Kore wa daisuki wo benkyoushimasu, ne?

A/N: Nothing at this time.

Disclaimer: You know the drill. I don’t own anything.

Chapter 11: Release My Heart


The rest of the day was relatively uneventful, the males being in constant on/off pain from their ‘problems’ and yet there was nothing they could do about it.

Kagome’s smile kept them sane, if only for a little bit. She was happily playing with the children, and even Sango got in on the fun, happy to be able to actually enjoy some time with her little brother.

Lunch was just as hectic as breakfast, and Kagome once again retreated to the outdoors, along with her three admirers. “Listen to your heart….when he’s calling for you…listen to your heart…there’s nothing else you can do…I don’t where you’re going, and I don’t know why…listen to your heart….” Her soft voice echoed, before she took a bite of the ramen she had prepared.

Feeling three presences, she smiled up at them and gestured them to sit down with her. It was a comfortable silence between the three, and she couldn’t help the wave of contentment that washed over her, and, inadvertently, Sesshoumaru, Hiei, and Kurama.

They could have each purred in contentment, but each held it in as to silently contest the inner strength of the other two.

Kagome finished her food and went to stand, but lost her footing, falling conveniently into Sesshoumaru’s lap. Blush spread like wildfire across her face, and she diverted her eyes from the taiyoukai’s golden ones, in attempt to keep her sanity. He held back a chuckle at her blush and decided to be a little mean to her, and have her experience what she was doing to him for once.

With the softest of movements, he let his hand brush over her arm and over her neck, making her shiver, though it was no way cold outside. Kagome’s breath caught in her throat, and she quickly began praying to every god she could think of to help her concentrate on anything other than that feather light touch Sesshoumaru had just given her. His hand rested on her back and she bit her lip, as another hand brushed over her skin, this one belonging to Kurama as he ‘attempted’ to help her up.

Hiei narrowed his eyes, but couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably as her arousal assaulted his nose, along with the others. She had to get out of there, or he was going to do something they might regret. Reaching out a hand, Kagome took it gratefully, glad that ONE of them wasn’t attempting to drive her crazy with just touches.

He could sense her slight relief and was puzzled. ‘Did she not like their touches?’ he thought quickly before Kagome’s thoughts flooded his mind. ‘I could kiss Hiei right now! Sesshoumaru and Kurama will pay for doing that, damn hentai’s.’ then he saw a smirk on her face, and she turned to the fire apparition.

“Hiei…thank you for helping.” She said as her mind thought, ‘I’ll make those two regret that…’

Then she walked forward and placed her arms around Hiei’s neck and her lips slowly caught his, catching him off guard. He leaned into the kiss slightly, and Kagome couldn’t help but feel a strange coiling in the pit of her stomach.

Kurama and Sesshoumaru stood looking wide eyed at the girl, confusion on their faces. ‘What just happened here?’ Kurama asked himself, frowning in puzzlement.
‘She’s exacting her revenge on you and that taiyoukai for feeling her up.’ Youko said, laughing.

‘Kami…’ Kagome thought, her mind relaxing softly, ‘…his lips are so soft…when did I fall in love with Hiei? It doesn’t really matter…’ her mental smile reached the fire apparition and he couldn’t help the purr of contentment that finally made itself known, as her next thought almost threw him off balance.

‘Wonder what he’s like in bed?’ she thought, a tremor of excitement and nervousness going through her, as she decided she wanted more with the kiss. Her tongue snaked its way forward and Hiei was more than happy to oblige her exploration.

Kagome’s tongue touched the tip of his and a jolt went through them, their eyes springing open in shock. Each one took in the other’s emotions. It was a sight to behold for the two spectators, as each one saw the raw, unguarded compassion they held for each other.

Hiei continued by deepening the kiss, his demon half tempted to take her right then and there. Kagome was in heaven, the feel of his body as he pulled her closer into the kiss was making her body heat up, sending the three demons into a slight hyper mode as her arousal spiked even higher. They would have to kill Hiei for doing this to her.

“Get a room, you two!” a shout came to their ears, making Kagome jump and pull back slightly.

“Remind me to kill Yusuke when we get back.” She whispered into Hiei’s ear, her displeasure evident at being interrupted.

“I’ll help you.” He said, growling his displeasure equally back into her ear.

Sesshoumaru and Kurama hid laughter at the situation, smirking at Kagome and Hiei as they pulled away from one another.

