Midnight...

Kurama's POV

It's been 6 months since the day we last saw Hiei. We celebrated, ate, drank and laughed that night away. All of us spent the night in Genkai's temple, though by the time the rest of us awakened, Hiei was gone. This was not a very pleasant thing for anyone, especially for Yukina, who has been a mess ever since.

Kuwabara, of course hasn't left her side, but the triangle can never replace the circle in a child's game, and Kuwabara can not replace Hiei in Yukina's heart.

From Yusuke's many visits to demon world, and in particular Mukuro's fortress, we have been able to figure out that Hiei has in fact gone to trial and been sentenced. However, whether he's alright, or even alive, is beyond us. Yusuke was not allowed to converse with him, or Mukuro. Hiei did say he wouldn't be able to come back to the human world, but he said nothing about us never being able to see him, or get information on him.

Not even "the great Koenma" can get a single letter on the matter. Apparently the "ex-spirit detective" card he once held has out-lived its usefulness.

All we are left with is a small inkling of hope that he may be alive. One thing's for sure though...insomnia sucks.

"This is quite possibly one of the darkest nights of the year."

Ring...Rrrrriiiing...

"Hello?"

"Kurama! Hey, it's Yusuke."

"Yusuke it's midnight! Why are you calling me at such an hour?!"

"Shit! I'm so sorry! Stupid Yusuke! Did I wake you? Your family?"

"Thankfully no. I can't sleep, and they turn off the ringer before sleeping."

"Oh. Well, I'm calling because I just got back from Makai and Hiei is with me."

"...what?"

"Yeah, I thought it was pretty important news, so I guess I was a bit overenthusiastic and called. Sorry again."

"Yusuke wait!" I can almost hear him smirking...

"Yeah?"

"Hiei is with you?"

Laughing "I knew that would grab your attention. Yeah, he'll be at my house for tonight. We'll come get you first thing in the morning and take him to the temple. It'd be unfair to keep him from Yukina any longer."

"Indeed. May I speak to him?"

"Uh...umm...well, you see..."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing. I just think he's already asleep. Do you want me to wake him?"

"Oh, in that case it can wait till morning. I'll be waiting for you to come get me."

"You got it. Expect us at 10."

"Alright. Goodnight Yusuke."

"Night!"

Click

I stare at the phone in disbelief. A thousand thoughts swim in my mind, all of which, I have no answer for. However this bit of news did in fact release some of my tension and I was able to drift to sleep easily. It would be illogical to think things through for 10 hours and receive no real answer, rather than passing those 10 hours sleeping and getting my answer when I am next conscious. In reality, equal time will have passed, but to me, it will be like an instant gratification, which makes me wonder, how reliable is the essence of time anyway?

Yusuke's POV

I hang up the phone and look at Hiei who is currently seated directly in my field of vision. He is on my desk and I am on my chair. Not moments ago he was furiously shaking his head "no" at Kurama's question if he can talk to him. He doesn't want anyone to know yet. I understand that. It just seems ridiculous that he'd like to keep it hidden for another 10 hours. What's 10 hours?! It's not like it's a significant time where things drastically change. I tap his arm and lead him to the futon I laid out for him. He uttered a low "Hn" as thanks while making his way under the blankets, exhausted, and falling asleep almost instantly.

"This is going to be a long night."

Author's Note: Yes, I realize I'm a terrible person to keep you waiting 2 years and then decide to write a chapter, and a short one at that, but I have more important things on my mind. This story would've ended very differently a couple of years ago because I had no direction to go. I think I may have come up with something more interesting this time. Review if you want me to continue. Hn.