Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction / InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Sweet Temptation ❯ Trouble ( Chapter 7 )

Sweet Temptation

 

Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho… Unfortunately

 

Chapter 7: Trouble

 

Alexis stared back and forth between her uncle and Kagome. They were in a disagreement once again and were arguing over how they should approach the village. According to Kagome, they were just about to enter Inuyasha's forest, which stood between the village and the Bone Eater's Well that was the portal to her time. Kagome had stopped everyone before they reached the forest saying that once they entered, Inuyasha would probably know they were there. Alexis wasn't sure why, but Kagome was nervous about rejoining her group.

 

Kagome was arguing that Youko and Alexis should stay behind and let her explain everything to her friends before they introduced themselves but uncle Youko had his mind set. He wanted to assist in the explanation and personally ask Kagome's friends if they would allow him to travel with them. Kagome disagreed to this because she knew that Inuyasha would immediately say no and only become even angrier.

 

Inuyasha's anger was the main reason Youko wanted to be there when Kagome explained everything. Ever since the incident with Naraku's dream haunting detachment, Alexis's uncle almost never let Kagome out of his sight. Kagome demanded an answer as to why he was hovering or as she had put it, `Breathing down her neck.' Youko had come to the conclusion that Kagome was a danger magnet and therefore needed a constant body guard. Once the kit's uncle heard that Inuyasha would be throwing a fit over the situation, he refused to let Kagome confront the hanyou without him at her side.

 

“Inuyasha isn't going to hurt me!” Kagome yelled, glaring up at the stubborn Kitsune.

 

“You don't know that for sure, the possibility of him changing full demon still stands.” He retorted.

 

“I already told you his sword keeps his blood in check!”

 

“Not that time at Kaguya's castle.” Youko stated and Kagome's first reaction was surprise. How could the kitsune know about that particular time? And if he did know about it… did that mean he knew about the kiss too? Kagome turned her gaze briefly toward Alexis, who was sitting to the side enjoying a bar of chocolate. The kit's ears were drooped slightly and she didn't look up to meet the miko's gaze as she usually did. Yup, Alexis must have told Youko almost all the stories she told her.

 

“That was because she forced him to change with her powers! The tetsugia couldn't do anything to stop that.”

 

“Yea, but apparently you could.” Youko muttered under his breath.

 

“What was that?” Kagome asked, irritated that she couldn't hear what he mumbled.

 

“I don't care how much you believe that hanyou is in control of his demon blood, I'm going with you.” Youko said, crossing his arms over his chest and sticking his nose in the air.

 

“What is with all the men in this time?! I'm not made of glass Youko, I won't break. Inuyasha would never intentionally hurt me.”

 

“Like I said before, you're a danger magnet. If I let you wander through that forest on your own with your luck, you'll most likely get attacked and we'll end up coming to rescue you. Not to mention the commotion will probably attract Inuyasha's attention and he will come running so in the end, it'll turn out that we confront Inuyasha with you.” Youko concluded with a smug smile.

 

“And what makes you think I'll be attacked in the first place?!”

 

“Because you're Kagome.”

 

“I do not get attacked that often!”

 

“Would you like me to begin recording the number of demons that trouble you when you're left alone?”

 

“OK!!! I'm sick of sitting here listening to you two love birds argue in circles!” Alexis finally snapped, leaping to her feet and standing between the now blushing Kagome and her uncle, who was glaring half heartedly down at her.

 

“Here's what we're gunna do and I don't wanna hear ANY arguing. We are all going into the forest together. Uncle Youko is going to stay in the forest while Kagome and I go on to the village to explain everything to Inuyasha. Uncle Youko is to STAY in the forest, but can be within view and hearing distance, until we come and get you.” Alexis said before walking off and entering Inuyasha's forest without another word. Both miko and kitsune stared after the kit with slight surprise.

 

Turning toward each other, Kagome `hmphed' before stomping off to follow Alexis, leaving Youko to walk behind glaring at her back. Never before had the kitsune met a female as… frustrating as she was! Most females, demon or human, feared him and therefore didn't even think of provoking his anger yet this little miko argued with him every chance she got! She was so stubborn and irritating and beautiful… and quite sexy when she was mad…

 

Youko sighed when he realized he wasn't even mad at the miko anymore. He couldn't even stay angry with her for very long, no matter how much she frustrated him. But when he thought about it, it was the stubbornness, the fire in the little miko that attracted him to her so. She was so dependent and something about that strong will made him like her that much more. Even though he was a male demon and she knew very well that he could easily overpower her, she still didn't back down like other women.

 

Aside from the fire Kagome possessed, she still held that gentle and caring personality that made her who she was. The true reason she didn't want Youko to come with her to explain everything is because she knew how Inuyasha would react once he saw the kitsune. He would unsheathe his sword and charge Youko and Kagome didn't want anyone to get hurt so she was doing everything she could to avoid that situation.

 

In Youko's opinion, if the hanyou was that jumpy for battle then he couldn't be trusted to keep his temper in check. That in mind, Youko most definitely planned to get as close to Kagome as possible while she and the little devil that had formed this plan talked to Inuyasha. If the hanyou even blinked wrong, Youko would be there to protect his future mate and niece.

 

Speaking of mates… Youko turned his gaze back to the miko in question who was still walking ahead of him, her tiny hands clenched into fists. Youko held back his chuckle. The little spitfire held grudges. Shaking that thought from his mind and returning to what he had originally been thinking of, Youko was beginning to grow impatient. It had been almost a week since he confessed his love to her and she had yet to say anything about it.

