Well, here is my idea of what Yukina and Kuwabara's wedding would be like - from Hiei's perspective that is. Actually, the story is written in third person, but the narration usually focuses on Hiei. It's supposed to be funny (I hope it is, anyway). I wanted to do a humouress fic that actually kept all the characters in character, because I've noticed a lot of times in fanfiction that in order to provide humor, authors will alter a character's personality. Anyway, I haven't seen the end of the series yet (I've seen through what CN has aired and the movies), so I hope I'm semi-accurate with everything and if I'm not, oops! LOL! Well, enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho, but I'd love it if I did!
Hiei stood entirely frozen in a sickened shock. His heart pounded loudly in his chest as the blood that coursed through his veins became saturated with terror, numbing his body with coldness. Slowly, sensation began to return to his limbs, and his chest started to heave heatedly while his skin began to prickle in fury. Still paralyzed in his spot, his insides cringed, and he immediately felt revolted, burning vomit rising in his throat. With widening eyes, he felt himself stare on, his mouth twisted in an expression of furious horror.
He was, for all his years, facing the greatest evil he had ever encountered. The silence in the room was deafening - save his heavy breathing and his pounding heart - and this silence seemed to consume all those around him into an endless black void with Hiei at its center. All eyes were fixed on him, glaring at him with irrepressible anticipation and fear. Yet, Hiei's eyes did not meet theirs; instead, they were locked on his sister, a look of fret on her innocent face, and the hideous creature that stood beside her. Yes, it was that beast which was the one responsible for the impending doom - the true evil among them.
It spoke; "Well, aren't you guys going to say anything…? I guess you're all kind of shocked, heh?" The thing let out a good-natured chuckle that almost caused Hiei's eardrums to bleed. "Isn't it great, though? Yukina and me - we're getting married!"
Hiei visibly cringed at the word "married," as his right eye began to twitch uncontrollably. He watched, nauseated, as the smiling Kuwabara, with a goofy expression, put his arm around his bride-to-be. At this, the twitch in Hiei's right eye grew more violent as his breathing grew more raspy and deadly, like daggers slashing through the quiet. Yukina, who had been looking up at Kuwabara with a beam, soon noticed Hiei's murderous glare and quickly lowered her head, nervously.
From the others who were there to witness this possibly apocalyptic event, there was utter silence as they all sat gathered around one of the room's of Genkai's home. They were still waiting, waiting for Hiei to react, waiting for him to lunge at Kuwabara and strangle him to death. There was awkward squirming from several, looking dreadfully uncomfortable and extremely anxious, before, suddenly, Kurama bravely rose and approached the happy couple with a warm smile, although his eyes were very concerned. "Well, that's wonderful, for both of you. I'm sure you two will be very happy together." He glanced over at Hiei apprehensively who now narrowed his eyes threateningly and muttered lowly to himself through gritted teeth, "Kurama…"
However, getting his cue from Kurama's immense display of courage, Yusuke immediately jumped to his feet and exclaimed, "Oh yeah! That's really great! Congratulations!" The others also muttered half-heartedly their congrats, all eyes still on the fuming Hiei. Yusuke, meanwhile, made his way to his best friend's side and patted him on the back, but the cheer in his eyes faded and grew rather forced for he could feel all three of Hiei's eyes staring at him, as if planning when and how to kill him. "Who would have thought anybody would ever marry you, huh, Kuwabara?" He concluded nervously with a weak laugh.
"Now, now, now, Yusuke!" Botan hastily jumped in, also looking very worried. "I think Kuwabara's a wonderful catch! Really, quite splendid! Any sibling - brother perhaps -would be so proud!"
"Ah yes, any brother," Kurama was quick to agree.
"But…Yukina doesn't have a brother…" Kuwabara began, stupidly scratching his head in confusion. Botan laughed uneasily.
"Oh, never you mind that, Kuwabara. I think a wedding is an absolutely wonderful idea!" A growl suddenly escaped Hiei's lips, which almost caused Botan to jump out of her skin. "Or not!" She swiftly added.
"Hey! Why not?'" Kuwabara questioned.
"Well, uh…" Botan thought for a moment before an answer came to her. "Because you don't have a best man, that's why not!"
"Oh, that's right!" Kuwabara exclaimed, growing very excited as he turned to Yusuke and cleared his throat. "Urameshi, over the years, well, we've grown from rivals into something more. We've been through a lot, you know? From demons to school to like, almost dying - well, you did die - wow, we've sure been through a lot, hey? Remember the time -"
"Kuwabara, the point," Yusuke interrupted.
"Oh right. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is, well, what I'm trying to say is - Urameshi, you're my best friend in the universe and I love you."
"What?!" Yusuke took an awkward step back.
"He doesn't mean it like that, Yusuke!" Botan whispered severely.
"Oh, I knew that," Yusuke replied, also in a whisper, but his sincerity was questionable.
"Yes, you heard me right, Urameshi," Kuwabara continued, oblivious to Botan and Yusuke's side conversation, "I love you. You've become like a brother to me, and so, I'd be honored, Urameshi, if you'd be my best man."
