The Jewel Of My Heart

A/N: Yes, I'm alive and have finally updated. So, please read and review. But most of all, please enjoy this latest installment.

~!~

“Shuuichi! Oh, Shuuichi, wait up!” A feminine voice called. Sighing, Shuuichi stopped in his tracks and waited patiently for the girl to catch up.

Once the female made her way to his side, she grinned up at him and hugged her books to her chest. “Thanks for waiting. I think that our teacher looks for ways to make her lectures boring.” She said, shaking her head.

Chuckling, he reached down and patted her shoulder. “Sorry to hear that, Keiko. So, where is Yusuke?” He asked, and reached for the small brunette's books.

“Oh, he is freaking out about this time-traveler issue. I guess he never thought that Youko would settle down, and now that he has revealed that he does have someone special, well, he now thinks that there is pressure on him to settle down with me. To be honest, I'm not ready for that kind of commitment.” Keiko murmured, her dark eyes lowering to the ground.

Reaching for the door handle, Shuuichi opened the door and allowed the girl to walk in before him. As he expected, the popular hangout was crowded, and to his displeasure, the group of girls who made up his fan club were sitting in a booth, and were shooting Keiko looks of death.

Keiko was not stupid. She knew that Shuuichi had a lot of girls who wanted to claim the handsome red-head for themselves, but when Yusuke told her how he reacted to Kuwabara suggesting that they go and speak with this girl, she had no doubt in her mind that Kurama had no intentions of fooling around on the girl, even if she was five hundred years in the past.

Grasping her elbow, Kurama moved her over to an empty booth and sat down across from her. He could hear the hateful whispers and gritted his teeth as two of the girls began to walk over to where they were sitting. When they reached the table, both girls glared openly at Keiko, then turned to him and gave him a blinding smile.

“Hi, Shuuichi. Why don't you come over and sit with us?” Anya said, her tone heavy with lust. The second girl nodded her head vigorously. “Yes, I can assure you that the company over there will be much more entertaining than over here.” The second girl, Natsuna, said.

Keiko stifled a giggle and waved when she saw a familiar face. “Yusuke!” She called and quickly scooted over when the young man came to sit down.

Yusuke noticed the grin on Keiko's face, and looked up at the two females who were standing by the table. Both were clearly aroused, and the scent made him want to wretch. He glanced over at Kurama, who looked as if he were close to losing control of Youko, and he could only guess that it was due to the fact that he knew his mate was alive and with his younger self in the past.

“So, I take it you have not told your club that you are no longer single, have you, Shuuichi?” Yusuke asked, his eyes lighting up in amusement.

The two girls gasped and turned their eyes to the object of their affections. They watched as he sat up straighter and took in a deep breath. “It's true. I am involved with someone and have been involved for quite some time. I don't have any intentions on letting her go, and would appreciate it if you and your friends did not make things difficult for her. I would be most unhappy should I find out otherwise.” He said, his tone hard. He didn't care to really look at them, but forced himself to look up and see the shock and anger that was in their faces. However, any kind of retort or threat died on the girls' lips when they saw his beautiful eyes narrow.

Anya cleared her throat and weakly smiled. “Well, if you decide that she isn't the one for you, give me a call.” She said, her voice timid.

Finished with the conversation, he gave a sharp nod of his head and watched as both girls turned and quickly walked back to their table. Within moments, several females could be heard crying and he was getting a massive headache.

“Yusuke, I am heading to my apartment. If you need me, I'll be there all night. Youko and I have some talking to do, and unless it is an emergency, I would prefer if you did not bother us.” He said, his eyes taking on a golden tint, meaning that Youko was near the surface.

Nodding, and giving the red-head a wave, the two lovers watched as the young man left, and then turned to look at each other.

Yusuke shook his head and said, “That boy has got it bad.”

$$$$$$$$$

Youko could not help it. His eyes were glued to the backside of Kagome, and gods help him, he would give anything to be able to reach out and caress it. However, he was simply not that brave, but it seemed that the monk, who was currently walking beside him, did not have that same problem.

Miroku's face took on a thoughtful appearance, and his hand lifted and patted the firm backside of Sango, who in turn, grabbed her large weapon and proceeded to smack the monk over the head with it, and didn't even miss a stride.

