A hot spring day in the Ningenkai set the scene. The sun shone brightly with few wispy clouds to accompany it in the brilliant blue sky. In the park where it all began, the trees grew tall with their bud-covered branches reaching high; the grass was growing lush and emerald green with plenty of weeds to add a little difference to the foliage. This park was an overgrown place and mainly abandoned, having become a natural forest in the town.

I say mainly abandoned because on that day a familiar being had taken his rest under one of the many trees. His black clothing contrasted with the brightness of the sunny weather; his serious expression added to his look; and his tall, ebony locks stood straight up as always. Hiei sat under the random tree with his crimson eyes closed. To a passerby he would seem to be asleep, even though this was not the case.

However, the one to pass him didn't just pass him. Magia had been on her way home, when she walked by Hiei, glancing at him as she passed. She paused around a foot away from him and looked back over her shoulder to make sure she had seen right. Sure enough, she had. Magia settled herself to lean against a tree near the one Hiei sat under, her brown eyes watching him with interest; her arms were crossed over her chest, and one ankle was hooked around the other thus putting most of her weight on one foot and the tree. The spring breeze that blew its way through the park teased her dark auburn, almost black, locks as they hung to the middle of her back. A smirk rested upon her lips, which bore blood red lipstick that caused her small lips to stand out against her fair skin. "Interesting," she whispered to the wind as her eyes, wearing a silvery-black eye shadow, continued to watch the object of her interest.

Magia's clothing didn't quite match the heat of the day. Black jeans clung at her hips but remained somewhat loose to her legs. A black leather halter-top decorated with an embroidered purple spiral on the front held to her chest. Black boots, like those typically warn by the motorcyclists in America, were her chosen footwear, and fingerless leather gloves she wore on her small hands.

"If you want to keep both of your eyes," said Hiei in a grumpy tone, not opening his eyes, "I suggest you stop staring."

"Aw! But you're so…so different," Magia whined sarcastically. "But okay." She did as he asked and turned away from him, watching as a few people entered the trees from the street that wasn't to far away; they were probably just looking for a shortcut. Magia made a mental not that they were humans.

Magia herself was a human, but she was a psychic. Her spirit energy allowed her a certain amount of control over the four spiritual elements: Air, Fire, Water, and Earth. One of her favored weapons hung at her belt at the time of this meeting, the coils of the leather whip holding it in place.

Hiei began to laugh suddenly, not a big and hard laugh but a little bit more than a chuckle. "Different," he muttered. "That's a new one."

"Really?" Magia looked over her shoulder to him. "It's true. You've got an aura about you that screams different, in a good way—not counting the fact that it's demonic." The smirk reformed on her lips as she waited for his response; she figured he thought her a stupid human.

"Ah! It seems you're smarter than most," said Hiei, finally opening his eyes. "That's at least one good thing today."

"Glad to be of help." Magia turned so her back was against the tree. She glanced at Hiei out of the corner of her eyes before tilting her head back towatch the few clouds travel across the sky, seen through an opening in the tree's branches. "You know, you've got a good attitude, in my opinion. I haven't met someone like you since I moved here." It was rare for Magia to speak of her thoughts so openly to friends, let alone someone she only just met. Apparently she felt comfortable around Hiei; most of the time, she was indifferent and reserved around those she hadn't spent months with.

"Really?" Hiei asked, looking to her with a raised brow. "That's…interesting. Most people either want a fight or run away screaming when they see me…" He stood and walked over to Magia, extending his hand. "I'm Hiei," he said, adding in an undertone, "I think that's how these humans greet each other…"

Magia smiled with amusement. "The name's Magia. Pleased to meet you, Hiei," she replied as she shook his hand, exhibiting a firm yet caressingly gentle grip. "I take it you don't meet many people, at least any that take a liking to you."

"I meet tons of people, just not many that don't annoy the hell out of me," Hiei replied. The people who had entered the park earlier finally walked past the two of them, eyeing Hiei before quickening their pace; it's not everyday one sees a guy dressed in black with gravity defying hair. Hiei just ignored them like he did most people. Magia, however, growled in a beast-like manner when the curious group decided to stop nearby and whisper behind their hands.

"You too?" Magia asked Hiei as the group hurried on their way. "No offense to myself, but most humans are so pathetic it's sad."

"Yes," Hiei agreed, "no offense to you, of course, but most humans wouldn't know how to eat if it weren't on that television thing." A small smile appeared on his lips.

Magia giggled at his comment; when she calmed, the smile remained upon her lips, as she looked Hiei over a bit more closely. She spotted his katana and made a mental note to stay on his good side. "Surely you don't live around here, do you?" she got around to inquiring. He was so anti-human and a demon, so whywould he be living here in the Ningenkai; this thought also brought up why he was even here in the first place, but Magia left that one alone.

