust me?” she batted her eyes innocently at him.

Hesitantly, he turned over on his stomach. Considering his current state of arousal, it wasn’t easy trying to get comfortable. He looked over his shoulder at her. “What are you planning to do, onna?”

She straddled his hips and leaned down to whisper in his ear, causing a low groan to escape his lips when her breasts pressed into his back. He didn’t know how he was going to survive whatever she was going to do. Breathing deeply herself just seeing him underneath her, and thinking about actually getting to touch him the way she wanted to, her voice was low and slightly ragged as she told him, “I’m just going to give you the most thorough, full-body massage you’ve ever had. And when I’m done touching you, … I’m going to see what you taste like -- everywhere.” He was right. He was not going to survive that. She was going to kill him with pleasure. So, he folded his arms and lay his head down on them. (No point in fighting it.)

Kagome smiled at his willingness to turn himself over to her. She could tell he wasn’t the type to trust others easily, and she felt honored that he would allow her take such liberties with him. She didn’t know if she would ever even see him again after this mission was over, so she was going to make sure she never forgot him. She was going to memorize every inch of him.

She sat back up and began at his neck and shoulders. First, lightly running her fingers over his smooth, damp skin, then slowly moving her palms across it. She closed her eyes briefly and let the heat from his body seep into her through her hands. She bit her lower lip as his warmth also slowly spread from his hips and lower back into her inner thighs and directly into the core of her womanhood where she was sitting astride him. It took some effort on her part to focus on the kneading motion of her hands. Even though she was indulging herself by touching him this way, she wanted to be sure he enjoyed it, too.

She increased the pressure of her fingers now, digging firmly, but gently into the muscles of his upper back. She could feel the normal tension in him begin to ease, only to be replaced by another kind of tension. As her hands slowly moved down his back, she leaned over and re-traced the path her hands had already taken with her lips. Hiei couldn’t repress the shiver that ran through him when he felt her warm breath on his neck. And the soft, sensuous feel of her lips gliding across his skin both soothed him and made him ache at the same time.

She. Was. Killing. Him. And he had to admit, he was completely, thoroughly enjoying every second of it. And as soon as she was done, he intended to inflict his own brand of torture on her. He smiled to himself at the thought of reversing their positions and teasing her body until she was writhing with need and begging him to …

“Mmmm.” She slowly dragged her tongue across his skin, savoring the slightly salty taste.

Okaaaay. So, maybe he wasn’t going to spend a lot of time teasing her.

Interspersed with the kisses and the mind-numbing lapping of her tongue, he could feel her teeth nipping at his flesh. And every so often, she would pause to draw a particularly enticing spot into her mouth to suck on it lightly.

Okaaaay. So, maybe he’d just skip the teasing altogether.

She moved lower, continuing the firm, kneading motion of her hands, lingering at the small of his back And when the muscles there were suitably manipulated and relaxed to her satisfaction, she rubbed her cheek against the warm skin there, nuzzling a bit before continuing her explorations with her mouth.

Well, damn! So now he probably wasn’t even going to bother to reverse their positions -- he was just going to turn over and grab her hips and thrust inside her until she yelled out …

“Miroku!”

Startled from his thoughts, Hiei’s eyes narrowed and he let out a vicious snarl. (Why is she calling out another male’s name when she is with me?!?) He jerked his head up and looked over his shoulder at her. She was sitting up now, having moved down so she was straddling his legs. His anger evaporated when he saw her frowning fiercely at her hand as it hovered in the air just inches above his buttocks. He couldn’t help but burst out laughing when he saw her fingers twitch.

She glared at him. “It’s not funny! I think he passed his curse on to me. I am starting to understand why he might have a compulsive urge to … um, show his appreciation for this particular part of the body. Seriously, your butt is just too cute,” her fingers twitched again, “and it’s like my hand is just itching to … um, well, squeeze it.” Kagome was blushing profusely now.

Still chuckling, even though a slight blush covered his own face, Hiei said, “As long as you confine that urge to me, you’re not quite the hentai the monk is.”

Kagome seemed to think about that for a minute. “Hmmm. Maybe you’re right. I haven’t felt the urge to gro.. er, squee, … I mean touch, EVERY guy’s butt I see.” She brightened up at the thought. Then she frowned again. “But maybe Miroku only started out focusing on one, too. I’ll have to ask him.” She let out a long sigh, and began subconsciously running her fingers over said part of Hiei’s anatomy. As her caresses progressed into the now-familiar rhythmic massage she had practiced on his neck, shoulders, and back, Hiei relaxed and lay down again.

(At least that gave me a few minutes to gain more control over my own urges.) He was glad because he wanted to see if she would accept him as her mate before their first time together. And, truthfully, he was enjoying her ministrations too much to make her stop. Each time he was with Kagome was an eye-opening experience for him. He had never wanted to take the time to explore and discover a female’s body before. As a matter of fact, he had always felt rather cold and detached while coupling. It had always been an annoying inconvenience to have to take care of his body’s urges in that manner. Youko had been right about that -- he much preferred hacking and slashing his way through the Makai as a way to take control of and channel his baser needs.

At those times when he did give in to the urge, there were no feelings involved -- he had certainly never cared to so much as remember the name of any of his previous ‘partners,’ if he bothered to even catch it to begin with. It was business, and the females he was with always knew that. So, even if they found him attractive, they didn’t bother to touch him more than necessary. To be honest, none of them had ever even offered to. And that was fine with him -- that was the way he preferred it. He had never needed or wanted to be touched. But the very thought of Kagome touching him -- however innocently -- made him feel … well, it made him feel. He yearned for her touch. And he wanted to touch her. To learn her. To know her. And he could tell, by the way she was touching him now, that she wanted the same thing.