 

Youko was starting to worry that perhaps she was avoiding the subject purposely because she did not feel the same way in return. The mere thought of that made Youko's head spin. She had to hold some level of affection toward him. If she didn't then she wouldn't have allowed him to kiss her; twice! Not to mention she would have refused to sleep in his lap when she was injured and would have complained when he opted for sleeping next to her every night since the dream haunting demon.

 

So if she held feelings for him then why hadn't she said anything regarding the matter? Was she scared? If so, he didn't understand why seeing as there was nothing he could think of that would terrify the miko. Maybe she was embarrassed, but what would she be ashamed of? Why did women have to be so complicated? The demon women he had encountered in the past were nowhere near this confusing, but then again the only reason Youko came in contact with them in the first place was for the sex.

 

The lack of sex was another torturous element in this. Was he really willing enough to deprive himself of sex just to win this miko over? Did he honestly grow to love her that much over the short amount of time they knew each other? Youko once again sighed as he answered his own question. Yes, he was that deeply in love with her. So in love that he would do anything, even give his life for her. She was his life now. If the only way to show Kagome that he was absolutely serious and wanted only her was to neglect his sexual needs for the time being, then so be it.

 

“Will you hurry up, you're slowing us down.” Kagome complained, turning to glare at him. Youko rolled his eyes with a smirk. For such a small female, she had quite a big temper. She was so irresistibly sexy when she was angry like this. Now if the miko could only put all that emotion into a particular action…

 

Not able to resist any longer, Youko caught up with the miko and gently but firmly grabbed her forearm. Spinner her around so quick that Kagome's mind couldn't even register what was happening, Youko leaned down and pressed his lips against hers. Kagome stared up at the kitsune with wide and surprised brownish pink eyes. Soon a deep red blush consumed the miko's entire face as her mind made mental tabs of every part of his body that was pressed against hers and his arms wrapped securely around her waist.

 

Slowly, Youko pulled away only to smirk down at the dazed look that accompanied the bright blush that covered the miko's cheeks. And suddenly the kitsune was gone, no longer holding her so closely. Kagome shook herself from her stupor to see him catching up to walk beside his niece. She absentmindedly began to follow, her hand slowly reaching up to brush her fingers along her lips.

 

How the hell did he do that? Just a moment ago Kagome was literally fuming at the mere thought of the silver kitsune and now all traces of that anger were gone. All she could do was stared at Youko, drowned in her own confusion. How was it possible for someone to dazzle her so, to completely change her mood? If that had been anyone else, Kagome would have been pissed beyond belief that he would just come up and kiss her, but Youko…

 

When he did that, she just couldn't hold onto her anger. Who would be able to? Who would even want to! Kagome didn't return the kiss but it was still at the top of her best kiss list. It was at times like this that Kagome seriously considered the fact that maybe Youko really did tell her he loved her. There was no other valid explanation for his actions. Well there was the side note that he could just be swooning her with his kitsune seduction until he got what he wanted.

 

Kagome truly hoped that wasn't the case. She knew she loved the kitsune and wished she could know for sure exactly what he thought of her. The thought of merely asking the kitsune what he felt had crossed her mind several times, but her fear of rejection quickly followed that particular thought. Thinking of her other options, she didn't find any problem with asking Alexis. Unfortunately Kagome had a nagging feeling that the kit wouldn't tell her anything and say that is was her responsibility to find out that information herself.

 

Kagome groaned in frustration. She was too scared to straight out ask Youko what he thought and her only other source to that information probably wouldn't tell her anything. Maybe she could just wait and ask Shippo and Sango what they thought. Or perhaps Youko would react in a certain way to Inuyasha and that would determine the verdict. Depending on how Youko acts around Inuyasha would judge how Kagome would approach the kitsune. Alexis calling to her from ahead pulled Kagome from her thoughts. Moving quickly, the miko caught up to the kitsunes.

 

Soon they reached the edge of the forest and could see the village just beyond the trees. Alexis hoped up onto Kagome's shoulder that wasn't carrying her oversized pack and turned a comforting smile up toward her. With one final glance toward Youko and a long deep breath, Kagome slowly made her way to Kaede's hut. She didn't have to walk far before a figure clad in red came rushing toward her. Inuyasha stood before the miko with an irritated glare as his gaze moved from Kagome to Alexis and back to the miko.

 

“Where the hell have you been wench.” He growled, ignoring the kit for the moment.

 

“I wen…”

 

“Don't even think about telling me you went home because I ran by to check on you and your mother said you hadn't been there for more than a month.” Inuyasha snapped, interrupting her explanation.

 

“Wait, my family's alive?” Kagome asked with wide eyes.

 

“Of course they are idiot, why the hell wouldn't they be?” Inuyasha snapped

 

“Never mind that, I wasn't going to say I went home!” Kagome yelled, growing irritated as she pushed aside her confusion over her family and reverted back to the argument that had began. Maybe she was just dreaming about the whole Midoriko visiting her and Naraku killing her family…

 

“Then what were you going to tell me wench! That you were on your dandy way to the well and just so happened to come across another kitsune kit and decided to adopt it too?! So that the runt can slow us down even more than you pathetic humans already do?!” Inuyasha growled, glaring down at the miko.