"I don't have a home. I'm only here in the Ningenkai because I'm working with the Spirit Detective until Koenma lets me stop. I mostly stick to my tree," Hiei told her.

"I see. Well, if you ever need shelter from a storm or whatever, my door's open to you." Magia liked Hiei and wouldn't have made this offer to just anyone she met.

The red-haired Kurama and a girl with blonde hair and blue eyes joined the two quite suddenly; Kurama looked like he was bored as he walked with the blue jeans and white t-shirt clad female. "Hello," he said.

Kurama's companion seemed the opposite of him, so fully of energy she was. "My name's Karina the fox demon!" she declared to them with a bright smile.

"Hello, Kurama," Hiei said without enthusiasm to his familiar kitsune companion. Magia just eyed the two newcomers, not knowing either but figuring they knew Hiei. She didn't speak a word to either; it just wasn't her way…usually. "This is Kurama," Hiei told her as he gestured to the redhead. "I don't know who this other person is."

"Greetings, Kurama. I am Magia." Magia decided to play it polite; after all, Kurama didn't seem all that bad. However, the other one was just…indescribable. Magia glanced at her with a "you're nuts" look.

Kurama looked to Magia. "Nice to meet you. My name is Kurama, or Suichi, whichever you prefer."

"It's Kurama around demons, Suichi around his mom," Hiei explained, not opening his eyes again. He had closed them and leaned against the same tree Magia leaned against while Kurama and Magia got acquainted.

"Kurama," Magia stated with a nod.

Kurama stayed with the two of them as Karina ran off, only to return as Kurama was speaking again; he had noticed that he had possibly interrupted something and was just excusing himself when Karina flung herself in between him and Hiei. "Well, I'll leave you alone—" he had started before Karina cut him off with a "Hi!"

"Well, my name's Karina, and I'm off again!" With that, the blonde disappeared into the trees.

Magia glanced at Hiei and smirked. 'Not as talkative around others, are you?' she asked him through her own telepathy, an ability taught to her when younger by her late spiritual trainer.

'Not really,' Hiei returned. "What brings you here?" he asked of Kurama verbally. Magia, in the meantime, settled herself to sitting under the tree, her legs tucked to one side as she leaned on the arm of the other side; she just listened to the conversation as she toyed with blades of grass with her free hand. 'Someone always seems to be able to interrupt a good conversation,' he thought to her. Magia nodded, her agreement felt in their connection.

Kurama sighed as he leaned against another tree close to them. "Well, rumors say there's another kitsune—"

"It's Karina!" the blonde interrupted, coming back out of the trees now with a tail and ears of a fox on her body.

"She has caused a bit of commotion to say somewhat," explained Kurama.

Karina giggled then walked over to Hiei. "So you're a demon of darkness, I suppose."

Kurama sighed and looked to Magia. "I can't believe she actually tried killing someone," he told her. Magia just looked up at him then looked to Karina with a disbelieving look; she nodded to confirm that she agreed with Kurama.

"I'm a fire apparition," Hiei said coldly to Karina, still not opening his eyes. "What does any of this have to do with me?" he directed to Kurama. Magia sighed. What did it have to do with Hiei? Kurama seemed to have it under control, or at least as controlled as one could have the fox demon that was helter-skelter about them.

"Nothing really," Kurama admitted. "She just can't go anywhere, and she's the one Yusuke has been looking for." As Kurama spoke, no one really noticed or cared that Karina had disappeared.

"I see. Then why not take her to Yusuke?" Hiei suggested. After not getting an answer, Hiei pushed away from the tree and opened his eyes, glancing at Magia before looking to Kurama. "I think I'm going to go now," he told him and started walking away. 'Come with me,' he mentally told Magia. Magia stood and followed Hiei without a word to Kurama, only a nod of farewell.

Together, Hiei and Magia walked deeper into the park where the trees grew denser. Hiei led her to a deserted pond in the middle of a silent and peaceful clearing. A small waterfall flowed into the pond over small boulders. The sun shone only dimly here, the branches overhead too interwoven to allow very much light. The place had a feeling of secrets and escape.

Hiei sat on one boulder that the water could only flow around; Magia chose one of similar position near him. Hiei gazed upon the water without a word. Magia, on the other hand, extended her hand into the water only to lift it up with a ball of the clear substance held in her palm. She passed this between her hands like a plaything as she watched the falls.

"That was weird," Magia commented, meaning the meeting of Karina.

"That's putting it mildly," Hiei replied. His gaze turned to the female who sat so close to him. "This is where I usually stay when I'm to stay in the Ningenkai. Nobody ever comes here, so I don't have to deal with people. It's a sort of haven, if you will."

