A couple of days rolled by and the rain finally gave a break. Even though I had my chores that day, everyone insisted I had my day to explore the land. Everyone was so sweet to make sure I took advantage of the dry day. Besides hanging the laundry, everyone else was planning on going to the beach. It was the last day of Summer after all. Although, living in a house with Hiei has been strange. It's bad enough when Kurama visits, I can never hear his footsteps, but Hiei is worse! He's so fast and super quite, I've never jumped so many times in my life from being scared. My old nickname of Dog Ears seemed to be a distant memory. I think he enjoyed scaring the crap out of me though, like some sick sense of humor of his, I don't know. I could tell he has wanted to talk to me more about my life back in my world, but thankfully I've been able to avoid it. Either someone walks into the room or calls our names. I won't be able to avoid it forever, but turns out he doesn't usually stay much longer. Hopefully he'll be leaving soon.

It was just after dinner and the ladies told me to go to the hot spring before bed. Yukina also gave me some pointers. Apparently there's a very small cabin like room out there for changing so I could go nude, since I was going alone. She gave me a wooden basket to fill with stuff to take with me. I carried my robe, but I did bring my bathing suit just in case I changed my mind on the nudity. This was my first time doing something like this, I was a bit nervous for some reason.

"You'll be completely alone out there, so don't worry." Yukina reassured me. I nodded to her and walked out. I remembered about the path that Kurama had told me about earlier that week. It was like finding the secret garden. When I found it, it took my breath away. It was so beautiful with the stones lining the water. The changing room was bigger than Yukina said it was, but everything was perfect. I went in the room and decided that I'll start with my bikini, and then could go topless, and maybe nude if I felt comfortable. The water was opaque from the natural minerals. Besides being alone, what was I so worried about?

I took my robe off next to the water and stepped in. It was so perfectly hot and the smell was very earthy and mineral like, but I liked it. I could see how people would get addicted to this. I quickly got comfortable enough to take off my bikini while in the water.

"Oh this is nice!" I sighed to myself. I dipped in to my chin and started to relax.

KLUNK

I jumped and turned at the sound of my bucket being knocked over.

"Oh no! Baboons?!" I exclaimed as I saw the culprit take off with my robe and bottoms of my bikini. I looked up towards the changing cabin and saw the rest of its gang take off with my clothes I left in there.

"NO! Please don't be jerks!" My shouting didn't help. I watched as they took off with nearly everything I took with me. All that was left were my sandals, bucket, and bikini top.

"Even my towel, seriously?" I glared in their direction. "Great, what am I going to do?" I sat down and started to think.

After some time rolled by I began to panic. If I stay any longer, I could get over heated. But I can't just walk up to the house naked! I pictured myself wearing the bikini top and covering my front with one shoe and my butt with the bucket.

"That won't work…" I grumbled out loud to myself.

"What won't?" I jumped and my eyes widened in fear when I heard Hiei's voice. My arms instantly folded to cover my breasts, even though the water wasn't clear at all.

"Don't panic, I'm keeping my back to you." He said. I looked over my shoulder to see him keeping his word. I was hoping he wasn't trying to use this moment to try to talk to me about my ex. I decided to speak quickly.

"Actually, I'm glad you're here…sort of." I admitted as I slightly turned to his direction.

"Why's that?"

"W-well, there were baboons that came and…stole my things." I explained embarrassed.

"Hn" He started. "I saw them running in the forest with humanly things. Didn't realize it was your stuff. Turn your back." He said very flatly.

"O-ok." I was confused, but did as he asked. After a few seconds...

"Turn." I heard him say. I turned and saw his coat resting on the same rock my robe was. I went to thank him, but he was gone.

"Maybe he's not so bad after all." I smiled to myself, but shook my head. I quickly got out and put his coat on. After grabbing my things I decided to secretly enjoy the fact I was wearing his coat. It smelled like him. Gah, now I'm sounding like a stalker! Once I got back to the manor I quickly dodged everyone and ran up to my room.