Knowing that this beautiful, powerful, vivacious female wanted him like that ignited a fire in his heart as well as in his blood. He felt warm, and content, and cherished. It was an odd sensation, but definitely a pleasant one. It scared him a little to realize just how much he liked it, because he didn’t know if he could go back to living his life the way he had before he had met her. She had made him consider a future he had had never thought possible before -- one with a beloved mate, a home, and children of his own. One where he could truly relax and be happy. One where he could be accepted and LOVED. He had never wanted that before, but he did now. Now all he had to do was get her to …

Okaaaay. That wasn’t what he had been thinking. He heard her giggle as he jumped again. (She … she bit me! Twice!) He smiled. He liked this side of her.

He felt her hair sweep across his skin, and his groin tightened in response. As she moved further down and began massaging his thighs, he wondered if he was really going to be able to lie still through the rest of this sweet torture. Why had he agreed to this? He really should be the one bringing her pleasure -- after all, he wanted her to accept him, right? With that thought in mind, he started to move so he could get up and take control of the situation when he felt her soft, warm lips caress his upper thighs. He collapsed weakly -- all thoughts of moving -- all thoughts gone. It was a good thing she had put up a barrier because all of his senses were focused inward.

Kagome smiled to herself as he let out a low moan. She couldn’t believe he was letting her do this. She couldn’t believe she was doing this. Where had these desires come from? This need? She was surprised she was able to touch him like this and not be embarrassed or unsure about her own actions and his possible reaction to them. But her longings to do this were so great that her only thoughts were about the incredible feel and taste of his skin, the perfection of his firm, muscular body, and how wonderful, no, powerful she felt as she gave into these desires she hadn’t even known she possessed. What had happened to make her feel this way? Was it her age? Loneliness? Too much time spent with her hentai friends? Or was it … him? (Don’t go there. You promised yourself you weren’t going to think about it like that. Just enjoy what you’ve got now and don’t go messing things up by wishing for more.) As she finished massaging his feet, she sat up. Looking him over from head to toe, she smiled to herself. (Okay maybe just a little more.)

“Turn over.”
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Yusuke had joined Shippou in his surveillance of the ningen camp, and Naraku joined the both of them a little while later. They all listened with interest and amusement to the three men who were interested in Kagome. Hojo and Tokiya both wanted to go after her to make sure she was all right. Yasuo said there was no way he was going to risk walking in on her and Hiei.

“That guy may be kind of short, but he’s freaking strong. He tossed me like I was nothing, and I swear he wasn’t even trying!” Hojo put a hand up to his eye in remembered pain at Yasuo’s comments. “And he flipped out just because I was looking at her in the dining room -- I’d hate to think what he might do if we came across her while she’s bathing in the lake.” He shuddered.

Hojo tried to remember exactly what had happened when Hiei had burst in on him and Kagome in his bed, but the only thing his mind conjured up was a sense of blinding fear and pain. He shook his head to clear it. It didn’t matter. Even if the little thug was a Yakuza member, he wasn’t going to keep him away from Kagome. She was destined to be his. And soon.

Tokiya watched the determination set in on Hojo’s face. (Damn him. He thinks he’s going to get her. He thinks the world is his for the taking with his good looks, charm, intelligence -- I despise him. Ever since he joined the corporation, he’s been the ‘favorite son’ of the whole damn board. I’ve watched woman after woman throw themselves at him. And now he shows up at this retreat as the newest, youngest VP we’ve ever had. And to top it all off, he has a history with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met and whisked her away practically right out of my arms. But now I know his secret, and his days of easy living will soon be over. And in return for my help, his job, and that exquisite woman will be mine. And as for her current boyfriend, -- well, he’d better enjoy her company while he can because his days are numbered, too.)

Masaharu sighed. “I’m just glad Jakotsu doesn’t have a jealous lover running around here. I wonder where he went? I sure hope he’s back at the resort when we go back.”

The other three rolled their eyes at him. They were a little tired of hearing him whine about how his erstwhile boytoy had disappeared. And if they had to hear him go and on again about how inventive this Jakotsu guy was in bed, and what a ‘generous lover’ he was, they were going to throw Masaharu in the lake. Which wasn’t a bad idea, since that way they’d be sure to run into Kagome, and no one, (her crazy boyfriend), could accuse them of coming to spy on her.

Yusuke whispered to the other two, “Man, the shrimp really has that one guy ready to piss his pants, doesn’t he? Can’t say as I blame him, though. Hiei can be pretty damn terrifying when he wants to be -- which is most of the time.”

“Jakotsu will be happy to hear how much his latest fling is missing him,” Naraku noted with amusement.

“Yeah. Kaa-san said she and the avatar overheard them playing out some kind of Inuyasha fantasy of Jakotsu’s -- complete with a large ornamental sword Jakotsu brought for the occasion,” Shippou told him. That made Naraku snicker a bit.

“I wonder what that idiot dog would have said if he had known he would be the object of the mercenary’s fantasies for centuries to come?” he mused, partly to himself.

“Hey, Shippou. Are you sure one of us shouldn’t have followed Kagome to the lake?” Yusuke asked. “Who knows when that little hothead will show up?”

“He’s with her.”

Yusuke turned to Naraku. “How do you know that?”

Naraku raised a brow as he looked at him like a scientist eyeing a bug on a slide. “Do you seriously think we would let her walk around out here without watching over her? I was waiting at the lake until the hybrid arrived.” He turned to Shippou now with a serious expression on his face. “She was rather distracted -- she didn’t even notice I was there. And I believe he took her by surprise as well. We need to be extra vigilant in guarding her.”

“And?” Shippou asked him expectantly.

A heavy sigh escaped his lips. “And, … we may very well be forced to pay up tomorrow.”

Yusuke stared at him. “You have got to be kidding me! I never would have thought shorty had it in him.” He shook his head in disbelief. “Wait a minute,” he pointed to the campsite. “Maybe not.”
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Hiei rolled over and propped himself up on his elbows. There, at his feet, sat a goddess. A wet, naked, erotic goddess. Her long, ebony hair was still clinging to her body in places like a curtain of shadows, adding to her seductive appeal. As he felt himself growing even harder, he was thankful to be on his back. His eyes began to glow as he looked at her. It was obvious she was every bit as interested in his body as he was in hers, and he basked in a bit of masculine pride as her scent spiked. He sat all the way up. Now was the time. He reached out to pull her into his embrace.