"And you brought me here?" The surprise in her voice was evident. Magia smiled lightly, as if trying to hide it. She then tossed the water-ball up into the air, letting it land on her head and wet her hair thus causing her hair to look much darker than it already was. She didn't create another ball, just continued to watch the waterfall. "It's nice here," she said quietly.

"Yeah," agreed Hiei. He stood up and moved to lay in a grassy area near the water with his hands behind his head. "It's quiet."

Magia nodded. She stayed where she was a moment longer before joining him on the grass; actually, she chose to sit under a tree close to him, her legs stretched out before her and her back against the trunk, her arms crossed across her chest once more which was a common act for her. Magia closed her eyes and enjoyed the peace and quiet that was so rare anymore.

Hiei closed his eyes and breathed deeply of the air. "You know something? You smell pretty good, especially for a human," he muttered.

"Thanks…I think." Magia suppressed her giggle only to smile. "You're pretty cool, yourself, cooler than anyone, ningen or youkai, I know."

"Well, either you are too, or we're both insane. Both are distinct possibilities," Hiei said with a small chuckle.

Magia chuckled also; she then opened her eyes and watched Hiei as she thought. How could, in such a short time, she have met someone so unique and already show interest in him? How could she just open up like this? She was always so revered, so untrusting, but not around him, not around Hiei who she'd only known for a few hours.

Hiei opened his eyes and sat up, putting his sword in his lap as he focused his visual attention on it. "It's kind of weird…" he said, trailing off.

"I know," Magia commented before realizing she had, lowering her gaze to the grass before her and toying with the coils of her whip with one hand. When she did realize what she had said, she looked to Hiei, hoping he hadn't heard.

Hiei had heard, and got up only to sit next to her. He put his face up close to hers and stared at her for a few seconds before pulling away and closing his eyes. Magia blushed and bowed her head after he did this. She closed her own eyes as she thought about what was happening.

What was happening? She just couldn't be sure. She had only had a few loves in her life. None turned out to be greatly serious; she'd always ended up with a broken heart or disappointed hopes. The relationships had always seemed to be tested by something, fate perhaps, and none had made it through. Was she falling for a new person? Or was she just finding a new friend?

Hiei, too, thought on the situation. He had never had a girlfriend; he had never even had a real friend unless one was to count Yusuke and the others. Hiei wasn't sure what was happening, and it was scaring him.

"M-maybe I should go," Magia whispered before slowly standing, but she didn't go further than that, just leaned back against the tree. She was scared herself. Her love life was never any good, and every time she led someone through the labyrinth that was her soul, she always got hurt. She didn't want that to happen again, but she didn't want to leave either. She was aware enough to realize that Hiei was struggling too. She didn't want to make matters worse by being there. But if she were to leave, she would have to face the world she hated so much and figure it out there. "Should I stay or should I go?" was the question that ran through her mind as she stood there.

"Please stay," Hiei said, reaching for her. He realized what he did and let his hand fall to his side. "I don't want to be alone," he whispered.

Magia smiled down at him and nodded before sitting back down beside him. "I guess that makes two of us," she told him quietly. "I'm so tired of being alone."

"Yeah," Hiei muttered. Now he was confused. What in hell did he just do?

Magia stared at the pond while thinking. What was going on? What was she supposed to do? She opened her mouth to speak but closed it, unable to find the words and wondering if she even should.

"I'm—" Hiei cut himself off. He sighed and lied back in the grass.

Magia sighed too. "Aren't we in a fix?" she commented, voicing both of their problems without full recognition of doing so.

"Yeah. Interesting to think I only met you a couple of hours ago," Hiei said, looking at her with his scarlet eyes. The scarf around his head slipped slightly with his movement, revealing his third eye. He quickly wrapped it up again and looked away from Magia; however, she had caught sight of the violet Jagan.

"No, don't." Magia leaned close to him and untied the cloth herself. "You don't have to hide anything from me," she told him as she let the cloth fall from her hand to the ground near them. Magia smiled sweetly as she gazed into his red depths. She could feel the rise in his energy after the Jagan was uncovered but didn't worry over it.

"I didn't mean for you to see it," Hiei said, although he didn't look away from her again. He found he couldn't; her deep eyes were mesmerizing to him.

"It's fine. Just another thing that makes you different…so perfectly different." Magia was getting lost in his eyes, as he got lost in hers. The moment was like it came from some cheesy romance novel, her words did too, but she was only speaking her mind, and most likely her heart.

Hiei blushed but was unable to look away. "I don't know what's happening," he confided in her.

"Neither do I," she admitted in a soft whisper only loud enough for him to hear.

It happened so suddenly! Hiei leaned up and placed his lips on hers. Just as quickly as he kissed her, he'd realized what he'd done and pulled away with painted cheeks. "I'm sorry," he said as he finally looked away. Magia blushed too but place her hand on his cheek and guided his face back to her. Slower then he had done, she kissed him gently, hiding nothing. Hiei's eyes widened with shock before they closed as he deepened the kiss.

