A day off was nice, even if it came at the price of two matches in a row.
Kazane was awake before nearly everyone else, Genkai the only other presence in the room as the redhead worked breakfast up in the kitchen. She had sent the man who brought room service away curtly, and the poor guy looked absolutely lost about what to do. Now she was flipping pancakes on the skillet while Genkai sipped her tea, trying to come up with a reasoning behind why she was so anxious.
The worst was over, right? Aside from fighting Toguro. Still, there was something she was forgetting, and she wanted to slap herself. Kazane had tried to pen down everything she could remember when she first came to Genkai's, but her notes were no help. Nearly twenty years in a new body would cause memories to fade, she supposed.
After she had arrived at Genkai's it didn't take long for her to realize that although she had a decent idea of how plot would unfold up to the Dark Tournament arc, most events after that were hazy. She could recall the general idea of the arcs, yeah, but specific plot points were a mystery to her.
Kazane stomped out the panic immediately; she'd worry about that later. For now she just had to focus on keeping her boys alive and well, and by extension herself.
Kurama stepped into the room, already dressed in his handsome, white outfit, and he poured himself a cup of coffee. His eyes roamed over the demoness before him, a slightly-amused expression on his face as he took in her determined cooking.
"Hiei and I will be observing the match today," He began. "Will you and the others be joining us?"
Kazane set the last pancake at the top of the stack, moving to place it on the already set table.
"Yeah, we'll be there after everyone finishes up breakfast. Are you hungry?"
A softer smile spread across the demon's lips. "No, thank you. It does indeed look delicious, though."
"Thanks."
Kurama's gaze was full of silent understanding, and Kazane left the room, heading towards where everyone was sleeping.
The moment with Yusuke had quelled her nerves, but she still could feel the underlying pity in her friends' gazes. As much as she knew Kurama and Hiei understood better than anyone (save for Genkai, maybe), it was still awkward, and she naturally shied away from interaction.
She brutally ripped the covers off Yusuke's bed, berating him when he fought to keep them over his frame. Nonsensical obscenities spouted from his mouth, and Kazane returned them eagerly. After the brat was finally up and moving she stepped towards Kuwabara's room, surprised to find the ginger already up and sitting on the edge of his bed.
"Oh, you're up. Breakfast is ready, I made pancakes."
Kuwabara shot her a warm grin before getting up and stretching. "Awesome, I can't wait." He hesitated before speaking, gently gripping Kazane's wrist. "Hey, uh...I just wanted to say that I'm really happy you're here with us. We're all in this together, you know?"
Kazane bit her lip, avoiding her friend's eyes. His words did mean something to her, and they were incredibly touching. Still.
She didn't feel like she deserved them, really. Kuwabara was a devoted, wholesome soul, and compared to him she was...
"Yeah, um...thank you. That means a lot, man."
As she left the bedroom she wanted to wring her own neck. She could fake bravado and confidence when things were serious, but only if it was during a fight or some other altercation. Intimacy, whole-heartedness; they were way too much for her to be comfortable with.
Maybe there was something wrong with her.
Breakfast proceeded much as it normally did, Kazane downing a truly impressive amount of coffee before the group set off from the hotel to meet with Botan. Another gorgeous day outside, she wondered how such good weather could happen for such a fucked up place.
She walked mainly in silence, allowing Botan and Yusuke to take up most of the conversation, Kuwabara sometimes popping in with a comment or two. She really didn't want to watch the match in all honesty. Toguro's gang would be there, and she hated the idea of looking at his stupid haircut and idiotic glasses. He looked like a fucking cop, if a cop was an insanely jacked, merciless demon.
Maybe there were demon cops, who could say for sure?
As the group made their way towards the stadium a voice called out to Kazane amidst the crowd, and she stuttered to a halt, the others following suit.
"And just what are you two doing here?" Kuwabara began, fist clenched, but Kazane held out a hand.
"It's okay."
As Jin stared at her, his eyes glittering, she felt her throat constrict. At his side Toya simply stared at her friends with slightly guarded eyes, glancing between the redhead and her companions. Kazane was immediately grateful Hiei wasn't here otherwise she'd never hear the end of it. Or maybe he would just go out of his way to ignore her. He was weird like that.
"Hey, why don't you guys go ahead. I'd like a moment to talk to my brother," Kazane said, ignoring Kuwabara's cries of protest. The ginger was pulled away rather forcefully by Botan, who glanced at Jin before shooting Kazane a not-at-all-subtle thumbs up. She repressed the urge to roll her eyes.
