Disclaimer: I do not own YuYu Hakusho, but Evelyn Sairi is my own OC.

Hello everyone~! I am so proud that this chapter is finally complete! It was a challenge. The recurring theme for this chapter for both Hiei and I was "what the hell are we going to say?!". Poor Hiei has been through one heck of a struggle. Don't worry, dearie. Evelyn will make it all worth your while ;)

As always, thank you to KyoHana for reviewing my chapters so far, and thank you to those who have followed and favorited this tale. Really makes me so delighted! Anyone else coming in to read, any feedback is welcomed and appreciated!

Anyway, onto the chapter. Enjoy!


Twelve days later

It was late when Kurama finally set down his research and closed up the biology labs. The sky overhead was a fresco painted in amber and lavender as he made his way towards the front gates. All the earth was in a state of flux. Energy and magic hung thick like a fog; you could feel its tingle on your skin. Winds from the west carried with them the sweetness of spring; fresh buds beginning to dot the branches of barren trees, the breath of the green world slowly rising from sleep, and winter's chill stubbornly fighting to still keep hold in the wake of the strengthening Sun. Kurama breathed deep and tucked the longer stands of his carmine hair behind his ear as he soaked in the comforting bouquet that lingered on the air. These moments of in-between when the world was shifting were his favorite; it was when the spirit fox felt most like his bonnie old self again.

"Hey, Shuichi, wait up!"

Kurama's ear gave a twitch as the familiar sound of smitten teenaged girls caught his attention. He had hoped that staying late would have allowed time for the other students to dissipate, providing him a way home without this sort of delay. These girls must have been waiting for him. As Kurama drew in another deep breath a charming smile grew on his face and he turned to meet the girls as they reached him.

"Good evening, ladies." The cordial façade of Shuichi Minamino said in greeting.

"Good evening, Shuichi." The first girl- a round faced young lady with cropped black hair- tittered nervously as she bowed. "You're here awfully late. We thought maybe we had missed you-"

The second girl had apparently been holding onto her excitement for too long; her hazel eyes were bulging so wide that Kurama feared they might pop from their sockets. "A bunch of us are going out together Friday evening to hang out in town. We thought about seeing a movie, maybe visiting the arcade. And it won't just be us. Several people from our class are going." Clasping her hands together the girl turned on the sparkle-eyed charm as she pleaded. "We would be happy to have you join us. Please say you'll come."

From behind the smile of Shuichi Minamino the fox stared down at the schoolgirls. The cogs in his head were ticking; going out with him was certainly the ultimate status symbol among the young women of the school. Even if it wasn't a date, the reality of it would be that these girls asked out the Shuichi Minamino and he had agreed. That alone would secure them a higher place in the pecking order and, Kurama suspected, fulfil some fantasy of being arm in arm with the handsome prodigy of Meiou High. Or, he thought admittedly, they could be trying to reach out to him as classmates and honestly just wanted to include him in their fun-filled weekend outing. Humans were (and are), after all, social creatures.

Either way, he resolved, I've no intention of attending.

"While it does sound like a wonderful evening," he said, carefully painting his words and expression with disappointment, "regrettably I must decline. My weekend is currently full." Both girls deflated before his eyes. They pressed him and pleaded, but Shuichi Minamino kept his foot down. Employing diplomacy and kindness he eventually got the girls to concede. They left looking crestfallen, yet they still waved him 'goodbye' as they departed, smiling and fawning over the man they left behind.

While an evening out would be fun for his classmates, Kurama had other priorities. Keeping up with assignments and continuing his research were more important than spending time with an adoring entourage. Not to mention that even if his time was free, everyone here was so very young- in body, in mind, and in experience. He was too old to put too much stock in the fleeting matters that seemed occupy all the attention of his peers. It was almost amusing to watch the collective student body at the mercy of hormones and the whims of fancy. Young girls drawn to his charm and feminine form flocked like bees to a clover field in bloom. Jealous- albeit adoring- young men sought to mimic him, as if becoming akin to Shuichi would bring about the resolution of all their teenaged troubles.

Kurama sighed. Ah, youth.

