The Past You Leave Behind

The Past You Leave Behind

Chapter 48

Hiei barely had time to set the roses down before Saiyana was in his arms. He held her tightly as she kissed him. They held each other for a long time before either spoke. "Tell Kurama the roses are beautiful," she whispered. Hiei's eyes widened. "And, as a friend, you might tell Yusuke that Keiko's been on to him for a while now." He pulled her closer. "Hn. I knew better than to take his advice."

"It's the thought, Hiei." He pulled back and stroked her bruised cheek. "I am sorry, Onna. I didn't want to hurt you." She poked a finger hard into his chest. "Just remember, you've already used your free shot. Next time you pull that macho, me man, you weak woman shit, you are dead meat. Understand?" He smirked and pulled her close again. "Just remember I will do whatever I have to, to keep you safe, Onna; and damn the consequences." "Hn." It sounded suspiciously like she was mocking him. She snuggled into his embrace.

"Tell me what happened. Are we at war?" He pulled her down on the couch into his arms. As he rested his cheek against her hair, he told her everything that had taken place. When he had finished, Saiyana bolted upright. "That bastard! How dare he make us…." "Calm down, Onna. It isn't good for the babe." He pulled her back into his embrace. She pouted. "He interrupted my shopping trip, too."

He laughed. "If it is that important to you, I will take you back." She settled against him once more. "Thank you." She folded his arms across her abdomen. "Our son was worried, too." "Are you in contact with him?" "It's not really communication; not like our link. But I feel him. My empathic powers are strongly connected to him. When you were gone, I sensed worry and anxiety. Just now, when you came home and I knew you were safe, I sensed relief and joy from him." He stroked the rounded sanctuary his son inhabited. He felt a push against his hand and he smiled.

"It's hard to believe that Koenma is now a king. I suppose when he gets everything settled, he will want me to restore Irina's memories." She shifted a little. "I am glad his father protected her. I never knew that she had a different scent." She tweaked his nose. "I never realized that a demon's nose is so sensitive." "Hn. Why do you think we find humans distasteful?" She frowned. "All humans?" He played along. "Of course."

She hit him with one of the throw pillows. "Wrong answer, mister." He sighed. "It will take some time, but I suppose I could become accustomed to yours." "How long is 'some time'?" He pulled her back again and smiled. "Oh, at least two hundred years." She started to argue. He stroked her hair as he rearranged her body to lay alongside his with her face pillowed against his chest. "Sleep, Onna. I know you have not slept since you got back. We will talk later." She put one of her arms across his chest and his hand found hers. Her eyes drifted shut and she was asleep in minutes.

When Saiyana awoke, Hiei was gone. She rolled over and realized she was in bed. She had been so out of it that she never noticed when he had carried her to bed. She smiled. She was hungry. She hadn't eaten a great deal yesterday. She'd been too worried. She had dressed and made her way into the sitting room when the door opened and Sarala entered carrying a breakfast tray. Hiei followed her into the room. "I brought you breakfast, Onna." "It looks as if Sarala brought me breakfast." "Hn."

Sarala set the tray down and left the room, giggling. Hiei said, "Miara made all your favorites to tempt you to eat." He scowled at her. "She said you ate little yesterday." "I know. I am sorry. I just couldn't force anything down. By the time I knew you were safe, I was too tired to eat." He pushed a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. "I will forgive you for starving my son yesterday. You will eat today, if I have to feed you myself." She giggled. "I think I might like that."

"Would that I could, but I have a great deal to attend to today. I have to make sure that word is spread that the Reikai has a new ruler. Many are not going to be quick to acknowledge Koenma's ascension." "Yes. I wanted to talk to you about that. There is sure to be a coronation, or whatever ceremony passes for one in the Reikai. You and Yusuke should make an official visit and present appropriate gifts. That would publicly proclaim your acceptance of the change in power and make his transition smoother." He pulled her to him for a kiss. "You are very good at this. I look forward to you taking a more active political role once our son is born."

She bowed her head. "I live to serve, my lord." She kept a straight face… Until she heard him growl. Her laughter could be heard outside the chambers.

To be continued….