 

That was the last straw. Kagome could feel Alexis's small body shaking. From anger or sobs, she didn't know but the miko was about to sit the hanyou to hell when suddenly a tall figure in white materialized in front of her, completely blocking her view of Inuyasha. She immediately knew it was Youko, first from his unmistakable clothing, then by his natural scent of roses and pine that Kagome had quickly grown to love. She peeked around the kitsune's perfectly muscled torso only to see Inuyasha and Youko snarling at each other.

 

“Who the hell are you.” Inuyasha snarled, unsheathing his legendary sword.

 

“Youko Kurama. It's nice to finally meet you Inuyasha.” The kitsune replied, sarcasm thick in his voice.

 

“Let the miko go and I may consider sparing your life weasel.”

 

The hanyou would pay for the `weasel' insult. Never before had he, Youko Kurama, been compared to a creature as vile looking as a weasel. The kitsune knew that Kagome wouldn't be happy with him if he harmed Inuyasha, so he settled for a different method of revenge. Even though he was sure she would be angry with him for this as well, he figured he may as well gain something from it seeing as either way she would end up angry.

 

A smirk slowly spread across Youko's face as he wrapped his silky tail around Kagome, who still stood behind him. He turned slightly, Inuyasha still in within his sight, and pulled Kagome closer to him. “Do you mean this miko?” Youko purred, turning his smirk to the fuming hanyou.

 

“You harm her; I'll make your death slow and painful.” Inuyasha growled menacingly.

 

“Who said anything about harming her?” Youko asked with false surprise before he pulled Kagome to his chest and pressed his lips down against hers firmly. Once again, Kagome was staring up at the kitsune in pure shock and surprise, unable to even think clearly. Her heart was pounding in her chest by the time he released her. His eyes still watching Inuyasha's every move, he chuckled slightly and leaned down to whisper in her ear. “Breathe Kagome.”

 

Letting out a breath she didn't even know she was holding, Kagome turned her gaze back to the now beyond pissed hanyou and their new audience; Sango, Miroku, and Shippo. The miko blushed beet red as she watched the varying expressions on her friends' faces. Sango looked shocked and confused while Miroku was smirking knowing at the blushing miko. Shippo's face was the most confusing though. He looked curious and slightly excited.

 

“What the hell is going on wench!” Inuyasha finally snapped.

 

“SIT!” Kagome yelled, glaring down at the hanyou, still blushing. She heard soft chuckles and looked up to see that Alexis had leapt up to sit on her uncle's shoulder and they were both doing their best to hold back their laughter at the sight of Inuyasha being thrown face first into the ground by a single word. Now able to think clearly, she turned a glare up to the silver kitsune, angrily yet gently unwrapping his tail from her waist.

 

“If you would have given me a chance to explain then you would know that yes I found Alexis near the well. She was injured so I nursed her back to health then once I learned her mother and father were killed, set out with her to find her uncle Youko and that now both of them will be traveling with us.”

 

“Oh hell no! I don…”

 

“SIT! I don't care what you have to say! Youko has made up his mind on joining us against Naraku and we need all the help we can get! So get used to it and if you attack Alexis or Youko, so help me god I will sit you so far into the ground, it'll take you days to climb yourself out!” she yelled before stomping off toward Kaede's hut. Youko turned a smile toward the other three who he had figured were the taijiya, monk, and other kit. They smiled back, though the slayer looked weary.

 

As Youko slowly followed Kagome, Alexis was staring intently at the three people following them into the hut, leaving Inuyasha to pry himself from the ground. The woman walking next to the man in purple robes must be Sango. She looked very aware of her surrounding and her chocolate brown eyes help wisdom and pain. The monk was obviously Miroku. He seemed laid back yet cautious of everything around him. His eyes lingered toward Sango every once and a while and Alexis knew he was probably planning to grope her any second.

 

The last was just as obvious as the first two. Shippo trotted along next to Sango, his gaze filled with curiosity and hope locked on her uncle. Alexis knew they would be friends in no time and she could tell from the emotions that clouded his eyes that the kit was probably hoping Kagome may have found a mate. He, of course, was right. It would just be a matter of time and several choice words before the two of them were bound together for life. Alexis was sure Shippo would be excited to have a new father, not to mention a cousin that was around his age.

 

When Youko entered through the door, Alexis turned her attention to an old woman dressed in miko garbs. Kagome seemed excited as she spoke to the older miko and Alexis immediately wondered why. She turned her curious gaze up to her uncle who just shrugged his shoulders slightly. Alexis hadn't heard any of the conversation because she was too busy analyzing Kagome's friends that she had told her so much about, while Youko had his complete concentration on the exact location of Inuyasha since his back was turned.

 

“Are you sure it's alright? I don't want to interrupt you through your daily routine.” Kagome said.

 

“It's fine child. Your training won't be occupying any of my time, only yours.” Kaede replied, turning a smile toward the miko.

 

“So how do I train?”

 

“Meditation.” Was the older miko's simple reply.

 

Kagome stared at her with green colored eyes. “Mediation?”

 

“Yes, I will teach ye the form and technique but the rest is up to ye.” The old woman stated before turning back toward the stew she was preparing for the group's lunch. Kagome introduced the two new kitsune members of their group to Kaede as she helped pass around bowls and call for Inuyasha. He walked in after everyone was settled, still sulking from the incident earlier. His eyes angrily scanned over everyone in the small hut before growling softly when he saw Youko sitting close to Kagome.

