A/N:

Get ready, everyone! This chapter is a long one!

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Chapter 10: Happy Birthday

Kurama and I waved to Shiori as she boarded an airplane.

She was leaving on a month long tour of Europe that Kurama had mailed to her disguised as a contest prize.

She had been reluctant to go and leave Kurama and I by ourselves, but we urged her to go while telling her we'd be just fine without her.

Eventually, she gave in.

We watched quietly as her airplane took off into the distant sky.

"I must leave tomorrow." Kurama said softly.

"I know." I whispered.

I felt his eyes on me as I continued to gaze out the window.

A great sadness weighed heavily over my heart and I felt a prickling at the back of my eyes. I forced myself not to cry in front of him.

Kurama slipped his hand into mine and pulled me from the window, "Let's go home, Sadie."

I followed silently and solemnly, my fingers laced with his.

Gods, how I'll miss him, I realized suddenly. And it hit me hard.

We arrived back home and Kurama headed for the kitchen.

"What would you like for dinner?" he called.

I followed him as far as the doorway and leaned into the frame as I watched him prep the kitchen.

I sighed heavily and Kurama turned to me.

"Are you okay?" his eyes grew worried, "You've been very quiet."

I was silent a while as I desperately fought my tears. The worry grew in Kurama's eyes.

"I'm not hungry," I managed to choke out before Kurama could say anything more.

I turned heel and ran to my room.

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Kurama's POV

"Sadie?" I called out to her in surprise.

I knw she hated that I was leaving, but I hadn't realized she'd taken it so hard.

I ran after her, but she closed and locked the door before I could get there.

I took hold of the knob and knocked on her door, "Sadie! Please open the door. Can't we talk about this?"

Silence.

I sighed and went into my room to the door that connected our rooms. Locked.

I listened and could hear her ragged breathing. Was she crying? Either that or she was trying her best not to.

My heart throbbed painfully. I hated that I was leaving her by herself; that she was in such sorrow over me.

Suddenly determined, I searched through my supply of seeds. Once I found the desired seed, I ran downstairs as I fed my energy to it, willing it to grow.

I placed the pungent smelling flower on an open window sill, facing it outside.

I then went into the kitchen and made dinner for two while also baking something special for Sadie while I would be gone.

I had just finished dinner when Hiei entered through the window.

"You called?" he asked, pointing to the flower I had used to call him here with its scent.

I took it down and reverted it back to seed form.

I began placing the leftovers for Sadie in the oven to keep it warm. She would eat it later. Hiei waited patiently.

"I need to ask a favor of you, Hiei." I turned to him. His attention had been pulled upstairs by his senses.

"What's wrong with her?" he nearly growled.

I sighed, "She's upset that I'm leaving. She's apparently taking it much harder than I expected, which is why I brought you here."

Hiei nodded in understanding.

"Make sure she's not ever lonely. Spend time with her. If you can't be with her, make sure there's someone who can be." It was all I could ask of him.

He gave me a sharp look, "Are you asking for her sake or yours?"

I measured his question and determined I should answer carefully.

"Both." I said finally, "I will have the comfort of knowing she's safe and she will have a distraction from missing me."

Hiei's gaze remained scrutinizing and it made my insides squirm a bit. I felt as though he was looking right through me. I began tidying the kitchen as a distraction.

"Fine." he said behind me, "I'll do it for her. It wasn't even necessary to ask."

I turned to him, "It was. You're pretty scarce in her life the way it is."

"Hn. That's because you've been here to keep her company and safe. However, I'm not sure that's a good idea anymore."

My eyes widened. So he had seen through me.

"Hiei," I started, "She has feelings for you. You're the one she wants to keep her company and safe. I - "

"Why would that stop you from trying?"

I gaped. Hiei was actually feeling threatened by me. Over a human girl, no less.

Did that mean Hiei was developing feelings of his own for Sadie?

