"Oh when you walk by every night, talkin' sweet and lookin' fine, I get kinda hectic inside…"

Hiei wondered how long it would take for her to realize he was in the room. To be fair, he was concealing his energy, but he was right there.

"Baby I'm so into you, darlin' if you only knew," she kicked her feet in the air, hugging her pillow, "All the things that flow through my mind—"

Admittedly, Hiei had often stumbled upon her when she was singing like this. Most of the time, he found her dancing around her room with more vigor than she usually afforded to their training sessions. Except when he managed to anger her that is. He smirked darkly at that. She put forth more than her fair share of energy when he did that, not that the results were any different. He always managed to pin her beneath him eventually, careful not to crush her with his weight. Despite their position, she always has this strikingly excited look in her eye. It never failed to send tremors through him.

He forced the memory away.

Hiei found himself watching her smile at nothing as she sang the words to the song like she lived them herself. She was decent, seemed to have a surprisingly good voice, but he was growing tired of being ignored. "If you keep singing like that, your neighbors will start to think someone's dying."

As expected, she screamed with surprise, before seeming to realize he said something offensive and threw her pillow at him. He caught it, and did her a favor by not setting it on fire. He slipped into the room, hands in his pockets.

"Shut up," she muttered, rolling over to sit on her legs as she stopped the song from playing. "What do I owe this pleasant surprise? As much as I enjoy seeing you, me and Mariah Carey were just having a jam session."

"Is that what that was?" Hiei asked, as his eyes slipped over to her desk. On it, sat various framed photos, many of which were taken at Genkai's. Of the many that he had seen, she seemed to have captured the only photo where he had actually looked in her direction. He must have been caught off guard because he looked like he was suspiciously content to be there. He'd never make that expression on purpose.

His eyes found her next, close beside him, she'd turned her head to look at him, in the middle of what appeared to be a laugh. She looked lively here, but these photos did her little justice. Her hair was much redder, and her lips had a more pleasing shape than what he saw here.

Hiei tensed a little when he sensed her at his shoulder. "You look cute there," she reached past him, and picked up the photo he had been examining, "It was the only one you weren't frowning in." she grimaced, and then randomly fixed her hair, "What's going on with my face? Jesus. Why is my mouth open like that? Why didn't I notice that before? Damn it, Botan, she gipped me."

Hiei scoffed, "You worry about such frivolous things. There's nothing wrong with your face."

"I know that." She said, and then shook the photo at him with an irritated whine, "I meant my face in this photo. I look like I've been hit in the head with a baseball bat and I'm half delirious."

He chuckled, dismissing her concerns. He disagreed, but there was no point in telling her.

She poked her lips out, and then glanced at him with a wicked sparkle, "You must be in a mood today. First you tell me I sing like a dying woman, now I'm pretty? Jesus, Hiei, make up your mind."

Hiei proceeded to ignore her, brushing past her, and taking note of the way her bare skin lightly touched his arm. Its ghostly presence stuck with him as he walked toward her bed.

"Is there something you need?"

"You're alone." Hiei commented, rather relieved that neither Yusuke's girlfriend nor the Oaf was to be found. He didn't always know with them though, they always found it in themselves to show up the moment he climbed through her window forcing him to climb out again. "No friends to keep you company?"

"One," she began with an arrogant twist of her hips, "I'm never truly alone: I've got Nike and Banriyu. Two: I've got you too, don't I?"

She had a habit of saying things so bluntly it was almost jarring, but he found it pleased him none the less. Much more than he wanted it to.

"Hn." He moved away from the bed, and deposited the pillow he still held in his hand for some reason. It smelled just like her, and having her so close made him forget he had it.

"So…you want some food?"

He simply looked toward her and she smiled, "I knew that would get your attention. Come on, Banriyu's working on it now."

Hiei followed behind her, his eyes slightly drawn to the way her hips moved from side to side. He'd come to admire the shape of thighs; they were an excellent pathway to her—

"Hiei?"

His eyes shot up to hers, mentally chastising himself. He'd been spending too much time with Yusuke. His perverse ways were starting to rub off on him—poison his mind. He was sure he'd never had those thoughts before he met the detective, but he was a man. He was a man who had spent an ample amount of time pressed against this very woman that haunted his days and nights. It didn't help that she touched him without regard for space or convention. It didn't register in her mind that perhaps she shouldn't so willingly force her body into his. Had he been a lesser man—

He viciously cut those thoughts from his mind. There will be no more of that.

