The Jewel Of My Heart

A/N: Thanks so much for the reviews, guys. Because I am now working, I am having to write when I have spare time, so just bear with me. Please read and review. Thanks.

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“You know, when Kuronue first made his presence known, it was when he confronted that wolf, Kouga. But, he managed to convince me that I was mistaken in my assumption that he had taken control, and that he really was Kagome. I suppose part of me was hoping that it really was Kagome who put Kouga in his place and I simply allowed myself to be persueded, but in reality, it was Kuronue who had been using Kagome's body to rid Kagome of that annoying wolf.” Youko said, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Shuuichi smiled and shook his head as he looked over the yearbooks of the local high schools. The spirit detectives had managed to get a copy of the current year from each school, so now they were looking for a picture of the girl, Kagome.

It took several hours, and Shuuichi was amazed at how easily Youko spoke of Kagome, his description of her beauty made the young human anxious to finally see the female who had captured his partner's heart.

Finally, they arrived at the final yearbook, and they began to turn each page, their eyes skimming over names. Suddenly, Youko yelped, “That's her! That is my Kagome.”

Shuuichi grasped Boton's hand and said, “Stop. Youko has found her.” He pointed to a dark haired young woman and said, “Kagome Higurashi. So, this is the young lady with whom Youko is mated with.”

For a moment, no one spoke, and then Kuwabara asked in awe, “She's mated to Youko?”

“Apparently so.” Shuuichi replied, his green eyes locked onto Kagome's smiling image. “I can now understand why he would be so smitten with her. She is quite beautiful.”

Youko laughed lightly. “She is beautiful both inside and out, my friend. She became my world, and when you meet her, you will understand why.” He said, his tone soft. “Kagome is one of those women that makes a man want to protect and care for them. I just want her back, Red.”

Closing the yearbook and then tucking it underneath his arm, Shuuichi stood. “Let's go back to my apartment and decide what needs to be done. I want to make sure that when she returns, we don't frighten her.”

The others nodded and followed the tall redhead. As they walked out of the public library, Youko began to hum a soft tune and Shuuichi realized that the spirit kitsune was happier than he had ever been. Clearly, Kagome Higurashi was what he needed in his life to make it complete. But, it still amused him that Kuronue managed to pull the wool over Youko's eyes.

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Kuronue stared at Youko and took in a deep breath. Now was not the time to panic. “Kuronue? Who is that?” He asked, his tone schooled in confusion.

Youko narrowed his eyes as he took in the large brown eyes staring back at him. Kagome was the picture of complete and total innocence, and for the life of him, he could not detect any deception. Perhaps his initial suspicion was wrong, but he still believed that some of her actions were due to Kuronue's influence.

Kuronue felt his body warm as tension began to set in. He knew that once Youko wanted to learn something, he didn't let the issue go until he got what he wanted. He would probably watch him and Kagome very closely from this point on. Perhaps confronting the wolf in the manner that he did was not the brightest thing to have done, but it felt so good and to see the wolf crumble in front of his eyes proved that he still had his ability to make others feel like shit. Yep, he would remember that moment for the rest of his life.

Youko, however, was still not fully convinced that he was dealing with Kagome. But, an idea suddenly formed and he fought hard to keep from smirking. He knew how Kuronue felt about same-sex unions, unless it was two males mated with a common female. That was different, since mate-sharing was common in packs. But, Kuronue had never been able to understand what satisfaction a male could receive from another male, so Youko knew that if it were Kuronue who was in charge of Kagome's body, then he would quickly blow his cover once he began to make his moves against Kagome's body. Besides, he had wanted a reason to touch Kagome's pretty body again.

Sliding from his chair and onto the bed, Youko inched himself to sit beside Kuronue. The bat youkai watched and stiffened when the spirit kitsune leaned forward to sniff at Kagome's neck. 'Ok, remain calm and stay collected. Remember, this was not the time to panic.' Kuronue thought.

Lifting his claw to the black, shiney mass of Kagome's hair, Youko lifted a handful of her ebony locks up and took in a deep breath.

“Mmmmm, Kagome. You smell so good.” Youko purred, inching even closer than before. He knew that her body had stiffened and congratulated himself on his plan.

Kuronue bit his lip and tried to keep his composure. Damn Youko. He knew how he felt about guy-on-guy action, and this was getting pretty fucking close to that, just because it was his influence that was in control. His gate simply did not swing towards men.

Youko leaned even closer and began to pepper Kagome's neck with soft kisses. He could hear Kagome's breathing growing frantic, meaning that she was getting aroused or Kuronue was getting really worked up. Good.

Ok, now was the time to panic. Kuronue felt his control slipping quickly and finally yelped when Youko's tongue touched the side of Kagome's neck. In his haste to get away from Youko, he didn't realize that he was at the edge of the bed, and so, he tumbled off and landed in a heap on the floor.

Kuronue quickly regained his composure and grasped the lapels of the robe and closed them tightly before glaring at Youko. “I don't know who you think that I am, but I can assure you that I am not that sort of girl. I don't fool around with men that I don't know all that well.” Kuronue snapped, praying that Youko would be a gentleman and let the subject drop.