However amusing the monk was, he made the unfortunate mistake of caressing Kagome's backside one evening and found himself face-to-face with a seriously pissed off kitsune. It took Sango, Kagome, and Kikyo to pull Youko off of the monk, and Inu Yasha was no help, mostly because he was too busy holding his knees together in an effort not to pee himself as he laughed.

Now, as they walked towards a village that they had heard was being threatened by a wild youkai, he wondered if they would have time for him and Kagome to slip off some place, just the two of them. He smiled at her when she glanced over her shoulder at him and grinned. He did love her smile.

Kagome was happy. For the first time, she was enjoying just being Kagome. She supposed that Youko and Kuronue had a lot to do with it, but now, she felt like she wasn't competing with some memory. Instead, she looked forward to her future, and hoped that it was as wonderful as the past few days had been.

Youko made himself quite useful in the group. He was an excellent hunter, and was able to hold a decent conversation. He was very intelligent and his knowledge proved useful on several occasions. He was also teaching Shippo about traditional kitsune ways, and despite the fact that they were different kinds of kitsune, Youko knew enough about red kitsune to be able to give Shippo the instruction that if his own father had lived, he would have provided.

At night, when the group bunked down, Inu Yasha would gather Kikyo into his arms and hold her, while Sango and Miroku laid down upon their bedding, and Shippo and Kirara curled up together for warmth. Youko would smile as he watched Kagome tuck the kit and small neko into a blanket, and when she was done, he would hold out his hand to her, and pulled her into his own lap.

At first, Kagome felt awkward about sleeping in a strange man's arms, but Youko's loving nature and gentle words soothed her, and finally, she relaxed enough around him that it was easy to accept his embrace.

But, in her sleep, Kagome spent time with Kuronue. The bat youkai touched her, talked to her, gave her words of devotion and praise. He never made fun of her, and when he did tease her, it was gentle and loving.

Both males, in their own unique ways, won over her heart, and though she knew it was wrong, a part of her wanted them both, even if she could only have one in her dreams.

Once they made it to the village that was being attacked by a wild youkai, both Inu Yasha and Youko quickly found the scent and tracked it. They managed to follow it to a small cave, where they discovered that the wild youkai was simply protecting its young, and had grown aggressive because the villagers had come too close to its den.

Youko, upon seeing why the youkai had grown vicious, refused to kill it off. He stepped in front of Inu Yasha and asked, “If it were your young, would you not try and protect them to the best of your ability?”

Inu Yasha's sword fell to the ground and he looked over at the youkai, whose tail had wrapped around its offspring. Bright eyes were staring at him, and he shook his head. To kill it off simply because it was a bother to the humans was not right. The humans would simply need to steer clear of the area.

The decision was made and they spoke with the village elder, who was shocked to find that the youkai was simply protecting its young. After securing a promise that his people would not enter into that particular area, the small group left and soon found a spot to spend the night at.

Inu Yasha and Kikyo were whispering to each other, and giggling. It was clear that they planned to slip away for some private time together, and didn't bother to wait around for dinner to be served. So, once everyone had eaten their fill, Kagome announced that it was time for Shippo to go to bed, and was greeted by a whine from the kit.

A low growl filled the air, and everyone looked over at Youko, who was staring at the kit with narrowed eyes. Finally, Youko yipped at him, and watched as Shippo dove for his blanket and curled up against Kirara, his green eyes wide with shock.

Kagome bit her lip and wondered what Youko had said to Shippo, but when she looked at him, he shook his head and quietly asked, “Slayer, would you and the monk watch over the kit for us? Kagome and I need to speak.”

Sango nodded and watched and Youko helped Kagome to her feet and pulled her away from camp. Miroku cleared his throat and asked, “Now what was that all about?”

Sango shook her head and smiled. “Youko has claimed Kagome as his responsibility, and because Shippo is Kagome's son, though adopted, that means that Youko sees Shippo as his, as well. I do believe that he is about to explain the facts of life to our little miko.” She said, and delivered a well practiced slap across the monk's face when his hand touched her bottom.

$$$$$$$

For nearly an hour, neither spoke. But, when Youko parted some thick branches out of their way, Kagome gasped and stepped into the small clearing.

