Hiei glowered at the receptionist, who met it with a forced, tight smile. It seemed fixed on her face, as if it had been painted on.
"You've got to be kidding me," he growled dangerously.
"I'm afraid not, sir," the woman said, the smile not wavering in the slightest. "Due to the conference, we've been inundated with bookings."
"So what am I supposed to do?" Hiei demanded.
"Well, if you'll just wait a moment…"
The receptionist's pretty face turned towards her computer screen. She tapped away at the keys as Hiei boiled in his own hot anger. He couldn't believe this. He'd just flown four hours only to be told that the room he'd reserved three weeks ago wasn't available?
There were other hotels he could stay at, of course, but the conference he was attending was here. Staying somewhere else would be very inconvenient.
"I think we might be able to work something out," the receptionist said. "You will have to share a room with another guest, though."
"I'd prefer not to share," Hiei said.
The receptionist's smile wavered. "I'm afraid there's no other option," she said. "Unless you have somewhere else to stay…"
Hiei's shoulders slumped in defeat. "I don't," he admitted.
The receptionist looked inappropriately victorious as she handed Hiei a room key. Hiei took it with a scowl.
"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Jaganshi. Please enjoy your stay," she said brightly.
Not fucking likely, Hiei thought as he headed for the elevator.
The doors slid open without a sound. Hiei stepped into the elevator and tapped the button for the 6th floor.
Hopefully his new roommate wouldn't snore.
-0-
Hiei stared around the room in disbelief. It was smaller than he'd expected. Most alarmingly, there was only one bed in the room. It was a king-size, but still…
Hiei wanted to return to the reception desk and complain but this was the only available room.
He put his bags away and made himself a cup of coffee. The view from the balcony was what he'd been expecting. Tall buildings blocked the view of the ocean that wasn't far away. The air did have the taste of salt to it though.
The door of the room opened and Hiei turned. He stepped back into the room to see that a redheaded man stood just in the doorway, emerald eyes scanning the room. They paused on Hiei.
"Ah," the man said. "You must be my… roommate. This is quite reminiscent of university."
Hiei didn't answer. He'd never attended university so he wouldn't know.
The man left his suitcase near the door and strode forward. He gave a neat bow to Hiei.
"My name is Minamino Shuichi," he informed Hiei as he rose. "It is nice to meet you."
"Jaganshi Hiei," Hiei said, giving a shallower bow in response. He couldn't stop staring at his new 'roommate'.
The man was beautiful. There was no other word for it. His facial features were delicate and his body was slender. He wore a tailored suit with a red tie. His hair was pulled back in a low ponytail.
Hiei felt disheveled next to him. His own suit was a bit rumpled from the plane flight and he was sure that his hair was sticking up all over the place. So much for first impressions.
Hiei pushed those thoughts aside. So what if the man didn't think highly of him? Did it really matter? In one week this man would be gone from Hiei's life.
The man returned to the door and got his suitcase. Hiei watched as he put his clothes away in the closet beside Hiei's. Minamino had more clothes than he did. Hiei always preferred to travel light.
Minamino surveyed the room again once he had stowed his suitcase.
"Would you like to sleep on the bed?" he asked.
"Ah, is there any other option?" Hiei asked awkwardly. Couldn't Minamino see that there was only one bed?
Minamino stooped and reached beneath the bed. Hiei moved around the bed to see what he was doing. Minamino was sliding out a trundle bed.
Hiei was both relieved and just a little disappointed. He had to admit that the thought of sleeping beside Minamino with nothing but their clothes between them was arousing.
"Um, you can have the bed," Hiei told Minamino.
"Are you sure?" Minamino asked. He'd straightened, his eyes on Hiei once more.
"Yeah. I'm sure."
Minamino scrutinised him, as if he were making sure, before he gave a nod. "If that's what you would like," he said. He sat down on the edge of the bed. God, his legs were so long. What Hiei would really like is to feel them wrapped around him.
Hiei shook his head and went in search of sheets for the trundle bed. He found them right at the top of the closet. Minamino watched with an amused lilt to his lips as Hiei stared up at the shelf. It was too high for him to reach without some kind of aid.
