Author's note: Okay, here's the thing. I know a lot of you are reading this, right? I get notifications of subscriptions and I can actually see the daily traffic (woe to those who read the first chapter and skip to the last one!). Might I just ask a favor from you guys?
I want to get to know you! It would be great if you can post a review and let me know what you think (special shout out t my regular reviewers Chaseha-Wing and adalleria – Thank you! You keep me going). I think feedback will help improve the story and my writing style more so after reviewing this chapter, do click that "review" button.
Anyway, here's the next chapter and I'll be posting one up again tomorrow and one on Monday. (Ah, weekends). Enjoy!
Disclaimer: No
Mad Yu Yu Hakusho Men
Episode 11: Things Won't Go According to Plan
Hiei felt like his guts were digesting chocolate chicken soup. All gooey and lumpy with things that don't mix together very well. He actually wanted to throw up.
It was a Thursday morning in the office, the day after the event that was the date with Shuichi. Hiei had gone home from redhead's pad simultaneously berating and congratulating himself for a night that pretty much ended according to plan. He was almost patting himself on the back, except that a major inconvenience has decided to present itself. He had left with a huge hard on.
And that's where the chocolate soup gut feeling came from. That, and the fact that when he came home to take a bath, he noticed a very light trace of color on his arm. He didn't need to guess what it was – the coils and the powerful lines wrapping around his arm were something he had longed for everyday since he was thrown into this world. It was very faint, barely discernible. But it was there. And he had no idea why. He checked immediately as soon as he saw the mark, but he felt not even a trace of youki.
Hiei shook his head and forced himself to focus on designing the BMW print ad. He had to finish it early – they were all going to Yukina and Kuwabara's wedding later.
A knock on the door bothers his thoughts.
"Come in," he said with a snarl, hoping his voice would discourage the botherer.
A mop of red hair popped from the door, bringing with it the calm, then slightly shocked face of Shuichi Minamino.
"Wow. You're… already dressed."
Hiei himself was surprised at Shuichi's presence – he had at least expected it would take some days of awkward silence before they could talk again. But here Shuichi was, making the approach himself. Hiei was elated – things were far too easier than he thought!
He nodded at the redhead to show he was welcome. "Close the door," he commanded softly. An abrupt change from the growl earlier.
Shuichi did and made no secret of looking at Hiei from head to toe.
"You look great," he said with a smile.
Hiei smirked a little. He had meant to just try the groomsman suit on. The snug fit pleased him, however, and he decided to work without taking it off yet.
Shuichi continued to look at Hiei, but now his intent unreadable. Hiei stared back, meeting the emerald stare with the same blank facial expression. Both waited for each other to say something. It was a silent duel, both wanting to seek answers to questions in their heads. Both assessing and trying to read each other, and both expertly displaying blank canvasses.
Undecipherable and yet, just beautiful.
Finally, Hiei slowly swung his swivel chair back to face his Mac and continued to work on his print ad. He felt Shuichi approach slowly and stand behind his back, looking at his screen intently.
"If you use the brush tool carefully, you can blend colors easily," Hiei found himself saying as he continued working on smoothening the paintjob of the close-up car in photoshop. The act was almost like meditation to him. One of the reasons why he decided to become an art director.
Shuichi remained silent.
Hiei continued making soft, short strokes with his hand. After a while, he looked back and saw Shuichi looking at his work with dazed eyes, almost hypnotized.
"Here, try it," Hiei said.
Shuichi leaned below and, from Hiei's back, held the tablet pen. He then mimicked the same brushing strokes Hiei made earlier. After a couple of seconds, squiggly black patches started to appear on the previously smooth car hood.
"I ruined it," Shuichi said, chuckling a little.
"Your hand is too heavy. Make it softer," Hiei said. "Here," he breathed, putting his hand on top of Shuichi's and guiding the brushing strokes. Hiei was slightly surprised by the contact of skin – it was the first time he touched Shuichi deliberately, other than the brief kiss the previous night.
Hiei had purposely held out on skin contact, afraid that it will spark his anger and ruin his whole plan. But this contact was surprisingly… nice. Shuichi's hand was slightly cool from the airconditioning and Hiei felt it warming under his own.
Moreover, it was… smaller than the youko's. Of course, that was obvious. But feeling it up close made the difference so stark. Youko's hands totally engulfed Hiei's, while Shuichi's were only slightly longer.
He hated to admit it, but it looked like their hands fit quite well.
Hiei slowly began to move his hand, bringing Shuichi's with him, as he moved the pen in soft brush strokes. He looked at Shuichi's face, gauging his reactions. Shuichi continued to look at the screen though, watching the results of their efforts. Hiei couln't discern his facial expression very well.
Looking back at the screen, Hiei saw that because of the weight of both of their hands, the squiggly lines became even worse.
Shuichi gave a low chuckle. He slowly freed his hand from underneath Hiei's, and proceeded to use it to tip Hiei's chin to the right again, this time facing him.
