Chapter 1

"Blame It on the Alcohol"

Takes place after the manga.

Warnings: alcohol and language

Turning the lens I focused on a parade of blush pinks and refined whites. I made sure that all faces were present, when I felt satisfied, I pressed the button on my camera making the moment in front of me permanent. The bride and bridesmaids gave tired sighs and relaxed. They began fixing their dresses and fluffing hair.

"Okay, now just one more with Keiko. Last one, promise." I said, straightening my back. The bridesmaids scuttled away leaving the bride. I adjusted the settings and looked through the eyepiece. "Look down at your bouquet...and smile! It's your wedding!"

I took the shot. "Okay let's take a break I need to get some of the chapel before it's too late."

Keiko let out a heavy sigh. "Thank you so much for taking these photos. It really means a lot Motoko."

"Girl! No problem! Anything for my favorite person!" I paused looking Keiko over. She looked beautiful. Her long, brown hair curled and framed her face falling down her back like a waterfall. Her skin looked like marble and her strapless, pristine ivory dress fit her perfectly. "You look great."

Keiko smiled widely. "I'm so nervous. It's almost time."

"Don't be! Today is your big day."

"I know." Keiko then lowered her voice. "I just keep thinking it's too good to be true."

It almost was too good to be true. I knew what she meant though. Yusuke loved Keiko but seeing him finally wanting to settling down seemed bizarre to me. I never thought this day would come. However, here we were. "Don't stress. As I said, today is your big day!" Holding my camera up I the gestured for the door, "Okay I need to snap a few of the chapel before it gets too late! Next time I see you, you'll be walking down the aisle."

She nodded and gave me a thumbs up. I then scurried out the door closing it behind me. I wandered down the hall, turned right toward the foyer and through the wide doors of the large chapel. Stopping for a minute, I smiled.

I had known Keiko for a while now. We met in grade school and quickly became best friends. We met in Biology class were my artistic mind struggled. Fortunately, Keiko was my lab partner and was able to save my poor soul from failing. We practically hit it off from that moment on. Where she was calm and assertive, I was whimsical and free spirited. The yin to my yang.

I was so happy for Keiko. She had waited patiently for this day her whole life. I didn't know Yusuke too well though. It sometimes worried me. In truth there was something about him that always intimidate me. It was like he burned too bright for my faint heart. When I first met her he was away, whatever that meant. That's all Keiko would say. If he was in school he was sleeping or acting like the turd he was but, I digress. I remembered the day something changed in Keiko. That day she seemed more reserved. it was just after spring break that year... Even though Keiko and I shared everything with each other, it was like since that moment she kept something from me. It bothered me sometimes but...

I sighed. I needed to focus!

I took a few shots of the flowers and some artist looking shots of the decor and once I was happy with the number of photos I realized I need to get changed before the wedding.

"Shit!" I whispered.

"I believe we're in a church." Came a loud voice from the hallway behind me.

I gazed over and saw the groom,the Great Yusuke Urameshi, standing with hands in his pocket. His face smiled the biggest shit eating grin.

"Oops." I winced.

Yusuke just laughed. "Lighten up. It's a joke. Damn, who am I to judge?"

I smiled and took a deep breathe. "Congrats by the way."

"Thanks! The big day is finally here."

"Yeah it was rather fast and spontaneous but I'm honestly happy for you guys."

Yusuke rubbed the back of head and looked around. "This church is so…"

"Over the top?"

"That's a word for it." He then added quietly, "It feels somewhat blasphemous standing here."

I gave him a strange look. What did he mean by that?

He then laughed and said, "Nevermind…Hey, you coming to the after party tonight?"

"Yeah it's at the infamous temple right?"

" Yeah. I forgot. It'll be your first time being there." He paused for a minute as if listening for something and then said "Well, I'll see you. I got to get back in my spot or the wedding coordinator will kick my ass."

"Okay. I gotta get ready myself."

Yusuke then left down the hall leaving me by myself in the grand chapel.

Leaving to go change I thought 'I don't think I could wait on a man.'

Never say never.

The wedding was ever beautiful and sweet. I almost cried seeing my best friend walk down the aisle but, I couldn't let my makeup ruin. Besides, I had a job to do.

I took photos of the entire ceremony and, I had to say I was really proud of my work.