It was as if only they lived in that moment, which might as well have been true since they were so safely protected in this secret haven. With this thought in her mind, Magia relaxed into her kiss and parted her lips to Hiei without even his askance. Hiei's hands automatically moved to the back of her head and the small of her back as his tongue hesitantly entered into the sweet caverns of her mouth. He then drew back, in need of air. "You taste good," he said, panting as a blush painted his cheeks once more.

Magia couldn't help but giggle as she pulled away from him more, giving him more breathing room; one hand still rested on his cheek but the other had moved to his shoulder during the kiss. "And you're good at this." She didn't mention that she hadn't kiss many in her lifetime, but it lay open upon her mind.

"This is it!" A high-pitched voice announced overhead. "Koenma said we should be able to find him here. Now where is he?"

Magia glanced up to see a girl with blue hair in a pink kimono on an oar floating above them; the girl seemed to be looking for something. Two boys were with this odd girl. One had slicked-back black hair and was clad in green. The other was in blue with rust colored, Elvis-style hair. "Who the?" Magia whispered, not wanting to draw the newcomers' attention.

"That's Botan, Yusuke, and Kuwabara," Hiei told her with a groan.

"There he is!" Kuwabara said, pointing over in the couple's direction; he had only just noticed Hiei.
"Who's that he's got with him... GYA! IT'S A GIRL!" exclaimed Yusuke.
"Impossible, Hiei would never be caught death with... AAAH! IT IS A GIRL!" said Kuwabara.

"Nonsense, you two must be seeing things...unless he's fighting her..." Botan trailed off as she looked to where they were pointing. "Oh my! I don't believe it!" She quickly landed and let the boys off. "Hiei?" she questioned in disbelief.

Magia sighed and moved away from Hiei, letting him sit up. She ended up leaning against the tree, watching the three. "Punk" she thought as she looked at Yusuke. "Idiot" was her description of Kuwabara. "Overly happy" was for Botan. Magia sent these thoughts to Hiei, hoping to cheer him up some, figuring he wouldn't be happy about being caught like they had.

'You don't know the half of it,' Hiei returned to her with a mental chuckle as he stood.

"What are you doing in a place like this with a girl?" Yusuke asked in a teasing tone. "What is she? Your girlfriend?"

"Ha! Hiei's got a girlfriend!" Kuwabara cried stupidly.

Hiei hit Kuwabara in the head hard, successfully knocking him out. He then turned to Yusuke. "Urameshi, if you know what's good for you, you'd watched what you say about her. Remember, I won't hesitate to break your neck."

Yusuke made gesture with his hands as if to say "Whoa! Back off man" and took a couple steps backwards away from the irritated demon.

Botan did the usual anime sweat drop before she broke into the reason they were there; she had to stop the oncoming fight somehow. "Koenma needs you. The team has a mission, and your skills are needed." She spoke so fast that it was surprising anyone would be able to understand her.

But Hiei had. "Exactly how dangerous is this 'mission'?"

"Nothing you can't handle," Yusuke commented.

"Save the world type, again," Botan answered. "We could use the whole team." She mounted her oar. "Shall we?"

"Fine," Hiei muttered. He then turned to Magia who had stood.

Magia smirked at the two idiots but held a concealed and gentle smile when she looked to Hiei. 'My place is open to you when you return,' she told him before starting to leave the clearing. As she passed by Yusuke and the slowly wakening Kuwabara, she sent them a message of warning. 'He's not the only one who isn't hesitant to harm you. I don't even know you; makes it easier for me.'

Yusuke just looked to Magia with caution. "I'd like a cheeseburger and a coke, please," Kuwabara muttered.

'Where is your place?' Hiei asked of her as he watched her walk off.

Magia turned to him, the smile still upon her lips. 'Just follow my energy. I won't mask it.' She blew him a kiss then walked into the trees, disappearing from his sight.


A week passed before the mission was completed. Magia was sitting on her front porch in the porch swing, reading, when she heard a voice whisper.

"Ma-Magia…" Hiei was stumbling towards her, looking half-blind and badly wounded. He had finally reached her and collapsed on the steps.

"Hiei!" Magia hurried to his side and, with much difficulty, carried him into her home, up the stairs to her room. She laid him gently upon her bed, on top of the black sheets and white pillows, so he would be comfortable. Quickly she gathered medical supplies from the bathroom across the hall then was back at his side, cleaning his face tenderly with a warm, wet washcloth. "Oh, Hiei, what happened?" she whispered as she tended to him, not expecting an answer from the weakened demon.

"We…we were ambushed," Hiei managed to tell her before coughing. "I fought most of them off while…while the others pushed through to…to our goal." His breath began to come easier as he continued, but he still had topause from his weakness. "I didn't let anyone see how badly I'd been hurt…I couldn't think of anywhere else to go…" He trailed off with a sigh.