Youko brought her to a small hotspring, and it was beautiful. The bright moonlight was shining down on the still water and the air held a slight breeze to it. Whirling around, Kagome smiled up at the kitsune and softly said, “It's so beautiful.”

“Yes, it certainly is. And, so are you.” He murmured, and allowed his claw to lift and brush back a few pieces of hair that had fallen before her eyes. He grinned when he saw a blush light up her cheeks and then grasped her hand and pulled her forward. He let go of her hand and watched as she moved forward, closet to the spring.

Kagome took in a deep breath and closed her eyes. She could not believe that such a place existed. It was perfect.

Youko's eyes softened as he watched the wind gently blow Kagome's hair. Stepping up behind her, he brought his lips down to her ear and softly said, “I am going to turn my back, and want you to undress and go into the spring. I do believe it is time for your daily bathing ritual, is it not?”

Kagome blushed and bit her lip. While it sounded like a good idea, she was not sure about being around Youko undressed. Yes, she wanted him. But, she didn't know what his feelings for her were, nor did she really know the extent of her feelings for Kuronue, though because he was in her head, she supposed that he could just be a figment of her imagination, created by her mind to ease her loneliness.

Youko gave her a gentle nudge, and she then heard him turn away. Sighing, she bit her lip and quickly made work of the kimono that he gave to her to replace her outfits, mostly because he didn't care for the way other males stared at her.

Soon, she was in the water, and ducked beneath the water to get her hair wet. When she rose, her eyes skimmed the area, but could not seem to locate Youko.

“Youko?” She called out, her tone anxious. She didn't hear a reply, and she felt herself beginning to worry. However, as she was about to step out of the spring, Youko suddenly appeared right beside her. Like her, he had gone underwater and was now soaking wet.

Blushing violently, Kagome turned and crossed her arms over her chest, and for the life of her, didn't know what to say.

Youko was well aware of her modesty. He smiled at her back and then reached out to touch her arm. At the contact, she jumped a little and looked over her shoulder at him before giving him a nervous smile. Wanting her to be at ease, he said, “Come here. I am not going to hurt you, and you have nothing to fear from me.”

Kagome felt like she was acting like a baby, and so, she followed him and watched as he sat down on a rock that was submerged in the water. He scooted back a little and made her turn so that her back was facing him, before pulling her down onto the rock and settling her right between his legs.

Youko's hands were strong and knew what they were doing as they glided up her tense arms to rub her shoulders. It took him several minutes, but when she finally relaxed, he smirked and began to work his way down to her lower back.

The crickets were chirping and the soft breeze made Kagome's eyes close as she totally relaxed. It was a new experience for her to be able to find peace in this era, and now, in this male's arms, she was finding peace and happiness. So, this is what Inu Yasha felt every time he was with Kikyo. Now she could understand why he had always run off to be with her. The feelings were addicting.

Youko's nose caught the faint aroma of her arousal. His lips curled back into a feral snarl, as his body hardened. The youkai within him was clawing at him, demanding to be let out of its cage so that it could have its woman. However, he forced the youkai back and allowed his face to relax. He would not take Kagome as a beast. He wanted to love her and have her love him back, and their first experience would be gentle, not brutal.

Sitting there, both lost themselves in the other, and dreamed of what their future would hold. Nothing could ruin this moment for them.

~!~

As he walked down the sidewalk, his green eyes glared at the pavement and he heard Youko snapping about how foolish it was of him not to get rid of those annoying females long ago. Shuuichi had to agree, but he was raised to be a gentleman, and he simply could not find it within himself to be rude. At least, that was until he discovered Kagome, and then, he simply quit caring about any other female that wasn't her or his mother.

He finally glanced up and blinked. Where in the hell was he? He didn't recognize the area, and he shook his head angrily. If he had not been so distracted, he would have realized that he had gone past the turn he needed to get back to his apartment.

As he was about to turn on his heel, something collided with him and he found himself on the ground with a young boy staring down at him.

“Ah, geez. I'm sorry, but I'm trying to get home before they find me.” He said, looking over his shoulder.

Shuuichi lifted an eyebrow and asked, “Who are 'they'?” He watched as the boy fidgeted and then sigh before lowering his head and whispering, “It's Hojo's little brother and his friends. Because my sister, Kagome, won't go out with Hojo, he told his little brother to beat me up until she agrees. Everyone thinks Hojo is so nice, but he's a real dork.”

