A/N: So, I never even planned for a KuramaxOC to come into play in this fic, and definitely not for them to have their own part in the plot, but hey, things happen. I'm glad readers seem into it! I don't intend on making them much more central than this, though, as this story is all about Hiei and Mai.
Anyways, thanks for the reviews, I loved them as always. If anyone new wanted to review that'd be cool, though I love how many of you are consistent reviewers! I seriously appreciate it so much. This chapter is a mix of filler and a lot of questions being answered, so I hope it is both entertaining and that it surprises you a little bit. Did I make the right choices in answering those questions? Also, I feel like I did a strangely decent job at keeping Hiei in character but sort went a tad OOC on Kurama… I don't know… Hopefully I get some awesome reviews! :P
"How in the hell could we fail again?"
Emiko stormed up and down in front of the gathering of the elders. She was furious; if their strongest demon was no match for even her disgrace of a daughter, how would they ever be able to erase the blemish from the family?
An idea hit her suddenly. "I will go."
"What are you talking about?" one of the elders asked her.
"I will go," she repeated. "We will wait a time, they will drop their guard and I will move in and dispose of the humiliation myself."
"You feel confident you can do so?" inquired the head of the family, looking down at her from his seat which rested higher than all the others.
"I am positive."
"Ready for the lesson I'm sure you would all have been waiting for if I had told you it was coming?" Mai asked cheerfully, resting a hand on her quirked hip.
"What?" Kuwabara asked, running a finger under his nose idly.
"Today will be a fun day!"
Yusuke laughed and rolled his eyes, "Mai, you've thought every day was fun."
"True," she allowed, but continued, "But today, you guys will have fun, too. Today, we learn how to integrate fighting and dancing."
She was met with surprised silence, so she explained, "Even though not all of you will be in the finals, and especially since the final cut hasn't been announced yet, you are all going to learn today. No matter what, you will all be there and must act like club-goers if you are not competing."
"This could actually be interesting," Kurama said softly, giving Mai a warm smile.
"Woo! Yay for enthusiasm!" Mai cheered, pumping her fist in the air. "Kuwabara, you're up first!"
The wielder of the Spirit Sword stepped forward, taking his spot beside Mai. He asked, "I get that we are gonna hafta go under cover but… Why do we all have to learn if we aren't all gonna have to dance?"
"There is going to be a time where the floor is open to everyone as the judges deliberate. This means you all need to be able to go from dancing to fighting in a second and without being suspected."
The boys nodded, and the lesson began.
"Ok, Kuwabara, you are by far the easiest. All you really need to do is make sure you aren't too close to the other dancers. As for subtlety, I think it will suffice to do something like this," Mai explained. She stood in front of Kuwabara, swaying her hips from side to side. He slowly began to copy her and she placed his hands on her hips. The hanyou reached out her hands and guided him into a spin. "On your heels, good and when you have spun halfway around, draw your sword."
The blonde showed him a few other subtle moves. He would sink to a knee, then as he shifted to the other, he could draw his sword and lunge straight into a nearby enemy. Another move consisted of him making wave-like motions with his arms, as if a pulse was running down one, over his shoulders, then across the other arm. He could draw his sword as he finished the wave, so his arm had a full range of motion.
"Good, I think you will probably be all set. Feel free to improvise as well; it is easy enough to draw your Spirit Sword in any combination of the moves you've already learned."
"Alright, I got this in the bag!" he replied, pumping his fist in the air.
Mai smiled, and waved him off, saying, "C'mon, Yusuke."
Her fellow hanyou strode forward, grinning and running his finger under his nose. "Lay it on me, Mai!"
The blonde smirked, arching an eyebrow at him. He responded with a burst of laughter, pointing his finger at her through his mirth. At the side of the room, Kurama and Kuwabara were chuckling as well.
"What the hell?" she asked, confused.
"You just looked so much like Hiei!" Yusuke laughed. "It was hilarious!"
Mai turned her eyes to her two other friends. Kurama smiled, and agreed, "The resemblance to Hiei's own habit was uncanny."
The blonde rolled her eyes and Hiei spoke up, "Just listen to her, Detective."
"Sure, sure, Hiei," the dark haired man replied through his dying laughter, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye.
"Anyways, Yusuke," Mai said sharply, preventing an argument that was sure to come. "Your power is also pretty easy to incorporate into dance, especially your Shotgun."