Shuichi leaned in for a gentle kiss.
"Is that soft enough for you?"
"Hmm, not quite," Hiei whispered, barely audible.
With a mischievous smile, Shuichi leaned in for another kiss, but this time rougher. Hiei felt Shuichi's tongue slowly run through the length of his lower lip, seemingly requesting a meeting with his own tongue. Hiei opened his own mouth and met Shuichi's tongue with his own, twisting and twirling them together.
He felt Shuichi kneel down, his weight against Hiei pushing the swivel chair against the stark white wall. Shuichi's mouth swallowed Hiei's like he was food, lapping at his tongue like he was ice cream. His tongue explored Hiei's mouth so eagerly like he was looking for something.
Hiei responded with equal fervor, grabbing the back of Shuichi's head and keeping it on him.
Suddenly Shuichi pulled back, breathing heavily.
"Aren't you going to get that?"
"Huh?"
Shuichi glanced towards the phone. Suddenly Hiei became aware of a persistent ringing sound in his small room. Hiei realized it must have been ringing for a long time already.
With a grunt Shuichi stood up and freed Hiei from being pinned on the wall.
"Moshimoshi," Hiei almost growled into the phone, clearly displeased with the disturbance.
Somebody from the other line spoke for a while.
"Oh, right, I'll be there in a bit."
After he closed the phone, Hiei faced Shuichi.
"I've gotta go," he said.
Shuichi raised a questioning eyebrow.
"You'll see. See you at the wedding later."
"A decoy," Koenma said confidently.
"What do you mean?" Botan asked, eyeing Koenma carefully.
Koenma just smiled. "Simply, a distraction. Something to make the public forget about all the scandals and the tabloid photos."
They were all seated round a table in Yukina and Kuwabawa's wedding, having a little champagne, loosening their tongues a bit. Soon, the workaholic table found themselves discussing work again. A tactic to bring Britney Spears' career back on track.
"Brilliant idea," Shuichi agreed. "A partner. A male singer who the audience can turn their attention to."
"A grand MTV of a duet of an unknown and Britney!" Yusuke exclaimed, "But has to be freakishly good – so good the public will thank Britney for finding this guy!"
Botan smiled as she took a sip of her champagne. "Seems like you guys are worth your salaries after all. I'll set up a meeting immediately with Britney's camp to propose the stunt. But you better find that guy fast."
"Plant-boy volunteers!" Yusuke shouted, grinning at Shuichi.
"I'd like every opportunity to grow my burgeoning fanbase," Shuichi said, winking at Yusuke and playing along. He then proceeded to sing a very out-of-tune version of Baby One More Time. The table groaned together and then laughed loudly.
Yukina clearing her throat on the microphone at the stage grabbed the attention of the group and shut them up.
"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for attending my wedding. It means a lot to me." Yukina paused, looking at all the guests and smiling. "To express my thanks, I would like to offer you a song."
"I didn't know Yukina could sing!" Yusuke whispered to Shuichi.
"Before you all get excited," Yukina said in the sweetest voice. "The song won't be from me – I can't carry a tune with a wheelbarrow. A person very dear to me and who has been very kind to me has agreed to offer a song for all of you on my behalf. Please all welcome… Hiei!"
Shuichi's jaw dropped to the floor.
A very dashing Hiei, still in his groomsman suit, occupied the stage and positioned himself in front of the band.
"This song is for Yukina, who has always given sunshine in the office," he said gruffly. Shuichi noted the skipping of Kuwabara's name.
"And a certain person who likes lamb."
A series of events happened at that statement, all too quick to follow for those who were at the table itself. Luckily we can narrate it.
Yusuke, realizing that Shuichi loved lamb, opened his mouth to say something. Shuichi, realizing this, gave Yusuke's gut a strong and quick jab with his elbow from under the table. A fit of coughing then ensued from the account executive. The table eyed them warily. Botan, suddenly remembering too that Shuichi always ordered lamb whenever they had an office affair, then started to open her mouth. Koenma, who was watching all of the events unfold before his eyes, quickly motioned for the band to begin playing the introduction of the song.
Shuichi then gave Koenma the most grateful nod in the history of his 3,000-year life.
Swiftly, he realized that Hiei had started to sing.
Am I real
Do the words I speak before you make you feel
Shuishi's eyes widened as Hiei sang in a wonderful baritone. Across the table he could see the eyes of the others going as wide as his.
Like the love I'll lay for you will see no ending
But if you look into my eyes then you should know
Yusuke, recovering from the gut jab, looked at Shuichi and grinned like a maniac. Shuichi elbowed the account executive for a second time. He then looked intently at Hiei and listened to the lyrics a bit more closely.
That there is nothing left to doubt nothing to fear
What was this song? Something was stirring in his loins.