After the wedding I had to take a few shots of the wedding party – bridesmaids, groomsmen etc. It surprisingly consisted of people I've never meet before … beside one.

The bridesmaids had odd dye jobs. One was a short, sweet girl named Yukina. Her hair was a winter mint. She was quiet but smiled brightly. The next was a blue haired girl named Boton with a super bubbly personality. She chatted up a storm but seemed nice enough. I had to commend then on them on their boldness to do such colors. They pulled them off as if it was natural.

The groomsmen– the one I did know was Kuwabara. He was a goofy, loud guy who hung around Yusuke a lot. He was pretty cool. He was good at math and tutored me on several occasions. Saved my ass more times then I could remember in history as well. I heard he was great at martial arts too. The last groomsman was very peculiar. He went by Shuichi and was very gentlemanly but something about him seemed off… I don't know, maybe it was the bright red hair. I couldn't complain though. The man was beautiful to look at. I could have stared all day.

When Keiko introduced me they didn't really say much beside Boton. She actually shook my hand and said. " I love your shoes. Where did you get them?"

"Uh…" I mumbled stunned. She practically was shaking my whole arm. "They were a gift."

"That's a shame." She flipped her bubblegum blue hair and smiled. "The silver is a nice touch with the blue dress."

"Thank you!" I was genuinely happy someone noticed my dress. It took me forever to lose weight and fit in. When I finally did, I decided I was wearing it to the wedding.

" Are you coming to the after party?"

"Yeah… but I have no clue how to get there."

"Oh if you don't mind, you can ride with us!" Clapping her hands she continued and said, "It'all be nice to have another girl around since Yukine is riding with Kuwabara."

So that's where I was now. In a old silver Sudan with bubbly Boton and the ever polite Shuichi driving. I had put my camera equipment in my car trunk. They were to drop me off there tomorrow morning. Boton said they were returning to the church tomorrow to pick up the tuxes there anyway. It all worked out.

Boton talked to me about how I met Keiko and what I did for a living– things like that. I was an open book. I didn't mind sharing but when I asked her similar questions she changed the subject. In those moments I saw Shuichi staring back through the rearview mirror. The tension in the car felt intense and thick. I didn't push the subject any further. Why the secrets, I would never know.

We finally arrived at the temple, at least the steps of the temple. Boy there were some steps. My ass struggled to get up them. Everyone else seem to walk up them with ease, even Keiko. I felt really dumb.

"Tomorrow, I'm going to the gym." I huffed pathetically.

Keiko laughed and said, " You. The gym."

"Yeah, probably not." I said dryly.

Finally we reached the gate of the temple and, sadly I was ready for bed. I loudly let everyone know but Yusuke laughed lightly punch me in the arm and said, "You can't sleep yet grandma. It's only eight o' clock."

"Yeah and the party hasn't even started yet." Kuwabara snickered. "Besides you have see me kick Yusuke's ass at beer pong tonight."

"Doubt it dumb ass." Yusuke snorted.

"I suck at beer pong." I commented. "I can't aim for shit."

"Doesn't help you're a sloppy drunk." Keiko smirked.

"Am not… well maybe a little." I turned my head to

Boton and said. "Make sure I don't drink too much."

Boton laughed and said, "You have my word."

As we walked through the large sliding doors I stared around wide mouthed in awe of the little place. It was very beautiful and old however, it was well taken care of.

"So this is the temple." I mumble.

Suddenly, I collided into someone. Looking around I said out of habit , "Sorry."

"Watch it woman."

I looked slightly down to see man were wearing shabby black clothing. I backed up to give him some space.

"Sorry." I repeated. Damn, someone is touchy. Who's this douche.

"Hiei you made it!" Yusuke yelled. He walked over and grabbed the small man by the shoulders. Hiei shrugged out of his embrace. "Of course I did you fool."

"Ah don't be like that." Yusuke cackled.

"Shorty still has a stick up his butt." Kuwabara commented dryly. "You'd think Mukuro would have beat it out of you."

Hiei suddenly snapped. "Quit oaf! Don't talk about things you don't know about."

'Man touchy subject' I thought.

Hiei's eyes snapped to mine. Holy shit, they were red. It was unnerving. Contacts? Whatever they were, they were creepy.