She then moved to stand next to him, demonstrating how all he really needed to do was something like rocking on his heels, or even grinding, so long as his hand was extended only slightly to the side, as if for balance. Next, she used her hands to position him behind her, his left hand splayed over her stomach, his right hidden behind her back to charge up his Spirit Gun.
"Like Kuwabara, you can also probably improvise and incorporate subtle ways of charging up your Spirit energy into moves you have already been using."
"What about normal fighting moves? You know, hand to hand?" Yusuke asked.
"It's pretty easy, actually. Go stand by the wall."
The four stood, leaning against the wall of mirrors as Mai straightened, feet together on the floor. She slowly shuffled them apart, keeping a space between her legs. She swayed her hips, leaning to the side and dropping straight into a graceful roll, as if dodging an enemy's blow. From the roll, she swept her leg out, unbalancing her imaginary foes. She straightened, moving back into dancing. She rolled her shoulders back and to the left, then to the right. As she moved back to the left, she shoved an elbow backwards, throwing her head back in a head-butting motion. The boys watched on as she gracefully turned simple dance steps into sneak attacks- punches, well-placed kicks, and dodges were worked seamlessly into her dance. Mesmerized, they watched with slightly gaped mouths until she came to a stop, pulling her leg down from a smooth high kick.
"See? Not too hard!"
"I, uh, think we'll leave the fancier moves to you," Yusuke said, rubbing the back of his head.
The blonde rolled her eyes, and said, "Whatever. You're up, Kurama. And, Hiei?"
He lifted his crimson eyes to hers, raising an eyebrow.
"Don't worry, the moves I have for you are even better." Turning to her red haired friend, she said, "Ok, so with you, there is the problem that you don't concentrate your power directly in your hand. Therefore, your moves are designed to access your powers."
"All of my seeds as well as my rose are hidden in my hair," Kurama states, his words laced with confusion.
"Exactly," Mai smiled. She turned so her back was facing him and directed, "Grab my hips."
The fox demon did so, then Mai began grinding against him. He slowly began reciprocating the motion. They grinded for a few moments, then Mai continued circling her bottom against them, but slowly bent her knees, just like she used to grind against the poles in the clubs she worked at. She slowly, sensually grinded her way back up, running her fingers lightly over his thighs. Tossing her head back, she reached her right hand behind her, burying it in Kurama's thick red hair as she continued to move against him. Grasping the stem of the rose hidden in his hair, she quickly freed it from its red prison and presented it to its owner.
It was then Mai realized Kurama had long ago stilled his movement. Her eyes found that his own green orbs were wide, his face slightly flushed and with a flustered expression.
"Is… is that entirely necessary?" the redhead asked, taking a step backwards. "Couldn't I take it myself?"
"No, Kurama; only girls do stuff with their hair while they dance. It won't look natural. And with Kazai there, it won't take him long to figure out something's up and he'll be on the alert. We have to be as secretive as possible if we have to change over to fighting."
Not looking happy, however becoming resigned, Kurama nodded. "What else, then?"
"Well, that was my best idea. Like I said, yours is hard. We'll have to work out a way of signaling what I'm reaching for, as well."
"Okay, we can do that," the fox demon nodded again.
"Tonight," the hanyou decided. Once she was met with a nod, she said, "Hiei?"
The addressed fire demon pushed his shoulders off the wall and strode over to Mai, shooting Kurama a glare as they crossed paths.
"I am very glad this is almost done," he hissed as he reached her side.
"Hiei," she said again, frowning. He growled softly, not meeting her gaze, instead glaring off to the side. She tilted her head up and brushed a kiss over his jaw. He seemed marginally appeased, so she turned her back to him.
It seemed their exchange had escaped their friends, who were seated against the wall, talking and laughing amongst themselves. Relieved, the blonde took Hiei's hands and placed them on her hips.
"This is very similar to what I did with Kurama," she explained. "Except I can't really hand you your sword, so what would you prefer I do?"
"Throw it straight up," he answered, his voice still agitated, though less so.
The hanyou nodded and went through the same series of movements she had just performed with Kurama. As she reached behind his back, she found the hilt of his sword and, in one fluid movement, she drew it from its sheath and tossed it in the air. Disappearing in an instant, Hiei grabbed the weapon out of the air and did a practice lap around the room, slashing at imagined enemies and leaving afterimages behind him as he moved on to the next foe.
When he had stilled beside her once more, Mai noted he looked less angry, and was happy to see that his mood was at least a little better.
"Ok, then here is the other way we can do this."