“Kagome. You are …” His words were halted by a delicate hand covering his mouth.

“Uh-uh. I’m not nearly done with you yet. So, you have to just lay back and be quiet until I am,” she told him, her tone brooking no argument. She pushed him back down.

He quirked a brow at her, but complied, albeit just a bit reluctantly. He really wanted to settle things between them, but he couldn’t deny he was enjoying her touch immensely. And if she wanted to continue, how could he say no? Not to mention, somewhere deep inside him, he was just a little, well, let’s say apprehensive about her possible answer. So, he allowed himself to put aside the deeper desires of his heart for a few minutes more to focus instead on the physical pleasure she was inflicting upon him.

This time she started where she had left off -- at his feet -- and slowly worked her way up his legs. It was amazing to him how a simple touch could be so soothing and so arousing at the same time. And when the pressure of her hands was replaced by the softness of her lips, his nerve endings all sparked like they had been jolted by electricity.

“Kagome …” he groaned as her hair brushed his erection, teasing him with its feathery caress. She really was going to be the death of him. Did she really expect him to just lie still when her tongue was leaving a moist trail along the inside of his thighs? She laughed softly when he pounded the ground in frustration as she rubbed her cheek against the side of his hardened length before she moved all the way up and captured his lips with hers. Never before had she felt so confident with a male -- so … sexy. It was a heady sensation, and it fueled her desire, making her feel bolder and more adventurous.

They both let out small sounds of disappointment when she broke the kiss, but she sat up, now straddling his abdomen. He hissed and shut his eyes when she rubbed her backside lightly against his now almost painfully hard erection. “Onna, your time is running short.”

Glancing behind her, she smirked and said, “Hmmm. But you definitely aren’t.”

His eyes shot open and he stared at her in shock. (Did she really just say that?) She was just full of surprises today.

Seeing the look on his face, Kagome blushed a bit. (Sweet Kami, I knew it! I am turning into a hentai. That sounded like something Jakotsu would say.) Hiei almost laughed at the look of horror that crossed her face when she realized her own words, then his eyes widened when he saw her expression change to one of mischief and … hunger? Letting her eyes sweep over his broad shoulders and muscular arms and chest, she licked her lips in anticipation. (Of course, if this is what being a hentai gets you, maybe it‘s not such a bad thing.) And she bent down slightly to resume her massaging motions at his neck and shoulders.

Hiei’s eyes drifted shut again as her magical hands were once again followed by the tantalizing, almost hypnotic effect of her mouth on his skin. He fell into a world where his senses seemed amplified, and he was intensely aware of not only every sensation she invoked in him, but also the telltale signs of what she was feeling. He could tell her temperature was slightly elevated, and her heartbeat was accelerating. Her scent was spiking, causing an echoing tightening in his groin. But what caught his attention the most, was the occasional little hitch in her breathing. That was going to send him right over the edge.

(I take it back -- that is going to send me over the edge.) “Kagome …” he warned her, as her tongue swirled around his nipple right before her mouth closed around it and her teeth tugged on it gently. He could also feel her breasts pressing into his abdomen now, and the warmth of her thighs and feminine core around and above his shaft. He couldn’t stop his hands from grabbing her hips. His fingers dug into her flesh as he fought the need to pull her down onto him. He inhaled deeply as he struggled to maintain control of himself. Then she pleaded with him in a husky voice, “Please, Hiei … please let me finish …” And he let his grip on her ease, and instead slid his hands up into her hair, trying to focus on the silken strands instead of the inferno raging within him as he felt her move further down his body.

Kagome really wanted to spend more time memorizing and worshipping his tight, firm abs, but she knew she was pushing her luck And there was something she had been wanting to do ever since the first time he had let her. His hips jerked at the first touch of her fingers circling the tip of his manhood. He could feel his nails and teeth elongate into claws and fangs as she stroked him softly from tip to base and back again, and then wrapped her hand around him, squeezing gently. A growl rumbled in his chest as she cupped and fondled his sac with one hand, while maintaining a slow, smooth stroking motion, interspersed with firmer squeezes, with the other one. Each time she reached the tip, she would pause and circle it lightly. Hiei could feel himself on the verge of transforming when she leaned down and ran her tongue across him. As her lips closed around him, he froze and his mind went blank -- every aspect of his being tuned into that one area of his body.

His hands clenched and unclenched convulsively in her hair, twisting fistfuls of the thick, silky curls in an unconscious attempt to connect with something solid and bring himself out of the mindless plane of sheer pleasure that was calling out his baser instincts. She paused in her motions, and he could feel her breath on him as her voice once again pulled him to himself and enabled him to re-gain the control he needed. “Hiei, … are you all right? I’m not hurting you, am I?”

The worry in her voice gave him the strength to shake his head. Through gritted teeth, he managed to say in a voice thick with the effort of talking, “You’re too good at this --you’re … killing me.”

He felt her laugh softly. “Good. Because I’m killing me, too.” And then she bathed his shaft from base to tip with firm, swirling strokes of her tongue before engulfing him into the heated depths of her mouth. Her words played themselves over again in his head, and he turned his senses outward again to find that she was definitely telling the truth. Her heart was racing every bit as fast as his was, and the scent of her arousal would have obvious even to someone without youkai senses. Her breathing was rapid, and he could feel the small tremors that ran through her from her core every little bit. And knowing that she was responding so strongly to him and to what she was doing to him confirmed in his mind the idea that she was meant for him. He was able to relax just a bit as he became more confident that this woman would indeed soon be his mate.

