Author's note:
Greetings~
Thank you for the reviews, favourites and follows! I'm so happy to know people read my story and even bother reviewing! Thanks so much!
By the way, this chapter is considerably longer than usual. It's actually two chapters but since I promised to make longer chapters, I just made them into one! I hope you'll like it cause I spent days writing this one chapter. By the way, about the title of this chapter, which is Warming Up, doesn't it sound like sports? I was horrified when I realised it because I remembered the warming up session right before my P.E class, which was hell.
I'm on a vacation now and am done with my homework, assignments and other tasks school gives before the two weeks long vacation. I'm totally free! But I'm going on a trip with my family so updates will be slow. But I'll be bringing my laptop with me so I can keep writing!
Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy reading!
Disclaimer: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho
A Key to His Heart
Chapter 3: Warming Up
When Kyoko arrived home that night, after her chat with Hiei, she was bombarded with questions from her parents, like if she fared well with Japan and if she met good people while she was out. Keiko joined in sometimes but mostly she kept quiet with the occasional chuckles and enthusiastic look.
After dinner was eaten and dishes were washed, they huddled together in the living room while watching movies and just talked, about their lives, about the restaurant, about Keiko's education, about Kyoko's career and about Keiko and Yusuke's relationship… they talked until late at night, until they were tired, and went to their respective rooms.
She didn't go straight to bed. Instead, Kyoko moved to the piano in front of her bed. She pressed a key and a soft smile graced her lips when the high tone echoed throughout the silent room. Her room was sound-proofed, thanks to her mom's generosity, so the sound would not bother the other occupants' sleeps.
She didn't play a song, only pressing random keys and letting the sounds echoes. She loved the sound of piano, especially the high pitched ones. They were beautiful and she obsessively found them calming. Piano was, to her, the greatest invention of the mankind.
She changed and brushed her hair before going to bed, right when the clock struck twelve. She didn't dream; she rarely did. She didn't think dream was important because it wasn't the reality.
The next morning, Kyoko woke up as early as usual. She did her morning essentials and changed into a white off-shoulder top with light elegant frills and knee-length lavender skirt. She left her hair released, letting it swish as she moved around her room.
Kyoko didn't plan to go out of the house today. It was a sunny Saturday and Keiko was going on a date with Yusuke later that day. That means less people working in the restaurant and Kyoko volunteered to lend a hand. It had been some times since she had waitressed and was a little nervous but she could deal with it.
Stepping into the kitchen, it was still empty. The restaurant opened at eight and her parents always woke up at half past six so they would have time to prepare for the day. It was still five in the morning so it was natural that they were all still fast asleep.
With nothing to do, Kyoko made a coffee for herself while fixing breakfasts. She prepared pancakes, enough for everyone. While sipping her black coffee, Kyoko put the stacks of pancakes on the middle of the table, before taking two for her. She poured maple syrup over hers and ate silently.
She heard a door opened and closed before footsteps padded to the direction of the kitchen. Keiko walked sleepily, eyes still lightly hazed. "Morning." she mumbled.
"Good morning."
Keiko yawned, hiding it with a hand modestly, and took a glass out of the cupboard, filling it with water and drinking it. Keiko didn't drink coffee as she said it made her heart feels weird.
"Aren't you going on a date today?" Kyoko asked after she swallowed, "shouldn't you be getting ready? I thought you're going at eight."
"Why bother?" Keiko rolled her eyes in annoyance, now more awake. "Yusuke's going to be late anyway." But as she was saying this, she was already making her way out of the kitchen – joined with the dining room - and to what she guessed was the bathroom. Keiko might talk like that but she was always the punctual girl.
Shaking her head lightly with an amused smile, Kyoko continued eating. A few moments later, another door opened and closed and this time her mother and father walked in, her father looking fresh and hyped while her mother sleepy and moody. Kyoko was a morning person, like her father.
"Morning, baby." Mrs Yukimura slurred, still half-asleep, and kissed the side of her head before, like Keiko, going over to the cupboard and took out a glass, filling it with water and sipping it. Her father poured some coffee for himself and drank it happily.
"Coffee makes my day." He declared with a grin. Kyoko grinned back, being the only one at the house to understand him. She, like him, couldn't live without at least a cup of coffee each day.
