Training had gone pretty smoothly for our 10th day at it. The boys and I had spent almost the entire day working on our strategies and target practice, nightfall coming upon us faster than we had planned.
Our techniques were smooth and organized, but could still use some work... especially since I had earned an extra bruise on my right thigh when Kuwabara decided it would be a good idea to chuck a rock at me from afar during our spar.
I had demanded to know what the big idea was at the time, and his excuse was he couldn't fight me with his fists, it was against his "code" to never hit a woman... so he decided to hit me with rocks, instead. Oh, that Kuwabara..
Needless to say, I kicked his ass, because I wasn't afraid to fight him.
Now, it was late at night, and everyone was asleep. Well, except for me. I was a bit bummed, not having really seen, talked to, let alone hung out with Keiko, Yukina, or Botan in the past week. Training was taking over my life, and I was feeling like I was morphing into one of the guys.. I didn't really know how I felt about that. A girl's day out was much needed, and I made a mental note to mention this to the other girls in the house.
But, for now, I stared at my reflection in the mirror of my bedroom vanity, taking my hair out from it's braid. My usually stick straight hair now flowed in waves down my back, and I admired it, wishing it was that way naturally.
I changed from my clothes to an over sized black t-shirt that fit more like a short dress, a pair of gray thigh high socks, and some fuzzy slippers to keep my feet warm. I sighed in content, happy to be out of my jeans and turtle neck.
I sat on my bed, opening my bedside drawer. I removed a small bottle of Cherry Blossom scented lotion, and began to apply it to my arms and the exposed area of my legs. At first it was cool against my skin, but as my hands moved, the lotion warmed with the friction.
I replaced the lotion, and looked up at the ceiling. My fan revolved on the medium setting, casting a cool breeze through the room and wavering the curtains over my window a bit.
I was still feeling a bit strange about the incident in the forrest earlier... I knew I had heard something unusual, more than just birds. And I knew I was being watched that morning... but could it have just been a larger animal, like a raccoon? It was possible, but... Should I have told the guys? Would it have even made a difference?
I shook my head in an attempt to clear all these jumbled thoughts. It was probably nothing, I was just paranoid, It was only my imagination... one of those, at least. I'd have to just let it go, there was nothing I could do about it now. I sighed, wishing I would have taken more action at the moment it was happening, then maybe I'd have more answers...
I glanced over at my alarm clock on my nightstand; 2:01 AM, and for some reason I wasn't quite tired yet. But I knew a certain someone would still be up..
I knew I would regret it in three hours when I had to wake up and get right back at the training grind with the boys, but I couldn't help myself. I slipped out of my room into the dark hallway, and made my way to the boys wing, stalking silently through the shadows. No one was up, so I didn't know why I was trying to be so sneaky.. I guess it was just the feel of the moment.
Soon I arrived in front of Hiei's door, glancing around just to make triple sure no one was up and about in the house, remembering the night I had walked out of Hiei's room only to become face to face with the eavesdropping pair, Yusuke and Kuwabara.
The cost was clear, and I could see a soft light illuminating from under the crack of Hiei's door. His desk lamp, he was awake for sure.
I knocked softly once, waited, then twice more. Our code.
I stood back, waiting. I heard Hiei's footsteps grow closer to the door, eyeing his shadow under the crack. My stomach fluttered... I felt like a childish school girl, crushing on the star quarter back... sort of... but, I didn't care. It felt so good, and at the same time so exciting to have a secret kept from the whole house, although at times it was difficult to keep on the down low.
The door creaked open, and there stood Hiei... shirtless, wearing only a pair of baggy black sweatpants, hanging low on his hips, and the usual wrap up his arm that still puzzled me. I felt myself blush, but didn't try to hide it.
"Hi," I greeted him quietly, putting my hands behind my back and smiling.
"What are you doing up," He asked me in his flat tone of voice, "You should be sleeping. Training begins again in four hours."
"I know, I'm just not tired for some reason.." I replied to him meekly, "I wanted to come visit you before bed.. can I come in?"
Hiei just looked into my eyes for a moment, raising an eyebrow slightly. Finally, he stepped aside, holding the door open for me, not saying a word. My stomach fluttered once more as I walked into the room, the sexy fire demon silently shutting the door behind me. I sat on his bed, taking a look around the familiar black and red themed room. On his desk, Hiei had his katana unsheathed, and it glinted in the light of his desk lamp. Beside the blade sat the sharpening stone, a rag, and a small bottle of stainless steel polish.
"You really are serious about the upkeep of that katana, aren't you?" I asked Hiei as he made his way back into the chair, sitting in it backwards with his legs on either side of it, and his muscular arms propped on the back rest.
