Chapter 3- Bondages

"Damn you Kurama," Hiei swore for the fiftieth time that day. "You know perfectly well I hate this," Hiei looked at the ingredients list again for the infection-reducing potion he was supposed to make. "What the hell is aloe vera? Honestly, she might as well die right now for all the help I'm going to give her." Hiei rummaged again through the cupboards of Kurama's kitchen. He then noticed a small, squished note at the bottom of the page: Plants on the window. Well, that helps a lot, he thought, feeling rather foolish. Thank God the plants are labeled.

An hour later Hiei had procured a potion that hopefully would stop the spread of infection in San-Chen's neck. It wasn't the proscribed lime green color it was supposed to be, but he didn't think the moss-colored liquid would kill her. He walked into San-chen's room with a vial of the liquid and fresh bandages. Hasn't changed a bit. I wonder if that's good thing or a bad thing. Hiei sat down next to her sleeping form. He lifted the burka veil from her face, and pushed her sweaty hair out of the way from her neck to get to the small, infected wounds. She's actually really pretty. You wouldn't know with that veil over her face all the time. Hiei suddenly shook his head. What's the matter with me? Come on, Hiei, think straight. She needs those bandages changed. Hiei's fingers found the end of the bandage, and he gently unwound the great length of cotton while holding her head up. He swallowed hard as he rubbed the thick potion on the skin. This shouldn't be this hard. You've taken care of yourself plenty of times. Why should this girl be any different? Hiei started to wrap her neck again with a fresh strip of cotton. He was careful to avoid touching her wounds and pulling her long hair; her long, silky, beautiful hair. He folded the end of the strip into the rest of the bandages. Hiei stared at San-Chen's blank, relaxed face. A faint smile played on her lips, and her head sat at an angle after Hiei set it back down. He ran his fingers over her forehead, and removed the hair falling back in her face.

"Urhn," San-Chen stirred in her sleep. "Urhnm. Where am I?" Her green eyes fluttered open.

"A man named Suiichi Minamino has kindly lent us his house and all its contents." Hiei leaned back a bit. How did I get that close to her face?

"So, where is he? Tied up in the basement or have you killed him and put his body in the closet?" San-Chen sat up and winced.

"Neither. He's my friend and he's on vacation," Hiei stiffened a bit. "Just what kind of hunter are you really?"

"Oh, come on, I was just kidding," San-Chen cracked a weak grin. "I'd never kill any innocent person,"

"I was. . .worried about you. You almost died. If Kurama,"

"Kurama?"

"Sorry, that's his demon name. If he hadn't helped you when I brought you to him, you might be dead,"

"Aw, you were worried about me?" San-Chen laughed. "That's so cute!"

"I am not cute!" Hiei snapped as he stood up. "I'm definitely not cute!" He stormed out of the room.

"You might not think so," San-Chen smiled as she watched him leave. "But I think you are, especially when you're angry,"

* * *

"Are you alright? You seem tired." Karasu pulled Hatsuri close. The wind was making the evening cold.

"A little. Medicine takes a lot out of you," Hatsuri played with the buttons on his jacket.

"Medicine?" Karasu looked at her with concerned eyes. "Are you sick?"

"I don't know, I just felt bad so I took some,"

"Is it something I can help take away?" Karasu kissed Hatsuri gently.

She pulled away, "No, and I don't think anyone can," She walked away towards the edge of the rose garden.

"You're not pregnant are you?" Karasu stepped towards her.

"No, I'm just not feeling good lately," Hatsuri turned around and smiled. "Don't worry about me. I hate it when you do that,"

"I can't help it," Karasu enveloped her in black. "I love you, Hatsuri. If you ever left me, I don't know what I'd do,"

"Great," Hatsuri smiled, and noticed a very well hidden spot between two bushes. "Karasu?"

"Yes, love?"

"Come to bed,"

* * *

"I'm fine, Hiei," San-Chen said as she put on her burka. She left the veil off. "We need to find the Face as soon as possible,"

"Are you sure you should be traveling?" Hiei asked, even as he started strapping on his katana to his waist.

"Please. I feel good today," San-Chen smiled.

"You must have had a good night's sleep," He put a few vials of San-Chen's neck wound potion secretly into his robes.

"It couldn't have been better," San-Chen tied her katana to her belt. "Let's go. There's a portal to the Spirit World a few miles from here,"

* * *

Karasu watched San-Chen and Hiei come through the portal. She's as pretty as her double. I'll be glad to have both of them when we're done with this. He stood up from his crouched position and walked away through the jungle of trees. He was starting to wonder about the relationship between Hiei and San-Chen. He'd definitely have to kill her if she left him for that man. He could care less if she went to bed with him. After all, one does get bored with the same thing all of the time. Karasu smiled into the setting sun. Hatsuri had better get back soon. I get so lonely at night. Company is always a good thing. Had he not been hiding, he would have laughed.

* * *

"Good night," San-Chen lay down on the soft ground next to the fire.

Hiei did the same, "You're not going to run away tonight, are you?"

San-Chen looked at him, "Are you going to stop me if I try to?"

"I could just be sure you're not going to go anywhere," Hiei sat up and moved closer to San-Chen. His face was poised just above hers. "Interested?"

"Thank you, God, for this yummy feast," San-Chen said before suddenly pouncing on Hiei. She'd already kissed him before he pulled away.

"Don't you know sarcasm when you see it?" Hiei sat straight up.

"Aw, I thought you'd enjoy that. Hmm, too bad," San-Chen turned her back.

"Too bad what?" Hiei was slightly interested.

"Well, I thought kissing would only be the beginning, but you're not interested. Too bad for you I guess," San-Chen lay back down.

"San-Chen," Hiei struggled with the words. "I didn't mean, I just,"

"We have a big day tomorrow. Get to sleep," She waved him off.

Was it something I said? Hiei shook his head as he went to sleep. Women!

AUTHOR'S NOTE- what a hot chapter! This was by far the funnest one to write so far, even if it was short. Hiei needs lessons on how to work with women.

Hiei- I do not.

Suri- Sorry to say it, and I really am, but you need serious help.

Hiei- I fit in perfectly fine with women. They think I'm cute, like puppies.

Suri- that's a bad thing. You don't want a puppy to kiss you.

Hiei-(glare) And you need help with men.

Suri- just because I'm currently single doesn't mean I'm bad with men.

Hiei- Sure. (rolls eyes)

Anyway, see you in the next chapter.

Suri-san