Hiei finally realized she was still speaking to him and he cursed himself further. "What did you say?"

"And you say I have bad hearing," she turned and began walking backwards in front of him. He was relieved, at least now he could focus on her face. He found the task pitifully easy. He always did like her face. "Anyway, as I was saying…you should come by more often."

Ha! not with the loud company you keep. He had no intention of being in the same building when she's with the rest of them, especially in so small a space. He'd be forced to remove his own ears. "I doubt it. You have enough fools to keep you company as it is."

"They're not fools, Hiei." She said irritably before giving him a strange look, "And besides, they're not you."

Hiei felt his smirk appear of its own accord, his chest feeling a strange surge of contentment at the sound of her words. Something in the back of his mind growls at him to not let himself get sucked into her words. Not one to be told what to do, he ignores that voice. "You're not wrong."

As expected, her eyes practically beam with joy at his response, her teeth pulling at her lip in that way he'd come to find infuriatingly distracting. He can't say he regrets making her smile. She had one of the best smiles in all the worlds, second only to Yukina. But, their smiles were very different, Hiei knew that. Yukina's smile was sweet, light, and innocent. The smile Aurora was giving him now erased all sense of innocence from his mind.

He groaned internally. Had he not spoken to Yusuke today, he wouldn't be having these juvenile thoughts.

"Admit it, Hiei." Yusuke grinned, looking smug, "you think she's hot, don't you?"

"Don't presume to think you and I are anything alike. I have better things to occupy my mind with."

"But…she's still hot, though, right?"

"You okay, Hiei?" she had stopped and reached toward him, but he caught the hand out of reflex. "You have this weird look on your face."

"It's nothing," He said quickly, eyes darting over to find Banriyu side-eying him as if able to read his guilty mind. "I'm just famished."

()()()

Keiko frowns at the dress Shizuru is holding out to her, eyes zipping through the seams and the very short skirt. "Um, Shizuru, where's the rest of it?"

Shizuru and I laugh good naturedly. The older woman, ruffles Keiko's hair, "You're so cute. I knew you wouldn't go for it, but it was worth the try."

I'd managed to push Hiei into letting me have this Wednesday afternoon to shop with the girls. I thought he'd protest, but after he'd started coming at me harder, he seemed to have more confidence in my ability to improve. Which was his way of saying that I earned this day. Not many people knew Hiei speak as well as I, it was impressive to say the least.

I think it helped that I said Yukina would be coming along. He'd deny her very little, if he could help it. Like a good brother he pretended he wasn't, he enjoyed knowing she was out having fun.

I could probably use a similar tactic to get him to come along to the club with us this Friday night. I know for a fact that both Yusuke and Kurama would be my allies in this. Yusuke had scared the hell out of me when he suddenly punched the air when I told him and Kurama had already given me the okay. The rest of the squad was even easier to convince. Keiko took the most work, but Botan and Shizuru could work her like a couple of con artists.

It was pretty spectacular.

Botan burst from the changing room, and gave us all a twirl. She wore a pair of skin tight leathery pants and a frilly, pink sequin top that lifted slightly, exposing her torso with each revolution. "What do you girls think, hm?"

"Hot, Botan." Shizuru said expertly. "You look amazing. But what the heck are those things on your feet?"

Botan paused to look down and then bonked herself on the head with a giggle, "Opps, I guess I forgot to change my shoes. I'll be back!"

Yukina stepped out of the next dressing room on the right wearing a demure, spaghetti strapped dress with a wide skirt and pale pink flowers stitched near the helm. She wore modest heels on her little feet and rose beret in her hair. "What do you all think of this? Would it be fine for the club?"

Like a proud Mom, I stole a picture of her with my phone, and quickly pressed save. I'd show it to Hiei later tonight, on accident, of course. "Of course, Yukina, you'll be the Belle of the ball."

Truthfully, it wasn't really nightclub fare, but…we weren't going to tell her that or force her into something Hiei would kill us all for later. No, she definitely looked perfect. The skirt stopped midleg and covered almost everything, but Kuwabara would probably be useless when he saw her. His love for her was the purest thing I'd ever seen. Hell, he made me look like a pervert. Shoot, not that that was difficult. The only people who didn't make me look like a pervert were Shizuru and Yusuke. Kurama was too much of a gentleman, Keiko slapped Yusuke at the first sign of danger, Yukina didn't look like she coveted food much less a boy, and Botan…well, Botan was hard to judge. And Hiei? I doubt Hiei even noticed a woman's body, he'd be too busy trying to check her power level to even spare a glance.