"Shh! Don't speak anymore. You're too weak right now." Magia tended to the few wounds of his face and arms before carefully removing his tattered shirt from him so she could tend to the worse wounds of his torso. She couldn't help but eye his toned chest and abs, but the open wounds kept away any thoughts that didn't deal with helping him. "Don't worry; you're safe now. I'll take care of you," she told him as her hands carefully and skillfully cleaned and tended to the wounds. Hiei winced and grunted in pain, his fists clutched tightly as he held back screams of agony. "Sorry," Magia whispered. She wrapped the deepest of his wound after applying a salve to all; at last he'd been tended to at the best she could do for him. Magia left the room to put away the supplies before returning and sitting in the gray desk chair she pulled over from her white, wooden desk on the other side of the room. "Better?" she asked, her eyes glancing at his arm where she had seen the marks of his dragon; they were odd to her, yes, but she wouldn't question about them. Magia looked back to his face and smiled warmly and reassuringly.

"Yeah," Hiei said quietly with a half-smile, "thank you."

"You should rest. I'll be here if you need me." Magia stood and walked over to the mahogany bookcase that stood beside her desk; she returned with a black covered book that she placed in her chair. She leaned over Hiei, the smile still upon her lips, and kissed him lightly on the lips before sitting back down in her chair, her book in her hand as she settled in for a good read.

"I'm really sorry," Hiei apologized as he stared up at the white plaster ceiling. He wouldn't be able to sleep and, despite the pain, didn't want to either.

"For what?" Magia asked as she lowered her book to gaze upon him.

"For being such a bother to you," Hiei answered, not looking to her.

Magia shook her head and closed her book, laying it in her seat as she stood. She moved to the other side of the queen-sized bed and kneeled on it beside Hiei; she leaned over him so he had to look at her as he stared up. "Stop talking nonsense, Hiei. We may have only spent a total of a single day together, but you'll never be a bother."

Hiei didn't say anything for a moment, just gazed at her until he finally smiled fully. "Thank you," he said then leaned up enough to kiss her. Magia leaned down more, letting him lay back; after all, he was the one who was hurt.

After what seemed like hours but was mere moments, Magia pulled away and lay down at his side. "I never thought anything this good would ever happen to someone like me," she admitted as she ran her hand down his chest lightly, careful to miss his wounds.

"I could say the same thing." Hiei kissed her again and pulled away smiling. One last small kiss led to many long ones as time passed them by. It wasn't until the room had fallen to darkness that Magia looked to the digital clock on the nightstand nearby to see that it was well past a normal supper.

"Hungry?" Magia asked Hiei when she returned her gaze to him.

Hiei's stomach growled loudly, contrasting with his answer. "A little." Hiei sat up with little trouble though he did wince from the pain; this showed that he was a fast healer.

"I could just bring something up," Magia pointed out as she sat up and helped him sit up. "I don't want you being in too much pain."

"It's alright. I think I can walk now," Hiei told her as he gingerly got up out of the bed to show that he was able.

Magia crawled out of the bed after him. She helped him downstairs, through the living room and into the kitchen. She sat him down in a chair at the small table before going about the kitchen, looking for something to fix. Ironic how the best thing I have is the very thing you're supposed to eat when ill…she thought as she found a couple cans of chicken noodle soup. Magia went about fixing the small meal as she hummed to herself. It was a familiar tune called "Bring Me to Life".

"That's a nice tune," Hiei commented as he closed his eyes and relaxed in the chair; he was leaning heavily against the back of the chair and panting heavily from the effort of walking to the kitchen, but all-in-all he looked to be in pretty good shape considering.

"Mmm-hmm," Magia agreed before actually singing the lyrics. "How can you see into my eyes like open doors, leading you down into my core where I've become so numb…" Hiei relaxed more, just enjoying the song; he had heard the song before and had like it then, but he deemed the song best coming from Magia's lips. By the time Magia had finished the song, the soup was ready and served. She sat down beside Hiei, putting a bowl and spoon in front of him. "I'm not the best cook in the world, but at least it's edible." Truth be told, Magia had been living alone for awhile now and not many had ate of her food; her parents had been the most common, her father never failing to force his help upon her, but he had taught her well for which she was grateful.

"Let me be the judge of that," Hiei said as he took a bite; his eyes widened. "It's delicious!" he declared before eating more. Magia just smiled as she watched him then ate from her own bowl. She had never really judged her own cooking before, but Hiei did have a point. What had happened? When did her food go from decent to great? Was it because she was finally cooking for someone other than herself?

Hiei finished his bowl quickly. "You really are a good cook," he told her. 'And that's saying something when coming from me,' he added mentally.

