-Hiei's POV-

It was a usual day in the house. Yusuke and Keiko were downstairs watching TV, a waste of time. Kuwabara was taking a nap, a waste of time. Kurama was in the garden, an extremely feminine waste of time, Yukina was in her room socializing with her caged birds she kept as pets, a waste of time, and I frankly didn't care where Botan was or what she was doing, but I could guarantee you she was wasting her time, as well.
I sat in my room, polishing my katana, which still had Toya's dried blood stained against the blade. There was a certain satisfaction that I felt as I saw the reddish brown smears, but they needed to go. I sat close to the window, leaving it open a crack. Tsukiyo was down by the lake again, playing tunes on her guitar and singing to herself. Every now and then, she'd stop playing and jot something down in a notebook sitting next to her, and then pick up right where she left off in her music.
My only purpose in keeping the window open was to hear her voice, which still inticed me and calmed me. I'd given up fighting my magnetism to her, even if I had to hide it in the privacy of my room, listening to her sing through a crack in my window. This feeling was completely new, and I couldn't get enough of it... I just strived to know what it was that was making me feel this way, much like a spell. I stopped polishing my katana, and rested the back of my head against the wall behind me. I closed my eyes. Tsukiyo's face stained the backs of my eyelids, and her voice flooded the inside of my head.
"That's it.." I hissed to myself. I needed answers, and I needed them now. There was only one person I could go to for this sort of thing; the fox. I set my katana down, and casually made my way out of my room, past Yusuke and Keiko who were sucking each other's faces off on the couch, and out the front door. The garden was on the side of the house, and Kurama was sitting on his knees, digging holes to plant some sort of flowers in. It was embarassing how much time he put into such a thing that was meant for a woman, but I couldn't worry about that now. Kurama looked up, smiling as he noticed me. "Hello, Hiei." He greeted me, standing up and brushing himself off.
"I need to speak with you." I told him, ignoring his greeting. "Oh?" He said, seeming confused. I almost never confided in him for advice, "What about?"
I wondered if I should make up a fake analogy to my current problem, but I realized that would just complicate things further.
"It's about..." I paused, having second thoughts. I just had to say it, "Tsukiyo."
"Tsukiyo?"
"Yes, fox."
"What about her?"
I sighed angrilly, not wanting to go into detail, but I suppose I had to or Kurama wouldn't understand, and I wouldn't be able to get my answers. I explained to Kurama how I could never get Tsukiyo out of my mind, and listening to her singing voice calmed me like nothing else ever had. I told him how it was easy for me to talk to her, and I didn't feel as much annoyance towards her as I did to most everyone else that I had to assossiate myself with.
"I don't know what's going on inside my head," I confessed to Kurama, "And since you're more of the sensitive type, I figured you'd be able to give me an answer far easier than I could find one for myself," Kurama just stood there and smiled smugly.
"What?" I demanded, narrowing my eyes at him, "Why are you smiling like that?"
"Well, I could tell you exactly why you're feeling the way you do, but I don't think you'll like it." He told me with a shrug, and I turned my narrowed eyes to a straight glare.
"Just tell me, fox."
"Alright.." Kurama pulled his gardening gloves off each hand, "It sounds to me that you have a bit of a crush on our sweet little Tsukiyo."
I felt my face flush, and there was nothing I could do to hide it. I quickly turned my head away, giving Kurama less time to notice my change in color.
"A crush? That's childish," I muttered apathetically, "It's completely rediculous."
Kurama just shrugged again.
"I'm just telling you my opinion, judging from personal experience. I've been in your shoes before," He picked up his gardening tools, "But you may believe what you want; just give it some thought, Hiei."
As if I hadn't been giving this issue enough thought already.
Before Kurama turned to the front of the house, he stopped and looked at me over his shoulder, still smiling.
"Try asking her to dance at the Ball in a few days..." He suggested to me, "See what happens."
With that, he disappeared to the front of the house, leaving me standing in the garden. I grunted to myself.
*A crush.* I thought to myself, *That's impossible... I don't have time for petty ningen emotions...*
But I felt as if I was lying to myself... Maybe talking to Kurama about this was a mistake, it hadn't given me answers, it had just twisted my confusion into something far greater.
I didn't know if I could take his advice about the ball, I couldn't let my guard down. I didn't want anyone thinking I was a vulnerable weakling.
But still... Maybe it would help if I tried.