Keiko emerged later when everyone was eating and chatting, wearing a green dress and grey cardigan. She sat down beside Kyoko and took a piece of pancake for herself, pouring chocolate syrup all over it.
"You're going to get fat if you eat like that." Kyoko commented, already done with her share. She picked up the dirty dishes and brought them to the sink to wash.
Keiko blushed and screwed the cap shut, putting it away. "I'm going to the Gym with Botan tomorrow, nee-san. Don't worry."
"I see. Have fun, then."
"Kyoko, can you bring this to table five?" Mrs Yukimura asked, putting a tray of Japanese food on the counter. Kyoko picked it up and gave her mother a nod before going to deliver the order.
"Excuse me." She placed the food in front of the man, stopping his chat with the woman in front of him, "this is yakiniku set B and an extra rice. Thank you for waiting and please enjoy your food." She smiled at the couple, bowed then left to take others' orders.
It was lunchtime, which means the busiest time of the day, other than dinnertime. Both her parents were busy behind the counter, running around preparing the orders. They hadn't even slowed down for lunch. She could handle her hunger but not them. They were the ones running around, making numerous meals while cleaning and, when the customers became unbearable, helped her.
"Please come again!" she bowed at the group of men leaving. According to her father, they were regulars and always ordered a lot of food. Turning around, Kyoko made a move for the counter when the door opened behind her.
On instinct, she turned around with a smile and bowed down politely. "Welcome to Yukimura dining!"
A familiar chuckle rang pleasantly in her ears and she straightened to look at her customer. It was Shuichi. He was wearing a very expensive looking suit with his hair tied back, making him look even more feminine. He smiled at her.
"Table for two, please."
"For two?" Kyoko asked, dubious. As far as she could see, Shuichi was alone. Or maybe he was expecting someone.
She was proven wrong when the door opened again and this time Hiei stepped in. He was dressed in normal clothing this time, a simple grey muscle shirt and black trousers tucked into his boots. He wasn't carrying a weapon nor was he wearing a cloak.
"Oh. Hello Hiei." She smiled softly at him, truly glad to see him. She liked talking with him. It was probably because of this mysterious vibe he had that made her curious and wanted to befriend him. She was always interested with something she couldn't decipher.
Hiei looked away rudely, crossing his arms over his chest. Kyoko giggled, "well. Follow me please."
She led the two into an empty table meant for four people by the corner. The table beside it was occupied by a young man and a woman, who was almost done with their food.
They both sat down facing each other and Shuichi's green eyes scanned over the room. "Where's Yusuke?" Yusuke helped around the restaurant every day until he could finally inherit it fully and move in with Keiko. Mr Yukimura had joked about sound-proofing Keiko's room when he told Kyoko about Yusuke moving in, causing Keiko to blush and send him mock glares.
"He's out on a date with Keiko." She answered, giving him the menu book. She gave one to Hiei, which he snatched rudely from her. She merely smiled at him.
"I see. Yusuke spent the night watching wrestling too. I hope he won't be late." It was obvious that Shuichi was amused at the thought of Yusuke being pummelled by Keiko. "Can I have your recommendation?"
Kyoko shook her head lightly with a small amused smile, "that boy never changes." Then, "I recommend the curry udon set B and grilled fish set D today."
"I'll have the udon then. Along with hot green tea, if you'll please."
"Of course." Then she turned to Hiei, once again flashing her smile, "what about you Hiei?"
He didn't answer, eyes glaring holes at her. Shuichi sighed tiredly and gave Kyoko an apologetic smile. "He'll take the grilled fish and tea please."
Kyoko scribbled quickly in her notepad. "One curry udon set B, one grilled fish set D and green teas. Would you like anything else?"
"No. that would be enough."
Kyoko bowed. "Your orders will be out shortly." She said before leaving, giving them one more welcoming smile.
"That was very rude Hiei." Kurama hissed at him, eyes flashing dangerously. "I don't see the point of your demand now if all you want to do is glare and ignore her."
Hiei's scowl remained intact. This morning, while Kurama was preparing for work, he had demanded he had lunch at the Yukimura dining and brought him along with him. He didn't even know what drive him to, he could just go alone.
"Now do you mind telling the reasoning behind your demand Hiei? If you aren't aware of it, I have to cancel a meeting because of you."
