Well, hello my dearest readers. It's been a while, hasn't it? This is just a short, minor piece that I was suddenly inspired to do. I've been writing a lot lately, but this is one of the few things I thought was worth posting here. And to anyone it concerns - I am working chapter 16 of The Earring, I've just been stuck. I'm getting there, kiddies, I'm getting there. In the meantime, though, enjoy!
Disclaimer: Le sigh, I own nothing. That sucks.
The Winner
"Congratulations on winning us our first point, Short stuff." Shizuru commented, calmly puffing at her cigarette. Hiei was used to them, but withheld the scowl of detest for the sickly little sticks. What a dishonorable way to use fire. "Thanks to you, you and the boys just might win this whole tournament."
"Feh, this is no tournament. It's a damn circus. Only reason I'm still participating in it is because I hate it so much." Hiei replied, rubbing a little at his arm that even after six hours of rest was still burning and throbbing. He couldn't show the pain, though – Shizuru would never let him live it down.
Shizuru inhaled the smoke deeply and turned so that Hiei wouldn't see her knowing smile. "Sure that's your only reason?"
"Of course it is – why else would I be here? I enjoy killing, not working for some incompetent and cowardly toddler." Hiei growled angrily, accidentally scraping his nails along the burning flesh. He flinched, but didn't show other signs of pain for her to pick up on.
"Hmm, I just had a feeling that maybe you were trying to show off a little more than you normally do. I'm impressed that you managed to keep your shirt on this time." Shizuru then began to laugh when she turned to see his face contorting into so many expressions of frustration and confusion she thought the poor man would die with a miserable face.
Gritting his teeth, he urged the answers out of her. "I don't know what you're trying to insinuate, but you're foolish for trying. I show my strength because it is mine and I want others to fear it."
"Not the impression I got." She took another drag, calm and cool as ever, and meanwhile Hiei was struggling to keep himself under control. "Every fight I've seen you in, you've either ripped off your shirt or its gotten torn apart. I'd say that's a way of showing off to perhaps a few… shall I say, ladies in the audience?"
"Damn you, woman. Damn you to Hell." He spat, finally forcing himself past her, unable to stand being at her mercy.
"Hiei, I'm not finished yet."
"Anything else that comes out of your mouth I'll personally turn into fire to burn your insides. What's left over I'll use on your brother."
Shizuru smiled, again still so serene. Hiei didn't scare her, much less his attacks – it was when he wasn't around that she was scared. He didn't want to acknowledge it, but he was protective of everyone, even her.
"I was going to say that you looked very brave out there. Any man on earth probably would've killed to be you in those moments that you became so strong. It's no surprise you've earned so much respect over the years, despite your height." Again, Hiei had to bite back any bitter words he had on his tongue and let Shizuru conclude, but was satisfied to hear praise from her lips. "You're more than a winner, Hiei. You're a hero to a lot of us, so thank you for what you did out there. Well done."
Somehow, he managed to conceal a content and perhaps even heartfelt sigh, but smirked proudly. "It was a point in the right direction I suppose. Let's hope your brother and the Detective can keep the winning streak going."
Did you like? I hope so. Didn't? Don't flame. Leave a review if you liked it! Muah!
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