Feeling slightly embarrassed by Kuwabara's sentimental speech, although actually rather flattered, Yusuke turned away, stuck his hands in his pockets, and replied nonchalantly, "Well, all right Kuwabara…I guess I'll be your best man if I have to…"
"Really?! You're the greatest friend a guy can ask for! " And with that, Kuwabara gave his friend a great hug, which Yusuke accepted until he realized everyone was there.
"Hey, Kuwabara! Get off!" The two separated quickly, brushing themselves off.
"Oh, uh…sorry…"
"Jeez, just because I said I'll be your best man doesn't mean you have to get all mushy or whatever on me…" Yusuke muttered.
Kuwabara ignored him and turned his attention back to the bubbly grim reaper. "But, see Botan! I've got a best man."
"Oh…" After a long pause, she continued, "Uh, you don't have a maid of honor, do you? That's even more important than the best man!" She glanced at Hiei, who, having been just disgusted by Yusuke and Kuwabara, nodded in approval at Botan's attempt to prevent the wedding - that catastrophe - from being.
"Is not!" Yusuke chimed in in response to Botan's assertion before he coolly added, "Not that I care or anything…"
"Well," Yukina spoke up, her meek voice slightly uncertain as her eyes kept glancing back at her brother. "We were hoping that Shizura would be." Both her and Kuwabara looked over at Shizura, who seemed to be one of the only ones at ease in the room as she casually sat back on the couch.
"Hmm," Shizura said. Then, she looked over at Hiei and smirked. "I think I'll pass." She put out her cigarette and lit up another one. "Sorry, baby brother, but I think I'd rather just be a silent spectator in all of…this."
"Ah, don't worry sis. I already knew you'd say no," Kuwabara replied.
"See, Kuwabara! This wedding just cannot be!" Botan declared boldly and triumphantly.
"Actually," Yukina spoke up, still with some hesitation but a bit more confident, "Kazuma and I discussed the possibility of Shizura turning us down and we thought that it would be really nice if Keiko was our matron of honor and Botan was our maid of honor."
Botan suddenly beamed, her original mindset shattered. "Me? The maid of honor? Oh, how much fun that would be! I can help make all the preparations and - oh, won't I look just wonderful in a beautiful new pink gown?"
"So, you accept?" Yukina asked with a smile.
"Why, yes! Certainly!"
"And Keiko?"
"Oh, of course Yukina. I'd love to," Keiko now got up as well with a smile and joined the small circle of people forming around the couple. "A wedding will be so wonderful."
"It will, won't it?" Kurama concurred. "It will be nice for all of us to be concentrating our energies on something that isn't evil for once."
"But, who will walk Yukina down the aisle?" Botan asked, although this time actually concerned.
"Koenma?" suggested Keiko.
"No!" Botan exclaimed at once, "He will be escorting me! After all, with all the work I've done for him, I would think that this is the least he can do for me."
"Hmm…what about Genkai?" Kuwabara asked after a moment.
"Yeah, the old bat can do it," Yusuke agreed.
"Watch it, twerp," Genkai snapped from behind him giving him a glower before her facial features softened considerably and went on. "Although I would be honored to give Yukina away, I have a feeling she has someone else in mind, hmm?"
Yukina, who had been looking over at Hiei during the conversation, blushed at this and turned away, lowering her head. "Who?" Kuwabara asked in the meantime, scratching his head in confusion again. "I can't think of anyone…"
Yukina then looked up at Genkai with melancholy eyes and a smile. "I would for you to give me away, Genkai, if you do not mind," she told her, yet her voice told everyone that her mind was still stuck on someone else. Yet, Genkai gave the girl an understanding nod, accepting the offer without further question.
Then, the awkward silence returned, many shifting around in their spots, until Botan finally spoke up. "Well, now that that's settled, we've got to start making the arrangements, don't we? I know - I'll be your wedding planner, all right? I'm so excited! This wedding will be even better than Yusuke and Keiko's!"
"Hey, not better," Yusuke began but Botan cut him off.
"Hush up now, Yusuke! Now then, I bet Lord Koenma won't mind if we have it at his place. After all, what can be better than a grand palace? Oh, and Jorge can preside!"
"Actually, Kazuma and I wanted something simple -" Yukina began, but her words seemed to be swallowed up in the commotion.
"I can't wait to plan the bachelor's party…" Yusuke smirked to himself.
"Yusuke!" Keiko gave him a smack on the shoulder.
"Ow, that hurt, Keiko. And what's the problem? It's my job to plan the bachelor party; I am the best man, after all."
"Yeah, but Urameshi, I don't really want that kind of -" Kuwabara tried to say, but Botan suddenly exclaimed in an excited outburst, "Won't pink be absolutely wonderful for the wedding party gowns? I can't wait to pick them out! "
"But Botan, I was hoping that Kazuma and I could-" Yukina started, but to no avail as Botan continued rambling.
"Oh and I bet Kurama would be great at making flower arrangements!"
Kurama smiled, pleased. "Well, I suppose I can try to put something together."
"Uh guys, me and Yukina were hoping that we'd have some say in our own -"
"Not now, Kuwabara!" Botan cut him off, "We're in the middle of trying to plan your wedding!"