Hiei rolled his eyes and looked away. He didn't ask the fox to cancel his meeting. If he didn't want to accompany him then he could just refuse. It wasn't his fault. He shouldn't be blamed.
"Hiei." Kurama persisted.
Hiei glared at him but he knew that he had no choice but to answer now. When Kurama was curious, it wasn't easy to escape him without giving him the answers first. What made him having the advantage was the truth serum he had come up with years ago.
He clicked his tongue in annoyance, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back against the chair. His crimson eyes were not on Kurama as he spoke, but they were rolling over, following something. "That Onna…" Kurama could now see the reflection of Kyoko in Hiei's clear yet hard crimson eyes. "She is not frightened by me."
"Isn't that a good thing?"
…
…
…
Hiei glared suddenly. "I don't know." As if he was disgusted, he wrinkled his nose and spat, "I do not like not knowing anything."
"No one does."
They turned silent when Kyoko approached them with a tray of teas. Smiling, she put two green cups down in front of them and poured the green teas into them elegantly. Her movement was smooth, almost as smooth as Yukina's.
"Is everything okay?" She asked once she was done with the tea, worry gleamed in her warm chocolate brown orbs, "the aura around you two is so tense. I was told to check."
Kurama smiled reassuringly. "No, everything's perfect."
"That's good." She smiled gladly, tilting her head slightly to the side, showing her slender pale neck. His eyes instantly zoomed over to the white body part. Her neck was perfect – flawless, smooth, slender and pale.
His crimson eyes trailed the line of her neck to her shoulder, basking in its beauty. Like her neck, it was perfect. And with her wearing that off-shoulder top, his eyes got more of her healthy ivory skin. Kyoko might be an infuriating human woman but she had got his ideal neck and shoulders.
"Alright then, I'll leave you to your conversation again. Please wait a moment for your food." She bowed and left to do her job. Kurama watched her go then he turned to Hiei with a knowing smirk.
"Pretty neck. Don't you agree Hiei?" he teased. Hiei growled.
"I've seen better." He lied indignantly. What's with Kurama sending him suggestive looks whenever Kyoko was involved? Even this morning, he did that stupid eyebrows wriggling and humorous smirk, as if he knew something he didn't. The sly fox had probably hung out too much with Yusuke and Kuwabara.
"Yes, yes. Of course you have."
Hiei ignored him and instead, went back to watching Kyoko. She was conversing with an old man and laughing at sometimes he said. Then she was called by her father and hurriedly excused herself. She and her father spoke for a moment before she nodded and picked a tray up.
She began to make her way to them. He could see the light tremble of her hands because of the huge bowl and the giant platter on it. Why did a woman carry those anyway? Shouldn't her father, a male, carry those?
"Thank you for waiting. Curry udon set B," she put the bowl in front of Kurama, "and the grilled fish set D." she announced, settling the platter full of food down. There was a bowl of rice, a bowl of miso soup, a plate of grilled fish, a plate of egg rolls and another bowl of salad. No wonder it was heavy. She had to carry this much of a food along with the inhuman amount of udon in Kurama's bowl.
Kurama blinked at his order. He had never eaten in the Yukimura dining and was surprised at the amount of their serving. It was an amount that was fitting for Yusuke and Kuwabara.
"Kyoko-san… isn't this too much?"
Kyoko raised a curious eyebrow, "really? But it's our normal serving." Kyoko ran her fingers through her hair, flicking it over her shoulder and giving him sight of her neck. This time, he controlled himself to his best ability and didn't even spare his ideal neck a second glance. "Our customers are mostly men and men tend to eat a lot so…"
"That's right fox. Don't be a woman and eat." Hiei mocked with a sinister smirk on his face. He knew Kurama couldn't eat as much as Yusuke, Kuwabara or himself. He picked his chopsticks up and began eating his rice, watching as Kurama glared at him, picking his own chopsticks up.
"Do you like your food Hiei?"
He glanced at Kyoko, who was standing with the tray in her arms and a gentle smile on her face. He never saw anything on her face other than a smile or a curious look. He should have found it boring but he himself never really showed much expressions. Unless he was furious, of course, but even then he had control over his facial muscles.
He didn't answer, only giving a light grunt but she seemed satisfied enough as she beamed happily at him. His grunt was empty yet she seemed to have taken it as a 'yes'. Though he must agree that the food did taste good, it wasn't in the same level as Mukuro's chef or Yukina.