 

“You're worst than the flee bag.” The hanyou muttered under his breath.

 

Youko ignored the grumpy hanyou as Kagome rolled her eyes in irritation. Just as Inuyasha was about to sit near the entrance like he usually did, he placed his bowl on the ground and snarled toward the exit.

 

“Speak of the damn devil and he shall appear.” The hanyou growled before disappearing out the door. Catching on quickly, everyone ditched their food and ran out the door, Youko and Alexis following curiously. They knew there was no danger since no one bothered to grab any of their weapons and instead left them behind in the hut. Youko had felt the demon coming just as Inuyasha had but preferred to stay by Kagome's side and see how the hanyou would handle this. Once he realized that the approaching demon was Kouga, the wolf demon Kagome had warned him about, he immediately positioned himself at the miko's side.

 

In the distance, a large twister was gliding across the land toward them. Just from the sight of the obnoxious twister, Youko could tell this demon had an oversized ego and prided himself on it. If Kouga wasn't full of himself, he would travel with far more stealth than he currently was. Reaching up, he took Alexis from his shoulder and placed her in Kagome's arms. The miko looked up at him in question and he just smiled, momentarily throwing Kagome's thoughts into circles. Keeping his stance calm, not threatening in any way, he waited for the wolf that staked a claim on his future mate.

 

Kagome glared up at the stunning kitsune once she was able to resemble her thoughts. She couldn't say that she hated it when he dazzled her like he just did but because she just loved his smile. She enjoyed the fact that his attention was completely on her but she had to admit that there were times that were unnecessary for him to disorientate her. Brushing those thoughts from her mind for the moment, she glanced up at Youko from the corner of her eye. She was quite curious of how this encounter would turn out. Youko seemed to be calm and she hoped this didn't escalate into a fight.

 

Then again, if Youko didn't think this would result in a fight then he wouldn't have handed Alexis over to her. There was also the possibility that Alexis had requested her uncle to place the kit in her arms, but even though that was likely she doubted that was the reason she now held the kit. Youko probably just gave Alexis to Kagome just in case and for her own protection. He knew that Kouga wouldn't hurt Kagome so would leave Alexis alone as well.

 

They didn't have to wait long for Kouga to reach them and surprisingly, the wolf didn't dart straight for Kagome. Instead, he ran over Inuyasha, as usual, and stood to the side smirking down at him. “Nice to see your still alive mutt face.” Kouga greeted.

 

Inuyasha leapt up and swung his sword at the wolf, of course missing like he always did, and skid to a stop as he stood between the group and Kouga. The wolf rolled his eyes at how jumpy Inuyasha still was before his eyes searched for Kagome. When he finally found her, he was slightly confused. A tall male kitsune was standing with his arms crossed very close to his Kagome. Further examination revealed that the miko was also holding a kitsune kit in her arms, and it wasn't the little Shippo runt.

 

Seeing, what Kouga was staring at, when the wolf began to approach Kagome and Youko, Inuyasha stepped aside, a slight smirk on his face. This would be good. Kagome couldn't sit Kouga or Youko, so this fight would be worth watching. And who knows, maybe they would both kill each other and he wouldn't have to deal with them both chasing after Kagome anymore. Damn flee bag… Annoyingly cocky weasel…

 

Kagome's breathing hitched as she watched Kouga approach slowly, a frown of confusion clouding over his usual cocky smirk. Youko didn't move a muscle and Kagome briefly wondered how he could stay so still. Once he was about 6 feet away, Kouga stopped and turned a growl toward Youko.

 

“Who the hell are you?”

 

“:Youko Kurama.”

 

“Why are you so close to my woman!”

 

“Last I checked, there was no claim on her.” Youko said casually.

 

Kouga growled. “I staked a claim on Kagome long before you even met her, so get lost coyote!”

 

Youko's ears pressed against his skull but that was the only movement they saw. The kitsune remained unmoving, but was now glaring slightly at Kouga. “Tell me wolf; has Kagome ever accepted any of your claims?”

 

Kouga was silent for a moment before his anger fired up once more. “No but I doubt she would say yes to cat demon!” Kouga smirked.

 

Sensing that Youko was going to pull something similar to what he had done in front of Inuyasha, Kagome side stepped slightly, glaring half heartedly up at the kitsune from the corner of her eyes. “Will you two stop? Kouga, I've told you time after time that I don't see you that way. I love you as a friend, as a brother. Not as a mate. I'm not your woman.”

 

Youko's tail snaked around Kagome's waist and pulled her back to his side gently. He did nothing more, merely let his tail rest around her waist so Kagome didn't move away again. Kouga's face fell slightly before his trademark grin appeared.

 

“No worries Kagome, I understand you think it's wrong that I'm pursuing you while I still hold my promise to Ayame. I will compromise with her then I'll be back for you. Don't you worry, I wouldn't leave you with a pathetic kitten for a mate!” he chuckled before dashing off in his twister. Kagome groaned as she turned to return to her lunch, shifting Alexis into her right arm so she could scoop up Shippo in her left and carry them both with her back to the hut.

 

Everyone followed the miko casually, Youko entering the small hut last. This time instead of sitting near Kagome, he sat against the wall behind the miko. Sitting next to Shippo in Kagome's lap, Alexis climbed up to look over Kagome's shoulder at her uncle. He was sitting against the wall, his arms crossed and his eyes closed. He looked to mere be resting but the way Youko's ears were still somewhat laid back told Alexis that he was irritated about something and she had a feeling she knew what it was.