"What?" I asked amusedly trying not to gawk at his appearance.

Hiei narrowed his eyes at and spat venomously, "Stupid woman."

I raised my brow. My blood began to boil but I decided to take the higher road and let it go. The guy looked like a hobo anyway. "Whatever."

"Hey, hey." Yusuke butt in. "Children enough with the bitching. Tonight's a night for partying. Besides, I got the good stuff."

"You cheated you bastard!" Flinging my cards Kuwabara I reached for my drink only to find it empty. Damn it.

Kuwabara threw his hands up in defense. "Hey all's fair in the game BS!"

"I don't think what you did was legal, Kuwabara." Keiko cut her eyes at him.

"Fine ladies. I'll do my chivalrous duty and take a sip."

Rolling my eyes I said , "My hero."

We were currently playing a game of Bullshit. All of us were sprawled in a circle on the floor. All except Hiei and Yusuke. Yusuke was god knows where.

Hiei was over in a corner of the room, scowling. What that dude's problem was I couldn't figure out. I found myself accidentally looking his direction a few times during the game for some reason. I chalked it up to him being an odd duck and my fascination to figure people like that out. Hiei was probably the strangest out of Keiko and Yusuke's group of friends. Also I could have sworn out of the corner of my eye I saw him looking at me as well. Nah...

I glanced over his direction again. Shit! He saw me. However instead of saying anything he just stared unabashedly at me as well causing my face to turn bright red with embarrassment. Uhh…

Yusuke suddenly busted through the sliding doors with a large jug that was about half the size of Yukina. "Here it is!"

'Thank the lord.' I thought. I needed something strong. I was on edge for some reason and these wine coolers weren't doing anything for me.

Shuichi gave a concerning look. "Yusuke are you sure?"

"Hell yeah!"

Shuichi pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed.

Kuwabara quickly got up from his place in the circle and practically skipped over.

"Hey before you drink, one rule. Only a small amount. This shit is expensive and strong." Yusuke set the large jug on the floor with surprising ease.

Getting up I waltz over happily with my empty solo cup. It was lonely and needed to be filled anyway. "What is it?"

"Uh….good shit and that's all you need to know." Yusuke winked opening the cork.

"Damn!" I held my nose. That stuff was strong! I could foresee a major hangover tomorrow.

"It'll make a man out of ya'. Okay if you want it come on over. Hiei you too!"

"Not on my life." Hiei folded his arms.

"Ah, is the shrimp a wuss!" Kuwabara snicked taking a sip of the strange liquor. Suddenly he grabbed his chest. "Holy moly Yusuke! Are you trying to kill us!"

"As I said, it's not for the weak and faint of heart!" Yusuke poured a cup then added slyly. " I don't know Hiei. It maybe too much for someone like you to handle."

Suddenly the room grew still. All eyes including mine drifted to the shaggy man in the corner.

"What?" Hiei spat.

"You heard me. Are you gonna let Kuwabara out drink you."

"Yusuke, don't antagonize him." Shuichi sighed looking at his cards.

Hiei stood swiftly and stomped over clutching his fits tightly.

"Hiei…" Shuichi warned.

"Are you a man or are you not?" Yusuke stood his ground.

A few moments of silence passed and the two stared each other down. Who would give in no one knew.

"Give it to me." Hiei reached for the red cup.

Yusuke laughed handing Hiei the strong booze.

Hiei snatched it from Yusuke hand almost spilling it. He lifted it to his lips and chugged all of it. The cup was full. Hiei's eyes grow large from a few seconds and coughed.

Yusuke and Kuwabara belly and cackled practically till the point of laying on the floor.

"I'm crying!" Kuwabara guffawed loudly.

Keiko,Yukina and Boton looked around bashfully.

"I think us three will stay with just the wine coolers. I'm already starting to feel it." Keiko blushed.

"Booooo" I said.

"Motoko don't get too sloppy." She replied then whispered to Boton, "Watch her."

I stuck my tongue out in defiance and held my cup out to Yusuke.

"Okay princess." He cackled. "It's your funeral."

He poured a smaller amount in my cup but I didn't care. Judging by everyone's reactions it was strong shit. Pulling my nose, down the hatch the mysterious liquor went and damn did it hurt. My whole being seemed to burn. I felt sweat break out on my forehead.

