The Jewel Of My Heart

Shuuichi could hear Youko's soft sigh and felt a pain in his heart. The spirit kitsune was emotionally charged and he needed the kitsune to confide in him as to what was going on.

The past few days had been hard, especially on him because of the images that Youko would reveal to him. To say that the girl aroused him was an understatement. The girl named Kagome did more of his body than any other female that he had ever seen.

He could hear her soft moans, courtesy of Youko's memories, and each time he awoke, he sported a hard-on that would make a prized stallion envious.

Youko, he knew, was getting impatient. He wanted his mate back, and he wanted her now. But, with her being in the feudal era, it would be several more weeks before Youko could finally rejoin with her when his younger self forced the young miko back through the well.

Finally, it got to be too much. His curiosity had gotten the better of him and he asked, “What makes Kagome so special to you, Youko? What does this one woman hold that captured your attention?”

Youko chuckled. “Kagome held the gift of compassion. I knew that she was different, even during that very first meeting. She protected an orphaned kitsune kit, and dared to stand before me with her fists raised in a defensive stance. Little did she know that just her putting herself in harm's way for the kit, she won my undying devotion. But, I didn't know until the night that I mated her that I truly loved her, Kuronue be damed.” He said, his tone dreamy.

Shuuichi was stunned. “I thought you felt badly for mating Kagome because of Kuronue?” He asked. This was clearly getting more complex as the situation continued on. It would need to be settled as soon as possible.

“Yes, I did feel badly, but in the youkai world, it is one of those things that just happens. I would have loved to share Kagome with Kuronue, but since I believed that Kuronue was long gone, I didn't really give a shit, until the day we battled Naraku.” Youko replied, his tone hardening. Had it not been for that damn hanyou, his time with Kagome would not have been cut short.

“Naraku? Now where have I heard that name before?” Shuuichi mused. He tried to place the name, but could not come up with where he had heard it.

“Don't strain yourself, Red. Naraku's name was all but erased after the great youkai war that occurred five hundred years ago. The great youkai lords of Japan thought it best if Naraku's name was erased along with his memory. It was during that battle that Kuronue finally showed himself to myself and that rag-tag group of his.” Youko murmured.

“So, when did you and Kagome become mates?” Shuuichi asked. “Why didn't Kuronue put a stop to it?”

Youko thought for a moment, and then said, “I believe that when Kagome is asleep and her defenses are down, Kuronue is able to control her body. The night I mated Kagome, she was wide awake and everything I could have asked for in a woman. She made me feel like the first time I made love to her was my first time with a woman ever. Dear Kami, I honestly wish that there had never been any other women. I wish that there had only been my sweet Kagome.”

Shuuichi shifted uncomfortably. He, too, had some experience, and had heard that in everyone's life, there would be that one special person who could make everything seem different. To hear Youko speak about Kagome, well, it made him envious. He wanted that.

“What was it like? I mean, can you describe how it felt in words?” Shuuichi asked, his voice soft. He had to know. He needed to know. For some reason, it felt like he knew Kagome, and his heart needed some sort of visual to pacify his need for her.

Youko was not stupid. His counterpart was falling for Kagome, and though it bothered him to think about his Kagome in the arms of another male, it didn't bother him to think of Kagome in Shuuichi's arms. Since they had agreed to share Shuuichi's body it made sense that he would have to share him with his partner.

“See....that's the problem. There are no words to describe how it felt. The feelings are too intense, too wild for me to even try to put them into words.” Youko replied, his voice equally soft. “All I know is that the day I mated Kagome was the day I was reborn.”

Shuuichi had to bite his lip to keep from gasping. Never before had he heard anyone speak like that about someone that they loved. He was growing concerned for his own emotional well-being because he could not seem to keep Kagome off of his mind.

When he saw her photo, he was instantly smitten. Her gentle smile and soft eyes drew him in and he wanted to touch her, kiss her, to see if he could feel everything that Youko felt.

As the shadows crossed the floor of the room, Shuuichi allowed himself to slide down the wall and onto the floor. He was so lonely, and now he had something to look forward to. He would get to meet Kagome and despite the fact that she was Youko's, he would get to touch her. Kami help him, he could not wait.

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For the next few weeks, Kagome grew stronger and endeared herself to Youko's group of thieves. Her laughter often rang out, causing the youkai to stop what they were doing and glance towards their leader's bedchamber.

Youko knew that she missed her friends. He really did not want to take her to see them, but he had promised her and he never went back on his promises. He was quickly becoming accustomed to sitting with her and talking about his past, though he carefully omitted several things.

Kagome enjoyed being awake with Youko, but when she dreamed, she saw the handsome bat youkai and he was everything that she had prayed for in a man. He was considerate, polite, tender, smart, honest, and very loving towards her.

But, she could not help her growing feelings for Youko. Much like Kuronue, he took good care of her, but he was also very protective and would not allow anything that he thought would upset her near. He explained to her that he would not tolerate Kouga's behavior any further and that his so-called claim on her was void.

