A/N:
I still can't believe I'm writing this thing. I will be surprised if very many people read this all the way to the end.
. That's if I finish it…
Anyway, let's see how things turn out…
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O
Chapter 2: Meeting the Team. And Girls.
I sat on the edge of Kurama's bed, bouncing my knees energetically, if not slightly nervously.
Kurama studied me carefully from the swivel chair at his desk.
I'm sure he was contemplating whether to believe my story or not.
In the mean time, I was barely controlling my actions, my hands fidgeting on my bouncing knees.
"Yusuke…" I whined.
He looked at me, "Uh oh. I know that look. Go ahead, get it out of your system."
I bolted from my seat and landed violently on my knees before Kurama, causing him to jump back slightly.
I clasped my hands in front of my chest, bringing my face just inches from his.
"Could I pleeeaaase touch your hair?" I gave the sweetest smile I could manage, sticking out my lower lip in a slight pout at the same time.
Kurama blinked in shock at first, but when I turned my puppy eyes on him, he chuckled.
"What? I've always wanted to touch your hair. I also wanted to see if Karasu was right about your split ends." I gave him a broad smile.
Kurama's eyes widened at the mention of Karasu. I think he was starting to take my story seriously.
"So, anyway, pleeeaaase?" I continued to beg.
He smiled, "Alright. I suppose."
I squealed happily in excitement. Jumping up, I moved behind him and hesitantly ran my fingers through his hair.
"Wow." I breathed, "It's really soft. And Karasu was definitely right. Split ends everywhere!"
Kurama flinched slightly.
"Oops, sorry. Did I hit a nerve?" I asked, completely innocent.
"Sort of." He said. I could almost hear him wincing.
I leaned around Kurama so that I could look him in the face. I gave him my brightest smile.
"You should let me cut your hair!" Seeing his look of horror, I quickly retaliated, "Just a trim! You won't even be able to tell I cut it other than it will look neater!"
I gave a tentative smile as I watched him consider my offer.
I continued to watch as he rose from his chair, "Alright. I'll let you cut my hair if you promise it's only a trim." Kurama said as he opened his bedroom window.
I jumped with glee, "Yay!"
I suddenly gasped as Hiei climbed through Kurama's window.
I was breathless as Hiei eyes me curiously.
"Why is the detective here?" Hiei asked, "And why is there a human woman standing at your desk?"
Kurama gave Hiei a small smile, "Hiei, I'd like you to meet Sadie. Yusuke brought her here to meet me. She's…," Kurama hesitated slightly, "…not from our world."
Hiei's eyes narrowed, "She's human. Of course she's not."
Kurama winced, "True, but what I mean is, she's not from this world in general."
I finally found my voice and spoke up, "A different dimension!" My eyes must have been the size of tennis balls.
Hiei turned his crimson glare on me. I nearly melted.
Kurama chuckled, "Come here, Sadie." He held out his arm, inviting me to stand by his side.
I took a few tentative steps towards him, but stopped just out of reach. I heard Yusuke trying not to laugh behind me.
I turned towards him and glared at him, Shut up! He's my favorite and I'm nervous!"
Yusuke burst out into full laughter. I growled and stormed over to him and hit him over the head with my fist.
"Ow!" Yusuke complained before bursting out into laughter again.
I turned from Yusuke, growling. I noticed Kurama was already filling Hiei in on my story.
Hiei looked at me with a sharp glare when Kurama had finished.
"Prove it." I heard him say.
A look of determination crossed over my features. This time, I took Kurama's invitation and walked right up to him.
"Yukina deserves to know." I looked straight into Hiei's eyes.
His eyes narrowed, "Know what?"
"She deserves to know that you're her brother!" I flailed my arms, hoping that it would put stress on the importance of what I was saying.
"Yes, she does. I don't deserve her." Hiei averted his eyes, "That doesn't prove that you know anything about me."
"Urg." I became frustrated, "Silly me. How could I forget how difficult you are."
He turned his glare back on me to which I stuck my tongue out at him.
I quickly put my tongue back in my mouth as he opened his mouth to speak.