Of course, Kurama didn't call them young with arrogant intent or haughty superiority. It was simply a fact; rain was wet, roses were sweet, and everyone was younger than Kurama. At least Kurama had his mother, loving and bright as she always was. Shiori was already seated at the table when Kurama made it home. The aroma of fried vegetables and fish made him salivate eagerly, but he composed himself long enough to properly greet his mother before taking his seat.

"You're home rather late." Shiori noted as her son pecked her cheek. "It must have been a busy day for you, Shuichi. I was beginning to worry your supper would go cold."

"And let all your hard work go to waste?" Kurama said incredulously. "I wouldn't dream of it."

Shiori was beaming at her son from across the table. "I see it too, you know: how hard you work, how much time and energy you put in to your studies." Her gaze was overflowing with pride. "You're going to do great things, and I am always so proud of you." Kurama felt his heart flutter; he never tired of hearing such praises, or of seeing his mother so pleased.

"That is why," Shiori continued, pushing a paper bag towards her son, "I got you a little something." The fox hid a smirk; he knew this was coming. Being the proud mother she was Shiori had made it a habit to spoil her son as a reward for his successes, usually with a new plant for his collection. Reaching into the bag, Kurama's eyes lit up when he produced his prize- a bonsai tree.

"Mother, this is beautiful." And indeed it was. Though it was undoubtedly a young tree, whoever had cultivated it had done so with great artistry and care. From its roots the tree grew upwards with a serpentine sway. Its branches blanketed by spiny juniper leaves reached outward and drifted over the mossy base like misty evergreen clouds.

"They say a bonsai tree brings good fortune and success in business ventures." Shiori said as Kurama admired his gift. "Given that you're still in school, you may not have much use for it now, but it can't hurt to have some luck tucked away in your pocket."

"A little luck goes a long way." Said the fox as he lifted his eyes to her- the human woman he loved so dearly. "Thank you, mother."

Regardless of whether or not the old folk tales of the bonsai's fortune-granting were true, Kurama was content and pleased with himself for earning such a gift. After dinner and a kiss goodnight to his mother, he went up to his room with the tree cradled in his arms. One whole wall of his bedroom was already devoted to plants. Several tiered shelves fitted with lights and a table in the corner bore his collection of flora. African violets and a massive peace lily, a hanging spider plant and philodendron all whispered amongst themselves with curiosity as their keeper set the newcomer on his desk.

"So, you're a lucky one I hear." Kurama said as he leaned back in his chair, regarding the little tree. "You might have your work cut out for you, but I'll do my best to help you along." The bonsai tree gave a confident smile. Ordinary humans couldn't see it, but Kurama wasn't an ordinary human. Opening up his texts the fox dove into his studies with the little tree watching beside him. Pausing only to flip a page or pen out important notes, he kept at his task with diligence, seemingly unaware of the ruby eyes that watched his back from just beyond his window.

-o-

Hiei had been given a fortnight to complete his task. Two weeks was more than enough time to convince Kurama to see that woman with him; he had been confident of this when he left the doctor's house that night. The next day he had trailed the fox from his school to his home. He would wait in the tree until Kurama was alone, rap on his window, ask him to come along, and be done. It was the simplest plan, absolutely foolproof, and laughably simple. Yet here he was, for the twelfth night in a row, staring at Kurama's back and doing nothing to get his attention.

Now, if anyone had told the members of the detective's party that the fearsome and menacing Hiei Jaganshi had been silenced by a case of nerves they would have been met with equal parts stunned disbelief, and (namely from Yusuke and Kuwabara) ridiculing laughter. Hiei was a warrior, cold blooded as his kin, ruthless, and headstrong. His fellow party members could list out all the things Hiei was, and the felon being afraid of or nervous about anything was nowhere on that list. Even Hiei would agree with them; fear held no sway over him.