The group continued on animatedly with their discussion as Hiei looked on, the blood in his veins beginning to boil and course ferociously through his body, enraging every limb. His breathing became even more severe violently. Fools, he thought as his fists clenched, tearing away at his skin. All of them, fools. The twitch in his right eye had relaxed so his eyes could narrow intensely, as he glared on, murderously. Unable to contain his rage, he suddenly out-leashed. "There will be no wedding!"
Everyone was instantly quiet and simultaneously looked over at Hiei. "Huh?" Kuwabara asked, staring blankly.
"There will be no wedding," Hiei repeated slowly his voice filled with no signs of compromise as his eyes directly locked on Kuwabara's.
"Hiei-" Kurama began, but Hiei was quick to counter.
"Stay out of this, Kurama!"
"Hey, shrimpy, I don't know what this has to do with you or anything, but you've got some nerve!" Kuwabara now stepped forward, growing rather upset himself. "Yeah, I let you pick on me and stuff, but that's only because I'm such a nice guy, but when you -"
Yukina grabbed onto Kuwabara's arm then, desperately pleading, "Kazuma, please…"
"I'm sorry, Yukina, but when someone starts threatening your happiness -"
"Happiness?" questioned Hiei severely, "Happiness? I'm talking about her well-being. I will not allow her to marry a dimwit like you."
"Well, it's none of your business, now is it? Just because no one likes you -" Kuwabara sneered.
"Fool! Don't try and discuss things you don't understand."
Kuwabara then let out a spiteful chuckle, "I know what's bugging you. Your probably just jealous. Yeah, that explains it. Well, it looks like Yukina chose the better man, heh?" he place his hands on his hips proudly and Yukina covered her mouth with her hand, slightly mortified at the suggestion that Hiei and her would ever be romantically involved. Botan let out a disgusted groan as Kurama brought his right hand to his forehead. Yusuke and Keiko looked at each other with frowns and Genkai muttered "idiot" under her breath. Taking a puff from her cigarette, Shizura shook her head and said "Looks like baby brother managed to stick his foot in his mouth again…"
Meanwhile, the twitch returned to Hiei's right eye even worse than before and he could no longer restrain himself. "I will kill you. Then, Yukina will never be forced to marry you unworthy fool." With this, Hiei went to attack the nineteen year old redhead, one objective radiating from his eyes - murder.
However, Kurama stepped in front of him, placing his hands firmly on Hiei's shoulders. "I believe me and Hiei have something very important to discuss in the other room."
"Kurama…" Hiei grumbled as Kurama began to lead him toward the other room.
"Yes!" Yusuke spoke up in agreement, coming to Kurama's assistance as both began almost dragging Hiei out. "We need to discuss that right away." A low growl escaped Hiei's lips which made Yusuke laugh nervously and swallow hard.
"Come on Hiei," Kurama tried to say as pleasantly as possible. After some effort, the two finally managed to pull him through the doors into the adjacent room, Hiei's stare fixed on Kuwabara the entire time. Once Hiei was inside, Yusuke turned back to everyone at the doorway.
"This will only take a minute," He assured them and then closed the door shut.
"Well, the hell with inviting that little midget to the wedding!" Kuwabara declared. At this, Yukina then burst out into tears. Kuwabara looked down at her concerned. "Yukina? Yukina, what's wrong?" Yukina just shook her head, unable to speak, and ran from the from crying, crystals coming from her eyes and falling to the floor.
Instinctively, Kuwabara went to run after her, but Botan jumped in front of him. "No! Wait here, Kuwabara. Me and Keiko will go talk with her."
"But -"
"Don't worry, Kuwabara," Keiko comforted him, "Botan and I will handle everything."
"Well, ok…" he trailed off reluctantly as they went after them.
Genkai shook her head, rather annoyed, and Shizura put out her cigarette and lit a third one. "Jeez, baby brother. What you get yourself mixed up in now?"
"Calm down Hiei," Kurama said rationally, firmly holding the deadly demon in his seat with his hands on his shoulders.
"How can you tell me to calm down Kurama, when my sister is going to marry that thing?"
Kurama sighed. "Listen, Hiei, I understand that you have a certain -dislike for Kuwabara -"
"It is more than a dislike, Kurama -"
"However," Kurama spoke over him, "You must respect Yukina's wishes."
"Respect? Puh." Hiei scoffed, turning away with his arms crossed. "She's only marrying him because she doesn't know any better. He has her brainwashed into thinking -"
"Come on, Hiei," Yusuke interrupted, "Brainwashed? Wouldn't Kuwabara need an actual brain to do that?"
Hiei contemplated this. "Valid point. I would blame it on his subconscious, but that requires a functioning brain as well."
"Just admit it," Yusuke continued with a smirk, "As much as you can't stand him, Kuwabara's not that bad a guy."
Hiei growled, rage overwhelming him. "Yes, he is," He stated, going to rise, only to be held down by Kurama's hands. Kurama looked down at him and spoke slowly, as if speaking to an unreasonable child.
"No, he's not, Hiei. He will take good care of Yukina; he already has. More importantly, they love each other."
Hiei scoffed once more. "Love? Please. That's a pitiful excuse for this stupidity."
Yusuke rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall, saying sarcastically, "Yeah, because people should get married because of things like money and power."
"Exactly."
Kurama let out a soft chuckle, "Now Hiei, you don't really want Yukina to be unhappy, do you?"