I shook my head, "I won't stand here and argue with you about this. It's pointless."

Hiei nodded, "I'll come by tomorrow after you've left."

I waved him away. Hiei took his leave the way he'd came.

I quickly finished the kitchen before heading upstairs to pack.

Hiei had no reason to worry. However, there was no denying that, at some point, I had fallen hopelessly in love with Sadie.

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Sadie's POV

After Kurama had given up and gone downstairs, I gave a sigh. I'd succeeded in not crying, though it had been difficult.

A pungent smell wafted up to my room; nearly knocking me out.

Not too much later, however, the smells of Kurama's cooking made its way to my room as well. There were too many smells for me to decipher any single scent.

More time went by before I heard dishes clanging followed by a murmur of voices. One I knew was Kurama's, but the other I had trouble making out.

I assumed the second persone had left since no more words were being exchanged and there were sounds of Kurama cleaning up the kitchen.

I listened as he made his way upstairs, paused at my door, then to his room and started packing.

My stomach growled mercilessly and I barely supressed a groan.

I was really regretting running out on Kurama, but I almost couldn't help it. The urge to latch onto him and beg him not to go was too strong.

I decided I would be safe to sneak downstairs and grab a bite to eat. I carefully opened my door and crept down the stairs.

Once in the kitchen, I noticed a note on the fridge from Kurama.

Leftovers in the oven.

I smiled. He knew me too well. I grabbed the leftovers and ate in peace.

Once done, I climbed back up the stairs. I noticed that Kurama had already gone to bed.

Upon entering my room, my bed looked entirely too inviting and I flopped onto it.

My only problem - I couldn't sleep.

I tossed and turned for nearly an hour before I gave up and threw the covers off of me.

I stood and went to the connecting door and quietly opened it.

I poked my head through, "Kurama?" My voice was just above a whisper.

There was a rustling of sheets, "Sadie?" Kurama's voice came curiously from the dark.

"Um... I couldn't sleep," I fidgeted nervously, "You wouldn't mind if I asked to, um, sleep with you tonight, would you?"

My eyes had adjusted to the dark by now and I could see Kurama's eyes widen. I felt my face heat up.

When he didn't answer, I felt my heart sink, "Okay, well, um, I understand if you'd rather not. That's fine." I turned to leave.

"Sadie, no, it's fine. Really." his stopped me in my tracks, "I just couldn't believe what I was hearing, I suppose."

I smiled slightly, "I've never had trouble sleeping before."

He chuckled a bit and I hurried my way to his bed and clambered in beside him. His arm immediately encircled my waist and pulled me closer to him.

I could feel Kurama's face in my neck and hair. It was somehow comforting and I fell quickly to sleep in his arms.

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I woke up the next morning to the blaring alarm clock.

I gasped as a pair of strong arms tightened around my waist. I felt a warm, well-toned body at my back.

After switching off the alarm, I rolled over to see Kurama blinking awake. When his eyes found my face, a warm smile formed on his lips. I felt a twinge of something from his smile, but I couldn't quite place my finger on it.

Breakfast was spent in silence. It was all I could do to keep control of my emotions.

Before I knew it, we were standing outside of the front door.

Kurama sighed and gave me a sad smile. I did my best to return it, but I'm not sure how well it worked.

"I baked you some cookies last night and Hiei should be here soon." Kurama informed me.

Sometimes, he really surprised me by how thoughtful he was. Especially of me.

"Well, I suppose this is goodbye..." he said after some time.

I felt my throat constirct and a knot tightened in my chest. I suddenly realized why him leaving was bothering me so much.

He could end up never returning from this mission. I was afraid of losing him forever.

"Yeah, see you... whenever." I choked out. I thought of all the doors that my words left open.

Kurama only nodded, his features betraying his own pain.

My tears finally broke free in a wave of emotion.

"Kurama..." I sobbed.

In a flash, Kurama dropped his bags and held me tightly.