"We'll see you later," Yusuke replied, clapping a hand to her back before heading towards the stadium with the rest of them. Kazane didn't miss the pointed look he shot the two demons before them, and she appreciated that even though Yusuke was fond of Jin he was still concerned with her wellbeing.
The throngs of people heading to the match caused the three to start away from the path towards the water, and as Kazane stood before her brother on the shore she realized she had no idea what to say. She had planned out their reunion so many times in her head, going over what she would say to him, but now after everything that had happened nothing came to mind.
Toya had straight up admitted that Jin knew she was here, and yet he didn't bother to even come and see her. It wasn't a secret where the invited team was staying, he could have come to the hotel himself. A mix of longing and anger coiled in her gut, and she bit her lip, trying to focus on something else. Anything else.
Her attention landed on Toya's face, where a bruise was blooming on his right cheek. It looked fresh, but she could tell it was already healing.
"Ouch, was that from the match?"
"No..." He glanced at Jin before clearing his throat, but he didn't continue.
"Aye, Kaz, you look good," Jin quickly spoke, and at his words Kazane felt that same strange longing filling her chest. It had been so long since she had heard his voice address her. "Fit as a fiddle, and ye can fight! Sure as the day is long I knew ye had it in you."
Toya shuffled beside him before turning away. "I'll be heading to the match. It was good to see you again, Kazane."
"You too, Toya," She replied sincerely, and she watched him go regretfully. Yeah, Toya was cute, but at least if he was here then it wouldn't be so fucking awkward between her and Jin.
Jin was as tall as ever, and Kazane wondered how the hell she was barely pushing five feet when the demon before her stood nearly as tall as Kuwabara. It just wasn't fair. How did demon genes work anyway? How did human genes and demon genes mingle in a body? Were demon genes inherently more dominant?
She crossed her arms, looking out at the water instead of her brother. "Where have you been? I know you knew I was here. I saw you at the last match. What gives?"
Jin ran a hand through his hair, effectively making it stand even more on end. A hesitant grimace spread across his face, and he crossed the distance between them, standing a few inches in front of Kazane. His next words were soft, and he looked at the ground instead of her.
"I didn't know if ye wanted to see me, is all."
At Kazane's stunned silence he continued.
"Whatever ye want in the whole world, that's the prize for winnin' this tournament. With that we could live on this here island, be free from demon world. No more red skies, no more fightin' unless I make it so."
She had never seen her brother look so serious, and Kazane's lips twisted in a frown as she took in his words. She was touched, sure, and she knew regardless of her existence Jin would come here eventually.
"I didn't ask you to do that," She began, nearly regretting what she said as Jin's face fell. "You idiot, I just missed you. I just wanted to see you again. I don't need a giant chunk of rock, I just need my brother."
Her voice broke on the last syllable, and she stepped forward, wrapping him in embrace. The familiar smell of lavender and fresh air invaded her senses, and the turmoil in her chest quieted as Jin reciprocated, easily picking her up in his arms and spinning her through the air. Against her will Kazane let out a laugh, gripping onto his forearms.
"I can't give ye a whole island now, it seems like," Jin joked. "So a moot point it is."
After placing her gently on the ground the two stayed like that for a moment longer before Kazane pulled away, seating herself down on the grass and looking out at the water before them. How long had she waited for this moment, for the chance to see Jin again? She knew it would come, but sitting here now felt like it was just another dream.
"Okay, so what happened with Toya's face?" She asked, her brows knitting in confusion as Jin awkwardly fidgeted with a blade of grass beside her. "What?"
The wind demon muttered something before Kazane asked for clarification, and the tips of his pointed ears turned scarlet.
"He said ye were pretty," He admitted, looking anywhere but the redhead beside him.
It took a second for Kazane to respond, fighting to keep the smile off her face as well as the blush.
"What, and for that you punched him?"
"You're my little sister!" Jin cried. "Can't just have a lad gettin' any ideas, friend of mine though he might be."
Laughter coursed through Kazane's body, and she clutched her stomach as she doubled over. Beside her Jin looked perplexed and embarrassed, and he rolled his eyes. Her laughter finally subsided, and she glanced over at him.
"What are you going to do now?"
Jin hesitated before responding, shrugging a shoulder. "Oh, the usual; campin', fightin', flyin'."
He would have to go back to Demon World now after the Tournament, as much as Kazane wanted him to remain in this realm with her. At least he had Toya to keep him company there; the two seemed as thick as thieves. She thought of Kurama and Hiei's friendship. Camaraderie was hard to find in Demon World, it seemed, but once you found it it was an all-encompassing thing.