 

Kitsune's absolutely hated to be called something other than a fox. Uncle Youko was probably beyond irritated by the many names he had been called today. She knew that a week ago, he would have just killed them. Most demons knew who her uncle was because of his reputation and wouldn't think of insulting, even approaching him. She had to admit that she was quite surprised her uncle merely stood where he was and didn't even move to attack Kouga once. Usually no one would walk away unharmed from Youko Kurama after insulting him.

 

Alexis slid down to sit in Kagome's lap again. She and Shippo were sharing a bowl of soup so she reached over to grab her spoon and take another bite. “I'm Shippo.” Hearing the other kit talking, Alexis looked up to smile at him. “Oh, I know. Kagome's told me so much about all of you.” Leaning forward, she whispered in her soon to be cousin's ear. “And soon we're going to be cousins.” She grinned.

 

Shippo stared at her with wide eyes. “How do you know?” Alexis rolled her eyes, “I'm sure you can tell that my uncle likes Kagome right?” Shippo nodded with a grin, “And it's obvious that Kagome likes Youko.” Alexis nodded as she took another bite. “It's just a matter of time.”

 

Without a word, Youko stood from where he sat and left the hut. Everyone stared after him in confusion and Kagome looked down to the kits in her lap. “Alexis, will you be alright here without me? I'm going to check on your uncle.”

 

“Of course, I have Shippo and Sango to keep me company” she smiled and grinned toward the taijiya. The slayer stared at the kit in surprise. Why did Alexis, one of the new additions to their group feel comfortable with her already? Sango shrugged to herself and merely smiled as both kits moved to sit next to her. Kagome smiled over to her best friend before leaving the hut to search for the kitsune. Staring out into the forest that was slowly darkening, she watched the sun fall behind the mountains in the distance. She groaned to herself; this was going to be harder than she thought.

 

Spreading out her aura as far as she could, as well as placing a weak barrier around herself in case of emergency, she slowly ventured into the forest. Surprisingly, he wasn't very hard to find. His bright white clothing was hard to miss. Not to mention his white tail that was swinging back and forth below the branch he was sitting on. The leaves did nothing to conceal his pearl white hair either.

 

“Youko? Are you alright?” she asked, staring up at him.

 

“Perfectly fine.” Was his simple answer.

 

Kagome sighed as she leaned against the tree he was sitting in. “What's the matter?”

 

“I'm just exhausted.”

 

“You're lying.”

 

“No I'm not.”

 

“Yes you are”

 

“Did you even finish your food?”

 

“Tell me what's bothering you.”

 

“Go back to the hut, its cold out here.”

 

“Tell me Youko.”

 

“I'm a kitsune.”

 

Kagome turned her gaze to stare up at Youko in confusion. He was glaring ahead of him, but at nothing in particular. “I'm aware of that.” She said quietly, but loud enough for him to hear.

 

“I am not a weasel, a kitten, or any other breed of demon that may come to mind. I am a kitsune.” He fumed.

 

Kagome laughed as she began to understand. “Oh Youko, are your feelings hurt?”

 

Youko suddenly appeared in front of Kagome, glaring half heartedly down at her. “I don't think you understand how difficult it was for me to not kill your wolf friend.”

 

“I know Kouga can be irritating at times but we just learn to deal with it.” Kagome said, stifling her laughter.

 

“Kitsune's don't take kindly to being called something they're not.”

 

“Why are you letting this get to you? You're a kitsune; everyone knows that and nothing will change that. Kouga was just jealous.”

 

“He called me a kitten.” Youko growled.

 

Kagome stepped forward and draped her arms over his shoulders and hugged him. “He was just trying to get on your nerves. It's what Kouga does when he knows there is no chance of him defeating what stands before him. He either insults them or flees. Don't take it so personal.” Kagome said.

 

Without warning, Kagome suddenly found herself pressed firmly against the tree behind her, Youko's body pinning her in place. She blushed beet red as she turned brown eyes up to him. Apparently, the kitsune had completely forgotten about his recent irritation and now his full attention was on her.

 

“Do you have even the slightest clue as to what you do to me Kagome?” he asked in a whisper, his lips brushing against her ear.

 

“Wh…what are you talking about?” she stumbled over her words as she tried to slow her racing heart.

 

“You don't know how hard it is for me to behave myself.” He purred as he hands glided down Kagome's sides to rest on her hips.

 

“Yo…Youko…”

 

“Everything about you… attracts me to you and when that wolf challenged my claim on you, it was very difficult for me to merely stand there and do nothing.”

 

“Your claim?” Kagome asked, hoping he meant what she thought was impossible.

 

“My claim on you Kagome. I placed a claim on you the moment we left my cave.”

 

“What exactly do you mean?” she asked, wanting to hear him say that he wanted her to be with him.

 

“I told you I loved you and you have yet to respond in anyway to my confession.”

 

Kagome's heart skipped a beat as she stared up at the kitsune with wide golden and purple tinted eyes. So he had said it… it wasn't her imagination. “Youko… I…”

 

“Kagome! Where are you!? We have an emergency!” Miroku yelled from somewhere in the distance. Kagome heard Youko's groan and smiled softly. Leaning up on her tip toes, she placed a quick kiss on his lips before dashing off toward the village. Youko grinned to himself before darting off to follow the miko back and see what the emergency was.