-Two days later-
-Tsukiyo's POV-

It was the night of the ball, and the girls and I couldn't have been more excited. We stood in the bathroom and did our hair and make up, looking very out of place wearing our sweats.
"You have the prettiest hair, Tsukiyo," Keiko complimented me as she twisted long, loose curls into my hair, which was half up and half down.
"Thanks, Keiko. I condition twice a day." I said jokingly, and everyone giggled.
"That's always helpful." Yukina laughed, applying the last of her make up. Her hair was tied up in a bun, with two loose strands in cute little curls handing down on the sides. Her make up was light, no more than a little mascara and foundation.
"I wish I had any of your hair," Keiko sighed as she scrunched hers, causing it to wave slightly. "Mine's so short I can barely do anything with it at all."
"Oh Keiko, your hair is lovely." Botan assured her. She wore her hair down and straight, with her bangs pulled back in a poof. She based her make up around a pair of hot pink lips, applying her eye make up lightly. Keiko decided on blue eye make up and clear lipgloss.
For my make up, I decided on a smokey eye with greys and blacks, applying slightly heavy top eyeliner, and thin bottom eyeliner. My eyelashes were long and thick, and I applied a nude shade to my lips, finished with a clear gloss.
"Dress time!" Botan sang, and we all cheered and clapped. Our dresses were each hanging on the wall, and Botan passed them to us one by one. We carefully slid into them, making sure not to mess our hair or smudge our make up. We took a quick picture in the mirror together, and giggled and cooed at how pretty we looked. We decided we couldn't resist but to take a few more. Downstairs, the boys were waiting, and they called for us repeatedly.
"I guess we can only ignore them for song long." Yukina giggled to herself as she opened the bathroom door, and we all agreed, stepping out of the bathroom, our heels clickin against the hardwood floors.
"Oh, I forgot my purse.." I said in annoyance as I finally figured out what was missing, "I'll be down in just a second."
I hurried back to my room, grabbing my sparkly silver clutch, matching my heels. Now I was ready to go. I rushed back over to the stairs, careful not to trip, and started to make my way down, slowly but gracefully. I earned a couple of stares from the boys, but nothing too rude, seeing as they each had their dates with them. I winked at Botan, who was currently blushing from Kurama's sweet comments about her dress and hair. She giggled like a giddy school girl. I hoped everything happened for the best for her that night.
All the guys were dressed in tuxes with matching accents to their dates, except Hiei. He wore a simple black dress shirt with a white tie, matching his usual white headband across his forehead. His shirt was tucked into his black slacks, and he wore shiny black dress shoes. He seemed very annoyed to be dressed without his usual attire. Just as he looked up at me, I smiled, and he smirked ever so slightly back, but then turned his attention away.

-Hiei's POV-

The girls finally made their way down the stairs, all dressed up in sparkles and lace. I didn't see the point, honestly. I absolutely abhored wearing this rediculous attire, slacks and a tie... honestly. It was only seconds before I noticed one girl was missing, the girl who always caught my attention. But she wasn't missing for long. Slowly, she descended down the stairs. Her dress was silky and a purple color, with a deep slit up the leg. Her silver heels toned her legs magnificiantly... Not that I was paying that much attention. By the amount of skin exposed, I was surprised that her bruises had healed so quickly.
Looking at her curled hair and porcelain face, there was no denying she was beautiful. This was proven as she smiled at me, and I had no choice but to return the favor. I smirked at her ever so slightly, but forced myself to turn my gaze away.
These confessions I was making to myself were becoming a bit easier, but I still couldn't help feeling confused and aggitated about tonight. I still wasn't sure if I was going to take Kurama's advice... asking Tsukiyo to dance with me. I didn't even know how to dance, I'd never taken part in such a ritual. This just may not work out.
We'll just have to see where the night takes us.