I imagined his thoughts, "Heh, not over nine thousand? No thanks."

I stifled my laugh.

"…you're perfect, Yukina." Shizuru told her with a smile, "Keiko, get your butt in that dressing room already. You've been at it for an hour."

Keiko held out two outfits, "I just don't know which one to choose. I don't go to clubs, Shizuru. What would I even wear?"

"How about you take a page out of Botan's book," Shizuru inclined her head over to the reaper who had just popped out again, showing off her strappy shoes. "Shinny, dark, and tight. That's all you need to know."

By the look on Keiko's face, I could tell what she thought about those adjectives. She wrinkled her nose. "What are you two wearing?"

Shizuru held up a pair of dark jeans and a sexy red top she'd pair with a blazer. She was coming mostly to drink and keep an eye on us, but that didn't mean she couldn't look damn good.

I shook my clothes at Keiko, "Long-sleeved, gold crushed velvet top, with high waist shorts, fishnet stockings and clunky ankle boots—oh! And a black choker of course and Nike and Banriyu."

"Of course." Shizuru chimed in and then winked at me, "Keiko, it's not that hard. Wear what you normally wear but sexier. When is Aurora not wearing some crop top and choker? I don't think she even owns a regular shirt."

"I do too!" I frown at the accusation, "I just feel constricted—"

"Yeah, yeah." Shizuru laughed at me, but I gave in, finding my smile tugging on my lips despite my best efforts. "My point is wear what makes you feel good. Aurora works out so her mid-drift looks amazing, so she likes to show it off—"

"I hate you." I say petulantly, but I stand a little straighter. Damn straight, my mid-drift looks amazing. I work hard for that shit.

Shizuru wrapped her arm around my shoulders and squeezed until I relented. "Feel free to be modest, of course, but also own what you got. You're only young once."

Keiko seemed to really consider this, pursing her lips. "You're right. I think I saw something on the rack."

She took off like a girl on a mission and I gave Shizuru an impressed look, "You should be a motivational speaker."

She just shrugs with a smirk. "I get that a lot."

()()()

The girls all file down to my apartment to leave their clothes there so we could get dressed together the night of. Together, they all manage to distract me enough that I almost jump out of my skin when I open my door and find Hiei at one of windows in the sitting area. "Damn it, Hiei!"

He barely looks over at us. "Hn."

Everyone files in after me after I remove my shoes and storm over to him. "We talked about this."

Despite the company behind me, it doesn't stop him from smirking. "You talked. I just sat there and pretended to listen."

My mouth hangs open, struggling with my smile, and I try to shove him, but he catches me. "You make me sick." I say but nothing short of happiness shows on my face, "What are you doing here?"

Botan made some sort of squealing noise behind me which was cut short by Shizuru shushing her.

He rolled his eyes at the question, "What do you think?"

Of course. "Food. No, I got you. You don't deserve it, but I got you some anyway."

I stepped away from him and deposited my new clothes on the couch, in my other hand, piping hot beef ramen, extra beef. "You're welcome."

"I don't remember thanking you," He said snidely, his hand brushing mine as he took it from me greedily. I swear it was like feeding a stray cat.

I shrug, all cool like, "I know. But you don't have to, I could tell by the look on your face."

He chooses not to comment, averting his gaze.

Yukina sneezes, and I remember they're here. I'll be damned.

With a spin, I snatch up my clothes, along with the girls' bags and direct Hiei into my bedroom. He follows quietly without glancing at my company.

It's super strange to me that, even though they're here, he hasn't shot for the hills yet. The thought fills me with unquestionable bliss, but also makes me think…is something wrong?

I jog back to the girls who all just looked at me with weird smiles on their faces.

Botan leaned right into my face, like she's just cracked some complex code, "I knew the two of you were close, but I had no idea you were this close. My, my, Aurora, you are just full of surprises!"

Shizuru gave me smirk, "I can't say I'm surprised."

Keiko looked back to my room, "I am, at least a little."

Yukina eyed me with this slightly shimmery look in her eyes, "I think it's wonderful."