"Would you like some help?" Minamino asked.
"No. I can reach them."
Hiei dragged a chair over to the closet and stood on it. He was now able to reach the stack of bedding. He gathered it up and was about to start to work his way back to the floor when he looked down to see that Minamino was standing beside him, his hands out and ready to accept Hiei's load.
Hiei let him take it while he got off the chair.
This wasn't such a bad start to the week, he thought as he made his bed while Minamino flicked through television channels. Minamino certainly couldn't be described as unpleasant. So far he'd been easy to get along with. If things continued in this way, then Hiei was sure he could handle it.
If he could just keep himself under control. Minamino hadn't indicated that he had any sexual interest in Hiei. Hiei had no intention of humiliating himself by making the first move and being rejected. No way.
Besides, Minamino was gorgeous. He had to be married. Or at least have a girlfriend. Probably more than one. Or a boyfriend.
"If you don't mind, I am going to shower," Minamino informed Hiei, cutting into his thoughts. "Would you like to make use of the bathroom first?"
"No. Go ahead."
"Thank you." Minamino gathered up a change of clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. Hiei heard the snick of the lock engage.
He glanced at the television to see that Minamino had left it on a documentary channel. Shrugging, Hiei got out his phone and plugged a set of headphones in. He settled himself on his bed and listened to music. The music drowned out the sound of the shower running. Hiei was glad of that as all he could think about while listening to the shower was Minamino naked, his skin slick with soap, his hair wet and dripping…
Hiei turned the music up until it was so loud that it drowned even the television out. He didn't notice when Minamino returned to the room and settled on the other bed. He did smell Minamino's soap though. Something floral. Roses.
Hiei tugged out his headphones and sat up. Minamino was reclining on the bed, dressed only in cotton trousers. His long hair was loose and fell around his face. Hiei felt the heat in his cheeks and knew that he was blushing. He wanted to touch Minamino's bare chest. His hands itched.
Minamino smiled at him. "Make yourself comfortable," he said, patting the bed beside him.
Hiei glanced towards the television. It was still on the documentary channel. Two foxes chased each other playfully on the screen.
Hiei slid onto the bed, careful to not get too close to Minamino.
"Is there something you would prefer to watch?" Minamino asked, holding up the television remote.
"Ah, no," Hiei said. "I don't care what's on."
"Okay." Minamino leaned back into the pillows, crossing his long legs. His attention shifted from Hiei to the television.
Hiei glanced at it to see that the documentary had moved on to the mating practises of foxes. He suddenly felt very uncomfortable.
This was ridiculous. It was just a television show. A documentary, for God's sake. A documentary on animals. What the hell was wrong with him?
"Are you all right, Hiei?"
Minamino's concerned emeralds focused on Hiei.
"Ah, yeah. I'm fine," Hiei said, silently willing Minamino to look back at the television. Not at him, damnit. Anywhere but at him. He could feel his cheeks heating up. Minamino was so close. Too close.
"You seem uncomfortable," Minamino said. "You keep shifting around."
"Sorry." Hiei made a concerted effort to still.
"I could get you another pillow."
Hiei shook his head. "No," he said, the word coming out sharper than he'd intended. "Just watch your documentary."
Minamino flinched, frowning. "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked.
Why couldn't he leave this alone?
"I'm. Fine." Hiei bit out.
Minamino didn't say anything for a moment. His eyes seemed to gleam in the room's light.
"Fine," he said eventually.
Hiei wanted to bury himself beneath the covers. He was so embarrassed. He really should have better control than this.
He slid off the bed and marched towards the phone. Minamino watched him with one red eyebrow raised inquisitively.
"What are you doing?" he asked.
"Room service," Hiei said shortly. Food would take his mind off Minamino. Better yet, a strong alcoholic drink…
"Do you want anything?" he asked Minamino.
Minamino took a moment to consider his answer. His order surprised Hiei. He couldn't even pronounce the name of the meal Minamino had requested. He stumbled through it, hoping that he got it right.
He returned to his own bed and put his headphones back in. He lost himself in the music until the food arrived.