-Tsukiyo's POV-

Just before we were about to leave, there was a knock on the door.
"I'll get it," I announced as I hurried over to the door, my dress swaying at my ankles. I opened the door, and was pleasently surprised with who I was met with.
"Jin!" I cried excitedly as he hugged me.
"Hey there, half pint," He greeted me warmly, swaying me back and forth in his arms, "You look radiant. Did ya miss me?"
"Thank you." I said to him with a smile, "Of course I missed you, how could I not?"
"Oh, you." He said, nudging me playfully in the shoulder.
"Let's blow this popsicle stand," Kuwabara hollered out, I'm ready to let loose!"
Everyone agreed that we were ready to go, and so we headed off to the Spirit World for a night of fun.

When we arrived at the Palace, we navigated our way to the main corridor where the ball was being held. It was decorated so beautifully, having a sort of elegant french feel.
"Serious props to the decorator.." I muttered, taking in every little sight.
"Urameshi?" A red ogre with blonde hair, wearing glasses and a tuxedo asked our group as he approached us. He held a clipboard and looked very professional, for an ogre.
"Yep." Yusuke replied, "That's us."
"Right this way, please." The ogre said politely as he guided us through the crowd of sophisticated people to a large table at the front of the room. It was very clearly VIP seating. We each sat down in a place, everyone next to their dates, and me between Hiei and Jin. I took a sideways glance at Hiei, who seemed to be somewhere else. He looked deep in thought.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the annual Spirit World Ball." I heard Koenma speak, and looked around for him. He was standing at a podium at the far side of the room, and he was wearing very lavish looking robes, and his Spirit World Prince crown. All the guests clapped politely, including our table. Kuwabra and Yusuke hooted and hollered, earning looks from everyone around us. Kurama gave them apologetic looks and shrugs.
"We've got some very important announcements to make tonight," Koenma kept on, "The very first thing is to honor the ball to my mother, Queen Atsumara, who passed quite some time ago, and I miss her very dearly..." He paused, and everyone cooed in sympathy, "But her sacrifice has brought me something back into my life that I never thought I'd have again; family. Everyone, I'd like to introduce you to Princess Tsukiyo... my lost sister of 168 years."
Suddenly, the spotlight was on me, along with everyone's eyes and smiles. My yeyes glided back and forth, making contact with at least 20 people's gazes. Feeling on the spot, I flashed a sheepish grin and an awkward wave. I could my face burning and desperately wanted to be out of the spotlight.
"Please come up to the podium, Tsukiyo," Koenma said in the microphone. So much for that whole spotlight plan...
"Um...okay," I muttered to myself as I slowly pushed away from the table. I earned some encouraging smiles from my friends around me, as well as the rest of the guests in the bathroom, followed by a light applause. As I made my way up to the podium, I heard the scattered whispers of the guests.
"She's so beautiful... Just like her mother..."
"The Queen would be so proud."
"Such grace..."
Finally, I reached my brother at the podium, where he placed a small, shimmery tiara ontop of my head, welcoming more applause. He then handed the microphone to me, and I held it to my lips, pausing a moment to stare into the waiting crowd.
"Uhm.." I began, a bit started by how loud my voice echoed through the ballroom, but nobody else seemed phased by it. "Thank you all so much for being here tonight... I've prepared something to share with you," I tried to make my words short and simple, in order to get to what I was most excited about sharing with everyone. I pulled my guitar from under the podium where I'd stored it a few days earlier without anyone's knowledge; not even Koenma, who was looking at me with a puzzled expression. I slipped on the shoulder strap, and spoke into the microphone once more.
"This is a song I wrote," I said as I started to feel more comfortable with speaking, "Its about my new life, and how happy I am to have found it..."
With that being said, I began to strum a soft, slow melody. A played for a few seconds before starting in with the verses in a rich voice. As I sang, I could see everyone's face becoming softer, in awe. I gazed upon my friends at their table, all of their jaws dropped except for Hiei. He was the only I'd shared my talent with, no one else had known. There were a few hoots and hollers from my table as I hit a high note, and I smiled through my lyrics. A real smile, a happy smile. And as I made eye contact with Hiei, I could see that he was smiling too.. A small smile, but it was still all there.