"I'm so happy you do. Grilled fish is my father's specialty. He will be so happy to hear your opinion."
He ignored her this time and went back to his food. The fox was concentrating on his own food, determined to eat everything. Hiei didn't believe he could, though.
The door opened and he watched as Kyoko turned her head to look over her shoulder at the new customer. She gave him an apologetic smile, "I would love to talk to you more but I need to go back to my job. I'll talk to you later Hiei." With that, she went away.
He continued to watch as she walked toward the new customer and bowed, reciting the greeting she gave every time another customer come in. but this one was different. Once she had finished the ridiculous greeting, she seemed to recognize the man standing in front of her.
He was tall, but not to his height, with messy white hair and tanned skin. His eyes were hidden by the sunglasses he wore but even so Hiei could see how his eyes were settled on Kyoko. He was grinning giddily and speaking about something to the woman.
There's something wrong with him. But, unfortunately, Hiei just couldn't put his finger on it.
He flared his energy slightly and reached it out to him, feeling. He found nothing, only a normal human with a normal energy. He was nothing special.
But Hiei was no fool. He knew something was not right with that man.
"Oh my, I can't believe that we truly do meet again. The world is such a small place." Kyoko laughed merrily, leading the man she bumped into in the park to his table. It was on the other side of the room, far from Hiei and Kurama's.
"Yeah." He grinned. "I'm happy we can meet again. I'm Hakua." He held out his hand, palm up. "So does angel have name?"
Kyoko chuckled and placed her hand on top of his. "I'm Yukimura Kyoko. Just call me Kyoko though."
"Kyoko…" Hakua pressed his soft lips against the back of her hand, the edge of his lips tilted up confidently. "What a beautiful name. Fitting for such a beautiful woman."
A modest blush went over Kyoko's healthily pale skin. She smiled, a little bit shy, "Why thank you. It has been a while since I accepted a compliment that sweet."
Hakua laughed and released her hand. "That's my ability. Charming?"
"Very." Giving the menu to him, she told him the day's specialty. Strangely, all he ordered was a plate of salad and tea. She had been around men who ate like pigs almost all her life. It was weird whenever she met one who ate a little.
Kyoko went over to tell her father of the order. Lunchtime was almost over and things were finally calming down now so her parents were no longer running around the kitchen and pantry like chicken with their heads cut off.
Salad didn't take long to make. She delivered it to Hakua, along with his tea. Hakua didn't eat it, only playing with his food with his fork and sipping his tea in a relaxed manner.
"So Kyoko-san…" he drawled, a lazy grin on his face. Kyoko raised a delicate eyebrow, in the middle of refilling his tea. "What about going on a date with me?"
Her eyes widened slightly, "Excuse me?"
"A date, Angel. You do know what a date is, don't you?"
"Of course I do, but I must refuse. I don't know you that well and I have my job."
"We can learn more about each other on a date." He countered with a cheeky grin, "but of course, I don't mean now. We should go when we're free as I'm also on my lunch break at the moment. I'm only asking in advance. Sometimes, Angel?"
"Sometimes." Kyoko nodded, agreeing. But then her eyebrows furrowed and she added, "maybe."
Hakua pouted. "C'mon! It'll be fun! We can go for a lunch and maybe a movie." He clasped his hands together and his lips quivered. Even if he was wearing those sunglasses and she couldn't see his eyes, she knew they must be all watery and glistening. She sighed.
"Fine." Hakua cheered happily, doing a little happy dance and he grabbed both of her hands.
"I'm so happy! Thank you, my Angel!" then he took out some bills out of his wallet and gave it to her, along with a generous amount of tip. "I'll come again soon." he declared, giving the back of her hand another kiss before leaving.
Kyoko blinked and her eyes flicked to the half-eaten salad. He didn't even finish his meal, but then lunch time was ending and he probably needed to go back to his work. Although, if he hadn't wasted his time flirting, he would have finished his food.
She collected the dirty dishes and brought it over to the kitchen. Her mother thanked her and moved to wash the dishes.
"Why don't you go and check over your friends, dear?" Mrs Yukimura jerked her chin to the table where Shuichi and Hiei were seated. "They seem to be done now."