O…kay.

"Let me stop you beautiful ladies right there before you embarrass everyone in this room. One: Hiei is literally just down the hall, so, although I'm sure he's trying his best to tune you out, he's a demon so he can probably hear every word you're saying. Two: As I've told you before, we are just friends. What? Two people can't be friends?"

"Two people can…you two however." Botan grinned. "Cannot. Just think, even your names sound lovely together!"

Shizuru laughed, "You better be glad you're pretty Botan, you think about some weird things."

"Meow," Botan made a cat face at us, proud of herself.

"Their names do sound lovely together," Yukina said sweetly, "Hiei and Aurora."

"Aurora and Hiei." Botan paused, "actually it sounds better when you say his name first. Hiei and Aurora…"

And it did! It honestly did! It sounded amazing! I covered my face with my hand.

"Hirora." Botan tested it out, "Or should it be…Aurorei?"

Shizuru gave Botan a weird look, "Are you speaking gibberish?"

"No, I'm testing out their ship name." Botan supplied gladly. "It's when you combine a couple's name."

"It's a damn shame, because we're not a couple." I say, then look at each of their faces, "You guys do know that, right?"

"Aurorei actually sounds really pretty," Keiko admitted.

"I like Hirora." Yukina said.

I threw my hands into the air, these girls were driving me crazy, but I definitely missed this. They were much more like my friends back home. Hanging out with Tohru, Momo, and Karin was nice but Tohru was the shot caller there, we were just her hitmen. Here, it was pretty evenly balanced. Boy talk was both thrilling and gut wrenching. So, of course, we loved it. "You guys sound like complete psychopaths."

Suddenly, a light bulb appeared over Keiko's head, she dug into her purse and fished out her phone. Her fingers flew over the letters and after a moment, all of our phones dinged. Somewhere down the line, Shizuru had bought Yukina a phone at some point and Botan loved all things Human World. It was no wonder she had one.

Keiko: To keep from potentially embarrassing Aurora, let's talk like this.

Aurora: I'm not embarrassed, because none of this is true!

Botan: You are simply brilliant, Keiko! 😊

Yukina: This is nice 😊

Aurora: It is a little…although this is insane! You girls are out of your MINDS! Except for you, Yukina, you have all your marbles😉

Furious typing.

Keiko: Honestly, Aurora…I hate to do this to you, but I completely agree. There's something up with you two.

Botan: I second that!

Yukina: 😊

Aurora:…not you too, Yukina. I need you.

Shizuru: As I was saying, it's your prerogative Aurora to either ignore or act on the obvious tension between the two of you. But don't deny it's not sexual, because I'm older than you and have been in many more failed relationships than all of you combined (not that that's difficult). I know the difference between platonic and sexual tension and there is nothing even remotely platonic about the way you two act. Tell me something, why does he always start with you anyway?

Botan: Good question, Shizuru. Yes, why does he do that?

Keiko: Botan…

Botan: What?

Yukina: I think she means to say that Shizuru has this under control.

Botan:

Shizuru: But I appreciate the enthusiasm. We need that.

Botan: 😊

Looking up from my phone, I shoot Botan a look before responding. She only grins.

Aurora: Because he likes to make me angry, he's a sadist.

Shizuru: A sadist you let stay at your house and eat your food and show up whenever he wants?

I didn't respond to that.

Botan: Hiei must know what will happen when you get angry. Does he always say things to rile you up? Does he always catch your hands when you respond with violence, or does he simply move out of the way?

Nothing from me.

Botan: Do you need a second? 😉

Keiko:…

Shizuru: I'll take your silence to mean yes. If that's right, then he probably does it to have an excuse to touch you. Do you ever touch when you aren't going at it?

Aurora: Sometimes…

Botan: Like when you forced him into the photo or made him play cards with us, right?

Shizuru: Aurora, it's cool if you don't like him, but…either he treats all of his female best friends like he's dating them, or he's into you. When was the last time Hiei so much as held a conversation with the rest of us besides Yukina?

Keiko: I don't even think he knows my name.

Botan: All I get are grunts and nods.

Shizuru: I have never spoken to him since I've known the guy.

Botan: What do you have to say for yourself now?

I looked up from my phone and just shook my head at them, trying to fight off this strange feeling of relief, "I think you guys need to work on your people skills then."