-Hiei's POV-

I already wanted to leave this dreadful place as soon as we walked in. The girls admired the pitiful directions, which was based on the country of France in the Ningenkai. It was so petty to me, I didn't belong here one bit. The only reason I was here was to try and pursue was Kurama had told me... and hopefully get some questions swimming around inside my head answered. After we all were sitting down at a round table, Koenma began to speak. He announced that Tsukiyo was his sister, and a spotlight was shone on her. She grinned after a moment, and waved to all the eyes staring her down. I found myself thinking that she looked kind of cute when she was embarassed, but quickly shook that thought out of my head. I was becoming completely soft... It was not a good thing. I always swore to myself I wouldn't let that happen.
Tsukiyo was already up to the podium by the time I entered reality again, and Koenma was placing a tiara on her head. She turned to the crowd, placing the microphone up near her mouth.
"Uhm.." She spoke up, and paused a moment; her voice sounded shy, "Thank you all so much for being here tonight... I've prepared something to share with you," She pulled her guitar out from under the podium, and everyone in the ballroom glanced back and forth to each other. Once she had the guitar positioned the way she needed it, she spoke into the microphone again.
"This is a song I wrote, it's about my new life, and how happy I am to have found it..."
Everyone was hushed as she began to stroke the strings on the guitar, producing that beautiful melody. Her voice soon followed, lulling everyone into a trance. I folded my arms and took a quick glance around the table; everyone had a shocked expression on their faces, and I remembered they'd never heard Tsukiyo play or sing before, only I had. I smiled to myself, unable to control it.
*Stop it, Hiei* I hissed inside my head, trying to chase the smile away, but it only grew smaller, never fading.
At that moment, Tsukiyo's eye caught mine, and she smiled instantly, catching the sight of mine. It felt like a spark had just errupted through my body. Soon, her song was done, and I was released from her angelic grip. She thanked the crowd and bowed to everyone, announcing that dinner was to be served shortly. I really wasn't hungry. All I could concentrate on was this strange, overwhelming feeling I had when this girl was around... Like I couldn't drink enough of her in, couldn't keep my mind and eyes off her. I wasn't sure I liked it, and I wasn't sure I hated it either...