He wasn’t able to revel in his thoughts for long, though, as Kagome began to increase the suction on his heated flesh as she slowly worked her way up. She stopped every little bit and allowed her teeth to graze him in a slightly circular motion, following with a swirling stroke of her tongue. The effect had every nerve in his body tingling, and she had to stop caressing his sac to put a hand on his hip when he bucked upward. His fists tightened in her hair and a low, rumbling growl poured forth through his clenched teeth, increasing in volume as she sped up the pace of her ministrations. She continued the maddening pattern of suction, teeth, and tongue for a few minutes more -- a few minutes which felt like an eternity to Hiei. Then she suddenly stopped with just the head still in her mouth and lapped at it with quick, firm strokes of her tongue while running both hands all over his thick, solid length. She then cupped his sac and gave it a gentle squeeze, and they both felt his balls draw up as his shaft thickened even more. He vaguely heard Kagome let out a soft cry right before she took as much of him as she could into her mouth again and he felt that wonderful, torturous, moist warmth engulf him -- once, twice -- then he gripped her hair so tightly that he held her still, letting out a roar that sounded distinctly inhuman as he came.

When his awareness returned, Hiei loosened his grasp of Kagome’s hair. She rubbed her cheek against him and chuckled softly. Then she crawled up his body and nuzzled his neck before whispering in his ear, “Well, I‘m glad to see I didn‘t kill you after all. I was beginning to wonder with that death-grip you had on my hair,” she snickered. “So, did you like it?”

He answered her by rolling them over and kissing her fiercely. Settling himself between her legs, he lifted his head and said, “Hai. Don’t ever do it again.”

Her eyes sparkled and she laughed. “Never?” Then she pouted. “But I liked it, too.”

He leaned down and suckled on her lower lip. (Maybe sometime. Like on a special occasion. Or in a month or so. Or next week. Or tomorrow …) His thoughts got a little fuzzy. He suddenly realized she had bent her knees and tilted her hips to rub against him. He was already quite hard again and he could feel the evidence of her own orgasm from earlier making her nice and slick and ready for him. He couldn’t believe her body responded so strongly to his, but the proof of her desire was unmistakable. She had actually climaxed just from touching and pleasuring him.

He looked into her eyes. This female -- this ningen miko, who could have anyone she wanted, was about to let him make love to her, in effect giving him her innocence. And she had touched him, the forbidden child: a thief, a cold-blooded killer, a being whose very existence was abhorred and who was unworthy of compassion or love -- she had touched him like he was some kind of treasure or something precious, -- like he was something she truly wanted. This delicate, beautiful, wonderful onna was giving herself to him. And he was going to take her. All of her. Her friendship was not enough, her companionship was not enough, her body was not enough. He needed her heart. Because … he had given her his.

“Kagome, … I want you to be …”

“Kagoooomeeee! Kagoooomeee! Are you all right?”

“Shit!” Kagome quickly dropped her barrier and squirmed out from under Hiei. Looking around frantically, she saw that her clothes were too far away for her to get them and cover herself up before Hojo was close enough to see her. So, she dived into the lake. “Aieeee!” When her overheated body came into contact with the cold water, she felt like she had just dipped herself in ice.

Hearing her shriek, Hojo came running out of the treelike towards the lake only to fall back onto the ground when he literally ran into a very naked, very angry “boyfriend.” Hiei reached down and grabbed the front of Hojo’s shirt and hauled him up by it. “What the hell do you think you’re doing?” he hissed menacingly. “You knew she came here to bathe.”

Hojo staggered to his feet and tried to push Hiei away. “I came to check on her to make sure she was all right. She’s been gone a long time.”

“Hn. She’s fine. Now go.” And he released him and shoved him backwards.

“I’m not leaving until I know she’s all right. I heard her scream,” he tried to stare the fire demon down, but the look he was giving him was enough to make his knees shake. “Kagome! Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, Hojo,” she said through chattering teeth. “It’s just that the water’s so cold. Please, go on back. We’ll be there in a few minutes.”

Looking nervously at the deadly expression on the face of the thug in front of him, Hojo glanced past him at the lake. “Well, … if you’re sure, Kagome.”

“Hai, I’m sure.”

And Hojo turned around and slowly walked back into the trees. He hadn’t gone more than a few steps out of sight of the lake when a large branch fell and whacked him on the head and across one shoulder, nearly causing him to fall again. “What the …?” He looked at the branch. Strangely enough, it looked like the end that would have been attached to the tree had been burnt through.

Not too far away, 2 partial youkai and 1 full-blooded kitsune tried hard to suppress their laughter.

“Apparently, your teammate does not like to be interrupted,” Naraku observed.

Yusuke was snorting with choked laughter. “No kidding! Oh, man! Hiei’s the only guy I know who doesn’t let the fact that he’s butt-naked stop him from scaring the crap out of someone. That guy is lucky he didn‘t just set him on fire.”

As they quietly followed the ningen back to his camp, Naraku noticed Shippou seemed lost in thought. “You’ve been unusually silent about the evening’s events.”

“Yeah, well, what would you say if you saw your mother doing what I saw my kaa-san doing?”

Yusuke was surprised. “You mean that bothered you? I thought you all were pretty open about stuff like that -- hell, you’ve certainly been vocal enough in your suggestions and jokes.”

“That’s just it. I have to wait until tomorrow to tease the hell out of her. It’s killing me!”
************************************************************ ************


Hiei helped Kagome out of the water and wrapped his arms around her, raising the temperature of the surrounding air to warm her and help her dry off some. She smiled apologetically at him. “I guess we should hurry back.”

“Hn.”

When she stepped away from him to get dressed, he dived into the lake. “Hiei? What are you doing?”

“Cooling off,” he answered curtly. But it didn’t really help. He was still fuming so badly that the water started to boil and steam began rising all around him.

In a few minutes, they started to head back to the campsite. Kagome was wearing a simple pair of black shorts with a plain, light pink, princess-cut t-shirt. Hiei was in his trademark black pants with a black tank top. He had his cloak thrown over one shoulder and was holding fast to Kagome with his other arm firmly set around her waist. He was in a very foul mood and he knew just the ningen to take it out on.

When they walked into the clearing, the 4 men there all stopped and looked at them. Masaharu just smiled and nodded, while Yasuo backed away a bit from the scowl on Hiei’s face. Tokiya just eyed Kagome up and down, silently admiring how much leg her shorts were showing, and the way her simple t-shirt fit snugly across her breasts. Hojo, on the other hand, narrowed his eyes at Hiei briefly before turning a concerned look on Kagome.