Green flashed gold as Shuuichi carefully asked, “Kagome? As in Kagome Higurashi?”

Souta nodded and cringed when he heard the footsteps running towards them. He saw the red headed man stand up and watched as his hand come down to rest upon his shoulder.

Finally, three small boys and one teenage boy rounded the corner and came to a stop in front of Shuuichi and Souta. The teenager smirked and glanced at his brother. “Looks like the baby found himself a protector. Watch and see how your big brother can kick some ass.” He said, smirking.

Shuuichi shook his head when Youko offered to introduce the human punk to his death tree, and merely got into a fighting stance. When Hojo's fist came flying towards him, it was caught with ease and his foot easily swept Hojo's legs out from underneath him.

When he fell onto the ground, Hojo moaned as his hand reached around to rub his backside, but that didn't stop him from getting back up and glaring at him. “I bet that you think that is real funny, don't you?” He snapped, his eyes narrowing.

Shuuichi smiled and looked over at Souta. “I found it rather amusing, how about you?” He asked. When the boy grinned and nodded, Hojo scowled and pointed at Souta. “We'll deal with you in a few minutes, after I deal with this asshole.”

Just as he was about to attack, a voice stopped him in his tracks. “Need any help, Shuuichi? I've been wanting to kick some ass, and was wondering if you would let me cut in.”

Shuuichi smirked and gave a mock bow. “Of course, Yusuke. I would not want to be called selfish.” He said, and moved to stand beside Souta.

Hojo knew exactly who this guy was and knew that he was about to get his ass tore up. Yusuke Urameshi was famous around the area, and now, it looked as if he was about to learn for himself, why he was feared.

The three younger boys quietly approached Souta and Hojo's brother tapped him on his shoulder. When Souta looked at him, the boy gave him a lop-sided smile and quietly said, “Listen, it wasn't personal. He threatened to tell our mom that I broke our grandmother's vase last week, but would keep quiet if I fought you. I'm sorry.”

Souta looked over at Yusuke, who was currently punching Hojo in the stomach, and asked, “What's his deal, anyways? I know that he likes my sister, but why can't he let her go?”

The boy shrugged and shook his head. “I think that it is because she is the only girl who won't go out with him. He says that she has made dates with him, but has broken them. I just think that she has good taste, but don't tell him I said that, ok? Well, I'm going home. I guess I'll have to tell mom that Hojo will be late and why. See you at school, tomorrow.” He said, and turned with his friends and ran in the direction they came.

Shuuichi narrowed his eyes and glared over at Hojo. Pushing off from the way, he allowed the boy's words to echo in his head and felt Youko push his way to the front. This shit ends now.

Yusuke felt the familiar aura of Youko and glanced over his shoulder. While he was glad that Keiko made him follow Kurama, he was curious as to why the kitsune would have accepted a fight. Normally, he only fought when he needed to, so when he approached, Yusuke got the hell out of the way.

Bending down to the boy, Kurama's hand shot forth and he grabbed his shirt. Hauling him to his feet, he quietly said, “If you ever come near her or her family again, I will kill you. Fuck this polite bullshit. Kagome is mine, and you won't come near her, threaten her family, or speak ill of her, but should you get brave and go against my words, I'll ruin you, and once you are miserable, I'll make sure they never find your body.”

Stepping back, he allowed the boy to slip from his hand and watched as he sank to the ground. Yusuke lifted an eyebrow and watched as golden eyes suddenly turned green, once more. “Are you finished with him?” He asked, motioning towards Hojo.

“Very. I am going to walk this young man home. I'll call you later, Yusuke.” Shuuichi said and turned to Souta with a smile. “Let's go. I'd like to hear more about this famous sister of yours.”

As they walked away, Yusuke smiled as the boy began to gush over his sister. It was clear that he loved her very much. When a groan was heard, he turned and calmly said, “Oh, don't worry. I have not forgotten about you.”

~!~

As they walked, Souta chattered non-stop about Kagome. He told the young man beside him how smart, brave, and funny she was, and it was only when they reached the steps of the Higurashi Shrine that he turned and frowned.