 

It was settled then; Kagome did like Youko. The kitsune had that same silly smirk on his face the entire way back to the village. She hadn't admitted she loved him but then again they were interrupted before she had a chance to respond. The kiss was enough for Youko to know she at least held feelings for him to some point. It didn't matter what that damn wolf said now, Kagome was going to be his and there was nothing Kouga could do about it.

 

Meanwhile, Kagome was doing her best to get rid of the dark blush she could feel on her cheeks but she couldn't seem to concentrate enough to successfully get it to disappear. Her mind continued to repeat the words Youko had said to her. He really had told her he loved her and now she felt like an idiot. The kitsune had put himself out there and admit his feelings for her and she hadn't even responded to him in the slightest.

 

They finally reached the village and Miroku was helping Sango carry an injured man into Kaede's hut. Kagome rushed over to them and was about to ask the man if he was alright but stopped in her tracks. His eyes were wide open and he looked terrified. He was staring ahead of him repeatedly saying `The blood…all the blood.'

 

“What's wrong with him?” Kagome asked once Sango set him down on a mat so Kaede could look him over.

 

“A demon; there was another man that was with this one but he ran back to his village after he explained everything to us. Apparently Kouga passed by the village on his way back to his pack and the villages asked him for help when he stopped to see what the commotion was all about.”

 

“Kouga told the villagers that we would take care of the demon for them because it's rumored to have a jewel shard.” Miroku added in before Sango continued.

 

“So we're packing up to head to their village and retrieve the jewel as well as save the villagers. From how this guy looks, it seems to be brutal.” Sango shuttered, turning her gaze to the traumatized man.

 

“So are we leaving tonight?” Kagome asked, already making her way over to her bag to begin packing.

 

“Inuyasha wants to, yes. The village is about a two day walk if we keep a decent pace.” The slayer answered as she moved to pack her things as well.

 

“But before you leave Kagome, I would like to show you the technique to meditate so you can improve your powers during your travels.” Kaede announced as Inuyasha reentered the hut.

 

“Did you find the other villager?”

 

“Surprisingly no; that guy must have been booking it. He's pretty fast for a human, not to mention he got a head start on me. I didn't want to go too far since we're leaving tonight.” The hanyou answered.

 

“But what about our sleep Inuyasha!” Shippo whined, “There are humans in this group you know!”

 

Inuyasha smacked him over the head as he snorted. “They'll live, the villagers that are getting slaughtered by this demon aren't.”

 

“Don't hit Shippo! Sit!” Kagome yelled, moving to lift the crying kit into her arms and hug him close to her. Youko chuckled softly at the hanyou's expense and didn't miss the fact that Kagome was quite motherly toward Shippo. She had brought the kit into the group, but had she grown so close to the kit that she actually felt she was his mother? If so, she was far more caring than he had first thought. Kitsune kits are very difficult to care for because of their curiosity and tricks.

 

Youko was actually quite impressed. Shippo seemed more obedient and well behaved than most other kits his age. Then again, Alexis was brought up to be respectful and good as well. Maybe it was the way kits were raised that determined how difficult it was to care for them. Youko shook his head. No, Kitsune kits were hard to raise, Kagome and his sister were just very good mothers.

 

He watched as the miko zipped up her bag and pulled it up onto her shoulder while still holding Shippo in one of her arms. Inuyasha, finally free from his subjugation spell, stood grumbling and walked out of the hut. Kagome secured her pack before setting Shippo on the ground gently.

”You don't have to worry about us Shippo, we'll be fine. We'll get a great night's sleep tomorrow night. If you're tired, just tell me and ill carry you ok?” she smiled warmly.

 

Shippo grinned and nodded happily before trotting out of the hut with Kagome's bow and quiver of arrows dragging behind him. Sango and Miroku left the hut with their things and Youko stepped out as well after grabbing Alexis. He knew Kaede probably wanted some privacy to show Kagome how to meditate correctly so she could improve her skills.

 

Several minutes later, Kagome walked out with a big smile on her face.

 

“Are you ready yet wench?!” Inuyasha grumbled.

 

Kagome was about to sit him once more but stopped when she heard Youko growling at Inuyasha. Uh oh… this could be trouble…

 

“What are you growling at weasel?!” Inuyasha snarled, turning to glare at Youko.

 

“A mutt that can't seem to remember a woman's name, much less where he buried his bone.” Youko growled.

 

Sango and Miroku stifled their giggles as Kagome sighed. “Please get along! Inuyasha, be nice or I'll sit you so far into the ground you'll feel the flames from hell. And you!” Kagome glared up at Youko. “Behave or ill make you a subjugation necklace like Inuyasha's!”

 

“As long as you're lying beneath me when you subdue me.” Youko purred. Not able to hold back their laughter any longer, Sango and Miroku burst into laughter as Kagome turned beet red. Youko smirked as he watched Kagome rush toward Inuyasha, demanding him to get going and start leading the way.

 

For the rest of that night and the day following, the group traveled at a constant pace toward the village. By morning, Youko had taken Kagome's pack when he saw her struggling with both Alexis and Shippo sleeping in her arms. Inuyasha was at the head of the group, leading the way since he was the only one who knew where this village was by following the scent of the man that ran back to his village. Sango and Miroku were behind him with Kirara trotting along at the slayer's side. Youko walked next to Kagome while she carried the sleeping kits at the tail end of the group.