“I’m glad you made it back here safely,” he said, speaking directly to her and ignoring the man at her side.

Before she could say anything, Hiei stepped forward and sneered at him. “You do not have to concern yourself. I always take care of what is mine.”

Kagome rolled her eyes at that and pulled on his arm, leading him over to the campfire where the pot of stew was still being kept warm. “Come on, Tarzan. I left some of the stew out. Eat a bite.”

He let her lead him over and push him down to sit. He wasn’t sure who this ‘Tarzan’ was, but he knew she was teasing him, and he glared at the men when he saw their eyes light up in humor. He gave her a heated look, and smirked when he saw a light blush stain her cheeks. He’d get her later.

When Hojo came and sat down on the other side of Kagome, she noticed what a terrible sunburn he had. “How did you get so burned? It was so cloudy today.”

He played it down with a slightly embarrassed little shrug, and for a minute, she was reminded of the boy she had known years ago. She smiled at him. “Wait here. I’m sure I saw some aloe plants around here.” She searched around the nearby trees and bushes until she found what she was looking for. Plucking several large leaves, she came back over to him. “If you’ll take off your shirt, I’ll apply the liquid -- it’s kind of thick like a gel, and you won’t want it to get on your clothes. He nodded and pulled his shirt over his head.

Hiei was not pleased with this turn of events and was about to stop her from helping out the blasted man, when he saw the look she was giving him. Busted. She knew he was responsible for the burn, and she was frowning at him disapprovingly. He stood up, and turning his back on her, walked over to where their bedding was laid out. “Don’t dawdle over there. We will head out early in the morning.”

Kagome tried not to smile, but really! He was sulking like a small child. Seeing the indulgent smile on her face, Hojo’s brow furrowed. (She really does care for that little psycho.) The thought was disturbing. (It’s not like I thought she would still be a virgin. I mean, look at her -- she’s gorgeous. But I didn’t expect her to be in a relationship when we met again.) He frowned darkly. (And it doesn’t help that she’s still sleeping with him when she’s supposed to be considering my proposal. I’m going to have to force the issue soon -- maybe even tomorrow.)

“Are you all right, Hojo? Is the burn causing you a lot of pain?” Her soft voice interrupted his thoughts.

“No, it’s not so bad,” he assured her.

Looking at his bare torso, she noticed some bad scrapes and bruising on one of his shoulders going down his shoulder blade. Touching them lightly, she asked, “And what happened here?”

Hojo looked down at his shoulder. “An old branch fell and hit me. I didn’t realize it had scraped the skin there.”

“Well, the aloe will be good for that, too,” she told him as she broke one of the leaves and let the liquid pool in her hand. “Don’t forget to take your watch off -- you don’t want it to get all sticky with this goo,” she said with a smile.

Hojo hesitated a minute and looked around to see that the others were all getting ready to go to sleep. “Are you planning to leave with him in the morning?” he asked quietly.

“Well, we were planning to do some more hiking, and we will be camping out a few more days.”

“And are you still thinking about us?”

Kagome stopped rubbing the aloe on his shoulder and stepped in front of him. She looked into his eyes and he saw that she was struggling for words. “Kagome,” he took her hands between his, “I can tell you care about him, but I want you to see that there is no future for you with him. Please, I want you to think about that and about the future I am offering you. I want you to know that I will make you happy, if you’ll let me.”

The earnestness of his gaze made a chill go down her spine and left a slight tingling sensation at the base of her neck. She had been about to tell him that she just couldn’t accept, but if she did that, she might not be able to stick around to protect him and the others from the demons. And she could tell how much he wanted her to say yes. Why was her love life so complicated? She went from nothing and no one to too much and too many possible lovers in such a short space of time. Should she just tell him no now and get it over with? Could she? She found she couldn’t. So, she simply nodded her head. “Okay, Hojo. I will think about it a little longer. Gomen nasai. I don’t like to leave you hanging like this, it doesn’t seem fair to you.” Her guilt and remorse were evident on her face.

He smiled. “Let me worry about that. I want you to be sure when you make your decision.”

He released her hands, and she picked up another leaf to break it for more aloe. As she began to rub it down his arms, she reminded him, “Your watch.”

“Oh, yes. Arigato.” And he took off the watch and put it in his pocket, enjoying the feel of her hands as she spread the gooey substance down his arms. He couldn’t wait to make her his wife -- to come home to her beautiful smiling face every night, to feel her hands all over his body, to kiss those soft, full lips whenever he wanted. He closed his eyes and a blissful expression spread across his handsome features as she gently ran her fingers over his face, treating the ‘sunburn’ there. And as she touched him, she did think about the life he was offering her: security, home, children, love. Hojo had always been a good, caring friend, but she had never truly considered him in the role of a lover or husband. And right now, when she tried to picture herself being intimate with him, all she could see was a pair of glowing crimson eyes.

Across the clearing, Hiei could feel his anger building as the smell of the man’s obvious arousal continued to rise. (Damn onna. Why does she insist on treating that slight burn? I’m just going to end up having to break his nose all over again, among other things, if she continues to touch him like that much longer.) He was extremely frustrated with the way things had turned out. He was so close to having everything he could ever want, even though he hadn’t known -- hadn’t dared admit, even to himself, that he had longed for someone to love him. Someone he could love. And he knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Kagome was the only one who could fill that spot in his life, … in his heart. He needed her to be his mate, to be with him forever. Tomorrow. He couldn’t wait any longer. Tomorrow he would find a time, and a place, and he would make her his. As for tonight, … “Kagome. You need to get some sleep,” he said impatiently.

“I’m coming.” She smiled down at Hojo. “Good night.”

“Good night, Kagome.”

She rinsed her hands off in a pail of water and walked over to where Hiei was sitting. In a low voice, he complained, “You are too friendly with him.”