Shizuru rolled her eyes and tapped me in the head with her phone, "You're in denial."

They left soon after, in the spirit of giving the two of us some alone time. Jesus!

I finally remembered to let Nike and Banriyu out and received a small smack on the head from the goddess. Well, I needed to change my clothes so I cracked my neck and started down the hall towards my bedroom.

I had this weird urge to knock on the door, but I don't because…hell, it's my room. I grab the doorknob and give it a slow turn and push inward.

Why am I so aware of my movements? I don't like to question it, but I could bet it had something to do with thing one, thing two, thing three, and, poor Yukina, thing four. She really brought it on herself, ganging up on me like that.

Still, her smiles went beyond teasing. They were genuine, excited contentment one can only get from a sweet sister like her. She was probably excited for her brother, at the prospect of him having feelings for someone. It's a shame none of that was real.

Also, it's strange because, for all intents and purposes, Hiei and everyone else was convinced she had no idea they were related. I've come to doubt that. Yukina is sweet, but she isn't stupid or blind or deaf. She had to know, but she kept up with the farce for his sake. It was one of the nicest things I had ever—

"Are you just going to stand there?" Hiei's voice came from my windowsill. He was perched there, his discarded plate sitting on my desk free of any a speck of food. "Why are you looking at me like that?"

I blinked my eyes hard; I hadn't realized I had come into the room, let alone stared at him. "Did I scare you?"

"Hmph. It never ceases to amaze, the skill you have with your wild imaginings." Hiei gave me a haughty smirk, "What else do you fantasize about I wonder?"

Was he mocking me?

It's just a sweet, sweet fantasy baby—

Damn it, Mariah!

I dropped my gaze down to my feet and shut the door behind me, "Anyway, what do I owe this visit? It can't be my birthday."

He chuckled darkly, "As if that would hold any sway over me."

Yeah, okay. I think, but brush off his words, leaping on my bed. His eyes followed me and then flew back to the window once I settled. "So, what's up? I thought you'd take your food and run."

"You want me to leave?"

"Of course not," I rolled my eyes. "I'm glad to see you, but you must have some reason otherwise you would have bolted the moment you saw the girl squad."

"How adorable, you have a name." He remarked sarcastically, and I chucked one of my pillows at him. He caught it easily, capturing this wicked look in his eyes. He held the pillow up in his right and made a ball of fire appear in his left.

My eyes bulged out of my head as I warned him, "Hiei!"

"What? You keep throwing it at me, so that must mean you no longer have any use for it." Hiei's eyes glowed with mirk, "It's a pity. It's so soft."

"Hiei?" I clasped my hands together, and gave him my best smile, "Please, Oh, Dark One?"

"Hn. The begging…it suits you." He tossed the pillow over to me, and it landed in its proper position.

I want to complain, but I just cross my arms beneath my chest with a frown.

"Don't make that face, you brought it upon yourself." He says in usual brand of superiority.

Finally, I cracked and fell back on my bed with a laugh. "You're the worst!"

I hear him chuckle as I stare up at the ceiling, and then, the room is quiet. I can hear only the sound of my breathing, my happy pulse.

"I'm returning to Demon World tonight." He said suddenly, emotionless, "I thought I'd get some food before I left—"

I sat up at that, my heart racing with my surprise. "What? Who the hell is going to train me? For how long? You're coming back right?"

Despite my panicked words, he wore an amused expression that made me want to throw something, but I'd learned my lesson. "Calm yourself. I'll be back Friday."

I did just that, the air expelling from my lungs in relief. "Oh…"

"I couldn't possibly leave you in the hands of those incompetents. One day with you will undo all my hard work." Hiei said snidely. He was trying to be a jerk, but I was much too relieved to rise to the bait. My heart was still trying to calm itself. "I refuse to allow it."

He should preface his sentences a little better, Jesus. Dude almost gave me heartburn. "Well, what am I going to do for the day you're gone?"

"I've asked Kurama to test your barrier using his rose whip." Hiei told me, turning more to face me. "You'll do that until I return Friday morning. That afternoon we'll continue your training."

I bit my lip with a sheepish smile, "Actually, I can't. We're all going clubbing Friday."

Hiei's eyes narrow with his confusion, "What the hell is that?"

I lay back on my elbows and cross my legs in front of me. "It's basically a more organized party with strangers that you usually pay for. It has music, and dancing and a myriad of opportunities for fights and fun."

