You know the drill! Enjoy!
Cole was woke up before sunrise the next morning by her sister entering her room.
"What's wrong Cor?" She sat up. Cora crawled into bed and laid her head on her sister's shoulder. In return, Cole put her arm around her sister.
"Tomorrow." Was all she said.
Cole swallowed, "I know. We have to be strong for each other."
Cora then stood up and held her hand out to her sister. "Come on."
Cole smiled and complied with her sister's request. The rest of the house was sound asleep, or so they thought. A certain fire demon followed silently, wondering what in the world was going on. Barefoot, the girls walked through the forest. The sun had not risen yet but the sky was beginning to lighten enough to see. They reached to ocean that was located on the property.
"Keiko told me it was here." Cora explained as she sat in the sand. Cole followed and looked at the sky. The sun was starting to peek over the horizon as waves crashed gently.
"This is awesome." Cole laid back on the sand.
"Yes it is awesome." She laid back. "Cole, you will have a good life here."
"It won't be the same though."
"I know but it will be one worth the ride, I promise."
Cole sighed, "I hope so. Koenma said I could work for him but I'm not sure."
Cora laughed, "I think you would end up killing him. Then I would have to come save your ass."
"Well then I might take up the offer."
Cora sat up and looked at her sister, "I want you to sing."
"Now?"
She rolled her eyes. "No. I want you to sing for the world. Be famous. Like we used to talk about before all of this."
Cole stood and looked at her sister. "Get up." With a confused look, Cora did what her sister ordered. Before she knew it, Cole had her swung on her shoulder and was running towards the water.
"COLE YOU BETTER NOT!" Cora yelled. Cole merely smiled and jumped into the cold water.
Hiei smirked. These girls were crazy. Kurama appeared beside him. He put on a blank face and looked to his friend.
"It's sad isn't it?" Kurama asked watching the two girls run and splash each other.
"Hn. I do not care either way."
Kurama smirked. He could read his friend so well. "Put yourself in their shoes. What if you and Yukina had to go through this?"
Hiei glared daggers. "That would not happen."
Before Kurama could respond, Hiei was nowhere to be seen. He turned back to see the girls walking back to the temple laughing. Even though they were laughing, they still had a sense of sadness around them. They were being strong for each other.
When they reached the temple Keiko and Yukina were awake. They were sitting in the living room sipping tea.
"You two are soaked!." Yukina exclaimed.
"Well, dummy here threw us into the ocean." Cora pointed to her sister who was smiling.
"Go get changed and come have some tea." Keiko chuckled. The girls nodded and went of to shower and change. Cora changed into a light green cotton dress that came to her knees. One strap hung off of her shoulder. She brushed her hair and went to check on her sister. Cole was wearing jeans and a red tank top. Together they went down the stairs to sit with the others.
"So," Keiko began, "what would you guys say to having a get together tonight?"
"What for?" Cole asked sipping on her tea.
"For your birthdays. We figure it would be nice to celebrate and have fun."
Cole looked to her sister. Cora smiled, "That would be cool."
"What do you want to do?"
"Let's camp on the beach. It'll be fun." Cole suggested. She wanted her sister to be happy and if that meant having a party, then so be it. Cora nodded and smiled.
"Beach party it is!" Yusuke yelled from the kitchen.
Keiko rubbed the bridge of her nose, "Damn half demon hearing."
"But you love me!"
Keiko smiled, "Yes, Yes I do."
The girls chuckled and drank the rest of their tea. Kurama came in a few minutes later and smiled. "Good morning."
Cora smiled back, "Good morning Kurama."
Cole looked at them and smirked. She knew her sister had the hots for him since day one. Her smirk faded when she remembered that there was no way they could be together. Cora would be returning to the heavens where she belonged. She sighed and took her cup to the kitchen. Hiei was sitting at the table with a tub of vanilla ice cream.
"Good morning Hiei." She said as she rinsed her cup.
"Hn." He murmured. Instead of receiving a glare, she gave him a soft smile. He then felt a jolt run through his body, making him catch his breath. She walked over and bent down to his ear.
"If you want to be an ass, I can certainly be a bitch." She whispered. Her hot breath made him shudder. "Remember that you have to put up with me."
She then walked out of the room leaving Hiei in a state of shock. How dare she talk to him that way.
"Baka onna." He said and continued eating his ice cream.
A few hours later it was lunch time and the car and shed had arrived. Yusuke being Yusuke wanted to start work immediately. So Cole, Kuwabara, and Yusuke went to work. Kurama came and watched for kicks. Cole knew what she was doing. She lifted the hood and began taking the motor apart while she instructed Yusuke and Kuwabara to gut the interior. Kurama gave her props for being patient with the two boys. They would ask what this and that was and how it worked. She would smile and give her explanation. About an hour later Hiei came to examine the machine.
