Standard disclaimers as usual. Also, this chapter gets a special WARNING: light yaoi. That means boy x boy so get over it. Nothing actually happens, but if any of you are offended, skip over this next short little section.

Kurama curled around Hiei in bed. "It would make you feel better." Hiei once again grunterd no and squirmed in the embrace. Reluctantly, Kurama loosened his grip. "At least tell me why. Don't you want to relax?" He ran his hand suggestively through the little demon's hair.

"Fox, I said no. If you want an explanation, fine." He turned to face him and let his hand wrap around a lock of silky hair. He let the hand drift over the green eyes and then to his own covered ones. Kurama sighed. Apparantly sight even affected his Hiei during love. Belatedly, he realized that the most savored part of their evenings were spent just looking at each other. Hiei's words broke into his reverie. "Besides, I wouldn't be able to enjoy it after today."

"Kuwabara?" Hiei had been complaining about the afternoon's events since the others had left just before dinner. "What bothers you so much about it? He only wanted to help."

Hiei sighed and stayed silent for a moment. "He's more honorable than he acts. He's such an idiot!"

Kurama began to stroke his love's hair again. "You're unwilling to accept it. Now that he knows though he's going to seek your approval. But you already know the truth. He doesn't like you, but he's always respected you. And I know that you feel the same."

"Never! I have no respect for that idiot."

Kurama smiled as Hiei grew quiet. You do respect him, koi. You know that Yukina chose well. But you want to believe he's a moron and when he's noble, you're forced to see the truth. He kept stroking the youkai's hair until he fell asleep. "Sleep well love. And know that you have friends here."

***

Neja stared at the young girl. She had been thinking a lot about when the assault might come. Certainly, they wouldn't wait long. But they also had to gather their strength—especially with one less fighter than they were used to. But sooner or later, they would come for the little ice brat.

Her brother turned slowly to face her. "She looks rather helpless."

"I know, Delko, isn't it amusing? But something's missing. I feel like we're over looking something obvious . . ."

The taller boy smiled. "I think I know exactly what you're thinking of. You want a way to make Hiei suffer more, and this ice bitch is our key to doing it." At Neja's puzzled look, he continiued. "Hiei wants his kinship to remain a secret. An this one has no idea who he is. Any ideas?"

Neja smiled knowingly. "Follow my lead, brother, dearest." She entered the room where Yukina was and went over to the girl.

Yukina had been dozing, but immediately forgot all thoughts of fatigue as the two entered. Gods, what do they want from me? She pulled herself onto her knees, trying to stand despite the heavy ropes. The boy approached and lightly pushed her shoulder sending her harshly to the ground again. She looked up, frightened, and noticed a gleam of metal. The redhead had a knife.

Neja smiled sweetly, putting on her best mask ever. She bent and gently cut the ropes around her captive's wrists and ankles. Yukina didn't move. Delko reached down, offering his hand to help her up, "Come on, you should be happy."

"Yeah!" piped the smaller girl. "We're letting you go. We thought you had attacked Hiei-Oniisan, but it turns out you're just as connected to him as we are."

Delko was unable to keep the evil smirk from tinging his smile. "We have no love for you, but since you are family, we'll let you go. We'll even go so far as to appologize."

Yukina blinked, ready to bolt at the slightest notice. "What did you call Hiei?"

Delko's smile widened-darkening as it went. "Why, he and you are our half-siblings."

What little color Yukina still had in her face was gone at those words. Her brother? How could Hiei . . . but it did make sense. She straightened and ran from the room. She had to get to Hiei, not to mention away from here. If what those two had said was true . . .

Delko burst into laughter as soon as the short girl was out of earshot. "That was classic! Did you see the look on her face?"

Neja's smile hadn't wavered. Now it was time for some real fun. "Come on, brother. I'm just getting started."

***

Kuwabara sat watching Hiei. Wy did he have to babysit the twerp? "I want you two to try and get along. He's your girlfriend's brother, you should be friends." That's what Kurama had told him. But still, it was babysitting.

Hiei looked just as upset about it. The others had gone to scout the enemy's location and Hiei'd protested until they had closed the door. They all knew there was nothing he could do, but he still wanted to try. Now he was frowning at Kuwabara. Or rather, he was frowning at the wall, Kuwabara was three feet to the left.

Why does he have to hate me? Why can't Yukina have a nice brother? Kuwabara sighed, noting the little Jaganshi correcting his glare slightly. "Hiei, can I get you anything?" Hiei scowled and shook his head. "All right. Just, you know, tell me."

The two sat in silence a moment more before Kuwabara jumped up. Hiei heard him and gave a dry laugh. "What's wrong, see your shadow and get scared?" He stopped suddenly as he sensed what Kuwabara had. "K'so! What're they doing here?!"

Kuwabara formed his spirit sword just as the demons appeared. He frantically blocked as the redhead advanced. Shit, these guys are fast! He was trying to get closer to Hiei to protect him. He can't fight like this. And if I let him get killed, Yukina will never speak to me again! With new resolve he tried to get to Hiei, but this girl was too damn fast!

Belatedly, Kuwabara noiced that Hiei had his katana. He was swinging kind of randomely, but it was keeping the other boy back. Suddenly, the boy looked at the door and then at his comrade. "Now!" They were both gone. And Kuwabara was in the middle of a charge. And he was heading right for Hiei.

Kuwabara tried to stop, to turn, anything, but momentum was working against him and he had to brace for the inevitable impact. He heard the door open and turned his head. Yukina stood frozen, watching the scene. Hiei's blade made contact and doubled back for a second strike that cut deep into Kuwabara's side.

Kuwabara saw a flash of red before falling to the ground. He had only two thoughts: Yukina was going to kill Hiei. And Hiei was going to kill him. Slowly he let his world fade to dark, hoping he could hang on long enough for his love to heal him. "Yu-kina-"

***

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This is fun! I'm getting into the real angsty part and I'm really enjoying it. Does that make me evil? I hope you're enjoying it too. Anyway, here's another shout out to Rose Thorne. She told me that I borrowed some lines from her story: gomen! She said it was ok, but I'm crediting her again anyway. It's proof of how good her stories really are-they stick in your head. So another BIG thankies to my inspiration for this fic and all my other reviewers. Also, Rose is hosting a contest! Go read her latest work and check it out, I'm having fun writing my entries. *glares at her spiral notebook* Actually, the muses have crammed lots of inspiration into me and it's all being written at once and I'm all distracted and stuff. *Sigh* Oh well. Enough griping, on to the next chapter! R&R please, tell me whatcha think!