The world could die, and everything may lie
Still you shouldn't cry
Because time may pass, and everything won't last
I'll be your side, forever by your side
Abruptly, Hiei stopped his song. He was looking at Shuichi with such intense a glare, Shuichi almost couldn't hold it. Hiei slowly backed from the front of the stage, the band giving confused looks at each other, then proceeded to disappear at the back.
Shuichi stood up, and ran towards the back of the stage.
He asked a lot of the backstage people where Hiei went and he was directed towards the garden on the opposite side of the celebrations. He ran until he found Hiei sitting quietly on a bench within a space enclosed by small shrubs. The place was dark as it was night already, but some glow from a lamp across gave them a bit of light.
Shuichi slowed down his small sprint and cleared his throat to make Hiei aware of his presence.
"I believe I'm slightly confused," Shuichi said softly.
"I didn't do that for you," Hiei said with a bit of spite, still looking at the ground from where he was seated.
Shuichi sat down at the bench across the dark-haired art director, not exactly knowing what to say.
"I'm just tired, Kurama, Shuichi, whoever you are," Hiei asked slowly, looking up at him.
Shuichi closed his eyes. A strange chill went through his body, hearing Hiei speak his name.
"They changed my memory," Shuichi whispered after a while.
"What?"
"I came after you. I'm not telling you that now to justify myself, but I came after you. Somehow my memories were changed, that's why I didn't recognize you."
Shuichi – no, Kurama breathed. "Do you know a Bounty Hunter named Simran?"
"He was my fiercest competitor," Hiei whispered.
"Well, somehow I remembered him as the one I came after here."
For a very brief moment, Hiei displayed such a vulnerable stare that Kurama had to get a hold of himself before he threw his body over to give comfort. The brief vulnerability was over in a flash, and Kurama was almost glad for it.
"I realized just last night. My cave was low. Some… memories didn't fit. He was taller."
Kurama left the sensitive details unsaid but he knew Hiei would understand. He recalled having sex with Simran with him lifted up against the wall… which was simply impossible given the cave height. Simran was a tall man, but Hiei…
"You came into my room earlier to confirm," Hiei said.
Kurama nodded. "That kiss you gave that first night… I felt the soul surge. I just wanted to know for myself. Then that song earlier… it was a Makai love song translated in English, wasn't it?"
"Hn."
A little bit of slightly comfortable silence passed. Shuichi breathed slowly.
"How long have you known? Why didn't you confront me?"
"I know you aren't Kurama anymore," Hiei answered gradually. "Unlike me, you died and your soul is reincarnated. I'm the same demon. You are a human with a demon's memory and part of his soul. When you awakened, how was I to know you didn't remember me? I thought you just chose to ignore your recollection of your past with me."
"I don't know who I am anymore, Hiei…" Kurama said, almost whispered. "Except- except I know I still love you."
"Don't say that! You have no right!" Hiei screamed suddenly. Kurama looked up at him confused and saw that the art director had a huge frown on his face.
"I have every right," Kurama said, keeping his voice flat. "I'm Kurama. I'm your soul mate. I killed myself to follow you into this world."
"You," Hiei said, seething, suddenly standing up from his bench. "You are not Kurama. You are Minamino Shuichi. You have no right to tap into Kurama's memories and powers, and proclaim a love you know nothing, absolutely nothing, about!"
"Is this what this world has done to you?" Kurama could feel his own voice rising. "Has it made you this selfish? I'm sorry to break it to you Hiei but the love story you've put up on a pedestal isn't the tragedy you want it to be. I'm here."
"You're wrong," Hiei said slowly. "My love story isn't the tragic one. It's yours."
Kurama looked at him in the eye.
"You love me. I made sure of that, Minamino. I knew what Kurama liked. And with you trespassing over his memories, you've fallen right into my trap," Hiei paused, looking away from an emerald stare.
A tense silence passed.
Suddenly Hiei was enveloped in a tight embrace. His eyes widened, unable to move from Kurama's tight hold.
"Hiei…" Kurama whispered into Hiei's ear. "If vengeance is the only way to help you mourn, you may break me all you want."
Hiei remained frozen on his spot. He wanted to push the redhead away. But his body refused to follow his mind. His arms refused to move, and his feet stayed stubbornly on its spot.
After a few seconds, Kurama gave him a soft kiss on the cheek (Is that soft enough for you?) and slowly released him.
Kurama turned around and slowly walked out of the garden, leaving Hiei alone with his thoughts and his ghosts.
"Mr. Johnson, this is Botan, Yes, from the agency, yes! Oh, everything's fine. Just wanted to set up that meeting with you… yes, finally, we think you'll be thrilled… Is 1pm on Monday fine? What? Of course, of course, the team will be thrilled to meet Ms. Spears… yes, that new album is playing no stop in our office *cough cough*… we have to introduce her to someone also… well, we want to keep it a surprise, but let's just say we just found the best person to revive her career… Okay! You too… see you then!"
Thank you everyone for reading. Please review! The song is a real one. If you're curious of the tone, please search for "214 rivermaya" on youtube.
Next episode: Hiei's turn in the limelight