"Only the sharpest of blades can slice through the thickest of necks, Tsuki." Hiei replied darkly, an evil smirk curving his lips. My cheeks became rosey again.
"...Okay that was just a little creepy." I admitted to the fire demon as I gave him a strange look. But I couldn't help but smile, the man was giving me a case of the butterflies like I'd never had before.
"Hn." Hiei grunted, the smirk still plastered on his face, he closed his eyes for a moment then reopened them. They seemed brighter and more vibrant red. "You really should be asleep."
"Hey," I countered, crossing my arms over my chest, "I'm a big girl. I'll be fine. You've obviously never pulled an all nighter for a final exam, have you?"
Hiei stared at me blankly, narrowing his eyes just a bit.
"Right, you're a demon.." I reminded myself dumbly, "Never went to High School... touche. I still forget my life isn't exactly normal anymore."
I noticed Hiei's eyes had dropped down a bit lower, staring at my exposed legs. My stomach jumped, I had forgotten I had only put on a t-shirt.. at least it was long enough to cover my underwear.. I shifted to try and cover my exposed skin, and Hiei's eyes drifted back up to mine.
"Why are you hiding?" He asked me suddenly, and I stammered for a response.
"Well, it's just, you know..." I had no idea what words to even begin to put together to explain myself, "I... kinda forgot what I was wearing when I came to your room... I guess I should have put some pants on.. Heh.."
By now my face was burning red, deeper than the color of Hiei's firey crimson orbs. I rubbed the back of my neck in a sheepish, fidgety manor.
"I don't know what you're making such a fuss about.." Hiei began to speak softer, his voice husky. I felt a strange feeling deep in the pit of my stomach, "The only thing I would change is those atrocious things on your feet... looks like road kill."
He motioned to my classic white bunny slippers on my feet and I scowled at him.
"My bunny slippers are not roadkill," I said to him defensively, "They're cute... and they keep my feet warm."
"No," Hiei came back at me, rising from the chair, "They're not 'cute'".
I huffed and glared at my new boyfriend... it was still strange to think of him as my 'boyfriend'. I was about to snap back another defense to my poor slippers, when Hiei's hand suddenly reached toward my face. My words caught in my throat as he gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear, and I forgot all about the slippers. I only stared into his eyes, which seemed much softer now.
"But," Hiei spoke softly, his voice sounding a bit different, "What I do think is cute... is you, when you get mad at me like that."
"H-huh...?" I stammered, "Did you just say... you think I'm cute...? Usually all you call me is "onna".."
Hiei didn't say another word for that moment, just stood up and made his way to the foot of the bed, standing in front of me. He leaned down, his face close to mine, I could feel the warmth of his breath against my face. He placed one hand on either side of me. I gulped.
"Hiei..?" I squeeked out meekly, my heart pounding in my ears. I swear he could have heard it himself.
"Don't you realize, onna.." He spoke, smirking on the emphasis of the word 'onna' "To me, you're much more than just cute..."
He planted his lips softly on my cheek, trailing towards my ear. Goosebumps rose all over my entire body. This was definately a new side to Hiei I'd never seen before..
"It takes a lot to catch my interest," He continued in my ear, his voice soft and husky, "But somehow you've managed to do it... I don't know exactly what it is about you, Tsukiyo, but..."
His voice trailed off as his hand trailed up, up to the based of my neck, stroking my skin with his thumb.
"I just..." He spoke, then paused, "... I'm just not sure what to make of it. But what I do know is I can't get enough of you.. your sight, your smell," He paused to inhale slightly, causing me to blush and squirm a bit, "Even though you annoy me and piss me off at times... It's just more of a reason that makes me drawn to you. And it doesn't help much when you show up at my bedroom door dressed the way you are..."
I stared at Hiei wide eyed, shocked by this sudden confession of emotion. Where was the cold Hiei I met on the first day I moved here? Well, he was still there, he was always there, that was just who he was... But it was like he was letting a whole new hidden personality out now, morphed with his usual stone cold hardass image.. and it was making my entire body tingle.
I gasped a bit as Hiei moved upward, placing one knee on the bed, causing me to have to scoot upward. This motion continued, Hiei crawling over top of me, and I scooting back further and further, until my head hit the pillow. Hiei smirked from above me.
"I thought that might work.." He whispered, leaning down, "Now... you're right where I want you..."
Before I knew it, I was locked in a gentle, but fiery and passionate, kiss with Hiei. My stomach felt as if it might explode, along with my racing heart, as this incredibly sexy man slid one of his strong arms under my back, gently lifting it upwards so my body was pressed against his. I could feel his natural warmth through my shirt. For a moment, my body tensed up... This was moving very quickly. But all my body told me to do was wrap my arms around his neck, and kiss him... I just kept kissing him, his soft lips moving effortlessly against mine.