“What? What were they doing?” Inuyasha barked out, running out of Kaede’s hut to look at them, he opened his mouth to say something, but no one figured out what that something was as Kagome shouted, “Sit boy!”

He went to glare at her, but decided against it. Suddenly, everyone else filed out, wanting to see what Yusuke walked in on. Kagome blushed heavy red, turning back to hide her head in Hiei’s chest.

‘I wish they would just leave me alone…can’t I kiss someone without having the world wanting to know?’ she cried out in frustration.

Hiei smelt her unshed tears and was confused until that thought reached him. He looked to everyone a glare on his face. Kurama and Sesshoumaru were confused at why she would be crying. Hiei picked her up, her ramen bowl dropping to the ground as he sped out of the village and into the nearest, tallest tree he could find.

Kagome felt the wind rush past her, and sighed with relief. ‘Thank kami someone understands me…’ she thought, looking up to Hiei, his face betraying no emotion.

They settled in the tree, Kagome sitting on his lap. She smiled into his chest and looked up at him, unshed tears on her eyes.

“Thank you…for getting me out of there. I just don’t understand why everyone is always on me about who I love…” she said softly, breaking the silence. Hiei waited, and knew that she was about to confess something important to him, so he waited patiently for her to continue.

“Inuyasha…I loved him for a long time, even when he ran back to Kikyou…I would foolishly forgive him and take him back. He didn’t show that he even really cared for me, and he was always chasing off other males who said they liked me…” her voice softened in sadness, a couple of tears coming down her face.

Hiei knew what she was talking about. Shippou had mentioned males that had affections for the miko that had been fought with by the hanyou, yet he never showed her any loyalty to his actions.

“He wasn’t the only one…the ones who said that they liked me automatically assumed that I was theirs. Kouga…Inuyasha…and even Houjou in my time wouldn’t take the hint and quit coming after me.” She said, he head falling against his chest once more, a newfound weariness in her voice.

The dragon spirit on his arm came slowly snaking its way out, circling around the two as she confessed even more of her deep feelings that she had held in for too long.

“I always saved my heart for him…hoping one day he would tell me he loved me as much as I loved him…but…that day never came. By the time I realized it, four years of my life was gone, and I was alone…waiting for someone who would never return my love…” she said softly, rubbing her head softly in circles, trying to work out the slowly building headache that was coming on from drawing forth her emotions.

“I was used to the idea that I would always be just what Inuyasha told me I would be…worthless, ugly…only good for detecting the jewel shards. He told me those things over and over, so many times that I believe him…I believe those things about myself.” She said, tears falling faster down her face, sadness and rejection in her aura. Hiei wanted to kill the hanyou and give him a very slow and painful death, but she needed him right now. Revenge would come later.

“But…lately I’ve been wondering why I haven’t felt sad…I look at you, Sesshoumaru, and Kurama, and I’m not sad. I don’t feel worthless. I don’t even feel ugly. The way you guys are always watching me…makes me feel like…Inuyasha was wrong. Hiei...?” she asked, looking up finally, her cheeks slightly puffy.

“Yes, Kagome?” he acknowledged her, looking down to her.

“What do you…what do you like about me? Why do you stay with me?” she asked, her heart stopping in her chest as she awaited his answer. She felt two demon auras approaching, and knew they heard her question as well.

“Why?” he took a deep breath. “Because…I enjoy your company. I think you are beautiful, despite what the hanyou says about you, and you accept me…unconditionally. You expect nothing from me; the only thing you have ever wanted from me is to be near you.” He said, his voice cracking slightly.

Kagome’s face went down, hiding from his own once more, and he panicked, thinking she wasn’t happy with his answer, until she bolted up and her lips met his once more, conveying all the emotions she held for him in one mind blowing kiss.

He returned her kiss slowly, relaxing his body to her demanding tongue. She was drinking from his like water in the desert, and she was holding onto him as if she would die if she ever let go. She let go and sobbed softly into his chest, her emotions becoming a little too much for her mind. Hiei held in a smile and pulled her shaking frame closer to him, comforting her as she got past her inferiority complex, his eyes meeting with Sesshoumaru’s and Kurama’s as they came closer to the tree.