 

They had taken two breaks already and both times Kagome would sit against a tree and meditate like Kaede had showed her until everyone was ready to continue traveling. While she was meditating, Youko was on full alert. When he first watched her fall into her silent training, he realized she was completely unaware of her surroundings. It was as if she were sleeping. Shippo had even tried asking her if she wanted something to eat and she didn't respond to him in the slightest.

 

She was completely vulnerable while she meditated and Youko intended on keeping her safe while she was unaware. Though he had to admit the meditation was doing well. Already he could feel her aura becoming stronger. She also seemed to have more energy. He figured that if she meditated, she would become more tired once she was done but every time she awoke from her training, she had a bout of energy that kept her going. While Kagome was still full of energy, Sango and Miroku were starting to tire. There was still several hours until dark and Youko didn't know how the two humans were going to last that long.

 

Surprisingly, they both made it until nightfall. Once Inuyasha announced they were making camp, both of them collapsed with relief. Miroku fell asleep where he had fallen while Sango managed to get her sleeping bag out and crawl in before crashing as well. Inuyasha leapt up into a tree while Kagome pulled out her sleeping bag and laid it out. She carefully placed the two sleeping kits inside before lying on the ground next to the sleeping bag.

 

Youko shook his head in disapproval before standing from where he was sitting against the tree closest to the miko and kits. Crossing his arms over his chest, he stared down at Kagome who was currently yawning.

 

“What do you think you're doing?”

 

“Going to sleep?” Kagome said uncertainly, turning her gaze up to the kitsune.

 

“Not on the cold ground you're not.” Youko growled as he bent down and lifted the miko in his arms. Moving back toward the tree he was leaning against, he sat there once more and placed Kagome in his lap. Kagome blushed slightly but shifted to get comfortable anyway. Resting her head back against his shoulder, Kagome closed her eyes as Youko wrapped his arms around her possessively and draped his tail over her bare legs to keep her warm.

 

The next morning Kagome woke feeling amazing. There was a warmth growing in the pit of her stomach as she felt something wet and warm nibbling at her ear. Her eyes fluttered open as she felt a pair of strong arms pull her closer and tighter against the body she was lying against. She heard a chuckle and slowly came to her senses.

 

“Good morning.” Youko purred as he nibbled her ear once more.

 

Kagome blushed as she looked around the camp. Everyone was still sleeping but the sun was high, bright in the sky. She shifted slightly to see exactly where it was to figure out the time and she heard a growl. Shifting again, she tried to move so she could turn her gaze to the kitsune behind her.

 

“Stop moving around Kagome… please.” Youko groaned and Kagome froze where she sat when she felt something hard against her inner thighs. Feeling oddly playful this morning, Kagome smirked as her eyes shifted to a blue color. Moving very slowly, she shifted once more, but this time grinding her backside down from the kitsune's waist to his thighs.

 

Kagome suddenly found herself pinned to the ground underneath Youko. His golden eyes were clouded over with lust as he held her hands above her head. His entire body was pressed against hers and she felt his hard on directly between her legs. Her surprised eyes stared up at Youko who had his eyes squeezed shut as if he were in pain.

 

“Kagome… you're making this very hard for me. I'm doing my best to behave and not take you right here and now.” He growled.

 

“I'm sorry… I didn't know it would affect you so.” Kagome said softly as Youko pulled away and sat up, straddling the miko's hips. Youko shook his head.

 

“I don't think you understand how badly my instincts crave your body. You cannot provoke me at this time of the year. Mating season is approaching quickly and you're not making this easy for me Kagome.”

 

Curious, Kagome stared up at him in question. “Is it really that hard?”

 

“Kagome…. If you had done that during mating season, I probably wouldn't have been able to stop myself.” Youko said seriously, standing and moving to make a fire for breakfast. Kagome's calculating eyes watched the kitsune as he gathered some branches around camp and made the fire.

 

“So your instincts only crave my body? Is that all you see in me?” Kagome whispered softly to herself, forgetting for the moment that demons possessed excellent hearing. Before the tears could form in the miko's eyes, Youko was settled in front of her glaring half heartedly at her.

 

“Has the hanyou destroyed your confidents that much? Not only has he damaged you emotionally, he has also apparently blinded you and messed with you mentally.” Youko huffed. His expression become gentle, he grasped her chin and lifted her face so their gazes met. “What do you not understand about the simple words `I love you'?”

 

Kagome sighed and pulled her face from his hold. “I can comprehend those words perfectly fine but what is it about me that you love? Why do you love me?”

 

“Help! Please help!”

 

Youko desperately wanted to tear that man to pieces. Every damn time he and Kagome had some alone time to understand each other something or someone would interrupt! Kagome leapt to her feet at the sound of the desperate cry for help while Youko remained where he sat and merely glared at the man that came running into their camp. His yells woke everyone else in the small traveling group and now Sango, Miroku, and Kagome were all tending to the man's wounds and asking him questions.

 

“You are the group that is coming to help our village right?” the man asked shakily.

 

“Yes we are. You're from the village that's being attacked? Are we close?” Kagome asked while Sango cleaned his scrapes.

 

“The village is just a day's walk away. You have to hurry… the women…” the man stuttered.

 

“What about the woman? What exactly is attacking the village?” Sango asked, trying to collect more information about their opponent.

 

“It's a bat demon. He only comes and attacks the woman… it's terrible. He kills them right in front of us… He drinks their blood until their sucked completely dry.” The man explained in horror.