Kazane sighed, trying not to dwell too much on the future. She re-secured her hairtie before turning to her brother.
"I can fly now, you know? Well, more like prolonged floating, I guess. I got the hang of it a couple years ago. I can't do it for crazy long like you, but-"
At her rambling words Jin's eyes lit up, and he immediately raised to full height, offering a hand.
"Well, what are we waitin' for then? How about some sight-seein'?"
Kazane popped the top off another bottle of beer, staring out at the hotel grounds from her seat on the overhang.
Yusuke and Genkai still weren't back, but she assumed that would be the case. Even with the threat of the upcoming match she felt good, much as she wished Yusuke would be there to fight alongside her. Maybe it was the alcohol numbing her senses. Whatever.
She wished there was something she could do to help the spirit detective, but his trials as Genkai's successor were his own to face, and if she were in that cave with them she'd just get in the way.
The stars above were gorgeous, and Kazane stared up at them, running fingers through her unkempt locks. The jaunt with Jin earlier had truly ruined the style she had it in, but she wasn't mad. Flying around the island with her brother had been infinitely worth it. There wasn't much time for conversation until they landed near the arena, and even then it was mostly Jin asking her about her techniques. Ever since she had seen him hover and fly she wished for the opportunity to soar through the sky alongside him, and now it finally happened, the two playing tag for an inordinately long time.
The act made her feel like a little kid again, and it had been so goddamn long since she had felt like that. She was exhausted.
"You seem to be in a good mood."
The redhead turned, her grin barely faltering as Hiei sat himself beside her. He eyed the bottle in her hand before looking up at the same sky. The slight breeze ruffled his onyx locks, and where Kazane sat she could catch the faint whiff of evergreen and char.
"I guess I am," Kazane admitted, offering one of the unopened beers at her side. "Here, drink with me."
"As if I'd drink that disgusting swill," Hiei spat, glaring at the bottle.
She pressed it closer to him, pouting. "Come onnn, drink with me. It's our day off, I've been reunited with my brother; this calls for a celebration."
It took Kazane physically prodding him with the cold glass before the demon relented, letting out a heavy sigh before popping the top off and taking a swig for himself. She watched as his adam's apple bobbed, drinking calmly before a frown appeared on his lips.
"Awful," He said simply, and Kazane smiled.
She leaned back against the glass, shivering slightly at the breeze once again rolling past them, and she subtly scooted closer to the warmth Hiei exuded. Without a second thought she began humming, pausing every so often to take a sip of her beverage.
Now that Hiei was actually beside her she couldn't help a thought from worming its way into her head, and she tried to tuck it away, unsuccessfully. The heat he gave off was a constant reminder that he was next to her, as if the wind blowing his scent in her direction wasn't already enough. She didn't turn to face the man as she spoke, staring up at the moon. She could kind of make out large craters on it, but then again who the fuck knew. It seemed impossibly far away. Her eyesight was miles better in this life, though.
"Hey, how come you always come and hangout with me late at night?"
Beside her Hiei stiffened, and Kazane watched in amusement as he took a drink himself, grimacing at the taste. The haze of alcohol was getting to her, and against her better judgment she noted that she really liked the way Hiei sat, one leg outstretched while the other was upright before him. She often sat like that, or at least some bastardization of the posture. Having a leg curled under her or upright just felt nice.
"It's just that whenever we're around the others you-"
"I won't lose to someone like Toya."
His words were vague, and Kazane just stared at him in confusion. They weren't going to be fighting Team Masho anymore, what the hell was he talking about? Or was he planning on fighting the ice apparition regardless?
"Our interactions are nobody else's business," Hiei finished, looking into the redhead's eyes seriously.
"Um, okay," Kazane replied uncertainly, her face growing hot. She had no idea what was going on here. Hiei was being way too cryptic, and she really didn't want to spend time pondering his words.
The whole point of coming out onto the overhang was to relax, dammit.
As inelegant as Kazane's response was it seemed Hiei accepted it, for he rested his back against the glass as well, closing his eyes. The hum of cicadas mingled with the sound of water, filling the silence between them. She finished her beer in record time, pausing before grabbing another.
Usually in this situation she would head inside, remove herself from the awkwardness. Spending time alone with Hiei always gave her the same feeling, and her first instinct was to just leave, if he didn't first. Instead of getting up, however, she grabbed the beer, ignoring the look Hiei sent her way.
Despite whatever the fuck he was talking about, she kind of liked hanging around with him. The warmth was nice, and he knew when to shut up and just sit. It wasn't the worst company in the world, really.