She stood facing him, only a few paces away. Sending him a sultry smile and lowering the lids of her eyes just slightly to that bedroom-sexy look, she closed the gap between them and rested her hand on his left shoulder. Slowly, she began to circle him, letting her fingers dance lightly over the fabric of his grey t-shirt. They made their way over his collarbone, dipping down to his chest, and back up to his right shoulder. She leaned over and nipped his earlobe playfully before disappearing behind him. Her fingers continued until they found their destination, wrapping around the hilt of his sword once more and drawing it out into the air.
"I think we'll be good," the blonde stated as Hiei easily caught the sword out of the air. He gave her a reassuring smirk before sheathing his sword. Quickly glancing at his comrades and finding them preoccupied, he leaned down and captured her lips with his own.
"So, how is Reika taking things?" Mai forced herself to ask.
She was curled up on the couch next to Kurama, cuddled in her thickest sweatshirt. He was reading a book, she was watching the news. Well, she had been trying, but the question was continually nagging at the back of her mind until she couldn't take it any longer.
The red head set his book down, his eyes glazing over. "She has decided a break is in order as she lets things settle in."
"I am so sorry, Kurama," Mai breathed. She clenched her hands until her knuckles turned white. "This is all my fault."
"No, it isn't. I should have told her sooner, when things began to turn more serious," the redhead sighed, resting his cheek against his fist, propped up on his elbow.
"You should have been able to tell her on your own terms, though," she argued. "It's because of me we were attacked."
"And it is also because of you she was not physically harmed," Kurama replied, raising his head to meet her gaze. "You saved her, consequently making yourself defenseless and being taken away, and for that I am eternally grateful."
Her blonde waves bounced over her shoulders as she shook her head in disagreement. "It does not make up for being a magnet that drew an enemy into the midst of a safe place."
"I understand why Hiei is often frustrated with his inability to get through to you; you are incredibly stubborn and thick-headed sometimes, Mai," the fox demon gave her a small smile.
"No I'm not!"
"Yes you are," he declared. "I believe it sometimes plagues Hiei that he cannot get you to see yourself as he does."
"Listen, my self-esteem issues are not what we should be talking about here," the blonde said sharply. "Do you want me to talk to Reika, or…?"
"No, I am going to respect her wishes. If she wants to, she will talk to me again, and if she does not…" He sighed heavily. "I cannot say I blame her for not wanting to continue a relationship with a demon, let alone one who was not open with her."
"But, Kurama, I could-"
"Don't forget, you lied to her, too."
Unable to argue, Mai looked at her friend sadly. "I'm still sorry."
He gave her a weak smile, not masking his own sadness. Mai leaned over and wrapped her arms around him in a soft hug. Slowly, he lifted his arms to return it.
They stayed in that position, both comforted by it. Eventually, Kurama spoke up again, "You know, Hiei really does worry for you a great deal. And not just about your physical well-being."
"I know he does," the blonde sighed. "He is too hard on himself about it."
Her friend was silent for a moment before saying, "It is in his nature. He already sees you as a mate, so he is going to protect you like one. And besides that, Hiei has never wanted to protect someone else before. He watches the back of his comrades in battle, and he did help Mukuro, but it was never solely to make sure that those he helped were safe, well and happy. Yukina is the only one he has ever tried to protect, but they are twins; it is only natural. He is hell-bent on keeping you happy and safe, Mai and subtlety is not his strong suit."
"I appreciate it, I just…" she broke off uncertainly.
Kurama adjusted his arms around her and pressed, "You just what?"
"I don't want him to protect me because of his instincts to fight for his mate. I want him to do it because he loves me."
The silence between them was the longest yet. Finally, Kurama said, "I can't honestly say I think it likely that he will admit it, even if he realizes he does. You just need to figure out if he does or not and decide if knowing is good enough for you."
Mai took a moment to reply, then said, "I think I'm going to have to be okay with it, because I don't think I could live without him." She quickly added, "Not in a weird, insane girlfriend way, just that… I think I-"
"Hey, man, Hiei's on his way back from training, so you may wanna cut the hug, or be prepared for a battle to the death," Yusuke warned, poking his head into the living. He chuckled and continued, "Especially after today at the dance studio."
The two separated as Yusuke left the room. Kurama picked his book up again, and Mai turned to channel surfing.
"What were you saying?" the fox demon asked politely.
"It was nothing," Mai shook her head, and they fell back into silence.
Hiei nuzzled his nose into the top of Mai's head, letting her sweet scent fog his senses. She placed a hand lightly atop his, which were clasped on her stomach. Her back was pressed against his front as she was seated in his lap. He moved slightly, getting more comfortable with his back leaning against the arm of the couch.