"Whew!" I sighed with relief, but quickly jumped with hearing a knock at my door.

"Uh, yes?"

"It's Yukina, how did it go?"

"Oh! Give me a sec and I'll tell you all about it!" I quickly got changed then let Yukina in.

"Oh Sakura I'm so sorry! I forgot to warn you about the baboons!" She said after I explained to her.

"It's ok! Not your fault! I'm just glad Hiei came when he did." I told her, she nodded in reply.

"That was very kind of him. I think he may have a soft spot for you." She smiled to me.

"W-what?! No he doesn't." I blushed very hard. "He has Mukuro-san."

"Oh, you think they're romantically involved?" She asked me.

"I never asked him, but from what I know about them, they were very close." I explained. She sighed rather solemnly.

"What's wrong?" I asked her.

"Well, to be honest, I was hoping Hiei would fall for you. I know it sounds silly, but I think you two seem to fit. You know?" She smiled. I smiled back and hugged her. I don't think she could realize how much that meant to me.

The next day started off like any other, but I got up extra early to get Hiei's coat washed and set for drying for him. I wanted to make sure to give it back to him right away. By lunch time Yusuke got a call from Keiko. He insisted that we would all go out for karaoke tonight so he could spend time with her. I never knew that these guys were this crazy for karaoke. According to Genkai, everyone goes out at least once every other month. They try for once a week, but it doesn't always work out as well. Genkai actually looks forward to it, she stays behind and has the place to herself. Hiei, of course hates it, Kurama and Yukina don't mind it, and the others love it. I've always been indifferent about karaoke. I liked it, but I really enjoy singing alone.

"Sakura! You must be excited!" Yukina smiled at me. "You have a lovely signing voice!" I jumped when she said that.

"Wha-How do you know?" I asked shocked.

"You sing all the time in the shower." She stated as if I should've known. The bathrooms are very traditional style, being very open and barely divided. I never realized that there were a few times I thought I was alone and she could have been there the whole time.

"Yes! Finally we get to go in the city again!" Yusuke cheered.

"The city? But I thought I wasn't allowed to go?" I looked at Genkai.

"You'll be safe as long as you don't separate yourself." She explained. I nodded and promised to stay close to everyone. Yukina and I got dressed for the occasion then proceeded to wait for the boys down stairs.

"Never knew ladies to wait for the guys." I chuckled to Yukina. She giggled back.

"Not like you've been waiting for long." I heard Yusuke whine as he and Hiei walked up to us.

"That is true!" I smiled back, then quickly blushed when I saw Hiei. I never saw him in human clothes before. He looked so handsome! He was wearing a tight black V-neck shirt with a thin gray jacket over, dark blue jeans, and black sneakers. He can break hearts without even trying!

"Oh and by the way, Kurama and Botan are meeting us at the train station. So it looks like everyone is paired up tonight except you two. Hiei, Sakura's your date tonight!" Yusuke winked and thumbed him up. Hiei and I both looked at each other with wide eyes.

"That was very gentlemanly of you Yusuke." I sarcastically grumbled to him.

"Oh c'mon! It'll be fun!" He patted me on the back as we left the property.

After we caught up with Kurama and Botan at the station, we walked over to their usual karaoke spot. Yukina seemed happy to see Kuwabara already there with Keiko.

We walked into the place and feeling the booming music that was playing. I saw a sign that was about how karaoke started after a certain hour. I thought in my head and figured Hiei's coat should be dry by the time we get back. If everything goes according to plan, I'll be able to give it to him tonight. Just in case he has to leave tomorrow. He's been here a while now. He should be leaving for demon world soon, at least I hope he is...my anxiety can't take much more.

"Sakura, you'll love this place. They play a lot of American music!" Keiko said to me over the music.

"Don't worry, I know some Japanese bands too." I chuckled.