He was watching the two idiots fight when Cole came around from the hood. She was sweaty making her pulled back hair stick to her. Her body glistened. There was grease smeared here and there on her face and chest. Kurama chuckled receiving a glare from his friend.
'Don't be that way Hiei.' He scolded playfully. 'She's a beautiful girl. There is no shame in staring.'
'Hn. Speak for yourself fox.'
"Hey Kurama can you help me for a second?" Cole asked wiping her face.
"Sure." He stood and walked to the front of the car, trying to fight back a chuckle as he noted Hiei was behind him.
"I need to lift this motor outta here and I don't have a lift so we're gonna have to it the old fashioned way."
Kurama raised and eyebrow. "You mean lift this?"
"What's wrong the great Youko Kurama can't lift a ningen car motor?" She gave him and evil smile. She knew the once great thief couldn't resist a challenge. She had heard the stories. His eyes flashed a tad of gold and he smiled. "Thought so."
She told him where to grab and lift then she positioned herself. "Ok. You ready?" His eyes flashed. " We're going to set it on that table. One, Two, Three."
Hiei was surprised she could lift such a heavy piece of equipment. She looked to the two boys in the car and laughed. They were asleep in the back seat. Kurama chuckled.
"Hey. You two keep your clothes on."
Yusuke opened his eyes and looked to his left to see Kuwabara. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" He screamed making Cole laugh so hard she was crying. Kuwabara scurried out of the car.
"Kuwabara he's taken." Cole joked.
"Oh shut it." Hr grumbled. Yusuke stretched and looked at the black eyed girl.
"We've done enough for today. We can finish gutting tomorrow and start sanding." She closed the shop doors and followed the others into the temple.
"It's about time!" Rang Botan's all to cheery voice.
Kuwabara instantly went to Yukina who brought him a glass of water. She smiled. They were cute together. She wondered if she would have someone like that.
"So we figure you guys can shower and pack. Then we'll head to the beach." Keiko suggested.
"Sounds awesome." Cole smiled and ran upstairs.
Keiko sighed. "I just want them to have a good time."
Yusuke put his arms around her and gave her a soft kiss. "They'll be with us. Of corse they're gonna have fun." Keiko smiled. She was so lucky.
"Get a room!" Kuwabara called.
"Not now son, mom and dad are talking!" He yelled back. Kuwabara was silent, which meant he was confused.
"Urameshi!" He yelled. Both Yusuke and Keiko laughed.
"You're right." She gave him a quick kiss and went into the living room with the others. He smiled to himself. If she only knew how much he loved her. She was his reason for making sure not to die, again, when they went on missions. She was the reason he looked forward to coming home. The reason for never giving up. Sure she was stubborn as hell and could hit really hard for a girl but she was his girl now and that was all that matters. He smiled, 'What a life', he thought on his way to shower.
They reached the beach around three and set up their camp. Tents were in a circle and a fire pit was in the middle. They were beside a large cliff that would keep some of the wind off of them. Everyone went swimming except for Cole who had her guitar strapped to her back and walked up to the cliff. It was about two hundred feet high. She placed her foot on it and began to climb.
"Onna what do you think you are doing?" Came Hiei's voice from beneath her.
"Well, Hiei, I am climbing this cliff." She looked down at him. "The view would be worth it."
"What if you fall?"
"Then you'll catch me, of course."
He raised and eyebrow. "What makes you think that?"
She looked at him with a devilish grin, "It's your job."
Hiei growled and she laughed. She then turned and continued to climb until she reached the top. She looked out at the ocean and smiled. All you could see was water. She looked at her sister to see her and Kurama splashing each other.
"KEEP YOUR PANTS ON CORA!" She yelled. Cora's face turned red.
"I'M NOT WEARING PANT STUPID! DON"T FALL!" Cora yelled making Cole laugh. Cole sat down and began playing until a song came to mind.
"Well, are you going to play or sing?" Hiei's voice startled her. She turned and smiled.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
Black bird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
all your life
you were only waiting for this moment to be free
She closed her eyes and Hiei began to watch her intently.
Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird fly, Blackbird fly
Into the light of the dark black night.
Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise,
You were only waiting for this moment to arise,
You were only waiting for this moment to arise
She looked at Hiei and smiled. "Did that answer your question?"
He smirked. "I like that one."
"It's called Black Bird. My mother used to sing it all of the time when I was little."
"Food's ready!" She heard Botan call.
She stood and turned to Hiei. "How do we get down?"
He walked up to her. "It'll take forever. Here." He then picked her up and flitted to the camp.
"Thanks." She said walking towards the others.
"Hn." She chuckled. "Something funny?"
"Yes. You and your choice of words."
After dinner they cleaned up and swam some more. Which involved them playing the wonderful water game of chicken. Yusuke and Cole were the only two left to fight each other. They had beaten everyone else. Yusuke was on Kuwabara's shoulders and Cole was on Kurama's.