"Besides," Yusuke chimed in, "It's just a wedding. They've been seeing one another for almost four years already. This whole wedding thing is just to make it official or whatever, but it won't really be any different than it is now."
"What do you mean 'won't be any different?'" Hiei sneered, "Of course it will." Hiei then hesitated, struggling with his words and finding it difficult for himself to allow himself to even suggest such horrible, horrible things. "It means they will be…intimate." At this, Yusuke burst into hysterical laughter. "What is so funny?" Hiei demanded harshly.
"Nothing," Yusuke responded through his snickering, "It's just - do you really honesty think that they've been seeing each other for four years and they've never -" His laughter took over then and he doubled over.
Hiei was seething. Hiei eyes were bulging and he spoke with an emphasis on every word, "Do you mean that Yukina has - with him - before they've been made - proper -?"
"Now, now, now, Hiei," Kurama began nervously, giving Yusuke and annoyed glance. "I don't think it would be very wise of you to listen to Yusuke right now; he's just speaking nonsense as usual."
With this, Hiei seemed to relax slightly, settling down in his seat. "I suppose he is that moron's friend so he must warrant some stupidity."
"Hey, like it or not, Yukina's eventually going to - well, you know." Hiei started to become livid again.
"Hiei, there's no reason to get angry," Kurama quickly said. "Yukina's a grown woman and can make her own decisions. It has to expected that she will not be a virgin forever."
"Do you think she has been improper with that buffoon before?" Hiei interrogated.
"Well, I -" Kurama carefully answered, "I don't know. It's none of my business, though. Neither is it yours."
Hiei, in spite of Kurama's presence before him, rose to his feet and declared, "She will be a nun. I have decided."
"You can't make that kind of decision for her, Hiei."
"Yes I can, Kurama, and I will. I am her brother. It is my job to protect her and look after her well being."
"Well, obviously she wants Kuwabara to do that now," Yusuke stated.
"Hmm," was the only acknowledgment Hiei gave Yusuke before he went on, "She will join a convent. She will live there and she will die there. That idiot Kuwabara can do nothing but bring her misery."
"I think that her brother being unsupportive is what's making her miserable now, don't you?' Kurama reasoned. "I also think that Yukina perhaps doesn't need to be 'protected' or 'looked after.' Perhaps she just wants a loving relationship with both her brother and her fiancée."
"Don't give me all that love crap again, Kurama. I don't need to hear your insufferable preaching anymore." With this, Hiei turned to leave, marching out of the room.
"But, Hiei -" Kurama tried to call after him, but it was of no use.
Yusuke shook his head and said, "Well, there goes this wedding. So much for trying to concentrate our energies on something that wasn't going to destroy the universe."
Meanwhile, Hiei entered the living room, where Genkai, Kuwabara, and Shizura were. He demanded, "Where is she?"
"Hey, you stay away from her! She's upset as it is," Kuwabara quickly stated, trying to look as manly as possible as he stood before Hiei.
"Get out of my way, you stupid oaf." Kuwabara immediately grew furious, growling through gritted teeth and clenching his fists.
"I'm not a stupid oaf you little -" Suddenly, Shizura took a grab of her brother's ear with her left hand, cigarette in right.
"Cool it baby brother," she then turned to Hiei, "Yukina's outside."
"But, sis-!" Kuwabara began as she dragged him off. Hiei gave a nod of gratitude and proceeded outside, taking note of the small crystals scattered on the floor. It doesn't matter, he thought to himself, she may be upset now, but I have her whole life to consider. I can't let her waste away with that fool as her husband. He'll be nothing but a burden to her. Stupid, ugly beast, confusing her into thinking that she's actually 'in love' with him, that disgusting creature…as if that's important, anyway…he's confused all of them, even Kurama has fallen for it…but they don't understand…and to think, that thing -that thing will be my -
Hiei could not finish his thought, shuddering at the idea of being related to the idiot, as he stepped outside and approached his sister, with both Keiko and Botan by her side.
"Oh, it's not so bad, Yukina! This happens a lot of times in families!"
"Really, Botan?" Yukina asked, looking up through teary eyes, dozens of crystals scattered at her feet.
"Why, yes!" Botan assured her, but added after a thoughtful beat, "Of course, it usually ends with either divorce or disownment."
"Botan!" Keiko corrected, "That's not true. I'm sure Hiei will come around -" Keiko stopped as she saw Hiei standing before her.
"Oh, Hiei!" Botan exclaimed nervously, "Well, we were just telling Yukina here how she shouldn't marry Kuwabara and all…" She trailed off, laughing uneasily as Keiko gave her a shove, "Ow!" Hiei glared at the grim reaper for a moment, before turning his attention to Yukina.
Yukina looked up at her brother, crystals falling down her cheeks. Her face was flushed, eyes puffy and saddened. She looked at him desperately, begging him with her eyes to be understanding. She will be a nun, Hiei kept telling himself over and over again with conviction. He would not allow the wedding to take place, to even be discussed. And Yukina would have no choice but to listen to him, she would respect his wishes. He would not give in to any of them and allow that freak show to marry his beautiful, innocent sister. Never in his lifetime. He'd destroy them all first. And he would tell her that. He would tell her exactly his orders, that she will join a nunnery and never set eyes on that joke of a fiancée again. "Hiei, please -"
"Fine! Get married," Hiei snapped. He then turned around sharply and marched off, fuming the whole way. Yukina watched him as he left and smiled gratefully.