"Damn. That's strong." I gasped and coughed. I held my chest as my ears began to ring and burn. I should have never drank that swill.

As the night went on the more and more everyone drank...besides Yukina and Shuichi– party poopers.

We tried playing poker but unfortunately most of us were so intoxicated we could hardly function. Half of we're either laying and rolling on the floor laughing while the other half stuffed their faces with some snacks Boton had happen to bring.

Even Hiei drank more to my surprise. I noticed that the more he drank the more relaxed he became and friendlier he was. Well as friendly as he could be. As the evening went on the closer to me he became. It was as if I was a positive end of a magnet and he was the negative end. Maybe I was just so drunk I was imagining it. However, I soon found him right beside me.

'When did this happen?' I thought...well the best I could. It was like the world was moving too fast. My thoughts could hardly keep up. 'And when did he lose his shirt?'

Oh…damn…

I wish I had never looked but this man was on the verge of being completely ripped. His shoulders were surprisingly wide and his arms were thick and practically bulging. I found my hands itching to trail over his strong peck and–

"You're staring women." His voice sounded like velvet to my ears.

I snapped out of my daze. Without thinking drunk me brazenly said, "So what if I am?"

His eyes snapped to mine and seemed to burn.

Was it hot in here?

"Motoko!" Boton squeaked in my ear. Her body was practically laying over mine. "I think I need help to the bathroom."

'If only it was someone else.' I thought sourly gazing at Hiei out of the corner of my eye.

"O-okay. Well up an' at em'. " I stood up the best I could with her practically hanging on me. Giggling I said, "Let's head to the little girls room."

As I guided her, stumbling, to the bathroom that was down one of the long hallways near the bedrooms. We probably looked ridiculous but hey who was judging. Surprisingly my drunk self found the bathroom despite Boton and I's giggling.

Boton went inside the bathroom. She almost fell into actually. She probably needed help sitting on the toilet but honestly I was to drunk to care and I didn't know her that well. I stayed out in the hall swaying to and fro. That's when I saw a shadow down the hall. Squinting I realized it was Hiei. He leaned casually against one wall, drink in one hand, and held a gaze that burned.

"Now look who's starring now." I giggled lightly. I don't know why I found this situation funny.

Hiei walked a little closer. "So what if I am?"

I snorted swaying heavily, "You can't say what I say. That doesn't make any sense."

Oh lord. I knew I was drunk in that moment but some reason didn't seem to care. Hiei stared at me then took another sip of the booze in his hand his eyes never lost contact with mine.

"You like to stare a lot. You're funny." Reaching out I slightly pushing his shoulder but drew back as if I had shocked myself. He felt as if he was on fire. Good fire that kept would keep me nice and warm. I couldn't keep my thoughts from swimming too close to the gutter. All I could do was think about was how his body would feel against mine.

"I know what you're thinking girl. Be careful what you wish for." Hiei said quietly.

"I have a name and it Motoko." I placed my hands on my hips and swayed forward closing to Hiei and whispers, "And I doubt you know what I'm thinking. You couldn't possibly know and I'd never tell...but if you want I'll give you a hint. "

Suddenly I found myself pinned against the wall– hands on the either side of my face. My head banged with a hard thump. Those scarlet colored eyes locked into mine and bore in deep. My breath caught in my throat and heat engulfed me as if I was standing too close to a flame.

"You talk too much." With that I felt his lips touch my mine. It wasn't sweet or gentle but greedy and somewhat ungainly. He quickly pulled away as if to judge my reaction.

I gaped like a fish for a second trying to comprehend what had happened. My lips scalding. Did he just kiss me? This grouchy, shaggy, short ...ripped man kissed me. Did I like it? I didn't know and I was too drunk to care. Leaning forward I kissed him back. This time it was deeper and more sensual– needy, searching for something.

We finally parted for air. "Wow."

Instantly the bathroom door swung open. Hiei pulled away quickly leaving me feeling cold and shivering.

Looking around for him, he was gone.

Authors Note: So yeah...I wrote this a while back and I've had this idea in my head for a long time. I think I'm gonna write this for fun. If i get enough reviews I'll write more...we'll see how it goes. Also don't worry. Hiei is acting the way he is for a reason.