Kyoko obeyed and went to the table where Hiei was already done with his food and Shuichi was struggling to eat more than half of the bowl.
"You shouldn't force yourself to eat Shuichi." She advised, refilling their teas. She felt heated stares on the side of her face and turned to Hiei, who was glaring daggers at her. "Hiei?"
"Who is it that you were talking to, Onna?" he asked in his husky, raspy baritone. She loved his voice. She always adored men with deep, husky voice.
"Oh? You mean Hakua?"
Shuichi stopped eating and drank his tea, giving curious look.
"I met him while I was taking a walk yesterday. He's a sweetheart, though he could stop with all the flirting." She sighed, a little tired. "He asked me out on a date sometimes, actually."
Hiei raised an eyebrow at that and Shuichi turned to her sharply.
"And I said yes. It's kind of hard to reject him when he used puppy-eyes. I can't counter that." Kyoko frowned.
Hiei didn't seem too happy with that as he scowled and drank his tea, ignoring her. She chuckled and leaned slightly closer to him, her long hair falling to touch his bare shoulder and arm slightly. "You don't seem too happy with it." She grinned mischievously, "could it possibly be… are you jealous?"
In a flash, Hiei had his head turned to her, eyes slightly wide and his teeth were bared threateningly at her. Normally, it should be a horrifying look but it somehow looked really adorable in her eyes. He looked like an angry kitten.
"You're delusional, Onna."
"Now, now… I was merely joking." She risked over the line by ruffling his hair lightly and chuckled. "Well, you've got nice hair."
Hiei pushed her hand away from his head and glowered at her cruelly. "Do not touch me, Onna!" she chuckled and he growled. "This will be your last warning. The next time you touch me, I will personally cut off your hands and feed them to wild animals."
"Well… when that time comes, I'll hope you'll at least use anaesthetic, Hiei." Hiei's face darkened even more and she chuckled, finding his angry looks very amusing. Kyoko collected the dirty dishes, along with Shuichi's half-empty bowl. "I'll come back with your bills in a moment."
"It will be better if you don't show yourself in front of me anymore."
"Why? You don't plan to leave without paying now, do you?" she picked their empty cups up and piled it with the other dirty dishes on her tray. It was heavy. "I sure hope not because that will make you a criminal. And you're much better than that." She grunted, balancing the heavy dishes. Shuichi rose to his feet and offered to help, which was denied.
"I'll be back in a moment."
"Did you hear that fox?"
Kurama sat back down and gave Hiei a questioning look. Hiei was, once again, watching Kyoko.
"She said I'm better than that, than a criminal." His eyes narrowed slightly, "when I used to be one."
"Well, she doesn't know. But she is very courageous. The way she treats you…" he grinned. "Could this be the start of something Hiei?"
Hiei shuddered. "Please, as if I would ever want a relationship with a human."
Kurama shrugged. "We never know what the future holds for us."
"Not her. She is not in my future." 'If I have one.'
"You'll never know."
Hiei glared and Kurama lifted both of his hands, surrendering. Hiei was stubborn and it wasn't easy to convince him unless you have a proof. But that proof wouldn't come until something flourish between them, which Kurama was sure would. It was obvious, even though Hiei didn't show it, that Hiei was, slightly, a tiny bit, maybe the size of a droplet of water, warming up to her. He had a soft spot, another thing he wouldn't admit, to something, or someone, who could stay near him without cowering in fear.
Kyoko truly was the epitome of bravery.
"There is something not right with the person she was talking to." Hiei began suddenly.
"She said his name is… Hakua, isn't it?" Hiei shrugged. He didn't bother remembering the name of someone who might, or might not, be unimportant. "I wish you would pay more attention." Kurama sighed. "But it could be your imagination. I didn't feel anything, nor did I smell him."
"Hn."
"You're being paranoid, Hiei. Do I need to remind you that we have saved the world? It's peaceful now and nothing will ever happen again."
That was the last sentence being spoken concerning the matter.
Kyoko came again, collecting the payment and got another generous amount of tip from Kurama. Hiei listened as Kurama complimented her waitressing ability, which caused her to chuckle, flattered.
She walked with them to the entrance/exit, conversing with Kurama. He was slightly annoyed because their walking pace was too slow but he held his scolding in. If he voiced a word, Kyoko would, undoubtfully, switch her attention to him.
