Author's note: I do not own Yu Yu Hakusho or any of its characters. I simply borrow them to use in my own sick, twisted fantasies like this one. ^^
I was on a role! I typed chapters 11, 12, and 13 all in the same night! Chapter 12 is kind of short, but I promise that chapter 13 will make up for it in every way possible. What I mean by that is that not only is it a long chapter, it also just so happens to be a lemon. So, with that in mind, I hope you enjoy chapter 12 and don't forget to review because the more views and reviews I get for chapter 12, the faster chapter 13 will come out. (A little incentive for you, there. ;D ) –Nira
Chapter Twelve
I said my goodbyes to Tyler and Adrian and sighed before I followed Miyu to the study where my father and this mystery man who was supposed to be my husband were waiting. When we'd entered the room, Miyu bowed and apologized for making them wait. I made direct eye contact with the mystery man, a slight glare in my expression showing my obvious disinterest and dislike of him for even existing and denying me the man I loved. His right eye was amber and his left was clear blue and his hair was silver and perfectly unkempt as if he'd intended to look both professional and casual at the same time. It was tied back in a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck and if he'd taken it down, it looked as if it would be past his shoulders. He was dressed in black dress pants, dress shoes polished to a shine and white collared shirt with a black necktie and gray vest. I couldn't deny that he was attractive despite not liking him.
"Kimiko, my dear, this is Daisuke Kazehito. Daisuke, this is my lovely daughter Kimiko," Father smiled, gesturing to each of us in turn.
"Charmed," I stated, curt but extending my hand for a courteous handshake.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Lady Kimiko," Daisuke bowed and swiftly grabbed my hand, kissing the top of it.
"Daisuke is the next heir to the throne of our neighboring Elemental Kingdom and your betrothed. The wedding date has been set for eighteen months from the final date of your turning which should be more than enough time for the two of you to get to know each other. Please take good care of my daughter, Daisuke," Father stated and he and Miyu made their escape, leaving the two of us alone.
"Well, then," Daisuke sighed, visibly relaxing. "What would you like to do in this time, milady? You seem even less thrilled than I am about this whole ordeal."
"I have no intention of growing feelings for you. If it were up to me, none of this would be happening."
"Understandable… is it something I've done to make you so hostile, though?"
"No, nothing you've done. Your existence just happens to be an obstacle in my having what I want."
"I'm sorry to hear that. Please don't plot to end my existence, though. I rather enjoy being alive," he chuckled.
"I won't kill you. I can be courteous and civil, but don't expect emotional reciprocation."
"Let me guess; you're in love with someone else?"
"Is it that obvious?"
"For me it is. I've known that you don't like me since you walked into the room. You begrudgingly find me attractive, however."
"How can you be so sure of that?"
"I'm an empath, milady. Your emotions speak to me loud and clear."
"Empathy isn't an element…"
"No, it isn't. You've caught me," he chuckled. "I'm an air elemental."
I looked him over again, suspiciously. I wasn't sure if I could trust this man.
"I understand. This is a strange circumstance, I'm a mystery, you've never met me before. I assure you that I have no intention of harming you. In fact, I am honestly intrigued by and interested in you. I won't do anything you're uncomfortable with. We'll take this one step at a time and whatever happens, happens. I've never been the planning type to begin with. I usually do whatever it is that I want to do, and I truly would like to get to know you just for the sake of getting to know you. It has nothing to do with the politics or arranged marriage."
"So we're in agreement. We expect nothing from each other with the exception of civility."
"Precisely," he smiled. "Deal?" He extended his arm for a handshake, so I accepted and shook his hand. "If I must admit, though, you are stunning. That outfit compliments your skin tone and makes your eyes more prominent. They're quite entrancing."
"Your eyes are fascinating as well. How does one have two different colored eyes?"
"A genetic mutation, actually," he laughed. "My mother has amber eyes, my father blue."
"Interesting…" I muttered, my mind wandering to another set of gorgeous eyes that always seemed to pierce into my soul and set my whole body aflame when they were turned to me with that deep, seductive intensity or made my heart hurt when the pain and loneliness were the most prominent features. I'd remembered all of a sudden why I'd left.