She was glad to hear that. She cared for Kouga, but only as a friend, and nothing more. Ayame was better suited for him. She was just as big of a loud mouth as he was.

But, she missed her friends, Inu Yasha included. She missed the hugs that Shippo would give her, and she missed the sounds of Sango slapping Miroku when his hand would wander. She once told Youko about Miroku, and watched as his face went from amused to cold when he asked if the monk ever placed his hands upon her. When she giggled and said that Sango had taken care of the monk, Youko seemed to calm, but she knew that when he saw the monk again, there were going to be some threats made.

Finally, the day arrived when Youko decided that it was time for her to visit her friends. Several of his underlings offered to go with them, but Youko declined. He smiled down at Kagome, who returned his smile and told the group of thieves that he would return soon.

It didn't take long for Youko to catch Inu Yasha's scent and within a half of a day, they caught up with the group, only to see the sight of Miroku lying on his back with a very angry slayer on top of him. Kagome grinned and glanced up at Youko, who also seemed amused.

When he placed her on her feet, they quietly approached the small group to hear Sango snap, “I don't care if she offered you a freebie, you can always say no.”

Youko coughed, and watched as the group turned to look at them. Shippo was the first to recover from shock and launched himself into Kagome's arms. At first, the older members of the group did not know what to think, but then Kikyo walked over to Youko and bowed.

“Thank you for taking such good care of Kagome. We appreciate all that you have done for you.” She said, her tone respectful.

Youko inclined his head in acknowledgment, and frowned when Inu Yasha said, “Well, now that Kagome is better, she can rejoin us, and you can be on your way.”

Clearly, the hanyou did not understand that Kagome was his. She was his to take care of, his to protect, and his to watch over. He narrowed his eyes and calmly said, “I'm afraid that you are mistaken, hanyou. Kagome is under my protection. She will remain in my protection until either she dies, or I die. Either way, she is mine.”

Kagome felt the heat of a blush spread to her cheeks and wanted to giggle when she heard Kuronue mutter that if she belonged to anyone, it was to him. Hell, he was the one in her body. However, when the hanyou began to yell curses at the kitsune, Youko calmly guided Kagome behind him, and then pulled out a single red rose. Before her eyes, the rose formed into a long whip that had thorns covering it.

Before Inu Yasha could grab his sword, Youko's whip wrapped around his wrist, causing the hanyou to pause. He glanced up at Youko, and gulped when the kitsune shot him a smirk before yanking as hard as he could on the whip. Inu Yasha was thrown to the ground and quickly found that he had Youko's booted foot upon his throat.

“Listen to me well. I am not accustomed to repeating myself, so make sure those ears of yours are listening. I am not letting Kagome go. So, where she goes, I will go. You will simply have to get used to it.” Youko said, his tone cold.

Inu Yasha growled, but quieted when Kikyo came over and placed her hand upon his shoulder. She smiled up at Youko and said, “We would be honored if you joined us on our search. The more strength we have, the better our chances for defeating Naraku.”

Youko allowed his whip to unwind and quickly dismissed it, before turning to Kagome. He placed his hands upon her shoulders and gazed down at her with his beautiful golden eyes. When the wind blew some of her hair into her eyes, Youko gently brushed it away and gave her a smile. “The sun will be setting soon, and we need to find somewhere to sleep.” He said, his eyes never leaving Kagome's.

Kikyo and Sango looked at each other and shared a smile. They knew a smitten male when they saw one. This Youko would be everything to Kagome that Inu Yasha and Kouga could not. Inu Yasha sat up and rubbed his neck. He, too, saw how Youko was looking at Kagome and he gritted his teeth together. It pained him to see someone taking his place in Kagome's eyes, but he had Kikyo, and needed Kagome to move on, and so, he would simply have to accept that Youko might be his replacement in her heart. Well, better the kitsune than Kouga. The guy was still a major asshole in his book.

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The group laughed and talked quietly amongst themselves. Kagome was so tired, and didn't hesitate to lean against Youko's chest when he pulled her into his lap. She smiled when she felt Youko's hands rubbing soothing circles upon her back and she closed her eyes.

Inu Yasha decided to tell Youko how the shikon came to be broken, and stressed the part that it was Kagome who broke it. However, when Kagome's name was heard, Kagome's eyes snapped open and her head turned towards the hanyou.

Kuronue had heard enough. He had seen that particular incident and from what he observed, it was due to the hanyou's inability to gain the speed and height necessary to hit the bird with the arrow. And, it was only by stroke of luck that Kagome's hunch about using the claw of the youkai bird to draw the arrow to its target.

Kuronue shifted and heard Youko quietly called out Kagome's name, but he paid his former partner no mind. His attention was focused on a certain hanyou, and suddenly, all eyes were upon them.