Magia finished her own bowl, then stood with both and rinsed them in the sink. "Thanks. You're sweet to compliment me so much. I'm smiling and truly happy for it, something that rarely happens with me." She turned away from the sink when done and leaned back against it as she smiled at him. "What now?"

"I don't know." Hiei shrugged to enforce his statement. He carefully stood and limped over to her at a normal pace then kissed her on the cheek. "Thanks for the food."

"Any time," Magia replied. She tried to hide her next action, but it came to unexpectedly; her mouth opened wide in a yawn. "Sorry," she apologized. "Guess I'm a little tired. I didn't get much sleep." Magia left out the part that it had been because she'd been worried about him during the week.

"Well, then maybe you should sleep," Hiei suggested with a teasing tone. "Wouldn't want you to fall asleep where you stand, would we?" He laughed a little before yawning too.

"You too. No offense, but I don't have the strength to carry you a second time today." She giggled as she helped him back upstairs. "And you're not sleeping on the couch; don't even get the idea."

"Aw! You're no fun," Hiei said with a small pout. "Then where do you suggest I sleep? I'm not going to steal your bed from you," he told her in that stubborn way of his.

"Who said you'd be stealing it?" Magia asked. "The thing is big enough for two." She turned on the bedroom light and went searching through her drawers for a nightgown.

"Uh," Hiei stammered as he entered the room.

"I'll be back," Magia told him once she found what she was looking for. She left the room, going across the hall to the bathroom. Hiei sat down on the floor, waiting for her return; the blush refused to leave him. When Magia returned, she was wearing a black cotton nightgown that clung to her curves well; the hem of the skirt reached her knees, the neckline was slightly low but decent, and the sleeves were non-existent, having long been cut from the shoulder. Magia glanced at Hiei and couldn't help but smile at his blushing. "Embarrassed?" she asked.

"Hn." He glanced at her sideways and blushed even deeper as he saw what she was wearing. "Y-you look nice," he commented, trying to sound casual and failing badly.

Magia just smiled, knelt in front of him to kiss him on the cheek, then stood again and sat down on the bed. "To think, you threatened to take my eyes out when we first met."

"Well, you were staring." Hiei got up and joined her, sitting beside her.

"Can you blame me? You were, and still are, the hottest thing I'd seen in…well, ever. Plus, I sensed you aura."

"Well, I got at thing about most people staring at me," Hiei said as he blushed more from her comment. "Most of them are either looking at my hair or how short I am." He leaned back so his arms were supporting him and looked at the ceiling, making for a very hot side profile.

"I don't care about either. You're perfect to me." Magia eyed him as she sat like that, biting her lip discreetly as certain thoughts entered her head. Here she was falling for looks and personality, for the best guy she'd ever met; this one she'd never regret, even if he did end up leaving her within months.

Hiei looked at her with a strange look in his eyes before smiling. "I think you are the most perfect being ever created; not to mention you're downright beautiful! A goddess would be jealous!" he said with complete honesty.

"You flatter me." Magia lied back on the bed. "But thanks."

"I don't flatter. You can even ask the orange-headed oaf." Hiei followed her example, lying beside her.

"I'd rather not; the less contact with that idiot, the better." Magia turned her head to face him. "Is he a Spirit Detective? Koenma must be pretty lenient if so."

"No, Yusuke's Koenma's goon, Kuwabara just sticks to him like glue," Hiei explained, rolling his eyes.

"And how did you get caught up in it all?"

"I stole the Shadow Sword, a sword that turns anything it cuts into a demon. Urameshi beat me, and I was offered freedom if I worked with him until I'm released. Let's just say I wasn't the nicest of demons."

Magia shrugged. "Can't let the past represent us." She smiled at him. "Weren't we supposed to be sleeping?"

"Oh, yeah," Hiei said with a smirk. "Good night." He kissed her on the cheek.

"Night." Magia got up, turned off the light, and then rejoined Hiei, laying beside him in the darkness. Sleep came easily for her that night; for once she felt safe and happy. Hiei wrapped his arms around her and fell asleep as well, a smile upon his face.

Morning came, and Magia awoke early, as was her habit. She let her eyes wander over her white and black décor room as she remembered last night. Magia carefully removed herself from Hiei's arms and got up; after awhile of watching him sleep, noting his serene and happy expression, she pulled on her black robe and went downstairs for breakfast. She ended up munching on an apple as she stood at the sink, looking out the window to the backyard and her beloved garden. I'll fix him something if he wants it…she told herself before becoming lost in random thoughts.

Hiei groggily woke up and went downstairs, looking for Magia. When he spotted her, a grin graced his features; he'd been afraid that it had all been a dream. Hiei also took note that Magia didn't seem to be paying attention to the world around her. Soon he was at her side, her lack of attention and his speed leaving her unknowing of his presence. "Morning," he whispered sensuously into her ear.