-Tsukiyo's POV-

My song ended, and the crowd errupted in applause. I smiled and bowed to them, thanking them for listening. I placed my guitar down, and scooped up the microphone, ready to address the crowd again.
"Dinner will be served in just a few minutes, enjoy your evening everyone." I said cheerfully. I set the microphone down, and was greeted my Koenma, who gave me a hearty hug.
"That was fantastic!" He gushed, holding me at arm's length now. "I had no idea you could play the guitar... or sing like that!"
"Yea, well.." I replied bashfully as I rubbed the back of my neck. "It's just a hobby."
"Well, it was great." He said, and he followed me back to our table where he said he was going to sit with us.
"Oh, Tsukiyo, that was absolutely beautiful!" Botan squealed as I sat down in my seat between Jin and Hiei.
"Yes, that was great," Kurama agreed with a nod and his usual sweet smile. Everyone clammered at me about my song and my guitar playing, and I just blushed and smiled.
"Thanks, guys..." I said softly.
"She's got the voice of angel, this little lady." Jin said, wrapping his arm around me and squeezing me. I laughed.
"You guys are too much," I joked, waving away all their compliments.
A few minutes later, our steak dinners arrived, and they were amazing.
"This is SOOO GOOOOD," Yusuke wailed with his mouth full, earning a scold from Keiko. Kuwabara followed suit, and Keiko scolded him as well. Yukina just giggled, I admired how easy going and carefree she was.
"Ahh," Yusuke and Kuwabara sighed together in content as they leaned back in their chairs, finished with their food. "That was amazing."
"That was very good." Yukina agreed as she pushed her plate away from her. "I couldn't possibly eat another bite."
"It was delicious." Kurama piped up, but he had only eaten half of his food. "I'm stuffed."
"Props to the chef." Yusuke announced after a huge belch. Keiko sighed and rested her head in her hands, having given up.
"Well I'll be sure to inform the cooks that you loved their meals." Koenma replied with a chuckle.
Music began playing about fifteen minutes later, and it was time to get up and dance, now that we were all digested and whatnot. All of us got up and headed to the dancefloor, which resembled something like a high school prom, only slightly more elegant. "Come on, Hiei!" Yusuke called out to the fire demon, who was the only one still seated at our table. "Let loose!"
"Yea," Kuwabara agreed, "Get jiggy with it!"
Hiei stared at them sharply, furrowing his brow.
"I refuse to make myself look like a fool." He barked at them, turning his eyes away. They shrugged, grabbed their dates, and pulled them out to the floor. Kurama grabbed Botan, and I was left standing. I glanced over at Hiei, who was paying no attention to me. I was about to change that when I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned around and met Jin's big blue eyes.
"Let's dance!" He shouted to me over the music. I couldn't help but smile as he began to do a goofy dance around me, sort of like an Irish jig. I giggled and let him take my hand, pulling me out in the dance floor, making me do twirls all over the place. My dress flowed away from my body, and I kept laughing. I was having a great time. After a few upbeat songs, a slow song came up, and Jin and I stopped dancing. He smiled at me, and bowed slightly, holding out his hand.
"My lady," He said dramatically, "May I have this dance?"
I smiled and took his hand.
"Of course you can, good sir." I giggled, and he pulled me in, placing his hands on my hips, and my hands landed automatically on his shoulders. As we turned toward the table slowly, I saw Hiei glaring in our direction. But when my eyes met his, he got up from the table for the first time that evening, walking around the crowd, and out to the balcony, which was open and letting the cool night air into the room. I stared at his back for a moment, wondering what that was about... I danced the rest of the song with Jin, talking about life over the music, and then when the song ended I told him I would be back in a little while.
I made my way out to the balcony, where Hiei stood with his back to me.