"Yeah, I know. You'll cut it off, right?" I beat him to the line.
Hiei blinked at me, seeming a bit shocked.
I shrugged, "Anyway, I guess I could see how you don't believe me. Kurama and Yusuke could have very easily told me before you got here."
Hiei crossed his arms and looked down on me. I was surprisingly shorter than him.
"Where are you from? You don't look like you're from here."
Hiei's words surprised me. I guessed he forgot about proving I was from another… world.
"Oh!" I put on a huge smile, "I'm not. I live –er, lived- in America!"
I looked down, sad suddenly.
Kurama became concerned, "Sadie? Is something wrong?"
I looked up at him, tears welling in my eyes, "Well, without a place to stay, I have to go home. I'm afraid, though, that if I go back home, I won't be able to come back."
"You still haven't proven yourself." Hiei said.
Kurama glanced between me and Hiei, "Alright. If you can prove yourself to Hiei, then I will make arrangements for you to stay here."
I brightened, "I would live with Kurama?"
He nodded with a small smile. I jumped up, "Awesome!" I nearly squealed.
I cleared my throat and looked seriously at Hiei, "Kurama, Yusuke… you will want to leave the room. Some of the things I know and I'm about say, I'm sure Hiei doesn't want out in the open."
"Kurama nodded, "Very well. Let's go, Yusuke."
Yusuke grumbled and complained all the way downstairs.
Hiei and I stood in silence for a while. My heart pounded like a drum against my ribcage.
I took a deep breath, "Your mother."
"What about her?" Hiei didn't look at me.
"I'm sorry that she died before you could meet her."
Hiei's eyes closed. I hated doing this. I knew it would be painful for him, but it was the only way I could think of to make him believe me.
"I think I know why you were looking for her."
Silence.
"I think you were hoping she'd love you. You wanted someone to love you for once. I think that's why you won't tell Yukina you're her brother. You're afraid she won't love you."
Hiei's eyes snapped open and he glared at me angrily.
Before I knew it, he had me pinned to the wall by the neck with his arm.
"Don' you ever mention that again." He growled.
Tears burst from the corners of my eyes and he quickly released me, realizing he was hurting me.
I fell to the floor and sniffled. I gave out a short, almost cynical laugh.
"It's okay, Hiei. You surprised me, that's all." He turned so that I could only see half of his face, "Although, I shouldn't be."
His head snapped in my direction, looking slightly shocked. I came up to him and pressed my hand gently against his cheek. He flinched slightly at the contact.
"I know you better than anyone here other than yourself. I've watched you. I've learned of your past, your deeds, and mannerisms. No matter how terrible it is, I can't pity you or think you horrible, or a monster. I can only love you." Hiei's eyes widened, "Hiei, I love you."
I stood up on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek. I gave him a small smile as I dropped my hand from his face.
He stared silently at me for quite a while before turning away.
"You're blushing."
My eyes widened as I brought my hands to my face to find that it was burning. I jumped as he continued.
"You pass. See you around."
"Wait!" I yelled as he reached the window. He froze and turned to me questioningly.
"Could I – could I please wear your bandana?" I smiled sheepishly. It was another one of the many things I'd always wanted to do.
I watched as he untied his bandana slowly, and then gently retied it around my forehead. He leaned in and kissed my lips as he did so.
When he pulled away, I was sure my face resembled that of a bright red cherry.
"Our secret." Hiei whispered against my lips. I barely managed to nod.
In the blink of an eye, he disappeared. I stood frozen, fingertips at my lips, for a long time.
I quickly shook my head, grinned, and ran downstairs and into what I had thought before was the kitchen.
I had been right. Yusuke sat at a small table while Kurama stood at the sink washing dishes.
Hearing me burst through the door, both boys turned to face me.
"Your face is pretty red, Sade." Yusuke snickered.
"Where'd the nickname come from?" I glared.
Yusuke grinned and shrugged, "I like it. What's on your head?"
I brought my hands up to the cloth tied around my forehead.