A lump burned in my throat and I could feel that my heart rate had increased. Every time Hiei looked at me, there was pure, unconditional love for me despite how much that love may have made him feel throughout the years. I knew I'd caused him a cruel amount of pain. I knew I was still causing him pain. I wanted it to stop. I wanted him to be happy. I didn't want his love for me to dirty his breathtaking eyes with negativity and melancholy. He deserved so much better and I was a terrible person for not doing anything to fix it.
"Hey…" Daisuke cooed. "Hey, what's wrong? Was it me?"
I shook my head and wrapped my arms around myself, squeezing as tight as I could, unable to stop the tears.
"If you miss him that much, why don't you go visit him?"
"He doesn't want to see me… I've hurt him too much… I couldn't bring myself to make it any worse for him."
"Sounds like a toxic relationship on both sides, to me."
"What?" I sniffled, glaring at him.
"Well, I don't know about his side of the story, but from yours, it's obvious that he's the love of your life. I don't know what you've done to hurt him, but judging from the reactions you've said he's given you, he loves you, too, but whatever you did was really bad. If you don't want to hurt him anymore—if you think that not seeing him will help—then you should end the relationship. It would free both of you, in a way. That's not to say that you'll magically fall out of love with each other, but it will at the very least lessen the pain and make it easier for the both of you. I'm sure he only wants you to be happy, just like you want him to be happy, and sometimes that means letting go…
"I mean, even though we may not like it, we're engaged. It would be harsh of you to ask or expect him to wait for you, and it would be socially, politically, and morally wrong for you to be his mistress should you decide to be selfish and ask him to stay with you, especially if he loves you as much as I'm assuming he does because he would do it at the dire cost of his emotional well-being which already seems unstable. It could also breed resentment in the long term. It's better to fix the situation now while it's only damaged before it becomes broken."
I was silent for a while before I sighed and walked to have a seat in one of the leather armchairs. All of a sudden, I was exhausted. I hated to admit it, but Daisuke was probably right. I didn't want to let go, but I couldn't hold on for much longer, either. My heart couldn't take it. I would never not be in love with Hiei, I'd realized, but I couldn't keep dragging him along with my own selfish desires, either.
"You're quite damaged because of this arranged marriage business. I'm sorry it's causing you so much grief."
"I'm sorry I'm so damaged. It's not fair to you to have to such a broken fiancé."
"I don't mind. I know my time with you will at the very least be interesting and eventful. Who knows? This might actually turn out to be a wonderful relationship."
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch, Daisuke."
"A relationship doesn't always have to be romantic, Lady Kimiko," he grinned, kneeling before me with a handkerchief and blotting at the silent tears that were still rolling down my face, his hand soft and tender as it held my cheek.
My eyes widened and a slight blush rose to my cheeks before I averted my gaze. "Why are you so nice to me?"
"I've already told you. I'm interested in you. You're beautiful and quite entrancing, you're honest in everything you do, especially emotionally, and it's been decided that we're going to spend the rest of my natural life together whether or not we like it so I see no point in us not getting along."
"At least you're honest and logical," I chuckled.
"There we go. A genuine smile. You do have them. I'm glad."
His smile was warm and genuine and with him being that close, I was finally able to catch his scent. It was warm and slightly earthy, but also salty, fresh, and clean. It was pleasant and friendly and it made my heart feel lighter. I honestly couldn't dislike him anymore because of it.
"Are you positive you don't want to see him? Not even if it's to say your final goodbyes instead of just dumping him?"
"You're a jerk," I huffed with a bitter grin.
"But I'm right and you know it."
Before I could respond, Daisuke was already standing and walking toward the door, calling for a servant. Not to my surprise, Miyu responded and bowed as she entered the room. I figured she'd been told to stay nearby.
"You requested assistance, honorable guest?" she inquired.
"The Lady of the house has a request."
"What may I assist you with, milady?"
"I'd like to pay a visit to my friends in the Spirit World. Could a carriage be prepared before the top of the hour?" I asked.
"Of course, milady. How many will be travelling?"
"The three of us."
"M-M-Me as well, milady?"
"Of course. I've grown quite fond of you and I'd like you to be there with me, if you wouldn't mind."
"Not at all, milady. I'll send for the preparations immediately."
"Thank you, Miyu."
"We'll be back in time tomorrow for the second exchange, yes, milady?"
"Of course. Father would be furious if I didn't."
"This is exciting," Daisuke chuckled.