Hiei looked like he couldn't possibly disagree more, "It sounds like an excruciating kind of torture."

I laughed, he would say that. "It's actually really cool. Everyone is going, even Kurama and Yusuke and Kuwabara of course."

"And your gang of girls?"

I winked at him, "Naturally. What am I without a gang? I am the super gangster."

He scoffed at my ridiculousness. "I'll leave you to it."

I frowned, "Don't make me beg. Come on, you should go. It'll be cool. You'll get to see me dance and everything!"

He considered that, "I do enjoy watching you embarrass yourself."

"You're not funny," I say, smiling anyway, "Is that a yes?"

After staring at me, his eyes bright with interest, he looked away. "I suppose I could endure a few hours of mindless torture—"

I screamed, and bolted from the bed. It's clear I take him by surprise because I manage to wrap my arms around him and give a squeeze before he can react. His scent rushes into my nose at a run, making me almost dizzy. His warmth wipes away all chill from my skin and I breathe him in.

I release him quickly, and take a look at his face. His shock takes a moment to slip from his face, but his face is tinted red. "What the hell was that?"

I've come to the conclusion that hell was his favorite swear word, followed closely by damn. I hadn't heard him say fuck or bitch yet, but I guess he had to be legitimately pissed to let one of those fly.

I put my hands on my hips, "Are you asking me to explain a hug, Hiei?"

Hiei growled in irritation, "I know what it is. I'm asking you why you did it."

I paused. That was the first time I had done something like that and judging by the deer in the headlights look in Hiei's eye, he was completely taken aback by it. "I…I was happy I guess."

His eyes pricked at my face, trying to find something there.

"My bad," I say preemptively, scooting back to my place on the bed. "I didn't mean to do that."

Hiei didn't respond, only nodded his head. It was weirdly scary, but I was glad he didn't tear into me. I thought for sure he'd be angrier. But, maybe Shizuru and the gang were at least partially right, he let me slide with certain things.

I pulled my legs up to my chest, "You said you were leaving to Demon World, tonight, right?"

He managed to nod.

I leaned forward, dropping my voice low like we were trading secrets, "What is it like? Demon World, I mean."

It was like pulling a mask from his face. The shiver of confusion vanished in a moment. He closed his eyes and when they reopened, they were renewed with confidence. His crimson was dazzling. "Demon World is nothing like this monstrous place."

I can't help the surprise in my voice, "Monstrous?"

He nodded, eager like a little kid. "It has none of your rainbows and pale blue skies or clean air." Okay. Those all sound like good things, Hiei.

"The air of Demon World is so filled with the scent of rotting corpses that it would rot the flesh off of any normal human." His eyes are ringing with intensity as he speaks of his home world. Hiei speaks with a sort of magic, filling my head with pictures. I don't want it to end.

I lean forward. "Where are you from in this world?"

There was a hint of hesitation here. It was so abrupt I almost regretted my question and wanted to take it back until, "I was born among the Ice Apparitions who lived secluded from the rest of Demon World. It was a floating world, made up entirely of females…" he stopped there, but I couldn't have that.

I'm on the very edge of the bed now, eyes intent on him, "When you return to Demon World, where do you go?"

His eyes flickered back to me, the fierceness returned. I wonder what had stopped him before. "I spend my time Alaric, in Mukuro's territory. I train her forces and occasionally direct any foolhardy humans back into the Human World after wiping their memories."

"Huh, you can do that?" That name sounded familiar. "Mukuro…who's he?"

His excitement was contagious. "Mukuro is one of the most powerful demons I have ever met. She is an S-Class as I am. Her strength for hundreds of years rested almost unmatched. Rumors of her power frightened even the most bloodthirsty of our kind. In the Demon World Tournament, no one dared even step in the ring, excluding myself. Few had the skill necessary to test her."

My smile is tight, and I'm positive it doesn't reach my eyes, "Isn't that nice. She sounds amazing."

His smirk deepened as he relived the memory, savored it, now far away from me. "She is. It wasn't until recently, that I was able to match her power. I wouldn't leave her side until I did."

Okay, Hiei. I get it. Stop talking about her now. "Cool, very cool." The sharp pain in my chest twisted mercilessly as I realized he probably didn't even hear me. He spoke about her with such obvious reverence, I doubted he even noticed. Oh, she's practically a goddess in his eyes!