Kagome unzipped the large sleeping bag and crawled in it. She lay down and grinned at his scowling face. Eyes twinkling mischievously, she patted the area beside her and said, “Are you going to sit there and pout all night, or are you going to join me? You did tell them we stay warm enough to be this far away from the fire and I’m holding you to it.”

“Youkai do not pout, onna,” he told her as he lay down and covered them up. He gathered her into his arms and pulled her close.

“Of course not,” she agreed, with a giggle. Then she placed her hand along his cheek and stroked it gently with her thumb. “Gomen, Hiei,” she whispered.

He gave her a questioning look. “For earlier. For being interrupted. I did want to … well, … be with you, you know.” She leaned in and kissed him, -- not passionately, like earlier, but tenderly. His hold on her tightened, and when their lips parted, he pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I know. We will -- soon. Get some sleep.” He felt her relax, and listened as her breathing began to slow. Then she shifted a bit, restlessly. He looked down and saw a small frown on her face right before he felt her hand slide down his back and come to rest. As she cupped his buttock, the frown smoothed out into a contented smile. He chuckled to himself. His onna really was a bit of a hentai.
*************************************************************** *********


Kagome was sleeping peacefully. She was perfectly warm and comfortable, and in her dreams she was playing with little dark-haired children in a meadow when someone suddenly came up behind her and … “Oh!” She awoke with a start. Someone had pinched her butt! She saw a familiar-looking pair of crimson eyes staring at her. Another sharp pinch made her jump.

“HIEI!!” she yelled, her shout startling the 4 men from their sleep.

Hiei immediately clamped a hand over her mouth, and in loud whisper designed to carry over to the others, said, “Shhhh! You’ll wake them. I told you were too loud, but nooooo -- you just couldn’t let the 3 times at the lake be enough.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief and horror, A loud crackling came from the nearby trees, as if a large animal had fallen from one and was scrambling around in the bushes. There was a slight choking sound from one of the men, and Masaharu was clearly giggling, though he was trying to be quiet. (He is so dead! I should purify his ass right now!)

He just smiled smugly at her. “Now be quiet and let Tarzan get some sleep.” And he leaned over and kissed her, ignoring the evil glare she was giving him. When he felt a light burning sensation glaze over his backside, he chuckled. (Oh yes. She definitely has a rather hentai fetish.)
********************************************************** **************


Kagome was still not talking to Hiei as they approached the site where the other detectives had camped. She had been completely embarrassed when they got up this morning and she had to face those men after what Hiei had said last night. Oh yeah, he was definitely going to have to work to get back in her good graces. No matter how handsome he was, … or how appealing his butt was. Her fingers twitched. (I have got to talk to Miroku about this unnatural obsession.)

She had awoken feeling safe and comfortable. (There’s nothing like sleeping with a fire demon to keep someone nice and warm.) She hadn’t wanted to move. She was pretty much lying on top of Hiei with her head cushioned on his chest. Then she had remembered what he had done. (Dirty, rotten, sneaky MALE -- making everyone think …) She had kneed him none too gently in the groin as she got up.

They had found out that the men planned to hike around until lunchtime, and then they were going to go ahead and set up another campsite, so they could do some more fishing and relax. Kagome had promised Hojo that they would meet back up with them later in the day. She noted that they were definitely headed toward Musou’s camp. They would have to keep a close watch on them. She would have offered to travel with them if she had thought Hiei wouldn’t end up maiming Hojo. But that didn’t seem too likely, especially since Hojo was acting pretty hostile, too. She was sure it was because he thought they had … well, you know, while in close proximity. Though for some reason, he didn’t seem to blame her. No, he seemed to think it was all Hiei’s fault -- like he was rubbing it in his face or something. Come to think of it, that’s exactly what he was doing. She heaved a long sigh. What was she going to do with these males?

They were just a few minutes from where the others were waiting from them when suddenly Hiei grabbed her backpack off her back and dumped it on the ground. “What do you think you’re doing?” she asked crossly.

Without saying a word, he pulled her to him and kissed her. And as irritated as she was with him, she couldn’t help but respond. She parted her lips to give him access, then stroked his tongue with her own. He backed her up against a tree and when he lifted one of her legs up to his waist, she quickly wrapped them both around him. As he pressed into the cradle of her thighs, she pressed back against his hardness, -- the soft moan from her lips echoed by the ragged groan in his throat. “Still angry?” he asked, nipping her ear.

She opened her eyes and glared at him, seeing the smirk on his face. “Yes! You rotten …” He cut her off by capturing her lips again. Moving down her neck, he suckled on the spot where her pulse was the strongest. “Hmmmm. Too bad.”

“Ohayo, Okaa-san!” a familiar voice called out. Kagome scrambled to stand, but Hiei wouldn’t let her push him away. “I see that the 3 times by the lake really weren’t enough,” the kitsune said with a sly smile, waggling his eyebrows.

“Shippou!” She could feel the blush staining her cheeks as she saw the other members of her team standing behind him.

“Ohayo, Kagome-sama. May I say, I was quite impressed to hear of your stamina, though I was a bit surprised that you would be such a demanding lover. It is fortunate indeed that Hiei here is a youkai, otherwise I’m sure you would have quite exhausted him.” Miroku inclined his head toward the fire apparition.

She just moaned pitifully as she dropped her face into her hands. The others were shocked when Hiei joined in on their laughter, though he did hold her close and pat her back consolingly. This was the scene Yusuke walked up to.

Looking at the laughing youkai, he asked, “Who are you and what have you done with Hiei?” He was simply astounded by the changes he was seeing in his teammate. (And it’s all because of this woman. I’ll bet Keiko would like her. Maybe when this mission is over, we can all get together.) He looked at Miroku. (As long as he keeps his hands off Keiko’s ass.)

Hiei just raised a brow at Yusuke. Jakotsu came over and took Kagome’s arm, leading her away from Hiei and the others. “Now, now, sugar. You know they’re just teasing you. Naraku was quick to tell everyone you’re still innocent.”

“I don’t believe innocent is the term I used,” Naraku drawled slyly. “I said she still retains her virginity.”