"I feel bad for kicking Kurama out," Mai spoke up.
"Hn. He left of his own volition."
"Well it would've been awkward if he hadn't," she pointed out.
"So he chose to avoid the uncomfortable situation," the fire apparition said carelessly. The hanyou sighed and he pressed a kiss to her cheek. "Onna, I have been wondering something."
"What's that?"
"Well… When your father was talking to me the other night, he said some things about your mother, which got me thinking… If they were so in love – if they were mated – what happened to them?"
The blonde stiffened in his arms. "I happened."
"What do you mean?"
Mai turned in his lap so that she was facing him. "I wasn't supposed to be born, Hiei."
The couple sat in silence for a while, staring unblinkingly at one another. Finally, Mai sighed and looked away before continuing her explanation. "The only reason the elders turned a blind eye on her courtship and mating with my father was because they made a deal: my parents could be together in secret on the condition they didn't have children."
"Why would it matter that they had you?"
"Because… because I am more than just a royal, Hiei." Mai closed her eyes and took in a deep breath. "I am the heiress of the clan. That is why I am such a disgrace, why my birth was such a mistake. The clan is mortified that the next in line is a dirty half-breed. Add that to my current… situation, and I am everything they never wanted gift wrapped with a bow around it. This is their worst fear and more.
"My mother was punished by the elders, of course. And the whole situation turned her against my father; she blamed him for getting her pregnant. They stayed together until I was seven, albeit unhappily. Then my mother began pulling away more and more until she was spending more time in the Makai away from us than she was with us in the Ningenkai. Eventually, she just didn't come home. She said she didn't know how she had been so disillusioned, that of course she had never wanted to dirty the Royal bloodline. She became obsessed with the clan and its history and the purity of our blood.
"Then, when I was fifteen, my dad called me one night, completely distraught. I went to his house, because at that time I was bouncing between the realms, trying to find my place. He told me he had been served divorce papers, and that he had received a letter from my mother saying she wanted every last tie to him severed that were severable. Of course, they will always be mates because that much is irreversible, but she wanted nothing else with him. And that was the end. My father still loves her, though I haven't a clue why when she dropped him so easily. He had to raise me himself, too, while she pranced back to the Makai and kissed elder ass until she was let back into the clan and was restored to her former prestige."
"So it was all… shame, the pressure of the clan, and blame which caused their separation?"
"Basically, that sums it up."
"So if they view your birth as the ultimate disgrace, why haven't they acted before recently?"
Mai bit her lip apprehensively. She began slowly, "Obviously, I can't be sure since I was as good as disowned years ago and haven't spoken with the elders in a very long time, but I think it is partially because of my work with Kazai. It's been a long time, and I think they fear that it is only a matter of time before it gets out what blood I am of, thus throwing the whole clan into the light of my disgrace. But beyond that… I am still the heiress of the clan. It is dying out, and no other has arisen. Besides, the few born after me were just that – born after me and cannot rise unless I am dead. However, it is clan law that an heiress must be mated to take her spot as head of the clan, otherwise it goes to the first male heir in line. My death was never necessary because it was always assumed another would come of age before I had even entered a courtship; they'd have their new clan leader and it would not be their biggest disgrace. But now that a mating is in my future… they want to prevent it from happening so I cannot rise to my birth-given position."
"So you were attacked because of our courtship?"
Mai nodded, biting her lip harder. She knew his emotionless tone of voice and blank expression were only indicators of a storm of rage beneath the surface.
"I will be back in a few minutes," the fire demon said tonelessly. He slipped Mai from his lap before flitting from the apartment.
When he came back, Mai's nose instantly scrunched in distaste at the smell of low-class demon blood which rolled off him. He shed his cloak, throwing it in the laundry room before coming to sit next to her once more, the smell more tolerable.
"It is not your fault; you knew nothing of what I told you before."
"I am not angry solely with myself," he replied, suppressing a growl. "It is your… clan."
"Well, that makes two of us," she sighed. "Bet you didn't think courting would be this complicated, huh?"
Though it was said jokingly, Hiei detected the melancholy tone hidden by her words. "Hn, I did not have many expectations, but I certainly didn't think it would be easy."
Mai frowned, breaking their eye contact. Her hands fidgeted in her lap as she struggled to find something to say.
"Hn," Hiei stilled her fingers by lacing them with his own. "Fortunately, it has proven to be worth it."