Youko narrowed his golden eyes at the young woman who was flushed and appeared embarrased. He stood up and sighed. Ok, that was not how he envisioned his plan going, but it did prove that he was in fact dealing with a skittish female. Oh, well. But, at least he got to touch her, and that would do him for a while. Perhaps he could work on her and gain her trust. Yes, he would court her and redouble his efforts to woo her. He watched as she quickly stood up and crossed her arms over her chest.

“My apologies, Kagome.” Youko said, his tone smooth. “I simply lost my head and it will not happen again. Now, please get some rest and if you are feeling better, I will take you to visit your friends.”

Kuronue nodded and wanted to cheer as he climbed back onto the large bed. Finally, he had gotten over on Youko.

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“Ok, I smell shit. So, either that means that some large animal took a dump somewhere around here, or Kouga is coming.” Inu Yasha said, his ears flattening to his head.

Sure enough, a whirlwind was soon seen and did not stop until it had flattened Inu Yasha on his back. When the stunned hanyou looked up, he found himself staring into the reddened eyes of Kouga.

“You. Gave. My. Mate. To. Another!” Kouga gritted out, his fury mounting. He had been hunting the small group since he left Youko's den, and with each passing hour, his anger simply grew.

Sango, Kikyo, and Miroku watched the scene with wide eyes and finally, Sango softly said, “It's not his fault, Kouga. She was sick.”

Kouga snorted. “Well, she didn't seem very sick when she was cuddling up to that bastard, Youko.” He growled. “That asshole claims that you gave him guardianship over Kagome.”

“I did.” Inu Yasha said, and shoved Kouga off of him. “He has a healer who can help her. She needed to rest and so, we decided to give her the break that she needed.”

Inu Yasha was careful not to let on that there was a slight possibility that Kagome could be possessed. The wolf seemed so outraged, so that could only mean that if Kagome really was possessed, then the one possessing her put the stupid wolf in his place. Damn it, he always missed the good shit.

Kouga growled viciously. “You could have brought her to me, if she needed a fucking break that badly.” He snapped.

“No, she was ill and needed rest immediately, and Youko was closer to us than you were.” Kikyo calmly replied. “Kouga, Kagome is not herself lately, and if you truly care for her, please let her be.”

Snarling and pacing, Kouga finally reached a decision. “Fine.” He said. “But, when she is well, she and I are going to have a very long talk. Away from all of you.”

Shooting the group one last glare, Kouga sped off, leaving the group in a cloud of dust.

Inu Yasha stared after him and then shrugged. “That guy,” He said, “Is a serious asshole.”

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Kagome was aware of being wrapped up in a pair of very strong arms. Smiling, she placed her hands on top of a pair of large hands and softly said, “Hi, there.”

Kuronue smiled down at Kagome and gently squeezed her. Ever since he had learned how to pull her subconscience in with his, he could make a virtual world for them. In this world, he could touch, kiss, and love her properly, though it would only be for a short time due to the fact that it taxed his strength. “Hi back.” He purred. “Your friend, Kouga, made an appearance while you were sleeping.”

Kagome blushed and sighed. “Let me guess...he acted up, didn't he?” She asked, but already knew the answer.

“Let's just say that after what I said to him, he will not be approaching anytime soon.” Kuronue replied. “I must say that I admire your restraint around him.”

Kagome giggled. “Kouga is a pretty strong character. I have tried to tell him nicely that I didn't want anything but friendship with him, but he just won't get it, or he refuses to accept it.” She said.

Kuronue smirked. “Well, from now on, I will be dealing with him. I know how to handle youkai males who just can't take a hint.” He said, his tone firm. “Tell me about your feelings for the hanyou.”

Kagome shrugged. “When I first met him, I was attracted to him, but now, I believe that because I am Kikyo's reincarnation, I was simply trying to pick up where Kikyo had left off in their relationship. I know now that all I feel for him is friendship and he protects me, though at times, he gets really angry at me.” She laughed.

Kuronue chuckled and allowed his arms to loosen so that he could turn her in his embrace. He carefully placed her so that her head was on his chest and her arms around his waist. He gently ran his hands over her back, but stopped when he heard her startled gasp.

“Wings! Kuronue, you have wings!” She exclaimed, her little fingers running gently over his leathery appendages.

“Well,” He said, “I am a bat youkai. So, it is only natural that I would have wings.”

Kagome blushed and wanted to groan. Of all the times to make an ass out of herself. But, when he began to laugh, she looked up and into one of the most handsome faces she had ever seen.

Kuronue was nothing like she imagined. Sure, she knew that he had nice hands, but this was the first time she got to see him because the last time they met had been dark, and now, she could see him fully and was glad that she could.

His long, dark hair was pulled up into a high ponytail, and he was wearing a hat. For clothing, he was wearing what looked to be a skirt, but his chest, oh lord, his chest was strong, tanned, and looked as if it were just begging for her kisses.

Realizing where her thoughts were going, she quickly adverted her eyes and felt her blush deepen. And, the worst part about this......he could probably smell that she had just soaked her panties.

Kuronue bit back a grin. He could smell her arousal and it was driving him wild not to strip her down, lay her on her back, part her thighs, and thrust into that heat that he knew would welcome him.

However, he was a gentleman and he simply settled back and brought her close to his heart, once more. For him, this hell that he had been sentenced to had suddenly become paradise, and he found himself wishing that neither of them ever had to leave.