The atmosphere calmed down once the karaoke started. They would take breaks every so often for people to dance. After Yukina told Botan about my singing, Botan was determined to get me up to sing. Without me realizing she found a song that I actually like to sing and ran up to put in the request. Hiei stayed close to me, but I don't think he took Yusuke's words seriously. I think he was just staying close out of respect.

"Do you drink Hiei?" I asked him.

"No."

"Great! Neither do I. Do you like sweet drinks?" I asked him, he gave me a look that I was annoying him.

"Never had one."

"Great! Today is a day for first things." I said to him then ordered virgin drinks. (virgin meaning nonalcoholic)

"What makes you think I'll like it?" He asked me.

"What makes you think you won't?" I asked in return. Besides, I really feel like I owed him for everything he's done for me.

When the drinks arrived I took a sip first and gave him the thumbs up for approval. He hesitantly took a sip of his, but seemed to like it. Naturally he wouldn't admit it.

"Up now is Yusuke! Next will be Sakura!" I heard from the announcer, I nearly choked on my drink.

"What?!" I looked right at Botan, she waved at me from the dance floor. I shot her a glare. Every song I mentioned was racing through my head, which one did she pick? After Yusuke's powerful performance of ACDC's Back in Black, I was up with no idea what my song was at first. Then I realized what I mentioned to Botan about great songs for women. Wide Awake by Katy Perry. I heard the music start and actually smiled. Of all songs, this was one I was ok with singing. I think I got more into it than I normally do, but I couldn't help, but show my love for the song. Especially being able to sing it in Japanese, that was awesome. When I was done, the other people there applauded me like I was a celebrity. I blushed and went back to our group table. Everyone was either smiling or staring at me.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Sakura you sing like an ANGEL!" Botan squealed at me as she hugged me.

"You really underestimate yourself!" Keiko stated. Yukina smiled at me.

"You all are very sweet, but it was just because I like that song. I promise, its nothing special." I replied as humbly as I could. I was never good at receiving compliments. I looked at Hiei, but he looked at me with slight stern eyes. I hope he's not going to try to talk to me about that again. I did like that song because it was exactly how I felt when I started seeing the truth about my ex. It's one of the few girly songs I enjoy singing. Skillet's Monster is my jam though. After some time had gone by the girls had somehow separated from the guys. We were gathered by the bar while the guys stayed by the table.

"Sakura, why don't you ask Hiei to dance with you?" Botan asked me.

"Why would she do that?" Keiko asked.

"Because she has a crush on him, of course!" Botan nearly exclaimed. Say it louder Botan, not everyone in the building heard you…

"Botan! I'm not going to dance with him!" I replied.

"You have a crush on him?!" Keiko nearly shrieked. Oh god, could this get any worse? I face palmed.

"Why not! I told Yusuke to get you two paired up!" Botan admitted.

"Oh so that was your doing?" I asked her. She laughed.

"Isn't Hiei with that Mukuro lady?" Keiko asked. I pointed my hand to her, making it my same point to Botan.

"What? No of course not! He looks to her as family! If you don't believe me ask him yourself." She batted off. She was obviously drunk already.

"I'm not going to randomly ask him something like that. If the appropriate time should present itself I might."

After that, our groups finally reunited, only to scatter again. This time Hiei and I were left at the table while everyone else was either singing, or dancing.

"How long do these nights usually last?" I asked Hiei.

"Not much longer, typically." He reassured me. The music was starting to give me a headache, I rubbed my head for some relief. And I really wanted to return Hiei's coat to him to get it over with.

"Here." Hiei said as he grabbed my hand and lead me outside.

"Oh thank you, that bass was getting to me." I sighed.

"I saw." He folded his arms and leaned against the wall. I'm sure he wanted out just as bad. There was an awkward long pause between us. I looked up at him and saw he was about to say something when Yusuke burst through the door.

"Awright! Let's brig dis part-ay home!" He drunkenly shouted. Hiei sighed and lead the way to the trains.