-Hiei's POV-

I watched as my house mates let go of their inhibitions on the dance floor. It was embarassing, I was glad I had turned it down. This music was disgusting, and much too loud. The fast, techo like beats were definitely not for me, and I just wanted to shove something sharp down my ear canals to end this torture. After four or five horrendous songs, the tempo slowed down, and each person paired up with another, getting close... the slow dancing was beginning, but of course the wind master had asked Tsukiyo to dance... and she'd said yes. They seemed to be getting very close, maybe... too close. They smiled and laughed with each other.
"Maybe I've just found my answer..." I grumbled to myself, feeling somewhat defeated. I glared at them dancing together, feeling heat build up inside me. Almost a sense of longing.
Was I jelous? No, that was ridiculous. Pathetic, even. But I was still glaring, and I couldn't find the will to stop. Suddenly Tsukiyo's eyes met mine, and I tore my gaze away from her somehow. I shoved myself away from the table and ventured out onto the balcony, where there was less noise and the air was crisp. I leaned on my elbows against the railing and looked out upon the land, illuminated by the moon and stars. I sighed to myself.
"I'm just wasting my time.." I grumbled.
After a minute or two, I heard a voice behind me; Tsukiyo's.
"Hiei..?"
I didn't turn to look at her, and I didn't say anything for a moment, but finally I replied.
"What?" My voice came out shallow and soft, not what I had wanted. My emotions were getting the best of me. God damn this girl for making me feel this way.
"What are you doing out here?" Tsukiyo asked me as she glided over to my side, her heels clicking seductively against the smooth marble floor of the balcony. She stood and looked over at the land, just like I was.
"The music in there is atrocious." I replied bluntly, "...I just needed some air."
"Oh.." Tsukiyo said with an understanding nod.
I paused, waiting to see if she'd say anything else. Nothing. "What are you doing out here, onna?" I asked, forgetting not to call her 'onna'. Oh well.
"Sort of the same thing.." She said, picking at a loose thread on her dress, "And I was just wondering what you were doing and if you're okay."
"Why wouldn't I be okay?"
"Well, you haven't gotten up or said much of anything tonight, I just wondered if something was wrong."
"Nothing's wrong, onna."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Positive?"
"I'm fine, Tsukiyo."
This time my voice was very, very sharp, making sure she got the point, and she did; refraining to talk... which wasn't exactly what I wanted. I rested my head in my hands. If there was any time to reach my goal tonight, this was it. Just ask her... Just ask her. "Uh... Tsukiyo..." I heard myself say, my voice sounding unstable, and I instantly regretted speaking at all. I hoped I'd spoken soft enough that she didn't hear me, but that was short lived.
"Yes, Hiei?" She replied rather quickly. "What is it?"
I paused a moment, taking a deep breath and letting it out as a sigh. She stared at me expectingly.
"Do you..." I began once more, finding my voice caught in my throat. "Do you want to..."
"C'mon Hiei," Tsukiyo said with a joking giggle, "Spit it out."
I looked at her, straight in the eyes. All or nothing.
"Do you want to dance with me..." My face burned red, and I could tell hers was to. I remained in eye contact with her and she just stared. Slowly, she smiled, but she still didn't answer. I began to feel uneasy, and snapped at her.
"Do you want to dance with me or not, onna."
"I thought you'd never ask.." She whispered. This took me by surprise somewhat.. I wasn't expecting this to go in a positive way. Slowly, I stood upright, and looked to the side as I held my hand out, feeling Tsukiyo place her palm against mine, lacing my fingers with hers. I felt a strange thing inside my stomach, sort of like a tightening feeling. This was just getting stranger and stranger. Each of us walked into the ball, neither of leading, really, and then stood there for a moment.
"I've never danced before.." I mumbled quickly. Tsukiyo looked at me.
"What?" She asked, "I didn't hear you, Hiei."
"I've never danced before..!" I said a bit louder. I couldn't make eye contact with her.
"Ohhh," She giggled.
"What's so funny?" I snapped defensively. "Stop laughing!"
"Calm down, Hiei," She said to me in a reassuring way, "I'm not laughing at you."
She then proceeded to face me, standing about an inch or two shorter. She placed my hands on her hips, and her hands on my shoulders. Her figure was... amazing. Soft, with the perfect curves in the perfect places.
"Like this," She explained softly, and we swayed back and forth.
"This is it..?" I said flatly, in somewhat of disbelief. "This is so... simple."
"Yea, pretty much." Tsukiyo shrugged. As we dance, each of seemed to become more shy. We looked at the floor between us, each blushing. As the song we were dancing to grew more tender, Tsukiyo snuck a peak at me, but I pretended not to notice. I felt her body hesitate to move, but she finally slid her hands off my shoulders, hooking her arms around my neck. My eyes widened. "What are you doing?" I asked, and her head snapped up to me. Our faces were so close...
"N-nothing.." She stammered and began to pull her arms away, but I grabbed them, keeping them in place. I followed her suit, pulling her waist closer to me, and now our bodies were touching. Tsukiyo stared up at me, her face deep red, and her eyes wide. I felt my lips curve. What in the world had come over me? I was becoming soft... but I couldn't stop it. It was there, and it wasn't leaving, no matter how hard I tried.
Tsukiyo smiled back at me, and it was at that moment that I knew... I had my answer.
This feeling called love... I told myself I'd never let myself feel it. But I knew now that it was impossible... This is what I felt for Tsukiyo.
Love. It was so disgustingly clear now, and I didn't quite know how I felt about it...
But, just as Yukina could never know I was her brother, Tsukiyo could never know my feelings for her...
It would complicate things far too much.
I just hoped I could keep this promise to myself.

To be continued...