Disclaimer: I don't own Yu Yu Hakusho, but I'd love it if I did!
Hiei stood entirely frozen in a sickened shock. His heart pounded loudly in his chest as the blood that coursed through his veins became saturated with terror, numbing his body with coldness. Slowly, sensation began to return to his limbs, and his chest started to heave heatedly while his skin began to prickle in fury. Still paralyzed in his spot, his insides cringed, and he immediately felt revolted, burning vomit rising in his throat. With widening eyes, he felt himself stare on, his mouth twisted in an expression of furious horror.
He was, for all his years, facing the greatest evil he had ever encountered. The silence in the room was deafening - save his heavy breathing and his pounding heart - and this silence seemed to consume all those around him into an endless black void with Hiei at its center. All eyes were fixed on him, glaring at him with irrepressible anticipation and fear. Yet, Hiei's eyes did not meet theirs; instead, they were locked on his sister, a look of fret on her innocent face, and the hideous creature that stood beside her. Yes, it was that beast which was the one responsible for the impending doom - the true evil among them.
It spoke; "Well, aren't you guys going to say anything…? I guess you're all kind of shocked, heh?" The thing let out a good-natured chuckle that almost caused Hiei's eardrums to bleed. "Isn't it great, though? Yukina and me - we're getting married!"
Hiei visibly cringed at the word "married," as his right eye began to twitch uncontrollably. He watched, nauseated, as the smiling Kuwabara, with a goofy expression, put his arm around his bride-to-be. At this, the twitch in Hiei's right eye grew more violent as his breathing grew more raspy and deadly, like daggers slashing through the quiet. Yukina, who had been looking up at Kuwabara with a beam, soon noticed Hiei's murderous glare and quickly lowered her head, nervously.
From the others who were there to witness this possibly apocalyptic event, there was utter silence as they all sat gathered around one of the room's of Genkai's home. They were still waiting, waiting for Hiei to react, waiting for him to lunge at Kuwabara and strangle him to death. There was awkward squirming from several, looking dreadfully uncomfortable and extremely anxious, before, suddenly, Kurama bravely rose and approached the happy couple with a warm smile, although his eyes were very concerned. "Well, that's wonderful, for both of you. I'm sure you two will be very happy together." He glanced over at Hiei apprehensively who now narrowed his eyes threateningly and muttered lowly to himself through gritted teeth, "Kurama…"
However, getting his cue from Kurama's immense display of courage, Yusuke immediately jumped to his feet and exclaimed, "Oh yeah! That's really great! Congratulations!" The others also muttered half-heartedly their congrats, all eyes still on the fuming Hiei. Yusuke, meanwhile, made his way to his best friend's side and patted him on the back, but the cheer in his eyes faded and grew rather forced for he could feel all three of Hiei's eyes staring at him, as if planning when and how to kill him. "Who would have thought anybody would ever marry you, huh, Kuwabara?" He concluded nervously with a weak laugh.
"Now, now, now, Yusuke!" Botan hastily jumped in, also looking very worried. "I think Kuwabara's a wonderful catch! Really, quite splendid! Any sibling - brother perhaps -would be so proud!"
"Ah yes, any brother," Kurama was quick to agree.
"But…Yukina doesn't have a brother…" Kuwabara began, stupidly scratching his head in confusion. Botan laughed uneasily.
"Oh, never you mind that, Kuwabara. I think a wedding is an absolutely wonderful idea!" A growl suddenly escaped Hiei's lips, which almost caused Botan to jump out of her skin. "Or not!" She swiftly added.
"Hey! Why not?'" Kuwabara questioned.
"Well, uh…" Botan thought for a moment before an answer came to her. "Because you don't have a best man, that's why not!"
"Oh, that's right!" Kuwabara exclaimed, growing very excited as he turned to Yusuke and cleared his throat. "Urameshi, over the years, well, we've grown from rivals into something more. We've been through a lot, you know? From demons to school to like, almost dying - well, you did die - wow, we've sure been through a lot, hey? Remember the time -"
"Kuwabara, the point," Yusuke interrupted.
"Oh right. Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is, well, what I'm trying to say is - Urameshi, you're my best friend in the universe and I love you."
"What?!" Yusuke took an awkward step back.
"He doesn't mean it like that, Yusuke!" Botan whispered severely.
"Oh, I knew that," Yusuke replied, also in a whisper, but his sincerity was questionable.
"Yes, you heard me right, Urameshi," Kuwabara continued, oblivious to Botan and Yusuke's side conversation, "I love you. You've become like a brother to me, and so, I'd be honored, Urameshi, if you'd be my best man."
Feeling slightly embarrassed by Kuwabara's sentimental speech, although actually rather flattered, Yusuke turned away, stuck his hands in his pockets, and replied nonchalantly, "Well, all right Kuwabara…I guess I'll be your best man if I have to…"
"Really?! You're the greatest friend a guy can ask for! " And with that, Kuwabara gave his friend a great hug, which Yusuke accepted until he realized everyone was there.