So then what the hell is wrong with me? He growled to himself. Just tap on his window and ask him. Nothing to it. But he didn't. More than that, he couldn't. All this time and Hiei still had no idea what to say. Scenarios and conversations played out in his head, but each one sounded more ridiculous than the last. Hiei would be damned if he willingly opened his mouth and proved himself a fool, especially to the fox. Just thinking about the smirk on his face or the laughter in those emerald eyes as Kurama watched Hiei stumble about for words made his blood boil. So once again he waited with the futile expectation that an intelligent stream of words would magically materialize in his head, thus freeing him from this immobilizing spell. But the words never came, and by the time Kurama gave a stretch and turned out his desk light the three-eyed demon had fled the scene without a trace.

Hidden in the woods outside town, Hiei's frustration erupted like a solar flare; an energy bolt shot into his arm and drove his fist into a tree. No birds chirped in the surrounding skeleton trees, and no creatures rustled in the dry grasses. The only sound in the clearing was the crack of weakened wood giving way to the young demon's rage. This was but a continuation of his nightly ritual; most of the bark of the old tree had been chipped away, and a splintered dent had been whittled into the wood.

Fear. Anxiety. You're riddled with it. The words of the doctor echoed in his ears and Hiei struck the tree again. A tingling in his knuckles and a smear of red on the wood told Hiei he had broken the skin, but the demon paid it no mind. Pain like this could be controlled; besides, it was a welcome distraction from his frustration. He knew she was right, and he hated it. He hated himself. What could he possibly have to feel this way about? He'd faced foes and countless battles with pleasure. They didn't rattle him. Why did this? When Hiei first found Kurama he had asked for his help with his mission to steal artifacts from Spirit World and he hadn't missed a beat.

But that was different. Hiei reminded himself as he laid a hand on the battered tree. Back then Hiei had a plan. Every avenue of possibility had been seen and accounted for; Hiei had been sure of himself and the actions he needed to take. Not this time. His mind went to Evelyn. He saw her face, regal and commanding, and he felt small once again with the memory of those electric eyes. Since seeing that woman, Hiei had never felt more foolish. And yet as he thought of Kurama under the starry sky a yearning that he had been carrying just as long bubbled up like a storm of fireflies. Was he really about to let what he wanted slip out of his grasp so easily?

What makes a fool? Evelyn's voice echoed between Hiei's ears, patient and sweet. You only lack experience. I can teach, and I will guide you if you prove you're willing to be open, and take that initial leap. Hiei's fury roiled, and once again he drove a closed fist into the dent.

"Damn. You. Woman!" he snarled through gritted teeth with every blow he landed. "What the hell am I supposed to say?"

"Oh my. What did that poor tree ever do to you?" A smooth voice broke the quiet of the clearing and Hiei turned to see Kurama standing on the bough of a neighboring tree.

Hiei scowled. "What are you doing out here?" he snapped coldly. "Shouldn't you be at home having Mommy tuck you in?" Kurama seemed unfazed by his quip.

"Shouldn't you have better things to do than stalk me?"

Hiei growled to mask the fact that his gut just flipped. "How did you know?"

"I'm not hearing a denial."

"Then why the hell didn't you say anything?"

"I had considered it." said the fox. "After some deliberation I concluded there were two reasons why you'd sit and stare at me all night: the first is that you wished to admire me. If that were the case, I feared my mention of it would inadvertently spoil your view." Moonlight reflected in Kurama's eyes gave his grin a devious air. Hiei bristled as a shudder went up his spine. He could only hope the shadows of night were enough to hide the color that was no doubt filling his cheeks.

"The second," Kurama continued before Hiei could retort, "is that there was something you wished to discuss with me. Since this was more likely the case, once I realized you weren't going to approach me on your own, I thought I could make things easier and come to you."

Make things easier? Hiei clenched his teeth. No, Kurama being here didn't make things easier. His mind was still flat-lining, completely void of anything to say, and Kurama's presence was merely rubbing salt in a wound. Muscles that Hiei didn't even know he had grew tense. He felt cornered; he knew there was no running away from this.

The time for stalling is over. A voice in his head whispered. Out with it.

"Apparently you're having more trouble with that than I suspected." Kurama gestured to the splintered dent in Hiei's tree. "So, who is she?"

The question caught Hiei off guard. "What?"

"Who is she-" Kurama annunciated. "- this person you're beating in effigy?"