When we got home, I immediately went and got Hiei's coat and folded it nicely for him.

I really hope he doesn't want to talk about my world. I'm happy here. Happiest I've ever been, despite the little bumps in the road that got me here. I thought as I slowly walked up stairs. I guessed where his room was from knowing the others. I gently knocked on the door and he quickly opened it.

"Yes?" He asked. He was wearing black pajama bottoms and was wearing a tight black tank top. He looked so handsome effortlessly.

"H-here, your coat." I showed him. He looked down. "I cleaned it for you."

"Come in." He stepped aside and nudged his head towards the inside. I didn't want to, but I knew not to say no him. He wanted to talk about it. Great. I stepped in and turned towards him as he closed the door.

"I-I just wanted to return this to you." I lifted the coat to him again. He gently took it and set it on his bed.

"You know what I want to talk about." He started. I nodded in response. "But there's something you don't know, I saw it." I looked up at him confused.

"Saw what?" I asked extremely confused.

"When you were in the hot spring, I told you to turn your back." He no...I totally forgot. I had a nasty scar on my back from my ex. It was the first time I experienced his rage. He branded me with a hot poker every day in the same spot for a week. That was only the beginning of nearly 2 years of abuse. When it finally healed, it left a huge, ugly scar.

"I really don't want to talk about it." I looked down ashamed.

"You don't have to." He replied. I looked up at him, confused once again. He took off his headband that covered his Jagan.

"Take this as me asking." He stated seriously.

"Oh…" I breathed. Did he…actually care? I nodded to him as my answer. He gently placed his hands on my shoulders and his eye opened to me.

"Look at me, not the Jagan." He said. I nodded and looked into his crimson eyes. I'm not sure if it was from him going through my memories, or just the thought of my memories, but I felt tears roll down my face. It wasn't long before he pulled back.

"Well?" I asked him as I stepped back to wipe my face with my sleeve. He placed a hand on my shoulder as he stepped close to me.

"You are not weak." He whispered in my ear. I started to cry more uncontrollably, he turned me toward him and allowed me to cry on his shoulder. So much was running through my head. The one thing that always echoed in my head while I was with my ex was that I was weak. I was weak to stay, I was weak to put up with it, I was weak.

Hearing him say I wasn't...it meant everything to me.

"You can't ever go back." He said to me as I pulled away from him. I took deep breaths to try to calm myself.

"That means a lot to me," my voice cracked as I forced myself to stop crying. "But I'm afraid I won't have a choice. Koenma said I don't belong here, and I have to return at any chance of a portal opening long enough for me to return. My only hope is to pray that the portal never shows up again." I wiped my face and continued to calm my breathing.

"He'll kill you if you go back." Hiei was right. That was the reason I left. I waited for my ex to leave on one of his trips for work. I packed all of my things and left without a word. To make sure he wouldn't go after anyone I knew I quit my job and booked my flight the same day he was coming back. The only people that knew was my family, but he didn't know where they lived thankfully.

"I'm just enjoying my time here. However long that is." I smiled to him. His face stayed firm, but his eyes seemed to look at me with sadness.

I think I've fallen in love. I thought with a sigh. I quickly shook my head.

"I should go, it's getting late." I turned, but he quickly and went ahead of me to the door.

"You should know..." He hesitated.

"Yes?"

"That scar…I can help you get rid of it." He offered.

"That would mean a lot to me." I smiled back. He then opened the door for me. "But, aren't you leaving soon?" I asked him as I stepped out.

"My stay has no expiration. I leave when I feel necessary." He very calmly reached to me and brushed a stray hair out of my face and tucked it behind my ear. I blushed immensely. Why did he do that?

"O-oh, I see."

"Come here tomorrow after dinner." He opened the door to let me through.

"Ok. Good night, Hiei." I smiled.

He smirked just as he closed his door. As soon as I got to my room I flopped on my bed and breathed a heavy, happy sigh.