“Hey, I don't even know your name.” Souta said, his tone accusing. He watched as a large smile broke out on the young man's face and was shocked to hear him say, “My name is Shuuichi Minamino.”

“Shuuichi Minamino?” Souta squeaked, his eyes gazing over as he recalled stories he heard about the young man. “You're the same Shuuichi Minamino who has a huge fan club of girls who follow you around and who is also the smartest in his high school? That Shuuichi Minamino?”

A slight blush spread across Shuuichi's cheeks as Youko laughed out loud. However, he nodded and watched as Souta shook his head.

“Wow, I can't believe that I actually knocked you over. Man, I wish my sister were here. I'm sure that she'd really like you.” He said, his tone softening.

Smiling down at the boy, Shuuichi ruffled Souta's hair. “I would love to meet your sister. From what I have heard, she is quite a beautiful, young lady.” He said, ignoring the comments Youko was making.

Souta made a face, but then nodded. “I guess so. I mean, a lot of guys like her, but I think that she is annoying.” He replied.

Chuckling, Shuuichi nodded. “Most sibling think that way.” He agreed. “My friend, Kuwabara, doesn't like his sister very much, but if someone were to threaten her, he'd be the first one to protect her. I suppose that is natural.”

“I suppose.” Souta said, then lowered his head to think for a moment. “Hey, was that other guy really Yusuke Urameshi?”

Shuuichi nodded. “Yes, that was Yusuke.” He said. “I seriously doubt that after Yusuke has his way with Hojo, the boy would be so foolish as to come around again.”

Souta snorted. “Yeah, right. Inu Yasha says that Hojo needs to be put out of Kagome's misery.”

Shuuichi froze in his tracks. “Inu Yasha?” He asked.

Souta, too, froze. Oh, Kagome was going to slaughter him. Thinking quickly, Souta said, “Inu Yasha is a cousin. Yeah, a cousin.”

Now Youko snorted. 'Inu Yasha is that pathetic hanyou that Kagome traveled with.' He clarified. 'He has the ability to cross over time because of the bond he and Kagome share. He was an idiot back then, and he's probably an idiot here.'

“Oh, we're at my house.” Souta said, suddenly. “Thanks for walking me home.”

Shuuichi smiled down at the boy and nodded. “You are very welcome. Perhaps I will return and meet your sister. I am interested to see if what I have heard is correct. Would that bother you if I came back?” He asked.

Souta blinked, but then shook his head. “No. That would be great!” He exclaimed. Turning on his heel, he began to run up the stairs to the shrine, but then turned and waved. When the red head waved back, Souta turned and rushed up the stairs and was out of sight within seconds.

Shuuichi chuckled, and turned on his heel. He casually walked back to where he had left Yusuke, and when he arrived, he found not only Yusuke, but Hiei and Kuwabara there, as well. Hojo was an unconscious heap at their feet.

When he approached, the other men stopped talking and Hiei snapped, “Where in the hell have you been?”

Shuuichi smiled, causing the apparition before him to narrow his eyes. “I just walked Kagome's brother home.” He replied. “It would seem that he has a very low opinion of our friend, here.”

Yusuke snorted. “The little fucker didn't put up much of a fight.” He spat. “In fact, he pissed himself before I could land the first punch. Oh, and he screams like a little girl.”

The men laughed and began to walk back towards the cafe, where Keiko was waiting for them. Yusuke had told her to save their booth, while he went after the avatar. Now, all he wanted was food, and some loving. If he was lucky, he'd get both.

Shuuichi smiled as Youko began to purr in satisfaction. 'Finally, Red. It's all finally coming together. Soon, Kagome will be in our arms, and this time, we are not going to let her go.' The kitsune said, his tone rich with emotion. 'I'm finally going to get my family back.'

Nodding, Shuuichi allowed his pace to quicken, and he joined in the laughter that his friends, except for Hiei since he rarely laughed, were sharing. It was a good feeling, and he knew that he could grow addicted to it.

Kagome Higurashi had better be ready. Shuuichi 'Kurama' Minamino was coming after her, and when he claimed her, none would dare take her from him. But, if someone were foolish enough to try, he'd make Youko's exploits back in the feudal era seem like child's play.