“You say that it was my fault that the jewel was shattered, but was it not you who was not able to catch up with the bird? Wasn't it you who was willing to let a small child die so that you can gain the jewel? And, wasn't it you whom attacked me for the jewel the first time we met? It seems that you have no problems pointing out other's faults, but seem to forget that you have faults, too. I suppose that I could have hit the bird while on your back, but with the way you were wiggling around, and yip yapping, I'm shocked that the arrow even got close.” Kuronue snapped, as he narrowed Kagome's eyes at Inu Yasha.

For once, the hanyou was shocked into silence. He could not even come up with a suitable comeback. Miroku, however, could not contain his mirth, and began laughing. Sango and Shippo quickly joined. The only ones who were not laughing were Kuronue, Youko, Kikyo, and Inu Yasha.

Kikyo narrowed her eyes at the hanyou and turned to face him fully. “What did Kagome mean when she said that you were willing to let a child die?” She demanded, her anger apparent.

Kuronue smirked as the hanyou fidgeted for a moment, before deciding to help him out. “I mean, that the youkai bird that had the jewel attacked a child, and when the child was set free, he fell into the river. I dove in after him, much to Inu Yasha's displeasure and retrieved the child.” He explained.

The laughing quickly died and everyone watched as Kikyo reached over and gripped the hanyou's ear. “If you will excuse us, Inu Yasha and I need to have a private word.” She said. Standing up, she led the yelping hanyou away from camp, leaving the rest of the group to talk amongst themselves.

Youko was smirking. Any youkai with any amount of honor would not allow a helpless child to die, even if it was human. Seeing Kagome put the hanyou in his place, and get him in trouble with his mate was actually quite enjoyable.

Miroku appeared thoughtful as he rubbed his chin. “I always wondered if Inu Yasha's version of how the jewel was broken was legitimate. Clearly, it wasn't.” He mused.

Sango snickered, and glanced at her friend, whose arms were crossed and looking quite pleased with herself. Obviously being in Youko's company did much for her friend's self-esteem. It was a nice change to see Kagome fighting for herself, rather than just sitting back and taking it.

When Kikyo and Inu Yasha returned, the hanyou looked repentant, and the miko looked somewhat calmer. But, when Inu Yasha glanced over at Kagome, Kuronue narrowed her eyes and allowed a smirk to form upon Kagome's lips.

Inu Yasha was shocked. For as long as he knew Kagome, he never knew her to smirk. Hell, he never thought that she would retaliate against him, but it seems that this night was a night of new beginnings.

When Youko nudged Kagome's head back underneath his chin, he frowned when he felt Kagome stiffen. Something was not right, but he was not able to voice his concerns. Yes, it was Kagome's voice who put the hanyou in his place, but the manner in which the words came from her mouth was not how he knew Kagome to speak. Kagome was not cruel, nor would she enjoy watching another's misery.

Kuronue silently cursed himself for stiffening against Youko, but damn it, he couldn't help it. He kept forgetting that he was supposed to be Kagome, and that Kagome actually liked being in Youko's arms, much to his displeasure. So, he took in a deep breath and willed Kagome's body to relax, hoping like hell that he had not just revealed himself. He really wanted to play with Inu Yasha for a while, and this was the best way to do it.

When Kagome's body relaxed, Youko felt some of the tension slip out of his body. Perhaps Kagome was still upset over being pointed out as being at fault for the jewel's destruction. He sighed and closed his eyes. He was tired and knew that he would need all of his energy in case they were engaged in any battles.

$$$$$$$$

“So, did the kitsune tell you any more about the girl?” Hiei asked, as he came through the window that was in Shuuichi's bedroom. When he did not get a response, Hiei bent down, grabbed a shoe, and hurled it at the redhead, clocking him in the back of the head, thus causing the young man to turn around.

“What?” Shuuichi demanded, his green eyes glittering angrily. He watched as the youkai before him glared at him, but then repeated his question. “I asked if the kitsune told you anything else about the girl?” Hiei snapped.

Shuuichi shook his head and stood up. “No, but I will tell you this. He really loves her, Hiei. He honestly loves her and I think that it's starting to effect me, as well.” He said, his tone soft.

Hiei studied his friend, before shrugging. “So, you're falling for Youko's mate.” He said, his red eyes narrowed. “What does Youko think about that?”

“I don't think that he cares, actually. To touch Kagome, he'd have to be in control of my body, but he can't be in control all of the time, so I guess that he is willing to deal with me touching her, too.” Shuuichi replied.

“Perhaps. But, it won't surprise me if he throws a fit. I have heard of some youkai sharing mates, but it is not a common practice.” Hiei said, shrugging out of his long coat.

Shuuichi sighed and lowered his eyes. He knew that it was foolish to feel such things for a woman he has as of yet to meet, but between Youko's memories, and her photo, he was smitten and he needed to touch her. He prayed that she would be as smitten with him, as he was with her. If not, he didn't think that his heart could take the rejection.