"Ready baby girl?" He teased.
"Don't think for a second you can handle this, honey. Many have tried and they have failed." She shot back. The others laughed.
They went for each other and everyone cheered (excluding Hiei who was on the beach). Yusuke was down before he knew what hit him. Everyone cheered at Cole's victory and she gave Kurama a high five. They came out of the water and dried off. Kurama was the first to emerge from his tent and went over to Hiei.
"Cole is strong." He said.
"She'll be a good fighter."
"I saw you watching her."
Hiei looked to him and smirked, "Hn. What about you and the other girl. You could barely keep your eyes off of her all day."
Kurama chuckled. "I'm attracted to her. I won't deny it."
Hiei looked at him and smirked. Cora and Cole emerged from their tent and walked over to their guardians.
"Where is everyone?" Cora asked.
"Still changing." Kurama answered.
"Oh. Would you like to take a walk with me?" She offered to Kurama.
"Sure."
"I'll be back Cole." She flicked her sister's hair as she walked by.
Cole watched them until they were out of sight.
"They'll be fine."
"I know but I can't help but worry sometimes."
She looked at him and gave a weak smile. Hiei knew what was wrong. "You're worried about tomorrow."
She nodded. "I don't know what's going to happen."
He smirked. "You'll be fine."
She then gave him a true smile. Then setting sun made her hair glisten and her eyes pop. He caught his breath. "Promise?"
"Promise." He then flitted away. Why had he just said that? He could care less. Yes he was attracted to her but did he have feelings for her? This was confusing him, which was something he didn't like at all.
With Cora and Kurama…
"Kurama?"
"Yes?"
"I'm worried about my sister."
He looked at her to see worry filled eyes.
"I mean I want to know she will be ok here. I don't want her to be alone."
"I understand." He gave her a sad smile. "I promise she will be just fine. And so will you."
She gave him a true smile and kissed his cheek. "Thanks."
The got back to the camp to see everyone sitting around the fire. Cole was waiting with her guitar. "Hurry it up, they're getting restless."
Cora smiled and ran to the group of people. She sat beside Cole and looked to her sister.
"Sing already!" Yusuke demanded. The girls laughed and Cole began to play.
She grew up on the side of the road
Where the church bells ring and strong love grows
She grew up good
She grew up slow
Like American honey
Steady as a preacher
Free as a weed
Couldn't wait to get goin'
But wasn't quite ready to leave
So innocent, pure and sweet
American honey
There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American honey
Get caught in the race
Of this crazy life
Tryin' to be everything can make you lose your mind
I just wanna go back in time
To American honey, yea
There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothing's sweeter than summertime
And American honey
Gone for so long now
I gotta get back to her somehow
To American honey
Ooh There's a wild, wild whisper
Blowin' in the wind
Callin' out my name like a long lost friend
Oh I miss those days as the years go by
Oh nothin's sweeter than summertime
And American honey
And American honey
They clapped and smiled. "Can we hear one more?" Keiko asked.
"Sure. This sounds like you." Cole looked at her sister who nodded.
Two days past eighteen
He was waiting for the bus in his army green
Sat down in a booth in a cafe there
Gave his order to a girl with a bow in her hair
He's a little shy so she gives him a smile
And he said would you mind sittin' down for a while
And talking to me,
I'm feeling a little low
She said I'm off in an hour and
I know where we can go
So they went down and they sat on the pier
He said I bet you got a boyfriend but I don't care
I got no one to send a letter to
Would you mind if I sent one back here to you
I criedNever gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
So the letters came from an army camp
In California then VietnamAnd he told her of his heart
It might be love and all of the things he was so scared of
He said when it's getting kinda rough over here
I think of that day sittin' down at the pier
And I close my eyes and see your pretty smile
Don't worry but I won't be able to write for awhile
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
One Friday night at a football game
The Lord's Prayer said and the Anthem sang
A man said folks would you bow your heads
For a list of local Vietnam dead
Crying all alone under the stands
Was a piccolo player in the marching band
And one name read but nobody really cared
But a pretty little girl with a bow in her hair
I cried
Never gonna hold the hand of another guy
Too young for him they told her
Waitin' for the love of a travelin' soldier
Our love will never end
Waitin' for the soldier to come back again
Never more to be alone when the letter said
A soldier's coming home
She repeated the chorus twice and Cora came in with her violin. When the music died away, Botan was wiping away tears and Keiko gave Cole a tight hug.
"Thank you." She whispered.
"You're welcome."
"Let's hit the hay folks. Cole worked me to death." Yusuke yawned and stood. Everyone agreed and they went to their tents. Cole and Cora laid facing each other with tears in their eyes.
"Tomorrow." Cora whispered.
Cole sighed, "Tomorrow."
They laid that way until they fell asleep.
ok. I hope you guys found that to your liking :) Thanks for all of the support and stuff you have no idea how much it means. Later Days!