"Oh. It's Hiei's headband. I wanted to wear it and he let me." My face turned a deeper shade of red as I thought of our secret.
"Your face just turned shades. I think there's more to it." Yusuke jeered teasingly.
I shook my head, "My face is red because I'm excited." I grinned at Kurama. He smiled back softly.
"I passed! I passed!" I chanted, jumping around in circles.
As I jumped around, the phone rang and Yusuke answered.
I ignored him and grabbed both of Kurama's sleeves.
"I really get to stay here with you?" I widened my eyes hopefully, giving him my sweetest smile.
He chuckled, "Yes, of course. I'll come up with a story to tell my mother."
My smile turned into a wild grin, "I'm an orphan and I need a home! Something along those lines."
Kurama laughed, "Alright, my little orphan girl, how about that haircut?"
"Scissors! I must have scissors!" I yelled with a serious face.
Kurama walked to a drawer, opened it, and pulled out a pair of scissors specifically designed for cutting hair.
"Great! Good thing you did the dishes! Flip your head over the sink, Kurama." I looked around the counter and smiled.
Kurama had thought of everything, like usual. He already had shampoo, conditioner, detangler, a towel, a brush, and comb setting out for me.
I squealed happily as I turned on the water sprayer. Kurama hissed quietly.
I felt the water temperature and panicked, "I'm sorry! I thought it would be warm since you just did dishes!"
"It's alright. Calm down and just turn the knob."
I could hear the smile in his voice and I instantly calmed down. I carefully turned the knob so that the water would warm up.
I washed his hair, gently massaging his scalp. I heard him sigh contentedly and I barely suppressed my giggles.
I wrapped the towel around his head and squeezed out the water, "Okay, you can stand up now."
Kurama stood, pulled a stool from the kitchen table and sat down.
I took the towel to his hair again, ruffling it.
Yusuke was no longer on the phone and was sitting at the table sipping a soda.
"This is something I never expected to see." He murmured.
I grinned as I brushed and combed out tangles. As I worked, Kurama's mother entered the kitchen. Following her was Hiei and Kuwabara.
I paused mid-stroke with the comb, "Oh gods. It's him. God help us all." I said quietly so that only Kurama could hear me.
"Shuichi, your friends came to see you." His mother turned to me, "I'm surprised you got him to let you cut his hair. He won't let me so much as touch it." She gave a warm smile and a light laugh. She winked to Kurama and left the kitchen.
I picked up the scissors and began the art of hair trimming, averting my eyes from Hiei the entire time.
"Whoa, you weren't kidding, Urameshi! She's pretty cute."
I scowled, "Yeah, it's too bad you have Yukina, right?"
Kuwabara gaped at me and I rolled my eyes.
"Moron." I muttered. Hiei smirked.
"Uh, why are you wearing the shrimp-boat's bandana-thing? Doesn't he need it to cover his third eye?"
I closed my eyes in frustration and set the scissors on the counter. I opened my eyes and walked up to Kuwabara.
He looked at me, confused. I motioned for him to lean down.
As soon as he had done so, I hit him over the head as hard as I could.
"Yeowch!" he cried out, clutching his head.
"Moron!" I yelled. Yusuke laughed as Hiei chuckled.
"You know, I've always wanted to do that. I thought it would make me feel good afterwards. I was wrong." I frowned staring at my fist.
"Solving things with violence usually doesn't make us feel good. You don't feel an ounce better, do you?" Kurama asked me with a small smile.
Everyone waited as I hummed in thought.
"Nope. I don't." I suddenly looked up with my brightest smile, "I feel great!"
Yusuke howled in laughter as Hiei fought to control his chuckling.
I happily picked up the scissors and began cutting Kurama's hair again, humming as I worked.
Hiei came over to examine my handy work. I smiled up him, "Want to be next?"
"Hn." He barely nodded. My smile broadened. I began humming again, louder this time.
"Do you sing, Sadie?" Kurama asked me. I heard a doorbell ring before I answered.
"Oh, yes! I love to sing more than anything. I even have a few awards!" I said proudly.
"That's pretty impressive!" a bright, cheery voice sounded from the kitchen door.