Magia jumped, her hand going to her racing heart. "Oh! Hiei, it's you." She slowly clammed down after turning to see it had been him who had snuck up on her. "Man, I must have been out of it. Good morning."

On a whim, Hiei took her in his arms, one arm at her lower back and the other at her shoulders, and dipped her down, kissing her lips passionately; needless to say, he was fully awake now. Magia's eyes widened with shock before she was able to respond to the kiss; there was no saying she wasn't alert now as her hands clutched at his shoulders, and she enjoyed the intensity of the kiss. Hiei licked Magia's bottom lip, asking for entry of which she gave while slipping her own tongue into his mouth.

After a moment, Hiei pulled back while panting; Magia was also trying to catch her breath after that little event. "I keep expecting the three idiots to walk in on us at any given moment," said Hiei with a twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"They don't know where you are, do they?" inquired Magia.

"No. Do you really think I would tell them?" Hiei kissed her again, quicker this time. Magia could do nothing but enjoy it as a little voice in the back of her head kept saying, "They're going to find him! They're going to interrupt again!" She pushed the voice to the deepest areas of her mind and focused on the kiss as her hands squeezed at his shoulders, lightly massaging them.

Hiei pulled back again for air as she smiled at her. "You really do taste good."

"You do too." Magia gazed into his eyes, loving their color and depth, as he gazed into hers. Hiei smiled more as he gazed deeper into her dark brown orbs before kissing her once more.

'And your smell is intoxicating,' he told her mentally.

Magia was so lost in the kiss, she could think of no reply except '…you're perfect…like an angel…'

'Hn.' Hiei pulled away and asked, "Are you hungry?"

Magia shook her head. "I already ate, but I'll fix you something if you are." She couldn't help but think that this was pay back for doing something similar last night.

"No, that's okay. I was just worried you were hungry." Hiei looked away from her.

"Thank you, but I'm fine." When was the last time someone worried about this independent female? Magia couldn't remember, if one didn't count her parents; she'd always been the one to take care of others, most of her old friends being rowdy or dependent so in need of her care. Everything was happening so fast, all of itso sudden, and Magia loved every minute of it.

"You're sure?" Hiei asked as he looked at her again.

"I'm sure," Magia answered with a nod.

"All right." Suddenly Hiei kissed her again with a kiss that dominated all past ones. Magia responded quickly; if she was hungry, it was for him and his kisses. Her hands traveled from his shoulders over his chest and back up to his shoulders. Hiei was in heaven; he just couldn't get enough of her as he moaned slightly into the kiss. Magia pulled away only to lay her kisses on his neck and shoulder, her tongue flicking out every so often to tease his skin; it was as if she was driven to bring him pleasure while forgetting everything else in the world. Hiei moved his mouth to her ear, licking it once, and whispered, "I do believe that I have fallen in love."

Magia laid her lips once more on his before pulling away and smiling. "I know I won't regret saying this. I love you, Hiei."

"You…you do?" Hiei's tone matched his wide-eyed, shocked expression. He had said he loved her but hadn't fully expected for her to say the same. His eyes searched hers as if looking for the nonexistent lies.

Magia's smile vanished as she saw his expression. "I understand," she told him, her voice holding a hint of sorrow. "But understand this: I would never lie to you; you've given me no reason to." Magia squirmed out of his arms, landing on the cream-colored tile floor below. Once she had stood again, she walked to the doorway of the kitchen and turned to him. "I'll be in the den." She smiled the best she could—a sad but understanding smile—then left him alone in the kitchen.

Magia lay back on the wine-colored couch in the living room, staring into nothingness; one arm pillowed her head while the other hand toyed with strands of her dark hair. "I understand," she told herself. "He has the right to fear. But it still hurts."

"Magia!" Hiei called to her. "Wait!" He ran after her and paused in the doorway, a huge smile plastered on his face, before hurrying to her. He lifted her from the couch, placing many kisses on her face, and then spun her around in the air. Magia could only laugh and smile in response; this was a side of him she hadn't seen. "I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!" Hiei said while laughing; he had never felt so happy in his entire life. When he had questioned her words earlier it wasn't because he didn't trust her, he just didn't trust his ears to have heard right. And he let her know this as he continued to laugh.

Magia also laughed while declaring her own love for him. "I love you too, Hiei! I love you!"

Hiei stopped spinning her and started kissing her; he just couldn't seem to stop kissing her. And to think he'd only known her for a few days. Maybe love at first sight really did exist. Magia returned the kisses eagerly. Finally she was happy; finally she had found someone she could trust and love, someone who loved her in return. Hiei calmed down at last though the smile didn't leave his face; he set her down on her feet, not releasing her.

"I think this is the first time I've ever felt loved. It's been so long since I've been happy." Hiei looked deeply into her eyes. "Thank you."