He pulled back a bit wipe away my tears. Before I knew it, he had captured my lips in a deep kiss. Of course I was shocked at first, but then it suddenly felt right for me to kiss him back.

I don't know how long we must have stood there, but I knew that it was too soon when he finally broke the kiss, said one last goodbye, and went on his way.

As I watched him retreating, I touched my lips and I knew.

Somehow, Kurama had fallen in love with me.

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I woke up the next morning to the smell of breakfast. I had spent the previous night alone, too upset to talk to anyone.

Kurama? I ran down the stairs to the kitchen.

At first I was disappointed to see that it was not Kurama cooking, but then I was surprised that it was Keiko. Hiei and Yusuke sat at the table patiently.

I stood in the doorway, too stunned to move.

"Sade! Morning!" Yusuke called to me, snapping me out of my daze.

"Morning. What are you guys doing here?" I asked.

"Keeping you company, of course!" Keiko turned to me, holding out a plate of food.

I took the plate wordlessly and brought it to the table and sat down.

Yusuke reached across the table and touched my arm gently, "Kurama was worried about you being alone." He gave me a gentle smile.

I snorted, "Don't you think it's a little out of character for you to be concerned about me, Yusuke?"

He pulled back, "Whaddya mean? You're our friend, Sade! Why wouldn't I?"

"Why wouldn't we?" Keiko corrected him, "You've become a part of our gang, as you like to put it. We would all want you to be happy and safe. Right, Hiei?"

I glanced over at Hiei, who gave a slight nod.

I felt myself become emotional again. Damn hormones.

"Thanks for breakfast, Keiko. Thank you, all of you."

Keiko smiled, "You're very welcome."

I frowned, "Where's Kuwabaka?"

Yusuke grinned, "Studying for his exams. He said to say sorry for not being able to stop by today."

"That's cool." I finished eating and took my dishes to the sink.

Keiko brushed off the topic and took over my dishes, "What's important is that I heard that your birthday is coming up soon. Am I right, Sadie?"

A look of slight surprise came over Hiei.

Yusuke brightened, "Oh yeah! I remember Kurama mentioning something about that!"

"I don't." It was the first thing Hiei had said all morning. And I laughed.

I got a look of irritation from him.

"I'm sorry! Really, but should that really surprise you? You're hardly around." I rationalized.

"Actually, it does. And that's going to change." I swear the lightest of blushes appeared on Hiei's cheeks.

I, on the other hand, was bright as a tomato.

"O-oh." I stammered out.

Yusuke chuckled, "Well, I think it's about time Keiko and I headed out. We'll get started on the plans for the party. See ya!"

Somehow, it felt as though they were leaving just so that Hiei and I could be alone. I half-heartedly waved as I kept my eyes on Hiei.

His unwavering gaze held mine even as the front door closed shut.

We stood that way a long time.

Hiei spoke first.

"When were you planning on telling me?"

"Telling you what?" I was a bit hazy after having stared into his gorgeous eyes for so long.

"About your birthday." His eyes hardened.

I shrugged, "Whenever I saw you next... And when I wasn't distracted by the sheer... umm, yeah, nevermind that part." I caught myself and I blushed madly for my near slip-up.

Hiei lifted an eyebrow and moved closer to me until I could fee his breath on my face.

I shivered ever so slightly, "Hiei?" I breathed.

"Hn?" His eyes were half-lidded now and a bit darker in color.

"Will you come to the party? You don't have to get me a gift. Just being there is enough for me."

His eyes widened briefly before he wrapped his arms around my waist, "Of course I'll come."

I narrowed my eyes, "Promise?"

He chuckled, then brought his lips to mine. Just before he kissed me, I felt his breath whisper on my lips, "I promise."

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Hiei hadn't been joking when he said things would change. I saw him nearly every day.

If he couldn't be with me, then I was out of the house and with the other guys. Sometimes Keiko and Botan would tag along.