My eye twitched, "Here we go again." I muttered. Only Hiei heard me this time and he chuckled softly. I guess he knew what I was thinking. Duh. He reads minds.
I looked up and saw Botan and Keiko. Yukina stood half-hidden behind them.
I dropped the scissors, "Yukina!" I yelled and ran towards her.
Botan and Keiko hurriedly got out of my way as I came hurdling towards them. I tackled Yukina with a hug, knocking her to the ground.
"You're so much more adorable in real life!" I squealed.
Yukina gave a small laugh, "It's nice to meet you, too, Sadie."
Botan gave a nervous laugh, "Rather boisterous, isn't she?"
I quickly got off Yukina and helped her up, "Sorry. I have little self-control."
Yusuke nodded, "Try none at all."
I glared at him, "Do, too! Just like how I'm not attacking Hiei right now." I grinned broadly at the fire demon, "I'm sure he's very appreciative that I'm not. He's just too hot for me to handle, though." I winked at him.
Hiei grunted at the pun while the other boys laughed.
"Never thought someone would have a crush on Shorty!" Kuwabara laughed in the annoying way I hated the most.
I whacked him upside the head again, "Shut up! He's not short; you're just too tall! And if you thought no one would like him, what does that say about you, Giant McTall Freak?"
"Hey…" Kuwabara complained, then more quietly, "I have Yukina."
"Hmph!" I finished trimming Kurama's hair quickly so that he could finally get up.
"She did a really good job cutting your hair, Kurama! It looks great!" Botan began one of her bubbly rants.
I turned to the sink and made a gagging gesture with my finger. I turned to Hiei, who was smirking at my gesture, and motioned for him to flip his head over the sink.
I began the same procedure on Hiei as I had on Kurama. I laughed when Hiei's response to the scalp massage was marginally greater than Kurama's.
As I cut Hiei's hair, Kurama filled the girls in on the more detailed part of my story. Or more like everything Yusuke had left out – which was, well, everything but the big picture.
Keiko watched as I worked my magic, "You're really talented." She gave a soft smile.
"Thanks!" I gave her my brightest.
"So," she began a bit tentatively, "We're all a TV show? That's pretty neat!"
I laughed, "I call it the best show in the world. Literally. I love it. I really respect you for being able to kick Yusuke's ass and he's virtually unbeatable."
Hiei chuckled slightly. Damn, I made him laugh a lot. Awesome.
Keiko's face brightened, "Really? What about Botan? She's pretty important."
"Hate her – " Botan gasped, appalled, " – personality."
Botan gaped, "What? Why?" The poor girl was nearly in tears. I sighed.
"You're too bright and bubbly all the time. Go wear something black for once."
A few laughs resounded across the room as Botan puffed out her cheeks.
"You're bright and bubbly." She protested.
I gaped at her, "Uh, no. That's called hyperactivity. Speaking of which, do you have any cookies, Kurama?"
"Cookies?" he tilted his head slightly to the side, reminding me of a curious pup.
"You're cute," I giggled as his face turned slightly pink, "Yes! Cookies! They're my favorite!"
I tousled Hiei's hair, "You're all done, hun."
Hiei glanced at me, "Hun?"
I shrugged, "I call most people 'hun'."
He gave a curt nod, "Not me."
I stuck my tongue out playfully, "Yes, you!"
"Sadie, I've got those cookies you wanted!"
I jumped up at the sound of Kurama's voice, "Yay!"
O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.O.OA/N:
Sorry that was so long! I started writing and I found that I couldn't stop! XD I eventually had to force myself to stop.
Now, for an Author's Note Secret! This is new and I will try to insert one into all of my stories' author notes! Sadie's personality is entirely based on me! Sort of… she can do some ting that I can't that I wish I could do, such as cutting hair. (and traveling into the wonderful world of YYH! XD) Anything else she can do that I can't will either be made obvious or I will let you guys know! (Even if you don't really care… -.- )
Anyway, review or give cookies! I like both pretty much the same, so don't worry about which one to give! ;D