Minamino chewed on his food, some sort of noodle dish. Hiei sat across from him, taking gulps from his glass of wine.
"Forgive me," Minamino said. "But I must ask. Have I done something to offend you?"
Hiei froze, the glass halfway to his lips. He licked them.
"You haven't done anything," he said.
"Yet your attitude seems quite stand-offish," Minamino commented. "I feel as though I have done something inappropriate."
Inappropriate? Hiei bit back a laugh. He wanted to do a lot of inappropriate things to Minamino. If only the other man knew. He'd be out of this room like a shot.
"We're fine," Hiei told him. "Don't worry about it."
Minamino looked unconvinced by his words. "You won't look at me," he pointed out.
Hiei tried hard to meet Minamino's eyes. His cheeks turned red and he had to quickly look away.
"Hiei?"
Minamino had set down his chopsticks, a frown turning down his lips.
Hiei swallowed uncomfortably.
"Please tell me what is bothering you," Minamino said.
Hiei wanted to tell him to mind his own business but he knew that Minamino would not respond well to that. It would only make things worse between them.
"If I have done something wrong, I would like to correct it," Minamino continued.
"It's not you. It's me." Hiei prayed that Minamino would accept that. But he didn't.
"What do you mean by that?" Minamino looked curious. Damn him.
"You won't like it," Hiei warned. God, Minamino was definitely not going to want to stay after this.
"Go on," Minamino said encouragingly.
"I, ah…" Hiei's cheeks were as hot as a bushfire "I like you," he said in a rush.
"Excuse me?" Minamino looked baffled.
He was actually going to have to say it again. Could he just sink through the floor already?
"I. Like. You," Hiei said, ducking his head so he wouldn't have to see Minamino's reaction. He caught sight of his wine glass and grabbed it, taking a huge gulp. He swallowed and coughed.
"You… like me," Minamino said. "I get the impression that you mean that in a more-than-friendly way."
Hiei kept his head down, waiting for the rejection that was sure to follow.
"That is… very flattering," Minamino said, his voice tight.
"Yeah. Great," Hiei said bitterly. "Glad you're flattered. Excuse me."
He stood from the table and fled into the bathroom. He locked the door behind him and leaned over the basin. He scrubbed his face with cold water. He was so humiliated.
A soft knock came on the door. Hiei ignored it. It came again. Hiei opened it to see Minamino's worried face. The man smiled thinly.
"Forgive me," he said. "You took me by surprise. I did not mean to upset you."
"You don't have to apologise. I'm the one who should be apologising." Hiei buried his face in one of the fluffy white towels, rubbing his face dry.
"Hiei." Minamino's voice was gentle. "It has been… a while since I have been in any kind of romantic relationship. The last did not end well. I have not considered entering into another for a long time."
"You don't have to explain," Hiei said, looking up from the towel.
"I feel I do," Minamino said. "The context is necessary. You see, I don't quite know what to do in this sort of situation."
Hiei moved forward, intending to leave the bathroom, but Minamino didn't move aside. He blocked the doorway with his slender frame, one hand resting on the doorframe.
"It doesn't matter," Hiei said. "I'm not going to do anything to you, I promise. I won't mention it again. We can just forget about it."
It was going to be a long week. But Hiei could handle it. He'd spend as little time in the room as possible. He could stay out late, come back once Minamino was asleep…
"What if I do not want to forget about it?" Minamino asked.
Hiei gaped up at him. Minamino stared back, his gaze uncompromising.
"You… you what?" Hiei asked, not understanding.
Minamino leaned down. His fingers twined in Hiei's hair, gently tilting his face up. Minamino's lips pressed lightly against Hiei's.
Hiei's head swam dizzyingly. He couldn't believe what was happening. Minamino was kissing him. Kissing him. Hiei's hands pressed into Minamino's hips, pulling him close as he deepened the kiss.
Minamino parted from him, moving his lips out of Hiei's reach. Hiei stared up at him, his heart fluttering like a lady's fan in his chest.
"Again," Hiei demanded.
Minamino laughed, looking more relaxed and open than he had since they'd met. He bent and kissed Hiei again.