"Thank you, Hiei. You're the first person who has actually cared for me; I don't think I've ever smiled so much." Magia kissed him gently, unable and unwilling to end their romance now.

Hiei pulled away, frowning, as he heard a voice outside. "Hiei!" called the all to familiar voice of Kuwabara. Another soon followed it.

"Hiei! It's about Yukina! She's in trouble; she's the prize of the new tournament!" called Yusuke.

"Yukina!" Hiei gasped in shock. "No! HOW DARE THEY EVEN TOUCH MY SISTER!"

"Your sister?" Magia questioned curiously. She pulled away from him and hurried to the front door but hesitated. 'Do you want to go to them, or shall I let them in?'

Hiei didn't answer her. He just came to her, picked her up, and then ran out the door to the guys. He wanted to protect his sister, but he wasn't going to leave Magia. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY'RE USING YUKINA AS A PRIZE!" Hiei yelled at them after setting Magia down. Magia just stood at his side loyally. She was actually worried but it didn't show, her coldness and indifference masking her true feelings in the idiots' presence.

"Your sister has been kidnapped," Yusuke repeated.

"Sister? Whoa! Back up! Yukina is Hiei's sister?" Kuwabara cried.

During the silence that followed, not counting Kuwabara's whining while trying to get someone to explain Hiei's relationship with Yukina, Magia glanced down at her clothes. She silently cursed as she realized she was still in her nightgown and robe. "Hiei, I'll be back," she whispered to him before hurrying off to the house. She did return, wearing dark blue jeans with her boots and a black, form-fitting t-shirt. Her whip hung at her side, and she was quickly putting her hair in a ponytail as she came to stand by Hiei once more. Magia found that the conversation had started once more.

"I think you should take her," Yusuke told Hiei, gesturing to Magia, "if she means anything to you. They did this to get at you; anyone you care about will not be safe alone."

Hiei nodded, an angered fire burning in his eyes. 'Will you come with me?' he asked Magia mentally.

'Of course,' Magia replied while looking to him. She could see the anger in his eyes, the need to save his sister behind it. Magia secretly hoped that she would someday mean as much to Hiei as Yukina seemed to.

'Thank you. If anything were to happen to you, I don't know what I would do. I don't think I could live without you anymore,' Hiei told her.

"We're leaving tomorrow," Yusuke continued, unaware of the two psychics mental conversation. "Meet us at the Makai entrance."

"Right," Hiei said with a nod. Yusuke and Kuwabara left without another word.

Magia watched them leave then turned to Hiei. "Let's hope we can help her." Magia didn't know what else to say; what could one say to comfort in a situation like this? She planned on being as good a help to him as could, but it'd been long since she had used her spirit energy to fight, so she was probably a little rusty.

"I think I should tell you about my family. Let's go inside." Hiei seemed sorrowful all of a sudden as he led the way back to her place. Magia nodded and followed. Once inside she took a seat on the couch, her gaze staying upon him with full attention; her expression was serious but understanding shown within her eyes.

Hiei sat with her, but didn't look to her. He just went into the story of his past. "I was born in a land of ice to an ice maiden. I don't know if it was because I was of fire or I was male, but I was outcast, thrown from a cliff when still a baby. I don't know how I survived, and my childhood isn't very clear to me, but I eventually learned that I had sister: Yukina. I had the Jagan eye, my third eye, put in so I could watch her; it enhances my psychic ability. I don't know who my father was, and I don't even care." Sadness shown in his red orbs, tears ready to fall from his eyes.

Magia said nothing, not knowing what to say. Sure, she herself had been a loner most of her life, cast out from society in way because she was different and held different views, but to be cast from your birthplace as a baby…Now she understood what the happiness she brought him meant to Hiei.

Hiei looked away from her as a single tear somehow managed to escape his eyes. He felt weak; he had failed to protect his family. "She doesn't know," he whispered, "and she can she never know."

"I won't be the one to reveal it," Magia promised him. She placed a hand on his shoulder, letting him know she was there for him. "You'll save her, and I'll help in any way I can."

Hiei said nothing. Suddenly he was in her arms, crying on her shoulder. Years of pent up rage and sadness poured from him; tears long held back flowed freely. Magia embraced him gently, a hand stroking his back soothingly. She said no words of comfort nor did she try to quiet him; she knew he needed this. A silence fell upon the room, broken only by his sobs.

Hiei's sobs subsided after awhile, but he didn't leave the comfort of her arms. "Thank you," he said into her shoulder.

"I'll always be here for you." Magia kissed his forehead, careful to miss the Jagan eye. "Always…"

"I love you so much," Hiei whispered as he pulled away at last. Tears still trailed down his cheeks, still flowed from his eyes.

Magia kissed the tears away from his face then gazed into his eyes, that always-understanding smile upon her lips. "I love you too."