AN (From Aya) : First, sorry it took so long to get that last chapter up. That was a totally Faith thing. I couldn't write that because… well… it didn't involve me! Also, sorry it took so long to get this one up. We've been really busy with college and getting ready for a huge move together… And my computer hard drive completely screwing up… We'll try to pick up the pace, but be aware that it may take some time. Also, if we were going to give up writing this baby, we'd definitely let you all know! Promise! We'd probably throw together a quick ending too, just because we're not that mean. Ok, I've talked enough. Read on and enjoy!

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Chapter Eleven

Understanding

Faith woke up to sunlight streaming in from her open windows.

Damn… I'm a demon who controls the element of light, yet I hate it… someone has a sick sense of humor.

She buried her face into the warm chest next to her.

Chest?!

She inhaled the scent. Kurama. She smiled at the memories and sensations that flooded her. Like a cat, she stretched in his arms, causing him to chuckle.

He was awake. Had been, and was watching her.

When she was done, she sat up, covering her chest with the blanket as she went. Leaning on one hand, she smiled down at him.

"Morning."

"Good morning."

"I don't know about the good part. The sun is up and shining brightly."

"And yet you control the element of light," he stated, slightly amused.

She grinned. "I was just thinking the same thing."

He pulled his upper body off the bed so his mouth could meet hers.

The kiss was soft and gentle until Faith pulled back slightly, smiling, gaze unmoving from his perfect mouth.

"As much as I would like to sit here and kiss you, it's going to lead to something that I want to spend all day doing." She paused, her voice turning slightly solemn. "I need to see to Aya. I still need to see if she's… pregnant."

He propped himself up on one arm and used his other to caress her hair. Her head leaned into his touch and he cradled it.

"It's going to be alright."

She smiled. "The way you say that makes me believe it."

He smiled. "Good."

He pulled away then, before they got caught up in the moment.

He pushed the blankets aside and swung his legs over the side of the bed.

"You're not really modest, are you?" Faith asked suspiciously.

He grinned over his shoulder. "No."

"So were you just being the gentleman for my sake?"

"Yes."

"Figures." She dropped the sheet, crawling across the bed, and walked over to the dresser. She could feel his heated gaze the whole time.

She picked up her brush and went back to the bed, smirking as his gaze followed every move she made.

She knelt behind him. "Do you mind?"

"Of course not." He turned to gaze at the wall in front of him.

She gently, with sure fingers, removed the rose from his long hair and set it on his pillow.

Oddly enough, it comforted her as she gently pulled the brush through his hair. She could feel the waves of contentment radiate off of her fox.

Her fox. She smiled at that.

She finished, leaving his hair silky soft. Dividing it into three parts, she braided it. When she was done it laid in a long line down his back, stopping about midway.

She ran her hands down his arms, placing a kiss on his right shoulder. She hugged him from behind.

"Thank you," he whispered, leaning his head against hers.

"My pleasure."

The moment was the interrupted by Ayame yelling at Sayuri in the room next door. They dressed hurriedly and went through the bathroom that joined the two rooms. They stopped in the doorway to Aya's room as her voice got louder, staying hidden in the shadows.

"Sayuri, dammit! Let him in!"

"You know I can't, Aya. I'm sorry."

"Sayuri, you'd better thank your lucky stars my injuries limit my abilities."

"You wouldn't really hurt me, Aya."

"How can you be sure? I was gone for almost a year. Add to that the fact that I was kidnapped, beaten and raped for two weeks. Not to mention that Ronin's cronies were climbing all over me and groping me every chance they got. Don't think that doesn't change someone. It changed me. It's still changing me." The words were forced through clenched teeth.

As the tears began welling in her eyes, she saw Faith approach from the shadows in the bathroom. At the same time, Hiei approached from the door from the hall.

Faith noticed him before he did her and that was probably the only reason she was able to pin him to the wall.

"What are you doing in here?" came her low growl.

I was worried about her, Hiei told her telepathically, not wanting the others to hear.

Her grip on him loosened a bit.

You really do love her. Faith could feel his emotions faintly following the connection he had established with her. That and the tone he used told her this.

She sighed. I don't know if I can trust another guy alone with her without me by her side. I don't think I can handle it. She was close to tears and she knew it.

It was then Aya's voice yelling at her to put him down came through, along with Kurama trying to get her to do the same, though more gently. Sayuri stood silently beside Aya's bed with the newest addition to the party, Yusuke, standing slightly in front of Sayuri.

Faith moved back from Hiei, allowing him to land lightly with his feet on the floor. The ease at which she did this along with the lack of argument and further abuse on Hiei caused the room to be silent.

Faith looked at Hiei at the same time he looked over at her. Through the look they shared their worry, concern, and love for Ayame along with a new understanding of each other and new level of friendship.

I'm trusting you. Faith said solemnly.

Hiei nodded in response and went to Ayame's side. Kurama then moved to hug Faith from behind. She closed her eyes and melted into his embrace.

"Now you'll let me have my way? What the fuck is with that, Faith?!" Ayame asked.

"We came to an understanding," she said softly.

"Understanding?" Ayame questioned, calming a bit.

"Yes," she answered simply. "I'll be back in an hour." Pulling Kurama by the hand, they left through the bathroom.

Sayuri looked at Yusuke, seemingly asking what they should do. He shrugged his shoulders, then tilted his head toward the door. He took her hand in his and led her from the room.

Ayame watched the two leave hand in hand, her eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. "Damn… We missed a lot of stuff, didn't we?" she asked, looking into Hiei's eyes.

"Yeah, you both did… but not as much as Kurama and I missed the two of you…"

She smiled softly, looking into his longing, loving eyes. "I ached for you every day and night. My soul cried out every moment to be where I belong."

"And where is that?"

She sat up, placing her hand on the back of his head. "Here. Forever and always with you." She kissed him then, enjoying the feel of him so near. The kiss was simple, no demands, simply a soft sharing of love.

"Aya… I've wanted to tell you since you got back… I love you. I have the whole time. I tried to stop but-"

"Don't. I love you too. I want to spend my life with you… but this scare…" She reached her hand over the blankets, resting it on her stomach. "This possibility scares me. I refuse to make a child pay with his life for the kind of father he has… And I don't want to put you through that…"

"I'll be by your side no matter what. If Ronan… If he… We'll take it one step at a time. And I'll be there every step of the way. We'll raise any child you have as our own."

Tears welled in her eyes at his words. She put her arms around his neck and pulled him close. "I love you so much, Hiei. Is it sad that I hope I'm not… you know?"

"Not at all."

A yawn escaped her mouth, her eyelids fluttering. "Why don't I let you sleep? You seem tired," he offered.

"No. Please? Don't go. At least lay with me while I do… I've missed you…"

"Ok. But if Faith gets mad, you have to get her off my case."

She laughed slightly, scooting over in the bed. "No problem with that."

Hiei lay down next to her, laying on his side to face her as she drifted off to sleep, curling into a small ball and clinging to his arm. He couldn't control the smile that crossed his face then. He simply laid there, watching her rest peacefully, enjoying just being near her again.