I don't know why I feel this way, I don't know why I want to shove this Mukuro from the ledge of a building—but wait! She's so damn powerful, she'd probably shove my ass back or kill me.

I bite down on my tongue as the frustration gathers without my even feeding it. I try to force those thoughts away, but they're there and I can't stand it.

I feel so stupid. I make a decision to slap each and every one of those girls the next time I see them. They had me thinking all kinds of crazy things.

It's not that I wanted to like him, but, damnit. Did this mean I fucking did? Or was this on some, you're my friend and you can't be anyone else's bullshit?

Somehow, I doubted that. I'd never been that girl.

Yep. I probably did feel something for him and him talking about this…this—I won't even think her name—made me realize that. But, whatever, it's best that it's all out now before I get any other crazy ideas. Whatever this was, it wasn't deep. It was tiny, an itty-bitty crush, a little distance could crush in no time.

No time.

He's almost doing me a favor by leaving, honestly.

He was still talking, but I didn't feel like listening anymore. My eye glanced over to my clock as I watched the seconds tick by, and he finally finished his tale. Much time didn't pass, but it dragged by for me.

I hated myself a little as I sat here moping, angry at some woman I had never even met.

"Thanks for that." I say stiffly, slipping from my bed to let Nike and Banriyu know I was heading to sleep. They floated towards me as I turned back to face Darkness. "I guess I'll see you later."

His eyes narrowed at me suspiciously, "What's wrong with you?"

I force a laugh, "What do you mean?"

"Your face." He leapt off the windowsill and stepped toward me, "You're forcing yourself to smile. I'm no fool. Don't make me ask you again."

His concern makes the knife dig in deeper, "Hiei."

"Tell me, or I'll find out myself." Hiei threatened, almost angry now, which makes me take a step back.

"No!" I throw my hands up, putting more space between us. "It's not like that. I'm just tired…that's all."

"And?" He said harshly. For all his talk of me being unreadable, he sure can read me.

I sigh, my eyes watching his clenched hands at his sides, "I loved hearing you talk about Demon World. You just seem to miss it so much…why don't you just stay there? Wouldn't you like that better?"

I could feel him watching me as he spoke. He scoffed, "That's a ridiculous thing to get upset about. Don't concern yourself with that. I go where I like. If I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be."

I shrug, "But…what about Mukuro?"

He spoke slowly, uncertain, "What about her?"

I look up at him. His face is completely clueless, but he seemed to be putting pieces together. "Aren't you guys…together or—"

His face is furious with shock, "What?"

I can't even form words.

I am an idiot.

"What the hell do you mean 'together'?" He said the word like it was dirty, the lowest of the low, like it hurt his lungs to breathe it out. I can't say how good that made me feel. "You and your wild delusions."

I throw my head back with a laugh, relief breaking through me like a dam about to drown a small village. It fills me up so entirely, I can't understand how I ever assumed the worst. "I'm sorry. You just talked about her so reverently—"

"Because I admire her strength." He leaned toward me, bursting with anger. He even grabs me by the shoulders, pulls me so close, his chest presses into mine. Not that I'm one to complain. The pervert in me likes being this close, wouldn't mind being closer, actually. "What the hell is wrong with you?"

I don't know, man. I don't know.

I laugh, unable to help it, tears spring from my eyes. "I said I was sorry. Jesus! My mistake!"

"It is your mistake; one you will never make again." He says through his teeth, trying to be menacing, but I love it anyway.

"You've got it chief!" I say chipperly, never again. I nod my head, managing to pull on a straight face. "Never again."

He seems to settle down, eyes losing their crazy fierceness. "Your smile is real now."

"No, I agree." I say, my heart bump-bumping in my chest. "I can tell."

He just shook his head at me, and I don't think he can help his smirk either. "So irritating."

Author's Note: I can't stand myself. I cannot rest until I get to a good stopping point. So, I'll probably update in two days or so. I hate to keep updating so consecutively like this instead of holding off like a normal person, but I can't get to my other stuff until I get to the main-ish event. It actually has been plaguing me. I wish I felt this way about my actual writing, instead of Fanfiction. Anyway, leave a review to let me know what you think!

The lyrics used in this fic comes from Mariah Carey's song, "Fantasy." I do not own them.

LadyEllesmere: Lol your comments are hilarious!