Once Hiei told Yusuke that the world didn't give many chances. His own couldn't have been more obvious if it had a flashing neon sign to point it out, and he wasn't about to let it escape him. He hated feeling so helpless, like that damned fool teetering on a precipice. He hated that woman for forcing his hand, and he hated admitting to himself that she was right to do so. Dangling on the edge of a great divide he would never know what lay below if he didn't give in a little. This was his test, the goal of his quest. Hiei inhaled- the breath before the plunge. Channeling twelve nights of fury and frustration he took the leap of faith.

"She calls herself a doctor." Hiei answered. "Dr. Evelyn Sairi. I met her the night we saw that stupid movie with the detective and his bumbling oaf."

"And what does she have to do with you following me?"

The demon turned his face aside to avoid Kurama's eyes.

"That night you told me that I should keep an open mind. You said you were confident that I could learn to understand what was so fun about…" For a moment he stumbled on his words and his fists clenched tightly.

"Being sexual?" Kurama offered gently. "Yes, Hiei, I remember."

"I thought you were a fool for thinking so." Hiei said point blank as he blushed. "I still do. But the lady seemed to think she could teach me, and she said she needed your help to do so. Don't bother asking me how. All she would tell me is that I'm supposed to bring you to my next appointment." Fire red eyes drifted back to Kurama. Any doubt or hesitation that this was what he wanted had fled his mind.

"So if you have any plans for Friday, cancel them." He commanded. "You're coming along with me." Part of him still expected Kurama to flat out reject him, but in his heightened state of courage Hiei was prepared to battle and barter as long as needed until the other caved. Kurama's honey-sweet smile, however, convinced Hiei there was no need before the fox had even spoken.

"Alright. I'll go with you."

Hiei blinked his eyes in surprise. He had expected a fight, but if Kurama was going to give in, it was just as well.

"Hn." He grunted. Good.

"When is your appointment?"

"She wants us there by nine," Hiei answered, "but I'll meet you at your place before then. You won't be able to find her without me."

"Then I will see you Friday evening." Kurama grinned. Hiei thought he looked unusually pleased, but he didn't have a chance to question the look in those eyes. With a graceful hop Kurama left the tree and Hiei was once again alone in the night. Once Kurama was out of sight, the demon let go of the breath he had been holding. It was done; Hiei had taken his first step into the unknown. High above the treetops the sliver of the waning moon grinned wide. Perhaps Hiei was mad, but she seemed to be satisfied. Or perhaps he was merely projecting his own contentment. That had to be it, he decided.

"Two more nights." He said to the moon. "You'd better be ready, lady."

-o-

Kurama hadn't been too certain of what to expect when he followed Hiei into the woods. Briefly he had wondered if Hiei was planning another heist, or was getting himself into mischief that would ultimately be the downfall of them both. Kurama hadn't expected an invitation, but he had been more excited than he let on to accept it. Of course he would have done anything he could to help Hiei. If his company could open new doors for him, pave the way for the demon's understanding (and, dare he wish it, acceptance) of the human world they occupied, Kurama would stand by him in a heartbeat. But he couldn't deny that something else tickled at the back of his mind.

Dr. Evelyn Sairi…

Kurama knew Hiei better than most, and so knew that Hiei was never one to follow orders, or take suggestions from anyone. He made his own way and sought to command the world until it lay at his feet; it was one of many things Kurama admired about him. Yet somehow this stranger had not only gotten Hiei to do something he clearly struggled with, but she had made enough of an impression on Hiei that he had actually remembered her name. That was a feat in and of itself; Hiei couldn't be bothered to retain anyone's name if he didn't consider them worthwhile enough to recall. She must have made quite an impression on Hiei; anyone who could do that must be quite the individual, and Kurama would be remiss to allow the opportunity to meet someone so intriguing slip by him.

"You are a lucky one after all." Beside him on his bedside table the little bonsai tree was smiling its smile that most couldn't see and overall looking very pleased with itself. And Kurama's grin gleamed impishly in the dim.

"This is going to be fun."


Super excited for the three of them to finally come together!