Kagome started choking. Jakotsu flashed an annoyed look at Naraku. “Stop that! Just because she indulged in a little … ooomph.” Kagome clamped her hand over his mouth. She let go after a warning glance. “Okay, okay. I’ll behave. But tell me,” he whispered, “did you try the thing I mentioned? You know, with the teeth?”

As the others walked on, Hiei stopped dead in his tracks. He remembered teasing her the first time about her obvious skill in spite of her lack of experience, and she had said something about her friends giving her tips and ideas. He hadn’t thought she meant … them. There really was no telling what kinds of things those hentais had told her, and he wondered if he should be a little scared about his future sex life with his mate. Then he thought about the previous evening. Maybe he’d just sit back and enjoy it.

When they met up with the rest of the group, Kagome was shocked at how bad Kuwabara looked. “Kazuma, what’s wrong? Are you ill?”

He looked at her sorrowfully. “I’m just tired.”

Miroku came up and whispered to her, “He wouldn’t go to sleep last night with just me, Jakotsu, Kurama, and Kouga here. He’s afraid one of them is going to take advantage of him in his sleep.”

“Oh, Kazuma, “ she said sympathetically, rubbing his back, “you know you have to sleep. When we stop for lunch, I’ll stand guard for you, okay?”

“Would you really?” he asked hopefully.

“Sure. Now we’d better get moving -- Hojo and the others are heading directly towards Musou’s camp, so we really need to be on guard.”

As they spread out to once again follow the small group of men from the sides as well as behind them, Kagome noticed the way Hiei and Kurama looked at each other. Kurama hadn’t said a word to either of them, and it worried her. She had been so completely caught up in the events of the night before that she had forgotten the male she had been thinking about and contemplating her feelings for was already in a relationship with someone else. A voice in her head told her there was no future for her with Hiei. (What am I thinking? What am I doing? This is crazy. So why does being with him feel so right? I was really going to give myself to him. I still want to. Am I letting sexual desire cloud my judgment? Is it more than that? Yes. It’s more. And it’s more than that for him, too -- I could feel it. Is it enough? Could I ever be enough for him?) She looked at him and as if sensing her gaze, he looked over at her. He could see the question in her eyes, but didn’t know exactly what it was she wanted to know. He walked over and touched her face.

“Kagome? What is it?”

“Oi! Hiei, you’re with us,” Kouga called out, motioning for Hiei to join him and Shippou.

“Nothing. You’d better get going,” she shook her head and smiled, but it seemed a little forced.

Frowning, Hiei said, “We’ll talk later, all right?” And he kissed her briefly before taking off.

The youkai were traveling to the sides, leaving the ningen to trail along at the back. Although severely tired, Kuwabara was happy to be walking along with Kagome and Miroku, even if Jakotsu was with them, too. After walking in silence for a while, Kagome nonchalantly approached a subject she had been wondering about.

“Um, Miroku? About that curse, … have you always been affected by all the attractive women you see, or did it begin with just one?”

“What? I’m afraid I don’t follow you, Kagome-sama. What do you mean?” He looked at her curiously.

“Well, when you first became aware of the curse, were you just tempted to ah, show your appreciation for one particular woman’s charms, or were you always tempted by all of the attractive women you came across?”

Miroku blinked a few times. Then a huge smile spread across his face. “Kagome-sama, are you perhaps suffering from such a curse yourself? I thought I was sensing a kindred appreciation for such charms in your aura.”

Blushing profusely, she grumbled, “Will you just answer my question, please?”

“Never fear. I don’t believe you need to worry about your hands wandering. I think this particular curse confines itself to the object of one’s heart once that person has been found. And if I’m not mistaken, you have found that someone, haven’t you?”

“I … I don’t know,” she said quietly.”

“When the time comes, you will know,” he assured her.
****************************************************************** ******


They stopped for lunch shortly after the ningen men set up their camp. After a quick bite to eat, Kagome sat down next to Kuwabara and told him to get some sleep. In a matter of minutes, he was snoring soundly. She looked around at the others and scolded them. “You guys really need to stop being so mean to poor Kazuma and assure him you’re not going to bother him.” She looked pointedly at Jakotsu.

“Oh, all right. But you don’t know how hard it is being so close to so many yummy men day in and day out, and not be able to touch the goods. At least you’ve been seeing some action, even if they can’t seem to close the deal,” he pouted. “And there’s poor Kaiba up there, languishing away, dreaming of our brief time together, …”
“Jakotsu!” Kagome didn’t know how she was still managing to blush after all the things that had been said to and about her lately.

“His name is Masaharu, you nitwit. No wonder none of your relationships last -- you can’t even remember their names when you’re with them,” Naraku said contemptuously.

“Hmph. I don’t see you keeping any long-term lovers, either, Mr. ‘I’m-Too-Sexy-For- My-Baboon-Pelt.’ I’ll bet I could find and keep a good lover longer than you could,” Jakotsu sniffed.

“Oh, really? And just what do you want to bet?”

“Oh, no you don’t! You two can’t bet on something like that!” Kagome said, horrified at the thought. “You can’t enter into a real, long-term relationship with someone just to prove something to someone else. That would be wrong, and you would be doing that person a terrible injustice.”

Everyone was perfectly quiet for a moment. This was going to come back and bite someone in the ass, and they all knew it.

As everyone slunk away under the force of Kagome’s glare, Kurama and Hiei looked at each other. Kurama remembered some of the things Yusuke and Naraku had been talking about as they hiked along that morning. Naraku had teased Yusuke about almost giving away their position when he fell out of a tree after the little prank Hiei had pulled. He couldn’t believe it when they had told everyone this morning that Hiei had not only made Kagome wake everyone up, but that he made it sound like they were having sex, and that they were doing it because she wasn’t satisfied with having done it 3 times earlier. Oh sure, he knew that part of the reason Hiei did it was to get back at Hojo, but it really did seem like he also did it to tease Kagome. Since when did Hiei tease anyone?