He looked to her and lifted her puffy face, and he thought she had never looked more beautiful. Kagome looked down and saw the taiyoukai and kitsune looking up at her expectantly, with just a touch of confusion and worry. Hiei lifted her up once more and jumped back down to the ground, where she instantly left his embrace for theirs, her tears renewing themselves. Sesshoumaru was unused to such affection, but he returned her embrace slowly, rubbing small circles in her back as he had done before when Rin was upset to tears.

Kurama held back his anger at the hanyou as he returned her hug, letting Youko close to the surface of his body, allowing him to feel her shaking body, smell her tears, and revel in her compassion for each of them.

The three demons eyes met in silent agreement. They would never allow harm to come to her, no matter if they had to share her love or not. She would always come first to them, and they would not allow Inuyasha to hurt her anymore. Hiei quickly shared their conversation with the other two, and they held in separate growls at the pain that was so quickly inflicted on her by the hanyou and the un dead miko. They concentrated on her for the moment though, as she dried her tears and looked up, her face taking on an adorable blush.

Kurama leaned down, finally letting himself taste her lips on his, and finally getting a little bit of relief from the tension in his body. The kiss was soft, romantic, unlike with Hiei where it was passionate and heated. She didn’t mind as her tongue slowly explored his mouth. She smiled as she breathed in deeply. He smelled sweetly of roses, and she couldn’t help but smile as he let her go.

Sesshoumaru looked at her, a silent question in his eyes. He had not kissed a woman before, no matter how much he could boast about sexual experience, he had never allowed himself to become that close to a woman, demon or not. None of the females he had come across were worth his attention. Kagome sensed his hesitancy, and smiled softly, reassuring him.

She leaned up, her lips gently touching his, slowly her arms snaked their way around his neck, and he lifted her up closer, his arm resting around her waist. ‘She is so sweet…so clean…so pure!’ he couldn’t help but think, as the demon within him demanded more. He pressed her closer to him and pressed his tongue at her lips, demanding permission to explore her further.

She was in no position to deny him, as she opened her mouth slightly, only to gasp out as he slowly drew his tongue over the roof of her mouth, making her shudder. They did silent battle with one another, neither one really putting a fight into it, both just wanting the contact to last as long as they could make it. After a few moments, they released, each one slightly out of breath, and Kagome’s lips now thoroughly swollen.

She rested her head against the taiyoukai, and sighed contently. She was thoroughly exhausted, and her eyelids were heavy. Emotions were very tiring. Kurama smiled gently at her eyes, which held weariness, but a happy weariness. Youko kindly refrained from doing anything with that image, for which Kurama was grateful. Hiei walked up and also saw her face and hid a smile. She was finally happy. There was nothing but love in her eyes, and the sadness that had once seemed a constant in her body, was now non existent. Her hand reached out for him and reached his face, gently rubbing against it with her thumb. Then after a moment it moved and went to Kurama, offering him some of her content contact.

Things were finally good in the world. Kagome wasn’t going to be alone anymore. Little did they know, two hanyous were watching the scene with mixed emotions. The hanyou in red suppressed a growl and dashed away, anger and hurt in his heart. The other was pleased beyond reason.

'She is the key...she is the key to their downfall...take away the miko, and the others will fall.' Naraku thought, grinning as he looked into Kanna's mirror, though the girl wasn't there. She had been freed in the 'final battle' and was now no where to be found. Nothing but her mirror remained.

Everything was drowsy and calm for the moment. 'The calm before the storm...' Kagome thought wryly, as she sat down in the now quiet hut, watching as the children slept in their peaceful nap and wondering where Inuyasha had disappeared to. She closed her eyes briefly, taking in a deep breath. 'Kami I am tired...a nap sounds good right about now...' she thought, as she began to promptly fall over. Her head landed on a soft, firm surface and she smiled.

Sesshoumaru looked over to her as he felt weight upon his person. She was breathing deeply, telling him silently that she was on the verge of sleep. He looked up to the ceiling of the hut, allowing a tiny smile to come to his lips. 'How is it that she has so quickly become important to me? When did I finally end up like Father?' he shook the questions away, his heart and mind no longer caring, just as long as he could have this woman near him, he was...'I am happy when she is near.' he thought, his eyes coming down to meet with Kurama's and Hiei's. They looked content just to watch her sleep, even if it was against the taiyoukai.

Her soft aura blanketed them in her contentment. They looked to each other, faces all reading the same expression. "I am glad we came with her, Hiei...Sesshoumaru." Kurama finally said softly, wanting to break the silence.