She began humming once more, closing her eyes as she got lost in the melody.
She didn't want to think about the upcoming match tomorrow, or contemplate plans of attack for her opponent. She had been doing that nearly all day, childlike antics with Jin aside. All she really wanted to do was bask in a simple moment, muscles sore from speeding around the island earlier, and relax. She deserved that...maybe. The others definitely did.
It didn't take long for fatigue to overwhelm her, and Hiei stiffened as the demoness' head pressed against his shoulder.
"And just what-"
His irritated words were cut off as he looked over and noted her heavy breathing.
He had no idea what to do in a situation like this, and he tried nudging her off his shoulder. The act only resulted in Kazane grumbling angrily, her head falling onto his thigh, and Hiei squeezed his eyes shut in exasperation. At least the others were asleep by now.
Instead of trying to wake her once more he looked down at her face. Her expression was soft, something that was hard to find when she was awake. The lines usually creasing between her eyebrows disappeared, as well as the frown she wore when she was off in thought. All of the tension in her muscles was gone, truly relaxed, and against his better judgment Hiei hesitantly placed a hand atop her head. He gently wove her red locks in his fingers, brushing smaller pieces back from her forehead. He preferred her hair loose, though it was a smart move keeping it tied up during combat, as impractical as it was. Entirely too long.
Kazane's earlier question came to mind and he realized that though he gave her an answer he was still confused by it. He didn't know why he always found himself drawn to her side during the night. He didn't know why he enjoyed her sarcastic, merciless sleights or crude humor. He didn't know why he secretly enjoyed the songs she always seemed to be singing.
He was a demon, and the things he'd done were abominable. He didn't deserve good things.
He was jarred from his contemplation as Kazane's small hand curled around the fabric of his cloak, clutching it tightly. The sight of it filled Hiei with some unnameable warmth, and he found himself not shying away from it this time, as he had so many times previously. She was sound asleep, no doubt thanks to the disgusting beer in her system, and he sat there with her, staring up at the moon. He didn't deserve a moment like this, but Kazane was asleep and nobody was around to pass judgment.
He'd bask in this simple moment.
As the hour dragged on Hiei gently freed his cloak from her grip, hefting her up into his arms. He marveled at how light she was despite the amount of muscle packed onto her small frame. Even with the movement she continued to sleep, only turning her head in towards his chest as he carried her throughout the hotel. Her scent permeated his senses, jasmine and tea, and he tried to ignore it, laying her down on the plush bed.
As he withdrew his touch he noticed goosebumps spreading across her pale skin, and he lifted the covers over her. He stood there like that for a moment, just watching the even breaths causing the rise and fall of her chest.
Her energy was definitely demonic, and he could tell that her blood sang with destruction. The way she interacted with the others, on a surface level at least, was similar to many demons he had come across in his life; they all rebuked with a harsh tongue and sharp wit. At least, the ones he knew personally.
Still, there was that part of her that was undoubtedly human, and it made him uncomfortable. It came forth in her cooking, the warm smiles she sent her teammates' way when she thought they weren't looking. The indescribable guilt and regret he had felt during the Ichigaki match. The sheer force with which she cared for the ones close to her, especially the detective.
Thinking back to what he told Kazane earlier Hiei smirked, eyes half-lidded as he turned towards the door.
Her limbs were always cool to the touch, and nobody could grant her warm comfort like he could. Her side was no place for an ice apparition.
Note:
Shorter chapter, but I promise the next will be considerably longer since it's the last two matches of the Tournament.
A couple things: 1) Jin not bringing up what happened during the Ichigaki Team fight is intentional. More on that later. 2) Very poignant Hiei moment. I've decided not to incorporate Toya into a love triangle situation, but he appears here for some spice. 3) Hiei has kind of (more or less) come to terms with the fact that at the very least he takes an interest in Kazane. Which is more than she's allowing herself. Both are still trying to figure out what the fuck that means for them, at their own pace and comfortability.
My whole heart to xenocanaan, rsaenz18, Pein's number 1 Girl, Vienna22, Mediocre Dunces, AmericanNidiot, wickedlfairy17, and cocobyrd87 for the reviews.
Pein's number 1 Girl: Unfortunately Rannon won't be in the Toguro lineup (as interesting an idea as that would be), but soon we will see parts of Kazane's past coming back, as well as some twists.
Mediocre Dunces: I am very happy you love the Mountain Goats, they're one of my favorites and will have subtle references peppered throughout the fic. ;)