"Hey, Kuwabara! Get off!" The two separated quickly, brushing themselves off.
"Oh, uh…sorry…"
"Jeez, just because I said I'll be your best man doesn't mean you have to get all mushy or whatever on me…" Yusuke muttered.
Kuwabara ignored him and turned his attention back to the bubbly grim reaper. "But, see Botan! I've got a best man."
"Oh…" After a long pause, she continued, "Uh, you don't have a maid of honor, do you? That's even more important than the best man!" She glanced at Hiei, who, having been just disgusted by Yusuke and Kuwabara, nodded in approval at Botan's attempt to prevent the wedding - that catastrophe - from being.
"Is not!" Yusuke chimed in in response to Botan's assertion before he coolly added, "Not that I care or anything…"
"Well," Yukina spoke up, her meek voice slightly uncertain as her eyes kept glancing back at her brother. "We were hoping that Shizura would be." Both her and Kuwabara looked over at Shizura, who seemed to be one of the only ones at ease in the room as she casually sat back on the couch.
"Hmm," Shizura said. Then, she looked over at Hiei and smirked. "I think I'll pass." She put out her cigarette and lit up another one. "Sorry, baby brother, but I think I'd rather just be a silent spectator in all of…this."
"Ah, don't worry sis. I already knew you'd say no," Kuwabara replied.
"See, Kuwabara! This wedding just cannot be!" Botan declared boldly and triumphantly.
"Actually," Yukina spoke up, still with some hesitation but a bit more confident, "Kazuma and I discussed the possibility of Shizura turning us down and we thought that it would be really nice if Keiko was our matron of honor and Botan was our maid of honor."
Botan suddenly beamed, her original mindset shattered. "Me? The maid of honor? Oh, how much fun that would be! I can help make all the preparations and - oh, won't I look just wonderful in a beautiful new pink gown?"
"So, you accept?" Yukina asked with a smile.
"Why, yes! Certainly!"
"And Keiko?"
"Oh, of course Yukina. I'd love to," Keiko now got up as well with a smile and joined the small circle of people forming around the couple. "A wedding will be so wonderful."
"It will, won't it?" Kurama concurred. "It will be nice for all of us to be concentrating our energies on something that isn't evil for once."
"But, who will walk Yukina down the aisle?" Botan asked, although this time actually concerned.
"Koenma?" suggested Keiko.
"No!" Botan exclaimed at once, "He will be escorting me! After all, with all the work I've done for him, I would think that this is the least he can do for me."
"Hmm…what about Genkai?" Kuwabara asked after a moment.
"Yeah, the old bat can do it," Yusuke agreed.
"Watch it, twerp," Genkai snapped from behind him giving him a glower before her facial features softened considerably and went on. "Although I would be honored to give Yukina away, I have a feeling she has someone else in mind, hmm?"
Yukina, who had been looking over at Hiei during the conversation, blushed at this and turned away, lowering her head. "Who?" Kuwabara asked in the meantime, scratching his head in confusion again. "I can't think of anyone…"
Yukina then looked up at Genkai with melancholy eyes and a smile. "I would for you to give me away, Genkai, if you do not mind," she told her, yet her voice told everyone that her mind was still stuck on someone else. Yet, Genkai gave the girl an understanding nod, accepting the offer without further question.
Then, the awkward silence returned, many shifting around in their spots, until Botan finally spoke up. "Well, now that that's settled, we've got to start making the arrangements, don't we? I know - I'll be your wedding planner, all right? I'm so excited! This wedding will be even better than Yusuke and Keiko's!"
"Hey, not better," Yusuke began but Botan cut him off.
"Hush up now, Yusuke! Now then, I bet Lord Koenma won't mind if we have it at his place. After all, what can be better than a grand palace? Oh, and Jorge can preside!"
"Actually, Kazuma and I wanted something simple -" Yukina began, but her words seemed to be swallowed up in the commotion.
"I can't wait to plan the bachelor's party…" Yusuke smirked to himself.
"Yusuke!" Keiko gave him a smack on the shoulder.
"Ow, that hurt, Keiko. And what's the problem? It's my job to plan the bachelor party; I am the best man, after all."
"Yeah, but Urameshi, I don't really want that kind of -" Kuwabara tried to say, but Botan suddenly exclaimed in an excited outburst, "Won't pink be absolutely wonderful for the wedding party gowns? I can't wait to pick them out! "
"But Botan, I was hoping that Kazuma and I could-" Yukina started, but to no avail as Botan continued rambling.
"Oh and I bet Kurama would be great at making flower arrangements!"
Kurama smiled, pleased. "Well, I suppose I can try to put something together."
"Uh guys, me and Yukina were hoping that we'd have some say in our own -"
"Not now, Kuwabara!" Botan cut him off, "We're in the middle of trying to plan your wedding!"
The group continued on animatedly with their discussion as Hiei looked on, the blood in his veins beginning to boil and course ferociously through his body, enraging every limb. His breathing became even more severe violently. Fools, he thought as his fists clenched, tearing away at his skin. All of them, fools. The twitch in his right eye had relaxed so his eyes could narrow intensely, as he glared on, murderously. Unable to contain his rage, he suddenly out-leashed. "There will be no wedding!"