Kurama opened the door and once again complimented her for her family's restaurant's food before excusing himself and left to his own job. Hiei stepped out after him, preparing to go back to Kurama's flat to collect his weapon and train.
"Hiei?"
He glanced at Kyoko over his shoulder.
She flashed him a smile, "come again, okay?"
He lowered his eyes a little. This woman's smile was starting to do things to him. He reached out for her wrist and pulled her with him outside, letting the door closed behind her. She gave a startled yelp, stumbling. Why would she wear heels when she was working in a restaurant anyway?
Her hands immediately went to the inside of his elbows to hold herself up, her forehead colliding with his hard chest. Okay, maybe he pulled her too hard.
"I-is something the matter, Hiei?" she asked, no trace of fear or horror in her voice, only curiosity. "Geez, you surprised me. Couldn't you have asked me to come out with you?" she reprimanded lightly, not unnecessarily angry.
"Why aren't you afraid, Onna?" he was blunt, like usual. The woman pulled back and tried to step back but he kept her in place, eyes searching hers.
"Of what, Hiei?"
He didn't answer.
"Hiei? Are you alright?" she lifted a hand and placed it against his cheek, eyes glazed with worry. "You're starting to scare me, Hiei. Are you okay?"
His hold on her upper-arms tightened slightly, but with not enough pressure to hurt her.
"Why aren't you afraid of me?"
Kyoko raised an eyebrow and she looked at him incredulously. "Do I have a reason to?"
He wanted to answer 'yes' because she indeed had dozens of reasons to be scared of him. He wanted to tell her about all the bad things he had done and that he had a third eye which he could use to manipulate people and a dragon in his right arm which could ruin half of the earth in a blink of an eye. He wanted to tell her that he could kill her with a single snap of his finger.
Yet he knew that if he were to do so, Koenma would have his head.
He sighed tiredly, mentally scolding himself for losing his composure. It was just so odd for him, to find a human woman who bravely approached him with smiles and civil conversations. Kurama didn't count as a human for he was technically a demon and even Yusuke felt slight fear when he met him for the first time, though the half breed got over it quickly.
Hiei couldn't understand her and her line of thoughts. He had read her mind once, at the welcome party, and was surprised when he didn't find any trace of darkness there. She had a pure soul, just like her sister. But even her sister once had darkness in her, when Yusuke was still a spirit detective and constantly having his life in danger. She was enigmatic.
And she genuinely wanted to befriend him. That was very peculiar for him. Never before had he found a human who would willingly claim him as a friend.
Hiei wasn't one for friends. The only friend he had was Kurama and the rest were his comrades, ones he knew would have his back; except Yukina. She was family.
"Hey." He opened his eyes, which he had unconsciously closed during his train of thoughts. He found her warm chocolate brown eyes looking right into his with a worried gaze. "Are you alright? Why don't you come inside and rest?"
"No." he refused, finally releasing her.
She frowned but she understood that he didn't need a rest. This woman was like Kurama in a way, they were both easily curious and very gentle. And they were both also very kind and understanding.
"Alright." She sighed. They were silent and he was preparing to leave when her eyes suddenly glinted in amusement and her lips twisted into a mischievous grin. "I touched you just now, didn't I? Here." She held out both of her arms, wriggling her fingers playfully.
He snorted, rolling his eyes and left. He listened to her laugh and the sound of her footsteps and the door as she went back into the restaurant. Jumping into a tree, he ran all the way home in a calm silence.
To Be Continued…
So, how's that? I hope it's good and you like it^^
Hiei's finally warming up to her! I hope it's not too fast, but in my opinion, Hiei has a soft spot for something/someone who would cuddle to him without fear and in the end of the anime, Hiei had changed considerably so I guess this is okay. Right?
I do hope that he's not too OOC though. But I can't make him the cold, stand-offish apparition he was if he were to have friend, a female one So, if Hiei is OOC, please bear with me. Hiei may have warmed up to her but I don't intend to change him. Warming up to her doesn't necessarily mean he will be calling her by her name and acting all fluffy towards her. He would stay the same Hiei but just a tiny bit gentler.
Though I'll probably think over the name calling part.
Anyway, thank you for reading~
I'll see you in the next chapter and please leave me some love!^^
