A.N. An old fic I found and edited a bit. I do not own Inuyasha or Yu Yu Hakusho.

"No."

The simple word stung her more deeply than she ever wanted to admit. Her hands clenched around the package as she pressed her back against the tree, glad for his inability to sense her pure reiki.

"Hiei, we both know you care for her. Why won't you admit it?"

Crimson irises bore into the fox angrily. "I do not care for that insignificant woman. She is a weak."

Kurama's lips thinned into an angry line. "Kagome-chan is a beautiful, strong, and intelligent woman. If you don't admit your feelings soon then someone else will."

Hiei snarled, his eyes darkening to almost black with rage and possessiveness as he slammed the avatar into a tree by his throat. "Watch yourself, Fox. Or I'll rip out that throat of yours."

Stop defending me Kurama... It's not worth it. He'll never see me. Kagome fled, dropping the package to the ground in her rush to get far away before the tears came.

A familiar scent wafted over to the two youkai, sakura and rain.

Kagome... The hybrid fled as soon as he scented the taint of salt, leaving a slightly frustrated avatar behind. Surprise flashed in his eyes as he picked up a package wrapped with a shiney black wrapping paper with red dragons on it.

x~x~x

Stupid Kagome... Why did you think he would even consider you a friend? Pale, delicate looking hands wiped her tears away furiously as thunder sounded nearby, rain drops hitting her skin. "Always falling for someone who'll never love me back..."

Storm clouds darkened and blocked any rays of sun as lightning streaked across the sky.

Flushed skin tingled and went numb as the miko allowed the icy rain to pelt her paling flesh. And the sky pities me...

"Humans fall ill in the rain."

Deep blue eyes, rimmed slightly with red snapped up to gaze at the hybrid. "It doesn't matter. Go away, Hiei. I'm sorry to have troubled you with my presence."

Her despair irked him. "Hn. I will not be blamed for your foolishness. Rise."

"No."

Hiei slung her frail cold body over his shoulder and disappeared into the shrine, holding her struggling body in place easily.

She let out a soft "oomph" as he flung her onto the couch. "Why do you give a damn? I'm not your concern." There was venom to her tone.

His eyes narrowed at her, taking in the paleness to her flesh and the way the cloth clung to her shivering form. "Change."

Body curled into the fetal position, she stared at the wall as the room echoed in silence. "Go away."

Low growls emitted from the hybrid's throat as he hauled her to stand, pulling her upstairs to her bedroom. "Change. Now. I won't tell you again."

Pink crept across her cheeks as she stared at him. "Leave the room."

"Change." He turned on his heels and left her.

x~x~x

Impatience glimmered in the hybrid's eyes as he took the slightly batteredpackage from his cloak, staring at it.

The miko sighed as she walked down the stairs, tugging at the sleeves of the over sized flannel shirt she wore. "What do you want Hiei?"

He gestured towards the carefully wrapped package, glaring at it. It confused him.

Feelings of anxiety coupled with surprise and a bit of simple timing caused an odd reaction. She laughed. Loudly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she clutched her sides. This is it. I've finally cracked haven't I?

"Woman." His tone was warning.

"I-I'm falling a-ap-part at the se-seams and you-you're confused ab-bout a b-birthday gi-ift," she giggled as tears fell down her cheeks, hysteria settling in. Yup, you've definitely cracked, Girl. Off to the room with the white padded walls.

His lips pulled into a deeper scowl than usual as he stared at her. He was quite familiar with the custom yet knew not how she would have knowledge of the anniversary of his birth, nor why she would give him a gift. "Hn. How did you know acquire this knowledge?"

Her body tensed, all strange humor draining away from her posture. "I... Peeked in your file."

Ruby orbs narrowed as he yanked her forward, glaring into her eyes. "How and why did you gain access to my file?"

"I offered to make some corrections in the historical data in exchange for unlimited access to the Reikai records."

"Why?" he demanded.

"I wanted to get you something for your birthday." She averted her eyes, her cheeks a dark pink.

One strong hand cupped her face, forcing her to look him in the eyes. "The reason, Woman."

"Because for some godawful reason, I like you!" She smacked him and shoved him away, running up the stairs to her bedroom.

Shock filtered through him. She "liked" him? Slowly, he picked up the package, unwrapping it carefully.

A framed photo. A picture of their entire group of friends, her standing next to him with a smile. Under that, a bag of assorted cookies and fudge and a fifty dollar gift card to Ben and Jerry's ice cream, a note attached to the back of the frame.

Happy birthday Hiei!

I know that we don't exactly talk a lot but... I'm glad that you were born. You're a good person in your heart and I'm happy to know you.

Love,

Kagome

x~x~x

Sapphire orbs glared at the wall, evidence of her embarrassment staining her cheeks. Why did I burst out with that?

The door opened slowly as the hybrid walked in, slipping off his boots and tossing his cloak and shirt to the side.

Her jaw dropped open, her eyes wide as he advanced. "H-hiei?" She gasped as he pushed her to lay down gently.

His eyes traced every little curve hidden and unhidden by the ugly shirt. "I will court you."

Blushing a dark pink, she nodded. "A-alright."

Strong arms wrapped around her as they lay in bed, her back pressed against his chest.

"Hiei?"

"Hn?"

"Happy birthday."