Everyone was instantly quiet and simultaneously looked over at Hiei. "Huh?" Kuwabara asked, staring blankly.
"There will be no wedding," Hiei repeated slowly his voice filled with no signs of compromise as his eyes directly locked on Kuwabara's.
"Hiei-" Kurama began, but Hiei was quick to counter.
"Stay out of this, Kurama!"
"Hey, shrimpy, I don't know what this has to do with you or anything, but you've got some nerve!" Kuwabara now stepped forward, growing rather upset himself. "Yeah, I let you pick on me and stuff, but that's only because I'm such a nice guy, but when you -"
Yukina grabbed onto Kuwabara's arm then, desperately pleading, "Kazuma, please…"
"I'm sorry, Yukina, but when someone starts threatening your happiness -"
"Happiness?" questioned Hiei severely, "Happiness? I'm talking about her well-being. I will not allow her to marry a dimwit like you."
"Well, it's none of your business, now is it? Just because no one likes you -" Kuwabara sneered.
"Fool! Don't try and discuss things you don't understand."
Kuwabara then let out a spiteful chuckle, "I know what's bugging you. Your probably just jealous. Yeah, that explains it. Well, it looks like Yukina chose the better man, heh?" he place his hands on his hips proudly and Yukina covered her mouth with her hand, slightly mortified at the suggestion that Hiei and her would ever be romantically involved. Botan let out a disgusted groan as Kurama brought his right hand to his forehead. Yusuke and Keiko looked at each other with frowns and Genkai muttered "idiot" under her breath. Taking a puff from her cigarette, Shizura shook her head and said "Looks like baby brother managed to stick his foot in his mouth again…"
Meanwhile, the twitch returned to Hiei's right eye even worse than before and he could no longer restrain himself. "I will kill you. Then, Yukina will never be forced to marry you unworthy fool." With this, Hiei went to attack the nineteen year old redhead, one objective radiating from his eyes - murder.
However, Kurama stepped in front of him, placing his hands firmly on Hiei's shoulders. "I believe me and Hiei have something very important to discuss in the other room."
"Kurama…" Hiei grumbled as Kurama began to lead him toward the other room.
"Yes!" Yusuke spoke up in agreement, coming to Kurama's assistance as both began almost dragging Hiei out. "We need to discuss that right away." A low growl escaped Hiei's lips which made Yusuke laugh nervously and swallow hard.
"Come on Hiei," Kurama tried to say as pleasantly as possible. After some effort, the two finally managed to pull him through the doors into the adjacent room, Hiei's stare fixed on Kuwabara the entire time. Once Hiei was inside, Yusuke turned back to everyone at the doorway.
"This will only take a minute," He assured them and then closed the door shut.
"Well, the hell with inviting that little midget to the wedding!" Kuwabara declared. At this, Yukina then burst out into tears. Kuwabara looked down at her concerned. "Yukina? Yukina, what's wrong?" Yukina just shook her head, unable to speak, and ran from the from crying, crystals coming from her eyes and falling to the floor.
Instinctively, Kuwabara went to run after her, but Botan jumped in front of him. "No! Wait here, Kuwabara. Me and Keiko will go talk with her."
"But -"
"Don't worry, Kuwabara," Keiko comforted him, "Botan and I will handle everything."
"Well, ok…" he trailed off reluctantly as they went after them.
Genkai shook her head, rather annoyed, and Shizura put out her cigarette and lit a third one. "Jeez, baby brother. What you get yourself mixed up in now?"
"Calm down Hiei," Kurama said rationally, firmly holding the deadly demon in his seat with his hands on his shoulders.
"How can you tell me to calm down Kurama, when my sister is going to marry that thing?"
Kurama sighed. "Listen, Hiei, I understand that you have a certain -dislike for Kuwabara -"
"It is more than a dislike, Kurama -"
"However," Kurama spoke over him, "You must respect Yukina's wishes."
"Respect? Puh." Hiei scoffed, turning away with his arms crossed. "She's only marrying him because she doesn't know any better. He has her brainwashed into thinking -"
"Come on, Hiei," Yusuke interrupted, "Brainwashed? Wouldn't Kuwabara need an actual brain to do that?"
Hiei contemplated this. "Valid point. I would blame it on his subconscious, but that requires a functioning brain as well."
"Just admit it," Yusuke continued with a smirk, "As much as you can't stand him, Kuwabara's not that bad a guy."
Hiei growled, rage overwhelming him. "Yes, he is," He stated, going to rise, only to be held down by Kurama's hands. Kurama looked down at him and spoke slowly, as if speaking to an unreasonable child.
"No, he's not, Hiei. He will take good care of Yukina; he already has. More importantly, they love each other."
Hiei scoffed once more. "Love? Please. That's a pitiful excuse for this stupidity."
Yusuke rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall, saying sarcastically, "Yeah, because people should get married because of things like money and power."
"Exactly."
Kurama let out a soft chuckle, "Now Hiei, you don't really want Yukina to be unhappy, do you?"
"Besides," Yusuke chimed in, "It's just a wedding. They've been seeing one another for almost four years already. This whole wedding thing is just to make it official or whatever, but it won't really be any different than it is now."