Botan was always a trip. I got the guys laghing at her expense often; sometimes making comments on how I need sunglasses whenever I was around her because she was too bright.

I never stopped missing Kurama or worrying about him, but it was easier to handle becasue I was never left alone to dwell on him.

Plans for the party went surprisingly smoothe and easy. When the day arrived, everyone showed up. Even people I didn't expect.

An hour after the party had started, there were only three people I didn't see; Koenma, Kurama, and Hiei.

I was getting slightly worried. I could understand why Koenma wouldn't show up and I would be understanding if Kurama didn't, but Hiei had promised me. However, I tried not to think about it. I knew Hiei hated parties and I thought that perhaps he'd come a bit later when things weren't so wild.

Just as I'd thought this, Koenma entered the house. My eyes widened and I made my way to him.

"Koenma! What are you doing here?" I had to shout over the music.

"Well," he started, "I knew it was your birthday, so, I thought I'd bring you a gift."

"Oh! That's so nice! I thought you didn't like me." I grinned.

Koenma laughed, "Oh no. You're a lot easier to handle than Yusuke, so that gives you a good name in my book automatically. Besides, you've got a bit of... charm to you."

I grinned, "I'm glad to hear it. So, where's this present?"

"Ah! Just a moment. I left it outside." I watched curiously as Koenma walked back outside.

In the next moment, I was screaming in excitement as I tackled Kurama to the ground in a tight hug.

Kurama chuckled as he returned my embrace, "Happy Birthday, Sadie."

"I missed you," I murmured into his ear.

He sat up with me still clinging to him, "I missed you, too."

I smiled up at Koenma, who still stood at the door, "Thank you."

He nodded with a smile.

Kurama kissed my forehead then looked around, "Hiei's not here, yet?"

I shook my head, "He promised he'd be here. He'll probably show up when things have calmed down a bit."

Kurama nodded, "Probably."

Even though I kept telling myself this, I found myself facing the undeniable truth as everyone began going home.

After Kurama left and the night finally came to an end, Hiei never showed up.

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Hiei's POV

I growled. I was already late to Sadie's birthday without running into some low-life demons looking for trouble.

"Where's the Mother of the Forest?" One of them snarled.

Mother of the Forest? "I don't know what you're talking about." I spat at them.

"The Mother of the Forest. She rules over the nymphs and sprites of all the forests in this area. You reek of her. Where is she?"

I really had no idea hat they were talking about. I decided I had to get them out of my way immediately if I had any hopes of making it to Sadie's party.

However, I underestimated them, and I found myself beaten unconscious within minutes.

When I finally regained consciousness, there was a bright green woman standing over me. When I say bright, I mean she was practically glowing.

"He has awakened," she spoke, her voice a low ringing sound. I turned my head to see whom she spoke with.

It was a green male. He wasn't glowing and he was a darker shade of green, duller even.

I groaned, "Who are you? Where am I?"

"Who we are, not important. You are in Mother's forest. She ask us to take care of you. Keep you safe, alive." The girl answered.

She spoke strangely, but her mention of "Mother" caught my attention.

"Mother? Do you mean the Mother of the Forest? Who is she? Where is she?"

"Mother is everywhere." The male spoke, gesturing to our surroundings. His voice was light and fluttering.

"Are you nymphs, then?" I had to ask.

"Sprite," the woman pointed to herself, then to the man, "Nymph."

"You must return now. Been away too long." The man helped me to my feet.

"Too long? How long?"

"Seven moons."

A week? I felt the blood drain from my face.

"Which way?" They pointed me in the right direction simultaneously.

I took off full speed. How would I ever explain this to Sadie?

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A/N:

Uh oh. Now what will happen? DUN DUN DUUUUN!!! D8

Guess you guys will have to wait for the next chapter! XD I love cliffies!

You guys know the drill! Reviews or cookies, please! Or both! Don't make me send Yuri after you! XD