"Indeed. It has been a most enjoyable experience." the taiyoukai responded, looking to Hiei.

"Hn." he said, not feeling like talking more. "You are very quiet, Hiei...I wonder, will you be quiet when you bed with her?" Sesshoumaru said, smirking slightly as a sliver of crimson appeared on Kurama's face, and a look of shock plastered itself on the fire apparitions.

"Like that is any of your business, taiyoukai." he said, his face scowling somewhat.

"I bet she is a screamer..." he continued on, looking down to her sleeping figure.

"Youko agrees with you." Kurama said, his blush still slightly evident.

"You must be a powerful human to keep him contained. How do you get along in the human realm with him in your consciousness?" Sesshoumaru asked, feeling strangely talkative today. 'Maybe it was that kiss...' he thought as Kurama began to answer him.

"Thank you...in the human realm, I am not allowed to let him out at all, but when we go on missions, in battle, he takes over. He is a much better fighter than I, and is way more powerful." he said, a content sigh coming out. It was nice to talk to someone about Youko freely, and even about his own feelings without having to worry about said person...err...demon, wanting to cut off his head.

"Understandable. Do either of you have family or friends in the human realm other than the detective and that weak ningin?" he asked. If he was to share Kagome, he would like to know as much as he could about the demons he was sharing her with.

"I have a human mother, but no siblings. My human father died long ago. She is the only one I have left." Kurama said, a slight sadness coming to his face.

"And what of you, Hiei?" Sesshoumaru asked, looking to the fire apparition once more.

"Like I would tell you." he said, his eyes narrowing. He didn't like all the taiyoukai's questions.

"What's the problem? I will know eventually, rather it be sooner or later. Your family will want to meet Kagome, if you do indeed, intend to mark her." he said, slightly irked at the demon's constant attitude towards him.

Hiei's soft growl echoed in the hut, stirring Kagome. She looked up her eyes slightly unfocused before she got up and walked over to him, concern and confusion on her face. Both watched as she kneeled down beside him wrapping her arms around him once more.

"What's wrong, Hiei? Please tell me how to make it better..." she said, holding onto his stiff form tightly. He looked to Kurama and Sesshoumaru, who were both sporting looks of soft affection for the miko. His body rebelled against him and softened in her embrace and he pulled her into his lap and nuzzled against her head. She rested her head against his chest, placing a hand against his heart as is beat steadily against her hand.

"Are you okay, Hiei?" she asked again softly, looking up at him with concerned eyes.

"I am fine. Do not worry, Kagome." he said, his voice deep. She smiled and leaned back against him, falling asleep once more to the sound of his heartbeat.

"She loves you very much, Hiei." Kurama said, smiling softly at the beautiful picture the two made together.

"Don't you think I know that, fox?" he said, trying to keep his voice down as she slept.

"Why does she always worry for me?" he asked to himself, catching Sesshoumaru's attention.

"Because...that is in her nature. She cares deeply for those she loves. She does not judge before she has a chance to meet people...or demons for that matter. She is innocent, and she is light." the taiyoukai said, his voice turning soft and his expression turning slightly serious.

Hiei sighed softly and she nuzzled further into his chest.

~*~

Inuyasha paused before a dark, miasmic barrier. He easily found Naraku's new lair, and smirked. The demon would jump at the opportunity the hanyou had come to offer. As if sensing his presence, the barrier opened briefly, allowing Inuyasha passage.

~*~

Naraku grinned as he watched the hanyou come through his barrier unaccompanied. He had sensed someone else in the clearing with him, the miko, and her three lovers, and relished in the anger he felt from the hanyou. He made himself known to the inu hanyou and he was slightly surprised that he followed him, but he was by all means quite pleased.

'She will fall at the hands of her first love...what a way to break her spirit!!' he thought maliciously. 'Kill her lovers, then have her first love kill her...the perfect agony on that innocent face...' he thought, grinning once more as he called forth Kikyou.

"Yes, Naraku?" she asked, slipping an arm into his slowly.

"You will escort Inuyasha to me. He is to be unharmed. I have many plans for him, my sweet." he said, as he took in her malicious grin.

"As you wish, Naraku."


~*~

A/N: *takes a deep breath* Better. Chapter finished and ready for posting! Please R/R!

A/N: Thank you to all you reviewers and you who keep up with it! I :: heart :: you lots!

A/N: Next Chapter: Land of the Lost