Hiei broke his lips away from mine, kissing down my jaw line and to the base of my ear, just below my ear lobe. I let out the softest groan I could manage. Hiei's grip tightened on me.
"Hnn.." He growled into my ear, "Don't make those sounds... Unless you want me to draw blood.." He nipped at the soft skin of my neck in a teasing mannor, and I bit my lip to supress anymore groans or whimpers. I felt him chuckle slightly against my neck, sounding just a bit sinister.
His lips stayed where they were, brushing back and forth agaisnt my neck, causing me to shiver and squirm the slightest bit at every touch. When I felt his hand grasp my calf and begin to travel up my thigh, my body tensed up. Hiei paused and removed his lips from my neck.
He looked into my eyes, and I could feel nervousness flooding them. Hiei's eyes became a bit soft and he removed his hand from my leg, placing it instead on my check, brushing a loose strang of my hair away.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, feeling as if I'd ruined this sudden romantic moment, "I'm just... not ready for that yet... Too fast."
Hiei smirked again, I was getting used to this sight, and I quite liked it... I figured I might not want to get used to it, however. Hiei could change his mood in a heartbeat, and stick with it for days.
"We have plenty of time.." He informed me, "If this works the way we plan.. it will happen when you're ready, if you ever decide. I won't rush you... you just let me know when the time is right."
I smiled. I never knew he could care so much and be so considerate. If it was so hard to catch Hiei's interest like he said... well then, I must just be one hell of a lucky girl.
"Thanks, Hiei.." I ran my hands through his hair, and I could tell he enjoyed it, closing his eyes and leaning in just a bit. "If only every guy could be like you."
He opened one eye and looked at me suspicously.
"I'll kill any other male, human or demon, that tries anything like what I'm trying with you." He said solumnly, his voice returning to that cold, stoney tone. I giggled at his sudden change of emotion.
"Relax, that's not what I meant.. no one else is trying to make me their mate... yet." I wiggled my eyebrows jokingly at him and he rolled his eyes, looking at me sharply after the last park. I giggled and assured him I was only kidding.
"Fortunately, after the first time that... event takes place," HIei spoke slowly, seeming to be careful with his choice of words, "No other male will touch you... you'll be marked."
I blinked up at him, confused.
"Marked..?" I asked quizically, "The hell..?"
He brushed my hair aside and circled a spot on my neck near the nape with his finger. I shivered a bit.
"Here. With my teeth... I'll have to pierce your skin." He said, his voice becoming flat again.
I scrunched up my nose.
"That sounds painful..." I said, rubbing the spot where he had circled.
"It will sting a bit," Hiei informed me, "But it's over quick. But like I told you before... Once I've marked you, you're mine. Think long and hard about this.. and don't be afraid to tell me if you've decided against it."
I hushed him by placing my index finger to his lips, then quickly replacing my finger with my own lips for a soft kiss. The fire demon leaned in, seeming to become a little more comfortable with intimate relations.
"I won't ever decide against it.." I whispered to him, "The time just has to be right... Then I'll gladly bear your mark... Until then, I'm not looking for anyone else, and no one else is going to try and make any moves on me, believe it.. I'm all yours."
With those words being spoken, Hiei nuzzled his face into the crook of my neck, and I wrapped my arms around him. We lay like this for what seemed like hours, until finally Hiei peeled himself away and looked at the clock.
"As much as I enjoy your company, especially at this time of night," He began to speak, "It's nearly 3 AM. You need to go to bed."
With that, he pushed himself off me, and extended his hand to help me up. I pouted at him, giving him my saddest eyes.
"Don't give me that look." He scolded me. "Up. You've got to sleep and I've got to leave."
"Leave?" I questioned as I sat up and took his hand. He pulled me gently to my feet, "Aren't you going to sleep at all..?"
"I don't need sleep." He informed me as he led me to the door, giving me one last kiss. "You on the other hand need to be able to perform at your highest ability, and at this time of morning that's already been tarnished."
I sighed, realizing he was right. I needed to at least get an hour of sleep, and that alone wouldn't be enough. When 5:00 rolled around, I knew I'd be a zombie, and I'd hate myself for staying up all night.. but my romance with Hiei had been much worth it.
As quietly as possible, Hiei opened his door, and I stepped out. I gave him a "good-bye" look, and he did the same, slowly shutting the door as I made my way back down to the girls wing. I yawned sleepily, and tried not to bump into any furniture.
I made it back to my room safe and sound, unseen... or so I thought.
From downstairs in the kitchen, a pair of green eyes had seen me come and go from room to room... and had discoverd my secret.
-To Be Continued-