Then, Yusuke told them about coming upon the other team when they were all laughing at something, -- and Hiei was laughing right along with them. Not snickering or chuckling, but really laughing. While Kurama had heard him laugh before, a few times, it just wasn’t something Hiei did around others. He was too controlled and closed off for that. At least, he used to be. And right before they had left, he had walked right over to Kagome and kissed her. Right in front of everyone. True, he had been acting possessive, and even obsessive in front of everyone -- covering her with his cloak, sitting with her in his lap, running his fingers through her hair, -- but when he kissed her, in front of other people, there was no mistaking the affection he had for her. He had known Hiei had decided he wanted her for his mate, and had even thought to himself that the apparition was ‘in love’ with her, but he had really still been thinking of it in terms of his baser youkai instincts leading him to act and feel that way towards a woman he deemed ‘worthwhile.’ But this was different. Hiei was different. Being with her was allowing him to relax and open up more than Kurama had ever seen him. And it was all going to fall apart and come crashing down on him like a ton of bricks if Kagome ever found out about their bet.

“Youko, we have to call off the bet before Hiei declares himself to her.”

“Damn it. I knew that’s what you were thinking. Are you sure he’s getting ready to do that? And she might not ever find out, you know.”

“True, but can we take that chance? Can we let Hiei take that chance?”

“Hiei, Hiei, Hiei. Are you sure you’re not in love with the little bastard?”

“Ha ha. Very funny. Now let’s go talk to him.”

“It’s not that simple, Red. We have to get him to call it off, -- otherwise he’ll just say we’re trying to get out of paying up. And if she does find out, it’ll go easier on him if he was the one to let it go.”

“I can’t believe you’re actually going to be nice about this and help him out by letting him be the one to call it off.”

“I’m not the jackass here, you know. And he needs all the help he can get. Of course, you do realize that given enough time, we could probably come to love Kagome, too. And eventually, we’ll want to take a mate. Are you sure you want to let him declare himself and take her off the market?”

“Would it be fair to try to hold her with promises of what might happen years from now, when Hiei is ready to offer her everything now?”

“Hmph. I hate it when you’re right. She likes us, and she’s attracted to us, but she does already have feelings for him. Go figure -- who knew such a beautiful, intelligent woman would have such bad taste? But you can see it when they’re together -- it’s like their souls complete one another, bringing out hidden parts of them. Hell, who knew the little bugger even had a soul? It’s a damn shame, too. It would have so much fun having her around. BUT, just because we’re going to end the bet doesn’t mean we’re just giving her up. Like I said before, he might have chosen her, but she might not choose him. So, until he marks her, she’s fair game. And it would be in our best interests to distance ourselves from that bet, too.”

“Good to know that underneath that kind, helpful exterior still lurks the heart of a self-serving youkai on the make.”

“As the great English bard Shakespeare said, ‘to thine own self be true,’ -- otherwise known as ‘looking out for number one.’ You can’t argue with great literature, even if it is ningen.”

“Riiiiigght. So, how do we get Hiei to call off the bet?”

“That’s easy. We make a move on Kagome,” he said, waggling his eyebrows.

“Of course, how silly of me.”

Kurama walked over and sat down by Kagome. He looked at her appreciatively. She was a wearing a pair of rather short, low-slung blue jean shorts, showing to advantage the length of her well-toned legs. Her top was a plain, white short-sleeved button-up one, which she wore with the top three buttons undone and the bottom tied up in a knot, exposing her flat, smooth abdomen and trim waist. She was currently pulling her hair back into two long pigtails. “You look lovely, as always,” he told her with a flirtatious smile.

“Arigato. You’re very flattering, as always, “ she teased him with a grin. She was having a little trouble tying off one of the pigtails.

“Here, let me help you,” he offered, taking the ribbon from her hand and gathering up her hair.

“Arigato, again. I always have trouble trying to make them even.”

As he tied the ribbon in, he leaned over and whispered in her ear, “You know, it’s rather sinful for one woman to have been blessed with such sensuously enticing hair when the rest of her is so incredibly appealing as well. On the one hand, when you put your hair up, one can fully appreciate the visual delights of your form and figure. But, on the other hand, seeing this thick, shimmering, ebony cloud rain down your shoulders and back has an appeal all its own with the way it hides and hints at the treasures beneath it. Either way, the effect is irresistible.” He punctuated his words by letting his lips slowly glide down the side of her neck while he gently squeezed her shoulders.

Taken completely off-guard, Kagome jumped at the touch of his lips. “Oh! Kurama, what …” Her words died in her throat as she turned toward him and he took the opportunity to brush his lips across hers. The next thing she knew, Hiei had grabbed Kurama and pulled him away from her.

“You will not touch her like that,” Hiei spat out, tightening his grip on Kurama’s arm. He had had enough. (Damn it! Here I am just waiting for an opportunity to ask her to be my mate, and every male on this bloody island is sniffing around her! No more!)

Kurama arched a brow at him and replied, “I have just as much right as you do.”

“I will not allow it. It’s over!” the fire demon declared, throwing Kurama away from him, and forcing him to stumble over Kuwabara’s prone figure, thus waking him up.

“What’s going on, guys?” he asked with a yawn.

Everyone had stopped what they were doing and stared at the scene unfolding in front of them. Kagome’s eyes were as wide as saucers. (Did Hiei just break up with Kurama, or me?) She stood up.

Kurama narrowed his eyes at Hiei. In a low tone, he asked, “Have you slept with her? We all know you haven’t. We may agree there will be no consequences, but that doesn’t mean I will just give up.” He stalked over until they were standing toe-to-toe. His eyes flashed gold. “Not until a commitment has been made.” Hiei grabbed Kurama by the front of his shirt. They were glaring at each other so intently, they didn’t see Kagome cover her mouth with her hand and flee into the forest.

“Well, holy shit! Do you have any idea what that just sounded like? And look at you two! It’s no wonder she thinks you’re lovers!” Yusuke shouted.

Stunned, two pairs of eyes whipped around to stare at the toushin. “WHAT?!!?”
************************************************ ************************