 

“If this demon only attacks the women, how have you come to be injured?” Miroku asked.

 

“If we interfere, he attacks us but he never drinks our blood… only the women…”

 

Once the man was bandaged up properly, he was able to fall asleep. From the long sleepless travel they had endured the day before, everyone had slept all the way until afternoon. There was only about three hours left of sunlight by the time the man was taken care of and Inuyasha decided they may as well stay where they were and make their way to the village in the morning. Somehow after sleep throughout the entire day, Sango was able to fall asleep several minutes before Kagome while the miko was tucking in the kits.

 

To avoid another embarrassing morning, Kagome had slipped into the sleeping bag with the kits and were sleeping with them that night. Alexis and Shippo didn't mind much, but Youko held a slight pout as he watched the miko sleeping soundly. Now that the women were asleep, Inuyasha leapt down from his perch and landed next to Youko. Miroku made his way over to them before they moved a little farther from camp just in case someone woke.

 

“You two thinking what I'm thinking?” Inuyasha asked, temporarily putting aside his irritation for the newest addition to their traveling group.

 

“If you're thinking this is far too dangerous for Kagome and Sango, then yes I think I can safely state we are on the same page.” Miroku nodded.

 

“I agree but you both know as well as I do that they will not voluntarily stay behind.” Youko added.

 

“Yea, damn wench and slayer would never go with that. I'd get sat to hell for even mentioning them staying behind.” Inuyasha complained.

 

“They are too stubborn to stay behind, even if it is for their own safety. So how are we going to get them away from here but still relieve this village of the demon?” Miroku pondered aloud.

 

“I refuse to leave them unprotected while we go after the bat.” Youko stated, his gaze wandering back toward Kagome.

 

“I agree, so perhaps one of us should go.” Miroku suggested.

 

“I'll go, I need to take out some pent up anger.” Inuyasha cracked his knuckles as if to emphasize his point.

 

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

 

Kagome woke the next morning once the sun began to rise. She had gained more then enough sleep and was ready for a good battle. Yawning and stretching, she realized the kits were no longer sleeping next to her. Taking a quick look around camp, she found them sitting close to the fire giggling as Shippo was showing off his fox fire. Kagome also realized that Inuyasha was nowhere to be found. Sango was just waking and Miroku entered camp with several fish. Youko was leaning against the tree nearest to Kagome and actually seemed to be in quite a deep sleep.

 

Slipping out of her sleeping bag, Kagome quietly made her way over to the slumbering kitsune. It was rare to actually see a demon sleep seeing as they were always on guard to survive. Kagome expected his eyes to open as she approached but they remained closed, his breathing still even. Was something wrong with him? It was very unusual for a demon to sleep so soundly. Kneeling in front of the kitsune, Kagome was about to wake him when one of his ears twitched.

 

Her train of thought was completely lost as she gazed at the tempting, silky, adorable ear that sat atop Youko's head. Unable to resist, Kagome reached up to softly stroke his ears. A soft purring sound rumbled in the kitsune's chest as his eyes fluttered open. Kagome was momentarily caught in his beautiful golden eyes before she blushed and pulled away, linking her hands behind her back.

 

“I'm sorry…”

 

“Don't be. I would give anything to wake up each morning to see your lovely face and to feel you stroking my ears.” He purred, leaning forward closer to her. Kagome's blush darkened as she leaned back on her heels, away from the kitsune. The smirk that adorned his face changed to a slight pout at her rejection. “I can't have a good morning kiss?”

 

Kagome rolled her eyes to hide her true desire. She wanted so badly for him to kiss her senseless. She wanted to let him have a morning kiss but she was too stubborn to let him think he had any type of power over her. Standing, she turned on her heel and was about to make her way over to the fire to prepare breakfast when she felt something soft but firm slither around her waist. Before her mind could even register what was happening, Youko had spun her around and pressed his lips against hers softly for just a brief moment before parting.

 

“Good morning.” He smirked as his tail unwound from around her waist and he disappeared into the trees. Kagome glared off in the direction he went before huffing out a `hmph' and starting breakfast. Just as the food was about to be served, Youko returned to camp with Inuyasha at his side. Kagome stood and was about to question his whereabouts this morning when he began to speak.

 

“This was a waste of our damn time.” Inuyasha complained. “That weak bat is already dead and didn't have a shard.”

 

“What do you mean it's already dead?” Sango asked.

 

“I went to the village last night to just check out what we were up against and the damn thing never showed. So I looked for it and found it dead about a mile away from the village.”

 

“And you're sure there was no shard?” Kagome asked. Youko could hear the suspicion in her voice and began to worry that she may be too intelligent for her own good.

 

“If it did have one, whatever killed it has it now. And whatever killed it is long gone.” The hanyou grumbled.

 

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

 

A/N:

 

Hey everyone, that's the end of chapter 7 ^_^ The next chapter will be up soon, no worries and its going to be pretty exciting…dun dun dunnnnn lol. Hope you enjoyed this chapter. R&R and have a great weekend.

 

~*Icyfire*~

 

Here are the eye colors that are for each of Kagome's emotion:

Golden - Happy, joy, excitement

Orange - Sadness, depression, guilt

Blue - Playful

Red - Anger, disappointment, irritation, frustration

Green - Curiosity

Brown - Confusion

Silver - Fear

Pink - Embarrassment

Purple - Love, passion, pleasure

 

Next Chapter - Chapter Eight: Blood