"What do you mean 'won't be any different?'" Hiei sneered, "Of course it will." Hiei then hesitated, struggling with his words and finding it difficult for himself to allow himself to even suggest such horrible, horrible things. "It means they will be…intimate." At this, Yusuke burst into hysterical laughter. "What is so funny?" Hiei demanded harshly.
"Nothing," Yusuke responded through his snickering, "It's just - do you really honesty think that they've been seeing each other for four years and they've never -" His laughter took over then and he doubled over.
Hiei was seething. Hiei eyes were bulging and he spoke with an emphasis on every word, "Do you mean that Yukina has - with him - before they've been made - proper -?"
"Now, now, now, Hiei," Kurama began nervously, giving Yusuke and annoyed glance. "I don't think it would be very wise of you to listen to Yusuke right now; he's just speaking nonsense as usual."
With this, Hiei seemed to relax slightly, settling down in his seat. "I suppose he is that moron's friend so he must warrant some stupidity."
"Hey, like it or not, Yukina's eventually going to - well, you know." Hiei started to become livid again.
"Hiei, there's no reason to get angry," Kurama quickly said. "Yukina's a grown woman and can make her own decisions. It has to expected that she will not be a virgin forever."
"Do you think she has been improper with that buffoon before?" Hiei interrogated.
"Well, I -" Kurama carefully answered, "I don't know. It's none of my business, though. Neither is it yours."
Hiei, in spite of Kurama's presence before him, rose to his feet and declared, "She will be a nun. I have decided."
"You can't make that kind of decision for her, Hiei."
"Yes I can, Kurama, and I will. I am her brother. It is my job to protect her and look after her well being."
"Well, obviously she wants Kuwabara to do that now," Yusuke stated.
"Hmm," was the only acknowledgment Hiei gave Yusuke before he went on, "She will join a convent. She will live there and she will die there. That idiot Kuwabara can do nothing but bring her misery."
"I think that her brother being unsupportive is what's making her miserable now, don't you?' Kurama reasoned. "I also think that Yukina perhaps doesn't need to be 'protected' or 'looked after.' Perhaps she just wants a loving relationship with both her brother and her fiancée."
"Don't give me all that love crap again, Kurama. I don't need to hear your insufferable preaching anymore." With this, Hiei turned to leave, marching out of the room.
"But, Hiei -" Kurama tried to call after him, but it was of no use.
Yusuke shook his head and said, "Well, there goes this wedding. So much for trying to concentrate our energies on something that wasn't going to destroy the universe."
Meanwhile, Hiei entered the living room, where Genkai, Kuwabara, and Shizura were. He demanded, "Where is she?"
"Hey, you stay away from her! She's upset as it is," Kuwabara quickly stated, trying to look as manly as possible as he stood before Hiei.
"Get out of my way, you stupid oaf." Kuwabara immediately grew furious, growling through gritted teeth and clenching his fists.
"I'm not a stupid oaf you little -" Suddenly, Shizura took a grab of her brother's ear with her left hand, cigarette in right.
"Cool it baby brother," she then turned to Hiei, "Yukina's outside."
"But, sis-!" Kuwabara began as she dragged him off. Hiei gave a nod of gratitude and proceeded outside, taking note of the small crystals scattered on the floor. It doesn't matter, he thought to himself, she may be upset now, but I have her whole life to consider. I can't let her waste away with that fool as her husband. He'll be nothing but a burden to her. Stupid, ugly beast, confusing her into thinking that she's actually 'in love' with him, that disgusting creature…as if that's important, anyway…he's confused all of them, even Kurama has fallen for it…but they don't understand…and to think, that thing -that thing will be my -
Hiei could not finish his thought, shuddering at the idea of being related to the idiot, as he stepped outside and approached his sister, with both Keiko and Botan by her side.
"Oh, it's not so bad, Yukina! This happens a lot of times in families!"
"Really, Botan?" Yukina asked, looking up through teary eyes, dozens of crystals scattered at her feet.
"Why, yes!" Botan assured her, but added after a thoughtful beat, "Of course, it usually ends with either divorce or disownment."
"Botan!" Keiko corrected, "That's not true. I'm sure Hiei will come around -" Keiko stopped as she saw Hiei standing before her.
"Oh, Hiei!" Botan exclaimed nervously, "Well, we were just telling Yukina here how she shouldn't marry Kuwabara and all…" She trailed off, laughing uneasily as Keiko gave her a shove, "Ow!" Hiei glared at the grim reaper for a moment, before turning his attention to Yukina.
Yukina looked up at her brother, crystals falling down her cheeks. Her face was flushed, eyes puffy and saddened. She looked at him desperately, begging him with her eyes to be understanding. She will be a nun, Hiei kept telling himself over and over again with conviction. He would not allow the wedding to take place, to even be discussed. And Yukina would have no choice but to listen to him, she would respect his wishes. He would not give in to any of them and allow that freak show to marry his beautiful, innocent sister. Never in his lifetime. He'd destroy them all first. And he would tell her that. He would tell her exactly his orders, that she will join a nunnery and never set eyes on that joke of a fiancée again. "Hiei, please -"
"Fine! Get married," Hiei snapped. He then turned around sharply and marched off, fuming the whole way. Yukina watched him as he left and smiled gratefully.